Kosher means free

I was trying to think of a good example recently of a purely private effort which benefits an entire community and hasn't been taken over by the state.  For example, caring for the homeless used to be the responsibility of churches and other such institutions, but at some point became a direct charge of government in the United States.  I came up with what I think is a nice example of a free society at work.

A considerable number of Jews in the United States consume only kosher certified food and in order to find such food, they rely on private, certifying agencies run by rabbis.  These agencies are not public entities (indeed, the courts have repeatedly ruled that legislatures cannot take over the responsibilities of these agencies and pass laws regulating what is and what is not kosher) they are entirely private.

No tax money is spent on these organizations, they are funded by manufacturers seeking contributions.

Anti-semites sometimes argue that this is a form of taxation from Jews upon gentiles but the assertion is silly.  Manufacturers want to target kosher customers.  Notably, many of these customers are not Jewish, since many consumers want kosher products for health, not religious reasons.  By making their products kosher and receiving certification food manufacturers expand their customer base.  For some companies perhaps, this is not a consideration.  For example, you own a bagel company-- a traditional Jewish food-- it would seem sensible to seek certification for your product.  If you own a pork jerky manufacturing ranch-- a food not ordinarily consumed by observant Jews-- you would not seek out certification.  But the choice is up to the manufacturer.  There is no state mandate to make something kosher or to not make something kosher.

Anti-semites can whine all they want about the increased price of a product due to kosher certification (which is likely a pittance) but any fan of liberty would have to applaud the fact that no one is making corporations seek out kosher certification.  The decision is completely driven by the market place.

Wouldn't this be a nice principle to apply in other areas as well?

For example, I hate smoking.  It's annoying and bad for one's health.  I'd prefer not to have people smoke when I'm flying.  But why should government regulate that rule?  Why not let airlines, by studying their customers, make that decision?  As a nonsmoker, you might ask, what do I have to gain from such a suggestion.  Well, if an airline offers a special service, they can make more money.  That in turn improves profit margins, which can be used to invest in better technology and better equipment.  So if an airline were allowed to say, offer smoking flights to London, at a slightly higher cost than regular flights, it would earn more cash.  And that would grow the business, and improve the relationship for all parties-- consumer and service provider.

That's just one quick, ad hoc but I think workable example.  Go ahead, think of some more yourself.  And enjoy a kosher pickle while you're at it.