Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita is calling to increase the number of dayanim serving in the nation’s Chief Rabbinate-run batei din. Rav Yosef explains that the number of dayanim today is not sufficient compared to the caseload and the nation’s population growth.

In an address before dayanim, Rav Yosef explained at present there are 11 cases daily and cases demand the dayanim spend time probing and preparing. Rav Yosef insists the current caseload is untenable.

For the sake of comparison, Rabbi Yosef explained that today there are 650 justices in the nation’s courts while there is a total of 69 dayanim.

Rav Yosef has spoken with Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked as well as former Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, as well as having addressed the matter with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. However, to date there has not been any action, just talk. He adds there are 380 avreichim who have been certified as dayanim and all would be willing to serve but at present, there are no positions being offered.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)