I think this has more to do with marketing to people's neuroses (though you could probably make that argument about kosher certifications in general!) - the same way you find "kosher for Passover" aluminum foil, floor cleaner and the like, even though these are hardly fit for consumption. Like the article says:
“There are some communities who consider it important that everything they bring home has a kosher stamp on it"
This year we got a mailing sent to our home, sealed in an opaque plastic cover, with the words "naki me-chashash chametz" (clean of any concern of chametz) written all over it. We laughed, picturing someone wiping their brow in relief - "Whew, finally a piece of mail we don't have to throw away!"
I've met people who, being equally concerned about this law, don't eat or bring home processed goods. I think that's healthier than certified cigarettes, but what do I know?
Well, at least the Chief Rabbinate in Israel has said that it won't grant a hechsher, since "poison is not kosher", according to the article.
Otherwise, this goes to show that someone, somewhere will certify some item as kosher if: 1. Someone will pay them to do it 2. Some newly religious folks are too ignorant or insecure to know what actually requires certification and what doesn't 3. Someone decides to engage in competitive stringencies - it's sort of the equivalent of the mother in the playgroup who is constantly asking if you are doing baby sign language/using germ protectors for shopping carts/screening your child for delays, etc.
I think this has more to do with marketing to people's neuroses (though you could probably make that argument about kosher certifications in general!) - the same way you find "kosher for Passover" aluminum foil, floor cleaner and the like, even though these are hardly fit for consumption. Like the article says:
ReplyDelete“There are some communities who consider it important that everything they bring home has a kosher stamp on it"
This year we got a mailing sent to our home, sealed in an opaque plastic cover, with the words "naki me-chashash chametz" (clean of any concern of chametz) written all over it. We laughed, picturing someone wiping their brow in relief - "Whew, finally a piece of mail we don't have to throw away!"
Have a good holiday!
AJ
I've met people who, being equally concerned about this law, don't eat or bring home processed goods. I think that's healthier than certified cigarettes, but what do I know?
ReplyDeleteWell, at least the Chief Rabbinate in Israel has said that it won't grant a hechsher, since "poison is not kosher", according to the article.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, this goes to show that someone, somewhere will certify some item as kosher if:
1. Someone will pay them to do it
2. Some newly religious folks are too ignorant or insecure to know what actually requires certification and what doesn't
3. Someone decides to engage in competitive stringencies - it's sort of the equivalent of the mother in the playgroup who is constantly asking if you are doing baby sign language/using germ protectors for shopping carts/screening your child for delays, etc.