A Handbook for Keeping Kosher is a comprehensive, practical guide to understanding and observing the laws of kashrut in the modern world.
Designed for both those beginning to keep kosher and experienced readers seeking a reliable reference, the book explains complex halachic principles in a clear, accessible manner. It addresses the everyday realities of maintaining a kosher home while also exploring the challenges created by modern appliances, food production, and technology.
Topics range from separating meat and dairy, kashering cookware, immersing utensils, and checking food for insects to kosher meat, poultry, fish, wine, whiskey, baked goods, dairy production, Israeli produce, challah, and Shemittah. Detailed chapters also address appliances including ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, induction stovetops, air fryers, and food processors.
Drawing on Mordechai Hasofer’s years of professional experience in kashrut supervision and food production, the book combines practical halachic guidance with an understanding of contemporary food technology. Whether used as an introduction to keeping kosher or as a reference for questions that arise in everyday life, A Handbook for Keeping Kosher offers readers an extensive and approachable resource for bringing the laws of kashrut into practice.
Mordechai Hasofer studied at the Yeshiva Gedola of Australia and New Zealand and holds degrees in mechanical engineering and chemistry. For over twenty-five years, he served as chief food production researcher and ingredient inspector under Harav Moshe Yehuda Leib Landa ztz"l, chief rabbi of Bnei Brak. His international work with major kosher certification agencies has made him one of the leading authorities on global kashrut today. He lectures regularly in Israel and abroad, guiding both consumers and professionals on the science and practice of kosher food production.
“This book, in a light and pleasant manner, documents the foundations of kashrut – the practical halachah – according to the guidance of Rabbi Moshe Yehuda Leib Landa, Chief Rabbi of Bnei Brak, of blessed memory. The book combines halachic knowledge with professional and technological knowledge, expressing, among other things, the rabbi of blessed memory’s attention to “the little things.” We hope it will bring great benefit to broad audiences.”
-Elimelech Elazar Frankel, halachic advisor for the Kashrut Authority of HaRav Landa, chief rabbi and av beth din of Bnei Brak
“Comprehensive, deftly crafted, exceptionally ‘reader friendly’ in organization and presentation.… Especially and unreservedly recommended as a core addition to personal, professional reading lists, as well as community and college/university library Contemporary Judaic Studies collections.”
-The Judaic Studies Shelf, Midwest Book Review
