Jerusalem, 14 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Visiting examination halls on Wednesday, Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Kalman Meir Ber addressed thousands of yeshiva students, directly referencing the political climate: “There are elections, we choose the Torah.” He framed the dedication to religious study as a national anchor, noting, “This is our great answer to everything that is happening.”
Rabbi Ber reported that 13,000 candidates sat for rabbinical exams over the past year—an extraordinary increase driven by growing international demand. “We are lacking many rabbis,” Rabbi Ber emphasized, highlighting that diaspora communities worldwide are waiting for Chief Rabbinate-certified leaders. The institution’s rigorous testing framework remains the primary benchmark for official rabbinic appointments globally.
