Rabbinate

Rabbinic diplomacy between Israel and US explored in new exhibition

A new exhibition celebrates 100 years of rabbinic diplomacy between Israel and the US, showcasing key meetings, letters, and diplomatic exchanges between Chief Rabbis and US Presidents.

People walk past a projection depicting Israeli and US flags on the walls of Jerusalem's Old City on Oct. 22, 2025.
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

Activists protest against a bill that would give more authorities to the rabbinical courts outside the Rabbinical Court of Tel Aviv, December 11, 2024.

Law widening religious courts’ role in civil disputes sparks debate over choice, rights - analysis


What's next for women's advanced halachic study in Israel?

When it comes to women’s halachic learning and certification, Israeli policy, legal reforms and communal acceptance all play a significant role

 ON THE rise: Women learn Gemara together (Illustrative).

Why I refused to get a 'get' - Jewish rabbinical divorce - opinion

Why cause me further suffering and humiliation? Why was my conduct not enough to satisfy the Rabbinate that my divorce was justified?

 WHAT IF he says to you, ‘Vivian. We can only get married under a huppa.’

Who is a Jew? 70% of Jewish Israelis say patrilineal descent doesn't count

The poll is the IDI's biennial statistical report and serves as an in-depth look at the balance between religion and state that is so central to Israel and Israeli society.

Israeli police officers clash with Ultra Orthodox Jewish men during a protest against the enforcement of coronavirus emergency regulations, in the Ultra Orthodox jewish neighborhood of Mea Shearim, Jerusalem, October 4, 2020

A civil argument against civil marriage - opinion

Unfortunately, allowing civil marriage, here, would open a Pandora’s Box that promises nothing but trouble.

 ARTEM DOLGOPYAT reacts during competition at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championship in Munich, last month. ‘I feel bad for him. I really do,’ says the writer, regarding the matter of marriage.

Conversion in Israel: The tug of war between the state, rabbinate

How did conversion to Judaism get caught in up the midst of an Israeli political controversy over the Law of Return and identifying who is a Jew?

 A WOMAN stands before the rabbinical court.

Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi appointed senior role in European rabbis org

Mizrachi said that representatives of the CER “asked me to be the president of the rebbetzin training program on behalf of the CER.”

 Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi speaks to orthodox Jewish women at the Public Security Ministry offices in Jerusalem

Can remote civil marriage break the Chief Rabbinate’s monopoly?

SOCIAL AFFAIRS: The decision could have wide-ranging implications, including opening an additional loophole for same-sex marriages and other legally disputed unions.

 IN A DECISION announced earlier this week, the Lod District Court ruled that the Interior Ministry must recognize those civil marriages performed remotely via an online ceremony in Utah.

Israeli court decision recognizes marriages performed in Utah by video

Hundreds of couples got married in Utah through Zoom about a year and a half ago and waited for a legal decision on the issue.

Couple touching their hand

There are more than 50 Orthodox egalitarian minyanim in Israel - Hadar

“There are currently about 50 halachicly committed communities in Israel, and are on the continuum of gender equality,” Dr. Rabbi Avital Hochstein, President of Hadar in Israel, said.

 Women at Hadar Institute in Israel.

Are Israel's kashrut, conversion reforms moving forward?

While the State of Israel in 2022 may not yet be fully redeemed, these words do provide a certain sense of optimism and renewal. 

 GABI GLUCK, owner of Caya Specialty Coffee in Ra’anana, holds Tzohar’s kashrut certification.