In preparation for Rosh Hashanah, the Shochtim in charge of slaughtering poultry and meat for Russian Jews came to the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, to inspect their slaughtering knives (chalofim), as is customary in these days preceeding the New Year and is mentioned by the Magen Avraham.

In his opening remarks, the Chief Rabbi highlighted the greatness of the holy work of the dedicated Shochtim, thanks to whom thousands of Russian Jews are privileged to eat meat in strict accordance with halacha, and the heavy responsibility they bear every day for maximum hidur in kashrus. He expressed his gratitude to the rabbis who supervise the day-to-day shechita, with great emphasis given to the spiritual impact it has on those who eat from this strictly kosher meat.

He also praised those involved in the distribution of kosher meat throughout Russia and beyond. In light of the many requests from neighboring countries to receive Mehadrin meat of excellent quality and service, thanks to the business owners who see the importance of being partners in this holy cause, and give every Jew, wherever he may be, the opportunity to obtain Mehadrin kosher meat at affordable prices.

Sitting next to the Chief Rabbi was Rabbi Yitzchak Kogan, the rabbi of the Bolshaya Bronnaya shul, head of the slaughterhouses in Russia, who recalled forty-five years of shechting work, which began with mesirus nefesh during the difficult years in the city of Leningrad at that time, with the blessing and constant encouragement of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Baruch Hashem, he now merits to see a third generation of God-fearing Shochtim.

After hearing the stirring words, the Shochtim stood together, knives in hand, to undergo the inspection of the Chief Rabbi Shlita, accompanied by Rabbi Kogan, along with the rabbis overseeing the kashrus, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Marzel and Rabbi Yehuda Segev Friedman.

After receiving blessings for the new year, the Shochtim dispersed, each to his holy work, to the various slaughterhouses that operate throughout the year, under the strict supervision of the Kashrus Committee under the Chief Rabbinate of Russia. Especially during the period of the Tishrei holidays, when the demand for kosher meat has grown immeasurably, and those engaged in the work do everything in their power to supply the many orders and requests, which only increase from year to year.

Photos: Levi Nazarov