Rabbinate
Law widening religious courts’ role in civil disputes sparks debate over choice, rights - analysis
Critics also challenge one of the law’s intended benefits of easing pressure on the civil courts, arguing that the state is instead giving an existing judicial body additional authority.
Shas fills local rabbi posts with loyalists, sidelining community choice - opinion
From tragedy to protection: The fight against agunah status - opinion
Knesset panel advances bill to expand rabbinical courts’ power over civil matters
Popular Israeli singer Yehoram Gaon marries partner Ella Lusa at age 86
The couple reportedly first met on Facebook, after Lusa sent Gaon a message as a fan of his work. The two began talking on Skype, eventually met in person, and started dating.
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
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.
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.'
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
