From Bar Refaeli's Torah Lessons to Paparazzi Shots of Rabbis: The ultra-Orthodox Love Affair With Gossip
As ultra-Orthodox internet and smartphone use becomes more widespread, gossip columns are growing more popular - but some topics remain taboo
Orthodox Jews
Mary Ben-Gurion, Christian-born Daughter-in-law of Israel’s First PM, Dies at 94
The nurse from an Isle of Man family would undergo both Reform and Orthodox conversions, but the Old Lion’s wife Paula never considered her a real Jew
'Ivanka's Rabbi' Makes the Cut: Israel Caves and Reveals Lists of Recognized Overseas Rabbis
Though names of rabbis who can perform marriages still kept under wraps, Rabbinate's list of those who can grant divorces and handle conversions made public – including rabbi who oversaw Ivanka's conversion
Israel's Chief Rabbinate 'Cements Monopoly Over Conversions' After Deal With European Orthodox Rabbis
Chief Rabbinate to stop sending Israeli rabbis to perform conversions in Europe. In return, European Orthodox rabbis won't recognize conversions performed in Israel in private courts that Rabbinate doesn't recognize
Bill to Lift Sanctions on Israeli Rabbis Who Perform Weddings Outside Rabbinate Defeated
According to the law, participants in marriages not sanctioned by the Rabbinate can face two years in prison. A bill that would eliminate such sanctions fails to pass in the Knesset
An Unusual Show of Unity Israeli Lawmakers From Left and Right to Demand That Gov't Recognize non-Orthodox Movements
In rare move, coalition and opposition members will join forces in an emergency session, titled 'It's Time for Equality,' on Wednesday
As Religious Candidates Battle It Out in Israel's Beit Shemesh, Religion Takes a Back Seat
For mayor it’s a religious-Zionist woman versus an ultra-Orthodox man, but don’t expect the voting to run entirely along sectarian lines
Netanyahu Rebuffs Israel's Chief Rabbi: Pittsburgh Victims Were Killed in a Synagogue
Rabbi David Lau refused to call the site of the massacre a synagogue because it's non-Orthodox
In Jerusalem Election, Candidates Compete for a Spot in the Final Round
Most candidates believe that Ofer Berkovitch, the only serious nonreligious contender and the youngest of the bunch, will make it to the expected second round
Confirmed: Israeli Chief Rabbinate Does Keep a Secret List of Approved Rabbis From Abroad
Despite repeated denials, Haaretz obtained an internal document confirming Israel's top religious institution maintains a list of approved rabbis whose certification of conversion and marriage makes the cut