Dear Friends

Undoubtedly many of you are at least somewhat aware of the very serious problems that have been alleged to exist with the Agriprocessors/Rubashkin slaughterhouse and meat packing plant in Postville, Iowa.  These allegations include mistreatment of laborers, abuse of animals, environmental issues and most recently, violation of immigration laws.  The statement from our Conservative movement can be viewed by clicking on the following link:

http://rabbinicalassembly.org/press/docs/hekhsher2008.doc

The concern has reached levels to raise the question as to whether anyone who keeps kosher should eat anything this company produces.  I have been asked by numerous congregants and others what they should do.

Based on the extent of the charges and investigations and the rabbinic principle that when there is reasonable doubt one should refrain from doing something and, in this case, patronizing a company and consuming questionable food products, it is my opinion that no one should eat these products.  We should find sources for other kosher meat and poultry and/or refrain from eating meat until we do.  I realize this may be inconvenient and may involve personal sacrifice as to one’s preferred diet.  To me, this is no different than for one who keeps kosher and who, for example, is traveling and cannot find kosher restaurants and stores refrains from eating meat.

If keeping kosher is to have any true significance and meaning, I see no other choice.  Of course, if it is proven that these charges and concerns are not legitimate and the significant doubt that presently exists is removed, then purchasing these products will be acceptable.

Our movement has arrived at a position that if something is kosher by the letter of the law but ethical, moral, legal and other concerns are violated (the “tzedek[righteous]” part of the “hechsher[kosher status])”, we should seriously consider regarding such product(s) in question as not being kosher.  Based on the information available and what I state above, it is my position that at this time we should not purchase products from Agriprocessors/Rubashkin..  Regarding already purchased products from Agriporcessors/Rubashkin, I accept the position that it is permitted to use these.

I hope this and the included statement are helpful in making our personal religious-spiritual-ethical decisions which, of course, is at the heart of our concern with and commitment to halakhic (legal) observance.  If you have questions, please feel free and encouraged to contact me.

Have a wonderful summer.

 

Reb Irv

(Rabbi Irvin M. Wise)