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New York - RCA Orthodox Task Force to Form Principles and Ethical Guidelines for Business |
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The Task Force will be chaired by Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir. Rabbi Meir is a leading authority in the field of Jewish business ethics and is the author of two weekly syndicated columns on the topic. The first, "The Jewish Ethicist," analyzes contemporary ethical dilemmas from the standpoint of Jewish tradition. The second, "Ethics at Work," adopts a more general ethical perspective, and has appeared weekly in the Jerusalem Post since 2004. In addition, other prominent members of the RCA, including well-known experts in the field of business ethics, have been appointed to the Task Force. The Task Force will also consult with respected representatives of the kosher food industry as well as business professionals.
We believe that the kosher food industry as a whole maintains an exemplary level of ethical practice, thanks in part to the presence of kosher agencies and supervisors. Nonetheless, we attach importance to having ethical guidelines incorporated as a matter of policy by companies receiving kosher supervision, thereby further raising the level of ethical compliance throughout the industry.
The purpose of the Guide will be two-fold:
1. It will require that a condition of kosher food certification be an agreement to adhere to all relevant civil laws and regulations as formulated, monitored and enforced by existing government regulatory and enforcement agencies, in whichever country they occur. Violations of such laws will be viewed by kosher agencies with utmost seriousness.
2. It will formulate and clarify relevant principles of Jewish law and ethics governing business conduct. Companies interested in conforming to the highest standards of Jewish ethics will be encouraged to adopt these principles voluntarily wherever possible, as a matter of corporate social responsibility.
In announcing the initiative, Rabbi Shlomo Hochberg, President of the RCA, stated, "Ethics and social responsibility are central to the Torah and the rabbinic tradition, in business no less than in the home, the synagogue and the school. We are fully aware of the realities of a competitive marketplace spread all over the globe, and the need to provide affordable kosher food. In taking this step, the RCA seeks as a practical matter to reinforce ethical values and corporate policies, while ensuring a reliable and affordable supply of food products for the kosher consumer.
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Read Comments (31) — Post Yours »
1
Sep 24, 2008 at 02:25 PM news blurb Says:
Great idea RCA!
2
Sep 24, 2008 at 02:54 PM Anonymous Says:
why dont we just use the hechsher tzedek and lets have men and women sit together in shul and lets bring jesus into shul to how about budda and child molesters to.
3
Sep 24, 2008 at 02:51 PM Use your head Says:
This is sorely needed. Much hatzlacha!
4
Sep 24, 2008 at 02:59 PM Dave Says:
Weren't they attacking this idea just a month or two ago?
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Sep 24, 2008 at 03:17 PM anon Says:
just a question so its allright for china to make workers who work in vats and are prisoners but if the chinese government allows it so all hechers are good but if a company in the us organizes a union and isnt recognized then they dont get a hechsher great thinking rca
next time think it thru
7
Sep 24, 2008 at 03:25 PM anonymous Says:
To the first two posters. Don't be fooled. This is just another front from another modern apologetic Jewish organization to impose their rules to all of Klal Yisroel.
8
Sep 24, 2008 at 03:17 PM Anonymous Says:
it makes a lot of sense. just like when a hotel is being mechalel shabbos, they lose they kashrus certification. aay you will ask what has one to do with the other, but the answer is that the cerification requires a certain amount of trust, and if one is mechallel shabbos, they can be great people, but still can't be trusted with religious matters. the same applies here, if one is not sensitive to avoid creating chillul hashem, which is what happens when civil laws are blatantly ignored and violated, then they are not trustworthy with kashrus either. will you eat in a restaurant of someone who was caught doing a "harbe aveira"? no. why not? the food didn't become unkosher? but the person lost their neemanus. the same applies, and maybe even more, when a person gets caught doing chuillul hashem.
9
Sep 24, 2008 at 04:23 PM Yokum Purkon Says:
Who does this organization represent??? Other than my RCA electronics, I have no idea who this RCA is. We all have our own rabbonim to go to when in need. No self appointed organization can claim to speak for the Jewish People.
10
Sep 24, 2008 at 04:04 PM Anonymous Says:
how about a committee for ethical buying of consumer goods? Jews should only buy American made products and foods where Americans and legal residents are working. Jews should never buy products from countries whose Govts are considered corrupt (rules out Israel I guess) and dont have worker protections similar to those in the US. Products produced by any company anywhere in the world where workers would say they are being mistreated or not paid enough whether or not Jews are owners, would be osser. Any products made by businesses located in any country whose government does business with any other government hostile towards Jews would be osser too. We must maintain the most moral and ethical consumer habits in the world in order to be an example to the olam.
11
Sep 24, 2008 at 04:01 PM formely Says:
Anonymous Says:
comments - arrow why dont we just use the hechsher tzedek and lets have men and women sit together in shul and lets bring jesus into shul to how about budda and child molesters to.
sorry to inform you you already have child molesters in shul where have you been.
In addition but because the conservative movement originated this idea does not it bad. Or are you of the believe, that only herideim can come up with a good idea, and if someone else not frum has an idea you need not look at the idea for its on value or merit, and just dismiss it as bad since a non frum yid thought of it?
The arrogance is amazing.
12
Sep 24, 2008 at 03:57 PM shmiel glassman Says:
A FEW POINTS:
As the article states most jewish businesses are ethical & proper so there is no need for commissions & "think tanks"
the RCA can raise the level of "torah based ethics" by organizing shiurim, lectures, workshops, in choshen mishpat..etc.given by people who exemplify these practices in their own business
like all issues when a person takes a closer look at the "mekoros" -youll see many situations that dont fall under the catagory of "assur al pi din" (e.g. tzaar baalei chaim,dina demalchusa,onaah..yoser m'shtus....)& thats why commisions are no good
it sounds like a knockoff of "hechsher tzedek" where the RCA feels "they have to do something"
there intentions are good and "yashrus" is as important as "kashrus"
13
Sep 24, 2008 at 03:56 PM formely Says:
Now I wonder where they got this idea from maybe from the conservative.
You are right about china they should lose the hechers however whether union or not should not make a difference as long as then owner is ethical and treats his workers right
14
Sep 24, 2008 at 03:55 PM Moshe Kapora Says:
This can only raise - not lower - the prices of kosher food. Bad idea. Certifiying agencies should stick to whether or not a particular product is kosher, and not cave in to the anti-Torah Conservative "Tzedek kosher" forces who mock frumkeit and Torah values. Anonymous 2:54 pm made a good point: The "Tzedek hecksur" folks are the same guys who are bringing us man-man "marriage" ceremonies (expressly forbidden by the Torah) and female "rabbis," among other "innovations."
If a company wants an *additional* seal of approval, that would be fine and even praiseworthy; however, whether or not a product is technically kosher should not depend on political or factors.
15
Sep 24, 2008 at 03:41 PM Anonymous Says:
I think it's an excellent idea! The objection to the "hechsher tzedek" was that it was under non-frum auspices, but the idea that Torah-based businesses should conduct themselves ethically and be an example to the world is not only non-controversial -- it has been part and parcel of our mesorah for ages! They should be matzliach!
16
Sep 24, 2008 at 05:10 PM Anonymous Says:
To Yokum Purkon:
U don't have to know who the RCA is.
Your Rabbi whoever he is, has done nothing in this regard in the past and will probably refuse to get involved in the future.
17
Sep 24, 2008 at 05:10 PM Anonymous Says:
dear formerly
i honestly belive it to be a good idea. unfortunatly we live in a corupy world and the more power we give to rabbis the worse of we are. the hechser tzedek was a power play by the reform movement and rca jumped on the band wagon. hence not such a good idea because its motivated by power.plus i really dont belive rubashkin did so bad they just had a shity pr firm beacause they are ruskis. the new ceo is an excellent face not that it will change much. if u truly want to make a difference educate as many people near you about the importance of ethical bussines practices not try to force them that never work.
sincerly yours
a true cynic
18
Sep 24, 2008 at 05:16 PM Anonymous Says:
I don't understand something, all this sudden ephasis on ethics is a chidush? I thought this was already covered in our Torah!
19
Sep 24, 2008 at 05:28 PM Headlights Says:
Can't you see what's up ahead? The Yellow star that all must wear. If you don't have one, the smarter, unbiased rabbis haven't endorsed you as a real Jew.
Some seek to become gd.
20
Sep 24, 2008 at 05:58 PM formely Says:
as far as consumers are concerned, there are many people who do not buy certain brands that they know have lax checks on their subcontractors, so this is nothing new.
The RCA or hesher zadek is not forcing any company and or consumer to care about this.
The consumer and the companies will choose if this is something they are concerned about and willing to pay a little more for.
It is not like anyone is saying, if it does not have the above seals it is treif. So I am not sure why people are going crazy, it is no different than products that have a seal from the usda organic farming if it is important you pay more and buy it. If not you do not
21
Sep 24, 2008 at 06:13 PM Anonymous Says:
more "hechshers" = more politics = more money = big business
22
Sep 24, 2008 at 06:00 PM formely Says:
Anonymous Says:
comments - arrow I don't understand something, all this sudden ephasis on ethics is a chidush? I thought this was already covered in our Torah!
I see you do not read the newspapers and see how many frum people are involved in massive scams. And more importantly ii is condoned by the frum community and never condemned, so maybe we do need it
23
Sep 24, 2008 at 08:28 PM cynic Says:
evrybody is involved in a scam.my granfather worked for the unions from the 30 and he was very respected. he told me what went one there. gov i dont need to get into we all know how thats a scam. the question is who do we go after. we are yiden and lets stick together and not give the unions and the gov reason to go after rubashkin. just like bush family takes care of itself. and so did the rockefeller and the clintons and so on. so if you'r in the mood to put someone down how about peta or mcdonalds or pfizer or walmart take your pick. dont go after the people who will cost money to us. every action that you take has a reaction and we tend not to think about it. when you blog or say anything on a blog no matter how insignficant it has a effect(irrelevant of how small) on the world.
24
Sep 24, 2008 at 08:46 PM Drill Here!! Drill Now!! Save Money!! Says:
shoyn, another OU symbol.
25
Sep 24, 2008 at 11:30 PM Charles B. Hall Says:
"The consumer and the companies will choose if this is something they are concerned about and willing to pay a little more for. "
I think our ancestors chose to be concerned about these things at Sinai.
26
Sep 25, 2008 at 12:07 AM Lock & Load Says:
Will the RCA be Invited to Kiryas Yoel for a PR Stunt ?????
Like the OU...
Lock & Load
27
Sep 25, 2008 at 01:32 AM Matzahlocal101 Says:
But If you don't have to cover your hair like it says in shulchan oruch and you don't have to do metzitzah bipeh like it says in shulchan orech and you have the "option" of being "shomer" or "non-shomer: against what it says in shulchan orech, and you can mix swim, mix dance, rub elbows at the kiddish with your neighbors wife and ask her how she is, against what it says in shulchan oruch, who are these guys to tell us what part of shulchan oruch we have to listen to, when they've cut out plenty themselves.
28
Sep 25, 2008 at 07:41 AM S.L. Says:
Thanks but no thanks. I have the torah written and oral.
29
Sep 25, 2008 at 09:07 AM formely Says:
Matzahlocal101
I think the shulchan oruch says not to steal and lie, how do you explain the lunch program scam and all the others the yeshivas ran so please do not throw stones if you are not perfect
and metzitzah bipeh is a mute issue since if you look it up in the gemmarra is was done not really part of the ritual or mitzva of the bris, is states clearly is was done for medical issues. Ideas of medicine change so should metzitzah bipeh, but hey want to give you kids herpes go ahead
30
Sep 25, 2008 at 10:18 AM cynic Says:
formerly
people that are in power make the rules. so the only time you are wrong is if you get caught or if you belive in a higher power. so getting money from the gov that u give them and get little back for. jews dont go to public schools for ex. its not a big deal thats how politics work welcome to america. you just come up with ways to get money from the gov. senators do it, so do conressmen, citys, states, county evryonr. evryone misapropriates funds.
31
Sep 25, 2008 at 01:42 PM APRPEH Says:
“ Matzahlocal101
I think the shulchan oruch says not to steal and lie, how do you explain the lunch program scam and all the others the yeshivas ran so please do not throw stones if you are not perfect
and metzitzah bipeh is a mute issue since if you look it up in the gemmarra is was done not really part of the ritual or mitzva of the bris, is states clearly is was done for medical issues. Ideas of medicine change so should metzitzah bipeh, but hey want to give you kids herpes go ahead
”
Dear Formely,
people who steal need to be arrested and tried in a court of law, not in a blog or message board. if convicted they go to jail. not all lying is technically illegal and halacha has what to say on this too. in any event, how does this relate to the fact that the RCA is out of its league here. if a Jewish owned company is found to be in violation of the law, it is the US courts which will hear the case and determine guilt and not, like it or not.
in this medina, "ethical" is usually defined by 'are you following the law or not' and if you are suspected, are you guilty or not in a court of law. if you wish to take a company to a beis din based upon suspicion the company is not fulfilling it's Torah and/or halachic obligation, by all means do so. the ethical stamp will then contribute what exactly? pretty much a useless intervention intended to fend off the non-halachic Jews from being involved in supervision, a goal which is admirable but with a policy which is impracticle. As for allegations, if you base your need to investigate companies upon the testimony of admitted criminals as is the case with Agriprocessors or unions trying to organize a factory who have an obvious bias, there is not much of a case and the testimony must be questioned thoroughly.
32
Sep 25, 2008 at 10:11 PM formely Says:
“ formerly
people that are in power make the rules. so the only time you are wrong is if you get caught or if you belive in a higher power. so getting money from the gov that u give them and get little back for. jews dont go to public schools for ex. its not a big deal thats how politics work welcome to america. you just come up with ways to get money from the gov. senators do it, so do conressmen, citys, states, county evryonr. evryone misapropriates funds.
”
two wrongs do not make a right, I do not have children should i steal since my money goes to schools, Should Cristian steal the ones who go to private schools, Muslims rich people.. everybody should steal, since many kolel guys (let assume they really have no money) take government welfare so all goyim should say I should steal why should any tax money go to kolel guys. What about a certain amount of money/taxes goes to making public places accessible to the handicap I am not handicap should i steal then to get back my money that I am not using. I do not feel that way, since as a society we pool the money and sometimes it helps me and sometimes it helps someone else that is the way a community works and a city or country is in essence a large community.
true story
BTY when I was in mesivta the yeshiva was running the youth core scam, (stealing in my opinion) the bocherim where asked to sign papers that we are working and other stuff, all lies. Of all the boys One did not sign, me. I was called into the office of the rebbies and asked why I do not sign. I said I do not steal, and if I would steal, I would steal for myself (i was a wiseguy) so the rebbies. gave me some story like what you say and said all the others do that the blacks, Italians, Spanish so we should get our share to.
I started walking out, they said where are you going, I said I am going to a movie. They looked at me in horror, how could you go, you are a ben Torah how could you go to a movie. I said the Blacks, Spanish, Italians, go to movies and enjoy it, i want to get my share of enjoyment too just like them.
They said nothing and did not ask me to sign the papers again
hypocrites