Fame and Fortune Await You

Win a $250 shopping spree and become the next internet video star!

The prize will go to the most creative Kosher.com Thanksgiving video.

Here’s how: Upload an original video to Youtube (up to 6 minutes in length), and email editor@kosher.com to let us know when it’s up.

Some sample entry suggestions:
Song, poem, skit, cartoon, drawing, commercial, cooking show, original recipes, taste test contest, shopping spree wish list or a scene from Thanksgiving Day with your family, be creative…

We will feature the winning entry on our site and a post about you on our blog including a link back to your blog, if you have one. We will also feature some of our favorite entries in links and emails to our thousands of subscribers!

The following text must be read or shown in it’s entirety at the beginning of the video to qualify: “This is a submission for the Kosher.com Thanksgiving Video Contest, where I have a chance to win a $250 shopping spree for the most creative video. If you like this video, please forward it to all your friends and favorite it in the link below.”

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void Where Prohibited by Law. Sponsor: Kosher.com.

To Enter: Visit the YouTube website (www.youtube.com) (the “Entry Site”), and upload an original video, styled as a commercial advertisement or creative video for any type of Thanksgiving product on the Kosher.com website, and especially a whole turkey (an “Entry”)Multiple Entries are welcome. Videos should not exceed 6 minutes in duration. Entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on November 30, 2009. Please visit blog.kosher.com for additional information about the contest (the “Contest”).

Eligibility: The Contest is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia, ages 18 and older. Employees of the Sponsor and its advertising and promotion agencies, and their immediate families and members of their households, may enter but are not eligible for prizes. All entrants must be willing to conduct media interviews, and have their names publicized on our website.

All entrants must submit an email link of their video submission/s to editor@kosher.com to be considered eligible for the contest.

All Jewish laws of kosher food preparation must be observed in the creation of the video submission. For example: All Kosher food and products must be used. No meat may be mixed with milk or butter (or any dairy product, or fish products. No use or mention of pork, shellfish, lobster or any other non-kosher item may be used).

The following text must be read or shown in it’s entirety at the beginning of the video to qualify: “This is a submission for the Kosher.com Thanksgiving Video Contest, where I have a chance to win a $250 shopping spree for the most creative video. If you like this video, please forward it to all your friends and favorite it in the link below.”

Judging: The Sponsor, at its sole discretion, will evaluate Entries which will be judged based on creativity, relevant content, usability, and efficacy at conveying creative content. Any Entry which in the sole discretion of the judges is inconsistent with the image or branding of Kosher.com® will be ineligible. Any Entry that fails to comply with and adhere to all terms and conditions set forth herein will be disqualified and deemed ineligible for participation in the Contest.

Prizes: One finalist (the “Finalist”) will receive a one time use grocery shopping spree, shipping in the monetary value of $250 (including Shipping). All expenses not specified herein, including but not limited to taxes and gratuities, are the sole responsibility of the Finalists and the Grand Prize Winner. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible Entries received. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. No substitution, transfer, assignment or cash equivalent of any prize is permitted, except that the Sponsor may substitute any prize of equal or greater value for any reason. Limit one (1) prize per household. All prizes are awarded “as is” with no guarantees, either express or implied. If by reason of a printing, typographical, or other error, more prizes are claimed than the number set forth in these Official Rules, all persons making purportedly valid claims will be included in a random drawing to award the advertised number of prizes available in the prize category in question. No more than the advertised number of prizes will be awarded.
Key Dates: The Contest begins on November 9. Deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. on November 30, 2009. The Grand Prize Winner will be selected on or about December 15, 2009 and will be notified by email.

Terms and Conditions: The Sponsor, and each of its affiliates, subsidiaries, parent corporations and advertising and promotional agencies, and all of its officers, directors, shareholders, employees, representatives and agents are not responsible for: any incorrect or inaccurate entry information; human errors; technical malfunctions; failures, omissions, interruptions, deletions or defects of any telephone network, computer online systems, computer equipment, servers, providers, or software, including, without limitation, any injury or damage to participant’s or any other person’s computer relating to or resulting from participation in the Contest; inability to access the Entry Site; theft, tampering, destruction, or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, Entries; data that is processed late or incorrectly, or is incomplete or lost due to telephone, computer or electronic malfunction or traffic congestion on telephone lines or the Internet or any web site (including the Entry Site) or for any other reason whatsoever; printing or other errors; any Entries which are late, lost, incomplete, misdirected, stolen, damaged, indecipherable, or any combination thereof. Indecipherable and incomplete Entries will be disqualified.

Entrants are responsible for any and all costs associated with the production of their video submission and the Sponsor will not reimburse any expenses incurred in the creation, production, filming or submitting of the video for the Contest.

If for any reason, the Contest is not capable of running as planned, or the processing of Entries in accordance with these Official Rules, or if infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, actions by entrants, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes, in the Sponsor’s sole opinion, corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of the Contest, the Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual implicated in such action and/or to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the Contest or any portion thereof. In the event the Contest is canceled, the Sponsor reserves the right to conduct a random drawing to award all remaining prizes from among all eligible, non-suspect on-line Entries received prior to the time of the action or event warranting such cancellation. If such cancellation, termination, modification, or suspension occurs, notification will be posted at the Entry Site. Any attempt by an entrant or any other individual to deliberately damage any web site or undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest is a violation of criminal and/or civil laws and should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages and other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Where a dispute arises about who submitted an on-line Entry, the Entry will be deemed submitted by the authorized account holder of the e-mail account entered. The authorized account holder is deemed the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, service provider, or other online organization that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. A potential winner may be requested to provide the Sponsor with proof that the potential winner is the authorized account holder of the e-mail address associated with the winning Entry and that all eligibility requirements are met.
By entering the Contest, entrants affirm that they have read and accepted these Official Rules. The Contest shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States, and the State of New York. By entering the Contest, entrants hereby submit to the jurisdiction and venue of the federal and state courts located in the State of New York, New York County, and waive the right to have disputes arising out of the subject matter hereof adjudicated in any other forum.

All Entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. Entrants freely and voluntarily waive any right, claim, or ownership to the video Entries and to the images, copy, and script, contained in the Entries. By submitting an Entry, the entrant warrants, represents, and attests that the contents of the video submission do not include or incorporate any third party’s intellectual property rights, including copyrighted, trademarked, or patented material and that the entrant has the legal right and authority to submit the Entry. Any Entry that includes materials, images, copy, language, or products that unlawfully infringe upon the intellectual property rights of third parties will be deemed ineligible for participation in the Contest.

Entrants agree that they will not violate anyone’s copyright or trademark and that they indemnify Kosher.com from any suits arising from trademark/copyright infringement.

Due to the volume of entries, The Sponsor cannot acknowledge receipt of any Entry and will not otherwise communicate with an entrant except if chosen as a Finalist or Grand Prize Winner.

The Sponsor will not accept Entries that contain profanity, nudity, violence or other explicit content. For guidelines on acceptable content, reference the MPAA rating system for a G-rated film which states that a G rated content is “a film which contains nothing in theme, language, nudity and sex, violence, etc. which would … be offensive to parents whose younger children view the film.”

Except where prohibited by law, a winner’s Entry and acceptance of the prize constitutes permission for the Sponsor to use winner’s name, photograph, likeness, statements, video, essay submission, biographical information, voice and city and state address in all forms of media without further compensation. Winners and entrants also agree to release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless the Sponsor and each of its affiliates, subsidiaries, parent corporations and advertising and promotional agencies, and all of its officers, directors, shareholders, employees, representatives and agents from and against any claims, damages or liability due to any injuries, damages, or losses to any person (including death) or property of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of any prize or participation in any contest-related activity or participation in the Contest.

Winning: The Grand Prize Winner will be chosen by a panel of judges selected by the Sponsor, whose decisions will be final on all matters relating to the Contest. Finalists will be notified by telephone or email, and will be required to execute an Affidavit of Eligibility, a Liability Release and (where applicable) a Publicity Release. Finalists and the Grand Prize winner will also be required to make themselves available for media interviews as requested by the Sponsor. The Sponsor reserves the right to post on its website or otherwise share Entries with the general public.

List of Winners: For a list of winners, please send your name and mailing address to the following address between December 1 and December 15, 2009.

Winners List

Kosher.com
PO Box 575
Cedarhurst, NY 11516

or editor@kosher.com

SPONSOR: Kosher.com

Kosherfest 2009 Social Media Highlights

Flickr - 43 photos

Twitter - Hundreds of Tweets!

Yeshiva World News- PHOTOS: Thousands Attend KosherFest 2009 (including a number of shots of Kosher.com and our monster size kosher shopping cart!)

The Jewish Week - JInsider: 21st Century Kosher (Part 2)

Vos Iz Neias -

• Photos Highlighting The Best and Brightest
• 4000 at Opening Day of Kosherfest
• Pic of Kosher.com booth

JTA covers the event live (YouTube) - Breaking down the buzz over kosher food

The Cool Jew (includes videos) - TheCoolJew.com at Kosher Fest

Chowhound - 2009 Kosherfest Winners

The Gourmet Retailer - Kosherfest to Showcase Upscale Kosher Products

Slashfood - Innovative Nosh at Kosher Fest 2009

KosherToday - Kosher News from Around the World

The Jewish Journal - U.S. appetite for Israeli food grows

The Paramus Post - 21st Annual Kosherfest 2009

And a few great articles by Jamie Geller:

• Kosherfest: I came, I saw, I ate!
• Kosherfest: 5 New Finds
• Kosherfest: The Best of the Best

Have you seen other articles about Kosherfest that you enjoyed reading? We would love for you to add to the list below!

For Jewish Mothers on Mother’s Day

When it comes to honoring mom, some Jews view Mother’s Day as an occasion that  shouldn’t be limited to the second Sunday in May.  Since we are commanded to honor our parents every day, the Jewish attitude suggests that expressing gratitude to mom should be more than a once-a-year event.

But, I’m sure there isn’t a Jewish mother (me included) who does not appreciate the flowers, phone calls, cards - and most importantly, the hugs - that result from this special day.  And rightfully so.

Motherhood is a struggle.  In fact, the Bible, whether it talks about matriarchs like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, or lesser known figures like Hannah or Yocheved, depicts rearing kids as an all-encompassing struggle.  From bearing children, giving birth, to raising and mentoring them, motherhood is a bumpy ride with unpredictable turbulence no matter how smooth you think you have it.

So, when Mother’s Day comes around, I embrace the day as a mother, but even more as a daughter.  With lunches to pack, beds to make, and kids to carpool, my daily routine doesn’t offer an opportunity to tell my mom how much I appreciate everything she did - and still does-for me.

This Mother’s Day, I look forward to heading to the kitchen to celebrate my mom.  Sure I can easily take her out to dinner, but nothing says “I love you” like homemade goodies, especially when they are a tribute to the comfort food mom made me growing up.

Inspired by the idea of making an heirloom cookbook but daunted by the effort it takes to collect all of mom’s signature recipes?

Surprise her by making a special meal featuring some of the food she made when you were little.  Think of comfort foods like special soups and salads, casseroles and pasta.  Or, present her with a package of baked goods that stand out from all the desserts she made when you were a kid.

The most important part of this thoughtful gesture is to include a note describing the memories you have of the dish and why it stands out.

It’s kind of like making an heirloom cookbook, but much easier.  And instead of just collecting the recipes, you get to eat the food, too.

Click here to make Kosher Orange Sugar Cookies, a sensational dessert my mom made when I was growing up.

What is OU Kosher Certification?

OU (Orthodox Union) Kosher is the world’s largest and most widely recognized kosher certification agency, certifying more than 500,000 products produced in over 6,000 plants located in 80 countries around the world.

The OU, termed a “coveted seal of approval” by The New York Times, is one of the world’s best-known trademarks. Comparing it to the UL®, Forbes magazine wrote, “If you want to know your food is kosher, you can look for the Orthodox Union’s OU symbol.”

It immediately and universally enhances your product, raising the perception of its quality, and increasing its marketability.

Our 600 Rabbinic Field Representatives, located across North America and throughout the world – from Europe to Australia, from the China to South Africa—are proficient in modern food production techniques and chemical and biological processes, no less than the intricacies of Jewish law.

Our New York headquarters staff consists of over 50 Rabbinic Coordinators who serve as account executives for OU certified companies, supplemented by a roster of ingredient specialists, flavor analysts and other support staff.

A state-of-the-art computer system stores and tracks product information and ingredients. The Orthodox Union database contains information on more than 250,000 food ingredients.

Many of the food industry’s most recognized brands, large and small, choose the OU for their kosher certification, including: ADM, Avebe, Best Foods, Cargill, Cerestar, Coca Cola, Cognis, Peter Cremer, Danisco, Dean Foods, DSM, General Mills, Haarmann & Reimer, Chr. Hansen, Hebei Welcome Pharmaceutical, H.J. Heinz, Hershey’s, Kraft/Nabisco, McCormick & Co., Nestlé, Novartis, Procter & Gamble, Pillsbury, Quest, Reynolds Aluminum, Rhodia, Unilever, and thousands more.

OU does much more than ensure the highest standards of Kosher Certification.

OU Kosher is unique among all the major kosher certification agencies as it is part of a non-profit communal organization (founded in 1898), so we maintain the highest levels of integrity without any possible conflict of interest.

The Orthodox Union, now in its second century of service to the Jewish community of North America and beyond, is a world leader in community and synagogue services, adult education, youth work through NCSY, political action through the IPA, and advocacy for persons with disabilities through Yachad and Our Way.

For more information about the Orthodox Union visit www.ou.org
Article quoted from www.oukosher.org

Check out this great OUkosher video:

Kosherfest 2008 Celebrates 20 Years

Kosherfest 2008 will offer a vast array of lectures, educational seminars, culinary demonstrations and events for the food professional at its new venue, the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ November 11-12, 2008.

Kosherfest offers the world’s largest trade marketplace for showcasing kosher food, food ingredients and beverages, and provides an opportunity for supermarket retailers, specialty stores, caterers, restaurateurs, food service and hospitality professionals to find the newest products under one roof.

This year Kosherfest celebrates its 20^th year, and over the past two decades has helped bring to market more than 100,000 kosher products. Today the kosher food industry is a booming $11 billion business, expected to grow at a rate of 12%.

Kosherfest 2008 will showcase hundreds of new products and more than 300 exhibitors from all over the globe. The show’s 2-day schedule of informative events are designed to help today’s industry professionals learn the trends and address the ever-changing needs of their consumers and clients.

For information visit www.kosherfest.com

Top 7 Videos Celebrating Kosher Food!

(Last chance to eat challah for a while )
With the Passover season rapidly approaching, the kosher world is thinking about food and preparation. Have a look at some of our favorite kosher videos online!

His first visit to a kosher McDonald’s

This kid just wants you to eat your kosher!

MATZA FACTORY!

Crank that Kosher Boy!

Feed Me Bubbe!

This guy insists that his food be kosher, no exceptions!

And one more just for fun: Whasssup? SHALOM!

Click here for a bonus cartoon straight from kosher.com!

Taste ‘The Honey’ - Enjoy Israel

The Honey is a new Jerusalem-based email newsletter and website focusing on the best of things available in Israel (and sometimes in the U.S.). For The Honey, that means hotels, restaurants, sights, sounds, clothes and, of course, food and wine. In just a few months the site - modeled on the U.S. website and email network Daily Candy - has begun drawing thousands of readers. Kosher.com caught up with one of the Honey’s founders, Jessica Steinberg, between cooking and sampling some of the new gourmet goodies available in Israel.

Kosher.com - What is the idea behind The Honey?

JS - To talk about what’s fun to see, do and consume in Israel.

Kosher.com - Who is The Honey aimed at?

JS - English speakers in Israel, tourists and Israelis, from a wide range of ages, from somewhere around 25 to 85, although we would happily accept any older readers as well.

Kosher.com - How do you select the items, locations and tips you write up?
JS - It’s a fairly organic process, partially because all four of us are people who keep a regular lookout for what’s new and different in Israel. We find our finds mostly from our own treks around the cities in which we live and travel. In fact, we started The Honey because friends and family were always asking each of us where to find certain products, where to go to eat, drink and be merry. We love being in the know, and sharing what we know with others, in a sharp, hip and pithy format.

Kosher.com - Do you think a site like The Honey can improve Israel’s image by showing that “gourmet” products are being produced in Israel?

JS - We certainly see ourselves as a kind of hasbara for Israel, partially because we write about fun, lighthearted subjects that have nothing to do with politics, but also because Israel is such a destination for all things creative. There are many talented people here creating all kinds of things, whether they’re designing clothing, developing wines or inventing skins for the cell phone whose parts were designed in Israel. And if the worldwide search for everything that is gourmet and off-the-beaten path brings tourists to Israel, or, even better, reminds those of us who live here what there is to discover about this place, then we’ll be satisfied.

Kosher.com - Do you want to say anything else about The Honey?

JS - We’re always happy to hear from our readers, whether they have tips to share or comments to make about something we’ve featured or missed. Please keep in contact at thehoney.israel@gmail.com