Today, as an exception, we begin with a story. Two students of a rabbi are arguing. The rabbi comes along and asks them what is going on. One of the students explains how the dispute unfolded and shares his side of things. The rabbi says to him: "You are absolutely right!" The other student is upset by this and tells the story from his perspective. The rabbi says, calmly: "You are right too!"
Another one of the rabbi's students overheard this and shook his head in bewilderment: "How can you tell both of them they're right? Only one of them can be right." The rabbi looked at him and replied: "And you are right too!"
The time has come again soon. We are welcoming Rabbi Hofmeister for a visit. For years, the Israelite Cultural Community in Vienna has confirmed that our products are kosher pareve, meaning they meet the strict Jewish dietary laws.
The Rabbi calling in from London
It all started after our O-Vodkawas awarded the best vodka in the world at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in London in 2012. The Chief Rabbi of Vienna learned about the O-Vodka through the press and was intrigued. He called, visited the Mostelleria, and was immediately won over by our clear philosophy and impeccably clean production conditions. As it turned out, very little needed to change in order to obtain the certification. We already avoid animal-based raw materials and processing aids, and our recipes are clear and well-documented. The only thing that changed: since then, the machinery is cleaned with boiling water.
For us, kosher certification means more than simply gaining access to a new market. It is our way of showing that we have nothing to hide — that everything here runs with complete transparency and absolute cleanliness.
As mentioned, the rabbi will be paying us another visit soon. We're really looking forward to seeing him — so that we can continue to carry the coveted Hechsher on our Mostello. (A Hechsher is a certification seal confirming that the product in question has been produced in accordance with Jewish law, the Halacha, and complies with the dietary laws, the Kashrut, approved for use and consumption.)
Is it the right path? Without a doubt. The rabbi says we are right in any case.
