Chief Rabbis Praise New Israeli Kashrut Law Restoring Religious Authority

The Chief Rabbis of Israel, including the Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef and Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Kalman Maier Bar, along with the Chief Rabbinate Council, have publicly welcomed the recent approval of a new kashrut law by the Knesset. The legislation, passed in its second and third readings, officially repeals the previous kashrut reform and restores exclusive authority over kosher certification to the Chief Rabbinate and local religious councils across Israel.

In their joint statement, the rabbis emphasized that the new law significantly strengthens the status of the state kashrut system, ensuring its reliability, unity, and adherence to halachic standards and Jewish tradition for the benefit of kosher-observant citizens. The law also formally recognizes the halachic authority of city rabbis as local religious leaders and enhances the role of religious councils in providing kashrut services.

Additionally, the rabbis praised the law for clarifying the status of kosher supervisors within the religious councils, a move expected to improve halachic supervision and prevent conflicts of interest with business owners. They expressed deep gratitude to all who contributed to advancing the legislation in the Knesset and prayed that the law would increase divine honor, strengthen kosher observance in Israel, and maintain the kashrut system on firm halachic foundations with responsibility and dedication.