The KLBD recently held a special joint conference bringing together members of both its Licensing and Certification Departments. The event was attended by Dayonim, Rabbonim, Mashgichim, members of the Research Team and office staff, providing a valuable opportunity for colleagues from across the organisation to gather together in an atmosphere of Torah, professional development and achdus.
KLBD is Europe’s largest kosher certification agency, with more than 100 staff members serving the worldwide kosher industry and local Jewish community. Its activities encompass international kosher certification across 2,200 factories in 90 countries, local food-service supervision for over 200 licensees, and public kashrus information services delivered through numerous platforms.
The conference provided an opportunity for Dayonim, Rabbonim and Mashgichim to share experiences and expertise, discuss contemporary challenges in kashrus, and further strengthen the exceptionally high standards of hashgochoh for which KLBD is renowned. Equally important, it enabled participants from different areas of the organisation to build relationships, exchange ideas and appreciate the scope and impact of KLBD’s work locally and around the world.
Rabbi Elie Schoemann, Director of KLBD, welcomed attendees and opened the day. Rabbi Elchonon Spitzer then led a moving commemoration in memory of Rabbi Chaim Colin Dome ז”ל, whose sudden petirah occurred earlier this year during a kashrus-related trip to Japan.
The programme continued with a halachic shiur delivered by the Rosh Beis Din, Dayan Menachem Gelley שליט״א, followed by a presentation from Mr Shimon Cohen, public relations consultant, on the importance of effective communication in maintaining the highest standards of kashrus supervision and professional practice.
Following the morning sessions, the Certification and Licensing teams participated in separate workshops, allowing each department to explore specialist topics in greater depth and address issues relevant to their respective areas of responsibility. The attendees later reconvened for an in-depth shiur delivered by Dayan Englander שליט״א on the subject of Choshen Mishpat considerations within the work of kashrus.
During the lunch break, the Chief Rabbi made a special presentation to Rabbi Conway in recognition of his nearly four decades of devoted service to KLBD and the wider community. Participants warmly acknowledged his many years of dedication to strengthening and developing KLBD’s kashrus activities, from which the department continues to benefit through his ongoing consultancy.
Mr Saul Taylor, President of the United Synagogue, also addressed the gathering, expressing his appreciation for KLBD’s work on behalf of the community and thanking the organisation for its significant support of the United Synagogue’s activities and services.
Reflecting on the event, Rabbi Schoemann remarked that it was a rare and inspiring opportunity to see the entire KLBD team together in one room, and stressed the significance of each individual being a vital part of the large operation.
The conference was widely regarded as a great success, fostering achdus among participants, strengthening professional relationships and reinforcing KLBD’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of kashrus and hashgochoh in service of the wider Jewish community.
