Rabbinate

The rabbinate as an extra-territorial entity - opinion

The rabbinical courts operate according to their own internal rules, with virtually no external oversight.

REPRESENTATIVES OF the Chief Rabbinate of Israel cross Jaffa Street in Jerusalem as they deliver a kosher certificate to a local restaurant.
People walk past a projection depicting Israeli and US flags on the walls of Jerusalem's Old City on Oct. 22, 2025.

Rabbinic diplomacy between Israel and US explored in new exhibition

Newly elected Tel Aviv-Jaffa Chief Rabbi Zevadia Cohen, April 26, 2026.

Shas-backed Zevadia Cohen elected Tel Aviv chief rabbi after High Court delays, political battle

A ‘MOHEL’ holds a scalpel as he performs a circumcision

Third complaint filed against man suspected of causing infant's death after circumcision


Israel's most visible rabbinic defenders are not recognized as rabbis by the Jewish state - opinion

The two most visible Jewish defenders of Israel in the world’s largest Jewish city are rabbis whom Israel’s own religious establishment does not recognize as rabbis.

RABBI ANGELA BUCHDAHL speaks at a Hanukkah reception with then-US president Joe Biden at the White House in 2023. The future of the Jewish people will depend on who shows up and speaks when Israel and its people need to be defended, the writer asserts.

Rabbinate seeks retrial on ruling allowing women to take exams, blames 'halachic noncompliance'

The Rabbinate's argument rested on what it presented as firm halachic noncompliance with women taking the exams, as certain topics covered therein are prohibited by nature.

SUPREME COURT Justice Noam Sohlberg attends a ceremony for fallen Israeli soldiers whose burial place is unknown at Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem on March 6.

From exclusion to examination: Women gain access to rabbinic path

Historic win: Rabbi Seth Farber and female pioneers reflect on the fight to open rabbinic exams to women

WOMEN LEARN in Migdal Oz. Having an official accreditation process, universal for halachic scholars of both sexes, is a good way to get more people to study Jewish law, notes Farber.

Unanimous vote: Landmark verdict rules women can take Rabbinate exams

The women spent years studying the necessary halachot for the exam, as well as solidifying and investing in their Jewish and Torah knowledge as a whole.

 Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg.

Rabbi from the South allegedly committed sexual offenses against women seeking his guidance

The accused rabbi's lawyer denies all accusations against his client.

 A WOMAN seeking divorce in a ‘beit din’ was the sole female in the room until the advent of ‘toanot.’ (Illustrative)

Utah’s online weddings doesn't solve the Israel Rabbinate problem - opinion

Israel has become a world leader in Zoom weddings performed by the State of Utah. Out of all applicants, 5,316 are Israeli, comprising one-third of applications from outside the United States.

Marriage

An installation in Pennsylvania marks a milestone in the journey of Orthodox women rabbinic leaders

Orthodox women break the glass ceiling by leading their own congregations.

 Yeshivat Maharat students attend a graduation ceremony in New York, June 17, 2019.

Breaking the mold: A historic opportunity for the chief rabbis to revitalize Judaism - opinion

The continued erosion of trust in the rabbinate risks polarizing and marginalizing Judaism within Israeli society even further. The new chief rabbis have a historic opportunity to reverse this trend.

 PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG sits with the incoming chief rabbis, Ashkenazi Rabbi Kalman Ber (right) and Sephardic Rabbi David Yosef, at their swearing-in ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem earlier this month.

Rabbi Kalman Bar appointed new Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi

The elections for Chief Rabbi are conducted by a 150-member statutory electoral body. The final tally was 77-58 in favor of Bar.

 Rabbi Kalman Bar

Israelis seek alternatives to Chief Rabbinate as elections approach - opinion

The Rabbinate’s establishment's reputation is at a historic low, as elections for the leadership of the Chief Rabbinate in Israel approach.

 A WEDDING is conducted by Chuppot Rabbi Chuck Davidson.