February 6, 2013

NEW YORK (JTA) — The Orthodox Union board reportedly has opted for a consensus candidate, Martin Nachimson, to avert a showdown over its presidency.

Nachimson, a senior vice president at the organization best known for running the largest kosher certifying operation in the world, is expected to be elected when the board meets next month in New York, The New York Jewish Week reported Wednesday.

News had emerged last month of infighting over the departure of a series of high-ranking officials, including the longtime executive and temporary caretaker of the organization, Rabbi Steven Burg.

Incumbent Simcha Katz and challenger Harvey Blitz, a former O.U. president, both threw their hats into the ring, setting the stage for a highly unusual contested election.

The Jewish Week quoted a source at the umbrella group as saying the agreement was received with a “sigh of relief” by its members and that it was reached in order “to ensure a united Orthodox Union family.”

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