The Center for Judaism and State Policy promotes the basic values of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state and as a national home for the Jewish people by reshaping policies on issues relating to Judaism and state. The Center advances a liberal and pluralistic agenda through public advocacy, applied research, and issue-specific public campaigns.  

“Our goal is to generate change by creating and establishing new ideas, narratives, and policy directions, and adapting them into Israeli policymaking through actions in the Knesset, local municipalities, and public discourse. The Center’s work directly supports leading members of Knesset, policymakers, influencers, and activists in the field who are working to impact the public through legislation, equipping them with the tools for generating a public discourse that promotes liberal Judaism.” – Tani Frank, Director of Center for Judaism and State Policy 

The Center identifies, develops, and promotes solutions for issues related to the tension between Judaism and state in Israel, a democratic country with diverse populations.  Some of the most significant challenges to the success of the Jewish state in the 21st century emerge from the relationship between Judaism and state, including the authority of the Chief Rabbinate and its affiliates, their monopoly on religious services, and the alienation of liberal values by the religious establishment. Instead of Judaism being a source of connection and inspiration, Jewish identity has become a cause for struggle, generating social rifts within Israeli society and within the broader Jewish community.  

The Center for Judaism and State Policy advances an approach that generates solidarity among the various populations in Israel and the Jewish people around the world. The Center addresses a wide range of topics, including Shabbat in the public sphere, marriage in Israel, who is a Jew, and Judaism in the education system. Below is a selection of relevant content on these and other topics.