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Hekhsher Tzedek
 

Click here to Sign Up as a Supporter of Magen Tzedek

Background:
 The Hekhsher Tzedek Campaign is a new initiative to improve the working conditions, treatment of employees, environmental standards, and business practices in kosher food-producing businesses.

By definition, kosher food is in compliance with Jewish dietary and ritual laws. This campaign will bring kosher food into compliance with Jewish ethical law and social justice values.

The campaign – led by Rabbi Morris Allen and the Conservative Movement – will eventually be national in scale. In Minnesota, Jewish Community Action is working with the Conservative Movement to involve and engage the local Jewish community in this sacred project. We need a lot of volunteers! By working together as a community, we will be able to improve the conditions under which kosher food is produced. Jewish Community Action is very excited to work with you and your synagogue to make Hekhsher Tzedek a success in Minnesota.

The Justice Certification:
The Conservative Movement will create a set of standards that will most likely focus on:

  • Wages and Benefits
  • Employee Health, Safety and Training
  • Product Development (incl. treatment of animals)
  • Environmental Impact
  • Corporate Transparency and Integrity

Businesses that adhere to these standards will receive some type of "seal", indicating that the food was produced in just conditions. The Hekhsher Tzedek will not replace existing kosher certification – it will be used in addition to traditional kosher certification. Only food already certified as kosher will be eligible to receive a Hekhsher Tzedek.

Advocating for Justice:
 As Jews, we are in a unique position to advocate for improved working conditions, environmental standards and business practices in kosher food-producing businesses.

  • We are the consumers of kosher foods. We are in a great position to help kosher food producers meet the desires of their customers, make their products more attractive to customers, and become more just in their practices. Also, when consumers come together and ask businesses to make change, oftentimes businesses listen.

  • Many Jews view keeping kosher as a means of sanctifying our world. Hekhsher Tzedek is an extension of this value and a concrete way of practicing it.
  • Our tradition teaches us to pursue justice, and to repair the world.

Achieving Justice – Volunteers Needed:
In order to achieve our goal, we will need to demonstrate that kosher consumers are hungry for kosher food that is produced in a just way. We’d love your help!
Contact: Melissa Rudnick
651-632-2184
 melissa@jewishcommunityaction.org

Outreach to Kosher Food Producers
Jewish Community Action has trained 27 volunteers to visit with local kosher food producers! The purpose of the visits is to introduce business owners to Hekhsher Tzedek, gauge their interest, and seek their input. We need your help securing appointments with local kosher food producers. We are looking for people who know people, not necessarily in "high" places, but just in the right places. Click here to find out how you can help. It's quick, easy and important!
 

Hekhsher Tzedek Links:

www.hekhshertzedek.org

http://rabbimorrisallen2.blogspot.com


Please see JCA's Statement on the Immigration Raid on Agriprocessors below:

Immigration Raid at Nation’s Largest Kosher Meat Plant

 "You shall not exploit an employee, whether a countryman or a stranger in your land, within your community." 
– Deuteronomy 24: 14-15

Jewish Community Action condemns the recent ICE raids in Postville, Iowa - thought to be the largest in US history with over 350 immigrant workers detained.

We stand in solidarity with the hundreds of families who await an uncertain future and are faced with the possibility of family separation and deportation.

Jewish Community Action has long stood by immigrant communities who – much like our own – come to this country seeking a better life for themselves and their families, oftentimes escaping violence, war and poverty.

This raid underscores the need for federal, comprehensive immigration reform that is fair and humane. Until this is achieved, the national immigration debate should not be fought out in workplaces on the backs of workers.

Additionally, this raid at the nation’s largest kosher meat supplier highlights the importance of Jewish Community Action’s longstanding commitment to worker justice.

For further information: Lauren, lauren@jewishcommunityaction.org
 


"You shall not exploit an employee, whether a countryman or a stranger in your land, within your community." 
– Deuteronomy 24: 14-15


Hundreds of workers at the nation’s largest kosher food plant face uncertain future, family separation, detention and deportation in wake of immigration raid.

Twin Cities Rabbis visit Postville to provide counsel to families affected by raid; hear accounts of widespread mistreatment and abuse at plant.

To read Rabbi Kravitz’s reflection on his trip to Postville, Iowa click here.

To support workers in Postville, you can mail you donations to:

Jewish Community Action/Attn Postville
2375 University Avenue W, Suite 150
Saint Paul, MN 55114-1633

OR

To make a credit card donation over the phone call JCA at: 
651-632-2184

 
Jewish Community Action
2375 University Avenue West, Suite 150
St. Paul, MN 55114
Phone 651/632-2184  Fax 651/632-2188