Monday, February 10, 2025

To the Jewish Congregation of Houston and All Concerned Parties,

I write to address recent developments regarding kashrut certification in the Houston community.

By way of introduction, I have dedicated over three decades to the world of kashrut, beginning in Israel as an administrator for Badatz Beit Yosef and continuing my work here in the United States. In 2001, I was honored to serve as the Rabbi of the Young Israel community in Dallas, Texas. The following year, I founded Achdut Israel, an organization dedicated to kiruv, which has since expanded to serve the Israeli community across the South. My guiding principle has always been to uphold halacha, support communal institutions, and work in harmony with local rabbinical leadership.

In November 2025, Prime Grill successfully restored its kosher certification. I played a role in helping the owner return to full compliance with local rabbinical kashrut standards. While some initially assumed my involvement was self-serving, they later recognized that my sole intention was to ensure proper supervision for the benefit of the community.

Regarding Genesis restaurant, on January 21, 2025, Mr. Jason Goldstein, its owner, informed me that his local kosher certification had been revoked by a committee of six community rabbis following an incident involving skinless tilapia being brought into the restaurant. Understanding the seriousness of the matter, I conducted a thorough two-week investigation and consulted multiple local rabbinic authorities. Given the impact on a business that has been a cornerstone of the community for over 11 years—along with the livelihoods and reputations of those involved—I proposed resolving the issue through a Beit Din.

Despite sincere efforts to arrange a fair hearing, including an offer from the Mekur Chaim Beit Din in New York to send judges to Houston, our requests were repeatedly declined. Alternative venues, such as the Baltimore Beit Din, were also rejected. Rabbi Winder declined participation in a Din Torah, stating that the decision of six rabbis should prevail over that of one. Furthermore, he asserted that he would not return the HKA kashrut back to Genesis under any circumstances. This raises two fundamental questions: If the local kashrut, HKA, cannot provide an alternative solution, why oppose the establishment of alternative kosher supervision? And why disqualify the standards of Beit Yosef?

After a thorough review of all concerns raised, I have determined that they were unfounded and have, therefore, granted kashrut certification to Genesis restaurant. As of today, Genesis meets the strict kashrut standards of Beit Yosef and the Rama. I have taken every measure to ensure the highest level of supervision, including appointing a full-time mashgiach who works closely with the kitchen staff in both the restaurant and catering operations. While not all local rabbis currently endorse this arrangement, I remain hopeful that, in time, we can collaborate to achieve a resolution that best serves the needs of the entire community.

I maintain full documentation regarding everything stated in this letter and welcome direct communication from those seeking additional information. My hope is not for division, but for unity in our shared mission—to strengthen kashrut, uphold halacha, and build a community guided by Torah values.

With blessing,

Rabbi Emanuel Binyamin Terenyo
Congregation Achdut Israel