As surprising as this may seem to our readers, in this case we feel that publicity on this subject and revelation of all the facts out may bring some concrete rewards for Kosher consumers – especially those in Sydney. (And after all, the vast majority of AJNWATCH’s demographic are kosher consumers.)
We invite representatives from all of Australia’s Kashrut organizations to have their say and we especially interested in the thoughts of those working in the ‘industry’ including mashgichim and administrative staff.
Here are the 2 items from the AJN which started it all. These are followed by a selection of emails that we have since received.
Meanwhile for some background material on Aussie Kashrut see the excellent recent post by Kosherman:
http://ajnwatch.blogspot.com/2009/10/guest-post-by-kosherman-concise-history.html
From Bondiman:
I am very surprised that Adass lets its caterer do business in Sydney. Each city's caterers should stick to their own turf and let the other make a living.
From anon:
Another unnecessary attack on the authority of Rabbi Moshe Gutnick.
From Miriam:
About time that some action is taken against the ridiculously high charges by Sydney's premier caterer. Do they - and Rabbi Gutnick - really think that all of us can afford to spend $25-50,000 on a wedding? My husband is a teacher and it would take him 2 years to accumulate that kind of tax-paid money. And only if meanwhile we didn't pay rent or feed and clothe our 3 kids. When the time comes, we will definitely be contacting Eshel in Melb.
From George in Detroit:
As an ex-Aussie, my friends keep me up-to-date with what is happening down under. (I am also a fervent fan of your great blog.) Thus I was totally shocked to learn that our brethren in Sydney are subjected to such ridiculous catering and kashrus costs. How on earth does an average person afford this? Shouldn't the rabbis there be trying to encourage Kashrut and be on the forefront in demanding lower costs? I feel very sorry for my Sydney compatriots who have to spend a small fortune to line the pockets of caterers and rabbis.
From anon:
I think it is wonderful that unlike Melbourne, Sydney has a single Kashrut authority. This way we all have the same kosher standard - unlike the situation in Melb. But sadly this non-competitiveness comes at a very high price for us. Catering costs are double, triple and even more than in melb and the kashrut charge too seems to be 2 or 3 times it is in Melb. Thus while I praise the single authority system the lack of competition creates a monopoly situation where the rabbi and caterer can get away with the most outrageous charges. Rabbi Moshe Gutnick, who seems to be the only rabbi involved in this, should be leader the battle for us kosher consumers and ensuring that we can all afford kosher simchot without facing bankruptcy.
Emily wrote:
Question. Where does all the money paid for kosher supervision go to? At $6.60 per head with the average wedding and barmitzva having 300-500 guests that totals around $2500 per party. If there are 100 such functions a year, that comes to over a quarter of million dollars. And reading the engagement and wedding notices in the AJN there are actually far more than that. Plus many, many other smaller affairs. Who is getting rich on our backs? Does the NSWKA publish a financial report annually? If so, where can it be viewed? It should make some very interesting reading - especially for non-rich Jews, who have to take out bank loans for their children's weddings.
Aaron wrote:
I think the AJN report does a disservice to our community. Rabbi Moshe Gutnick has been and continues to be a loyal servant of Kashrut consumers. I have no idea of what his income or salary is, but I doubt that he is paid anywhere near the value of his work. While the other rabbis do nothing about Kashrut except enjoy the benefits of Rabbi Gutnick's work, he spends his days and nights travelling all over the state and even NZ to advance Kashrut. It's about time we showed some appreciation to this one man band.
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