More on high court decision backing exclusive state control over kashrus

The High Court of Justice on Monday, 29 Iyar, ruled that the Chief Rabbinate of Israel is the only body that may issue kashrus certification, outlawing private kashrus bodies that seek to replace the Chief Rabbinate rather than working with it. One such organization, which operates in the Nachlaot neighborhood of the capital, is headed by Rabbi Aaron Leibowitz. His certification is called “Hashgacha Pratit”. However, the court made its position clear, that ruling in favor of the Chief Rabbinate is in no way an endorsement of the current system. Hence, the ruling is only valid for two years during which time the Chief Rabbinate must improve the system including the employment of the mashgichim, who today are employees of restaurants rather than the religious councils and therefore subordinate to the owner of a restaurant. Justice Elyakim Rubinstein explained if this is not achieved by the end of the two-year period, at the very least “in a substantial manner”, the issue is likely to be reopened “at which time the position of both sides will be maintained”…   Read full article at The Yeshiva World