Religious activities

The Religious Activities Department is responsible for joint representation of Swiss Jews' religious needs to the authorities. This involves handling the requisite contacts with the appropriate authorities and offices.

Because shechita (kosher slaughter of ritually clean animals) is forbidden in Switzerland, all kosher meat must be imported from abroad. The SIG acts as a guarantor to the authorities that meat imported as kosher meat will be used properly. The department also deals with matters relating to the special needs of Jewish members of the armed forces. In most cases, the latter are able to practice their religious duties while performing their national service. Refer to the current information sheet for Jewish members of the armed forces and civil defence corps. This also lists the accepted Jewish festivals.

The activities of the Community of Interest for Kosher Food (IgfKL) are largely financed by the SIG. Among other things, commercially available products are checked to see whether they are suitable for use by kosher households. This in no way affects the authority of the various SIG member communities' rabbinates to inform their members as they see fit. The Religious Activities Department is also responsible for the Davos Jewish Cemetery (est. 1931).