Star-K Launches the Institute of Halachah
By Margie Pensak

The mishnah teaches us, "Appoint for yourself a Rav," a Torah guide, from whom you can acquire clarify through wisdom. But what happens when you do not have a personal Rav because you live in Fargo, North Dakota? Or, you live in a large Jewish community and have a Rav, but time is the essense for your halachic query. How often have you exaspertingly attempted to contact your rav, attempted to contact your Rav, only to find out that he was unreachable because he was in the middle fo giving a shiur, attending a bris, or officiating at a wedding or a funeral.

Star-K Certification realizes that there is no substitute for a person's own Rav. However, to help remedy such situations, it is pleased to annouce the creation of its Institute of Halacha, as a public service. The opening of a general halachic division within its kashrus agency depicts Star-Ks uniqueness and belief that the world of kosher extends beyond typical milk and meat issues.

Through the years, the agency's Kashrus Hotline has answered generic halachic questions, in addition to inquiries about the kosher status of foods and its certified Sabbath mode appliances, from kosher consumers the world over. The formation of a seperate, official division within Star-K testifies to the overwhelming need for such an institute.

The director of the Institute of Halacha will be Harav Mordechai Frankel, who will serve under the guidance of Harav Moshe Heinemann, Star-K's Rabbinic Administrator. The institute of Halachah will also serve as a resource for Rabbanim, who may call Harav Frankel to discuss general halachic matters.

"Harav Frankel is particularlyu suited for such a position," feels Rav Heinemann, "with his year s oif epxerience, acting as a posek in the absence of both myself and Rav Yaakov Hopfer."

"I have confidence that Harav Frankel will be able to do the perfect job to answer all the questions necessary according to the Shulchan Aruch in filling this tremendous need," says Rav Heinemann."

When one's own Rav is not available, she'eilos may be called in the Insitute of Halacha,

(410) 484-4110.

Monday-Thursday 2-5 p.m.
Friday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

or emailed to Halacha@star-k.org