After several years without a dedicated training program for female kosher supervisors, the Tzohar Kosher Certification Authority has launched a new course in cooperation with the Migdal Oz Women's Beit Midrash. Participants, all graduates of the religious study institution, will study the laws of kashrut and the practical aspects of kosher supervision before taking an examination administered by the Chief Rabbinate. Upon completing their training, they are expected to join the five women already working as kosher supervisors within the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization's certification system.
The course aims to prepare women with backgrounds in Torah study for roles supervising and overseeing kosher standards in food businesses, expanding their participation in a field traditionally dominated by men.
A Tzohar kosher certificate
Designed for graduates of the Migdal Oz Women's Beit Midrash, the program consists of 10 weekly sessions held via Zoom. Participants study Jewish dietary laws alongside the practical responsibilities of kosher supervisors, including inspection procedures and day-to-day operations at food establishments.
The course is taught by Rabbi Eyal Moshe, a rabbi with Tzohar's kosher certification authority and a student of Rabbi Eliezer Melamed. Experienced supervisors from the organization are also participating to refresh their professional knowledge and deepen their practical training. The initiative is intended to increase the number of women working within Tzohar's kosher certification system.
The initiative is intended to increase the number of women working within Tzohar's kosher certification system
Rabbi Emanuel Gedge, director-general of the Tzohar Kosher Certification Authority, welcomed the initiative. "Integrating women into the kosher supervision system is a natural step," he said. "Jewish law establishes that 'one witness is believed in matters of religious prohibitions,' and women bring knowledge, professionalism and reverence for God to kosher supervision. They add thoroughness and attention to detail and know how to build good relationships with kitchen staff.
"Having both female and male supervisors allows us to tailor supervision to each business: a female supervisor where women work in the kitchen and a male supervisor where men work. Female supervisors will be fully integrated into Tzohar's kosher supervision system, with the same halachic standards and the same commitment to service."