Mashgicha Enrichment Program

Educational enrichment program specifically designed for female mashgichos (kosher supervisors/inspectors). The program provides training and professional development opportunities for women working in kashrus supervision.

Geographic Scope: North America; participants have attended from multiple states including California, Washington, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maryland

Duration: 2-3 days (weekend format)

Focus Areas:

• Updates on kashrus industry changes and advances in food science
• Practical kashrus supervision techniques
• Hands-on fruit and vegetable checking
• Chicken kashrus video tutorial
• Sabbath Mode appliances
• Restaurant and institutional kosher kitchen tours
• Interaction with STAR-K rabbinic authorities
• Professional networking among mashgichos

Eligibility: Female mashgichos (kosher supervisors) working under the authority of a Rav Hamachshir

Halachic Basis: Based on Rav Moshe Feinstein's teshuva (Igros Moshe Y.D. 2:44), women are permitted to serve as mashgichos when working under the authority of a Rav Hamachshir. They are considered the most important link between the Rav Hamachshir and what occurs in the facility.

Program Components:

• Presentations by STAR-K rabbinic staff
• Hands-on practical training
• Tours of STAR-K certified facilities (meat restaurants, dairy restaurants, kosher kitchens)
• Networking and camaraderie building with mashgichos from other communities
• Technical instruction on appliances and food preparation

Instructor: Rabbi Meyer Kurcfeld (nearly 30 years kashrus experience); Rabbi Zvi Goldberg (Director); Rivka Leah Goldman (Administrative Assistant)