JERUSALEM — Kashrus agencies across the globe are unanimous in their policy not to grant kosher certification to food establishments that are open on Shabbos. But in Israel, a proposal has been submitted that would grant limited kashrus certification to restaurants and cafes that are open on Shabbos. For example, these establishments would be granted the certification for the balance of the week and not for Shabbos. Kashrus officials say that such an arrangement would be untenable and almost impossible to police.
In light of some scandals in recent years, kashrus agencies have been moving in the direction of forcing food establishments to have full-time mashgichim and to put kitchens under the control of the kosher supervisors. Having those kitchens open on Shabbos would go counter to the policy of the kosher agencies. Several kashrus officials noted that establishments that violate the Shabbos are in effect “mocking the very same Torah that gave us the kashrus laws.”
