Chief Rabbinate Expands Slaughtering Teams to Address Meat Shortage and Lower Prices

The Chief Rabbinate's Slaughtering Committee has approved a new plan to immediately resume practical exams for slaughtering professions to tackle the shortage of skilled personnel in the field. The decision was made during a special meeting led by Israel's Chief Rabbi and President of the Chief Rabbinate Council, Rabbi Kalman Bar. The approved framework includes practical tests for candidates who have already passed theoretical exams and met promotion requirements, alongside a temporary certification track for team leaders, subject to professional and halachic standards.

The Chief Rabbinate stated this initiative will enable the promotion and certification of dozens of professionals and team leaders, strengthening the slaughtering workforce and addressing operational needs. This move complements the hundreds of candidates who took theoretical exams in the month of Av, with results expected soon, and upcoming exams scheduled for the month of Cheshvan.

Officials emphasized that increasing the number of qualified personnel could expand kosher slaughtering capacity, remove bottlenecks, and contribute to lowering kosher meat prices as part of the broader effort to combat the high cost of living. Deputy CEO of the Chief Rabbinate, Yehuda Avidan, highlighted the importance of maintaining professional and halachic standards while addressing field demands. He thanked Rabbi Bar and the committee for their determination and understanding, calling the move a significant step for the kosher meat supply chain and importers, directly impacting the affordability of kosher meat in Israel.