Interview with Rabbi Yankel Wilschanski

KS: Where did you grow up?

RYW: I was born and raised in Morristown, New Jersey.

KS: What did you do after yeshiva?

RYW: I received semicha (rabbinical ordination) from Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, ob”m, the former Chief Rabbi of Israel. While completing my rabbinical studies, I spent five years leading services, community and youth outreach in Australia and across the USA.
After completing my semicha studies, I married my wife Baily, and learned in the Crown Heights kollel. Following kollel, I served as the Principal of Judaic Studies at a school in Long Island and had an educational position in Ottawa, Canada.

KS: What is your current position at the OK?

RYW: I am the Key Accounts Manager at the OK, where I interact with key OK Kosher customers in very diverse markets across the world and oversee the team servicing these clients. In addition, I play a role in the growth department, broadening the kosher market.

KS: What prepared you the most for your current position at the OK?

RYW: As a principal in a school, I practiced managing teams and interacting with teachers, parents and students. This experience helped me realize that I truly enjoy spending face to face time working with people and solving problems.

KS: What is best thing about working at the OK?

RYW: The support given by upper management, while giving leeway for independent decision making empowers the staff to grow and develop their talents and shine in their respective roles. With Rabbi Levy at the helm and his unique attention to detail, no area of kosher goes unnoticed and all bases are covered to achieve the highest level of kosher without comprise. I would be remiss not to mention the friendship and comradery I’ve built with Rabbi Eli Lando, who has been a mentor and guide in my growth at the OK.

KS: How would you describe the OK today?

RYW:  The OK is the premier leader in kosher supervision. Our senior management has done a really good job of choosing people with diverse talents whom practice true collaboration and teamwork. The OK is a place where kosher is the focus of everything we do.

KS: Tell us something interesting about you that we don’t know.

RYW: I make sure to do homework with my children even when traveling. I travel quite often for the OK and I have literally done homework with them from across the globe; it’s very important for them and me.

What Other People Say

“Yankel’s youthful enthusiasm and charm, coupled with his intensive effort and drive, make him a naturally good fit in the OK team.”
Rabbi Don Yoel Levy, Kashrus Administrator

“Time has proven that a lot of the OK’s recent success is due to Rabbi Yankel Wilschanski’s total dedication and commitment to his job and the many clients we service. His inclusive approach makes our customers feel warm, welcomed, and trusted. A true asset to our team.”
Rabbi Dovid Steigman, Senior Rabbinic Coordinator

“Yankel brings positive energy and enthusiasm to the office every day with his constant smile, confident manner and liveliness. It’s a pleasure working with him.”
Rabbi Sholom Ber Hendel, Rabbinic Coordinator