Tzohar Kashrut System Receives Historic Approval as Official Certification Body in Israel

After a prolonged legal process with the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the Supreme Court, the Tzohar Kashrut system was officially authorized on Thursday to operate as a kosher certification body. Following this decision, Tzohar issued updated kosher certificates to most businesses under its supervision, now including the word "Kosher." Tzohar requested that its recognition be evaluated fairly and according to legal standards, a request that was ultimately approved by the Chief Rabbinate's CEO. This milestone is seen as a precedent-setting step that could strengthen Israel's kosher certification system by increasing transparency, reducing costs, and boosting public trust.

Rabbi Emmanuel Gadag, CEO of Tzohar Kashrut, welcomed the decision, calling it a historic move to reinforce a state-supervised, professional, and halachically responsible kosher system. He emphasized Tzohar's longstanding commitment to professionalism, halachic responsibility, and full transparency, aiming to expand kosher availability and adequately serve businesses and kosher-observant consumers. Gadag expressed hope that the licensing would highlight to lawmakers the importance of dedicated kosher organizations that pay supervisors and inspectors and work with full faith to strengthen kosher standards in Israel.

Tzohar is an organization of approximately 800 Orthodox rabbis from the Religious Zionist community, aiming to bridge gaps between religious and secular Israelis. Its kosher certification system has operated since 2018, overseeing hundreds of businesses, hotels, and institutional kitchens with strict adherence to halachic rules and advanced supervision mechanisms, including formal employment of supervisors, separation between businesses and supervisors, and full public transparency.