Yehuda Avidan Appointed Acting CEO of Chief Rabbinate Amid Kashrut Conflict Resolution

Yehuda Avidan, currently CEO of the Ministry of Religious Services, is set to be appointed as the acting CEO of the Chief Rabbinate, pending resolution of conflicts of interest related to kosher certification. His appointment is seen as a significant victory for the Shas party, while the Religious Zionist camp views it as another setback in their struggle for senior religious positions.

The appointment includes a detailed set of restrictions concerning kashrut matters. Avidan is prohibited from engaging in any issues affecting the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Religious Council or the certification processes for the Tel Aviv-Jaffa and Ramla Religious Councils as authorized bodies for supervision services. Furthermore, he must avoid involvement in any matters that could materially influence the activities of the Badatz (rabbinical court) as outlined in the agreement.

The arrangement also highlights Avidan's family connections, including his brother, Health Minister Uriel Buso, and Rabbi Yehiel Abuchatzeira, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Ramla, which are relevant to the conflict of interest considerations.