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Move Over Amazon, Here Comes Wallmart

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Online grocery shopping is rapidly expanding and according to analysis could become a $100 billion industry by 2020 with as many as  70% of consumers potentially doing a portion of their food shopping online, and Walmart is looking to expand in this area.

Walmart Inc., the country’s biggest grocery retailer, recently announced that it was expanding drastically the number of places where shoppers can place food into a virtual shopping cart and have their purchases delivered, Bloomberg reported.

Food and beverage retail is one of the largest categories of consumer spending, accounting for yearly sales of $800 billion or more in the U.S., however online shopping for groceries and similar goods accounted for just 1.5 percent of the U.S. market, according to  Kantar Worldpanel.

When Amazon announced the purchase of Whole Foods for $14 billion in June, most of the major grocery retailers jumped into the online grocery realm. Target Corp. late last year purchased delivery startup Shipt and said recently that it would offer same-day delivery of assorted groceries and other goods from the majority of Target stores this year. Supermarket chains Kroger Co. and Albertsons Cos commenced their online grocery service, in addition to Costco Wholesale Corp.

Walmart has the largest share of the $800 billion U.S. groceries market in a highly fragmented market.  This year they will expand their online grocery delivery from six markets, to 100 metro areas.

While home delivery is popular, the shipping process itself has made the business of online grocery shipping quite complex. Many retailers are investing in “click-and-collect” shopping, which lets customers order groceries ahead of time, pull up curbside at the store and have an employee place the shopping bags in the trunk.

Food Marketing Institute and Nielsen determined in their study that online grocery shopping could be a $100 billion industry, and as many as 70 percent of consumers could be doing a portion of their food shopping online.

“Depending on what happens the next two or three years, we may revise it again… food is like the holy grail because we all have to eat. Food has, categorically and broadly speaking, more trips than other category, consumers can relate to it easily, and it’s is an area of growth”, Mark Baum, the chief collaboration officer at FMI told ABC News.

Still, there are many factors and logistics that make online delivery a challenging area.   Managing large numbers of employees that pack items from traditional stores to pack for home delivery, could result in the need to invest in dedicated warehouses optimized for online orders.  Amazon reportedly blamed mishaps with U.S. Postal Service deliveries for its decision to curtail Fresh deliveries in a few areas.

With Walmart, America’s largest retailer, placing emphasis on online grocery shopping as a response to Amazon’s aggressive expansion, and other major grocers jumping in; online grocery delivery should live up to its expectations set by the experts.

Footage and UPDATE on West Bank Car-Ramming Attack

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The Shin Bet security  agency said Saturday that the Palestinian man who allegedly killed two IDF soldiers and seriously wounded two others in a West Bank car-ramming confessed to carrying out the attack, according to I-24 News.

The Security agency says 26 year old Palestinian  Ala Qabha acted alone when he drove his vehicle into a group of soldiers standing guard near the settlement of Mevo Dotan in the northern West Bank on Friday afternoon. I-24 News reported Quabha confessed to Nationalist motives .

The video below captures the aftermath

School of American Ballet Holds Winter Extrava-Gala at Lincoln Center

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The School of American Ballet (SAB) held its annual Winter Ball at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center on Monday March 12, 2018 with cocktails beginning at 7 PM.  SAB, the official yet independent training academy of New York City Ballet, was established in 1934 by legendary choreographer George Balanchine and philanthropist Lincoln Kirstein.

Located at Lincoln Center, SAB trains almost 1,000 youth ages 6 to 19 annually (with more than 3,000 auditioning per year), and provides $2 million in financial aid to 46% of the student body.  Students come from all over the country to attend this preeminent institution with over 40% self-identified as students of color.  The evenings chairs were Renata Garcia, Joyce Giuffra and Elizabeth Gosnell Miller with honorary chair Julia Koch a no-show.   The glamorous ball which has taken place for the past 13 years is a celebration of the students and faculty at SAB.  However, there was a noticeable component missing from this electric evening and that was the presence of former Artistic Director Peter Martins.  Martins was forced to retire after 30-years of service due to questionable behavior and a replacement for this superstar genius will be difficult ,if not impossible, to find.  The charisma and expertise of Martins who was a choreographer, mentor and administrator as well as being one of the most respected Balanchine dancers of his generation, gave SAB an undeniable gravitas.  As SAB searches for a new director the school remains in limbo.

 

Michael and Tara Rockefeller

This evening contained 350 prominent guests who came to pay tribute to the students including: Indre Rockefeller, Geoffrey Bradfield, Michael and Tara Rockefeller, Margo Langenberg, Jean and Martin Shafiroff, Jennifer Creel, Jill and Harry Kargman, the Kopelman family, Amanda Brotman, and many others.  Some of my favorite fashion choices were Indre Rockefeller in a black-and-white Herrera, Jean Shafiroff in a floral Zac Posen, and Jill Kargman in an off-white Chanel with aMarc Jacobs skirt flowing underneath.

Another beautifully dressed attendee was Master of Ceremonies and CBS anchor, Tanya Rivero Warren, who wore a silver sequined gown.  She said as a former SAB student herself she remembers her Russian dance teacher telling the girls, “you must always be a ballerina even on the street because your fans expect a ballerina.”  Warren said this was her teacher’s admonition to students to put their best foot forward in whatever they were doing.  Rivero also urged attendees to donate to the Toe Shoe Fund since professional dancers run through one pair every night which cost $100 each-proving an exorbitant cost for underpaid dancers.

 

Executive Director Carrie Hinrichs Back: left to right: Renna Taher, Amanda Brotman, Joyce Giuffra, Renata Garcia, Stephanie Sharp, Kylie Van Hoek and Elisabeth Miller

Newly appointed Executive Director Carrie Hinrichs took to the stage to thank Peter Martins for his incredible artistic achievements over the past 30 years while noting that 98% of the dancers from New York City Ballet are former SAB alumni.  Hinrichs asked the alumni to stand up and excitedly announced that more than $900,000 had been raised.

Coco and Arie Kopelman with Alexis Mintz

The highlight of this evening, besides from the pink and purple hued room with tutus hanging from the ceiling, was the young dancers performance which was choreographed by 21-year-old Australian Alec Knight.  Knight praised the dancers whom he referred to as “unsung heroes” for leaving their homes at the age of 17 to come dance.  He also thanked Peter Martins for believing in him even though he was on the other side of the world.  Knight who later told me that he missed Martins presence said ultimately what made SAB special was the dancers.  He called Peter his “biggest inspiration” and said Martins meant a lot to him.  Principal dancer, Ashley Bouder, reiterated this sentiment by acknowledging that without Peter something tangible was missing; yet she remained confident that new opportunities and visions would be available for the Company.  Indeed the performance of the students was riveting as young girls and boys danced their hearts out with the expertise of veterans.

 

There was a modern element to their dance routines as the intrepid dancers moved with a notable alacrity to the jazzy music-even incorporating some vogue-like movements.  As the evening concluded, dancers headed to the dance floor to cheer each other and join hands in a symbol of unity and triumph that was infectious.  Soon after the crowd danced to the tunes of Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars and Madonna as a double dessert of sorbet and chocolate cake was served-a savory conclusion to a Monday night evening.

        

North Korea ‘Surprised’ By Trump’s Sudden Decision To Talk, Ex-Diplomat Suggests

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The man who, until recently, was America’s top negotiator on North Korea revealed Pyongyang was caught off guard by President Donald Trump’s shocking decision to meet Kim Jong Un.

A South Korean official told reporters outside the White House on March 8 that not only had Kim expressed a desire to meet Trump, but the president had agreed to the unprecedented meeting. Oddly, North Korea has yet to publicly comment on the summit.

“To be frank with you, I think they were a little bit surprised that Washington, President Trump readily accepted,” former U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Joseph Yun, who retired unexpectedly last month, told CNN Friday. “They thought it would take a little time.”

“They were not completely prepared. So, I think they are preparing at the moment … scrambling you might say, on how best to respond,” he added. “I think you would see [a response] in coming days, something coming out.”

Seoul asserts that North Korea has offered to discuss denuclearization, but North Korea has yet to send any signals that it is ready to talk about disarming. Furthermore, there are serious concerns over whether or not Pyongyang can be trusted, as North Korea has promised to never develop nukes and to give up the nukes it said it would never possess, and the rogue regime violated all of those agreements.

Nonetheless, Yun, who helped negotiate Otto Warmbier’s return to the U.S. in 2017, is optimistic about the possibility of talks and the chance to peacefully address the threat facing the U.S. and its allies and partners.

“I’m very supportive of (Trump’s) decision to engage at the highest levels,” Yun revealed in his first interview since he left the Department of State. “They now have nuclear weapons and a delivery system that can legitimately threaten all states in the United States. That is different from the past, where we were trying to stop them from getting there, so it requires different attention, different focus and a different approach.”

Some critics have suggested that Trump is getting “played” by Kim, who is eager to have a meeting with an American president to elevate his status on the world stage.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong in acknowledging that he is a leader of North Korea who has nuclear weapons,” Yun explained. “What I hope comes out of the summit is that President Trump and Kim Jong Un paint a broad brush of the framework of where we need to go, agree on some principles and agree to kick off a process.”

With the loss of Yun, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and no one occupying the position of ambassador to South Korea, the U.S. is lacking in the diplomacy department, but the president has a history of making decisions in isolation and acting on his gut.

Yun acknowledged that if the meeting goes awry, it could lead to a rapid rise in tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

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Dramatic Footage Of Horror At Georgian Ski Resort !!

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More than a dozen of people were injured at a ski resort  in Georgia after a ski lift spun out of control, turning a fun ski day into a horror.  Georgian Health Minister David Sergeenko told international press that a  pregnant woman from Sweden and a tourist from Ukraine were seriously injured in the incident.  A witness captured it on camera.  Watch it below.

 

https://youtu.be/SIK-6hmOMbI

 

Trump Likely to Cancel May Deadline on Iran Nuke Deal Recertification

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The Trump administration’s decision to terminate the employment of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson illustrates that Washington is determined to bolt the seemingly ironclad nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, Iran’s deputy foreign minister said Wednesday, according to AFP.

His remarks came as reports from Washington strongly indicate that the Trump administration have solidified plans to nix the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal as the May deadline date for recertification draws near.

In comments that were aired on Iranian state media, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi observed that, “The United States is determined to leave the nuclear deal, and changes at the State Department were made with that goal in mind — or at least it was one of the reasons.”

He placed emphasis on his country’s intention of following the US lead in the highly charged and controversial matter.  “If the U.S. quits the nuclear deal, we will also quit it,” Araqchi stressed, adding, “We have told the Europeans that if they can’t keep the U.S. in the deal, Iran will also leave it.”

Taking to social media early on Tuesday morning, President Trump tweeted his decision to fire Tillerson. He also announced his plans to replace him with CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who pundits says, has stronger politically conservative credentials and has also opposed the Iran nuke deal.

In November of 2017, Pompeo said that the deal between Iran and Western powers is insufficient in ensuring that the Islamic Republic has no pathway to developing the bomb, according to an AP report.

The notion that the agreement would “curtail Iranian adventurism or their terror threat or their malignant behavior has now … two years on, proven to be fundamentally false,” said Pompeo, in comments quoted by The Associated Press.

According to an INN report, Pompeo said at the time that the Iran deal put the United States in a better place with respect to inspections of Iranian facilities. But from an intelligence perspective, he said, even more “intrusive inspection” is needed.

“The Iranians have on multiple occasions been capable of presenting a continued threat, through covert efforts to develop their nuclear program along multiple dimensions … the missile dimension, the weaponization effort, the nuclear component itself,” he stressed in November, according to AP.

Trump has provided the CIA with the authority it needs to track Iran’s compliance with the deal, he added. Trump has also gone on record in adopting a new approach to Iranian recalcitrance by refusing to certify its compliance with the deal.

Tillerson had previously announced his public support for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal which was spearheaded by former President Barack Obama and received the signatures of America’s allies in Europe as well. Trump later said that Tillerson’s support for the deal was the reason he felt compelled to fire him.

Trump has repeatedly lambasted the 2015 nuclear deal, under which Iran agreed to freeze its nuclear program in return for the lifting of crippling international sanctions, according to an INN report.

Trump recently decided to extend a waiver on nuclear sanctions that were imposed on Iran but made clear it would be the last time he will do so and ordered European allies and Congress to work with him to fix “the disastrous flaws” in the 2015 deal or Washington would withdraw.

Tehran has repeatedly ruled out changing a single comma of the text.

 

Reebok Inks $10 Million Endorsement Deal with “Wonder Woman” Gal Gadot

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Seems like superstar Gal Gadot is feverishly gathering up commercial endorsements as it was announced on Thursday that the Israeli “Wonder Woman”   actress has entered into a lucrative deal with Reebok Sportswear that is reported to be worth $10 million.  That figure was published by the Israeli newspaper, Hadashot. The major manufacturer of athletic apparel has extended plaudits to Gadot; calling her “a worldwide symbol of confidence, defiant courage, and strength” in a statement that was posted on the Reebok web site.

Also on the Reebok web site, acolytes of the actress can download phone wallpapers   “inspired by some of her most powerful quotes.”

Taking to her Instagram account to engage her fans and followers Gadot declared that she was “pumped” about being a central figure in the Reebok sponsorship. She exhorted women to “Get ahead of the game! Get into the action!”

Gadot recalled her formative years when she said, “I was lucky enough to grow up with a mother who was a gym teacher, so the importance of having someone push me out of my comfort zone and being active – and the benefits of it – were ingrained in me as a young girl.”

Now that she has put her John Hancock on the Reebok endorsement contract, Gadot joins other prominent female personalities in the sports, culture and entertainment industries who have also been previous endorsers of Reebok products. They include    Victoria Beckham, Gigi Hadid, and Ariana Grande.

In a morally uplifting and inspiring statement, Gadot said on the Reebok website that    “The things that make us better are when we’re pushing ourselves, or when we’re more worried about others than we are about ourselves.”

Back in January of this year, it was announced that the folks at Revlon Cosmetics had made Gadot their “Global Brand Ambassador”  for their  “Live Boldly” campaign. The iconic cosmetics giant said that its campaign is designed to “inspire women to express themselves with passion, optimism, strength and style.”

Gadot, 32, made the DC Comics action hero “Wonder Woman” come to life in the lead role of the 2017 Warner Bros. Pictures version. According to published reports the vibrant actress has already agreed to star in the movie’s sequel. Box office receipts for the blockbuster film were beyond impressive as they yielded a record-breaking $890M.

For years now, Gadot’s star has been on the rise in her native Israel and as such she gained name recognition and local celebrity status. In 2004, at the age of 18, Gadot won the Miss Israel pageant and went on to become an internationally acclaimed supermodel.

 

Full Guide To Passover Products For 2018

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The Jersey Shore Orthodox Rabbinate takes pride in once again presenting to our Sephardic Community a comprehensive guide to Passover products. In order to supply the community with up to date information, this is also available on the website: www.jsor.org. We have added some popular food categories for this year, including some commonly used health foods.
This list is compiled after extensive research and correspondence with food industry experts and experts in the field of Kashrut. Since Sephardic Jews have different customs and traditional foods than our Ashkenaz brothers, this list is designed to serve those whose custom includes the consumption of Kitniyot, or legumes on the holiday. Since the majority of Jews in America are of Ashkenazic descent, the major Kashrut organizations have only certified those items that are permissible for them. In the last several years, the Star K (Star-S), OU and the OK have begun to certify some foods that are for those who eat Kitniyot. We have included those items, and as well have listed those foods that are permissible without special Kosher for Passover (KFP) symbols. This year we have expanded the listing with some gluten free and Paleo friendly ingredients, as these items have become increasingly popular. Please note however, that gluten free is NOT necessarily Kosher for Passover! Oats are gluten free, but they are pure HAMES! Use only items listed. (Also note that the Beracha on those items, although they may be in the form of typical Mezonot foods, the correct blessing is SHEHAKOL.)
Passover Points
What is Hames?- Any foods or food products, which contain ingredients, derived from one of the following fermented cereal grains: wheat, barley, oats, spelt or rye are forbidden on Passover. Even foods that contain minute amounts of Hames, or foods which are processed on utensils which are used for other hames-containing foods, are not permissible for Passover use. Many Sepharadim have the custom of eating different legumes or kitniyot and foods that are derived from them. Even in the Syrian community, there are differences in customs as to which legumes are used. Some refrain from eating Hummus and Tehina, due to the similarity of the words to Hames and Techin (flour). Others do not eat corn. Each person should follow family custom or ask their Rabbi for guidance.
What is prohibited? Consumption, Ownership, and Benefit from Hames. Simply said: You can’t eat it, You can’t own it and you can’t profit from or utilize it on the holiday. We must be careful what we eat and we must sell any remaining Hames (actual food or that which is on our utensils that we are locking up) to the Rabbi by Thursday March 29th. The Rabbis then sell the Hames
to a Gentile early Friday morning. Do not forget to sell your Hames!
Read Product labels Carefully! – Make sure a reliable Kosher for Passover certification appears on the package. Take this guide with you to the store! Remember that ‘reading the labels’ is impossible on Pesach – too many chemicals may have Hames ingredients. Alcohol, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Dextrose, Glucose, Maltodextrin, PolySorbates, Sodium Citrate, Sodium, Erythrobate, Xantham Gum & Sorbitol (outside U.S.) are among the list of common ingredients that can be derived from both grain and legume sources.
Beware of Look Alikes – Often Kosher for Passover and non-Kosher for Passover products have identical packaging.
Do not purchase a product just because it was good last year. – Discard old lists – they will confuse you because some things change year to year.
DO NOT buy any product simply since it is in the “Passover Aisle”! Some stores do not remove the Hames Matzot, spices and coating crumbs and other “year round kosher” foods from the shelf before restocking for the holiday.
Know your personal and family Kashrut level! not all Kashrut certifications are created equal. Check with the people who will partake of your meals and see what they prefer- ask your family custom pertaining to corn, rice, beans. Even within the community there are different family customs to take into account. This advance planning will save heartache and promote Shalom.
Look before you cook! – Even with the best intentions, a non-Kosher for Passover item could be purchased
This Sephardic Passover List is applicable for 2018 only Page 2
inadvertently. Mix ups happen! An extra glance on every item before cooking can save hours of trouble and possibly having to use the food for non-Passover meals!
Do not assume – Ask! If you have a doubt about koshering or about a product being Kosher for Passover, clarify the question with your Rabbi. Questions about products may be emailed to [email protected] OR texted to our text line at 732-995-4422.
Texts will be returned, G-d willing, daily. If you do not get a text back by the next day, please text us back the following day, it has happened that we missed the text or didn’t have the information on hand.
Please note: the last inquiries we will answer will be on Wednesday, March 28th @ 5:00 P.M.
In addition to our yearly guide, is a list of commonly used medications and toiletries that are considered Hames-free! Most Rabbis agree that pill form, prescription medication (not chewable or liquid) is acceptable to take. Regarding prescription medications, do not stop taking any medication without first clearing it with your doctor! When in doubt- ask!
May the merit of our care in observing the commandments of the holiday bring us all closer to Avinu She’ ba Shamayim, our Loving Father in Heaven and may we merit to rejoice in His redemption! Amen.
Rabbi Isaac Farhi
Kashrut Coordinator

The Passover Food Guide
Whenever possible, buy those products that bear a reliable Passover label to be assured that the product has been prepared for the holiday. All products whether or not they need special supervision should only be used if the package is new and unopened.
NON FOOD PRODUCTS: All Aluminum Foil, Foil tins, Foam, paper and Plastic dishes and cups are acceptable. Cling wrap and wax paper are also fine.
Parchment paper: 365, Bagcraft, Bakomatic, Master Baker, Reynolds, Norpac and Kirkland are acceptable without a P.
BABY PRODUCTS:
Baby Cereal: Due to information from the Rabbi at the O.U. in charge of Pesach production, Beech Nut Pure rice cereal should not be used. There is Materna brand from Israel that has supervision, but it is not widely available. Alternatively, may we suggest one of the following:
1) Cook whole checked rice thoroughly and then puree in the blender with formula.
2) Preparing the cereal from ground checked rice.
3) Soak Passover breakfast cereal or crumbled lady fingers in milk or formula and then mash or blend.
4) Try a variety of baby\ hot cereals that are made from finely ground Matza meal or potato starch. (see cereals)
Baby Formula: 365, Alsoy; Enfamil; Enfacare; Isomil; Prosobee; Similac LeMehadrin and regular; Nestle Good Start and Next Step- are all acceptable. Additionally, the following store brands are good: Kirkland Signature, CVS, Target, Walgreens and Wegmans brands.
Pediatric Electrolytes: Pedialyte (all flavors), CVS, Shoprite and Walgreens brands.
Baby Foods:
Must have Kosher for Passover supervision.
Gerber: Carrots, Green Beans, Peas and Squash are acceptable. Plain OU only.
First Choice CRC/P: applesauce, carrots and sweet Potato
Shneiders Shlock Squeezable Fruit- Star K/P
NOTE: Beech Nut is no longer certified for Kosher for Passover.
Ideally, it is best to (gasp!) prepare baby food at home using a blender or food processor.
Baking Powder: Gefen, Haddar, are KFP. Baking Powder that DOES NOT list Oat flour in the ingredients, is ok for use.
Baking Soda: (Bicarbonate of Soda) No Passover Supervision necessary. (New box)
Candy and Chocolates: Passover Supervision is necessary for all chocolate candies; likewise, hard sucking candies need supervision because they are often coated with flour. All must bear special supervision for Pesach.

Beware! Some candies coming out of Israel may contain ‘gelatine’ or ‘gelatin’ which may be derived from animal sources! Do not use any candy, even from Israel, without verifying the supervision.
Cereals and Breakfast Foods: All cereals made from the five grains are of course, Hames. In addition, many cold cereals such as corn flakes and rice krispies are Hames since malt is added to them. We strongly suggest that even those cereals in which the listed ingredients are 100% kosher for Passover, should not be used as they are in constant contact with grains that are real Hames.
You will find many types in the Supermarket Kosher for Passover aisle. They MUST be marked. Most are made from finely ground Matza flour, but some are made from Tapioca and are ‘Shehakol’…There are many brands that offer these breakfast foods: Crispy O’s, Gefen, Manischewitz.
Cider Vinegar: Requires supervision, the nutrient may be Hames.
Cocoa: Any 100% pure powder that is made in the USA. Exception: Hershey’s Special Dark. (not good)
Cacao Beans or Nibs are acceptable without a P
Coconut Products:
Coconut Milk: Coconut Dream Original OU –no P, Trader Joe Original (canned)
Coconut Oil: Cold Pressed, Virgin, un-refined coconut oil – any. i.e.. Spectrum Organic, Coconut Secret (no P)
Coconut Shredded needs Passover supervision if sweetened or flavored. Plain unsweetened /unflavored is acceptable.
Coconut Secret Brand: Star-K (No/P)The following varieties are acceptable: Aminos, Crystals, Flour, Nectar, and Vinegar.
Coconut Chips and Flour: The following brands are acceptable: Aunt Patty’s, Cocozia and Epicurex
COFFEE:
Instant- In former years, most instant coffees were acceptable if they were unflavored, this is no longer the case. As a flavor enhancer, malto dextrirn, which may be derived from barley is added. This year, the only brands not requiring a P are:
Tasters Choice brand of regular, unflavored coffee
Folgers: Regular and Decaf instant.
Ground, Regular unflavored only:
No chicory or Decaf: The following brands may be used for Pesach (new can) even without special supervision: Chock Full O’Nuts, Duncan Donuts (bagged only), Folgers, Hills Bros., Lavazza, Melitta, Shoprite, Trader Joe’s & Wegmans.
Maxwell House Ground and Instant (with OKP only) Elite Turkish Coffee (O.U.-P.)
K-cups for Keurig Machines: are recommended when bearing the OU Reg (not decaf) Unflavored only!
Note: The machine may be used after thoroughly cleaning all parts and running 2x without a k-cup, hold cup up to spout and discard hot water.
Nespresso: Nespresso Classic NC, Professional NP, Vertuo.
Decaffeinated: Acceptable without a P: Brooklyn Coffee House, Ellis, Parker House and White House brands.
All Other Decaffeinated coffee must be marked for Passover. Sanka (with OK-P), Maxwell House Decaf varieties (with OK-P); Gevalia,
Flavored coffees are not acceptable for Passover use.
Coffee substitutes: Postum, Roma or Teeccino contain grain and may not be used for Pesach. Any leftovers of these brands must be sold with the Hames.
Coffee Creamer: must be marked for Passover: Gefen, Kineret, Mishpacha, Ungers. KP
Cooking Spray: Pompeian Avocado Oil or Grapeseed Oil. Star-K (no P required) All others Must be marked! BEWARE! This is a frequent mistake. Gefen, Mothers, Seasons and Mishpacha, require an OU-P Haddar, bears a KAJ-P.
DAIRY PRODUCTS:
Milk: It is preferable to purchase kosher milk with Passover supervision for Pesach, but one may buy regular milk for the holiday, if purchased before Pesach. In addition to the Halav Yisrael brands, many supermarket brand milks are marked Kosher for Passover and are able to be purchased throughout the holiday. Only marked milk should be purchased during the holiday, since the dairy company adds vitamins to the milk and also may process chocolate milk that contains malt (Hames) on the same equipment.
Please note! OU-P designation does not mean that the product is Halav Yisrael.

Lactaid drops and caplets are not kosher for Pesach. Lactaid milk may be used only when purchased before the Holiday. Ask your Rabbi for additional information.
Chocolate Milk: Requires Passover supervision as the flavoring may contain Hames.
Powdered Milk: Ko-Sure Star-K-P; Parmalat Kof KP. Haddar, Dairymen OUP Alba, Carnation OU
Hot Cocoa mix: Haddar, Kojel KP (must be marked)
Butter\Cheeses\Creams\Yogurts: All require special Passover supervision as the cultures, flavorings and coloring may contain Hames.
Butter: with the Kosher for Passover mark are Breakstone’s, Pathmark, Penn Maid and Shoprite.
Halav Yisrael: Devash, J&J, Kahal, Mehadrin, Morning Select and Pride of the Farm
Cream Cheese must be marked KFP. J&J, Temptee, Foodtown, Pathmark, Shoprite, just to name a few.
Yogurt must have supervision. Many varieties are readily available. Dannon made this year for Pesach OU-P BEWARE: there are many varieties with a plain K, that are not kosher (they contain beef gelatin that is not from a kosher source!) LOOK CAREFULLY!
Non Dairy Creamers: OU-P: Kineret, Mishpacha; Star –K P: Unger’s
MILK SUBSTITUTES: some brands or varieties of the milk alternatives are not recommended for Passover use, as they have questionable ingredients. However, many varieties are available this year. Visit www.crcweb.org for an extensive list. Purchase before Passover: – These brands and only these varieties. All others may actually contain hames!
Almond milk: ALL ORIGINAL not flavored:365, Everyday Value, Almond Breeze Original (Reg. & unsweetened), Natures Place, Shoprite, Silk, So Delicious unweetened and Winn Dixie (NO P needed)
Liebers (Reg & Vanilla OUP)
Coconut Milk: Coconut Dream Original, Lite and Unsweetened. OU (No P)
Soymilks-Original variety only! 365 Everyday Value, Best Choice, Fit & Active, Harvest Farms, Hy-Vee, Natures Place, Nature’s Promise Organic Original, Shoprite Soy Milk unflavored, Silk, Stop and Shop, Winn-Dixie Organic Original, Soy Dream.
Ricemilk: Original plain variety only! Full Circle, Hy-Vee, Nature’s Place, Market Basket Enriched, Nature’s Place, Price Chopper Enriched, Rice Dream Enriched, Wild Harvest Enriched.
DETERGENTS AND CLEANSERS: All varieties of detergents both liquid and powdered do not require Kosher for Passover certification. For those who are interested: According to the OU directory, the following dish detergents may be used without the OU-P: Ajax, Dawn, Ivory, Joy and Palmolive.
Dishwasher Detergent: Palmolive, Sunlight Powder, Cascade, Finish Powdered Dish Washer detergent.
EGGS: Some have the custom to purchase before the holiday. This is not Halacha, just a custom (Ashkenaz).
Egg substitute: Kinneret OUP; Healthy Morn OUP
FRUITS:
All fresh fruits are acceptable.
Precut fruits: marked only Star-KP: Delmonte, Garden Cut, Natures Promise and Wegman’s.
Canned fruits: may use a Hames enzyme to clarify the juice that is used to pack the fruit, therefore use only with Kosher for Passover marking.
Unsweetened frozen fruits: are acceptable with no additives or grape juice. Insect prone varieties such as strawberries must have a year round kosher supervision.
Dried Fruits: Most must be marked Kosher for Pesach unless listed below. Readily available are: Mariani OU-P, and Setton Farms OK-P. Trader Joe (no P) Bing Cherries, Fancy Dried Nectarines and Pears; Aunt Patty, Gocmez, Happy and Sunny Fruit Apricots Star K (no P)
Dates:
Regular variety: Calavo*, Sunworld* and Sun Glow* brands Pitted and whole.
Available with supervision: Carmel Natural OU-P, Setton Farms: OK-P; Sun World pitted OUP; Yum Tee – OU-P;
Dried, rolled dates present a special problem for Passover since they are rolled in oats!
Note: all dates must be split open and checked for insects, which can be quite common.
A date paste is being imported from Israel that is reliably certified for Passover by OU-P & Chug Chatam Sofer.
Raisins: Berkley & Jenson, Dole, Delmonte, Shoprite and Trader Joe’s are acceptable with just a plain OU.
**May we remind you, Banana chips require kosher supervision for year-round use as they are sometimes fried in the same oil as non-kosher cheese. They are not recommended for Passover use.

FISH: Canned Tuna and Salmon: The hydrolyzed protein in tuna may contain Hames. Kosher for Passover tuna is readily available: Star-KP: BenZ’s, California Delight (Bishul Yisrael for Sepharadim)
With the OU-P: Dagim, Dag Yam, Gefen, Glick’s, Mishpacha, Shoprite and Season.
Frozen Fish Fillets*: BenZ’s, Dagim, Kinneret, Schindler.
Breaded: Dr. Praegers OUP Breaded Fish sticks
Kirkland Frozen Salmon and Wild Salmon with plain OU may be used *
*NOTE: All fresh and frozen fish must be washed well before cooking, as they are often coated with a Hames glaze.
GLUTEN FREE Products: as the gluten free demand has increased, there are many types of cakes, cookies, crackers and even ‘matza look alikes’ that are produced for Passover. The Beracha for these items is Shehakol.
Many have asked about the acceptability of year- round gluten-free products. The answer is NO. Gluten-free means that it is free of the gluten aspect of the grain, however some grains, such as oats, are naturally gluten-free, but they are 100% HAMES.
See the expanded Coconut and ground nut sections.
GRAINS- Kitniyot: Alfalfa, Buckwheat, Chia Seeds, Flax Seed and Hemp Seed: Whole only
May be used after checking for other grains.
GRAPE LEAVES: The Orlando brand are now OK certified, but not all jars are Passover approved!! You must check each jar if it states KOSHER for Passover.
IMPORTANT : NOT ALL JARS ARE OK-P!!
Other brands of grape leaves are preserved in brine, which may contain Hames vinegar or may have citric acid from a Hames origin.
Please note! It is very important that all grape leaves be washed carefully. Inspect each leaf on both sides.
HONEY: Due to late-breaking information from Kashrus Magazine, we are recommending that even pure honey be supervised year-round and for Passover. Many varieties are available. “Pure” honey from Turkey and from China was found to have NO HONEY AT ALL, just glucose, flavoring and added ingredients!
JUICES:
All juices need special Passover certification as the enzymes and clarifying agents may be Hames.
Available with Passover certification are: Ceres, Eden, Gefen, Glick’s, Hadar, Kedem, Kirkland, Mishpacha, Mrs. Adlers, Nature’s Own, Rashi, & Shoprite.
Apple Juice & Apple juice concentrate must be marked.
Lemon Juice: Realemon liquid lemon juice and lime juice are acceptable without a special marking. Other brands require Passover Supervision.
Shoprite and Stop and Shop are OUP
Orange and White Grapefruit: any brand frozen unsweetened, grade A concentrate is acceptable.
All refrigerated containers must have Passover supervision. Some pure juices may be actual Hames, as bran may be used to filter the juice.
Tropicana Orange juice with OKP only.
Prune Juice- Gefen and Sunsweet KFP
LIQUORS in the last few years they have presented a new problem- Alcohol derived from wine is being used in production of liquors and cordials. This is completely separate from the issue of whether the liquors contain non-kosher wine. There are several varieties available that are marked Kosher for Pesach: Bartenura, Ashkelon, Zachlawi, and Carmel Arak are acceptable.
OUP: The following brands produce different types of Vermouth, Vodka and Cordials: Bartenura, Binyamina, Carmel, Kedem, Sabra and Slibovitz. Zachlawi premium Vodka in many flavors that are OUP.
NOTE: Chopin Potato Vodka is not recommended. Zachlawi has a KP Potato Vodka.
MARGARINE: Many margarines use starch in their flavoring making Passover supervision necessary. Mother’s (OU-P)
MARSHMALLOWS: The Pesach market is inundated with marshmallows that are labeled “Kosher for Passover”. Many of these contain gelatin which is made from non-Kosher animal sources. It is vital that all labels are read before purchasing any products containing marshmallow. The OU, Kof K, Star K, and OK do not permit the use of gelatin from non-kosher sources. OUP: many brands have made a special Passover production.
MASSA (Matza): One must be alert that the Matza for year- round use can be Hames, and it is marked “not for Passover use”. Caution: many places may return items from previous years to the shelf, it is imperative to check all matza products, cake mixes and spices for freshness. Old products have been found to contain insects and larvae!! Check carefully for a product code stating year of production. Lacking that information, the products must be inspected thoroughly!

Acceptable only when marked kosher for Passover are: Chicago Shmura; Haddar; Glick’s; Aviv; Carmel; Gefen; Geula; Goodman, Holyland; Horowitz Margaretten, Manischewitz, Osem, Rishon Lezion, Savion, Streits, Yarden, Yehuda & Yonovsky.
For those with wheat allergies, Oat and Spelt matza is also available by special order.
It is recommended to use Matza Shemura for the Seder.
MAYONNAISE, KETCHUP, and MUSTARD:
According to knowledgeable people in the Kashrut world, one should avoid the use of any product containing vinegar even if the company assures that the vinegar used is not of grain origin. We therefore recommend that all mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard, etc., should have proper Passover supervision.
Ketchup: OU-P: Blanchard & Blanchard, Gefen; Manischewitz, Mishpacha, Rokeach; Star K- P: Eden.
Mayonnaise: OU-P: Gefen, Haddar. Manischewitz; Mishpacha, Star K-P; Benz’s, Unger’s
Mustard: (Artificial): Blanchard & Blanchard OUP
Milk: See Dairy
MEATS AND POULTRY: All brands of raw poultry are kosher for Passover year-round. After your butcher “koshers” for Pesach, all raw varieties of meat, cut chicken and veal are acceptable. This year several companies have expanded greatly the selection of deli and prepared products for the holiday.
Empire raw turkey burgers are acceptable only with the OU-P.
NOODLES: Mishubach, Manischewitz and
Miracle Noodle are acceptable with OUP
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT: Boost (glucose control and High protein), Ensure- Without Fiber only: (Ensure w/Fiber contains Hames!) Ensure plus, Glucerna 1.0; More varieties at www. OUKOSHER.org
NUTS: Raw nuts, without additives are all acceptable for Passover. If the bag states that it is made on the same equipment as wheat, it should not be used. Exception: Kirkland Walnuts and Almonds are acceptable (OU)
Also without P: 21st Century, Great Lakes Pine nuts, Nature’s Original and Pacific Gold brands all good.
Note: Midget Pecans and pecan pieces (even raw) require a reliable KF-P supervision. Due to insect infestation they are washed in grain alcohol.
Almond meal: Blue Diamond, Cal Pure, Barney’s Basic, Orchard and Paramount Farms brands all good without P.
NUTS AND SEEDS (Roasted) NEED PASSOVER SUPERVISION many varieties available
Star S-P: Settons – Bizr, peanuts.
OILS: Since all major Kashrut organizations in the USA are geared to Ashkenazic customs they supervise only non-legume based oils. Available are: OU-P: Gefen, Mishpacha, Nutola, Rokeach.
Grapeseed Oil: Bartenura OUP
Kof-KP: Hain Oils. Pompeian brand: Avocado Oil and Grapeseed Oil Star K (no P necessary)
Sepharadim whose custom it is to use soybeans and corn may use any certified kosher for year-round use brand of pure corn, canola or soybean or vegetable oils such as: Mazola or Wesson.
Some manufacturers (such as Kirkland\Costco) have added ‘citric acid’ to some of their oil. Although this ingredient is usually extracted from corn, it can be made from a Hames source, therefore we do not recommend any oil containing this ingredient as we have no verification of the source of the citric acid.
Extra virgin pure Olive Oil. May be used without P.
New container only for all oils.
PARCHMENT PAPER: Many approved without a P: Great Value, Kirkland, Master Baker, Reynolds, Wilton.
B&E also sells an approved variety.
PASTA & PIZZA! Special Kosher for Passover made either from Matza meal or Potato starch: Dayeinu, and Frankels, Macabee and Manischewitz. OUP
PET FOODS: Fish food often contains meat and milk ingredients and is forbidden for use the entire year. Most pet foods contain Hames. Since we are forbidden to derive any benefit from Hames, we may not feed any pets those varieties that contain hames ingredients. Krill fish food is permitted. Alfalfa, sunflower seeds, split corn or millet are recommended for feeding birds. Bird Jungle had a parrot mixture for Passover but they have closed. The Paterson Bird Store in Totawa, NJ can help you with acceptable Parrot Food. There are brands of cat and dog food that are available that do not have Hames or the prohibited mixture of meat and milk. A detailed list can be found at www.star-k.org. Or at www.crcweb.org
PICKLES: Need Passover supervision. Batampte, Flaum, Gefen, Gilboa – Beit Hashita, Kvuzat Yavne, Manischewitz and Osem, Schorr’s are all OU-P. Unger’s Star K-P
POTATO CHIPS and Snacks: Passover certification necessary, with the OU-P: Bissli, Bloom’s, Glick’s, Lay’s Manischewitz and Meshubach Potato chips.
Also KFP: Lieber’s.
QUINOA: Most brands need to be marked!
Ancient Harvest Brand: 12 oz size only :White, Red. Or Tri-color Star-K (no P necessary) only with Best by dates between 2/1/19-2/28/19 (white also in 27 oz pouch) use only these dates!!
Otherwise, due to reports of Hames mixed in, use the following only marked with KP:
Star KP: Setton Farms
Natural Earth Products (Some bags of Red Quinoa were infested! Check very well!!)
OU-P: Pereg brand; Goldbaums
Sugat Quinoa from Israel.
Quinoa Flour needs to be marked OUP (Pereg available)
RICE: The staple of the Sephardic Passover diet is Rice. It is the #1 question. Which rice is good?
Most supermarket brands of rice are enriched. The enrichment is diluted with starch in order to distribute it evenly on the rice. This can be a corn, rice or a wheat starch base. Unlike for the past 25 years, we no longer have access to the detailed information about the enrichment processing ingredients, and therefore…
We do not recommend enriched rice.
It has been our custom throughout the generations to check all rice three times before Pesach. While in Arkansas, I was
informed that the crops are rotated yearly, and that it is very common to find grain in rice fields. Although there is equipment to remove any non-rice pieces, it is not 100% effective. Please be advised that every year grains are found in the rice, check carefully.
White Rice: Any non-enriched or organic rice is acceptable. The following brands are acceptable:
*Star-S/P has made a special run of certified unenriched Carolina. It is not pre-checked. Please check 3x according to our custom!
*Super Lucky Elephant brand (Star K) available at Walmart or Costco (sold as Kirkland Brand )
*Goya Jasmine and Goya Basmati (London Bais Din)
*Vee-Pee Jasmine (LBD)
*Sugat brand from Israel.
*Carolina and Mahatma brands of Jasmine in 5 and 10 lb size packed for Riviana Rice Co. Not enriched.
*3 Elephant Brand (be careful!! There are different “Elephant brands! Some are enriched)
*Dynasty brand Jasmine (not enriched)
Medium/Short grain: Nishiki, KoKuho Rose and Cal Rose brands are also enrichment free. They can be found at Wegmans and most Oriental stores. Lundberg’s Organic (not mixes)
Basmati: Deer Brand, Himalayim Pride, Goya, Royal, Pari, Regal Harvest, Iberia and Roland brands. No P
Brown rice: Any brand without additives.
Pure wild Rice: acceptable without a marking: This rice looks like short black sticks and is from the grass family, not a legume at all. NOT WILD RICE MIXES
SALT: Regular (Pure) and Coarse salt are permitted for Passover use without special supervision.
Check that dextrose and Polysorbates are not in the ingredients.
Pink Salt: Himalayan and Peruvian varieties acceptable if pure, no additives.
Salt substitute: Freeda Free Salt, No Salt or Spice of Life No Salt\No Sugar must have KP marking.
SELTZERS: Any unflavored seltzer with KP certification is acceptable.
Flavored Seltzers certified OU-P: Foodtown,, Giant, Shoprite brands, Stop and Shop
SODAS: Sodas must have Kosher for Passover certification due to possible Hames in the flavoring base. Many varieties are readily available. 2 liter and cans Coca Cola Classic & Diet Coke, Sprite: must have the OU-P on the cap (yellow cap).
Dr Browns (Kof K P)
Pepsi products must bear a Kof KP on the cap
Florida: Kosher for Pesach bottles marked with ORB P
SOUP MIXES: Beware containers bearing a “P” are often identical to the year-round variety!
SOY FOODS: while actual soybeans are permissible for most Sepharadim, products made of soy, such as soy sauce, TVP and tofu are forbidden. These products are made through extraction methods that use grain alcohol in the processing of the soybeans.
SPECIAL FOR SEPHARADIM: KITNIYOT WITH A PASSOVER MARK! Follow your family custom which legumes to eat! Even in the community there are different customs.
*Canned Goods: California Delight Baby corn and Kernel Corn Star S-P
*Yerek Brand Frozen Vegetables: Green beans, Cut Beans, French Cut Green Beans, Green Peas, Peas & Carrots, cut corn, Mixed Vegetables, Baby Lima Beans.
*Pikante Salads Star S-P: Large variety of prepared salads and dips.
*Chocolate: Ferrero Brand Nutella Spread OU Kitniyot
*Kinder Chocolate (only when made in Italy and bearing OU Kitniyot)
*Kitni Products (owned by Maneshewitz): OU Kitniyot: many products such as:
Chick peas, Corn, Lentil and Rice mix, Rice Cakes, Peanut butter, Papouchado cookies, Bamba

SUGAR: Any pure white granulated cane sugar may be purchased for Passover as long as dextrose or glucose are not listed in the ingredients. These may be derived from barley or wheat! Domino brand –OKP
Raw Sugar: C&H Hawaiian Raw Cane Sugar.
Palm Sugar: Sweet Tree Coconut Palm Sugar (Earth Kosher No P req.) Coconuts Secrets Crystals.
Confectioner’s Sugar does contain 3% corn starch but according to some Sephardic customs, may be permissible for Pesach. Only sugar and cornstarch allowed! According to one Passover publication, they found that C&H brand contains wheat starch. Therefore, we advise you to only use a marked brand, since it is impossible to make sure that there is no mixing of Hames (has v’shalom). Canadian Confectioner Sugar is also not permissible as it contains wheat starch instead of corn starch.
There are several varieties of Confectioners’ sugar without corn starch: OUP: Mishpacha and KAJ-P: Haddar brand.
Vanilla Sugar: may contain grain alcohol and therefore, Passover supervision is required.
Brown sugar: C&H, Dixie, Shoprite, Winn Dixie and Wholesome foods Organic Cane Sugar may be used without a P.
Domino and Brownulated Needs OK-P.
SWEETENERS: OU-P: Gefen, Nutra Taste Gold Zero Paskez Sweetie (Badatz) and Liebers (KFP)
Equal & Splenda: are not recommended for Sephardim by the OU. California Delight made a Sucralose equivalent called Sucralis. It is Star K-P.
Stevia must be marked KP (no known on the market)
Agave Nectar: (a natural sweetener) must be marked:AW, Roundy’s, Sophia and Western Farm brands OK-P
Maple Syrup needs Passover certification: Janeric M/KP, Adirondack Kof KP
Xylitol: Healthy Garden OUP
SUSHI NORI: Mizrach u’Maariv Star K-P
TEAS: Any unflavored, non-herbal regular tea bags are acceptable without special KFP: Green and White teas need to be marked.
Due to a Hames ingredient used in the decaf process, decaf varieties should be used only with supervision: (Salada Caffeine free is Hames)
Exception: Lipton Decaf and Swee-touch-Ne 97% Decaf may be used without an OU-P
Instant Tea: Nestea Instant unflavored only. Regular only. No KP needed. (NOT DECAF)
Herbal Teas: Need to be marked: OU-P: Bigelow, Sweet-Touch-Nee: Herbal and Wissotzky- many varieties.
Tomato Paste and Sauce: Passover supervision required.
Due to flavored varieties of paste and sauce now being produced, the OK laboratories informed us that tomato products must have proper Pesach supervision. Mishpacha, Gefen, Glick’s, Haddar, Lieber’s and Unger’s – all with KFP certification.
Note: Throughout the year, Tomato products should only be used with a known reliable supervision, it has been discovered that certain packers of tomato products were producing tomato with (non-kosher) Romano cheese sauce and then producing the crushed tomatoes, with no cleaning in between! Understandably this is not acceptable.
TUNA: See Fish
VEGETABLES:
Dried Beans: May be used according to custom. Must be checked three times before Pesah.
Also check for insects, especially in black eyed peas.
Frozen: Several years ago, a new lighter cuisine heralded the introduction of frozen pasta and vegetable mixtures. Vegetable companies blanch veggies and pasta blends together, and then use the same equipment for plain vegetables. Some companies purchase processed vegetables from another source and put their own label on the package. Codes provided by the companies proved inaccurate, and the information was confusing.
We highly recommend the use of fresh vegetables, despite the convenience of the frozen.
The most important of all, peas and beans will again be available for the Sephardic Community.
Star S-P: Yerek Brand Peas, Green Beans, Mixed Vegetables, Lima Beans, Cut Corn.
There are several Israeli brands that are also marked Kosher for Passover for Ochlei Kitniyot.
Several companies made other frozen vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, which are properly checked for insects and for Pesach.
Within the Sephardic Community, there are varied customs as to the use of dried beans, chick peas, tehina and corn. Consult your Rabbi for further information. If you are certain that it is your custom, they should be checked to ensure that no grains are mixed in.
Dried Eggplant: These are imported from Turkey, where they are collected from different villages. The importer informed us that the local women scoop them out, hang them to dry, and then tie them in string. In the event that there is a rush to get them dried out, flour is put inside to draw out the moisture! Understandably, we cannot recommend these for Passover. Japanese eggplant is a fine alternative – they are very long and slender, and can be easily cut in half and scooped out.
Pre-washed salad: Some brands use citric acid in the rinse water to balance the ph (to prevent wilting) and are not recommended.
Unlike in previous years, ALL STAR K marked brands may be used only with a Passover mark.
Several Brands from Israel and the US provide insect free lettuce and herbs. Bodek, Pos’tiv and Fresh Express must be used with Passover certification.
Note: we received information about bad batches of California and Mexican grown produce that was infested! Buyer beware! Buy only top quality looking produce and even if it is marked – Iceberg lettuce has become more problematic and must be checked!
All Romaine must be washed and checked for insects!
Small flies are attracted to lettuce, even if it is grown hydroponically. (The ones from Israel state clearly that the produce does not need inspection, but it must be rinsed.)
If you are using the unsupervised lettuce, please contact your Rabbi for direction how to properly check for insects.
Alternatively, The fruit & vegetable inspection guide can be found at www.checkvegetables.com Other websites also contain clips of how to inspect different produce and what the different insects look like. (star-K.org, crcweb.org)
Peeled Vegetables: Garlic cloves: Spice World Star-K (No P) Baby Carrots: Without additives such as: Bugs Bunny, Grimway Farms, Delmonte, Wegmans or Lancaster.
Canned Vegetables: Need supervision: the following companies produce reliably supervised products: California Delight, Glick’s, Gefen, Haddar, Mishpacha, Season and Shoprite, Unger’s: KP only for all! Star S-P for Sepharadim: California Delight baby corn, Whole kernel corn.
VEGGIE WASH: Many brands are Hames, However, Sereli or Fit Brand are acceptable with Plain OU
VINEGARS: Many are made from Hames ingredients and need supervision.
Exception: Acetum and Roland brands of Balsamic Vinegar may be purchased with a kosher mark but no P.
WHIPPED TOPPING: Kinneret certified OU-P. Ungar brand Star-KP.
Whiskeys and Beers and many liqueurs are Hames and may not be consumed on Passover. They must be sold to a non-Jew through the Rabbi before Pesach. See the www.crcweb.org alert section for some important information regarding bourbons and Whiskies that are manufactured at Jewish-owned factories that do not sell their Hames!
WINE: Please note some varieties of Manischewitz wine are not kosher for Passover. Check all wines- Be certain that all are certified Kosher for Passover.
Two other issues with wine are:
Non Mevushal Wines
Although preferable to use for the four cups, care must be taken that opened bottles are not touched by non-Jews. In a place that this is difficult, it may be preferable to use Yayin Mevushal, literally cooked wine. Consult your Rabbi.
Fruit Wines:Wine varieties that are made from other fruits, such as peaches, may have a question if the Beracha is Hagefen, making them unacceptable for the Seder. Usually, the proper blessing will be stated on the back of the bottle.
NON-FOOD ITEMS:
ORAL HYGYEINE: Tooth paste: Aim, Aqua Fresh, Colgate, Crest (cool Mint, Extra Whitening, Multicare, Kids Sparkle,) Gleem, Mentatdent, Oragel, Pepsodent, Toms’s of Maine. Ultrabrite. Mouth Wash: Colgate, Scope, Listerine (Cool Mint, Listermint, Total Care Zero), Tom’s of Maine.
OTC (OVER THE COUNTER): Abdominal Discomfort: Alka- Selzer original; Di-Gel; Dramamine Original; Gax-X; Immodium; Kaopectate liquid (Cherry, vanilla & Max Peppermint); Miralax Powder; Metamucil powder; Philllips Milk of Magnesia Original Liquid; Pepcid AC; Pepto Bismal Liquid, Extra Strength Mint & Assorted fruit; Bicarbonate of Soda; Tums – Regular -assorted fruit and mint; Tums Extra strength Assorted Berries, Fruit, Tropical fruit; Tums Ultra Assorted Berries , Fruit, Tropical Fruit & Peppermint.
ALLERGY: Allegra regular tablets, Allegra D-12 hr, Allegra Children’s 12 hr. Suspension, Claritin (including children’s grape chewable), Claritin D, Children’s Allergy Syrup, Chewable Grape Tablets Singular-4mg Oral granules, 10 mg Tablets, 4mg & 5mg Chewable tablets.
BABY : Pedialyte, Pedia-Sure, Tempra: Drops and Tablets, Tylenol: Suspension Cherry, Infant drops Cherry & Grape.
COLD MEDICATION: Childrens’s cold Tylenol, Excedrin Sinus, Vicks Nyquil and Dayquil cold/flu, Vicks 44, Chapstick Cold sore Therapy.

PAIN RELIEVERS: Advil Caplets and Tablets (last ing. White wax), Children’s Suspension and infant drops, Aleve Tablets & Caplets, Bayer Aspirin tabs, PM caplets, low dose chewable, Excedrin (plain, migraine, sinus) Motrin Children’s Suspension berry Infant drops berry, Tyenol Adult: Reg tablets, xtra Strength caplets, Tylenol- Children’s suspension cherry Tylenol chewable: Bubble gum and grape flavored.
VITAMINS: Frieda brand are chametz free.
Consumer Alerts
• From the cRc: Some bourbon companies are owned by Jews who do not sell their chametz;
See www.crcweb.org
• Flavored Cigars may be problematic as the Alcohol in the Flavoring may be Hames.
• There had been a concern regarding the dried beans for Passover. We have verified that the dried beans from companies such as Goya, Vittaroz or Clics that are packed in 1-lb bags are pure and do not come in contact with questionable ingredients. There are some varieties such as red lentils, that are sold in the supermarket that are polished with vegetable oil, making them a year-round kashrut question. They say vegetable oil in the ingredients and should not be used. Some families do not have the custom of eating dried beans, yet eat the same varieties in fresh or frozen. For those using the dry, check three times before Pesach. • Unauthorized: Terra DeLyssa infused olive oils bear an unauthorized Star K-P These oils are being sold in stores (including Target) and on line. They should not be used.
Getting ready for Pesach
A brief guide for the preparation of the kitchen for Pesach, based on excerpts from Gateway to Halacha by Rabbi Eliezer Toledano and Rabbi Shmuel Choueka. Please consult your rabbi for further guidance and instruction.
Just as it is forbidden to eat Hames on Pesah, it is forbidden to cook with utensils which have been used for cooking Hames, since the cooking process transfers the Hames status to the utensils. Of course, the simplest thing to do is to have a set of Pesah utensils which were never used with Hames. However, where this is not possible, certain types of utensils may be rendered usable for Pesah within the following guidelines.
Koshering the kitchen
Ovens should be cleaned thoroughly so that no tangible Hames remains on it’s floors, walls or the oven door. Preferably wait 24 hours and set the oven for its highest temperature and burn for one hour. If you have self-clean, run full cycle.
Stove top – clean very well, giving special attention to burner wells and edges. Wait 24 hours without using prior to koshering. Burners, grates and the area between may be koshered in two ways. #1 by Hagalah – pour boiling water over them: or #2 by means of Libun, whereby the stove top area are covered by a blech (metal covering) or a sheet of heavy aluminum foil (covering the entire area) and then the burners are turned on for 15 minutes. The second method may discolor the stove top or break it, if it is glass.
Microwave – clean thoroughly, and then place a vessel of water in the oven. The microwave is operated until the oven is filled with steam.
Sink- Clean thoroughly, especially around the drain and faucet. Do not use for hot Hames for 24 hours. Boil water on the stove and pour over all the parts of the sink. Some recommend using a rack.
Counters and table tops- clean thoroughly, taking extra care in cracks and crevices. These areas may then be koshered by Hagalah – pouring boiling water over all areas of the counter top or table. Alternatively, they may simply be covered.
Dishwasher- clean away any tangible Hames and run through one cycle empty. Some recommend replacing the racks for Pesah.
High chairs should be cleaned very carefully and then either pour boiling water over food tray to kosher or covered.
Coffee makers and urns should be koshered by filling with water and turning on so that the water boils over. (Care should be taken to clean the exterior well, beforehand.)
Mixers, food processors and kitchen aids which were used to mix dough, should be cleaned well and put away with the rest of the Hames utensils.
Refrigerators should be cleaned thoroughly, taking extra care to remove crumbs in the cracks and crevices.

Types of Utensils
1. Earthenware utensils which were used with Hames at high temperatures cannot be koshered at all. These include porcelain, enamel, stoneware, corning ware and china. These should all be washed from any visible Hames and should be put into a sealed closet until after Pesah.
2. Glass utensils need only be washed both inside and outside, and then they may be used for Pesah.
3. Utensils made of wood, stone, metal, natural rubber or plastic, which are used in or with water may be made usable for Pesah by hagalah (immersion in boiling water) in a manner described below. Metal utensils which were used directly on the fire, without water in them, require Libun (koshering by fire) as will be described later, to render them usable on Pesah.
All utensils must be cleaned thoroughly as koshering removes the taste of Hames, not pieces of food. Items that are cracked, rusted or difficult to clean should be put away for the holiday. Handles should be removed, and extra care should be taken to scrub the edges where food may accumulate.
Koshering Utensils
Utensils are koshered in the manner in which they are used. Thus, the same level of heat must then be used to accomplish the koshering. There are 4 levels:
1.Al Ha’esh or Libun-Direct flame or heat. For utensils that come in direct contact with Hames over an open flame. Utensils are either put in the self-clean cycle of the oven or are ‘torched’ by a blowtorch (not for everyone to attempt).
2. Kli Rishon- Hagalah -A pot of hot liquids on the fire- Primary vessel: For pots used for cooking Hames with
water. After proper cleaning (see above) + 24 hours waiting, utensils may be immersed in a large, clean pot which was not used for 24 hours that water has been brought to a full, rolling boil. Either completely cover the utensil for several seconds, or if not possible, do it in stages, so that the entire utensil passes through the boiling water. Rinse with cold water. When multiple utensils are to be koshered, allow the water to return to full bubbling boil between items.
If the pot will not fit inside another pot, the pot itself should be filled to the top and allowed to boil. Meanwhile heat a stone or large piece of metal until it is heated, and place in the boiling pot, causing the water to overflow, thus koshering the rim. Empty and rinse with cold water.
3. Iyrui Kli Rishon- A flow of hot liquids from the primary vessel. Utensils which have boiling hot liquid poured into them may be koshered by a flow of boiling water. (i.e. serving trays that the food is poured into them)
4. Kli Sheni- a vessel containing hot liquids poured from a primary vessel. Spoons and forks which are used in a secondary vessel, such as for serving may be koshered this way.
Note: a utensil which requires a lower level of heat to be koshered may surely be koshered at a more intense heat level.
In summary, we must all review the laws of koshering our kitchens in order to make sure that we do things properly. The best thing is to attend a class given by your Rabbi to obtain a full explanation. This short review is by no means a full detailed guide. Many items may not be included. When in doubt, ask.
May we all merit to observe the laws of Pesah properly!
List of Kitniyot:
The following are considered Kitniyot or treated as Kitniyot according to many opinions:
Anise, Ascorbic Acid (May be Hames), Aspartame (Nutrasweet), Beans, Black Eyed Peas, Buckwheat, Calcium Ascorbate, Canola Oil, Caraway, Citric Acid (May be Hames), Chickpeas, Confectioners’ sugar with corn starch, Coriander, Corn, Corn Syrup, Cumin, Dextrose, Fennel, Fenugreek, Flax Seeds, Hemp, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Oil, Kasha, Kimmel, Lecithin, Lentils, Licorice, Lucerne, Lupine, Maltodextrins (Hames or Kitnios derived), Millet, MSG, Mustard, Peanuts, Polysorbates (May be Hames), Popcorn, Poppy Seeds, Rice (Vitamins added may be Hames), Sesame Seeds, Snow Peas, Sodium Citrate (May be Hames), Sodium Erythorbate (May be Hames), Sorbitol (Could be Hames if outside the U.S.), Soy Oil, Corn Oil, Soy, String Beans, Sunflower Seeds, Tofu (from soy), Vitamin C (may be Hames), Wild Rice, Xanthan gum (May be Hames). NOTE: Flax seed and Hemp seed are not Kitniyot and can be used after checking for other grains

Problematical Toiletries (Hames) – ingredients to look out for:
Rabbi Bess lists the following possible issues:
This Sephardic Passover List is applicable for 2018 only Page 12
Amino Peptide Complex, Amp-Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Avena Sativa Flour, Avena Sativa Kernel Protein, Barley Extract, Beta Glucan, Disodium Wheatgermido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein PyPropyl Silanetriol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Hydroxypropyl trimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Oat Beta Glucan, Oat Extract, Oat Flour, Phyto sphingosine Extract, Prolamin, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Stearyl dimonium hydrosypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Triticum Vulgare, Triticum Vulgare Flour Lipids, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil, Wheat Amino Acids, Wheat Bran Extract, Wheat Germ Extract, Wheat Germ Glycerides, Wheat Germ anidopro pyldimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Wheat Germ Oil, Wheat Protein, Wheat Sphingolipids
Keep Informed

Trump’s Cabinet Takes a Turn to the Right; Fires Tillerson in Tweet

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President Donald Trump, US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, recently appointed Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, Vice President Mike Pence and White House Press spokeswoman, Sarah Huckabee Sanders all are key components in the driving force behind the President’s courageous domestic and foreign agenda

President Donald Trump has fired his Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and picked CIA director Mike Pompeo to replace him. And he did this all in an early morning Tweet on Tuesday, which is the president’s preferred method of mass communication.

Tillerson learned of his firing through the Tweet, according to Steve Goldstein, undersecretary of state. “The secretary did not speak to the president and is unaware of the reason, but he is grateful for the opportunity to serve,” said Under Secretary of State Steve Goldstein in a statement Tuesday. “The secretary had every intention of staying because of the critical progress made in national security.”

White House officials disputed that notion, and promptly fired Goldstein.

The rapidly announced departures came just hours after Tillerson returned from a weeklong trip to five African nations.

Rex Tillerson and his Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir

His departure was officially announced by the president on Twitter. “Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, will become our new Secretary of State. He will do a fantastic job! Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service! Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA, and the first woman so chosen. Congratulations to all!”

Hours later, Tillerson appeared at the State Department and said “effective at the end of the day” he is delegating all authority to Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan. Tillerson said he is formally stepping down at the end of the month and stressed the importance of a smooth transition to his successor.

In the days leading up to his firing, Tillerson showed no outward signs that his days in the administration were numbered.

A senior administration official told VOA News on Tuesday that Tillerson was informed of his ouster last week. The official, speaking on background, said Tillerson was told by White House Chief of Staff John Kelly last Friday that he was being removed from the Cabinet by the president. The official said Kelly “followed up” with another phone call Saturday.

However, that account contradicts other reporting, which said Kelly never explicitly told Tillerson he was being fired. The Associated Press reported that Kelly warned Tillerson that Trump might tweet something that would concern him, but was not told what the tweet might say.

Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, on Thursday, March 8, 2018, held talks with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Mahamat, at the headquarters of the pan-African bloc in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa

Tillerson told reporters traveling with him at the time that he did get a late-night phone call, but did not elaborate.

“I got another call at 2:30 a.m. that woke me up. I can’t say. And so I was up most of that night. And that was Friday night,” Tillerson later told reporters.

Just two days later, dressed in sneakers and khakis, Tillerson appeared relaxed and enjoyed a tour at Kenya Wildlife Service Genetics and Molecular Forensics Laboratory, chatting with experts working at the lab, as well as prominent conservationist Dr. Richard Leakey.

On Monday, during a rare on-the-record briefing with seven members of the traveling press en route to Cape Verde, Tillerson appeared to be at ease, occasionally smiling while answering questions.

And during a joint press conference with Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama in Abuja earlier Monday, his last public event in Africa before Trump’s tweet announcing his replacement, Tillerson appeared fully invested, showing no outward signs that he would soon be leaving his position.

Just minutes after Trump gave Tillerson the ax, the president was blunt about his long-standing differences with his former secretary of state.

“We disagreed on things,” Trump told reporters outside the White House, specifically pointing to friction over the Iran nuclear agreement.

“I wanted to either break it or do something, and he felt a little bit differently,” Trump said. “We were really not thinking the same.”

The move left some of Trump’s staunchest defenders with mixed feelings.

“It’s all very Trumpian,” said James Carafano of the conservative Heritage Foundation, who helped staff the State Department as a member of Trump’s transition team. “When the president makes changes, he just abruptly makes them.”

During his 14 months at the State Department, Tillerson had numerous policy differences with Trump–and the friction frequently played out in public.

The animosity peaked in October, when news surfaced that Tillerson reportedly called Trump a “moron” following a July Pentagon meeting. Tillerson never explicitly denied the account.

Tillerson also publicly disagreed with Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord. He also reportedly opposed Trump’s decision to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

CIA director Mike Pompeo addresses the “Our Soldiers Speak” gala in November of 2017

Mike Pompeo, on the other hand has publicly expressed his support for a strong US-Israel relationship and has addressed pro-Israel organizations in the past.

In early November of 2017, Pompeo served as keynote speaker at the “Our Soldiers Speak” annual fundraising in Manhattan. “Our Soldiers Speak” is the is the only organization which brings high ranking, senior, uniformed commanders and officers of the Israel Defense Forces and the Israel National Police to address audiences at college and university campuses, to give briefings to members of Congress and other prominent governmental leaders. They also deliver their presentations at community and synagogue programs.

On this auspicious occasion, Pompeo took the opportunity to brief the audience on the ongoing and close relationship between the US and Israel.

And Tillerson sometimes took a tougher stance than Trump on Russia — including this week, when he blamed Moscow for a suspected nerve agent attack in Britain. In return, Trump on numerous occasions publicly undermined his top diplomat, including in October when he tweeted Tillerson was “wasting his time” trying to negotiate with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

When Trump ultimately made his decision last week to meet with Kim, he did so without consulting Tillerson.

“I really didn’t discuss it very much with him honestly,” Trump acknowledged Tuesday. “I made that decision by myself.”

The Tillerson firing comes as Trump embarks on several major foreign policy initiatives, including talks with Kim Jong Un, recently unveiled tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum, and Trump’s threats to undo the Iran nuclear deal.

As Trump becomes more confident in his foreign policy, he has come to realize that the U.S. diplomatic apparatus was holding him back in some ways, Carafano said.

“There’s always this kind of pull from the State Department to not try new things and just keep doing what we’re doing,” Carafano said. “And I think the president doesn’t feel that’s helpful anymore.”

The moves suggest the Trump administration “is tactically going to be a little bolder on its foreign policy,” he said.

It’s unclear whether Trump’s relationship with the State Department will improve under CIA chief Mike Pompeo. “I’ve worked with Mike Pompeo now for quite some time,” Trump said Tuesday. “Tremendous energy. Tremendous intellect. We’re always on the same wavelength.”

But the problem is deeper, said David Schultz, professor of political science at Minnesota’s Hamline University.

Trump does “not seem to view diplomacy as a major aspect of his administration,” Schultz said. “Evidence of that is that many State Department positions are unfilled even to this day, and many careerists have departed.”

A senior White House official also said Tuesday Tillerson’s ouster occurred at this time because Trump wanted to “have his new team in place in advance of the upcoming talks with North Korea and various ongoing trade negotiations.”

The president said they also disagreed on the 2015 Iran nuclear accord.

“When you look at the Iran deal, I think it’s terrible, I guess he thought it’s okay. I want to either break it or do something and he felt a little bit differently, so we were not really thinking the same.”

During the Obama administration, the U.S. and other major powers struck the deal in which Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear program in exchange for the easing of international economic sanctions. President Trump has repeatedly criticized the agreement as a bad deal and threatened to dismantle it.

By: Steve Herman

 

Is Gillibrand Following Hillary In a GPS Fusion Scandal?

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Senator Kirsten Gillibrand may be changing her campaign strategies to digging up dirt on her opponents. (Photo Via Twitter)

A hint of déjà vu is in the air, as Senator Kirsten Gillibrand works on her campaign for re-election, she is supposedly switching her strategies to digging up dirt on her opponent, which is much like Hillary Clinton’s infamous tactics in the recent presidential election.

Wall Street headhunter Regina Glocker has reportedly been recruited by Gillibrand to do opposition research on her GOP opponent Chele Chiavacci Farley. Coincidently, in the 1980s, Glocker and Farley were roommates at Dartmouth, and then in 1998, both shared the same Hamptons summer house.

Wall Street headhunter Regina Glocker has been recruited by Gillibrand to do opposition research on her GOP opponent. (Photo Credit: Hedley May)

In addition to her long personal history with Farley, Glocker, who is employed by the high-end financial executive search firm Hedley May, also has extensive contacts on Wall Street. All this has made her a prime choice for Gillibrand’s campaign to seek assistance from.

The Page Six source who provided this information also said, “Glocker is being talked about on Wall Street as Gillibrand’s hatchet woman.” While other sources claim that Glocker’s work for Gillibrand is in an unofficial capacity.

Gillibrand’s spokesman told Page Six, “Senator Gillibrand has not in any manner engaged any outside person or firm, paid or unpaid, to conduct opposition research; nor does she have plans to do so.”

Co-founder of Hedley May and Glocker’s boss, Anthony May said, “Hedley May is a nonpolitical and nonpartisan organization and therefore does not act for any political organization in either a paid or pro bono capacity. Members of the firm supporting any political party in any way are doing so in a personal capacity only.”

This whole situation is reminiscent of when the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee hired the opposition research firm Fusion GPS to dig up dirt on Donald Trump during the last presidential race. Recent revelations have shown Fusion GPS to be a major player in the Russian investigation, according to a Fox News report last month. The article said, “The political firm was behind the controversial dossier that contained numerous colorful but unverifiable allegations about Trump’s connections to Russia.”

By Rebecca Gold

 

 

“Pharma Bro” Gets 7 Years in a Big Loss for Ben Brafman

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“Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli and his criminal defense attorney Benjamin Brafman in Brooklyn Federal Court

Despite the appeals of criminal defense attorney Benjamin Brafman for a lighter sentence, “pharma bro” Martin Shkreli’ is going to prison for seven years.

“Specifically, he is a kind, caring and generous person who uses his time and effort to help those in need. If not warehoused in prison, Martin could literally save lives”, Brafman wrote in a letter to Brooklyn federal court Judge Kiyo Matsumoto in a plea for a lighter sentence for the fraudster Shkreli.

“He is not evil or any of the other horrible things people have seen fit to say about him over the last several years…However, our society, our culture, and our judicial system can accommodate even Martin Shkreli”, Brafman continued in his unavailing petition.

Shkreli was convicted of defrauding a group of investors in two hedge funds he controlled by having claimed, among other things, that the funds were delivering healthy returns at a time when they were actually losing money, CNBC reported.

Shkreli gained infamous notoriety in 2015 when as CEO of Turing, he raised the price of its anti-parasite drug Daraprim by more than 5,000 percent, from $13.50 per pill to $750.

Recently, Judge Kiyo Matsumoto ruled that Shkreli’s criminal activity resulted in a loss of $10.4 million, which essentially dashed the hopes of a lighter sentence. Federal guidelines call for a higher sentence based on how much the losses for the defrauded victim were , The Jewish Voice previously reported.

He also was convicted of manipulating shares in another drug company he later founded, Retrophin, whose stock and cash he also used to repay swindled investors in his hedge funds, MSMB Capital and MSMB Healthcare, CNBC reported.

Brafman, also wrote to Matsumoto that the $7.3 million forfeiture judgment against him on top of a maximum sentence of 15 years was “far too excessive a punishment, The NY Post reported.

In addition to 7 years in prison and the large asset forfeiture, Matsumbo ruled that Shkreli must undergo mental health treatment and pay an additional $750,000 fine.

As the judge handed down the sentence, the cocky 34-year hedge fund manager, broke into tears telling the packed courtroom and judge, “The only person to blame for me being here today is me”, The NY Post reported.

Shkreli’s lawyer Benjamin Brafman was also recently retained by Harvey Weinstein and recently was reported as saying “I think Harvey Weinstein is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever represented”, in an interview with The Sunday Times U.K.

By Austin Myers

 

Council Speaker Supports Bill to Create Independent Commission to Review NYC Charter

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Council speaker Corey Johnson is supporting a bill that would create an independent commission to review the City Charter

Council speaker Corey Johnson is supporting a bill that would create an independent commission to review the City Charter. The proposed examination will parallel but check the commission proposed by Mayor Bill de Blasio last month. The Mayor had announced, in his State of the City address, that he planned to appoint a charter review commission to seek out improvements to campaign finance laws, find ways to make elections more democratic, and to encourage stronger voter turnout. City lawmakers thought it was a good idea to examine the City Charter but were skeptical about having the job done by the Mayor. So now, two reviews of the city charter are in the works. One by the independent minded City Council, and one by the Mayor’s office.

“This is really about looking at the broad structure and checks and balances in our City Charter,” said Mr. Johnson, on Friday. He said that he would be glad to consolidate the two reviews, if the mayor would agree to join forces to complete the task in unison. “This isn’t personal against the mayor,” Mr. Johnson continued. “We would love to do it together with him.”

As reported by the NY Times, Johnson’s proposed bill would call upon the council to elect four members to the review commission, and the Mayor to elect another four. The borough presidents, the public advocate and the comptroller would each appoint one additional member. By contrast, de Blasio’s review committee members would all be appointed by the mayor, and according to mayoral spokesman Eric F. Phillips the members will soon be named. The mayor’s commission would propose charter changes that voters can deliberate on in November. The Council’s commission would propose its findings on the ballot the following year.

The committees could address balance of power between the mayor and the City Council, increased transparency in budgeting, city’s land use approval process, and a wide array of topics including Fair Share of Homeless Shelter placement. The last changes made to the Charter were proposed 30 years ago in 1989, and it was originally public advocate, Letitia James, and Manhattan borough president Gale A. Brewer who proposed a review of the charter.

“The mayor’s talked about what he wants his commission to look at before it’s been constituted, and we want a commission to go in with an open mind and look at the broad structure of city government,” said Mr. Johnson.

By: Hellen Zaboulani

 

 

Pilot is Lone Survivor in Deadly NYC Private Helicopter Crash

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The 33-year-old-pilot, Richard Vance, was the sole survivor, as reported by CNN. The Liberty Helicopters chopper was rented out for a photo shoot. All the passengers were between the ages of 26 and 34 years old, as per the NY Police Department

A tragic helicopter crash killed five passengers on board a chartered private helicopter in NYC. On Sunday March 11th at approximately 7 PM, a Eurocopter AS350 helicopter fell into the East River near 23rd street by Roosevelt Island. The 33-year-old-pilot, Richard Vance, was the sole survivor, as reported by CNN. The Liberty Helicopters chopper was rented out for a photo shoot. All the passengers were between the ages of 26 and 34 years old, as per the NY Police Department. The victims have been identified as: Daniel Thompson, 34; Carla Vallejos Blanco, 29; Tristian Hill, 29; Brian McDaniel, 26; and Trevor Cadigan, 26. Each of them had a life full of promise and potential. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims’ family and friends.

The pilot of the chopper gave a Mayday call to LaGuardia Airport reporting engine failure. When emergency workers arrived at the site, the helicopter was upside down and submerged in the river. A barge with a crane was required to pull the chopper out of the water. “One of the most difficult parts of the rescue were that five people were tightly harnessed,” said Daniel Nigro, Commissioner of NY Fire Department. “People had to be cut out.” The pilot was able to save himself. Early reports say a strap from a passenger’s safety harness or from a luggage may have inadvertently wrapped around a fuel shut-off lever, resulting in an engine failure which led to the calamity.

Liberty Helicopters boasts itself as “the largest and most experienced helicopter sightseeing and charter service in New York City.” As per their website, the company has “a fleet of 10 state-of-the-art Airbus helicopters (formerly American Eurocopter),” and more than 30 years of experience. However, this is the company’s third crash since 2007. In August 2009, nine people were killed when a helicopter collided into another small private plane. In July 2007, a Liberty sightseeing chopper experienced a rotor blade separation and crashed into the Hudson River. Thankfully in that case, the seven passengers and pilot all were saved thanks to the use of inflatable life vests, and pop-out floats.

NY Senator Chuck Schumer was quick to punish Liberty Helicopters. He called on the FAA to suspend Liberty Helicopters’ FAA operating certificate, until the cause for the crash has been determined. “Three (crashes) is too many,” Schumer said. “There are too many allegations. No one knows what’s happened. I don’t think Liberty should be flying until we get to the bottom of this.”

The remains will be investigated by the experts from the National Transportation Safety Board, said NTSB member Bella Dinh-Zarr. The team will focus on investigating three factors: the pilot’s experience and immediate response at the time of the crash; whether anything on the helicopter caused the crash; and what weather related factors may have contributed to the crash, said Gary C. Robb, an aviation attorney.

In a statement on its website, Liberty Helicopters said, it is “focused on supporting the families affected by this tragic accident and on fully cooperating with the FAA and NTSB investigations.”

By: Hellen Zaboulani

 

 

Former-Cuomo Aide Found Guilty on 3 Corruption Charges

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Joseph Percoco, left, was once a top aide and close-friend to Governor Andrew Cuomo, right.

On Monday, March 12, the jury tasked with determining the validity of the corruption charges against former aide to Governor Andrew Cuomo Joseph Percoco said for the second time that they are deadlocked and cannot reach a unanimous decision.

In Manhattan Federal Court, at 9:35am Monday morning, just 20 minutes after jurors arrived, a note was read saying, “After considering the facts and the evidence with open minds, and using your instructions as a roadmap, we remain unable to reach a unanimous verdict.”

However, Judge Valerie Caproni would not take no verdict as an answer. After prosecutors and defense lawyers discussed the note with the Judge, she ordered the jury to keep trying to reach a decision.

On Tuesday morning, March 13, the jury returned to continue deliberations, then to everyone’s surprise the jurors soon came back with a unanimous guilty verdict on three counts. Percoco was found guilty on two counts of conspiracy to commit honest-services fraud for his part in two “pay-to-play” scams that earned him over $300,000 from executives at two companies doing business with the state.

The Post reports, “But while Percoco was convicted of soliciting bribes from the Competitive Power Ventures energy company, he was acquitted of a similar charge involving the Syracuse-based COR Development Co. He also was acquitted of two extortion raps in both schemes.”

Percoco’s sentencing is scheduled for June 15 and he could end up serving as much as 50 years in prison.

He came extremely close to getting off with a mistrial, as Caproni told lawyers that she would not force the jurors to continue deliberations if they came back for a third time deadlocked.

The trial was entering its eight week, when it was initially expected to only last a month to six weeks.

Thursday, March 1, was when the jury began its deliberations. However, storms and shortened schedules have resulted in jurors having considered the case for only around 36 hours, as of Monday March 12.

Percoco is accused of taking over $300,000 in bribes from three separate businessmen, in exchange for assisting them in getting contracts from the state.

On January 22, in Manhattan Federal Court, Percoco went on trial along with those business executives, , Peter Galbraith Kelly, Steven Aiello and Joseph Gerardi.

By Hannah Hayes

 

Met Opera Fires James Levine Over Evidence of Sexual Misconduct

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The Metropolitan Opera officially and permanently fired its former director James Levine, after discovering evidence that supported claims of sexual abuse. (Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

On Monday, March 12, the Metropolitan Opera officially and permanently fired its former director James Levine, after the institution discovered evidence of his acts of sexual abuse and harassment.

Back in December, after allegations were revealed by The Post that Levine molested a 15-year-old boy who has since grown up into Illinois man, the 74-year-old famous conductor was suspended by the Met and an investigation into his deeds was initiated.

In a statement, the Met said that the probe found that Levine “engaged in sexually abusive and harassing conduct towards vulnerable artists in the early stages of their careers.”

While no details were released, the opera house did say that they interviewed 70 people and that “it would be inappropriate and impossible for Mr. Levine to continue to work at the Met.”

For 40 years Levine was the musical director for the Met, up until 2016 when he retired from that position. He denies all the allegations of misconduct.

According to The Post, “One of Levine’s alleged victims first met him at the Ravinia Music Festival outside Chicago, according to a police report. Levine was a guest conductor there at the time. The victim, whose name is being withheld, finally came forward to the Lake Forest, Ill., police department in October 2016 to detail the molestation that allegedly began in 1985. The man’s accusations included disturbing incidents when Levine would masturbate in front of him and kiss his penis, according to the report.”

In a written statement to the authorities, the now 48-year-old alleged victim said, “I began seeing a 41-year-old man when I was 15, without really understanding I was really ‘seeing’ him. It nearly destroyed my family and almost led me to suicide. I felt alone and afraid. He was trying to seduce me. I couldn’t see this. Now I can.”

Two other men came forward about their own experiences of sexual abuse at the hands of Levine when they were teenagers, after the first victim’s revelation.

“Levine, who made his debut at the Met in 1971 at age 28, has been nominated for 37 Grammy Awards and honored by the Kennedy Center. But the conductor has been plagued by rumors of improper behavior throughout his career. The Met was first alerted about accusations of Levine’s inappropriate behavior in 1979. At the time, they dismissed the information as ‘scurrilous rumors,’” according to The Post.

By Rachel Shapiro

 

Is the DeBlasio Admin Exporting NYC’s Homeless to Upstate Locations?

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The city’s Homebase program helps New Yorkers develop a personalized plan to overcome an immediate housing crisis and achieve housing stability. They are eligible for Homebase services if they are at imminent risk of entering the New York City shelter system; are low-income; or want to remain stably housed in their community.

Is the de Blasio administration exporting of New York City’s homeless families to other parts of the state?

Senate Investigations Committee Chairman Terrence Murphy (R-Hudson Valley) told the New York Post on Sunday that he is opening a probe and will hold a public hearing on the matter after being briefed by an infuriated state Sen. Fred Akshar, who represents the city of Binghamton and Broome County, where the homeless are being shipped by the city.

“It’s very concerning when people are relocated from one part of the state to another without community notification,” Murphy told the Post. “It’s slap in the face. It’s sleight of hand. I wouldn’t expect anything less from Mayor de Blasio.”

He added, “A lot of questions need to be answered. Let’s be open and honest about it. Why is New York City paying people to move to Binghamton without anyone knowing about it? Do these people have criminal records? Did they just get out of jail? Or are they just out of luck?”

Homelessness prevention has been an area of great emphasis by the de Blasio administration. The Homelessness Prevention Administration (HPA) works to keep New Yorkers in their homes. HPA works with the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), the NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) and many other organizations and City agencies to prevent homelessness and assist families and individuals in need in maintaining stable, affordable housing in their communities.

Within the Homelessness Prevention Administration are the Housing and Homeless Services/Initiatives Division, the Rental Assistance Program, the Legal Services Initiatives unit, and the Early Intervention Outreach Team, all of which are vital partners in assisting New Yorkers in need.

HRA funds Anti-Eviction Legal Services in the housing courts and in community offices across the City, providing comprehensive, flexible and individualized legal and related services to help ensure that low-income households avoid becoming homeless.

The city’s Homebase program helps New Yorkers develop a personalized plan to overcome an immediate housing crisis and achieve housing stability. They are eligible for Homebase services if they are at imminent risk of entering the New York City shelter system; are low-income; or want to remain stably housed in their community.

With conveniently located prevention centers staffed with homelessness prevention experts, Homebase offers a range of services under one roof, including services to prevent eviction; assistance obtaining public benefits; emergency rental assistance; education and job placement assistance; financial counseling and money management; help relocating; and short-term financial assistance

Other city services designed to combat the homeless problem include negotiations with landlords and/or other advocacy assistance, and inquiries into whether a tenant’s rent level is correct, and preparation and filing of required agency and court papers.

By: Howard Riell