Tzohar

Rabbi Stav

'Rabbis dictate whom to vote for? Nonsense'

Ahead of the elections, Tzohar Rabbinical Organization chairman Rabbi David Stav says rabbis are entitled to express political opinions, but should not present them as binding halachic rulings.

Poll:

72.5% of Israelis reject cuts to Jewish studies in state schools

A Tzohar poll finds 72.5% of Israelis prefer to maintain the current level of Jewish, traditional and heritage studies or expand them, compared with just 18.1% who favor reducing them.

Rabbi Yuval Cherlow reflects on soldier’s return after 44 years

After 44 years of uncertainty, Rabbi Yuval Cherlow reflects on the identification of Yehuda Katz’s remains, describing a moment of profound pain, consolation and renewed hope for his family.

Tradition or politics:

Poll discloses what really irritates secular Israelis

57% of secular Israelis support religious presence in the public realm, provided it is not forced. Two-thirds of young Israelis view Judaism in a positive light.

Nearly half of Israelis back nationwide Tisha B'Av closures

Nearly half of Israelis support a nationwide ban on opening entertainment venues and restaurants on the eve of Tisha B'Av, according to a new survey, with supporters arguing the day should be recognized as a national day of remembrance.

Rabbi David Stav:

'Watch the finals - but don't forget Havat Gilad'

While much of Israel watches the World Cup final, Rabbi David Stav is calling on the public to remember the families who lost their homes in the Havat Gilad fire.

Tzohar slams Kashrut Law

Tzohar Rabbinical Organization criticizes Knesset approval of legislation reversing recent kashrut reforms, calling it a setback for the public.

Battle over kashrut:

Tzohar defends legality of new license

Tzohar insists its kashrut license was lawfully issued by the Chief Rabbinate after ministry officials claimed the certification lacks legal validity.

Chief Rabbinate Council blocks Tzohar kashrut certification

The Chief Rabbinate Council said it does not approve Tzohar's kashrut certification license, arguing the required legal process was not followed.

Tzohar officially approved as a kosher certification body

Following a lengthy legal process, the Israeli Chief Rabbinate granted the Tzohar Kashrut Agency an official license to operate as a kosher certification body.

Poll:

Religious enlistment more important than mixed-gender units

A poll found that the Israeli public is divided almost evenly on whether to integrate women into armored units versus making adjustments for religious soldiers.

Rabbi Stav: Torah study bill distorts core Jewish values

Tzohar says proposed Torah Study Basic Law misuses Torah for political purposes and must not be linked to avoiding military service.

From memorial to celebration

Prayer bridging national days of remembrance and hope

Tzohar Rabbinical Organization has released a special prayer to be recited in the period of transition between Israel’s Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Rabbis release Passover guidelines for wartime conditions

Tzohar issued halachic guidelines for Passover amid war, advising how to conduct the Seder and handle siren interruptions during key rituals.

Rabbinical organization:

Skip the noisemakers this Purim for IDF veterans

Tzohar calls on communities to avoid loud noisemakers during Megillah readings, citing trauma triggers for veterans and war-affected Israelis.

Rabbi David Stav:

'Haredi draft law is all a bluff'

Rabbi David Stav, chairman of the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization, in a special interview with Arutz Sheva: "The Torah requires that each one of us serve."

The viral rabbi who never existed

Rabbi Menachem Goldberg gave a Torah class to hundreds of thousands of people every morning - but he never actually existed.

Survey:

Majority of Jewish Israelis do not celebrate the New Year

Survey found sharp divisions among Israel’s Jewish public over celebrating the civil New Year, with most religious Israelis rejecting it and many secular Israelis planning to mark the occasion.

Poll:

92% of secular Israelis light Hanukka candles

New poll reveals: Vast majority of secular Israelis light Hanukkah candles, attributing cultural and family values ​​to the custom.

Blow to Chief Rabbinate, victory for Tzohar

The Supreme Court has ordered the Chief Rabbinate to decide whether the Tzohar organization is eligible for a kashrut certification license under the 2021 kashrut reform initiated by former Religious Services Minister Matan Kahana.

Rabbinic organization urges:

Diaspora Jews should consider aliya after Mamdani election

Responding to anti-Israel candidate Zohran Mamdani's election as New York City Mayor, Tzohar Rabbinical Organization issues open letter urging Diaspora Jewry to prioritize aliyah.

Tzohar: Diaspora Jews must not replace Israeli army service

In response to the IDF’s plan to recruit from abroad, Tzohar stresses that Diaspora support is valuable but cannot replace Israeli citizens' duty to serve.

Service For All:

Tzohar Rabbis demand draft for all Israeli citizens

The Tzohar Rabbinical organization called for the Knesset to pass a draft law that would give equal responsibility to all..

Prayer to bridge between Remembrance and Independence Days

Ahead of Israel's 77th Independence Day, Tzohar has published a prayer for the transition from Memorial Day to provide a source of inspiration and comfort amidst the ongoing war.

Tzohar rabbis:

Add a special prayer when lighting Hanukkah candles

Tzohar, in collaboration with the Atid Le'Otef Movement, composed a special prayer dedicated to the People of Israel, the hostages and their families, IDF soldiers, and all those who have been affected by the war.

Tzohar releases recommendations for wartime High Holidays

Rabbinic organization releases reccomandations for how to celebrate the upcoming Jewish High Holidays in the shadow of October 7 and the war, including a 'silent hakafah.'

Rabbi David Stav:

Don't repeat the sin that led to the destruction of the Temple

Ahead of Tisha B'Av and amid the war, Rabbi David Stav appeals to the Jewish people not to allow arguments to turn into hate: 'When we see a dispute causing hatred, I'm asking everybody including myself - please, pull back.'

Tzohar sues grandson of former Chief Rabbi for alleged defamation

Tzohar sues Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, grandson of former Chief Rabbi, for alleged false and defamatory statements.

Tzohar Rabbinical org.:

Set a seat at the seder table for hostages

The Tzohar Rabbinical Organization is calling on Jews to leave an empty seat at their seder tables and to dedicate the fifth cup, traditionally known as Elijah’s Cup, to the hostages.

Hundreds of Purim events focus on unity in wartime

Over 700 free events to bring Purim joy to evacuees, IDF soldiers, and others.

Rabbi David Stav:

'Free the yeshiva students from the politicians'

The head of the Tzohar Rabbinical organization proposes a novel approach to the issue of haredim drafting into the IDF.

Tzohar Rabbis’ Call:

Tenth of Tevet - day of prayer and good deeds, to increase unity

Tzohar Rabbis call on the public to mention the Tenth of Tevet as a day of prayer and good deeds, to say kaddish for the victims of the war.

Hundreds attend moving prayer service held at hostage's home

Hundreds gather for moving prayer service as Torah scroll is brought into captive Mia Shem’s home.

Rabbinical organization visits over 400 bereaved families

Tzohar Rabbinical Organization has coordinated visits to more than 400 homes of families who lost loved ones.

Tzohar to TLV Mayor:

'Allow all congregations to hold Hakafot as in the past'

Rabbi David Stav hinted to Mayor Huldai to allow Rosh Yehudi to hold its Hakafot on Simchat Torah in the city.

Protesters disturb Tzohar prayer service in Tel Aviv

In addition to the prayers in Dizengoff Square, the protesters also sought to disturb another prayer service at Habima Square in Tel Aviv.

Rabbi David Stav:

'Rift in Israel could lead to many leaving country'

Tzohar chairman says organization receiving more requests for marriage certificates for emigration purposes.

Court reverses Rabbinate ruling against Tzohar Kashrut Division

Tzohar to be recognized as a kashrut certifier for imported food items after court decision.

Wedding Season:

365 'Tzohar weddings' planned across Israel

Tzohar rabbinic organization gears up for busy wedding season, with plans to conduct 365 weddings from mid-May through June.

Tens of thousands expected to join Tzohar Megilla readings

Megilla readings organized across Israel by Tzohar and Ohr Torah Stone expected to draw tens of thousands of Israelis.

It's never too late: 100-year-old ties the knot

After years of delays - including due to the COVID pandemic - 100-year-old Avraham Nachum and 70-year-old Bella wed with the help of Tzohar.

NGOs launch Hanukkah programs to bring holiday joy to the elderly

Tzohar Rabbinical Organization and ALEH launch program encouraging people with elderly neighbors to light Hanukkah candles together.

Rabbi David Stav:

'Being united is the precondition for being given the Torah'

Head of the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization, speaks about how to prepare for Shavuot - the holiday commemorating the giving of the Torah.

Organizations to host over 500 Purim parties around Israel

'Megilla in the communities' initiative brings Purim celebrations to over 550 locations.

Tzohar's 'Code of Ethics' for kosher supervisors

Tzohar rabbinic organization stresses importance of teaching ethical behavior even prior to the practical side of kosher supervision.

Chief Rabbinate's complaints with Tzohar kashrut

Details of Chief Rabbinate's response to Tzohar petition to Supreme Court revealed. Tzohar dismisses allegations.

Tzohar's kosher supervision honored at Israel Cuisine Awards

'Breaking Rabbinate's monopoly over kashrut is an important step helping to bring the Israeli kitchen and kosher kitchen closer together.'

Rabbi weighs in on the 'Sarco' suicide capsule: Enter and die

New device now approved in Switzerland for a "peaceful" death. "This phenomenon is only going to spread," says Tzohar Rabbi Yuval Cherlow.

Moving, timely performance of 'Prayer for the Conscript'

The 'prayer of conscript' for the success of new soldiers was written by Tzohar rabbis and sung by chief cantor of the IDF Shai Abramson.

Who called Rabbi Stav & Rabbi Aryeh Stern 'Reform'?

Speaking was Rabbi Cohen, dean of the Hebron yeshiva, while praising Rabbi Ovadya Yosef for his uncompromising stance.

1300 Ulpana girls considering IDF service visit induction center

Head of Tzohar, Rabbi David Stav congratulates girls for considering army service.

Tzohar taking Shabbat to the Israel Trail

Tzohar organization offers Shabbat programming for hikers along the famed Israel Trail.

Tzohar rabbi: Peer pressure for vaccination acceptable

Rabbi Yuval Cherlow, chief ethicist of Tzohar, says peer pressure for vaccination is acceptable, as long as it doesn't become coercion.

Rabbi David Stav: Proud to have a Shabbat-observant PM

Chairman of Tzohar rabbinical organization says his organization stays out of politics, but is proud to have a religious prime minister.

Prayer in honor of children returning to synagogues

With corona restrictions lifted, Tzohar drafts special prayer for the return of children to the synagogues

Rabbinical organization: 80% rise in marriage registrations

As Israel reopens post-pandemic, the Tzohar rabbinical organization is reporting a dramatic increase in marriage registrations.

'Unvaccinated rabbis won't be conducting weddings'

'The last thing we would want is that weddings should serve to help spread the virus,' Tzohar chair Rabbi David Stav says.

Tzohar decries Supreme Court non-halakhic conversion decision

Blames 'power brokers' associated with Chief Rabbinate for allowing decision to go ahead.

Ohr Torah Stone, Tzohar prepare for Purim celebrations

400 individual megillah readings in over 200 different communities across Israel in accordance with government COVID restrictions.

Tzohar launches 'end of life' advisory service

As number of coronavirus fatalities continues to rise, Tzohar Rabbinical Organization unveils new program for end of life ethical issues.