A recent public controversy erupted after Shin Bet chief David Zini, an observant Jewish man, reportedly said he does not shake hands with women. Had Maj. Gen. (res.) Zini sought guidance on the matter, he might have consulted the IDF’s newest digital adviser: “Ravbot” (“Rabbi Bot”), an AI-powered chatbot developed by the Military Rabbinate.
Launched just days ago, the system offers real-time halachic (Jewish legal) guidance on topics ranging from kosher food laws to the handling of religious texts and military procedures related to religious observance.
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IDF armored vehicle on the border with Gaza: Can a male and female soldier be alone together inside?
(Photo: Amir Cohen/Reuters)
The chatbot, designed exclusively for use by active-duty soldiers, reservists and career officers, is not open to the general public. Access requires brief registration and identity verification through the official IDF portal. As a reservist, this reporter was able to sign up and test the system with the following query:
"My name is David and I work in the defense establishment. If a female soldier offers me a handshake, is it permissible according to halacha to reciprocate?"
Ravbot responded: “This topic is not covered in the database. In general, questions involving physical contact between men and women, such as handshakes, depend on various halachic considerations and the specific circumstances. It is strongly recommended that you consult your unit's rabbi for a ruling tailored to your personal situation and military context.”
After this initial failure to provide a clear halachic answer, we asked a second question: "If I’m inside an armored vehicle in Gaza and a female paramedic falls asleep next to me, what should I do? Does the rule change on a military base?"
Within seconds, we received a detailed answer, with the system citing the IDF's Torat HaMachaneh (Doctrine of the Camp) guide stored on the Military Rabbinate’s internal portal: “According to halacha, it is forbidden for a man and woman to be secluded in a closed and private space, even in a military setting. The Military Rabbinate instructs that this must be observed even in combat zones or field conditions, unless there is a clear operational or life-saving necessity.
"In the scenario you described—if a female paramedic is sleeping next to you in an armored vehicle—you must ensure there is no issue of seclusion: if other soldiers are awake or present, it is permissible. If you are alone, you must keep the door open or ensure it can be accessed at any moment (e.g., by not locking the door or ensuring foot traffic nearby). The same applies on a military base; the location being a base does not permit seclusion unless it is an open area or others are constantly present. In any case of doubt, consult your unit's rabbi to ensure your actions align with halacha and operational realities.”
Women singing and religious soldiers: A litmus test
We then tested a particularly sensitive question that has repeatedly sparked debate: "Is a soldier allowed to listen to women singing, and what should I do if I wasn’t permitted to leave the event?"
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Ravbot replied comprehensively: “According to halacha, it is forbidden for a man to listen to a woman’s singing, as it is considered an inappropriate closeness that may lead to improper thoughts. However, in the military, there are cases where a soldier is required to attend official events with female singers and may not be permitted to leave.
"In such cases, the halachic instructions are: If possible, request to leave or distance yourself from the singing; if not possible, try not to focus on the singing—distract your thoughts, engage in silent prayer or Torah study, or focus on something else; do not protest or cause a public confrontation; act respectfully and with discretion, maintaining both halacha and respect for your commanders; as always, it is recommended to consult your unit’s rabbi for a ruling specific to your circumstances.”
'Accessible and available information'
“This initiative places the Military Rabbinate at the forefront of IDF technology in the field of artificial intelligence and reflects its goal to provide high-quality, accessible halachic information anytime, anywhere," Col. Rabbi Chaim Weisberg, head of the IDF Rabbinate Department, said of the project. "Ravbot positions the military rabbi as a relevant and up-to-date professional and ensures the Rabbinate remains attuned to operational realities and evolving needs. It also supports the integration of military halacha and the IDF’s religious guidelines.”
According to the Military Rabbinate, the chatbot’s development required several months of work by knowledge-management specialists and was based entirely on content previously published by the Rabbinate and other official IDF sources, including religious directives and extensive halachic documentation. The bot is still in a pilot phase and is continuously monitored to improve accuracy and performance.
Can you eat food cooked on Shabbat?
Another question posed to the bot addressed a classic field dilemma: "A cook lit a fire on Shabbat and heated food in violation of orders. May I eat the food?"
Ravbot answered not only with the halachic ruling but also advised reporting the incident: “According to halacha and the Military Rabbinate’s instructions: If the cook lit a fire and heated food on Shabbat deliberately —i.e., knowingly and in violation of orders—the food may not be eaten on Shabbat. The cook himself may never eat it, even after Shabbat. Others may eat it only after Shabbat.
"If it was done unintentionally (e.g., due to ignorance or error), the food may not be eaten on Shabbat, but may be eaten afterward.
"In addition, under directive 05 02 30, food cooked or heated on Shabbat against regulations must not be consumed even after Shabbat and must be discarded. Therefore, such cases must be reported to the unit rabbi, who will assess whether the act was deliberate or accidental and determine how to proceed.”
Is the kitchen kosher?
Asked how soldiers can know that their base kitchens are kosher, Ravbot replied: “The IDF has a strictly supervised kosher system overseen by the Military Rabbinate.
"According to directive 05 02 14 and General Staff Order 7.0102:
No kitchen may operate without a kosher supervisor present at all times, including Shabbat and holidays.
The kitchen may only be opened and closed by the supervisor, who holds the key.
All food deliveries require the supervisor’s approval and must meet mehadrin standards.
Only Jewish personnel may cook (non-Jews may assist with prep tasks like peeling, washing, kneading, etc.).
The Rabbinate conducts at least one full inspection per year per unit. All raw ingredients—dairy, meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables—are mehadrin only.
Therefore, you can assume your kitchen is kosher as long as it operates under the Military Rabbinate’s supervision and holds a valid certificate. If you have any doubts, contact your unit rabbi or call the Rabbinate’s hotline: 052-9414414.”
What about traveling on Shabbat?
Another recurring concern for observant soldiers: "I was released late Friday from base and haven’t been home in two months. May I keep driving even if there’s a slight chance I’ll arrive after Shabbat begins?"
The bot answered: “According to IDF halachic guidelines (as outlined in Torat HaMachaneh II – Shabbat and official directives):
A soldier may not begin a journey late on Friday if there is any risk of arriving after Shabbat starts. The Talmud and halachic authorities teach: ‘One should not travel more than three parsahs [~12 km] before Shabbat,’ so as not to dishonor or diminish the joy of Shabbat.
"However, if the current location lacks basic Shabbat needs (food, shelter, etc.), one may travel farther—provided preparations are made at home and arrival is guaranteed before Shabbat.
"If there’s real concern about arriving late, the soldier must stop in a safe location (Jewish town, gas station or military base) and wait until Shabbat ends.
"In your case—even if you haven’t been home in two months—halacha does not allow continuing the drive if there’s any chance of entering Shabbat on the road. Observing Shabbat’s sanctity is paramount, even in cases of personal hardship. Consult your unit rabbi or call the Rabbinate hotline to discuss your individual situation.”
Can one drive on Shabbat for logistics?
We also asked whether a soldier may drive on Shabbat for non-operational purposes, such as food deliveries to remote bases.
The bot answered: “According to military halacha (Torat HaMachaneh II – Shabbat and directive 02 02 03):
There is no permission to drive on Shabbat for logistical reasons alone, such as food distribution to bases, unless there is a life-threatening or operational necessity.
Driving involves multiple Torah prohibitions (fire, electricity, etc.) and is only allowed for security, medical needs or real danger.
However, if a base lacks food to the point that lives may be endangered (e.g., extreme field conditions, no basic supply), the drive may be permitted under the principle of pikuach nefesh (saving a life). In such cases, if possible, the driver should be a non-Jew.
Still, all Shabbat arrangements should be made in advance to avoid such situations. Consult your unit rabbi before taking any such action or call the hotline: 052-9414414.”
Guard duty during prayer time
We also inquired: "What are my rights as a religious soldier when it comes to prayer? What if there’s no synagogue or minyan on base?"
The bot replied: “Under General Staff Order 34.0101 – Religion in the IDF, a religious soldier has the following rights:
Right to pray and join a minyan – every Jewish soldier must be given the opportunity to pray in a synagogue if one exists, and to join a minyan if one is held.
Synagogue establishment – every permanent IDF base must have a designated synagogue. Large bases may have one central synagogue, but remote units should have their own, per the decision of the unit rabbi.
Prayer times – commanders must allow soldiers to pray at designated times. If this overlaps with meal times, meals must be provided at an alternate time.
If no synagogue or minyan exists, a fixed prayer space must be established, and soldiers may request permission to leave for a nearby minyan, especially for saying Kaddish or other public prayers. In small outposts or field positions, temporary prayer areas may be set up by the unit rabbi. Commanders must ensure that soldiers can observe prayers in coordination with the unit rabbi.
If your base lacks a minyan or synagogue, speak to your unit rabbi to arrange one or obtain permission to attend one nearby.”
When asked about standing guard during prayer time, the bot answered: “According to IDF halacha (Torat HaMachaneh II – Shabbat), a soldier on guard duty during prayer is exempt from praying at that time, as guarding life and national security is a mitzvah. However, it is recommended to recite at least ‘Shema Yisrael’ and ‘Baruch Shem…,’ or a brief personal prayer of praise, request and thanks.
If the shift ends before prayer time expires, the soldier should pray immediately—even alone. If prayer time will pass before the shift ends, the soldier is considered to be unavoidably prevented and should recite a compensatory prayer later (e.g., two amidahs at the next opportunity).
In cases of doubt, consult your unit rabbi to confirm the correct halachic approach based on mission type and timing.”
Every Ravbot response ends with a standard disclaimer: “In any case, consult your unit’s rabbi or the Military Rabbinate’s hotline: 052-9414414.”
The bot also includes a tool for creating Torah study sessions tailored for IDF soldiers, based on the Rabbinate’s internal materials, enabling soldiers to prepare high-quality lessons.