Acting Director General of the Chief Rabbinate Appointed Amid Conflict of Interest Agreement
Yariv Levin has announced the appointment of Yehuda Avidan, who also heads the Ministry of Religious Services. The move marks a victory for the Shas party, though a conflict of interest agreement restricts Avidan from overseeing kashrut-related matters.
Director General of the Ministry of Religious Services Yehuda Avidan has been appointed acting Director General of the Chief Rabbinate, subject to the resolution of conflicts of interest regarding kashrut. This development is seen as a major victory for the Shas party and a setback for Religious Zionism.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Religious Services Yariv Levin announced the appointment on Wednesday following consultations with the Civil Service Commissioner and approvals from the Ministry of Justice and the legal departments of both the Chief Rabbinate and the Ministry of Religious Services.
This appointment follows a long-standing practice where, in the absence of a permanent Director General for the Chief Rabbinate, the Director General of the Ministry of Religious Services assumes the role in an acting capacity.
The Ministry of Religious Services and the Chief Rabbinate stated that Avidan "brings with him rich experience and extensive knowledge in the public service, and his entry into the position constitutes important news for the continued strengthening and advancement of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel." Avidan also received the blessing of the Chief Rabbis of Israel:
"The Rishon LeZion and President of the Great Rabbinical Court, Rabbi David Yosef, and the Chief Rabbi of Israel and President of the Chief Rabbinate Council, Rabbi Kalman Meir Ber."
