Kosher Nation: Why More and More of America's Food Answers to a Higher Authority

This is an eminently readable book with gobsmacking statistics that made me and, I'm sure, other orthodox Jews also outside of the US dribble with envy. However, Fishkoff's familiarity with the Chabad/Charedi world and her dependence on their representatives, colours her choice of 'expert' advisers, leading the reader to mistakenly accept this view as mainstream orthodoxy, which of course it is not. If Fishkoff was passionate enough to research and devote an entire volume to the subject of kashrut, she should have discovered and highlighted the nuances that separate orthodox Judaism and kashrut from Chabad/Charedi Judaism and kashrut without demeaning the former as being a diluted version of kashrut. While reading, one has to constantly remind oneself that this is the writing of a journalist and not an academic and, as such, Fishkoff does not have to legitimate her views, but for the sake of reliable and honest journalism maybe should have researched the laws of kashrut herself. However, one would expect from such an intimate account of the kosher world that she would have bothered to understand, at the very least, the concept of, for example 'chalav Yisroel' [sic] which is not mandatory today and the use of which does not constitute an affirmation of more stringent kashrut observance, rather the Chabad/Charedi way of doing kosher which is not that of mainstream orthodoxy, likewise with 'glatt kosher' which although demanded by the ever burgeoning Chabad/Charedi market, does not deem non-glatt kosher as inferior in kashrut standards. It is unfortunate that in what really is a remarkably interesting book, Fishkoff seems to have been somewhat 'brainwashed' into presenting a rather lopsided view of Chabad/Charedi kashrut as a superior standard.Nevertheless, Kosher Nation is an enjoyable read with many lovely snippets of US Jewish history. Four stars for readability and somewhat less for accuracy.

Great read, very informative!

Ms. Fishkoff provides a detailed overview on the kosher food and kosher-certification industry that includes numerous interesting side stories. As most people of the Judaic faith are already somewhat familiar with the history of kashrus, or religious dietary law, this book should be picked up and understood by the non-Jewish readers out there who have no clue as to how deep Judaic halacha (or Jewish Law) has penetrated their everyday lives and eating habits. Do you know what a hekhsher is? If you don't, then perhaps you should buy this book and discover how it affects you, your wallet, and your interests. The book is easy to read and chaptered well.

I thoroughly agree with the rave reviews given to Sue Fishkoff's new book by the media, including the Forward, Ha'aretz and The New Republic. The many anecdotal reports present" You are There," scenarios, whichrichly add to the wealth of information provided by this award-winning Jewish journalist. Fishkoff writes in her usual fluid style, with a touch of gentle humor, when appropriate. And when facts are disturbing, asthey are re: the greed and fraud found in the certification industry and the Postville slaughterhouse incident, Fishkoff lays out the facts in the straight-forward, unbiased manner, for which she is highly regarded as an investigative reporter.Between the covers of Kosher Nation readers will find anything they ever wanted to know about kosher, as well as facts about which they didn't even think existed. Everyone at all interested in kosher will find thisbook supremely informative, useful and fascinating.

I borrowed this book from a friend and am only a little over halfway through reading it. I am enjoying it so much that I've ordered my own copy (and not on Kindle, I want to be able to pass it around). The book reads easily, written with humor as well as insight into the influences of a changing world. I particularly like the discussions of "why Kosher",the issue of sharing kosher wine with those friends who don't keep kashrut and especially - can one be both green and kosher. These are issues that would not normally come to my mind. You don't need a kosher background to enjoy and learn from this writer and if you have a kosher background, there is still a lot to be learned from Ms. Fishkoff's latest book.

Although I am only half way through "Kosher Nation" I cannot allow Berl's review to stand alone. It totally ignores the excellent research Sue Fishkoff has brought to this outstanding book, a must read. It is so well written and the anecdotal material is most interesting. Will write a more extensive review when I finish "Kosher Nation" but for now give this book my highest recommendation. Enjoy and learn.Blanche Soslandco-author "Banishing Bullying Behavior: Transforming the Culture of Pain, Rage and Revenge"

I was just re-reading part of this book as research for an article I'm working on and was reminded how well-researched and fascinating it is. So glad to have it on my book shelf!

Excellent book. I recommend this book and her previous book "The Rebbe's Army".