Mordechai HasoferAuthor · Kashrut expert
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A Handbook for Keeping Kosher
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From the kitchen sink to the factory floor

A Handbook for Keeping Kosher

מדריך לשמירת כשרות

Editions

English edition

ISBN 978-9657801758
AmazonBuy in Israel

Hebrew edition

ISBN 978-9657801765
AmazonBuy in Israel

A Handbook for Keeping Kosher is a practical guide to understanding and observing the laws of kashrut in the modern world. It is written both for people beginning to keep kosher and for experienced readers who want a reliable reference, and it explains complex halachic principles in clear, everyday language.

The book covers the daily realities of a kosher home, and the new questions raised by modern appliances, food production and technology. It draws on Mordechai Hasofer's years of professional experience in kashrut supervision and food production.

What the book covers

  • Separating meat and dairy at home
  • Kashering cookware, sinks and work surfaces
  • Immersing utensils (tevilat kelim)
  • Checking food for insects
  • Meat, poultry and fish
  • Wine, whiskey and other drinks
  • Bread, baked goods and dairy production
  • Israeli produce, challah and Shemittah
  • Appliances: ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, induction hobs, air fryers and food processors

Questions answered in the book

A sample of the questions inside. Answers are summarised from the book; for any specific case, consult a qualified rabbi.

What practical method helps keep meat and dairy apart?

Use different colours for meat and dairy utensils and work surfaces.

Does the type of sink affect whether it can be kashered?

Yes. Stainless-steel sinks can be kashered; porcelain and ceramic sinks cannot.

How do you kasher an induction hob?

It cannot be kashered, because it is treated like earthenware fired in a kiln. If it has become non-kosher, the solution is dedicated interface discs or replacing the hob.

How do you kasher a microwave?

Keep a microwave for one purpose only, dairy or meat. If hot meat and dairy have mixed in it, it cannot be kashered.

How do you kasher a gas or electric oven?

Clean it thoroughly, leave it unused for 24 hours, then run it for two hours at its highest temperature.

Can one hot-water urn serve both milky coffee and meat-flavoured soup?

Yes, if the water is poured into a clean, empty cup: the urn stays pareve. If milk or meat is already in the cup, the steam rising from it makes the urn's tap dairy or meat.

Do electrical appliances need tevilah (immersion)?

Yes.

How can you recognise a kosher fish?

A kosher fish has fins and scales. Since no fish has scales without fins, a piece of fish with its skin attached and scales visible on it is kosher. A loose piece of skin in the package is not enough.

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