Kashrut   Kashrut is the body of Jewish law that deals with bringing sanctity to the mundane act of eating and details the foods that may and may not be eaten and how those foods should be prepared. The word "kosher" describes foods that meet these standards. Kosher foods and ingredients may be identified by one of a group of symbols that certify the food as having been prepared according to the laws of kashrut. Brith Sholom maintains a kosher kitchen, and all foods prepared, served, and brought into the synagogue must be kosher. If you are interested in knowing the local institutions which have kashrut supervision from the Lehigh Valley Kashrut Commission. If you need to arrange for kosher catering in the Lehigh Valley, you may contact Steve Bonner at Boscov's Kosher Catering at 610-370-3718. Another option is Kate McVey of Kate Cooks who prepares Shabbat and holiday kiddushes for Brith Sholom. You may reach her at 610-653-6756. If you are lactose intolerant or vegan, please check out Vegan Treats. It is located in Bethlehem and has rabbinic supervision. For a kosher Chinese experience, try Lin's Kosher Chinese Kitchen, located on Main St. in Manville, NJ about one hour from the Lehigh Valley and five minutes from the Kosher Experience at the ShopRite in Bound Brook. If you want to find recommended kashrut symbols, a list of foods that do not require kosher certification and lists of kosher additives, kosher fish and even kosher Ks, go to www.kosherquest.org and in the left hand column, click on "Kosher Lists." If you are interested just in which fish are or are not kosher, you may go to www.kashrut.com/articles/fish. Blessings for various food items. Hazon.  Help us create healthier and more sustainable communities in the Jewish world and beyond.