The unit of the Military Rabbinate was created at the same time as the Israel Defense Forces in 1948. This unit works in cooperation with the Manpower Directorate. The Chief Military Rabbi, appointed by the Chief of Staff, is the highest religious authority in the IDF and advises the Chief of Staff on matters relating to religion. According to the law, a representative of the rabbinate must be present in each IDF unit. These representatives are in charge of all religious aspects according to the needs and traditions of the soldiers.

The Chief Military Rabbi, appointed by the Chief of Staff, is the highest religious authority in the IDF

Duties

The duties of the Military Rabbinate are as follows:

  • Advise the Chief of Staff and units of the General Staff on matters relating to religion in the IDF.
  • Issue recommendations and guidelines regarding religion in the IDF.
  • Issue recommendations and guidelines on the initiation of IDF units into religious values ​​and traditions.
  • Design and implement religious services in the army (synagogues, marriage, Shabbat and Jewish holidays).
  • Cooperate with civil religious institutions as needed.
  • Issue instructions on the burial rituals of fallen soldiers.
  • Oversee the implementation of the recommendations mentioned above.

The unit guarantees the soldier's needs in matters of religion

Responsibilities
  1. Marriage and burial: Management of the family situations of the soldiers during the duration of their service. This includes: dealing with marriages and divorces, conversion to Judaism during service for soldiers who wish to do so, supporting widows, identifying fallen Israeli soldiers and arranging their funerals. In addition, the Military Rabbinate is responsible for comforting and supporting bereaved families.
  2. Ensuring "Kashrut" and Sabbath observance at IDF bases: Food supplies and kitchens are constantly monitored and inspected by the Military Rabbinate. The fact that military canteens are "kosher" diminishes the visible differences between religious and non-religious soldiers and fosters a sense of unity among IDF soldiers.
  3. Education in Judaism and traditions: The Military Rabbinate deals with the organization of all religious ceremonies, Torah and religious study groups, and ensures the proper functioning of synagogues and different places of prayer in the bases. Every soldier receives a Bible during his or her IDF swearing-in ceremony. The Military Rabbinate Orchestra performs at various national ceremonies.