CEO of Tzohar Kashrut Affirms Legal Approval Under Chief Rabbinate Regulations

Amid ongoing controversy over the kosher certification activities of Tzohar, Rabbi Emmanuel Gadaj, the organization's CEO, asserts that Tzohar operates legally under the Chief Rabbinate's regulatory framework. He rejects claims that the organization's certification was granted through a "sneak attack" and calls for cooperation to restore public trust in Israel's kosher system.

Rabbi Gadaj emphasizes that the issue transcends legal or administrative disputes, focusing instead on the future structure of the national kosher system and how to maintain the Chief Rabbinate's status while regaining public confidence. He clarifies that Tzohar's kosher reform remains valid, having received official approval from the Chief Rabbinate's CEO, who is legally authorized to oversee kosher certification. The request for formal recognition was submitted years ago, accompanied by petitions to the Supreme Court and repeated professional inquiries, culminating in the recent approval.

He stresses that Tzohar did not act covertly but followed proper legal channels, and the organization is willing to provide full transparency if further review by the Chief Rabbinate Council is required. Rabbi Gadaj also dismisses concerns that opening the kosher market to additional bodies would lead to non-halakhic practices. Instead, he argues that when the Chief Rabbinate sets halakhic standards and professional bodies manage supervision, both kosher quality and public trust improve.

Rabbi Gadaj rejects portrayals of Tzohar as lenient or liberal in halakhic matters, affirming strict adherence to Jewish law and readiness to comply with Chief Rabbinate procedures. He highlights that the main challenge is restoring the kosher system's good reputation and public confidence, rather than debating strictness levels. He acknowledges that while many local rabbinate kosher systems function well, monopolies sometimes cause failures harming businesses and public trust.

Regarding private kosher organizations, Rabbi Gadaj notes that unlike some which operate independently of the Chief Rabbinate's certification, Tzohar seeks to work within the law and under the Chief Rabbinate's authority. He expresses reservations about legislative proposals to recentralize kosher certification, fearing a return to past systemic problems, but hopes for solutions allowing private kosher bodies to operate halakhically under supervision.

Despite disagreements, Rabbi Gadaj concludes on a conciliatory note, confident that cooperation with the Chief Rabbinate's rabbis is possible to strengthen kosher certification in Israel. He states, "We are all on the same side with one goal," ending with a verse reflecting the spirit of the times: "Truth and peace have embraced."