The court provides services on family law, property disputes, wills, inheritance and more to tens of thousands of settlers.
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?
SOCIAL AFFAIRS: The decision could have wide-ranging implications, including opening an additional loophole for same-sex marriages and other legally disputed unions.
The bill aimed to introduce women and religious-Zionist representatives into the election committee and make the process more transparent.
Seventy years of religious repression, civil marriage and intermarriage have brought many people of Jewish descent to Israel who are not halachically Jewish.
There has never been a central, monopolist authority over conversions (or any other religious function) in Jewish history, nor does it exist in the present outside of Israel.
Lau was photographed in a tent that was set up outside the Walder home for the shiva.
The rabbinate has become a restricted club of only one sector of Israeli society, and attempts to diversify it are met with strong opposition.
Minister Matan Kahana's comments were criticized since municipal chief rabbis are in effect never subject to disciplinary procedures despite gross violations of the regulations.