Rabbinate

ITIM organization asks High Court to bar draft evaders from Rabbinate exam benefits

ITIM asked the High Court to bar men from using yeshiva study completed without regularized military status to qualify for Rabbinate certification.

The Supreme Court convenes to maintain the freeze on the law limiting enforcement against haredi (ultra-Orthodox) draft dodgers, July 28, 2026.
A Tzohar kashrut sticker in a window

High Court sets Tuesday deadline in Tzohar kashrut-license dispute

A Tzohar kashrut sticker in a window

Chief Rabbinate Council disputes Tzohar kashrut approval hours after authorization

KASHRUT CERTIFICATION at a Jerusalem eatery – will the rabbinate’s monopoly be broken?

What does the kashrut reform repeal mean, and could it raise food prices? - explainer


First-ever empirical study of US rabbinate finds ‘shortage’ is more about fit than numbers

A new study challenges fears of a rabbinic shortage, revealing shifting career paths, growing diversity, and changing motivations among American rabbis.

Inside a synagogue sanctuary, as new research sheds light on how fewer rabbis are choosing pulpit life.

High Court stands firm, denies Chief Rabbinate’s bid to block women from religious exams

'This is not only a legal victory but an important step in public recognition of women’s status within the religious establishment.'

 The High Court of Justice in Jerusalem

Gov't proposal to expand rabbinate powers sparks alarm over ‘conditional Jewishness’

A new bill has been proposed to give the rabbinate new powers to investigate the 'Jewish status' of any Israeli citizen.

Chief rabbis of Jerusalem, Rabbi Shlomo Amar and Rabbi Arye Stern

Professional advancement in Halacha: Why women should be allowed to take official exams - opinion

Women have been studying Halacha for many years, and they simply long for the chance to take official exams.

‘SINCE THE war began, the questions have become even harder and more traumatic. I do my best to answer and to provide the questioner, male or female, with halachic guidance through these painful moments,’ says the writer.

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