La Choy Bean Sprouts: The OK only certifies the 28 oz. and #10 can (102 oz.) sizes. The 14 oz. size cans are produced at a non-Kosher facility and are not acceptable.
Kashi Cereals: Some varieties have changed status from OU to OU-D. Each box should be checked. Currently, all Kashi cereals that bear OU-D are DE (dairy equipment). This refers only to Kashi Cereals. Products manufactured on dairy equipment may be eaten after meat without a waiting period, but not with meat. The OU cautions that even where it states that a product is DE, the OU does not supervise the cleaning of the equipment between dairy and non-dairy productions. Cereals are subject to frequent reformulations. It is recommended that consumers check for dairy in the ingredients on every purchase, and to contact the OU office every three months to reconfirm the DE status.
Many have the custom to only use Pas Yisroel from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur.
Items that are made fresh in AKC establishments are always going to be pas yisroel. Items such as pita, wraps, sandwich bread, and buns, brought in from elsewhere may or may not be pas yisroel. Local AKC establishments used to carry pas yisroel wraps but they are no longer readily available. One should always check with the mashgiach of the establishment about what items are pas yisroel.
Below is link to a list of Pas Yisroel products.
https://oukosher.org/blog/consumer-news/pas-yisroel-list-5777/
Schach Recommendations:
The Home Depot is selling 6 feet X 16 feet variety with the UPC Code 48037 06164 marked as having a natural finish. This is available online at: http://kshr.us/Fencing-1
A second variety is 6 feet X 16 feet with the Backyard X-Scapes brand name, UPC code 71746 00530 marked as being Natural “peeled” Reed Fencing. This is available online at: http://kshr.us/Fencing-2
These varieties may be used as schach only if:
The reeds are placed perpendicular to the schach support‐beams rather than parallel to the beams.
A piece of wood or some other piece of kosher schach should be placed on top of the fencing, so that the fencing is secure enough to not blow off during Succos. [This extra piece of wood should not be nailed or otherwise fastened to the schach, and it should be placed perpendicular to the reeds.] This condition applies to all lightweight schach including mats.
As with all schach, the schach‐portions of the mat must be thick enough that they provide more shaded area than open space [In this context, there is reason to assume that broken reeds do not “count” towards the calculation of shaded areas.] It may be necessary to place a double layer of mats in order to accomplish this.
For more information please contact the CRC at: 773-465-3900 OR crcweb.org
A Healthy Touch located at the MJCCA is looking for a mashgiach. Please call them for more information: 678-812-3986
The AKC wishes everyone a healthy, happy, and sweet New Year