Rabbi Avrohom and Chaim Litvin have a kosher initiative, Kentucky Kosher, to promote increased kosher availability and options within the state. They will also provide kosher certification and supervision to food companies and manufacturers.

In its initial weeks of operation, they report that they are reaching out to national and regional wholesalers to bring more kosher alternatives to stores such as Costco, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Kroger, and to local businesses that might consider becoming kosher or offering kosher options. In the future, they plan to offer classes, lectures, kosher tastings, cook offs and other programs.

Kosher Kentucky also plans to help travelers and others in need of Shabbat or holiday meals and those who need kosher Shiva meals for just one or two people. Rabbi Litvin said people can contact them at kosher@kykosher.com or call 386-9029 for more information.

Rabbi Avrohom Litvin, was kashruth administrator for the Louisville Vaad Hakashruth from 1985-2013. He received his rabbinic ordination from the Central Lubavitcher Yeshiva in Brooklyn, NY, and studied with Rabbi Zelig Sharfstein, the chief Rabbi in Cincinnati, OH, for many years.

Rabbi Chaim Litvin received his rabbinic ordination in Sydney, Australia, and has been working in the application of kosher law ever since. The Rabbis Litvin explained, “We have teamed up with other Rabbis across the country and in various Jewish communities around the world to share kosher promotions and to offer kosher certification globally, but with local attention and customer care. Kentucky Kosher currently has over 20 companies that it certifies as kosher, locally and around the world.

“If anyone has any ideas for a viable kosher restaurant in Louisville or has any other idea regarding increasing the availability and accessibility to kosher food within our state,” they continued, “please contact us at Rabbi@KYKosher.com.”