Jerusalem Kosher News

Motzei Shabbos
September 12, 2009
23 Elul 5769

Earlier this month, Jerusalem Kosher News reported on Hebron Wines, that the Chief Rabbinate removed its kashrut certification (http://www.jerusalemkoshernews.com/2009/09/hebron-wines/). I mentioned that Badatz Belz has not removed its hechsher, leading to many an inquisitive email.

As I mentioned in the article, I spoke with the folks at Belz, who gave me their side of the story, which I opted not to share, but now that it has filtered down to the Hebrew media, I will pass it along to the list as well. 

One of the owners of the winery is Avigdor Klein, a Belzer Chassid, and he explains what is at the heart of the problem. Klein, who by the way Belz rabbonim back 100% as far as his commitment to kashrus, states someone in the Rabbanut was seeking to learn the secrets of his industry, something he is not interested in sharing.

Please understand that Klein is operating for some 25 years, during which time he enjoys the joint supervision of the Rabbi Dov Lior Shlita and the Badatz Machzikei Hadas-Belz. Belz maintains a steady presence in the winery, while Rav Lior Shlita comes in periodically to check, especially when tithes are separated. Now, someone new in the Rabbanut is demanding a budget for an additional mashgiach for eight hours a day in additional to the Belz rabbi, a major change for the long-standing arrangement.

This new person in the Rabbinate explains Klein would have a higher status, and have access to every room and all the secrets of the trade, a move which the winery strongly objects. Klein explains he does not wish to give over the company’s secrets to yet another mashgiach and he does not see the reason to add another salary when the operation has not changed and they have been satisfied with the full-time Belz mashgiach for many years.

Klein in certain the person in the Rabbinate is just trying to make life difficult, explaining there is another winery in Hebron, whose owner is not shomer shabbat, yet there is not even a full-time mashgiach there. Despite this, the Rabbinate has not removed its supervision.

Klein is convinced the person is motivated by the fact he wishes to learn their trade secrets under the guise of making new kashrus demands.

Klein report this new person in the Rabbinate is scheduled to meet with Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger in the coming days and he expects the problem to be resolved. Avi Blumenthal, the chief rabbi’s spokesman is unaware of any such meeting.

This report based on my conversation with Belz’s Rabbi Hoffman and from the Chareidim news agency.