Raising the Bar: New Wine Regulations in Kiryas Yoel

By Y.M. Lowy

Last Sunday night, the Satmar Rebbe, shlit”a, held a special meeting at his home in Kiryas Yoel. Attending the meeting were the owners of local wine cellars that provide for the community.

The purpose of the meeting was to establish new, clear guidelines about which types of wine and alcohol can be used in Satmar. This came in response to questions that had arisen about the kashrus certifications and production processes of certain products.

R’ Hersh Leib Bernstein, a Williamsburg dayan and a member of the Vaad HaKashrus in Kiryas Yoel, spoke first. He was followed by the Rebbe, shlit”a, who delivered a speech outlining the proper approach and the steps needed to ensure that only products with reliable kashrus certifications are sold in the future.