Pesach Gram Presented by the Vaad Harabbonim Council of Orthodox Rabbis of Greater Detroit K-COR Kashrus Division
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 4 Contents; Open for Pesach Page 5 Zmanim Page 7 Year Round Information Page 8 Kashering for Pesach Page 12 Shabbos Erev Pesach Page 16 General Information Page 18 Kitniyos Page 19 Egg Matza, Vegetables & Fruit, Pesach Stickers, Pet Food Page 20 Products Which Do Not Require Pesach Certification Page 26 Product Alerts Page 28 Medications, Cosmetics, Toiletries Page 31 Post-Pesach Info Reminders • Customers of product subscription services such as Amazon Subscribe & Save are reminded to cancel or reschedule chometz product deliveries that would otherwise occur on (or shortly prior to) Pesach. • Register online to receive email updates: cordetroit.com/pesach Open for Pesach The following K-COR supervised services are certified kosher for Pesach: Chazzano Coffee Chef Cari Kosher Catering Epic Kosher Catering Superior Meats 4
Emes Home Inspections, LLC (989) 249-EMES (989) 249-3637 For an honest home inspection…..call EMES! Zmanim 5785 / 2025 Monday, April 22 Latest time to eat chometz* Magen Avraham (72 min.) Latest time to burn chometz* Magen Avraham (72 min.) Yom Tov Begins Chatzos Friday, April 11 Latest time to burn chometz* Magen Avraham (72 min.) לודגה תבש Licht Bentchen Shabbos, April 12 Latest time to eat chometz* Magen Avraham (72 min.) Latest time to annul chometz* Magen Avraham (72 min.) Tuesday Night, April 23 Licht Bentchen* – 50 min. – after: Chatzos Oak Park 10:50am Oak Park West Bloomfield West Bloomfield 12:15pm 7:52pm 12:10pm 8:05pm 10:51am 12:16pm 7:53pm 10:57am 1:30am 12:15pm חספ 'א Licht Bentchen* – 50 min. after: 9:01pm 9:14pm R’ Tam – 72 min. – after: Chatzos 1:30am Sunday Night, April 13 חספ ' ב Licht Bentchen* – 50 min. after: 9:02pm Wednesday Night, April 24 Havdalah* – 50 minutes – after: R’ Tam – 72 min – after: Chatzos Friday , April 26 Licht Bentchen Monday Night, April 14 Havdalah* – 50 minutes – after: Motzaei Shabbos, April 27 Havdalah* – 50 minutes – after: Friday, April 18 חספ לש יעיבש Yom Tov Begins Sunday, April 28 Yom Tov Begins R’ Tam – 72 min – after: R’ Tam – 72 min – after: R’ Tam – 72 min. – after: 9:24pm 9:37pm 1:32am 9:15pm 8:09pm 9:03pm 9:25pm 9:18pm 9:40pm 8:00pm Motzei Shabbos, April 19 חספ לש ןורחא Licht Bentchen* –50 min: 9:09pm 8:11pm Monday Night, April 29 Licht Bentchen* – 50 min. – after: R’ Tam – 72 min. – after: Tuesday Night, April 30 Havdalah* – 50 minutes – after: R’ Tam – 72 min. – after: 9:31pm 9:20pm Sunday Night, April 20 Havdalah* – 50 minutes – after: R’ Tam – 72 min – after: R’ Tam – 72 min – after: *There are various opinions. 9:42pm 9:22pm 9:44pm 9:10pm 9:32pm R’ Tam – 72 min. – after: 9:23pm 9:36pm 1:32am 12:11pm 8:06pm 1:31am 9:15pm 9:37pm 1:31am 9:16pm 9:38pm 12:16pm 9:02pm 9:24pm 1:33am 9:03pm 9:25pm 1:33am 8:10pm 9:04pm 9:26pm 9:19pm 9:41pm 8:01pm 8:12pm 9:10pm 9:32pm 9:21pm 9:43pm 9:23pm 9:45pm 9:11pm 9:33pm 5 10:57am
Rabbi Yisroel M. Levin Rabbi Yechiel Morris Rabbi Elimelech Silberberg Presidium Rabbi Moshe Wainkrantz Menahel Rabbi Beryl Broyde Rabbi Yosef Rabinowitz K-COR – Kashrus Division Dear Community Member, On behalf of the Vaad Harabbonim – Council of Orthodox Rabbis of Greater Detroit, we are pleased to present the annual PesachGram publication. Each year, the K-COR Kashrus Division of the Vaad strives to gather and present the most up-to-date kashrus information available. For further questions, call (248) 559-5005 x103. Many thanks go to Rabbi Beryl Broyde, Kashrus Coordinator, who extends himself above and beyond the call of duty to compile and edit the kashrus information in this PesachGram. The K-COR is honored to welcome Rabbi Yosef Rabinowitz to its Kashrus division. Rabbi Rabinowitz is sure to be a wonderful asset to the K-COR, and we wish him much hatzlacha. Finally, we wish to thank the advertising sponsors who helped to reduce the cost of publishing this year’s PesachGram. We hope that you find this packet useful, and we wish you a Chag Kasher v’Somayach. Sincerely, Rabbi Moshe Wainkrantz Menahel Council of Orthodox Rabbis of Greater Detroit 66
Year Round Reminders The Vaad would like to remind members of the community of some points that kosher consumers should be aware of throughout the year. ➢DON’T ASSUME THAT IT’S PAREVE Any food that is prepared in a meat establishment should be assumed to have been made with meat equipment and may not be eaten with dairy, and food prepared in a dairy kitchen should be considered DE and may not be eaten with meat (unless otherwise noted, such as Jerusalem bagels). In addition to the concern of keilim, many seemingly Pareve dishes are actual fleishig or milchig. For example, deep fried foods from a meat kitchen are considered fleishig, and require waiting six hours before eating dairy (unless otherwise noted, such as in a restaurant that serves those same fries with fish, in which case the fries are meat equipment only). ➢PACKAGED FOODS Packaged foods sold in Vaad restaurants or supermarkets are not certified by the Vaad unless specified. Consumers should always look for a reliable hechsher on every packaged product. ➢KOSHER SEALS Generally speaking, any food item which is entrusted or sent in the hands of a non-Shomer-Shabbos requires one or two seals (depending on the nature of the concern) to ensure that the item was not exchanged. When a Vaad establishment arranges a delivery through someone who is not Shomer Shabbos, the establishment is instructed to seal the food with the required simanim. However, foods prepared for pickup or for a delivery through a Shomer Shabbos, will not necessarily bear simanim. Therefore, if a consumer plans to have a non Shomer Shabbos pick up or receive the food, a request should be made that the item be properly sealed when placing the order. When food delivery services such as DoorDash, GrubHub, or UberEats are used to place an order, the restaurant is not always aware of the arrangement. Therefore, when using these services, one should always contact the restaurant directly to request proper seals. ➢IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING! While the Vaad mashgichim do their utmost to keep a close eye on the kashrus and immediately address any problems, it is possible that a problem may have been missed. If you see something that does not look right, please contact us right away, so that we can investigate and take corrective action if needed. 7
Kashering For Pesach By Rabbi Eli Gersten Reprinted with permission from the OU Gas Stovetop Libun (burning) & Cover: The stovetop surface and grates should be cleaned well and not used for 24 hours. The stovetop surface should be covered with foil. The stovetop grates can be replaced or they should be burned out in the oven @ 550° F for one hour. Electric Stovetop Libun (burning) & Cover: The stovetop surface should be cleaned well and covered with foil. The burners should be turned on until they glow red. Glass stovetop cannot be kashered & must be covered. The stovetop surface should be cleaned well and not used for 24 hours. During Pesach pots should not be placed directly on the stove surface, but rather an aluminum (or other metal) disk should be placed directly under the pot. One should not cover the entire glass top surface as this might cause it to overheat and crack. Self-clean Ovens Libun (burning): Remove any visible food. Complete self-cleaning cycle with racks in place. Non-self-cleaning Oven Libun (burning): Clean all surfaces (walls, floor, doors and racks) thoroughly with a caustic cleanser (e.g. Easy Off). Pay special attention to thermostat, oven window, and edges of the oven chamber. Black discoloration that is flush with the metal need not be removed. Oven should not be used for 24 hours. Place racks in the oven and turn the oven to broil (highest heat) for 60 minutes. A broiler pan that comes in direct contact with food should not be used. 8 KASHERING PROCEDURES LIBUN GAMUR (Burning) Surface must be heated to a dry temperature of approximately 850° (i.e. self-clean oven) or until it begins to glow. LIBUN KAL (Light Burning) Surface should be completely cleaned and unused for 24 hours. Surface should be completely clean and dry. Surface should be heated to a dry temperature of 550° F (i.e. oven) for a minimum of one hour. HAGALAH (Boiling) Surface should be completely cleaned and unused for 24 hours. Surface should be completely clean and dry. The utensil should be completely submerged in a pot of boiling water. Cold water should be poured over surface. IRUY KLI RISHON (Poured Boiling Water) Surface should be completely cleaned and unused for 24 hours. Surface should be completely clean and dry. Boiling water should be poured directly over all surfaces followed by cold water poured over the entire surface.
Note: The method of kashering described above is based on the ruling of Rav Aharon Kotler zt’l. However, Rav Moshe Feinstein zt’l ruled that the oven must either be kashered with a blow torch, or an insert should be placed in the oven. Consult your rabbi for guidance. Warming Drawers Libun (burning): Typically warming drawers do not get to libun kal temperature. Therefore, unless one is experienced in kashering with a torch, warming drawers are not recommended for use on Pesach. Microwaves Hagalah (boiling in water) (for those who kasher plastic): The microwave must be cleaned well and not used for 24 hours. Glass turntable should be removed and replaced with new kosher for Passover surface. A styrofoam cup should be filled with water and boiled in the microwave for 10 minutes. The cup should be refilled and moved to another spot and the process repeated for 10 more minutes. Cardboard or contact paper should be taped over the glass window pane for the duration of Passover. Hot Water Urn, Water Cooler Iruy (pouring boiling water): Urn only used for heating water: Run hot water through the water tap for 10 seconds, while pouring boiling water from a kettle over the water tap. Urn also used to warm food (e.g. to warm challah): Not recommended. Must be put away for the holiday. Keurig Coffee Maker Hagalah or Iruy (pouring boiling water) (for those who kasher plastic): The coffee maker must be cleaned well and not used for 24 hours. Remove K-cup holder and perform hagalah or iruy on K-cup holder. Run a Kosher for Passover K-cup in the machine (this will kasher the top pin). Metal Tea Kettle Hagalah (boiling in water): The same treatment as for pots applies here. Although it is uncommon for anything but water to be put into a tea kettle, nevertheless it must be kashered. Tea kettles often sit on the stove, and it is common for them to get spritzed with hot food. Silverware, Pots & other Small Items Hagalah (boiling in water): Rolled lips, seams or cracks, which cannot be cleaned, will require torching of those areas. Utensils should be immersed one at a time into a pot of boiling water that is on the fire. Water should be allowed to return to a boil before the next item is placed in the pot. The pot can be nonPassover, provided it is clean, has not been used for 24 hours, and water is first boiled in the pot and discarded. Larger items can be submerged in the water one part at a time. Utensils should then be rinsed in cold water. Stainless Steel Sink Iruy (pouring boiling water): Remove drain. [It scrubbed clean]. is recommended that the drain be replaced. If this is difficult, it may be used if the drain has large holes that can be completely It is preferable to kasher a sink by pouring boiling water in conjunction with an even melubenet (a heated stone). In lieu of kashering with a heated stone, some will place a rack on the bottom of the sink, or use a sink insert. Ceramic Sink Cannot be kashered & must be covered: The sink should not be used with hot water for 24 hours. The sink should be completely clean and dry. The sink should be covered with layers of contact paper or foil; it is best to purchase a sink insert. The Sink Faucet (including instant hot) Iruy (pouring boiling water): Detach any filters or nozzles. 9
Stainless Steel, Granite, Composite Stone (e.g. quartz) or Formica Countertops Iruy (pouring boiling water) or Covering: It is preferable to kasher a countertop by pouring boiling water in conjunction with an even melubenet. There are different opinions as to whether quartz, formica (or plastic) countertops can be kashered for Pesach. Ceramic Tile Countertops Cannot be kashered & must be covered: The counter should be covered with a water-resistant covering. Tables Covered: Although wooden tables can be kashered, the common custom is to clean tables well and then cover them. Refrigerators, Freezers, Food Shelves & Pantries Clean & Cover: These areas should be thoroughly cleaned, paying special attention to the edges where crumbs may get trapped. The surfaces should be lined with paper or plastic. Note: Refrigerators and freezers will operate more efficiently if holes are poked in the lining to allow air flow. Tablecloths, Kitchen Gloves, Aprons & other fabric items: Wash: Fabric items can be kashered by washing them with detergent in washing machine set on “hot.” Items should be checked to make sure no pieces of food remain attached. Water Cooler: In addition to pouring boiling water over tap, replace water bottle. Dishwashers Hagalah (boiling in water): Kashering of dishwashers is a complicated process and should only be done in consultation with a halachic authority. Electric Mixer: Not recommended: Because of the difficulty in cleaning out the housing of the mixer from fine particles of flour, one should not use their year-round mixer on Passover. The mixer blades, though, can be cleaned and kashered with hagalah. Baby High Chair Covered: The tray should be covered with contact paper. The seat, legs and bars should be wiped down with a soapy rag. Please support the Vaad Harabbonim. Donate with the enclosed envelope, via Zelle: cor@cordetroit.com or visit cordetroit.com/donate The Vaad Harabbonim – Council of Orthodox Rabbis of Greater Detroit wishes the entire community a kosher, happy and inspiring Yom Tov! 10
SHABBOS EREV PESACH Rabbi Moshe Wainkrantz T his year, Erev Pesach falls out on Shabbos. While this infrequent occurrence offers us the opportunity to come to the seder more relaxed and well rested, it also raises some practical questions relating to the halachos of Erev Pesach, as well as to the halachos of Shabbos. Tannis Bechoros- Thursday In a regular year, firstborn males are required to fast on Erev Pesach in remembrance of the miracle that they were saved from death during Makas Bechoros. This is not possible when Erev Pesach is on Shabbos, because it is forbidden to fast on Shabbos. Once the fast has to be moved from Erev Pesach, it is moved to Thursday as opposed to Friday, in order to avoid entering Shabbos while fasting. As in any other year, a bechor may participate in a siyum on Thursday, which would exempt him from fasting. Bedikas Chometz- Thursday Night This year, bedikas chometz is performed on Thursday night preceded by the regular berachah and followed by the declaration of kol chamira recited after bedikas chometz. Biur Chometz- Friday Morning One should set aside the chometz that will be needed for Friday and the two Shabbos meals, and put it in a safe place. All other chometz should be burned on Friday before the sof zman biur (12:15 PM [M.A]*). Although it is permitted to eat chometz until Shabbos morning, the chometz is burned at the time that would have been the deadline had this day truly been Erev Pesach in order in order to avoid confusion in subsequent years when Erev Pesach does not fall on Shabbos. However, the kol chamira which is normally said after burning the chometz, is not said on Friday, but rather on Shabbos morning before the end of the fifth halachic hour. Since Friday is not actually Erev Pesach, all other Erev Pesach restrictions, such as omitting Mizmor L’sodah and Lamnatzaiach from shacharis, refraining from doing laundry and taking haircuts after chatzos, and kashering pots and pans, are all still allowed. 12
Preparations for the Seder It is prohibited to prepare anything for the seder on Shabbos. (Even stating that one’s Shabbos nap is for the purpose of being well-rested for the seder should be avoided.) While some of the preparations can technically be done after Shabbos ends and before the seder begins, it is not recommended to do so since it delays the start of the seder, and it is important to start the seder as soon as possible so that the children can participate. Therefore, the horseradish, charoses, romaine lettuce, shank bone, roasted egg and salt water should all be prepared on Friday. The horseradish should be ground and stored in an airtight container until the seder. Care should be taken to dry the romaine lettuce before storing, since water might accumulate in the storage container, and any parts of the lettuce that soaks in water for more than twenty-four hours may not be used for maror. Seudos Shabbos It is forbidden to consume any matza on Erev Pesach. The reason for this is in order to distinguish the matza eaten later at the seder as matzas mitzva. This creates a challenge as to how to fulfill the requirement of lechem mishneh for the seudos Shabbos on Shabbos Erev Pesach. The common practice is to carefully use chometz rolls for lechem mishneh, and then serve the rest of the meal with kosher for Pesach foods. Only disposable dishes should be used as long as any chometz is being eaten. Leftover crumbs should be swept and then flushed down the toilet. Larger pieces of bread can be crumbled and then flushed down. After the chometz is gone, the rest of the meal may be served on Pesach dishes. Chometz that is placed in the trash can and remains past the zman, must be rendered inedible by pouring bleach or ammonia over the entire surface of the chometz. These fluids must be designated for that use before Shabbos. Otherwise, they would be muktza. If the floor needs to be swept, one must make sure that no chometz crumbs remain on the broom. Since it is extremely difficult to adequately clean a broom on Shabbos, it is advisable to put away the broom with the chometz utensils which have been sold to a non-Jew. It is permitted to brush your teeth with a dry soft toothbrush that was designated for Shabbos use to clean your mouth from chometz, as long as it does not cause bleeding. Toothpaste should not be used. 13
If one does not wish to use challah, one may use kosher for Pesach egg matzah for lechem mishneh. Although the bracha for egg matzah is usually borei minei mezonos, when egg matzah is eaten during a full-course meal and substitutes for bread, hamotzi is recited. However, since Ashkenazim follow the opinion of the Rema that matza ashira should not be eaten on Pesach (except by the sick or elderly), one must finish eating the egg matza before sof zman achila (10:57 AM [M.A.]). The other foods served at the meal may be eaten later. Kol chamira is recited before sof zman biur (12:15 PM* [M.A.]). Seuda Shelishis The last challenge that must be addressed is how and when to eat seudah shelishis. Seudah shelishis is supposed to be eaten after zman mincha gedola (a half hour after chatzos). At that time, we may no longer eat chometz, matzah or egg matzah. Although it is normally preferable to use hamotzi for seuda shelishis, the poskim say that on Shabbos Erev Pesach we rely on the opinions that the requirement of seuda shelishis can be fulfilled without hamotzi, but rather with other foods that may be eaten on Erev Pesach, such as meat, fish, fruits or vegetables (meat and fish are preferred over fruit), or kneidlach (for those who eat gebrokts). These foods can be eaten at the preferred time for seudah shelishis - a half hour after chatzos (2:03 PM), until the tenth halachic hour of the day (4:52 PM)*. After that time, one may not eat kneidlach. Even other foods that may still be eaten, such as meat, fish, and fruits, should only be eaten at a minimum, so as not to ruin one’s appetite for the seder. Since there are opinions that seudah shelishis can only be fulfilled with hamotzi, the poskim recommend that in addition, if time allows, one should divide the morning meal into two parts, and rely on the opinions that seudah shelishis may be eaten in the morning. One should recite kiddush and hamotzi, eat one course and then bentch. After a break of 15-30 minutes away from the table, one should wash again, say hamotzi, eat the rest of the meal and bentch. The challah or egg matzah that would be used for lechem mishneh at the second meal must be consumed before sof zman achila. One should then also eat a meal of foods that are not hamotzi later in the afternoon, to satisfy the opinions that seudah shelishis must be eaten after mincha gedola. *Zmanim are calculated for Oak Park, MI. 14
General Information EACH INDIVIDUAL LABEL SHOULD ALWAYS BE CHECKED FOR PESACH CERTIFICATION. Consumers are cautioned not to take for granted that a product is Kosher for Pesach simply because it is in the Kosher for Pesach section of their store, or because a "Kosher for Pesach" sign is posted. Each year there are numerous instances, even in Jewish stores, of non-Pesach products mistakenly being mixed in with Pesach products, usually because their labels are almost identical. This occurs frequently with Telma soup mixes and cubes, Lieber’s dressings and Coat ‘n Bake coatings, various brands of frozen gefilte fish, chopped liver and kishke, and Osem, Gefen, Haddar, Manischewitz, Empire and other brands of products that have both Pesach and non-Pesach versions of the same products with similar labels. Products on Pesach shelves should be examined before they are placed in your shopping cart to determine that they are indeed Kosher for Pesach. Check also for possible Kitniyos or Matzoh Ashira [Egg Matzoh] status. Store owners, likewise, should not take for granted that everything received in their Pesach shipment, even from a Jewish distributor, is indeed Pesach certified; nonPesach products are often mistakenly mixed in. There have also been instances where the outsides of cases were marked Kosher for Pesach, but the products inside were not. Each individual item must always be checked for Pesach certification. Multiple Certifications Some brands, e.g. Osem, do not bear the same certification on all of their products. Each product should be checked for a reliable certification. - In addition, some brands, especially those from Israel, bear more than one certification on a single package, but not all those certifications include approval for Pesach. In particular, the Badatz of Eida Hachareidis symbol often states specifically that its endorsement does not include Pesach. All products should be carefully examined for a reliable Pesach endorsement. - Some products bear a non-Pesach certification printed on the label, and have an added stamp (often on the lid) saying Kosher for Pesach, but with no identification of the certifying organization. These should not be relied upon without confirmation of their Pesach status. Medications on Pesach Important - No one should refrain from taking any required medication, even if it contains chometz, without first consulting his physician and Rav. A discussion of medications begins on page 28, followed by a list of medications, cosmetics, and toiletries that are acceptable for Pesach. 16
Kitniyos Kitniyos (legumes) such as corn, beans, peas and rice, may not be eaten by Ashkenazim on Pesach. Sefardim who use these products must ascertain that they contain no additives (such as vitamins), and must carefully check them before Pesach for extraneous matter. - There are a number of “Kosher for Pesach” products on the market that contain kitniyos, and are acceptable only for Sephardim. Many of these products will state on the label (often in Hebrew) that the item is to be used only by those whose custom allows for the use of kitniyos. - Sefardim should verify that a reliable certification endorses the kitniyos product for Pesach. Products that state just “Kosher for Pesach - Kitniyos” without identification of the certifying organization should not be relied upon. - The OU and the Star-K have introduced special Pesach certification symbols for products containing kitniyos (OU Kitniyot, as on Osem Bamba snacks, and Star-S-P Kitniyot, as on Yerek frozen beans, peas and corn), for those who eat kitniyos. - Locally, The Grove Kosher Market has a separate marked section for Kitniyos products. Partial Listing of Kitniyos and Other Products Customarily Not Eaten on Pesach Anise* Beans Canola Oil Caraway Seeds Chickpeas Coriander* Corn (maize) Cumin* Dextrose (outside U.S. may be chometz) Fennel* Fenugreek* Green Beans Kasha (buckwheat) Kimmel* Lecithin Millet Mustard Peanuts* Peas Poppy Seeds Rice Sesame Seeds Soy Beans String Beans Sunflower Seeds Tofu * Differing customs Kitniyos Derivatives Those who follow the prevalent custom of not using any derivatives of kitniyos (legumes) on Pesach, such as corn oil, corn syrup, dextrose, soybean oil and lecithin, should be aware that some products with Kosher for Pesach certifications do contain one or more of these ingredients. This applies especially to imported candies and chocolates. A careful check of the ingredients should be made. (Lecithin is sometimes listed just as “emulsifier”, and corn syrup as “glucose”. However, if the product bears a reliable Ashkenazi certification, one can be confident that the emulsifier or glucose listed is from non-kitniyos sources.) Quinoa Quinoa is subject to differing opinions as to whether it is considered kitniyos; consult your Rav. Those who do use quinoa should use only brands with Pesach certification or approval, to avoid the issues of other grains growing in close proximity, and contact with other grains during processing. Quinoa also needs to be checked carefully for insect infestation. https://www.star-k.org/checking ) (See checking instructions at 18
Egg Matzoh Matzoh made with fruit juice or eggs, which includes “Kosher for Passover” Egg Matzohs, Egg Matzoh Crackers and Passover Tam Tams Crackers, may not be eaten on Pesach, according to Ashkenazic practice, except by the sick or elderly who cannot eat regular matzoh. Most brands now state this restriction clearly in English on the package. Please note that even the sick and elderly cannot fulfill the obligation to eat matzoh at the Seder with these types of matzohs. Peeled or Shredded Vegetables & Fruit Peeled potatoes, peeled carrots (including baby carrots), peeled apples, shredded lettuce or cabbage, etc. are often treated with antioxidants to keep them looking fresh. We have found that many of these antioxidants, in particular the nonsulfite types, contain ingredients that may not be Kosher for Pesach, such as dextrose, citric acid, ascorbic acid, lactic acid and others. One unusual type that was once found on peeled potatoes also contained lactose, a dairy ingredient. The produce company should be contacted to determine the antioxidant used and its Kashrus status. Frozen Vegetables Frozen vegetables require special Pesach certification because many frozen vegetable plants process pasta, macaroni, breaded vegetables, etc. on the same equipment as plain vegetables. Pesach Stickers If a product bears Pesach certification on an attached sticker, rather than being printed on the label itself, it is advisable to contact the supervising agency to verify that it authorized the placement of the sticker. Pet Food Many commercial pet foods contain actual chometz and may not be used on Pesach, and should be sold and put away with the chometz. Check ingredient labels for wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt, flour, gluten, middlings, starch, brewer’s yeast, malt, or pasta. Non-chometz substitutes should be used. Pet food listing both milk and beef ingredients should not be used the entire year. 19
Products Which May Be Used for Pesach Without Special Kosher for Pesach Certification (except where noted otherwise) A new box, can or jar should be used where an old one may have come into contact with chometz. These are very partial lists, for Pesach 5785 / 2025 only. The omission of any specific brand or product does not necessarily imply that it contains chometz or that it is not permissible for use on Pesach. This list refers only to U.S.-manufactured products. Products manufactured in other countries, including Canada, even with the same brand names, may have different formulations. ** Products that are marked with asterisks: These products are not certified for Pesach by the OU. Nonetheless, the OU has identified these products as Halachically acceptable for infants and those who are ill. They should be purchased before Pesach and should be maintained segregated from Pesach foods, and their utensils should not be washed in a Pesach sink. ALCOHOL: Isopropyl ALMONDS: See NUTS. ALMOND FLOUR: Gefen with OU-P, Lieber’s with Pesach certification; Kirkland Signature Blanched Almond Flour with Kof-K or K-ORC symbol (no P required); Blue Diamond with OK (no P required). ALMOND MILK: Lieber’s Almond Milk Alternative, only when bearing Pesach certification; Gefen Almond Beverage with OU-P. If these are not available, the following OU brand may be used on Pesach for infants and those who are ill**: Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original - only in shelf 20 stable non-refrigerated container. ALUMINUM FOIL - Also, Reynolds Non-Stick Aluminum Foil - OU, Reynolds Non-Stick Grill Foil - OU. AMMONIA AVOCADO OIL and SPRAY: Chosen Foods – OU. BABY FOOD: First Choice with OU-P (applesauce, carrots, pears, sweet potatoes). Note: No Gerber baby foods are approved for Pesach. BABY FORMULA: Enfamil, Gerber Good Start, Isomil, Kirkland Signature, Meijer Baby, Nestle Good Start, Simalac, Target, all with OU. Also many more brands listed in the OU Pesach Guide. All contain kitniyos.** BABY POWDER may be used for Pesach if the ingredients list only talc, talcum powder, corn starch, or other innocuous ingredients. Be alert for oat flour or oat starch, which are listed in some baby powders. BABY ITEMS: Wipes without alcohol; Baby Spritz Baby Wipe Alternative. Baby Oil - Johnson’s. Baby Lotion & Baby Wash - Johnson’s, except “Vanilla Oat” varieties. BAKING SODA (Note: Baking powder requires Pesach certification.) BLEACH ** Products marked with asterisks: See note at the beginning of this section.
CLEANSERS: Ajax, Clorox, Fantastik, Lysol, Mr. Clean, Murphy Oil, Soft Scrub, Windex. COCOA: Hershey’s Cocoa “Natural Unsweetened”. (Not Hershey’s Cocoa “Special Dark”), Rodelle Baking Cocoa - Scroll K. COCONUT MILK: Lieber’s Organic Coconut Milk in Original and Light varieties, only when bearing Pesach certification. If these are not available, the following OU brand may be used on Pesach for infants and those who are ill**: Califia Farms Go Coconuts Coconut Milk. COCONUT OIL: Kirkland Signature Organic Virgin Coconut Oil - Product of Philippines - with Star-K symbol, and many brands of Virgin Coconut Oil listed in the OU Pesach Guide. COFFEE, GROUND & INSTANT - unflavored: [Note: Liquid Concentrated Coffee requires special Pesach certification.] Regular and decaffeinated: Folgers unflavored ground and instant with a plain OU, and the following brands with an OK-P on the label - Maxwell House, Sanka, Yuban. Regular only (not decaffeinated): Taster’s Choice House Blend, Taster’s Choice French Roast, and Taster’s Choice 22 100% Columbian unflavored instant with a plain OU; VIA unflavored. – Also many more brands of ground coffee listed in the OU Pesach Guide. K-Cup coffees: Green Mountain, Eight O’Clock, Kirkland Signature and Starbucks brands of unflavored and not decaffeinated K-Cups with a plain OU may be used for Pesach. - Also many more brands listed in the OU Pesach Guide. CONTACT LENS FLUID CROCKPOT LINERS CUPCAKE HOLDERS (baking cups) – Paper: Paperchef - Star-K, and Reynolds – OU may be used for Pesach (no P required). Foil: do not require certification for year round or Pesach. DISHWASHER DETERGENT: Cascade powder and gel, Palmolive. DISHWASHING LIQUID: Ajax, Dawn, Ivory, Joy, Palmolive. EGGS: should be purchased before Pesach. (The Grove buys all its eggs for Pesach in advance, so that they may be purchased on Pesach.) FABRIC SOFTENER FISH, FROZEN RAW: Frozen fish need to be investigated for Pesach to determine if chometz products are processed in the area, or if a corn starch / corn syrup glaze or ascorbic acid injection is used. [Note that some fish sold as fresh are “previously frozen” as stated in fine print on the label, such as Aldi’s Coho Salmon Portion.] . The following brands of plain unseasoned, raw frozen fish may be used for Pesach without special Pesach marking: Costco: Kirkland Signature Farm Raised Atlantic Salmon with 4% salt and water solution – OU, Kirkland Signature Farm Raised Tilapia Loins – OU. Sam’s Club: Member’s Mark Atlantic Salmon Fillet Portions - Kof-K* BJ’s: Wellsley Farms FarmRaised Atlantic Salmon-with Kof-K* or OU. * only if product of Chile, and only with one of the following plant codes: 10810, 8163, 10064, 10664, 10067, 10-11-6, or 12079. FRUIT, FROZEN: Plain frozen unsweetened fruit, with no syrup and no additives listed. FRUIT & VEGETABLE WASH: TSUNAMI 100 from Ecolab is cRc certified for Pesach; no symbol necessary. - Alternatively, one can use Pesach approved dishwashing liquid. ENVIRONNE brand - is not acceptable for Pesach. ** Products marked with asterisks: See note at the beginning of this section.
GLUE: Elmer’s Glue-All multi-purpose glue, Elmer’s All Purpose Glue Stick, Elmer’s Washable No Run School Glue. (Not Elmer’s Washable School Paste or No Wrinkle Glue Pens.) HONEY requires Pesach certification. HYDROGEN PEROXIDE ICE (in bags): from plain water (any brand). JUICE: Frozen concentrated unsweetened orange juice and grapefruit juice with no additives listed. LAUNDRY DETRGENT LEMON JUICE, LIME JUICE: ReaLemon with OU, ReaLime with OU. MEAT: Not ground: Raw, unprocessed meat from Superior Kosher Meats (Southfield, MI), and raw, unprocessed meat in the original manufacturer’s packaging (not store repack) from Aaron’s Best/Agri Star, Meal Mart/Alle Processing, and Solomon’s Glatt Kosher may be used for Pesach without special Pesach marking, with the exception of Solomon’s Stew Meat, that requires Pesach marking. Ground meat: Superior Kosher Meats: may be used without Pesach marking. Aaron’s Best/Agri Star: requires Pesach marking. Meal Mart/Alle Processing: requires Pesach marking. Solomon’s Glatt Kosher: requires Pesach marking. Processed items, such as corned beef, pastrami, etc., and Meal Mart broiled beef liver or broiled chicken liver, require Pesach marking. MINERAL OIL NUTS: Commercially packaged raw (including steam pasteurized, but not blanched) almonds [whole, sliced, or slivered], cashews, filberts or walnuts (shelled or unshelled, including chopped, but not ground) without any additives or preservatives (such as BHA or BHT). However, if the label states that wheat is present in the same facility, then Pesach certification is recommended. Note: Shelled pecans, even raw, require Pesach certification, due to the possibility of alcohol used in the processing. Pecans in the shell do not have this concern. - All ground nuts require Pesach certification. OLIVE OIL (unflavored, with no additives listed): Bertolli, Colavita and Filippo Berio brands of Extra Virgin with OU, Pompeian Extra Virgin with Star-K, and many other brands listed in OU and Star-K Pesach Guides. OVEN BAGS: Reynolds – OU. OVEN CLEANERS PARCHMENT PAPER: Great Value, Meijer, Member’s Mark, Our Family , Up&Up and Reynolds brands with OU, and many brands listed in Star-K Pesach Guide. [Note: Kirkland Signature brand bears Star-K P.] - Also, Reynolds Cookie Baking Sheets parchment paper - OU. PLASTIC WRAP AND BAGS PLATES & CUPS, DISPOSABLE: Pure plastic or styrofoam plates and cups; Chinet with OK-P). RAISINS: Sun-Maid with OKP, and the following brands with a plain OU (only if oil is not listed on the package): Champion, Food Lion, Great Value, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, plus other brands listed in OU Pesach Guide. 23
SALT: Any non-iodized OU brand not listing dextrose or polysorbate. SCOURING PADS / SPONGES: Any without soap. SELTZER (unflavored): There are differing Halachic opinions whether unflavored seltzer, containing only plain carbonated water with no added ingredients, requires Pesach certification due to the possible grain source of the carbon dioxide. Consult your Rav. SHOE POLISH SILVER POLISH: Goddard’s, Hagerty, Weiman, Wrights. SOY MILK: The following OU brand may be used on Pesach for infants and those who are ill**: Westsoy West Life Plain Soy Milk. SPRAY STARCH: Niagara, Linit. STATIC GUARD spray SUGAR: Any pure white granulated sugar with no additives listed may be used for Pesach. For those who prefer Pesach certification, Domino sugar with OK-P is certified for Pesach. Note: Brown sugar and Confectioners / powdered sugar require Pesach certification. TEA BAGS: - Regular [not herbal] tea bags with an OU that are unflavored and not decaffeinated, and have no additives, may be used for Pesach without special certification. Note: Lipton brand decaffeinated tea bags are no longer approved for Pesach. WATER: Any unflavored, spring or distilled or purified bottled water with no additives listed may be used. (Note: 3 and 5 gallon reused containers from water delivery companies are not recommended for Pesach.) Water with added minerals (such as magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium compounds) is generally acceptable if no flavors or vitamins are listed; e.g., Dasani, Glaceau Smartwater and Nestle Pure Life brands of unflavored purified water. However, water that lists calcium citrate, or any other type of citrate (sodium citrate, potassium citrate, etc.), or citric acid, or any type of lactate (zinc lactate, magnesium lactate, etc.) is not recommended for Pesach. WAX PAPER: The following brands with an OU: CutRite, HomeLife, Meijer, Reynolds, ShopRite. ** Products that are marked with asterisks: These products are not certified for Pesach by the OU. Nonetheless, the OU has identified these products as Halachically acceptable for infants and those who are ill. They should be purchased before Pesach and should be maintained segregated from Pesach foods, and their utensils should not be washed in a Pesach sink. Register online to receive email updates: cordetroit.com/pesach 25
Product Alerts TROPICANA PURE PREMIUM ORANGE PINEAPPLE JUICE is not Kosher for Pesach. Some containers were mistakenly ink-jetted with an OK-P. BARTENURA WINES IN CANS are available in several varieties. The unflavored Moscato and Rosato wines are Kosher for Pesach and bear an OU-P. The Peach, Blueberry and Lychee Moscato flavored wines are not Kosher for Pesach and state “Not for Passover”. J&J “DECAF” ICED CAPPUCCINO does not bear Pesach marking on the individual 11 oz. containers, but is Kosher for Pesach and bears Pesach marking on the case label. The Original variety is also Kosher for Pesach and bears Pesach marking. The Diet and French Vanilla varieties are not Kosher for Pesach. SEASON SARDINES, SPRATS and KIPPER SNACKS are no longer certified for Pesach and do not bear a P next to the OU. (For year round use, check for the OU symbol; some old packages did not bear an OU and were not certified Kosher.) LAMERS DAIRY CHOLOV YISROEL MILK and CHOCOLATE MILK for Pesach can be identified by the letters KLP next to the Sell By date. Lamers does not have special Pesach labels, and uses regular year-round labels that list vitamins in the ingredients, and corn starch in the chocolate milk, but these ingredients are not used for Pesach. PRE-WASHED PACKAGED ICEBERG LETTUCE SALAD and COLESLAW require Pesach approval due to the citric or lactic acid that may be used in the washing process. All Star-K and OK certified brands, including Fresh Express, Dole, Aldi’s Little Salad Bar [in some regions] and Walmart’s Marketplace require a P next to the Kosher symbol. JOYVA PRODUCTS are Kof-K certified for year-round use, but not for Pesach. They are not recommended for Pesach, even for Sefardim who eat kitniyos, and even when bearing a [non-Orthodox] “Passover” certification. SCHMERLING'S SUGARLESS AND NO SUGAR ADDED CHOCOLATES are not Kosher for Pesach, and state so on their labels. NATURAL & KOSHER brand cheeses are not all Kosher for Pesach. Check each package for Pesach certification. 26
HAOLAM CHEESES: A number of Haolam cheeses are not Kosher for Pesach, and state so clearly on their packaging. Check each product carefully for Pesach certification. MANISCHEWITZ WINES are made in both year round and Pesach versions. The year round version bears a plain OU and states “Not for Passover use”. The Pesach version bears OU-P. Stores often have a mixture of the two versions on the shelf, even of the same variety. Check each bottle carefully. HASHAHAR HA’OLE SPECIAL COCOA SPREAD, product of Israel, is available in several versions - some pareve, some dairy (not Cholov Yisroel), and some Kosher for Pesach. Only the pareve type that bears an OU-P is certified for Pesach. Check each label carefully. ELI'S CHEESECAKE products that are manufactured during Pesach are not acceptable, and will not bear the cRc symbol on their packaging. Consumers should check for the cRc when purchasing after Pesach. “PLAY-DOH” and MODELING DOUGH contain chometz. FINGER PAINTS may contain chometz. CRAYOLA GLITTER DOTS and CRAYOLA EASY PEEL CRAYON PENCILS contain wheat flour. All should be sold and put away with the chometz. DISPOSABLE MEDICAL EXAM GLOVES: Some brands contain oatmeal, and state so on the label. This includes even some that state “Powder Free”; e.g., Powder Free Nitrile Examination Gloves with Colloidal Oatmeal. These should be sold and put away with the chometz. POWDERED DISPOSABLE GLOVES (e.g., latex and vinyl types) are usually powdered with corn starch, and should not be used in the kitchen or near food on Pesach. The OU PESACH GUIDE’S “YELLOW’ SECTION list, of products that do not require special Pesach marking, refers only to products bearing an OU symbol. Products not bearing an OU, even with the same brand names, are often produced by different manufacturers and may not be approved for Pesach. This is frequently the case with store brands / private label products. Register online to receive email updates: cordetroit.com/pesach 27
Medications, Cosmetics, and Toiletries MEDICATIONS- Halachically, any pill or non-chewable tablet medication may be swallowed, regardless of its contents (this does not apply to vitamins). We list some chometz-free pills and tablet medications for the benefit of those who wish to be stringent and use only chometz-free products. COSMETICS AND TOILETRIES – All non-food items not fit for canine consumption - nifsal mei’achilas kelev - may be used on Pesach. This includes all creams, ointments, lotions, body soaps, shampoos, conditioners and stick deodorants, regardless of their contents. Similarly, cosmetics such as nail polish, nail polish remover, mascara, eye shadow, eye liner, blush and rouge may be used on Pesach, regardless of their contents. This is also true of shoe polish, ink, paint, and air freshener. In all of these examples, any chometz would be inedible, even for a dog, and one may derive benefit from these products on Pesach (in conformance with the halachos of Yom Tov). Items containing denatured alcohol which are in a pure liquid state should be sold with the chometz and not be used on Pesach, unless it is confirmed that they do not contain chometz. Some examples include cologne, perfume, hair spray, mousse, liquid deodorants, sunscreen and shaving lotion. Mouthwash and toothpaste which contain chometz should not be used on Pesach. It is recommended to use a new and chometz-free lipstick for Pesach. This is a very partial list, for Pesach 5785 / 2025 only. The omission of any specific brand or product does not necessarily imply that it contains chometz or that it is not permissible for use on Pesach. - This list refers only to products manufactured in the U.S. Products manufactured in other countries, including Canada, even with the same brand names, may have different formulations. - Most of the medications, cosmetics and toiletries listed are not under supervision and their listing here, taken primarily from Rabbi Bess’ list and based on information from the manufacturer, pertains only to their lack of chometz, not to the general Kashrus of their ingredients. Many of the medications contain kitniyos, which is permissible when taken for medicinal purposes. – Many items are available from Adwe Products with Kosher for Pesach certification, and are certified free of chometz, kitniyos and animal derivatives. An extensive coverage of medications, cosmetics and toiletries which are acceptable for Pesach, prepared by Rabbi Gershon Bess, is available from the Kollel Bais Avrohom of Los Angeles, and may be ordered by calling the Kollel at (323) 933-7193. It is also available locally at Borenstein’s and Spitzer’s Bookstores. Updates to the list will be posted at kehilasyaakov.org. No one should refrain from taking any required medication, even if it contains chometz, without first consulting his physician and Rav. 28
ALLERGY & COLD MEDICINES: Allegra 12 Hr. & 24 Hr. Adult tablets, Allegra Children’s 12 Hour Tablets, Allegra Children’s Liquid, Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion tablets, Benadryl Children's Allergy Chewable tablets - Grape, Benadryl Children's Allergy Liquid – Bubblegum, Cherry; KosherMeds Children’s Allergy Relief Oral Solution - OU, Sudafed PE Children's Nasal Decongestant liquid - Berry, Sudafed PE Children's Cold + Cough liquid, Tylenol Children's Cold + Cough + Runny Nose Suspension, Tylenol Children's Cold + Cough + Sore Throat Suspension. ANALGESICS: Advil tablets & caplets, Advil Children’s Suspension - all flavors, Advil Infants’ Drops - Grape; Aleve caplets, Bayer Regular and Extra Strength Aspirin, Bayer Low Dose and Low Dose Chewable Aspirin; Kosher-Meds Children’s Ibuprofen Suspension - OU; Kosher-Meds Children’s Pain & Fever Acetaminophen Suspension - OU, Motrin Children's Suspension - all flavors, Motrin Infants’ Drops - all flavors, Motrin IB Coated caplets, Tylenol tablets and Extra Strength caplets, Tylenol Children's Suspension - all flavors, Tylenol Infants’ Suspension - all flavors ANTACIDS, ANTIGAS: AlkaSeltzer Original tablets, AlkaSeltzer Extra Strength Tablets, Gas-X Extra Strength chewable tablets - Cherry Creme, Maxi Health Maxi Stomach & Acid - OU-P, Tums Peppermint flavor - only with OU or Diamond K symbol; Zantac 360. ANTI-DIARRHEALS, LAXATIVES: Benefiber Prebiotic Fiber + Probiotics Gummies, Citrucel caplets and Orange powder - regular and Sugar Free; Colace capsules, Ex-Lax tablets, Imodium AD caplets, Maxi Health Active Lax - OU-P, Metamucil capsules, Metamucil SugarFree Orange Smooth and Real Sugar Unflavored Coarse powders, MiraLAX powder unflavored*, Pepto Bismol Original Liquid and Ultra Liquid, Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia Original liquid, Senokot tablets and Extra Strength tablets. * [Also any alternate brand of unflavored MiraLAX type powder that lists only the active ingredient Polyethylene Glycol 3350 and no inactive ingredients.] BABY VITAMINS: Enfamil brand D-Vi-Sol Drops, Poly-Vi-Sol Drops, Poly-Vi-Sol Drops with Iron, Tri-Vi-Sol Drops - OU. DENTAL FLOSS: Any unflavored, waxed or unwaxed. DEODORANT (including rollons and sprays): Aramis, Arrid, Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant /Antiperspirant, Irish Spring, Right Guard, Sure. All brands of solid/stick forms are acceptable. HAIR SPRAY: Pantene – Extra Strong Hold, Flexible Hold. LACTAID caplets may contain chometz. Lactaid Milk may be used on Pesach if purchased before Pesach. This product is not Cholov Yisroel. LIP CARE: Chapstick Classic Original, Classic Strawberry. LIPSTICK: Estee Lauder - Pure Color Crème, Pure Color HiLustre; L’Oreal - Colour Riche Satin; Mac –Slimshine; and many others on Rabbi Bess’ list. MOUTHWASH: Listerine - Antiseptic Cool Mint, Freshburst, Total Care Zero Alcohol; Scope (all). [Note: Listerine PocketPaks Breath Strips are not acceptable for Pesach.] NAIL POLISH, NAIL POLISH REMOVER TOOTHPASTE: Aim, Aquafresh, Close Up, Colgate, Crest - Cavity Protection gel and paste, Kid’s, Tartar Protection; Pepsodent, Ultrabrite. VITAMINS & MISCELLANEOUS: Maxi Health Vitamin C Bio with Red Raspberry - OU-P. Maxi Health Lemon Bioflavonoids - OU-P, Maxi Health Maxi Calm relaxing formula - OUP. Maxi Health Small Prenatal Caps and Melatonin are chometz free when bearing a Chometz Free sticker on the cap, and contain kitniyos. 29
Page 30 Sponsor
Please support the Vaad Harabbonim. Donate with the enclosed envelope, via Zelle: cor@cordetroit.com or visit cordetroit.com/donate The Vaad Harabbonim – Council of Orthodox Rabbis of Greater Detroit wishes the entire community a kosher, happy and inspiring Yom Tov! Post-Pesach 5785 Information – Detroit Area CHOMETZ may be purchased immediately after Pesach at the following stores in the Detroit area, except for Dunkin Donuts (10 & Greenfield) where chometz should not be bought until 10:20 PM, due to the Halachic requirement of “bichdei sh’yaasu”. All K-COR establishments Aldi BJ’s Busch’s Fresh Food Market Costco CVS Dollar Tree Stores Family Dollar Stores GFS (Gordon Food Service) Joe Randazzo’s Fruit Market Kroger [Detroit area] Lincoln Liquor Lincoln RX Pharmacy Meijer Natural Food Patch Nutrifoods Plum Market Sam’s Club Superior Kosher Meats Target [Detroit area] The Grove Trader Joe's Wal-Mart Walgreens Westborn Whole Foods It is advisable to wait two weeks after Pesach (May 5) before buying “pure” chometz products (e.g., bread, grain cereals, pasta, cookies and pretzels) at Jewish-owned stores that do not observe Pesach, even if they made a Mechiras Chometz before Pesach, due to the possibility that new chometz was received during Pesach. This includes Restaurant Depot. It is permitted to purchase most other products immediately after Pesach, including pearled raw barley, dry cake mixes, flour (without malted barley), glue, all kitniyos, ketchup, mayonnaise, medicines, mustard, vinegar, vitamin tablets, baker’s yeast, and yeast extract. 31
2016 PesachGram Council of Orthodox Rabbis of Greater Detroit 18877 West 10 Mile Road Suite 101 Southfield, MI 48075 INSIDE ❑ Zmanim ❑ Pesach Product Lists ❑ Important Pesach Kashrus Alerts FEATURE ARTCICLES ❑ Kashering for Pesach ❑ Shabbos Erev Pesach
1 Publizr