Chief Rabbinate CEO Issues Invalid Kashrut License to Tzohar Organization Amid Controversy

On Thursday, Yehuda Cohen, CEO of the Chief Rabbinate, issued an official license to the organization Tzohar to operate in the field of kosher certification. This move sparked significant interest due to Tzohar's position relative to the Rabbinate's kosher system and especially concerning the Badatz (rabbinical courts).

However, following widespread news reports about the license, the Ministry of Religious Services clarified that the license is not valid. According to a letter from Yehuda Avidan, CEO of the Ministry, the Chief Rabbinate Council had not approved granting such authority to Tzohar. The letter explained that under the law prohibiting fraud in kosher certification, issuing a license requires the Rabbinate Council's consent.

Further investigation revealed that neither the Rabbinate Council nor its president, Rabbi Kalman Bar, had been consulted or expressed any position on the matter. Avidan emphasized that the certificate issued to "Tzohar - Food Supervision Ltd." has no legal standing and cannot be relied upon.

The proper procedure mandates that the Rabbinate Council must first approve any kosher certification authority before it can be recognized. The Ministry urgently requested halting the distribution of the license among business owners, as dozens of inquiries had been received nationwide seeking immediate use of the certificate, which would be illegal.

In closing, Avidan instructed legal officials to act immediately, stating, "I ask you to instruct and notify that the certificate was issued unlawfully and has no validity, to prevent actions that would force us to deal with petitions and similar issues."