"For decades, liberal denominations have permitted women to be ordained. Orthodox Judaism, however, has largely prohibited it. Yet attitudes toward women's study of rabbinic texts is changing, leading some Orthodox leaders to conclude that women are qualified for rabbinic jobs."
"On April 27, 2026, after an hourslong delay and an emergency injunction from the country's High Court of Justice, three women sat for one of the Rabbinate's exams about Jewish law. The exam followed a legal battle over the course of the past few years, culminating in a High Court of Justice decision in July 2025 that women must be allowed to take the tests."
"These tests are required to apply for public sector jobs as any kind of Jewish religious authority in Israel: ensuring that restaurants adhere to Jewish dietary laws, for example. Passing does not make someone an ordained rabbi; ordination is conferred through private rabbis and schools, and most Orthodox communities do not recognize female rabbis."
The term 'rabbi' encompasses various roles beyond leading a congregation, including teaching and nonprofit leadership. While liberal denominations have long ordained women, Orthodox Judaism has resisted this change. However, attitudes are shifting, leading to some Orthodox leaders acknowledging women's qualifications for rabbinic roles. A significant legal decision in Israel allowed women to take exams for religious authority positions, despite the Rabbinate's refusal to recognize female rabbis. This change enables women to access previously male-dominated roles and reflects their educational advancements in rabbinic law.
Read at The Conversation
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