Hashgacha Pratit (organization)

Hashgacha pratit english logo

Hashgacha Pratit is an Israeli organization that provides kosher certification services. It was established to offer an alternative to the Chief Rabbinate of Israel's kosher certification, aiming to provide a more inclusive and transparent approach to kosher supervision.

History

Hashgacha Pratit was founded in 2015 by Rabbi Aharon Leibowitz, a prominent figure in the Modern Orthodox community. The organization emerged in response to growing dissatisfaction with the Chief Rabbinate's monopoly over kosher certification, which many felt was overly bureaucratic and not sufficiently responsive to the needs of diverse Jewish communities.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Hashgacha Pratit is to provide reliable and transparent kosher certification while promoting values of inclusivity and community engagement. The organization seeks to empower local communities and businesses by offering a more flexible and user-friendly approach to kosher supervision.

Services

Hashgacha Pratit offers a range of kosher certification services, including:

• Certification for restaurants and food establishments
• Supervision of food production facilities
• Consultation services for businesses seeking to comply with kosher laws

Controversies and Challenges

Since its inception, Hashgacha Pratit has faced legal and political challenges from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, which has sought to maintain its exclusive authority over kosher certification in Israel. Despite these challenges, Hashgacha Pratit has continued to grow and gain support from various segments of the Jewish community.

Impact

Hashgacha Pratit has had a significant impact on the kosher certification landscape in Israel. By providing an alternative to the Chief Rabbinate's certification, it has increased competition and encouraged greater transparency and accountability in the kosher certification process.

See Also

• Kosher foods
• Kashrut
• Chief Rabbinate of Israel
• Modern Orthodox Judaism