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.
Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman threatened to remove the chief rabbi if he stopped approving conversions.
The rosh yeshiva of Mahanayim expressed support for Matan Kahana's plan to reform the conversion system in Israel.
The professional head of the Jerusalem Rabbinate has been accused of improper behavior in a series of incidents, highlighted by municipal comptroller reports.
Her extremely complex case was brought before the official, state-authorized beit din of Tel Aviv.
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.
So many customers – whether private or owners of a business – feel so tired of the Rabbinate and its rules.
The decision to publish a list of expelled and suspended rabbis comes as the Conservative movement — along with other Jewish denominations — grapples with how to handle ethical failures by clergy.
Religious Services Minister Matan Kahan expressed support for an alternative form of marriage outside the rabbinate.