Yitzhak Yosef

Netanyahu an ‘atheist,’ former chief rabbi says, accusing IDF of targeting Sephardim

After a week of of demonstrations outside a military prison housing haredi detainees, former Sephardi chief rabbi slammed Netanyahu and Shas leader Arye Deri of stalling the haredi draft bill.

 Shas spiritual leader and former Sephardic chief rabbi, Yitzhak Yosef, seen during a weekly lecture at the Yazdim synagogue in Jerusalem, June 07, 2025; illustrative.
 Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef during a shaharit prayer in the northern Israeli city of Tzfat, September 17, 2024.

Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef's attacks on Edelstein ignore his sacrifices for Judaism - opinion

 Shas spiritual leader and former Sephardic chief rabbi, Yitzhak Yosef, seen during a weekly lecture at the Yazdim synagogue in Jerusalem, June 07, 2025; illustrative.

IDF soldiers killed due to yeshivas 'neglecting Torah study', former chief rabbi claims

 Head of Shas party Aryeh Deri and Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef visit at the scene of suspected arson and vandalism at a Jerusalem synagogue which is often frequented by Rabbi Yosef, June 8, 2025.

Israel Police arrest suspect in arson attack on Jerusalem synagogue


Chief rabbis divided on recognition of US conversions

Lau and Yosef have had a high-profile quarrel for several months over various issues.

Chief Rabbis Yitzhak Yosef and David Lau

Chief rabbis turn the heat up on differences over mikve usage

A difference of opinion between the two rabbis over who should be appointed to the position of director of the Chief Rabbinate became public two weeks ago.

Chief rabbi David Lau

Chief Rabbi Yosef: If a terrorist is trying to commit an attack it is a mitzvah to kill him

Yosef was referring to recent comments by head of the IDF Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot who said in February explicitly that the IDF should not operate according to this precept.

Chief Rabbi Yosef Yitzhak visits desecrated Joseph's Tomb

Chief Rabbi Yosef bans Kol Barama radio station from broadcasting his Torah lessons

“No other station has permission to broadcast the lesson without my approval,” says Yitzhak Yosef.

Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef (L) and former Sephardi Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar (R).

Sephardi Chief Rabbi visits desecrated Joseph's Tomb

“‘The nations came and desecrated your sanctuary’,” said Yosef, citing a verse from the Book Psalms.

Chief Rabbi Yosef Yitzhak visits desecrated Joseph's Tomb

Peres meets with Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, Shas outcast Rabbi Shlomo Amar

Divisions in Shas deepen with increased independence of Amar, naming of Rabbi Shalom Cohen as movement's spiritual leader.

President Shimon Peres meets with Sepahrdi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, April 20, 2014.

Lapid: Fire Chief Rabbis over objection to religious women's service in the army

Chief Rabbis reiterate opposition to enlistment of religious women to the IDF; Lapid: This is insolence, a national scandal.

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Chief Rabbis reimpose ban on Jews visiting Temple Mount

After an increasing number of religious people ignore rabbinate's ruling, chief rabbis reiterate their stance.

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New Chief Rabbis sworn in on a big day for Tzipi Livni

Livni had the privilege of sitting on the dais together with President Peres, Deputy Min. for Religious Affairs Eli Ben Dahan and the rabbis.

Swearing in of David Lau, Yitzhak Yosef 370