Orthodox rabbis dedicated to revitalizing the role of the rabbinate in Israeli society by engaging in a meaningful dialogue with the secular world. Tzohar began with halachic weddings adapted for secular couples; now over 2,000 couples are married each year by Tzohar-trained rabbis. More recently, Tzohar has been engaged increasingly in efforts to counter trends of extremism within the religious Zionist community by espousing values of tolerance and dialogue. Tzohar rabbis also are invited to speak in more general settings on issues of broad concern to Israeli society, such as societal violence or social welfare legislation. Other Tzohar activities include conferences for rabbis on a range of topics, and a project to assist olim from the former Soviet Union to verify their “halachic” status as Jews. AVI CHAI is Tzohar‘s primary funder.

www.tzohar.org.il