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By Shochet Eliyahu Ezagui

How Hashgachos Operates

Let’s try to understand the ‏reality that there are various different Hashgachos B”H:

What is known as the concept of גופי כשרות—discussing the standards for kosher meat—to ensure meat is Kosher, one should know at least one of the three things below:

1. We’re going to trust, The rabbi who gives the certificate or oversees the supervision, and that the rabbi is a Yirei Shamayim and is very careful with the people that work under him,

2. The Shochet (slaughterer) is a Yirei Shamayim and is very careful with small details when it comes to Yiddishkeit, in his own personal life.

3. The knife used for shechita has been checked, by the person eating the meat, (and even more so that it is a sharp knife on both sides equally, more details to follow).

Today, most people rely on a Rov’s hechsher (kosher seal) because it’s not possible for them to know specifically who the Shochet is or who checked the knife before eating the meat.

Based on שולחן ערוך יורה דעה סימן א the standards of kosher meat is.

Emphasizing the importance of a Shochet (rabbi who performs shechita) being a Yirei Shamayim, as they are trusted to perform a sacred act that is between them and Hashem.

The Lubavitch Approach

The Lubavitch approach to Shechita places a strong emphasis on the Shochet’s personal character and spiritual practices.

Here are the key points that Lubavitch holds dear:

– To ensure kosher meat, one should know the Rov who oversees the supervision, the Shochet themselves, or at least check the knife they use.

– Lubavitch Shochetim prioritizes being Yirei Shamayim, as this is crucial for performing shechita.

– A Yirei Shamayim is someone who has a strong spiritual connection and follows Halacha while paying attention to the details of the Shulchan Aruch.

– Lubavitch Shochetim also prioritize daily learning chasidus, going to the Mikvah, giving Tzedaka (כמבואר בדא”ח צמ”ח צדקה מקווה חסידות) and keeping their beards.

– The knife used for Shechita should be sharp on both sides of the blade, a tradition that dates back to The Alter Rebbe.

וזה לשונו הקדוש: אהובי אחי ורעי אנ”ש דק”ק ווילנא ה’ עליהם יחי’ השחיטה בסכינים מלוטשים היא מצוה רבה ועצומה אשר החזיקו בה רבותינו קדושי עליון נ”ע וממש נתנו נפשם עלי’ ואין כסף נחשב למאומה להיות שוחט קבוע.

This is a short explanation of what goes into Hechsheirim and Shechita, there’s a lot on the subject.

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