Launched by Uri L'Tzedek, the Tav HaYosher is a local, grassroots initiative to bring workers, restaurant owners and community members together to create just workplaces in kosher restaurants.

Rav Yosef Breuer, one of the leading figures of 20th century Orthodoxy, famously stated: “Kosher” is intimately related to “Yoshor.” God’s Torah not only demands the observance of Kashruth and the sanctification of our physical enjoyment; it also insists on the sanctification of our social relationships. This requires the strict application of the tenets of justice and righteousness, which avoid even the slightest trace of dishonesty in our business dealings and personal life.

Recent studies have revealed widespread abuse and exploitation of workers in the New York restaurant industry. Thousands of workers are paid below minimum wage. Even more are denied their legal rights to overtime pay and time off. Workers are often subjected to unsafe and abusive working conditions. Given recent events in the kashrut industry, it is imperative that we implement a system that will prevent abuse and exploitation. It is critical we stand up for tzedek and mishpat as a Jewish community! We must ensure these abuses are not taking place in kosher restaurants. Tav HaYosher is an opportunity to harness some of the power and influence we have as an observant community to strengthen tzedek in our world and create a true Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of G-d's name).

We are inspired in this work by our friends and allies at B'Maaglei Tzedek and their hugely successful Tav Chevrati campaign, which has earned tremendous support from Israeli rabbis, including Rav Aharon Lichtenstein.  We look to their program as a model for our future growth. Below are just a few of the many endorsements from Jewish communal leaders of the Tav HaYosher. To see more endorsements click here.

Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun:

“I heartily endorse the Tav HaYosher of Uri L'Tzedek. I encourage the members of my own community to patronize establishments with the Tav HaYosher and Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun's regularly updated list of kosher establishments in Manhattan will indicate which of them have the Tav. I feel certain that my teacher Rav Soloveitchik would have been in favor of this wonderful initiative which will ensure that the values of the Torah are actualized in the public sphere.”

Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of the City of New York:

"Uri L'Tzedek is an outstanding example of how a group of dedicated rabbis, educators, and activists can make a positive difference in the lives of those they are called to serve. Especially during these tough economic times, it is vital that organizations like this one continue to educate people about important social issues and train the next generation of leaders to address the challenges faced by their communities."

To read the Mayor's full letter to Uri L'tzedek congratulating the organization on the expansion of the Tav HaYosher, click here.


Click here to check out the Tav HaYosher

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