Hekhsher

(lit. "making ritually fit"). Certificate of "attestation" by a rabbinical court (bet din) or individual qualified rabbi with reference to foodstuffs and other commodities. The hekhsher, covering meat, wines and spirits, mass-produced foods, and (especially) Passover provisions, guarantees that such items have been supervised or approved by the rabbinate for observant Jewish households, and that they meet all requirements of the Dietary Laws. A similar hekhsher is granted to approved "kosher" butchers, bakers, hotels, and restaurants. Business premises display this certificate, while a recognized symbol is usually incorporated in the packaging of foodstuffs. Occasionally, as in Israel, separate hekhsherim may be issued for the same product or establishment by the Chief Rabbinate and an ultra-Orthodox bet din.

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