Rabbinate

Shas fills local rabbi posts with loyalists, sidelining community choice - opinion

Shas moves quickly to fill rabbinic vacancies, sidelining candidates who fit their cities.

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.
Photo of Sarah M., one of the 12 cases resolved this month by Yad La’Isha of Ohr Torah Stone.

From tragedy to protection: The fight against agunah status - opinion

THE RABBINICAL Court’s Division for Agunot in Jerusalem.

Knesset panel advances bill to expand rabbinical courts’ power over civil matters

YEHORAM GAON

Popular Israeli singer Yehoram Gaon marries partner Ella Lusa at age 86


Surging LGBTQ enrollment in Jewish seminaries signals ‘astounding’ shift in US rabbinate

“It signals that American progressive Jewish life has evolved to the point where LGBTQ inclusion is a no-brainer.” said Hannah Karpel-Pomerantz

Hannah and Ally Karpel-Pomerantz met as rabbinical school classmates at Hebrew Union College. They are set to be ordained at the end of the school year.

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)