In addition to his other responsibilities, it appears Deputy Minister of Health Yaakov Litzman is concerned with the kashrus of the nation�s senior citizens� and assisted living facilities. The ministry has sent a questionnaire to facilities addressing a number of issues, including a request regarding the hechsher of the facility and particulars of the mashgiach if one exists. The minister also wishes to know if a mashgiach is employed, how many hours is he present.

As far as the operators of such facilities are concerned the law does not compel them to have a kashrut certificate or a mashgiach, and as such, these details cannot be linked to the renewal of one�s operating license. The deputy minister however appears to be ready to make this an issue.

Officials in the Ministry of Welfare & Social Services do point out that the law does require accommodating residents who are requesting kosher food. The law however does not compel assisted living facilities to employ a mashgiach.

Health Ministry officials seem to view the law differently, stating a privately owned facility must at the very least employ a mashgiach.

For now, the question remains is just what does Litzman plan to do with the kashrut data when he receives it?

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)