Story perspectives

Cohen Wins Tel Aviv-Jaffa Chief Rabbi Post, Ends Vacancy

4/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Tel Aviv-Jaffa chief rabbi election proceeded after Israel’s Supreme Court halted a January vote because the Religious Services Ministry’s consultation was flawed.
Rabbi Zevadia Cohen, head of the city’s rabbinical courts and Shas’s preferred candidate, won the secret ballot of a 64-member committee, ending a nine-year vacancy.
Former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot urged mayors to reject anti-enlistment rabbis.
Advocates said appointments should shift to locally elected officials.

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Story summary

The Tel Aviv-Jaffa chief rabbi election proceeded after Israel’s Supreme Court halted a January vote because the Religious Services Ministry’s consultation was flawed.
Rabbi Zevadia Cohen, head of the city’s rabbinical courts and Shas’s preferred candidate, won the secret ballot of a 64-member committee, ending a nine-year vacancy.
Former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot urged mayors to reject anti-enlistment rabbis.
Advocates said appointments should shift to locally elected officials.