Russia’s Kosher Department is constantly expanding, but with Shavuos quickly approaching a large assortment of dairy products has been added to the refrigerated section at Moscow’s kosher supermarkets.
The data was revealed this month, in advance of the holiday of Shavuos when it is customary amongst Jews to eat dairy foods. Russian dairy plants are increasing their production of strictly kosher products to satisfy the growing need as there is a significant rise in the number of kosher consumers.
Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, who stands at the helm of its Kosher Department, visited the dairy plants of “Family Farms” in the city of Taldom, just north of Moscow, where he was honored with affixing a mezuza to their newly expanded office wing. “Family Farms” produces organic quality Chalav Yisroel products all year round.
Together with Rabbi of the Kashrut System Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Marzel, the system’s chairman Rabbi Yosef Verzov, and the management of the plant, Rabbi Lazar toured the place and saw all the stages of the process, beginning from the milking parlors and until the refrigeration and storage of the ready products before they are shipped out to various points in Russia. He followed the team of permanent mashgichim who faithfully do their work, ensuring that the large Kashrus system under Russia’s Chief Rabbinate has earned a stellar reputation among Kashrus agencies throughout the world.
Special effort was made this year, in order to ensure that Cholov Yisroel products arrive to Jewish communities all over Russia, with special dairy treats for thousands of children who will come with their parents to hear the Aseres Hadibros at shuls and Chabad Houses by their local Rabbis and shluchim.
Photography: Levi Nazarov
