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Israel's Rabbinate Opens Certification Exams to Women

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Chief Rabbinate of Israel opened registration for rabbinical certification exams for both men and women following a High Court ruling mandating women's inclusion.
Registration ends in February, and candidates may take exams on various religious subjects after Passover.
The Rabbinate's announcement hinted at changes to eligibility criteria that could restrict women's certification.
ITIM hailed the development as a historic milestone for women's rights in religious scholarship.

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Story summary

The Chief Rabbinate of Israel opened registration for rabbinical certification exams for both men and women following a High Court ruling mandating women's inclusion.
Registration ends in February, and candidates may take exams on various religious subjects after Passover.
The Rabbinate's announcement hinted at changes to eligibility criteria that could restrict women's certification.
ITIM hailed the development as a historic milestone for women's rights in religious scholarship.