Kosher Today

In today's episode, Menachem sits down with Kevin O'Brien, a pioneering figure in the kosher food industry. While not Jewish himself, O'Brien is widely recognized for establishing Glatt Kosher operations in Monsey, New York, and has become a respected authority on kosher food in the supermarket business.

Key Discussion Points:

• O'Brien's journey into the food and supermarket industry
• His fascinating entry into the kosher market and self-education process
• Insightful comparison between today's supermarket managers and those from his era
• His unique perspective on non-Jewish consumers specifically seeking kosher products and the growing crossover market

Join us for this engaging conversation with one of the most influential figures in making kosher food accessible in American supermarkets.

For Menachem Lubinsky and Lubicom Marketing and Business Consulting

Call 718.854.4450 or e-mail [email protected]

This show was Produced and edited by thepodwaves.com 

Join Menachem Lubinsky as he sits down with Raphi Bloom, the visionary behind TotallyJewishTravel.com, the internet's largest kosher travel website. This insightful discussion explores the evolving landscape of kosher travel in today's complex world.

- **TotallyJewishTravel.com Spotlight**
  - Unique features and offerings of the platform
  - What sets the website apart in the kosher travel space
  - Tools and resources available for Jewish travelers

- **Post-COVID Travel Landscape**
  - How the pandemic reshaped kosher travel patterns
  - Recovery and adaptation of the industry
  - New safety protocols and considerations

- **Impact of October 7th and Current Events**
  - Changes in Jewish travel patterns since October 7th
  - Security considerations for Jewish travelers
  - How the industry is adapting to new safety concerns

- **Pesach 2025 Season**
  - Current outlook amidst regional tensions
  - How the Hezbollah conflict is affecting planning
  - Adaptation strategies for tour operators and hotels

- **Economic Factors**
  - Impact of inflation on vacation choices
  - Changes in booking patterns and preferences
  - How travelers are adjusting their budgets

- **Emerging Travel Trends**
  - New popular destinations for kosher travelers
  - Up-and-coming locations gaining attention
  - Why these destinations are attracting Jewish tourists

- **Kashrus Logistics**
  - Challenges of securing reliable mashgichim in exotic locations
  - Solutions and innovations in kosher supervision
  - How operators maintain high kashrus standards worldwide

Rapi Bloom is the founder of TotallyJewishTravel.com, the premier online resource for kosher travel worldwide. His platform has revolutionized how Jewish travelers plan their vacations by providing comprehensive information about kosher-friendly destinations, accommodations, and services.

For Menachem Lubinsky and Lubicom Marketing and Business Consulting

Call 718.854.4450 or e-mail [email protected]

This show was Produced and edited by thepodwaves.com 

In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Avrohom Marmorstein, whose diverse experience includes serving as the head of Kosher certification for the Fairway supermarket chain, leading a synagogue congregation, and conducting extensive research into Kosher history.

Topics discussed:

• How Kosher supervision (hashgacha) serves as a bridge for Jewish outreach (kiruv)
• The fascinating tale of a Kosher-certified Rastafarian restaurant
• An inside look at a unique Yiddish farm producing organic hand-made shmura matzah
• Rabbi Marmorstein's research into Jewish life and Kosher observance in early 1900s New York
• The evolution and development of organized Kashrut supervision in America
• His experiences as the supervising rabbi (Rav Hamachshir) for the Fairway supermarket chain

Join us for these engaging stories at the intersection of Kosher supervision, Jewish history, and community outreach.

For Menachem Lubinsky and Lubicom Marketing and Business Consulting

Call 718.854.4450 or e-mail [email protected]

This show was Produced and edited by thepodwaves.com 

In this week's episode, Menachem Lubinsky sits down with Chaim Oberlander, the founder of KJ Poultry, to explore the fascinating world of kosher poultry production. 

**Topics Covered:**

1. The history and development of KJ Poultry's unique kosher chicken and turkey plant
2. How KJ Poultry became the world's largest kosher chicken processing facility
3. The distinctive aspects of KJ Glatt's shechita (kosher slaughter) process
4. Chesed (charitable) programs associated with KJ Poultry
5. Chaim Oberlander's commitment to maintaining high standards in:
   - Equipment and technology
   - Working conditions for employees
   - Standards for mashgichim (kosher supervisors)

Join us for an insightful discussion on the intersection of traditional kosher practices and modern poultry production.

In this episode of Kosher Today, host Menachem sits down with the founder of Fleishig Magazine, the leading kosher lifestyle publication, to discuss the magazine's journey and various aspects of the kosher food scene.

Episode Highlights:

1. The Birth of Fleishig Magazine
   • Explore the origins and initial concept behind Fleishig Magazine
   • Insights into the magazine's early days and development
2. Digital Transformation
   • Discussion on how Fleishig Magazine adapted to the digital age
   • The impact of going digital on readership and content delivery
3. Mission and Vision
   • The core mission driving Fleishig Magazine
   • How the magazine aims to serve the kosher community
4. Fleishig's Unique Approach
   • What sets Fleishig Magazine apart in the kosher publication landscape
   • Special features or content that readers can't find elsewhere
5. Kosher Palooza Food Festival
   • Details about this exciting kosher food event
   • Fleishig Magazine's involvement and perspective on the festival
6. Evolving Kosher Restaurant Scene
   • Analysis of the growing kosher dining options in New York
   • Trends and developments in kosher restaurants across other states
7. Yamim Tovim Preparation Tips
   • Shlomo's expert advice on preparing for Jewish holidays
   • Practical suggestions for menu planning and entertaining
8. Culinary Fusion: Cholent and Sushi
   • Discussion on the trend of combining traditional and modern kosher cuisines
   • Does this fusion work? Insights and opinions

About the Show

Kosher Today is your go-to podcast for all things related to kosher trends in the United States and the latest kosher news. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of kosher cuisine, lifestyle, and culture.

For Menachem Lubinsky and Lubicom Marketing and Business Consulting

Call 718.854.4450 or e-mail [email protected]

This show was Produced and edited by thepodwaves.com 

In this episode, Menachem sits down with Susie Fishbein, the renowned kosher cookbook author. They discuss:

1. Susie's journey: From her first book to becoming a bestselling cookbook author, including her career change.
2. The evolution of kosher cookbooks in the culinary world.
3. Balancing dining out and home cooking in Jewish culture.
4. How the Jewish calendar transforms mothers into professional chefs out of necessity.
5. Susie's approach to staying creative and innovative in her ongoing writing process.
6. Her secrets for early preparation for upcoming Jewish holidays (Yom Tov).
7. Whether kosher supermarkets adequately stock ingredients for the level of cooking Susie envisions.

This episode offers valuable insights into kosher cooking, Jewish culinary traditions, and the art of cookbook writing from one of the field's most respected voices.

For Menachem Lubinsky and Lubicom Marketing and Business Consulting

Call 718.854.4450 or e-mail [email protected]

This show was Produced and edited by thepodwaves.com 

Join Menachem as he sits down with restaurant expert Elan Kornblum to discuss a variety of topics, including:

• The history and development of his food magazine
• Current restaurant market trends
• The impact of COVID-19 on kosher restaurants compared to non-kosher establishments
• The expanding kosher restaurant business across the country

In this enlightening episode of Kosher Today, listeners will gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of kosher dining. Elan Kornblum, a respected figure in the industry, shares his expertise on the evolving landscape of kosher restaurants, from local establishments to nationwide trends. Whether you're a food enthusiast, a business owner, or simply curious about the kosher industry, this episode offers a compelling look at the past, present, and future of kosher cuisine in America.

For Menachem Lubinsky and Lubicom Marketing and Business Consulting

Call 718.854.4450 or e-mail [email protected]

This show was Produced and edited by thepodwaves.com 

The Surging Kosher Wine Industry

Guests:
- Nathan Herzog
- Jay Buchsbaum

Key Discussion Points:

1. The Development of Israel as a Major Wine Producer
   - Israel's rise as a prominent player in the global wine industry
   - Factors contributing to the growth and success of the Israeli wine sector

2. The Uniqueness and Popularity of Herzog Grape Juice
   - The story behind the Herzog brand and its grape juice products
   - What sets Herzog grape juice apart in the kosher beverage market

3. The Evolution of the Herzog Wine Business
   - The history and expansion of the Herzog winemaking operation
   - How the Herzog family business has adapted and grown over the years

4. The Impact of War on the Israeli Wine Industry
   - Challenges faced by Israeli wineries during times of conflict and instability
   - Strategies employed to maintain and expand the industry during challenging periods

5. Mevushal vs. Non-Mevushal Wine: Understanding the Differences
   - Explanation of the mevushal (cooked) and non-mevushal (non-cooked) wine categories
   - Exploring the implications and perceptions surrounding these wine styles

This episode of "Kosher Today" provides a comprehensive look at the dynamic wine industry, featuring insights from the esteemed Herzog wine dynasty. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the factors that have contributed to Israel's rise as a major wine-producing region, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities faced by kosher wineries in the country.

In this episode, we explore the evolution of kosher stores into modern supermarkets with our guest Mayer Gold. Mayer shares his journey in the kosher food industry and provides insights into the development of large-scale kosher supermarkets.

Key Topics:
1. The history and evolution of kosher stores
2. The transition from small shops to large kosher supermarkets
3. Mayer Gold's career path in the kosher food industry
4. Mayer's previous ventures in various supermarkets
5. His current role and responsibilities at Seasons

About Our Guest:
Mayer Gold is the Vice President of Operations at Seasons, a prominent kosher supermarket chain. Based in Flushing, New York, Mayer brings a wealth of experience from his previous ventures in the supermarket industry.


For Menachem Lubinsky and Lubicom Marketing and Business Consulting

Call 718.854.4450 or e-mail [email protected]

This show was Produced and edited by thepodwaves.com 

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Kosher Today podcast! Host Menchem kicks off the series with a special guest, Rabbi Moshe Elefant, the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Rabbinic Coordinator of OU Kosher.

In this enlightening conversation, Menchem and Rabbi Elefant delve into:

• The intricacies of OU's kosher certification process
• Fascinating insights into the world of mashgichim (kosher supervisors)
• Behind-the-scenes look at OU Kosher operations
• Answers to compelling questions about modern kosher supervision

Join us for an exclusive peek into the complex and vital world of kosher certification with one of the industry's leading authorities.

For Menachem Lubinsky and Lubicom Marketing and Business Consulting

Call 718.854.4450 or e-mail [email protected]

This show was Produced and edited by thepodwaves.com