Rabbinic endorsement (for example, that a product is kosher and is ritually fit for use or consumption)

A Symbol or seal (originally always a seal with the Mashgiach's name) placed on a preprepared product certifying its kashrut.

Hechsher (IPA: , הכשר Hebrew: "kosher approval" , plural: hechsherim) is the formal granting of certification, usually by an authorized rabbi, that a product is certified as kosher (meaning "fit" [for consumption].) A hechsher is usually conveyed to the public by a special certification marking on products (generally foods) certifying that the item is certified as kosher. It is usually Orthodox rabbis who assume the jobs of mashgichim (singular: mashgiach, "supervisor"), meaning they "supervise" the products and processes that manufacture kosher food to ensure that all ingredients are kosher and meet the required standards of the original hechsher.