Increased tensions between the State and the religious establishment were reflected in the recent Supreme Court decision, which determined that the Chief Rabbi (Rabbinate) has the sole authority to provide kashrut certification to Israeli restaurants, hotels and food manufacturers.
A number of grass roots initiatives – many of them from the Orthodox community – are calling for pluralism, religious freedom and the end to what is seen as a monopoly over issues of Jewish life in Israel, including kashrut, by the religious establishment.
We heard from the founders of groups creating public transportation on Shabbat; advocating for an alternative Orthodox kashrut certification; and one that enables Israeli couples – religious and secular – to choose their Jewish marriage ceremony.
Our speakers included:
Dr. Laura Whartman, Jerusalem council member, director of Shabus, Jerusalem’s coopFriday night bus service
Inbar Oren Shalem – director of Havaya Life Cycle Ceremonies
Rabbi Aaron Liebowitz – Jerusalem council member and founder of ‘Hashgacha Pratit'(Private Kashrut Certification)
