Finding kosher food options

Kosher food is the norm in most of Israel, but the details are worth knowing. LEVELS OF SUPERVISION • Rabbanut: The official Rabbinate supervises many restaurants and products. • Mehadrin and Badatz: Stricter standards, with different organizations. • Private hechsherim: Many exist. Learn which ones you trust. WHERE TO FIND • Supermarkets and groceries, with labels on products. • Restaurants with visible certificates. • Food delivery apps, with kosher filters. • Bakeries, butchers, and specialty shops. TIPS • Ask your rabbi or school which standards to follow. • Look at the certificate's expiration date. • Learn the symbols for common hechsherim. • Be careful with imports. Foreign products may not be marked for Israeli use. GOOD TO KNOW • Shmita, the sabbatical year, has special rules for produce. • During Pesach, supermarkets reorganize, and you can find kosher for Passover items. • Ask before assuming a non-certified restaurant is kosher.