Holon Chief Sephardi Rabbi HaGaon HaRav Avraham Yosef Shlita has suspended himself from signing off on the city�s kashrus supervision, handing the task over to the city�s Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi. Rav Yosef�s move is compelled by the criminal indictment against him for allegedly abusing his position to advance the interests of Badatz Beit Yosef, which is run by his brother. The rav�s move followed a petition filed with the High Court of Justice by the Ne�emanei Torah V�Avodah organization, seeking to compel him to resign.

Last week the rav�s attorneys responded to the court petition with the announcement he is handing kashrus responsibilities to Rabi Yochanan Gur-Aryeh, the city�s Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi. His attorneys point out that the rav will however continue his other duties as the city�s chief rabbi.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)