Israel's chief rabbi sparks outrage over remarks to ritual bath attendants

Israel’s Chief Rabbi, David Yosef, triggered controversy after comments made at a closed meeting with ritual bath attendants, or balaniyot, about women who want to immerse without an attendant present, in line with a Supreme Court ruling. The remarks were reported by Channel 12 News.

In the recording, Yosef told the attendants they are not allowed to stop a woman from bathing alone. “If a woman comes and says she does not want a balanit, and you do not let her immerse, you risk going to prison,” he said.

He then urged them to protest publicly anyway. “Raise your voice and shout,” he said, adding that they may tell such women, “The Chief Rabbi, Rabbi David Yosef, said that you are raising a hand against the Torah.” He also instructed them to say the woman is acting against Jewish law and, “Shame on you.”

Yosef said this would let the attendants avoid breaking the law while still opposing the practice. “You humiliate them, and make sure everyone hears,” he said, drawing applause from those present. The comments focused on how attendants should respond to women bathing alone, rather than trying to physically prevent them.