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
Jerusalem, Israel - June 8, 2026 - As growing numbers of frum families explore the possibility of building their futures in Eretz Yisroel, a distinguished delegation of Rabbanim from Baltimore embarked this past week on a four-day leadership mission to Eretz Yisroel organized by Naava Kodesh.The Baltimore delegation included Rabbis Daniel Rose, Duvi Rubin, and Binyamin Marwick. They were joined by Baltimore community baalei batim Yaakov Berkowitz and Dovid Paige.  Leaving behind families, kehillos, and many daily responsibilities, the Rabbanim traveled to Eretz Yisroel to see firsthand and gain a better understanding of the realities, new opportunities, and solutions to successfully deal with the challenges facing families considering Aliyah and settling long-term in Eretz Yisroel....
PINNED
Scroll for more news
Baltimore, MD - June 8, 2026 -  This past Sunday, four of the leading roshei yeshiva of Eretz Yisroel walked into Baltimore. Rav Yaakov Hillel, Rav Avraham Salim, Rav Yosef Chevroni, and Rav Chaim Mordechai Ausband left their yeshivos and traveled across the world because the Torah of Eretz Yisroel is fighting for its very survival, and they came to ask us to help carry it. We watched a Rosh Yeshiva break down in tears as he described his fear for the bochurim who learn under constant threat, and another explain the contrast that in Eretz Yisroel the lomdei Torah are pursued and disgraced, yet here in Baltimore they are embraced. From visits in private homes through the packed asifa at Shomrei Emunah, one message was repeated again and again: ish nidcheh, v'ein hatzibbur nidche...
Baltimore, MD – June 9, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yosef Kimelfeld (Baltimore) and Chavi Tyberg (Ramat Beit Shemesh) on their engagement. Mazel Tov to grandmother Amira Cohen Elling יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!   
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Tuesday night that its forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at the direction of US President Donald Trump. CENTCOM said in a statement that the strikes were in response to Monday’s downing of a US Army Apache helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz. “The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression," it stated. The announcement came shortly after Iranian media outlets reported at least four explosions near Sirik Port in the Bandar Abbas district of the country. Explosions were also reported on Qeshm Island. The Aerospace Force of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) responded to the US strikes and threatened it would deliver a “heavy response" to what it described as &...
Read More
Baltimore, MD – June 9, 2026 – 4:06PM (BJL) A stalled bus in the turning lane on Park Heights at Old Court  is causing a traffic backup toward the Beltway. h/t: Bmore Traffic
Baltimore, MD - June 9, 2026 - BJL just received this notice from a community member: "I wanted to add to the warnings posted about the missionaries targeting our community. We just received a curious handwritten letter addressed to us by name. It's so rare to get handwritten mail these days. It was a handwritten letter from a ".... Witness" and included one of their pamphlets. While we can choose to keep our doors shut to solicitors, these letters bypass that boundary to get directly into our homes.The Tactic: They use highly convincing, handwritten envelopes addressed to you by name that seem to be a personal letter until you open it and begin reading.
US President Donald Trump revealed that Iran shot down an American Apache helicopter this morning (Tuesday) and that the US would respond to that attack. "I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP," the President wrote on his Truth Social platform. The Apache helicopter crashed during operational activity near the Strait of Hormuz earlier today. The New York Times, citing two officials briefed on the incident, reported that the two cre...
The Bas Melech Gymnastics Team traveled to Athletic Edge Gymnastics in Staten Island last  month to compete against some of the top orthodox gymnastics programs in the region. With more than 100 gymnasts from across the country competing in nine gyms, the competition was fierce. As usual, Bas Melech soared to the challenge.   The highlight of the day came when our Level 3 team was crowned All-Around Team Champions, bringing home a magnificent championship trophy and earning Bas Melech's place at the top of the podium. Throughout the competition, our gymnasts demonstrated skill, composure, sportsmanship, and camaraderie that have become hallmarks of our team. From the first event to the final awards ceremony, the girls cheered one another on and represented our commun...
Parsha Hashavua
Daily Dvar Halacha – June 9 / Sivan 24 - Sharing A Table. One Person Eating Dairy And One Eating Meat?

Read More
Baltimore, MD - June 9, 2026 - Please note that ALL cheeses used are Cholov Stam.
SimchasSimchas Simcha
With recent reports of kosher consumers accidentally receiving food from non-kosher establishments, awareness of proper food-delivery procedures has never been more important. Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger speaks with Rabbi Sholem Fishbane, Kashrus Administrator at the cRc and Executive Director of AKO, about the halachos of chasimos, delivery services, and protecting the integrity of kosher food from restaurant to doorstep. Whether you order through an app or pick up takeout yourself, this episode contains practical guidance every consumer should know.
Nichum AveilimNichum Aveilim Aveilim
What Is Your Mission?  Moriah Chen from the Hidabroot website published the following questionnaire for anyone who wants to gain a clearer picture of themselves and of their mission in the world:  1. What would you do for free? Think about the activities you do without noticing the passage of time. What makes you forget to eat or sleep? What subject can you talk about for hours without stopping? Sometimes your profession or direction in life is hidden in the things you would do even without being paid. 2. In what areas do people turn to you for help? In what field do your friends and family already see you as an expert? Sometimes our natural talent is already obvious to others, even when we don’t notice it ourselves. 3. Ask people close to you what they find unique abou...
Job Listings Jobs
Israel has once again entered a nationwide emergency status following renewed hostilities with Iran and missile attacks targeting Israel. Schools across the country were closed on Monday, June 8. Education Minister Yoav Kisch has announced that schools will remain closed on Tuesday, June 9, as well. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has informed Chaim V’Chessed that it is closed today, Monday, and will also remain closed on Tuesday. Government services are operating on a limited basis. Some government offices remain open while others have suspended operations. In Jerusalem, the main Misrad HaPnim branch on Shlomzion Street was closed on Monday, while the Har Choma and Mevaseret Zion branches remained open. Officials have informed Chaim V’Chessed that the Shlomzion branch will be...
The Israeli Air Force struck military targets belonging to the Iranian terror regime in western and central Iran early Monday morning, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said. Iranian media reported explosions that were heard in several areas of the country, including the capital Tehran and Isfahan. The strikes occurred several hours after Iran launched several barrages of missiles toward Israel.
Classifieds Classifieds
Baltimore, MD - June 7, 2026 - At Beis Kenesses Shomrei Emunah in Baltimore, Rav Yaakov Hopfer shlit”a, Nasi of the Vaad HaRabbonim of Baltimore, spoke about the open nissim Klal Yisroel has witnessed over the past two years. “There have been many wars, and by natural calculations, thousands more should have been killed. Yet we have seen tremendous nissim, because Klal Yisroel has stood behind Torah. Torah is meigin u’matzil, and the support of Torah is what protects Klal Yisroel.”
Jerusalem, Israel - June 7, 2026 - Sirens sounded across northern Israel on Sunday evening after Iran launched several missile barrages at Israel. During the first barrage, four missiles were launched at the north. All were intercepted. A short time earlier, the IDF stated that following the strike in Beirut and upon the conclusion of a situational assessment, it is preparing for potential fire toward the territory of the State of Israel in the coming hours. The IDF noted that it has reinforced its defensive posture and remains on high alert and prepared for a range of defensive and offensive scenarios. The IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, and senior IDF commanders are currently conducting situational assessments and closely monitoring developments. At the...
Chesed Chesed
Baltimore, MD - June 7, 2026  - Breakfast at the home of philanthropist Paul Volosov in Baltimore this morning benefiting Keren Olam HaTorah. VIDEO below: Rav Chaim Mordechai Ausband shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo, said:“The bachurim themselves are not afraid, but we, the Roshei Yeshiva, are afraid for them.”
More articles