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.