Baltimore, MD - Sept. 27, 2024  -  With the approach of Rosh Hashana, when we partake of fresh fruits and other traditional foods, STAR-K reminds everyone about the need to check many of the items carefully prior to use.

Checking instructions for all Rosh Hashana Simanim are listed below.

For your convenience, we are also including information and links about Yoshon, as well as the Halachos of Fasting, Schach Guidance and Sukkos-related videos — basically all the information you need to prepare for the Yamim Tovim.

STAR-K wishes everyone a k'siva v'chasima tova and a sweet new year!

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.

GOLDEN RAISINS: 

Should not be used at this time due to infestation and the difficulty involved in checking them. (There is no concern with red (black) raisins or currants. Keep these properly sealed and store in a cool dry place, as improper storage can lead to infestation.)

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. Inspect the peas for holes or dark-colored stains, as these 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 layers for thrips or other insects. 

SPINACH:

Check using the Thrip Cloth Method.

THRIP CLOTH METHOD:

  1. Wash the produce well. Fill a basin with warm water and a non-toxic dishwasher detergent so the water feels "slippery."
  2. Add produce to the basin and agitate vigorously in the solution for 15 seconds.
  3. Remove the produce from the basin and shake excess water over the basin. Set produce aside.
  4. Line a colander with a thrip cloth and pour the water through it.
  5. Place thrip cloth over a light box and check for insects.
  6. If insects are found, repeating steps 1-5. This can be repeated up to 3 times. If insects are still found on the third try, the produce should not be used.

GREEN CABBAGE:

For fresh cabbage: Separate all leaves and wash well. Then check using the Thrip Cloth Method.

For stuffed cabbage: After freezing the head, defrost and separate all leaves and wash them well. Then check using the Thrip Cloth Method.

For green cabbage only: If one does not have a thrip cloth, cabbage may be checked carefully leaf by leaf, using a lightbox or under a strong light.

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 on any of the links below for downloadable PDFs and for additional Yom Tov-related information.

PDF of the Rosh Hashana Simanim Checking Guide

STAR-K Insect Checking Chart

PDF of What Do Bugs Look Like Chart

PDF of Baltimore Establishments Yoshon/Pas Yisroel Chart

STAR-K Yoshon Info & Yoshon Alert Sign-up

Kashrus Kurrents Article about the Halachos of Fasting

STAR-K Yamim Noraim & Sukkos Video Channel

5785 Schach Mat Guidance

PINNED
Scroll for more news
The “$5,500 Wig” Fairy Tale Is Over. Save thousands on your wig ✨ 📍 Baltimore 🗓 Sunday, March 22 📍 Bais Haknesses Ohr Hachaim (Rabbi Weiss’s Shul) 3120 Clarks Lane (upstairs) ⏰ 12PM–6PM
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 18, 2026 - At this year’s Jewish Educational Services’ Early Childhood Conference on March 9th, the auditorium buzzed with the sounds of teachers diving into the same sensory activities they usually set up for children. Cornstarch goo, soap shavings, and simple science experiments quickly became lively moments of discovery. It reminded everyone how much learning happens when we explore, experiment, and simply play. Lisa Murphy, known nationally as the Ooey Gooey® Lady, led the day with her signature energy, humor, and clear, practical explanations. Through hands-on demonstrations, she showed how everyday experiences give children the foundation they need for later academic success. Her research-based approach felt accessible and genuine, and educators ...
Jerusalem, Israel - Mar. 18, 2026 - HaRav Yaakov Hopfer in Eretz Yisrael. The Kotel Plaza is closed so the Rav was able to view the Kotel and Har HaBayit and tear Kriyah from the rooftop of Aish.
PINNED
Scroll for more news
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 2026 -  Are you nervous about Kashering for Pesach; unsure you will get it done properly? Are you afraid the water will ruin your cabinets and create a mess in your kitchen? Are you moving into a new house and need the kitchen kashered; stress-free? Click here: https://t.ly/UknmP     For the last seven years, The Kashering Konnection, has been servicing the Baltimore and DC communities. Coordinated through Star-K Kashrus Administrator Rabbi Sholom Tendler, experienced, professional Mashgichim are available to come to your home and ensure an easy, mess-free and 100% properly-done Kashering of your kitchen and appliances. From ovens to stoves, counters to sinks, The Kashering Konnection can help you prepare for Pesach in an easy and affordable w...
Read More
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 18, 2026 - Today  is Yom Kippur Koton,  a special opportunity to daven on behalf of Achainu B'nei Yisroel in Eretz Yisroel and worldwide.  Please note the following Yom Kippur Koton/Mincha Minyanim in town:  (If you know of any others, please let us know so we may add them to this list.) Khal Ahavas Yisrael Tzemach Tzedek (KAYTT) Rabbi Dovid Heber –1:45 PM The Ezras Noshim will be open for women. ArtScroll Yom Kippur Koton booklets will be available. Community Kollel - 2:45PMShearith Israel - Rabbi Yaakov Hopfer - 6:10PMBais HaKnesses Ohr HaChaim  -  Rabbi Zvi Weiss – 6:15 PM (Please text 410-458-9522  if you will be fasting) Agudah of Park Heights - Rabbi Moshe Heinemann – 6:20  PM (U...
Baltimore County, MD - Mar. 18, 2026 - Baltimore County recorded its lowest levels of violent crime in five years in 2025, alongside record-breaking case clearance rates, the Baltimore County Police Department (BCoPD) announced Wednesday. BCoPD reported a 93% clearance rate for homicides and a 95% clearance rate for non-fatal shootings in 2025—both the highest levels in the past five years and well above national averages. At the same time, the total number of homicides dropped significantly. The county recorded 28 homicides in 2025, down from 55 in 2021—a 49% decrease and the lowest total in the five-year period. Non-fatal shootings also declined sharply, falling from 75 incidents in 2021 to 41 in 2025, a reduction of more than 45%. Year-over-year data shows a steady impr...
Jerusalem, Israel - Mar. 18, 2026 - As Pesach approaches, the overall travel situation to and from Israel remains fluid and, in many cases, disrupted. Some travelers have chosen to leave early. Others are experiencing significant difficulty securing flights or finalizing plans. Nevertheless, for those who are able to travel – whether departing Israel or arriving for Yom Tov – it is essential to be aware of several important requirements and precautions. Even in a complicated travel environment, proper preparation can prevent additional stress and serious complications. Chaim V’Chessed therefore urges all travelers to carefully review the following guidance: Traveler’s Insurance – Absolutely Essential Proper traveler’s insurance is not optional...
Parsha Hashavua
Daily Dvar Halacha – Mar. 18. / Adar 29. Forgot to do Eruv Tavshilin!

Read More
Annapolis, MD - Mar. 18, 2026 - State lawmakers spent hours debating a massive energy package on Tuesday, which has been proposed in an attempt to lower costs for customers. The bill, which was first introduced late last week, passed in the House and will now head to the Senate. The Utility RELIEF Act, unveiled by Governor Wes Moore and other top lawmakers, is estimated to save Marylanders at least $150 dollars annually in energy bill savings. The legislation, which is quickly speeding through the General Assembly, is a combination of ideas from numerous other bills, which were previously debated in committees. "This bill will save money now and it will save money in the future," House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk said. "This bill is worth voting for because ...
President Herzog: “For the people of Iran, I hope that this Nowruz will bring a change. They deserve so much better.”On March 18, 2026, President Isaac Herzog visited the site of the Iranian missile attack in Ramat Gan, where two innocent civilians were murdered overnight.President Isaac Herzog:“Innocent people were murdered last night by a vicious ballistic missile from Iran—a cluster missile.“This is the real test of this battle. We are a coalition of moderate nations that want to seek peace in the region. In front of us is an empire of evil with proxies all emanating from Tehran. This is now the test.“I believe that the more we move on, and the more things happen in Iran through our attacks, we will see change also with the people of Iran.“I wan...
SimchasSimchas Simcha
Israel on Wednesday afternoon escalated its strikes against Iran's national infrastructure. According to reports from media outlets associated with the Tehran regime, the Israeli Air Force targeted petrochemical facilities and sensitive gas installations in the South Pars area and the strategic Asaluyeh port in the south of the country. The Iranian Fars news agency reported several powerful explosions at the refineries. According to the report, several containers and gas facility areas were directly hit, as well as various stages of the refining process. Workers at the facilities were evacuated to shelters and safe areas, while numerous firefighting teams attempted to control the massive fires that broke out at the site. In Israel, it was emphasized that this current str...
Nichum AveilimNichum Aveilim Aveilim
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 17, 2026 - The BOOST scholarship application for the 26-27 school year is now open and will remain open thru May 8th.  Please find the attached information sheet on the BOOST and 529 programs to share with your parent bodies.  REMEMBER: While the BOOST program is income limited, every household can benefit from 529.  Please encourage all families who are income eligible to apply for the program. Obviously, those households who have been awarded scholarships previously should apply, but even those who have applied in the past and were wait-listed or told that funds were unavailable, they too should apply. Last year, MANY families from the waiting list were awarded in round two. As filing taxes on-time is necessary fo...
Job Listings Jobs
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 17, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Uri Heinemann (Lakewood) and Deena Sadwin (Baltimore) on their engagement. Mazel Tov to  Binyamin & Penina Heinemann and Ariel & Pessi Sadwin Mazel Tov to grandparents Mrs. Loretta Sadwin and Rabbi & Mrs. Ben Zion and Zipora Malin. יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!   
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 16, 2026 - Last week, the sound of cheering students and countdown timers filled the air as robots raced across the playing field, carefully stacking pieces while drivers and teammates strategized from the sidelines. Months of preparation came down to these exciting moments as hundreds of students gathered in Baltimore for a week of fast-paced robotics competition, teamwork, and engineering creativity. Behind this excitement is CIJE, the Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education, an organization dedicated to bringing high-quality STEM education to Jewish schools across the country. CIJE works with more than 200 schools nationwide and supports over 40,000 students learning about engineering and technology. Through its hands-on robotics program, students design, build,...
Classifieds Classifieds
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 16, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to  Moshe Schachter (Savannah) and Mia Dubin (Baltimore) on their engagement. Mazel Tov to Julia & Dovid Schachter and Barry & Rena Dubin יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!   
The 15th International Jerusalem Winner Marathon has been postponed to April 17th 2026  Jerusalem, Israel  - Mar. 17, 2026 - The Jerusalem Municipality announced today (March 17) that following a special situation assessment meeting held this morning, led by the Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion, and Toto CEO Meir Bardugo, together with the Israel Police, marathon production representatives, the Home Front Command, and other relevant professional authorities, it was decided to postpone the 15th International Jerusalem Winner Marathon, originally scheduled for Friday, March 27, to a new date – April 17, 2026. In light of the complex security situation and in coordination with Home Front Command guidelines, the Jerusalem mayor and professional authorities determ...
Chesed Chesed
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 17, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mrs. Naomi Finkelstein, a’h, mother of Sam (Dvora) Finkelstein, Sara ( Nachman) Schachter and David (Debbie) Finkelstein. The Levaya will be held at 3:30pm today, Mar. 17, at Levinson’s.Click here to wach the livestream Kevurah will take place at the Shearith Israel Cemetery, 6700 Bowleys Lane, Rosedale, MD 21237.   Shiva will be observed at 2702 Bartol Avenue through Monday morning.  Minyanim: Shacharis, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Monday: 8:00 am  Shacharis, Sunday: 9:00 am Mincha/Maariv: 7:00 pm Erev Shabbos Mincha 4:00 pm Motzei Shabbos Maariv – 8:03 pm The family requests no visitors from 12:30-1:30 pm, 5:30-6:30 pm, or after 9:...
More articles