Chief Rabbinate Challenges Legality of Tzohar Kashrut License Granted by Predecessor

Days after Tzohar's kashrut certification body received an official license to operate as a kosher certification authority, the Chief Rabbinate's legal advisor, Attorney Yaakov Ofer, declared the license invalid due to "substantial defects" in the licensing process. Ofer informed Tzohar that the license was "granted unlawfully" and instructed that no actions be taken based on it. He also requested that the Chief Rabbinate's CEO immediately initiate a formal procedure to revoke or replace the license, allowing Tzohar to present its arguments.

The license was issued last week following a Supreme Court ruling mandating that Tzohar be permitted to function as a kosher certification body. It was signed by the outgoing Chief Rabbinate CEO, Yehuda Cohen. However, both the Chief Rabbinate Council and the Ministry of Religious Services stated the license lacks validity as it was issued without proper authority. Rabbi Lebanon also warned against relying on the CEO's kashrut certification.

Tzohar rejected the Rabbinate's claims, asserting the license was lawfully granted by the authorized official responsible for kosher regulation within the Chief Rabbinate. They argued that any administrative concerns should be resolved through appropriate channels and not used to undermine the kashrut system. Tzohar highlighted that inspections by the Chief Rabbinate itself confirmed their kashrut operations meet high halachic and professional standards. They criticized procedural challenges as harmful to the public interest and affirmed their intention to continue operating legally. The matter remains pending before the Supreme Court, where Tzohar will present its legal position.