Good news for consumers

82 new shochatim approved to cut meat costs

In a move to expand kosher meat supply and reduce prices, the Chief Rabbinate has certified 82 new shechita professionals after practical exams, with 346 candidates tested overall

Jfeed Staff

OCT 20, 2026 15:23

2 min read

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The Chief Rabbinate of Israel has completed a major expansion of its shechita workforce ahead of the winter season, certifying 82 new professionals after practical exams in a move aimed at increasing kosher meat supply and lowering prices. The initiative, led by Chief Rabbi Rav Kalman Meir Bar shlita and acting director-general Yehuda Avidan, follows training courses and hands-on testing across multiple shechita roles.

Of the 82 newly certified staff:

31 are shochatim and knife inspectors

20 are internal bodek inspectors

20 are external bodek inspectors

11 are team supervisors

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A total of 346 candidates sat for written exams across the various positions:

146 for shochet

79 for internal bodek

50 for external bodek

42 for menaker (de-veining)

29 for team supervisor

Chief Rabbi Rav Kalman Bar with Rabbinate acting director-general Avidan (Photo: Spokesperson)

The Rabbinate said the expanded pool of certified professionals will allow shechita teams to deploy more quickly and efficiently to missions around the world, streamline operations in the field, and bring down costs, savings that will reach the consumer directly through lower kosher meat prices.

Acting director-general Yehuda Avidan: "Under the leadership of the Chief Rabbi, Rav Kalman Meir Bar, we are working to expand the workforce in the shechita sector. The training and exams ensure qualified professionals in every role, and this is real economic good news for kosher meat consumers. We will continue to train and certify additional professionals."