The group called the “Chotem” ( חותם) Forum headed by Rabbi Yaakov Ariel Shlita has come out strongly against legislation addressing Halachic matters sponsored by MK (The Movement) Elazar Stern.

In a position statement released by Chotem on Monday 19 Shevat 5774, the rabbonim express objections to the latest bill released by Stern, seeking to compel the Chief Rabbinate of Israel to grant kashrus certification to stores that are not Shomer Shabbos. The position statement was released in conjunction with the Kosharot Organization http://kosharot.co.il/ headed by Rabbi Elyakim Levanon Shlita.

The Chief Rabbinate has always maintained a policy that if a restaurant operates on Shabbos it cannot receive a hashgacha. Stern insists the two are not related and he wishes to compel the Chief Rabbinate’s hand.

Chotem warns that legislation that addresses strictly Halachic matters will result in the continued collapse of the states kashrus certification and the religious tzibur will lose its trust in the state kashrus for they will understand the criteria for a hashgacha is not set by rabbonim, but rather by the politicians.

Rabbi Yisrael Rosen, a member of the Chotem Forum and head of the Zomet Institute, does not agree with his colleagues. He feels that a “kashrus minus” certificate can be issued to roadside vendors operating on Shabbos for as long as the certificate clearly explains the situation. Rosen feels the public is mature enough to makes its own decision regarding the level of kashrus and if it wishes to rely on such a store or not.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)