Emunah sued Israel’s Chief Rabbinate to compel the body to recognize the kosher supervision certificate offered for the first time by the women’s group.

The lawsuit filed last week calls on the Chief Rabbinate to allow the 16 female graduates of the group’s course in kosher supervision to work in their chosen profession. It also asks the court to compel the rabbinate to explain its policy.

One of the course graduates, Avivit Rabi, is a co-petitioner in the suit. Rabi is a mother of seven from the haredi Orthodox city of Beitar Illit.

The Emunah course reportedly is in accordance with the curriculum recognized by the Chief Rabbinate.

Part of the policy that prevents women from applying for jobs as kosher supervisors is the requirement that they have a certificate that they studied in a yeshiva for a minimum of four years after age 18.

Several female kosher inspectors have been working for years; they were hired before the rabbinate required special training courses starting in 2010. The female inspectors reportedly are highly respected.

Here is why I'm matching up to $36,000 in gifts to the Forward:

Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.

I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.

The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.

That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.

Don't just read the Forward - invest in it. Will you help support the Forward's work today?

— Joel Brown, Forward board chair

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$120 $180 $360 OTHER AMOUNT