Israel’s top rabbis in theological dispute over wartime weddings Former Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef issued a religious decree allowing both Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews to wed during the mourning period in light of the war, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Rabbi Kalman Ber disagreed. JNS Staff June 26, 2025
Israel’s chief rabbis to announce national fast day for hostages The national day of fasting and prayer, requested by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, would be announced "in the coming days," said Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef. JNS Staff June 10, 2025
Suspect arrested in torching of former chief rabbi’s Jerusalem shul Prosecutors are reportedly not expected to charge the suspect with any security offenses. JNS Staff June 10, 2025
Herzog condemns ‘hate crime’ arson at former chief rabbi’s shul A cross was found graffitied inside a nearby apartment building. JNS Staff June 8, 2025
Israeli chief rabbis urge world Jewry to pray for hostages during Passover "Just as You brought our ancestors out from slavery to redemption, so, too, may You appear for Your children who are held in captivity and deliver them," they wrote. JNS Staff April 9, 2025
Israel’s Ashkenazi chief rabbi to visit Russia The announcement comes just one day after Israel joined the United States in voting against a U.N. resolution reaffirming the world body’s condemnation of Russia for its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. JNS Staff Feb. 26, 2025
Chief rabbi expresses ‘greatest appreciation’ for Trump support of Israel “You have already had a significant positive effect over events unfolding in our country and in the world at large,” Rabbi Ber wrote. JNS Staff Feb. 19, 2025
Needed: One equal draft in Israel for all For Haredi families like mine, this issue is always in the “headlines” of our hearts and souls. Frimet Roth Feb. 13, 2025
Turkish chief rabbi Ishak Haleva dead at 84 Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Rabbi Ishak Haleva would be remembered as "a great leader and educator." JNS Staff Jan. 14, 2025
