Chief Rabbinate Extends Exam Accommodations for Active Reservists

The Chief Rabbinate Council of Israel has decided to extend the accommodations granted to candidates serving in active military reserve duty. This decision comes in light of the ongoing service of many reservists and the impact prolonged military commitments have on their ability to prepare for rabbinical certification exams. The extension applies to the upcoming exam sessions in Av 5786 and Marheshvan 5787, aiming to support reservists in continuing their rabbinical and judicial certification tracks despite their extended service periods.

Under the extended accommodations, eligible reservist candidates will receive an additional hour to complete their exams. The Chief Rabbinate explained that this extra time is intended to help those balancing intensive military service with study and exam preparation, ensuring they have an equal opportunity to succeed. For judicial certification exams, the passing grade will remain at 65 for eligible candidates, as per the council's criteria. For other certification exams, including rabbinical qualification tests, the passing grade will continue to be 60, consistent with previous decisions.

The Chief Rabbinate emphasized that this decision reflects its appreciation for reservists who bear the security burden alongside their studies and its commitment to not hinder their progress in religious certification due to military service. Given the continued call-up of many reservists, the council found it necessary to maintain these accommodations for the forthcoming exam periods.