The Louisville
Vaad HaKashruth
We are dedicated to enriching Jewish Life in Louisville by promoting and supervising community events and working with local businesses that provide/prepare Kosher foods within our community. The Vaad Advantage: Local & Affordable
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.
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.
2025 Officers for the Louisville Vaad HaKashruth:
President: Steven Goldstein
Vice President: Larry Kaplin
Secretary: Sharon Czerkiewicz
Treasurer: Myrle Davis
Kashruth Administrator: Rabbi Yaakov Lederman
Lead Mashgiach: Rabbi Yaakov Lederman
The Louisville Vaad HaKashruth Board is made up of 4 representatives from each Member Congregation:
Adath Jeshurun Representatives: Neil Davidoff, Steven Goldstein, John Guest & Sheila Lynch
Anshei Sfard Representatives: Jennifer Davis, Myrle Davis, Larry Kaplin & Julie Silverman + Jacob Wishnia (emeritus)
Keneseth Israel Representatives: Ariene Barrie Stern, Sharon Czerkiewicz, Rabbi Stanley Miles, & Lewis Rowe
Additionally, the Rabbi or religious leader of each of the Member Congregations serves as an advisor to the Vaad Board.