Chief Rabbi of Israel Rav Kalman Bar examined the possibility of appointing Devorah Eiferman as acting CEO of the Chief Rabbinate, but the vetting process did not advance to an actual appointment. According to a report in Haaretz, Shas voiced opposition to the move.
Eiferman serves as senior deputy CEO for administration and human resources at the Rabbinical Courts Administration, and brings more than two decades of experience in state service. She has held positions in the Prime Minister's Office and in the Ministry of Religious Services.
According to the Haaretz report, Shas's opposition did not necessarily stem from the prospect of appointing a woman to the role, but rather from party chairman Aryeh Deri's desire to preserve his ability to influence the identity of the next permanent CEO.
The position of Chief Rabbinate CEO has not been filled by a permanent appointment since the passing of Yehuda Cohen z"l last June. At the end of July, the CEO of the Ministry of Religious Services, Yehuda Avidan, was appointed acting CEO of the Chief Rabbinate, serving in both roles simultaneously.
