Minister of Justice Prof. Yaakov Ne’eman, a Shomer Mitzvos Jew, is weighing calls to expand the jurisdiction of the Rabbinical Court system, a move that has already elicited opposition from women’s groups and others. The move to expand the rabbinical system’s authority is part of the coalition agreement between Likud and Shas. A personal request was also made of Prof. Ne’eman by HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita.
 
According to the minister’s spokesman, Gil Solomon, Prof. Ne’eman has yet to make up his mind on the matter. A meeting of experts was scheduled for earlier in the week to discuss the pros and cons but it was canceled for “technical reasons”.
 
While divorce is handled by the rabbinical system, disputed matters including custody and monetary issues often find their way to the secular family courts.
 
Attorney Dan Yakir, who represents ACRI (Association for Civil Rights in Israel) expressed his organization’s opposition, adding that not only do they oppose expanding the jurisdiction of the rabbinical court, but they are seeking to further limit its authority to divorce only.
 
Women’s rights organizations are also opposed, sending a strong letter to the minister, explaining they fear if these matters are placed in the hands of rabbonim, it will be a tool for additional blackmail towards a woman receiving a get (divorce).
 
MK (Meretz) Nitzan Horowitz has submitted an urgent motion to Knesset to intercept such a process, warning it represents additional “religious coercion”. 
 
There is also opposition among a number of Labor Party MKs with Ofir Pines explaining “Israel is not an autocracy and not a state run by halacha”.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)