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
Baltimore, MD – Feb. 6, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Tzvi Hirsh Ben Moshe Pesach Nissan Hakohen Gross, z'l, father of R’ Aryeh Gross The levayah will take place today, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026  at 11am at Congregation Sons of Israel 613 Ramsey Ave., Lakewood, NJ 08701.Shiva-Baltimore: 6617 Pebble Brooke Rd, Baltimore, MD 21209Wednesday: Shacharis: 7:15am  Mincha/Maariv: 5:23pm  - visiting ending 10pmShacharis: Thursday - 7:15am בלע המות לנצח     
Baltimore, MD  - Feb. 11, 2026  - I believe that our library system is fantastic and should host a wide variety of books and materials. I do not support book bans. When I learned about this children's book, I shared my concerns with Board members that the term mentioned is interpreted as advocating violence by the vast majority of the Jewish community. I don't pretend to speak for the entire community, so I will speak for myself by sharing my concerns with BCPL. If you are interested in sharing your concerns about this children's book that is in the Baltimore County Public Library, please complete this form and email or send them in. Or you can ask for a branch manager and speak with them directly.If returning form by mail or e-mail, please send to: ...
PINNED
Scroll for more news
Also, Ask about our kitchen CLEANING serviceBaltimore, MD – Feb, 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 pr...
The Difficulty Unity is understandably hard to achieve. Hashem creates each person as unique – both in their outward appearance as well as in their inner thoughts.[1] Additionally, we are each supposed to view the world as created for us.[2] This naturally causes us to view others as competitors.[3] So how can we feel unity – at least amongst the Jewish people? The Basis The answer lies in understanding the basis of our achdut, which is rooted in our shared fate, mission, and existence. One Boat All Jews share the same fate and mission. This is why Rav Shimon Bar Yochai compared the Jewish people to passengers on a ship. Each passenger may see himself as disconnected from the others, but the hole he drills under his seat affects them all.[4] We, too, should realize th...
The meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ended after nearly three hours. President Trump commented on the meeting on his Truth Social platform and stated: "I have just finished meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, of Israel, and various of his Representatives. It was a very good meeting, the tremendous relationship between our two Countries continues." Addressing the issue of Iran, which was a central subject during the meeting, Trump wrote: "There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated. If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be." He noted that ...
Read More
PINNED
Scroll for more news
Baltimore, MD - Feb. 6, 2026 - Aging is not an ending — it’s an invitation to grow, connect, and be inspired. Retired & Inspired is a biweekly senior women’s group created for high-level, vibrant women who are ready to invest in themselves, build meaningful friendships, and continue learning in a warm, supportive environment. Designed especially for older seniors who value both stimulation and social connection, Retired & Inspired offers a rich blend of inspiration, education, movement, and joy. Each biweekly gathering includes engaging activities, light exercise, thought-provoking discussions, and inspirational speakers who uplift and energize. Our sessions are intentionally structured to nurture the mind, body, and soul. In addition, every meeting includes a ho...
Annapolis, MD - Feb. 11, 2026 - Governor Wes Moore delivered his 2026 State of the State address Wednesday, outlining an agenda focused on shielding Marylanders from federal policy impacts, lowering costs, growing the economy, and investing in education — all under a three-part theme: “Protect, deliver, and lead.” Moore acknowledged disagreements in Annapolis, including an ongoing debate over redistricting, but urged lawmakers to “not let the democratic process die in the Free State,” calling debate and compromise hallmarks of Maryland governance. Much of the speech contrasted Maryland’s direction with what Moore described as harmful federal actions. He cited federal job cuts affecting tens of thousands of Marylanders and warned that changes ...
Baltimore, MD – Feb. 11, 2026 -  BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Abbo and Miriam Aranbayev on the birth of a daughter. Mazel tov to grandparents Nina Aranbayev and Barno & Roman Tolmasov     יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Parsha Hashavua
Daily Dvar Halacha – Feb. 10 / Shvat 23 - Shalach Manos Early In The Morning?

Read More
Baltimore, MD – Feb. 10, 2026 -  BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Uriel and Avigayil Young on the birth of a daughter. Mazel tov to grandparents Michael & Lisette Young and Chaim & Kelly Yudkowsky    יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
SimchasSimchas Simcha
US President Donald Trump said today (Tuesday) that if talks with Iran fail and no agreement is reached, he would be prepared to take military action, as he did about six months ago. In an interview with Channel 12 News, Trump stressed that he prefers reaching an agreement with Iran, but warned that if this proves impossible, he would take decisive and forceful action against the country. “The Iranians very much want to reach a deal. Either we make a deal, or we will have to do something very tough - like last time," he said. At the same time, Trump noted that he is considering sending an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East as part of the US military buildup in the Gulf. “We have an armada there, and maybe another one on the way," the President added. The int...
Israeli officials spoke with CNN ahead of the expected meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Iran's actions and the threats it poses. "Netanyahu will emphasize to Trump the need for military freedom of action in Iran, even if an agreement is signed between Tehran and Washington," said the officials. According to them, the Prime Minister intends to present new intelligence information to Trump on Iran's military capabilities, mainly regarding the rehabilitation of ballistic missiles. The assessment in Israel is that, without intervention, Iran will possess up to 2,000 missiles within weeks or months. Netanyahu flew this morning to Washington, D.C., for a diplomatic visit, during which he will ...
Nichum AveilimNichum Aveilim Aveilim
Venezuela sent its first shipment of crude oil to Israel in several years, according to a Tuesday report by Bloomberg. The shipment represents a renewal of contacts between the Venezuelan government and Israel, ever since former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez cut relations in 2009. According to people familiar with the deal, Israel's Bazan Group will be responsible for transporting the cargo. The report also notes that the deal was not made public, which aligns with Israel's policy of not revealing the sources of its crude oil imports. The last shipment of oil from Venezuela to Israel consisted of 470,000 barrels, according to Kpler data shared by Bloomberg. Israel, Venezuela authorities aim to restore relations The news comes after Foreign M...
Jerusalem, Israel - Feb. 10, 2026 - President Herzog: “The terrorists sought to instill fear in the Jewish people— we will respond with renewed Jewish pride. They sought to divide people with religious hate—we will respond with solidarity between all people of moral conscience, of all faiths.”On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, as part of his ongoing visit to Australia, President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese attended a memorial service for the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack at the Chabad of Bondi Synagogue, led by Rabbi Yehoram Ulman.Prior to the service, President Herzog, the Chairman of the World Zionist Organization, Yaakov Hagoel, and the Chairman of the Jewish Agency, Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog, met with bereaved families...
Job Listings Jobs
Baltimore, MD - Feb. 10, 2026 - Potholes are forming on many streets as snow and ice removal continues two weeks after a storm slammed Baltimore. Kenyell Moore is glad to see temperatures finally rise above freezing after weeks of subzero air and wind chills. "It's melting. Nature is taking its toll, melting itself," Moore said. Anthony Moore is looking forward to when he doesn't have to carefully maneuver around the mounds of snow. "I don't want to fall on myself. I try and get past everything I can, but it's like I say, it's a mess out here. It don't make no sense," Moore said. The massive process of clearing streets and sidewalks continues. WBAL-TV 11 News saw dump trucks and Bobcats on Falls Road near the Interstate 83 interchange on Cold Spring ...
Classifieds Classifieds
Baltimore, MD - Feb. 10, 2026  - The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) will resume standard rear-alley trash and recycling collection beginning Tuesday, February 10, 2026. What Residents Need to Know  Collection days are not changing  Routes begin at 6:00 a.m.  Please set materials out by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day or place them out after 6:00 p.m. the evening before. Residents should report any missed trash or recycling collection by calling 311 or visiting the 311 website.
Baltimore, MD – Feb. 10, 2026  - 9:48AM (BJL) Sanzo Road at the intersection of Smith is currently blocked off.
Chesed Chesed
Baltimore, MD – Feb. 10, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Ozzie and Daniella  Stillman on the birth of a son    Mazel tov to the grandparents Stuie and Tzippy Stillman and Yitzy & Melissa Shnidman Mazel Tov to  great-grandmothers Mrs. Meira (Rabbi Reuvain, z’l) Shnidman and Marlene Hammond  ‎יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
More articles