The cRc was saddened to learn of the passing of Rabbi Benjamin Shandalov, of blessed memory.

Born in St. Louis, MO, Rabbi Shandalov held many communal leadership positions. He led pulpits in Dallas, TX and Waco, TX. He was the director of Camp Moshava in Wild Rose, WI,  and  was an administrator at the Hebrew Theological College located in Skokie, IL.  However, the  most profound impact he made was on the world of kosher certification, when he acted as the Kashruth Administrator of the cRc from 1981-1996. During this time, he was instrumental in changing the face of Kashruth, not only in Chicago, but across the country.  Under his leadership, the cRc improved its kosher standards, and expanded its certification services across the United States. Rabbi Shandalov had the foresight to be founder of The Association of Kashruth Organizations (AKO), which brings the directors of  kashruth agencies together allowing agencies across the country to share information, and improve national standards and techniques.  Rabbi Shandalov was known for his warmth and his wit, and was loved and respected by all who knew him.

May his memory be a blessing.