Cultural Sensitivity During Your Visit from the Rabbi

Posted by Zosi Team

So, you’ve decided to include kosher foods in your production. You’ve studied guidelines, perfected processes, and even read our blog on what to expect during your kosher inspection, but there may be a missing piece of the puzzle. The rabbi who visits your facility will be an Orthodox Jew. Thus, it is critical to familiarize every employee with cultural sensitivity issues pertaining to the rabbi’s visit. Keep reading to discover 10 tips for cultural sensitivity you may have overlooked in your preparation.

Cultural Sensitivity: A Beginner’s Guide

If the same rabbi visits your facility frequently, you may want to provide a lab coat or other protective equipment in his size.

The rabbi may need a quiet place to pray depending on the time of day and length of stay.

Provide a microwave. Since there are often no kosher restaurants nearby, the rabbi may bring his own meal(s) with him, and it would help to have a way to heat them. Because of kosher rules, a microwave is the easiest heating method. Similarly, you may want to offer the rabbi use of a refrigerator or freezer and a place to eat during his visit.

Provide disposable utensils, plates, and cups.

Guarantee parking and ready access to your facility if the rabbi must be present during non-business hours for kosherization.

Remember that Orthodox Judaism prohibits unnecessary physical contact between unrelated men and women (including hugging or handshaking).

Avoid crude language.

Offer the rabbi a climate-controlled space for his overnight bag. He may travel with prayer items easily ruined in extreme heat.

Provide a beard net.

10.

The rabbi and members of the certifying agency observe restrictions and communication during Jewish holidays and on Sabbath (Friday evenings and Saturdays). During these times, phones, computers, or other technological devices are not used. As such, there will be no way to contact them. Ask your rabbi or certifying agency to provide and annotate a Jewish calendar in advance of planning your visit.

Conclusion

Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity are crucial in making the rabbi visiting your facility feel comfortable. With these ten tips, your kosher certification path is that much easier. To learn more about these precautions and kosher production best practices, consult Zosi’s online kosher courses.

Topics: Kosher , Kosher Certification , Kosher Production