Chief Rabbinate Declares Kashrut License Granted to Tzohar Invalid Due to Procedural Flaws

The legal advisor to Israel's Chief Rabbinate informed Tzohar, a kosher certification body, that significant procedural defects occurred in the process granting it a license to issue kosher certificates last week. Consequently, the license cannot currently be relied upon. The Rabbinate clarified that Tzohar's application will be reexamined through a formal procedure.

Last week, Tzohar's kosher certification system received official approval to operate as a kosher certifying entity, following a Supreme Court ruling. The Chief Rabbinate's CEO, Yehuda Cohen, issued the license, valid for three years, shortly before ending his tenure. However, soon after the announcement, both the Chief Rabbinate Council and the Ministry of Religious Services stated the certificate was invalid and issued without proper authority.

In a letter from the Chief Rabbinate's legal advisor, Yaakov Ofer, addressed to Tzohar Food Supervision Ltd., he stated that the license was granted unlawfully and that no actions should be taken based on it. Ofer also notified the Chief Rabbinate CEO to immediately take legal steps to revoke or replace the license.

Tzohar responded by emphasizing the public's right to reliable, professional, and accessible kosher certification and criticized the legal and administrative delays that hinder law implementation and harm kosher-observant consumers. They affirmed that their license was lawfully issued by the authorized kosher regulation authority and that any administrative issues should be resolved through proper channels. Tzohar highlighted that even Rabbinate inspections confirmed their high halachic and professional standards.

Tzohar stated it does not seek confrontation with the Chief Rabbinate but demands adherence to the law, respect for authorized decisions, and provision of trustworthy kosher services. The matter remains pending before the Supreme Court, where Tzohar will present its legal position. They pledged to continue operating responsibly, transparently, and legally to expand kosher certification in Israel.