5 Towns/Rockaway Master Thread

[syp]

Did the Vaad put out a list this year of local recommended post Pesach shopping?

[ushdadude]

Did the Vaad put out a list this year of local recommended post Pesach shopping?

Regarding purchasing Chometz in stores immediately post Pesach, Please see below:
 
 Please note: Any stores that are questionable and not on this list should be avoided for Chometz products up until Lag Ba'omer.  After that it is generally assumed  that products are permitted.
   1. Local stores under the Vaad Hakashrus.  All stores under the Vaad Hashgacha perform a proper mechirah of their chometz and are supplied by companies that are either non-Jewish owned or have performed a Mechirah.As a result, Chometz may be purchased Lichatchilla from all local, Vaad-supervised stores and establishments immediately following Pesach without any hesitation.
 
 2. According to AKO research, the following stores are owned and supplied by non-Jews, or conduct a Mechiras Chometz, and one may therefore purchase from them after Pesach:
 
 Acme
 Aldi
 BJ’s Wholesale Club
 Costco
 CVS
 Duane Reade
 Hannaford
 Key Food
 Kmart
 Lidl
 Publix
 Rite Aid
 Sam’s Club
 Stop & Shop
 Shoprite
 Trader Joes
 Walgreens
 Walmart
 Wawa
 Wegmans
 Whole Foods
 D’Agostino Markets
 Food Emporium
 Foodway Supermarket
 Gristedes Foods
 Kroger
 Safeway
 Winn Dixie
 Restaurant Depot/Jetro
 Jewel-Osco, Pavilions, Randall’s,  Shaw’s, Star Markets, Tom Thumb, Vons
 
 It was the Vaad's understanding in the past that the following stores do not have Jewish ownership; however, they cannot verify with complete certainty:
 
 King Kullen (Local)
 Liquor Warehouse (local)
 Five Towns Wines (local)
 
 The post-Pesach status of Chometz products in Target is unclear and could not be verified at this time

[syp]

Regarding purchasing Chometz in stores immediately post Pesach, Please see below:
 
 Please note: Any stores that are questionable and not on this list should be avoided for Chometz products up until Lag Ba'omer.  After that it is generally assumed  that products are permitted.
 

Where was this posted? Is this from this year?

[David R]

Liquor Warehouse (local)

Does this refer to a store in Green Acres? I saw what appeared to be a mezuzah on a door behind the checkout counter.

[syp]

Regarding purchasing Chometz in stores immediately post Pesach, Please see below:
 
 Please note: Any stores that are questionable and not on this list should be avoided for Chometz products up until Lag Ba'omer.  After that it is generally assumed  that products are permitted.
   1. Local stores under the Vaad Hakashrus.  All stores under the Vaad Hashgacha perform a proper mechirah of their chometz and are supplied by companies that are either non-Jewish owned or have performed a Mechirah.As a result, Chometz may be purchased Lichatchilla from all local, Vaad-supervised stores and establishments immediately following Pesach without any hesitation.
 
 2. According to AKO research, the following stores are owned and supplied by non-Jews, or conduct a Mechiras Chometz, and one may therefore purchase from them after Pesach:
 
 The post-Pesach status of Chometz products in Target is unclear and could not be verified at this time

Interesting what they wrote about Target. The AKO paper says the issue is that they might purchase from C&S distributor. But so does Stop & Shop and some local frum stores. AKO paper just said that if you are not relying on the C&S sale, then Target is uncertain. Previously they said Target was a problem, but now some Targets no longer purchase from C&S, making Target better this year.

[ushdadude]

Where was this posted? Is this from this year?

One of the shul emails from this year

[Yef]

I don’t think the Vaad took responsibility for selling chanetz in the past. Is this something new this year or incorrect information?

[ushdadude]

I don’t think the Vaad took responsibility for selling chanetz in the past. Is this something new this year or incorrect information?

Not sure....but email doesn't specify who did the mechira, just that the vaad vouches for them. quick email search shows the same since at least since 2019

[justaregularguy]

Anybody try the new Pizza place buy Bingo yet?

spoke to the owner, friendly chassider guy from bp behind the counter, told us he’s planning on opening a bagel store when they expand to the storefront next door

[stooges44]

Hashgacha PSA: The following is a letter from R' Asher Schechter:

"Last year (2023) I certified an Ice Cream Truck that served the 5 towns called Kool Kat.  They declined to renew their Kosher Certification this year (2024).  Nevertheless, their Ice Cream Truck has been seen continuing to service the 5 Towns in recent days.  Please be aware that I do not certify this company, and my logo is being used illegally. Corrective action is being  initiated at this time.

I do continue to certify 2 Ice Cream Trucks under the Mister Softee brand.  Look for my up-to-date letter with the License Plate indicated in the Letter.  Make sure the License Plate matches.

Please spread the word.

Rabbi Asher Schechter"

[Sammy82]

Hashgacha PSA: The following is a letter from R' Asher Schechter:

"Last year (2023) I certified an Ice Cream Truck that served the 5 towns called Kool Kat.  They declined to renew their Kosher Certification this year (2024).  Nevertheless, their Ice Cream Truck has been seen continuing to service the 5 Towns in recent days.  Please be aware that I do not certify this company, and my logo is being used illegally. Corrective action is being  initiated at this time.

I do continue to certify 2 Ice Cream Trucks under the Mister Softee brand.  Look for my up-to-date letter with the License Plate indicated in the Letter.  Make sure the License Plate matches.

Please spread the word.

Rabbi Asher Schechter"

Who's Rabbi Asher Schechter?

[stooges44]

I've been to suit central and emporio many times and you get what you pay for in both. I've never been to the suit lady, does anyone know if it's more like suit central or emporio?

[JMHO]

I've been to suit central and emporio many times and you get what you pay for in both. I've never been to the suit lady, does anyone know if it's more like suit central or emporio?

Third category
There are advantages for all 3... what are you looking for different than Suit Central or Emporio?

[stooges44]

Third category
There are advantages for all 3... what are you looking for different than Suit Central or Emporio?

Well since you asked... suit central is "cheap" but the quality and service are both reflective of that - I'm not saying that's a bad thing. Emporio is super, duper expensive but again the quality and service both reflect that. I'm not knocking either one, sometimes I am willing to spend more and sometimes less depending on the circumstances.

So where does the suit lady fall?

[JMHO]

Well since you asked... suit central is "cheap" but the quality and service are both reflective of that - I'm not saying that's a bad thing. Emporio is super, duper expensive but again the quality and service both reflect that. I'm not knocking either one, sometimes I am willing to spend more and sometimes less depending on the circumstances.

So where does the suit lady fall?

IMHO, you'll be happy with the Suit Lady. Pricing is in the middle (set price for all suits!) and I've been satisfied with their quality. Definitely a more boutique-y shop feel vs SC and good customer service as well. Take a look and report back!

[stooges44]

Third category
There are advantages for all 3... what are you looking for different than Suit Central or Emporio?

A 3rd category indeed - they don't have onsite alterations. IMO, a place needs to "own" the suit from start to finish. If they just sell you the suit and then you have to take it to a 3rd party tailor, if there's an issue for whatever reason it becomes a he said/she said situation and for that I'm out.

It's a shame, I did initially like the place but needing to take it elsewhere for the tailoring is a big no for me, I've been messed over like that in the past.

[JMHO]

A 3rd category indeed - they don't have onsite alterations. IMO, a place needs to "own" the suit from start to finish. If they just sell you the suit and then you have to take it to a 3rd party tailor, if there's an issue for whatever reason it becomes a he said/she said situation and for that I'm out.

It's a shame, I did initially like the place but needing to take it elsewhere for the tailoring is a big no for me, I've been messed over like that in the past.

Sounds like you need a good tailor

Have you tried the fellow in Shirt Stop (formerly from Burlington)?

[ushdadude]

A 3rd category indeed - they don't have onsite alterations. IMO, a place needs to "own" the suit from start to finish. If they just sell you the suit and then you have to take it to a 3rd party tailor, if there's an issue for whatever reason it becomes a he said/she said situation and for that I'm out.

It's a shame, I did initially like the place but needing to take it elsewhere for the tailoring is a big no for me, I've been messed over like that in the past.

This may sound pretentious but I really like semi-custom suits because of this. There are very few suits that fit me off the rack. For a small premium (really not that much), I get a suit that fits and get to choose everything else about it.

[JMHO]

I really like semi-custom suits

What does 'semi-custom' mean/where do you shop?

[ushdadude]

What does 'semi-custom' mean/where do you shop?

They have a bunch fit samples to try on. They pick the one closest to your size and note where it needs to be adjusted. You pick fabric, buttons, etc. when it comes back you try it on again and they make any minor alterations, if needed.
Emporio