A Kosher Tradition of 145 Years
The biography and family legacy behind the Royal Caribbean Fresh Kosher Dining Program.
Biography of Rabbi Dovid Weberman
More than 145 years ago, two renowned kosher food families established their roots in New York City, helping shape the future of kosher food production in America.
Moshe Weberman, the son of a Chasidic Rabbi from Tiszalök, Hungary, immigrated to New York and opened a delicatessen restaurant on Rivington Street.
Around the same time, Yaakov Horowitz emigrated from Hungary and, together with his family, founded the world-famous Horowitz-Margareten Matzoh Bakery.
The two families later became united when Ben-Zion Weberman married Julia Horowitz. Their youngest son, Rabbi Pinchas Aaron Weberman, relocated to South Florida in 1960 and founded Ohev Shalom Congregation.
Rabbi Dovid Weberman was raised in a deeply rooted Orthodox Jewish family, pursuing religious studies while developing a strong passion for kosher culinary arts and hospitality operations.
In 1985, Rabbi Weberman founded Weberman’s Traditional Foods, recognized for the highest standards of Kashrus and quality. In 2010, Rabbi Pinchas Weberman appointed him as Administrative Rabbi of Ohev Shalom Congregation.
Rabbi Weberman has been servicing kosher cruise programs since 1997 and continues to provide Rabbinical leadership, kosher culinary expertise, operational oversight, and hospitality training.
Rabbi Dovid Weberman was born on May 08, 1956, in Brooklyn, New York, a Kashrut Specialist, a Rav Hamachshir, a Jewish philosopher, Ordained Rabbi, and a foremost intellectual figure in Kosher Food Service, who has been providing Kosher Certification and Supervision throughout the world. As a leader in the international world of Kosher certification and service, he is most proud of his accolades and reputation for providing prompt, friendly, and professional service to both the kosher consumer and members of the food industry.
Raised in South Florida, Rabbi Dovid Weberman was born into a family blessed by a Kosher tradition spanning a history of over 145 years, beginning with the son of (Chassidic Rabbi of Tisa Lik in Hungary) Moshe Weberman. He emigrated to New York and opened a restaurant on Rivington Street serving homemade delicatessen food that became a Social Center for Orthodox Jewish immigrants in those days.
As the demand for “Kosher” began to explode in the 1900’s, the family expanded both its Kosher services and staff. With the spread of the family’s reputation as an expert in integrating the complexities of food technology with Kosher requirements, the family assumed a more prominent role in the international Kashrut scene.
Yaakov Horowitz (Dovid Weberman’s great-grandfather) took advantage of the extraordinary fame and credibility he had in his Social Center so that together with his sons and sons-in-law, over 100 years ago the world-famous Horowitz-Margareten Matzoh Bakery was established. Their reputation and skills became world-famous, and their international fame in Matzoh recipes became well established.
The Weberman Family (Dovid’s parents) moved to South Florida in the 1960’s and founded an Orthodox Synagogue: Ohev Shalom Congregation, where Dovid grew up and davened. He received his Orthodox education, attending religious schools and seminars across the country, earning his Doctorate in Divinity, and becoming an ordained Rabbi. Dovid always had his deep-rooted orthodox customs and a great passion for cooking and preparing meals. During his Yeshiva years, he would volunteer in the cafes and kitchens for community summer camps. All of this inspired him to grow his life’s passion and talents with the support of his family. The joy of traditional Jewish cooking and his faith has been the melting pot of talents that have given Dovid his unique experience and skills unmatched in his field of Kosher service and cuisine. His family lineage and the influence of this history give Dovid his unique character and brings together the best Jewish culinary tradition and deeply rooted principles of Kashrut customs to all those who are blessed to participate in the experience.
Inspired by his vocation and special education and experience in Culinary cooking lead him to establish in 1985 a company dedicated to such foods of excellence and Kosher service called “WEBERMAN’s TRADITIONAL FOODS” which in its own right gained a reputation for the high standards of quality and Kashrus.
In 2010 he was appointed Administrative Rabbi of Ohev Shalom Congregation by his Father, the world-renowned Rabbi Pinchas Weberman.
Apart from his unique qualifications and history, Rabbi Dovid Weberman has been serving Kosher cruises since 1997. Jews who observe Kashrus rely on Dovid’s extensive Rabbinical and Culinary background for their Kosher cruising. He also combined his ancestor’s capabilities in the Food Industry and the Rabbinate and acquired expertise in those fields.
Everyone is welcomed to join Rabbi Dovid Weberman as he continues his family traditions and applies his unique talent in preserving traditional kashrut customs and extraordinary Kosher service. Kosher food, in particular, has been a tradition diligently upheld by the Jewish community throughout the world and remains a vital part of Jewish culture, which is Dovid’s unique talent.
A Family Tradition of Certifying Kosher Cruises.
Port of Miami 1962, Zimm Lines “SS Jerusalem” (from left to right) (Myself)Dovid, My Brother Shaya, My Sister Sarah, My Brother Eliyahu, and My Father Rabbi Pinchus (Tottie) Weberman
A Family Tradition of Certifying Kosher Cruises.
Port of Miami 1962, Zimm Lines “SS Jerusalem”(from left to right) My Brother Shaya,(Myself) Dovid, My Maternal Grandfather Moshe Green (Background), My Father Rabbi Pinchus Weberman (Rabbinical Kosher Certifier), Rabbi Meyer Leiberman (Supervising Mashgiach), Reb Sarkis (Mashgiach)
RCL Fresh Kosher Dining Program onboard Rhapsody Of The Seas Sailing Toward Haifa, Israel 07/25/2022
Ian Wilson
Food and Beverage Director
Rhapsody of The Seas | Royal Caribbean International
Receives his certificate of Kosher Training and Commendation Letter from Rabbi Weberman onboard Rhapsody of the Seas during its Haifa Summer Sailing (pictured Ian Wilson, Rabbi Weberman, and the RH Kosher Facilitators)
2023 sailing out of Haifa aboard Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas. Offering a new Fresh Kosher Program under the supervision of Rabbi Dovid Weberman, assisted by Natalie, Noa, Aaron, and Meni. With the amazing F&B team aboard Rhapsody!A Family Tradition of Certifying Kosher Cruises.
Port of Miami 1962, Zimm Lines “SS Jerusalem”(from left to right) My Brother Shaya,(Myself) Dovid, My Maternal Grandfather Moshe Green (Background), My Father Rabbi Pinchus Weberman (Rabbinical Kosher Certifier), Rabbi Meyer Leiberman (Supervising Mashgiach), Reb Sarkis (Mashgiach)
Linken D’Souza, Senior Vice President, Global Food & Beverage, Royal Caribbean International, was honored by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Commissioner Mickey Steinberg with an official proclamation declaring Friday, April 10, 2026, as “Linken D’Souza Day” in Miami-Dade County.
The presentation took place at Royal Caribbean International Headquarters at PortMiami and was attended by members of his culinary team, colleagues, dignitaries, and law enforcement representatives.
The recognition highlighted his outstanding leadership, innovation, and contributions to the global cruise and hospitality industry, including his leadership in expanding Royal Caribbean International’s Fresh Kosher Dining Program and helping pioneer the company’s historic inaugural sailings from Haifa, Israel.