Western rabbinical group urges Rabbi David Yosef to soften his stance on women

Rabbis from the Association of Western Scholars in Israel sent a letter to Rabbi David Yosef, Israel’s Sephardi Chief Rabbi and the first to hold that title, voicing concern over his recent public statements and actions. They said his approach has undermined public trust, deepened division, and hurt women’s dignity.

The writers argued that Jewish law does not permit degrading women, especially women who choose ritual immersion of their own free will out of religious devotion and a desire to maintain family purity. They said the public expects the chief rabbi’s decisions to match the responsibilities of his office, and accused him of focusing in recent times on issues involving women’s status.

The letter specifically criticized what it described as his commitment not to issue certificates to women rabbis who pass examinations. It also accused him of trying to use a disputed authority, with no basis in law or legislation, to pressure women over how they perform the immersion ritual, while ignoring their feelings and intentions. The rabbis added that Torah is not the exclusive property of any one person or even of a respected rabbinical council leading a political party.

They also warned of the risk of “chilul Hashem,” or desecration of God’s name, and asked whether the commandment to sanctify God’s name is fulfilled only through religious declarations. They said it must also be expressed through “kindness, pleasantness and peace,” not through coercion or force. The signatories called on Yosef to apologize to women who were hurt, adopt a more unifying and calming approach, and restore public confidence that his decisions serve the public good and Torah values. The letter was signed by Rabbi Raphael Delouya, a synagogue rabbi in Baruchin and the association’s secretary, and Rabbi Yehuda Shlush, the rabbi of eastern Netanya and the group’s spokesman.