Meet OK Kosher

As Executive Manager, Rabbi Eli Lando is charged with driving the future growth of OK Kosher with a focus on OK Kosher corporate strategy and customer experience. Together with senior management, Rabbi Lando supports and shapes the overall direction and day-to-day operations of the OK.

Rabbi Lando was born and raised in Israel where he received his Rabbinical ordination. He later also pursued Business studies at the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business.

Prior to joining OK Kosher in 2010, Rabbi Lando served as director of another kosher agency, where he gained much practical experience in kosher certification via visiting production facilities and meeting with kosher certified companies around the world.

Rabbi Lando brings a unique perspective to our organization with his in-depth knowledge of customer needs. He serves an important role in driving the teams to deliver excellence.

Devorah Goldberg joined the OK in 2000 and is now our Senior Operations Manager.  She currently oversees our team of Account Representatives and Trip Planning (Administrative Assistant) departments.  In addition to these responsibilities, she is an integral part of the OK’s HR department.  Devorah lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and children.

Estee Butman joined OK Kosher in 2000. She currently holds the management position of Senior Data and Technology Manager.  She is responsible for overseeing both OK Kosher’s Technology Department and Data Analysis Department.  In her prior position as a Senior Account Representative, she gained a deep understanding of the needs of our various customers during the certification process.  This prepared her well for her current role and serving on our management team.

Rabbi Levi Marmulszteyn serves as an integral part of OK Kosher administration, responsible for the day to day operations of the Rabbinic Department. Prior to his arrival at the OK Kosher he served as director of various non for profit organizations for sixteen years.

Rabbi Avraham Rapoport is Regional Rabbinic Coordinator and Operations Manager for our affiliate office in Israel.  He also oversees the kosher programs of our certified companies in India, one of the OK’s most significant regions for certification.  Rabbi Rapoport also maintains and optimizes several other key accounts around the world.  He brings a detail-oriented mindset and keen understanding of both kashrus and customer relations to OK Kosher.

Prior to joining OK Kosher, Rabbi Rapoport was a maggid shiur (teacher of Talmud) in Yeshivas Lev Aryeh in Jerusalem. Rabbi Rapoport resides in El’ad, Israel with his wife and children.

Rabbi Hershel Krinsky joined OK Kosher in 1999 and is now a Senior Rabbinic Coordinator.  He brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience from his work as a Rabbinic Coordinator and kosher shochet prior to joining OK Kosher.  A well-known expert in food processing, he has a sophisticated knowledge of food manufacturing practices in several areas of the industry.

Rabbi Krinsky resides in Brooklyn, NY and is based out of our headquarters.

Rabbi Yitzchak Hanoka is the Senior Rabbinic Coordinator responsible for the Tri-State region at OK Kosher Certification. Prior to his current position, Rabbi Hanoka worked as a mashgiach for various manufacturing facilities certified by the OK.

Rabbi Hanoka trains and mentors many mashgichim and is a sought-after public speaker, both for corporate and general audiences. He lectures on the partnership between kosher certification and quality control, as well as about various topics in Jewish law. Rabbi Hanoka is also well-versed in the complex requirements and nuances involved in setting up kashrus systems in large and small manufacturing facilities.

Rabbi Hanoka lives in Crown Heights, Brooklyn with his wife and children.

Rabbi Shimon Lasker is a Senior Rabbinic Coordinator at OK Kosher Certification, representing our European branch.  With a particular expertise in kosher chocolate production, he is known throughout the kosher world for his vast knowledge on the intricacies of chocolate making – a strong industry in his home country of Belgium.  Before his appointment as Rabbinic Coordinator, he worked as a field representative for OK Kosher, inspecting facilities all over the world.  He now personally supervises many of our certified companies throughout Europe.

Rabbi Lasker serves as the Rabbi of the Jewish community of Waterloo, Belgium.

Rabbi Aaron Weiss is a Rabbinic Coordinator at OK Kosher Certification.  In fact, he worked for the OK for several years on behalf of Rabbinic Coordinators prior to becoming one himself.  He possesses superior analytical skills, primarily in the area of complex halachic analysis of kosher production issues. He also has extensive expertise in various types of kosherization procedures and requirements.

Rabbi Weiss lives with his wife and children in Boro Park, Brooklyn.

Rabbi Elisha Rubin is a Rabbinic Coordinator at OK Kosher Certification. Prior to joining the OK, Rabbi Rubin worked as a Rabbinic Coordinator and field representative for several other kosher certification agencies.

Rabbi Rubin has a particular expertise in the technical aspects of food production and kashrus.  Especially including in the area of fragrances and flavors, as well as his writing on kashrus and manufacturing procedures.

Rabbi Rubin resides in Lakewood, New Jersey with his wife and children.

Rabbi Levi Schapiro is a Rabbinic Coordinator at OK Kosher Certification. His extensive knowledge in the areas of Halacha (Jewish Law) in general, and especially as they pertain to kosher, make him a tremendous asset to OK Kosher and kosher consumers.  Rabbi Schapiro creates an instant bond with our customers by simplifying complex regulatory concepts into practical guidance.  In addition to his role as a Rabbinic Coordinator, he also serves on our Tolaim (Infestation) Committee.  He contributes research and testing toward defining the OK’s ever-evolving policy on certifying restaurants and products containing fresh produce.

Prior to joining OK Kosher, Rabbi Schapiro served as dean of Machon L’Semicha (Rabbinic Ordination Seminary) for 15 years.  In addition to working for OK Kosher, Rabbi Schapiro served as Chabad Emissary to the Western Monmouth County (NJ) community, where he resides with his wife and children.

Rabbi Sholom Ber Lepkivker is a Rabbinic Coordinator at OK Kosher Certification headquarters. With his extensive halachic knowledge and proficiency in four languages, Rabbi Lepkivker is uniquely positioned to make a great impact on kosher supervision around the world.

Rabbi Yakov Teichman is responsible for the operations of the Food Service Department at OK Kosher Certification.  Rabbi Yakov Teichman received his Smicha (Rabbinical ordination) from Beth Medrash Govoha of Lakewood, NJ, where he studied for close to 10 years. Rabbi Teichman’s level of professionalism and excellence in execution, coupled with his expertise in kashrus make him a valuable asset and key lead in our organization.

Rabbi Yoni Rappaport joined our headquarters team of Rabbinic Coordinators in 2014. He is responsible for overseeing OK Kosher certified facilities across the US and overseas.

Rabbi Rappaport brings tremendous enthusiasm to his work and is a quick study. He is also blessed with the ability to make complicated topics accessible to those with no background in Jewish Law. He is truly a rising star in kosher certification.

Rabbi Rosenfeld is a Rabbinic Coordinator based in OK Kosher’s Israel affiliate office.  With his vast experience in supervising the production process in a variety of facilities, he oversees and manages all OK-certified food and beverage manufacturers in Israel.  He is also responsible for shechita (ritual slaughter) for the region.

Rabbi Yeshaya Prizant is the Rabbinic Coordinator and General Manager of OK Kosher’s China Department.  He works out of our Israel affiliate office.

The combination of Rabbi Prizant’s halacha (Jewish law) knowledge and his engineering experience led him to his current position. He is a sought-after Kosher expert in China, both for large corporations and small companies. With a friendly and professional demeanor, he brings OK Kosher’s high level of kosher standards and customer service together for our Chinese clients.

Rabbi Prizant lives in Israel with his wife and children.

Rabbi Shlomo Klein is OK Kosher’s dedicated Rabbinic Coordinator to companies on the West Coast, based out of our satellite office in Los Angeles. He personally onboards and oversees OK Kosher certified establishments in the area, with care and commitment.  He is known as a favored RC to the companies he supervises, specifically for his warm and cheerful personality.

Rabbi Klein is a noted Torah scholar, a Dayan (member of the local Beth Din) and the Rabbi of Or Hachaim Congregation of Los Angeles.

Rabbi Allouche is a regional Rabbinic Coordinator, working out of our Israel affiliate office.  He brings an organized and energetic work ethic to his dedication to the OK and the kosher consumer. His technical understanding of food production earns trust and respect from our clients’ personnel when running their kosher certification programs.

Rabbi Yeruchem Schochet joins the OK from Savannah, GA, where he lived for previously for 18 years.

Rabbi Schochet was founder and administrator of Kosher Savannah for the last 13 years where he worked with the OK and other national kosher agencies to promote kashrus in the Southeast. His easygoing personality, knowledge of halacha (Torah Law) and various types of production equipment make him a great asset to the OK Kosher team.

Rabbi Schochet lives with his wife and children in Lakewood, NJ.

Rabbi Elisha Goldvinsky is a Rabbinic Coordinator for OK Kosher.  He brings a comprehensive knowledge of Halacha to OK Kosher from experience working for the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and leading a rabbinic ordination program. His commitment to integrity assures clients reliable and professional kosher certification service.

Rabbi Gutnick is an Assistant Rabbinic Coordinator at OK Kosher Headquarters. A native of Melbourne, Australia, Rabbi Gutnick worked as a field representative for several international kosher agencies before joining OK Kosher in 2015. He is a graduate of the Rabbinical College of America, where he obtained his rabbinical degree.

Rabbi Gutnick resides in Brooklyn, New York with his wife and children.

Chasha Brownstein joined OK Kosher in 2002 as Executive Assistant to our late President Rabbi Don Yoel Levy, of blessed memory.  She currently serves as Senior Key Account Representative, overseeing the programs of some of the OK’s most longstanding and prominent accounts.

Mindy Goodman is a Key Account Representative for some of OK Kosher’s top-level accounts. She joined OK Kosher in 2013 and has built and nurtures close working relationships with our customers, while helping to complete their requests in a timely manner.

Prior to joining OK Kosher, Mindy spent 18 years as a paralegal where she gained much professional experience and workplace knowledge.

Mindy resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and children.

Sara Wayden has been working as an Account Representative at our headquarters in New York since 2015. She now serves as the primary contact for some of the world’s foremost food and beverage companies, assisting in maintaining smooth and seamless kosher programs. Sara is passionate about providing the highest level of service to our customers, and she develops personal and lasting relationships with her contacts.

Fraidy Sufrin joined the OK in September 1999, starting in the Data Entry department and then in the New Accounts Department.  She now has years of experience as an Account Representative, providing top-notch service to many of OK Kosher’s customers in Europe and North America.

Mushkie Rabin joined the OK in July 2014 as an Administrative Assistant.  She’s now an Account Representative in our Customer Service department, using her years of experience communicating with OK Kosher’s clients as a base for her outstanding work.

Mushkie lives in Brooklyn with her husband and children.

Raizy Rivkin serves as an Account Representative in our headquarter offices in New York, and has been with the OK since 2011. She is the central contact for all of her customers’ service needs, such as guiding them through new ingredient submissions, label and product approvals, as well as billing issues. She primarily deals with the West Coast and Latin American countries, bringing her native fluency in Spanish as an asset. She previously worked as an administrative assistant before assuming the role of Account Representative. She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family.

Rivkah Greenberg joined OK Kosher in 1998 and is an Account Representative at our headquarters office.  She has held several positions at the OK including in the Data Entry and New Accounts Departments.  Rivkah brings years of experience to our customers.  She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and children.

Musy New joined us at OK Kosher in 2010 as an administrative assistant and trip planner.  After a years-long hiatus to pursue her education in communications, psychology & development and business law, she returned to OK Kosher in August 2021 to work in our west coast office as an account representative.

Musy is passionate about cultivating a culture of communication and collaboration with both her customers and colleagues.  Her goal is to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered, setting the foundation for success, excellence and efficiency in her projects and business relationships.

Musy lives in San Diego, CA with husband and children.

Rivka Alvesson is a Regional Account Representative in OK Kosher’s Affiliate Israel office, facilitating kosher programs and customer service to a variety of certified companies.  She joined the OK in 2010.  She is fluent in several languages, which serves her well in communicating with companies from around the globe. She lives in El’ad, Israel with her husband and children.

Sagit Kardashov is an Account Representative in OK Kosher’s Israel Affiliate office, facilitating kosher programs and customer service for a variety of certified companies, with a focus on companies in China. She joined the OK in 2008 in the accounting department. Sagit lives in El’ad, Israel with her husband and 6 children.

Shirel Jesner is a regional account representative in OK Kosher’s Israel affiliate office.  She facilitatates kosher programs and customer service for our certified companies, specializing in the India region.  Shirel joined the OK in 2019 and lives in El’ad, Israel with her family.

Chaya Rosenfeld joined OK Kosher’s accounting department in 2007.  As of 2022, she works as a Regional Account Representative, helping our esteemed clients streamline and operate their kosher programs with ease.  She loves her role and the opportunity to interact with companies on a daily basis.

Chaya lives in El-ad, Israel.

Dina Fraenkel joined the OK in July 2005 as an administrative assistant. She has worked in the Restaurant and Food Service Department, the New Accounts Department, the Consumer Marketing and Education Department, and works closely with management to coordinate strategic projects. Dina is the editor of Kosher Spirit; the educational magazine of OK Kosher.  She also coordinates special projects for the OK , including the Annual Mashgiach Conference, the publication of educational materials, and various internal projects.

Dina has Bachelor of Arts degrees in Judaic Studies and Political Science from Rutgers University and is also a published writer, whose articles have appeared in N’shei Chabad Newsletter, Binah Magazine, and other international publications.

Fraida Simon joined the OK in 2014 as an administrative assistant to members of the Rabbinic Coordinator team.  She continues in this role, and has expanded her responsibilities as the Trademark and Licensing Coordinator, managing instances of unauthorized use of the OK symbol.  In addition, she runs the OK’s Instagram account as a platform of information and connection between kosher consumers and the OK.

Rabbi Wilschanski is the Key Accounts Manager at OK Kosher headquarters.  He is also a graduate in Rabbinics from the Rabbinical College of America, with a vast knowledge of kosher law.  With years of experience demystifying the certification process for manufacturers, he’s a sought-after guide in the industry.

Rabbi Yisroel Selwyn joined the OK team in 1998 and has filled several positions over the years.  His broad experience within the organization serves him well as Senior Accounts Manager today.  In addition to this role, Rabbi Selwyn oversees all legal affairs for the OK.

Rabbi Selwyn currently resides in Brooklyn, New York with his wife and children.

Rabbi Shmuel Yarmush joined OK Kosher in 2003.  He currently oversees the day-to-day bookkeeping transactions for the OK.  With an appreciation for detail and superb organizational skills, Shmuel ensures that our financial information is transparent and accurate.

Shmuel resides in Brooklyn, New York with his wife and children.

Chavi Feigelstein joined OK Kosher in August 2002 and works for Accounts Payable.  She is responsible for processing payments for field representative visits around the globe as well as billing OK Kosher certified companies.

Devorah Weingarten joined OK Kosher in 2006 as a New Accounts Specialist and serves as a senior member of the New Accounts Department.  Over the years, she has guided thousands of companies of all sizes in becoming kosher certified, from the ingredient and label approval process through full certification.  She also oversees the Private Label department, facilitating the further spread of OK Kosher-certified products to consumers through private label brands.

Devorah Leah Hornbacher, a senior New Accounts Specialist, has been part of the OK Kosher family for over 15 years.  She started with fielding calls on the OK Kosher Consumer Hotline.  Originally from Holland, Devorah Leah speaks Dutch, French and English fluently, which served her well in overseeing and servicing our European accounts.  She now heads the New Facilities Department, assisting already-certified companies in expanding their kosher programs into additional facilities across the globe.

Yitzhak Gratzman is the regional finance manager in OK Kosher’s Israel affiliate office. Responsible for day-to-day accounting and overseeing the financial operations of the regional office, Yizhak serves as an integral part of our management team.  He joined the OK in 2018 and brings over twenty years of management experience in the field of accounting and finance for some of the world’s leading global corporations.

Yitzhak lives in K’far Chabad, Israel with his wife and children.

Ofer Nir is the Information Technology Manager at OK Kosher.  His wide range of technical experience has established him as an expert in hardware products and software applications. Since joining OK Kosher in 2011, he has provided dedicated technology services to our entire team of employees.

Etan joined OK Kosher in 2021 as a Private Label Specialist, working out of our Israel affiliate office.  He facilitates and optimizes the processing of private label accounts for our global client base.  In addition to this role, he serves as administrative assistant for one of our Rabbinic Coordinators.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Touro College, Etan went on to earn his MBA from Kania School of Business, The University of Scranton.  His experience includes 7 years in operational and customer service roles within the kosher certification industry, as well as 5 years of project management experience.  Etan’s exposure to some of the world’s largest international food manufacturers gave him ample preparation for his position here at the OK.  He’s excited to be part of the team of skilled, dedicated, and professional colleagues in the world’s premier kosher certifying agency.

Etan lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel with his family.

Chaya Itta Engel is an administrative assistant and trip planner at OK Kosher. She coordinates the travel plans for Rabbinic Coordinators, schedules visits with companies and communicates with customers to arrange smooth visits. Chaya Itta joined the OK team in 2019.

Shayna joined the OK Kosher team in November 2020. She works as a trip planner for our Rabbinic Coordinators, details their travel arrangements and coordinates hundreds of Kosher visits globally.

Shayna lives in Long Island, NY.

Sarah joined OK Kosher in 2022 as an Administrative Assistant. She coordinates the trips for Rabbinical Coordinators to facilities around the world, including travel arrangements and communicating with hundreds of customers.

Sarah lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Tehilla Silbermann is an Administrative Assistant in OK Kosher’s Israel Affiliate office, facilitating kosher programs and customer service for a variety of certified companies.  She joined the OK in 2009. Tehilla lives in El’ad, Israel with her family.

Chaya Mushka Goldstein joined the OK Kosher Data team in 2012. She currently serves as the supervisor of the department, ensuring that all data requests are handled correctly and in a timely manner.  She resides in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and children.

Rabbi Dovid Kuravskiy joined the OK team in 2003 and is our Senior Data Analyst. He has filled several positions at the OK and has an extensive understanding of the OK’s data systems. In addition, Dovid is proficient in four languages!  He resides in Brooklyn, New York with his wife and children.

Fraydie Gurkow joined OK Kosher in 2021 as a Data Analyst.  She enters and reviews ingredient data from our clients, and analyses each for kosher approval.  With her help, companies get their new products kosher certified easily, so they can go to market promptly.

She resides in Brooklyn, NY.

Adina joined OK Kosher in the summer of 2017 as a Data Analyst. She enters and reviews products for companies.  She makes sure they’re approvable in preparation for issuing Kosher Certificates.

Chana joined the OK in 2018 as a Data Analyst.  Her responsibilities include fulfilling data requests for new items and maintenance of existing data records.  Chana is excited by the the incredibly supportive and understanding group of staff on her team at the OK.

Hadassah began working for OK Kosher in 2016 as a member of our Data department.  She processes product and organizes data for newly certified companies, and handles large-scale data projects timely and efficiently.

Hadassah works remotely for our New York HQ, and lives in Postville, Iowa.

Menucha Ezagui joined OK Kosher’s Data Entry team in 2021. She works diligently at fulfilling data requests accurately and efficiently.

She lives with her family in Brooklyn, NY.

Rabbi David Silverstone is the Regional Operations Coordinator in our Israel affiliate office.   He provides overall support to our staff and management, and is an integral part of the New Accounts Department, liaising with the regional field reps (Mashgichim).

Rabbi Rafi Chayo joined OK Kosher in 2011 as our Regional Representative to Latin American companies.  He travels to Latin America on an ongoing basis to meet with company executives and visits facilities regularly.  Born in Argentina, Rabbi Chayo has enhanced our Latin American department, thanks to his keen understanding of the local language and culture.  Additionally, our Latin American company contacts frequently report back on his approachable and pleasant demeanor.

Rabbi Sholom Kesselman is our West Coast Food Service Coordinator.  He ensures that all OK-certified establishments on the West Coast adhere to the high standards of our New York headquarters.  Prior to joining OK Kosher, he taught at the Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad and at the Cheder Menachem Junior High School as coordinator of Talmudic studies.

Rabbi Sholom Kesselman lives in Los Angeles, CA and works out of our West Coast office.

Rabbi Sruly Karasik serves as the Mashigiach Liaison at our headquarters office.  He serves as the go-between for our Mashgichim (field representatives) and Rabbinical Coordinators. He is the primary contact responding to and interacting with each Mashgiach about their OK Kosher inspection assignments in the field.

Rabbi Karasik can be reached at [email protected].