Kashruth Authority states its case
Baron Revelman, the President of the Kashruth Authority, says that the actions of a rabbi giving a herchsher to cater Amaze in Taste have put into jeopardy a united Kashruth Authority for NSW.
In light of the recent statement issued by the JCA and the NSWJBD… We at the KA have endeavoured for some time now to reach an agreement with AIT, to bring a permanent and lasting resolution to the current impasse. Throughout this entire episode, our ultimate concern has always been what is best for the community. We have done all that is in our power to maintain one, strong, united, Kashrut Authority for the benefit of the Jewish Community of NSW. Unfortunately, it has now reached the stage, where matters are beyond our control.
The Rabbinical Council of NSW in a meeting on 23/11/2013, at which Rabbi Yosef Feldman was present, voted with an overwhelming majority (18-3), against any unilateral action that would provide supervision (temporarily or otherwise) to AIT.
Rather, it was envisaged that (with the assistance of communal organisations such as the JCA and NSWJBD, who’s representatives were at that meeting) AIT and the KA should come to an agreement that would ultimately see AIT under the KA’s supervision. Thus ensuring that one united kashrut – with the high standard that the KA provides – is maintained for the benefit of the NSW Jewish community. The representatives of the NSWJBD and JCA made it clear to the meeting that following their investigations they accepted as valid, the KA policies in relation to catering in NSW, and complimented the KA for its openness.
In spite of his attendance at that meeting, Rabbi Yosef Feldman is ignoring the resolution, has made the decision to act of his own accord, without the support or approval of his esteemed colleagues, thereby thwarting attempts at a resolution. His actions have singlehandedly put into jeopardy the notion of one united Kashrut Authority for the NSW Jewish community. His actions have singlehandedly also put into jeopardy the notion of maintaining one high standard of Kashrut for the entire community.
AIT have publicly stated that they will not come under KA supervision, because they are not satisfied with the structure of The KA. One must ask the question; under what structure does AIT now operate and receive supervision? Will the JCA and the NSWJBD be invited to test the transparency of this new supervisory body, as The KA has done? Is there a lay Board, and a Rabbinic Board, as in The KA? Is there any Board oversight at all?
The KA accounts are audited and lodged with the Department of Fair Trading, and any allegation that The KA lacks transparency is simply false.
We cannot be held responsible for the actions of others, however, we can control what we do; and we at the KA give our solemn pledge that we will continue our operations in the same manner that we always have, continually striving to improve. We will maintain our high standard of kashrut supervision. We will maintain our accessibility to the community through our highly successful Facebook page, and other such media. We will continue to advance Kashrut in every way that we can.
Over the past 23 years, we have overseen the unprecedented growth of kashrut in NSW. The availability and accessibility of Kosher is at an all-time high. We will continue to strive ever higher, and we look to the future with much hope and excitement.
Nicely written – saying it as it is.
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Can we get a list of the Rabbi’s who voted ?