Chief Rabbinate Rejects Kashrut License Granted to Tzohar Without Council Approval

The Chief Rabbinate Council of Israel announced on Thursday that it does not currently approve the kosher certification license granted to the organization Tzohar by the outgoing Director General of the Chief Rabbinate, Yehuda Cohen. The council stated that the license was issued without prior discussion or approval by the council, violating legal requirements and proper administrative procedures. According to the council's decision, which was signed by its rabbis, the license was granted based on a kosher standard regulated by the council itself, but the Director General failed to inform or consult the council or its kosher committee before issuing the license.

The council cited Section 2יז(א)(6) of the Law Prohibiting Fraud in Kashrut, which requires the council's non-opposition for a license to be valid. The council therefore declared it does not approve the license at this stage. This decision follows sharp criticism of Cohen's conduct, described by some rabbinate sources as a "coup" due to his unilateral action without authority or council consent.

Judah Avidan, Director General of the Ministry of Religious Services, clarified that the kosher certification issued to Tzohar is invalid. After consulting with Chief Rabbi Kalman Bar, it was confirmed that the council never discussed the matter. Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu of Safed condemned the move as a "coup" by Cohen, calling the certification void and unacceptable.

The organization Kosherut responded by accusing Cohen of recklessness and lack of transparency, noting that he issued a three-year license without proper consultation or completion of required checks. Kosherut criticized the commercialization of kosher certification and warned against unfair competition practices, emphasizing the need for lawful and equitable competition in the field.