Shas Party Secures Final Knesset Approval to Revoke Private Kashrut Certification

The Knesset approved in its second and third readings a law that cancels the 2021 kashrut reform initiated by former Religious Services Minister Matan Kahana. The reform had allowed private kashrut organizations to issue kosher certification under the supervision of the Chief Rabbinate. The new legislation restores exclusive authority over kosher certification to the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, local rabbinate authorities, and the military rabbinate.

The vote took place overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, passing with 46 votes in favor and 41 against. The law also regulates kosher standards, supervision operations, the provision of supervision services, the separation between supervisors and the businesses they oversee, and oversight mechanisms in the field.

This move is a significant achievement for the Shas party, which has championed this issue since the current government was formed. The party views the law as a restoration of public responsibility, transparency, and uniformity in halachic standards, countering concerns that the 2021 reform led to privatization and potential conflicts of interest due to economic incentives influencing kosher certification.

The government and Chief Rabbinate argue that maintaining a public kosher certification system ensures accountability and consistent religious standards. The 2021 reform had never been fully implemented despite being legislated. Shas leader Aryeh Deri has been a prominent advocate for this legislative reversal.

Summary: The Israeli Knesset passed a law reversing a 2021 reform that allowed private kosher certification, restoring exclusive authority to the Chief Rabbinate and local rabbinates, marking a key victory for the Shas party.