Noun, plural vaadim

Pronunciation: ( Seph.vä-äd'; Ashk. vä'äd) Hebrew.

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• an authorized Jewish representative body that serves in an advisory or supervisory capacity for activities (as the production and sale of kosher food products) of the Jewish community

 

What is the Louisville Vaad Hakashruth?

 

We were founded over a century ago by German and Eastern European immigrants in downtown Louisville. In the early 20th century the Vaad was a central authority in the Louisville Jewish community, overseeing spiritual, material and ritual Jewish life. However, sometime within the 20th century those responsibilities had shifted to each individual synagogue.

 

The Vaad is dedicated to promoting Kosher (Kashrut) in Louisville. We are connecting with local businesses to develop more availability of kosher foods within our community. Kashrut is the body of Jewish law dealing with how foods must be prepared and which foods may or may not be eaten.

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The Vaad also oversees the Louisville Community Mikvah which is a specially designed bath in which certain Jewish ritual purifications are performed. The Mikvah is available by appointment to all Jews no matter what background and/or affiliation.

 

2022 Officers for the Louisville Vaad HaKashruth:

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                                                                                                               President:           Ayala Golding

                                                                                                      Vice President:           Harriet Frankel Firkins

                                                                                                               Secretary:          Steven Goldstein

                                                                                                               Treasurer:           Myrle Davis

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                                                                                     Kashruth Administrator:            Rabbi Simcha Snaid             

                                                                                                  Lead Mashgiach:            TBD

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The Louisville Vaad HaKashruth Board is made up of 4 representatives from each Member Congregation:

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Adath Jeshurun Representatives:  Thomas George, Steven Goldstein, Sheila Lynch & Michael Sabes

Anshei Sfard Representatives:  Myrle Davis, Ayala Golding, Howard Stone & Jules Szanton + Jacob Wishnia (emeritus)

Keneseth Israel Representatives:  Sharon Czerkiewicz, Harriet Frankel Firkins, Rabbi Stanley Miles & vacant

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Additionally, the Rabbi of each of the Member Congregations serves as an advisor to the Vaad Board.