Baltimore, MD - September 20, 2022

With the approach of Rosh Hashana, when many of us will be enjoying fresh fruits and other traditional foodstuffs, STAR-K reminds you that some of these items need to be checked carefully prior to use.

Checking instructions for all Rosh Hashana Simanim appear here and also as a downloadable PDF below. For your convenience, we are also including links to the 5783 Yoshon Quick Reference Guide, updated Baltimore Establishments Yoshon/Pas Yisroel chart, Insect Checking chart and What Do Bugs Look Like chart.

ROSH HASHANA SIMANIM CHECKING INSTRUCTIONS

APPLES/BEETS/CARROTS/POMEGRANATES: No checking required.

DATES*: Open a few dates in each container and visually inspect. If no insects can be seen, the rest may be eaten without further checking.

FIGS*: Open each one and check carefully for infestation (typically wasps, beetles or worms). NOTE: Figs are particularly difficult to check.

 * Checking instructions for dates and figs apply even if they have a hechsher, due to the possibility of improper storage.

BLACK EYED PEAS:

Preparation

  • Dried Peas should first be boiled in water. After they have been fully cooked, allow the peas to soak in the water for 2-3 hours. The peas will then swell and the peel will become translucent. Then check as instructed below. 
  • Canned or Frozen Peas may be checked straight out of the can/bag; there is no need to boil or soak.

Checking Instructions

  1. Take the peas and inspect for holes or dark-colored stains, as this may indicate an insect beneath the thin peel. 
  2. If there is a dark spot on the peel, remove the thin skin and check if there is a cavity with a bug in it.

NOTE: The black "eye" spot is not a sign of infestation. Similarly, orange colored stains on the surface are not signs of infestation; only dark or black stains are of concern.

LEEKS: Examine the outside for any leaf miner trails. Check in between the leaves for thrips or other insects. 

CABBAGE:

Fresh Cabbage: Separate all leaves and wash well. Then check using the thrip cloth method.

Stuffed Cabbage: After freezing the head, defrost and separate all leaves and wash them well. Then check using the thrip cloth method.

THRIP CLOTH METHOD:

  1. Prepare a basin with water and non-bleach/non-toxic dishwasher detergent solution. The water should feel slippery.
  2. Agitate the produce in the solution for 15 seconds.
  3. Remove the produce from the basin and shake off excess water over the basin.
  4. Pour water through the thrip cloth over another basin. Check the thrip cloth over a light box for any insects.**
  5. If insects are found, wash the produce again and recheck, repeating steps 1-4.
  6. This can be repeated up to 3 times. If insects are still found on the third try, the produce should not be used.

** If one does not have a thrip cloth, the cabbage leaves may be checked carefully using a lightbox or under good lighting.

HONEY: Pure honey does not need a hechsher (Clover, Wildflower, Blossom, Orange, etc., are types of honey, not flavors). Flavored honey needs a hechsher.

Click here for a PDF of the Rosh Hashana Simanim Checking Guide

Click here for STAR-K's Insect Checking Chart

Click here for STAR-K's What Do Bugs Look Like Chart

Click here for Baltimore Establishments Yoshon/Pas Yisroel Chart 

Click here for the most current 5783 Yoshon Quick Reference Guide

Click here for the most current 5783 Yoshon Quick Reference Guide

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Rabbi Dovid Fink - Parshas Mishpatim: Hashem's Love

One of the Torah’s fundamental principles, cited in Parshas Mishpatim, is the concept of eyen tachas eyen, shayn tachas sheyn – that the Torah ascribes punishments on a mida k’neged midah basis.  Nevertheless, within this framework, we understand that the Torah does not literally call for blinding one who blinds or cutting off the arm of one who steals, rather monetary damages are paid to the victim of a crime by the perpetrator.  This doctrine is consistent with the Torah’s approach to the Eved Ivri.  (21:2) There are two ways in which a person can become an Eved Ivri.  Either, one chooses to sell himself so as to eliminate the burden of supporting himself for a period of time or Bais Din may sell someone into avdus if they steal and are unable to payback.  


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In answering these questions we need to understand that the Torah’s concept of onesh is primarily to provide a kaparah for the baal aveira and secondarily to compensate the victim.  (Gemarah, Meseches Yoma 86a)  In each case of the eved, the Torah initially prescribes an onesh which accomplishes both – by selling a thief into avdus the victim is repaid and in either case of one who is sold, the embarrassment of being an eved is a kaparah for the aveira.  However, if at the end of six years the eved says ahafti es adoni, then we see that the onesh was no onesh at all!! He enjoyed his punishment.   In such a case, it is clear that the Torah’s preferred method of onesh did not work – there has been no suffering to endure if on balance he would rather stay an eved.   Since the primary purpose is to achieve kaparah we must resort to a more literal punishment.[1] 


This is but one more example of the measure of love Hashem has for each one of us.  Even at times of aveira it is the ratzon Hashem that we have a kaparah and cleanse our neshama from the blemish which a chet leaves behind.  May we all be zocheh to appreciate the love that Hashem has for all of us and be more careful in keeping all of his Mitzvos so we need not constantly take advantage of his great love and leniency.







[1] It is a curiosity why according to Reb Yochanan ben Zakai we would not give Malkus at this time – the traditional punishment for violating a negative prohibition in the Torah.  Perhaps Malkus is only appropriately given at the time of the offense. 



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