When Chef Raz Shabtai’s North Miami restaurant, Mutra, became the world’s first kosher restaurant to earn a Michelin star earlier this year, it marked a historic moment for kosher fine dining—and challenged long-held assumptions about what kosher cuisine can be. For Shabtai, who grew up in Jerusalem surrounded by his beloved grandmother’s cooking and hospitality, […]

We’ve all been there. You’re at a company barbecue when someone hands you a hot dog with a friendly nod. “Don’t worry,” they say. “It’s Hebrew National. That’s kosher, right?” To many Americans, “kosher hot dog” and “Hebrew National” are practically synonymous. For over a century, the brand has held a unique place in American […]

“I chose the path of faith, and in the path of faith I returned.” Last week, hostage Agam Berger’s mother said she didn’t want to violate the Sabbath to collect her daughter. In a situation of grave danger there is room in Jewish law for leniency on Sabbath observance. But after Agam’s mother made this […]

Dear Jew in the City, Is kashrut only about spiritual health, or physical health too? Thank you, Liat _ Dear Liat, Thanks for your question. I think this is something we may have discussed in the past, but even if it is, it bears repeating. One of my nine (to date) books – all of […]

If you were at last week’s Kosherpalooza, you know how awesome it was. Tons of food from so many vendors lined the walls and Instagram celebs milled about at this kosher consumer show. I was swept up in the joyful energy and shared love everyone had for really good, interesting and delicious kosher food. Here, some […]

Dear Rabbi JITC, “What are the rules of being an Orthodox Jew?” -Nathaniel Dear Nathaniel, Now that’s an interesting question. First, I want to give a caveat that halacha (Jewish law) isn’t intended just for “Orthodox Jews”; it’s intended for Jews, full stop. All throughout the Biblical era, the Talmudic era, etc., Jews were just […]