How to Find Kosher Restaurants
Religiously observant Jews cannot eat at a restaurant unless the establishment has a "hashgacha" or approbation that it serves only kosher food. Many kosher restaurants have opened throughout the world, easing the travels of Jewish travelers and enhancing the lives of Jewish residents.
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Chabad Houses
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The Chabad Lubavitch Jewish denomination has opened "Chabad Houses" throughout the world, providing a Jewish experience to Jewish residents and travelers of the area. The Chabad families that run the Chabad Houses wish to provide non-affiliated Jews with the opportunity to experience traditional Judaism through outreach programs that generally include free or low-cost meals. Some Chabad Houses provide kosher meals throughout the week at their subsidized restaurants while others open only for Sabbath or holiday meals. Orthodox travelers may utilize Chabad's restaurant services, though they generally pay for their meals as a way of supporting Chabad's activities of engaging previously unaffiliated Jews.
Va'ad HaRabbanim
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Each city with a sizeable Jewish population will have a Va'ad (Rabbinical Committee) that supervises kosher establishments in the city and grants hechshers (certificates of kashruth) to city food establishments that meet the requirements of adhering to the laws of kashruth (kosher regulations). The Va'ad will send an inspector to guide and supervise each restaurant. Based on the inspector's certification, the Va'ad will grant the hechsher that allows people who want to eat at a kosher restaurant to feel secure that they will eat only kosher food. Individuals who look for kosher restaurants may phone the local community Va'ad (see resources) for assistance in locating kosher restaurants.
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Databases
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A number of websites can provide travelers with information about kosher restaurants in each city. The websites provide the information about the restaurant's location and, if available, information about the hechsher. Some religious Jews look for hechshers granted by particular rabbis or rabbinical committees, and the databases that list the kosher restaurants can often provide this information.
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