Schulem Rubin Explained

Schulem Rubin (June 26, 1926 - June 21, 2001) served "three successive New York governors ... for more than two decades" as "Director of the Kosher Law Enforcement Division" of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, a position whose responsibilities included appearance in court,^[1] defending New York States' kosher laws.^[2]

He also served as rabbi of Young Israel of Pelham Parkway. In 1972 his attempt to visit American Jewish soldiers held in North Vietnam was declined, but a "Hanoi spokesman also denied that Rabbi Rubin’s request .. had been rejected.^[3]

Young Israel of Pelham Parkway

Rubin served as a synagogue rabbi "for a half century .. at the time one of the largest" Orthodox synagogues in the Bronx.^{[4] [5] [6]}

Kosher Law Enforcement Division

The Washington Post published an interview in which Rubin noted that the higher price of kosher chicken is even higher "right before a holiday."^[7]

The New York Times printed in 2005 that inspectors were "annually visiting about 4,000 businesses that dealt in kosher products in the state."^[8] As of 1986 there were 12 inspectors,^[9] and they found red-handed evidence of improper soaking/salting of meats sold in stores claiming that their meats are kosher.^[10] His testimony involved some challenging situations^[11] and not all of them resulted in an immediate "win."^[12]

The division also operates a consumer-searchable online database.

Personal

Rubin, described as "a Lanzhuter einekel,^[13] was born in Poland.^[14]

His Jewish education was at Yeshiva Chaim Berlin, from which he received rabbinical ordination.^[14]

Four children were born while he was married (1950-1971) to Chana Bunim Rubin Ausubel.^[15] In 1972 he married Helena (nee Blumenfrucht).^[16]

Notes and References

1. Web site: General introduction to Kashrus. 2002 .
2. September–October 2002: Legal Affairs. Busting Chops . In 1915 .. Albany .. Kosher Bill. Katherine Marsh.
3. News: March 14, 1972. Rabbi Clarifies Source of News of Jewish Pows in N. Vietnam. JTA (Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
4. Web site: Alumni convene for mid-winter conference . 1960.
5. News: The New York Times. Rabbi Says Hanoi Disallows A Visit to Jewish P.O.W.'s. promise .. 1969 .. refusal .. 1972 .. 30 Jewish prisoners .. Passover. March 8, 1972.
6. Web site: Young Israel of Pelham Parkway Jewish Center . our longest tenured Rabbi ... also served as Chairman of the Council of Young Israel Rabbis for many years. . May 20, 2020.
7. News: The Washington Post. Kosher inspectors police billion-dollar industry . Marianne Yen . November 2, 1987.
8. News: . State Offers Details Online to Help Determine if Food Is Truly Kosher . Joseph P. Fried . February 27, 2005.
9. People. What, It Ain't Chopped Liver? Never Fear! Max and Malcolm, the Kosher Kops, Are on the Case. Ken Gross . September 15, 1986.
10. (Hebrew National slogan: We answer to a Higher Authority)News: The Jewish Floridian . 'Higher Authority' Says Hebrew National IS Kosher . Hebrew National Kosher Foods Inc. of New York is denying a charge ... "stainless steel tank, approximately 100 pieces of boneless meat soaking in hot water, thereby rendering the meat non-kosher." . Haviva Krasner . April 20, 1990.
11. News: The Los Angeles Times. Hebrew National Takes on N.Y. in Hot Dog Dispute. June 12, 1987.
12. News: . Kosher meat suit dismissed . sued Rabbi Schulem Rubin, director of ... 1985 .. 1987 .. 1989 .. because .. the company failed to make a case on constitutional grounds. . December 20, 1989.
13. News: Yeshiva World News. in the Bronx.
14. Web site: Rabbi Schulem Rubin.
15. News: The Jewish Press. Memoir Of A Life Well-Lived. Dvora Waysman . December 12, 2015.
16. Web site: Sorted By Name: RUBIN, SAUL thru RUBIN, SELMA . May 20, 2020.