HUNGRY GERALD

Founded in 1871, Rokeach is still in business and sells a variety of kosher foods (including marshmallows). HG often orders their very good borscht and chicken soup—don’t like their too sweet gefilte fish. HG’s late Mom always had Rokeach soap (kosher lettering through the bar) in the kitchen sink. And, that’s how the New York company got its start. Kosher immigrant Jews couldn’t use American soap because it was made with lard and other “trayf” (unkosher) ingredients.  Rokeach solved the soap problem by using coconut oil in its manufacture. It was a huge success. The company also used coconut oil flavored with onion as a cooking oil. Since it was vegetarian it was “pareve”–meaning it could be used in cooking both dairy and meat products.  Another huge success. It’s now called “Nyafat” and is distributed by Manischewitz. Mom also ordered Rokeach candles for festive illumination and religious observance (they were minimal in HG’s socialist family). Kayco now monopolizes the online kosher food market after acquiring Manischewitz, Rokeach, Horowitz-Margareten, Mother’s, Mrs. Adler’s and other brands. Only independent left is Streit’s–succeeding generations keep manufacturing matzos. Founded in 1925, Streit’s also makes excellent mushroom and barley soup, noodles and other products. Their onion egg matzo is a year round treat.