The major shortage of kosher meat which has bedeviled consumers across the United States is on the way to being resolved, according to local suppliers and retailers in Southern New Jersey. Following the bankruptcy and shutdown of Agriprocessors' meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa, other suppliers have begun to fill the void in the market.

STEVE RAVITZ (top), owner of the Kosher Experience at ShopRite and JACOB LEVY (above) at his Cherry Hill Kosher Market. "Since Agriprocessors stopped producing kosher beef a couple of weeks ago, there has been a noticeable shortage of glatt kosher beef on the shelves of the local markets," said Rabbi Ephraim Epstein, Rav HaMachshir (rabbinical director) of the Cherry K Vaad Hakashrut. He said that consumers have been concerned, but not panicked.

Epstein said that whenever there is a shortage, others come in to fill that vacuum. "It's a supply and demand business."

"Agriprocessors produced 35 percent of the kosher meat. That left a tremendous void," said Jerry Abramson, a local resident whose company, Washington Group, has a meatpacking plant in Minnesota. Washington Group, a division of West Side Foods, supplies beef, poultry, frozen foods and other products nationally.

Abramson said that his company was asked by the Orthodox Union to increase its production. He said that Washington Group's Minnesota plant has doubled its capacity. "The shortages are still there, but we are stepping up to the plate."

"Hopefully, we'll be back to 100 percent by next week," said Steve Ravitz, owner of the Kosher Experience at ShopRite. He said that supplies of beef have been spotty, but chicken has been available.

Ravitz said that he is unsure if prices have gone up in light of the shortages, but he has not raised prices in light of the current economic difficulties. "We're more concerned about the supply."

"We communicate with our customers on a regular basis," said Ravitz. He said that the Kosher Experience has an email database of over 1,000 names. "We've kept them abreast of our supply."

Cherry Hill Kosher Market on Rt. 70 has not had any shortages, according to owner Jacob Levy. He said that his meat came primarily from other suppliers, so the shortage did not hit him at all. In fact, Levy said that he has gained customers who came into his store when they could not find meat elsewhere.

Levy proudly showed off his freezer filled with meat. "We have no problems," said Levy, who uses Aurora in Chicago as one of his main sources.

The future of Agriprocessors is up in the air, according to those interviewed for this story. In addition to the firm's bankruptcy filing and closing, top officials of the company have been indicted. Numerous immigration violations are alleged against senior employees and Sholom Rubashkin, the company's former chief executive.

Rabbi Epstein said that despite the allegations, the Rubashkin family has a long history of kindness and dedication to the Jewish community. "This should be appreciated and will stand them in good stead in the future." .