Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef Praises Israel's Basic Law on Torah Study and Kosher Reform Repeal

Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the Rishon LeZion and President of the Shas Council of Torah Sages, sent a special letter to Shas party chairman MK Aryeh Deri praising the recent passage of the Basic Law on Torah Study. He emphasized that the law greatly honors and elevates the importance of Torah and its learners, calling them defenders of the Jewish people who continue the transmission of Torah from generation to generation. Rabbi Yosef expressed hope that the law will end the persecution of Torah scholars and restore their status to what it was previously.

The letter also addressed the repeal of the kosher reform initiated by former Minister Matan Kahana. Rabbi Yosef congratulated MK Rabbi Michael Malchieli and Rabbi Yehuda Avidan, who led efforts to safeguard kosher standards, calling their work a blessing that removed the threat hanging over Israel's kosher system. He stressed the importance of protecting the kosher laws to prevent the consumption of forbidden foods.

Last week, Rabbi Yosef had urged Shas leadership not to delay the legislation of the Torah study law and to support the current kosher standards to protect the Jewish people. Following his appeal, Shas intensified efforts to pass these laws, which were finalized in second and third readings. The Basic Law on Torah Study recognizes Torah study as a supreme value in Israel, while the kosher reform repeal restores a more stringent kosher supervision system, eliminating the controversial supervisor-supervised dependency that had drawn criticism and legal challenges.

Rabbi Yosef concluded by blessing all those involved in these legislative achievements, praying they continue their holy work to increase the honor of Heaven and succeed in their endeavors for the benefit of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.