Chocolate De Luxe brings handmade kosher luxury to Netanya - restaurant review

The Knesset passed a law on Tuesday night that restores the Chief Rabbinate’s monopoly over kosher certification, voting 46-41 to approve the measure. This decision marks a reversal of recent reforms that permitted private Orthodox groups to issue kosher certifications independently, provided they met national standards. The law was backed primarily by the Shas party, which has long advocated for the authority of the Chief Rabbinate in religious matters. The passage of the bill comes amid broader negotiations involving ultra-Orthodox factions, who have secured legislative backing in exchange for supporting key coalition initiatives. The legislation reinstates the Chief Rabbinate as the sole entity authorized to issue kosher certifications, effectively removing the ability of other organizations to label products or establishments as kosher. This follows earlier reforms introduced by the previous administration, which aimed to introduce more competition into the certification process. Critics argue that the new law will reduce competition, potentially leading to higher prices and fewer choices for consumers and businesses alike. The law’s passage occurred just days after the Chief Rabbinate appeared to grant recognition to the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization, allowing it to issue kosher certifications for the first time. This followed a High Court order compelling the rabbinate to cease refusing recognition of Tzohar. However, the authorization quickly became controversial, with senior officials disputing whether the approval had been formally granted. Within hours, the decision faced scrutiny, with claims that the endorsement lacked proper legal foundation and thus held no official weight. Currently, many food businesses rely on Tzohar’s certification despite its lack of formal government recognition. These businesses often use language that suggests oversight rather than explicitly declaring a product as kosher. In response to the new law, Tzohar expressed disappointment, calling the legislation a setback but vowing to continue providing certification services in accordance with Jewish law and ethical standards. It emphasized its commitment to maintaining quality and transparency in its operations while urging the public to support its ongoing efforts. The new law is part of a larger package of measures negotiated between the governing coalition and ultra-Orthodox parties. These include a Basic Law that enshrines Torah study as a core state value and a proposal to halt the arrest of Haredi individuals who evade military service. Both of these measures were recently approved by the Knesset. In return, the ultra-Orthodox parties pledged to back critical coalition legislation, such as the establishment of a politically appointed commission to investigate the failures related to the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, and proposals to limit the power of the attorney general and reform the media landscape. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been central to these negotiations, though he did not remain in the Knesset during the vote on the draft dodger law. His absence highlighted the complex dynamics within the coalition, particularly with regard to the ultra-Orthodox parties. Despite initial tensions, the parties reportedly signaled that their rift with Netanyahu had been resolved, paving the way for continued cooperation on legislative fronts. The implications of the new law extend beyond religious regulation, touching on broader societal issues. Opponents argue that the legislation could exacerbate social divisions by reinforcing existing hierarchies in religious governance. Meanwhile, supporters see it as necessary to preserve traditional structures and ensure uniformity in religious practices. As the law takes effect, its impact on businesses, consumers, and the broader religious community will become clearer, with potential ripple effects across Israel’s economic and cultural landscape.