Sixth Sense

My family and I were part of a program on this just concluded Chanukah. Program? Yes, that’s the contemporary name for a retreat at a hotel for a holiday or weekend. In fact, if you go away for Passover or Sukkot, you have a choice of many “programs.” Our program run by Aryeh Hospitality took place at the

It was amazing to see just how many people tuned into the live stream and videos of Kosherfest. Whether it was through the Kosherfest site, Elan Kornblum’s feed or the many other coverages including on-line news sites, Kosherfest was followed by thousands of people. It has definitely emerged as the signature brand

Dov Black and his family will be in the Bahamas for mid-winter vacation, now renamed “Yeshiva Week.” He already booked a large townhouse in Orlando for Passover and will be part of a “program” at a luxury hotel this coming Chanukah. The Black family spent Sukkot in Israel where they rented an

It has been 33 years since Kosherfest first made its debut. Many of the early pioneers have passed on but what they had in common was a strong belief that a kosher food trade show was important for the growth of the industry. I miss some of the pioneers like Moshe Semel, Shiya Hollander, David Mintz, Zvi Schmidt, and most

Albert grew up in Brooklyn and vividly remembers his mother drinking one of her favorites, Gold’s Borscht, on Passover. He recalls her lighting the yahrzeit (anniversary of demise) candles in memory of his father’s parents. There was plenty of Manischewitz matzoh in the house, jars of Rokeach gefilte fish and

The Klein family had barely landed in Newark Airport when Akiva, the father, already motioned to his children where the gate for their mid-winter flight is. The Kleins spent the just concluded Sukkot holiday in Israel and were now planning a trip during mid-winter vacation to Florida. Akiva was already planning the

It was two days before Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, a time to reflect and to repent. On line at a kosher takeout store, I spotted a young rabbi I knew, and we jokingly shared some thoughts. What was he atoning for? “I really do want to observe kosher all the way and I am hoping that I have not

I couldn’t help but overhear the following conversation in my synagogue the other day. “I will be traveling to a party of 22 including my parents, children and grandchildren and will check in 51 suitcases.” The Klein family is headed to Israel for the Sukkot holiday and will be joining a record number of

Branding Comes to Kosher Big Time

As a marketing expert, I am quite impressed by a growing trend in kosher, to develop strong brands. I am not only referring to brand names in consumer products but branding in stores and shops. The brands are a very positive development because they facilitate a positive relationship

The “kiddush” has become a status symbol for many in showcasing the best that kosher has to offer. The kiddush, recitation of a blessing over wine or spirit, which follows the Shabbat morning prayer is often a celebration of a festive occasion like a Bar Mitzvah or simply an opportunity to impress friends and