Vaad Harabonim of Queens Cited For Hashgacha Behavior

PRLog (Press Release) - Apr 19, 2009 -
The Vaad Harabonim of Queens, a small group of local Rabbis in Queens, New York, has been cited for its Hashgacha behavior regarding the Streit’s Matzo Company and its universally respected and revered rabbinical authority, Rabbi Moshe Soloveichik.

On April 7th, 2009 “The Jewish Star,” a local Long Island newspaper, reported a startling story called: “Different from all other years: Streit’s Matzo off preferred list in Five Towns and Queens by: Mayer Fertig”. The article disclosed that the Vaad Harabonim of Queens had decided to remove Streit’s Matzo from its list of approved kosher products for Passover. The immediate ramification of the action was the removal of Streit’s products from all local groceries and food establishments, under the supervision of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens.

The article states that the sudden shocking maneuver by the Queens Vaad, caused Rabbi Soloveichik to be “embarrassed publicly.” The article quotes Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld, co-president of the Vaad of Queens, as saying: “The directive from the Queens Vaad was in no way meant to imply that the matzo is not kosher for Passover….we don’t know enough about Rav Moshe Soloveichik… He just doesn’t swim in the kashrus world … we’re not saying he’s bad; not at all. We just don’t know.”

Rabbi Soloveichik, who is recognized as a Rabbinic and Halachic authority, is renown in all Orthodox Jewish circles for his Talmudic genius and extraordinary righteousness. On the website of the synagogue, “Congregation Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol,” of Skokie, IL, Rabbi Soloveichik is noted as the Associate Rosh Yeshiva of the prestigious Yeshivas Brisk of Chicago, and a lecturer of various Judaic community courses including: “Talmud, Bible, Jewish history, Philosophy, Hebrew language instruction, Israel studies, and Para-chaplain training.” In addition, Rabbi Soloveichik is listed on the “Eternal Jewish Family” organization’s website that publishes a short list of elite Rabbis that oversee Jewish Conversion courts that receives endorsement by the most famous and respected rabbinical authorities of the United States and Israel, including Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv and Rabbi Reuven Feinstein.

As soon as the “Jewish Star” posted the article online, the quotes from The Queens Vaad prompted an almost immediate outpouring of shock and anger on the Jewish blogs. One blog called “The Kvetcher” posted the story with the title “Solidarity with Streit’s and Rabbi Soloveichik”. Yet another blog called “Emes Ve-Emunah” commented:  “…And if it were in my power I would put those rabbis responsible for besmirching one of the finest and most trustworthy names in the Torah world – into Cherem!” In addition, the self- proclaimed Ultra-Orthodox blogs, such as “Yeshiva World” and “Vos Iz Neias”, posted the article and received numerous comments from individuals, stating their unwavering support for Rabbi Soloveichik and calling for the Vaad to take responsibility for their unexplained actions.

As of now, the Vaad Harabonim of Queens has not released any official public statement in response to the mounting questions and impatience expressed by the Jewish public on the blogosphere. However, on a practical level, if the Vaad aspires to retain any level of respect and authority in the future, it is expected that they will take action to address and rectify the situation immediately.