Israeli Ombudsman Upholds Chief Rabbi's Criticism of Women's Rabbinical Exams, Rejects Sanctions

In a significant ruling, retired judge Asher Cola, the Israeli Public Complaints Commissioner for Judges, defended the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Yosef, regarding his comments on women's rabbinical exams. Cola ruled that Rabbi Yosef's criticism of the Supreme Court's decision mandating the rabbinical authority to allow women to take rabbinical exams falls within the core duties of his position and does not warrant any disciplinary action. This decision was announced on Thursday and addresses three complaints filed against Rabbi Yosef concerning two separate issues: his remarks against Supreme Court judges who issued rulings on the Sabbath, and his statements following the court ruling on women's rabbinical exams.

Cola emphasized that the Chief Rabbi's halachic and religious opinions are central to his role, and thus his comments on the exams are protected as part of his official duties. The commissioner not only dismissed the complaints but also refrained from imposing any sanctions, signaling that the Chief Rabbi has both the right and obligation to voice his views on matters integral to his office, even when they contradict judicial decisions.

However, regarding Rabbi Yosef's harsh criticism of Supreme Court judges for ruling on the Sabbath, including calling them "impudent judges" and labeling the court an "enemy of Judaism," Cola ruled differently. He stated that Sabbath rulings do not fall within the Chief Rabbi's core responsibilities, and such language exceeded acceptable criticism and did not align with the expected discourse of a senior judicial figure. Therefore, these remarks do not enjoy ethical protection and were subject to complaint.

The complaints were submitted by the Movement for Quality Government in Israel and the Reform Center for Religion and State. This ruling reinforces the authority of the Chief Rabbinate to express firm positions on key identity issues of the state while delineating limits on permissible criticism, especially regarding judicial conduct. It is expected to spark further public debate on the boundaries of rabbinical criticism of court rulings and the relationship between Israel's judicial and rabbinical systems. The decision adds to recent rulings defining the scope of authority and freedom of expression for senior religious officials in Israel.