It is the sole authority overseeing marriage, divorce, conversion, kosher licensing and virtually ever other aspect of Jewish life in Israel. But a new study conducted by Ynet and the Gesher Institute reveals that
41% percent of the general public believes the time has come to dismantle the National Authority of Religious Services (NARS).
Of the 500 adult Hebrew-speaking Jewish Israelis polled for the study, only 59% said they believed it was still a relevant governmental body.
Of respondents who identified themselves as secular, 61% said they viewed the religious services as obsolete whereas only 8% of ultra-Orthodox respondents said the same.
When asked what they viewed as the NARS' greatest failing, 28% of respondents noted its lack of accessibility to the secular public, 25% said its decision to convert non-Jewish immigrants, 16% said its handling of secular marriages and 9% said the handling of the shimta year.
Of the remaining 22%, respondents either had varied responses or said they either could not think of any failings.
An analysis of the data indicates that the ultra-Orthodox and religious sectors focused their disappointment on the conversion of immigrants (38% and 29%, respectively), while observant and secular respondents took issue with the lack of accessibility to the non-religious public (28% and 32%).
And what should a rabbi's focus be on? 26% of respondents said a rabbi should strive to bring the religious and secular sectors closer together, 23% said he should provide religious services, 15% said bringing the general public closer to Judaism, 9% said dealing with domestic troubles and an additional 9% said the rabbi should only cater to the needs of the religious public.
Shoshi Becker, director general of Gesher Educational Enterprises, said that the study shows a clear desire amongst secular citizens to engage their religious counterparts. According to Becker, despite the
secular stance on the relevancy of the rabbinical institution, that sector still views rabbis as important and necessary figures.
"We must find a way to prepare rabbis for what is expected of them and help them in dealing with the everyday troubles challenging Israeli society. Welcoming rabbis who are open and accessible to secular congregants will create a positive outlook towards Judaism," said Becker.