Interior Minister Aryeh Deri has announced that he is pushing forward a plan, and has approved it, to recognize smicha from the Rabbanut, or a yeshiva ishur for 6 years of learning in kollel or yeshiva along with 3 of the Rabbanut tests having been sat in passed (that must include the tests on hilchos Shabbos and on hilchos "issur vhetter") as a BA for the purpose of qualifying in tenders for jobs in local municipalities.
Deri does not have the power to recognize this as a degree at the national level, but he does at the municipal level. This will potentially open up job possibilities for thousands of people in the Haredi community, for those who have decided to leave kollel and go to work.
source: Kikar
I heard Deri speaking about this on the radio. One of the additional points he made that i think is important to point out is that these recognitions will only be for positions that do not require specific professional skills. Meaning, someone with a "degree" from smicha will not be able to apply for jobs in the legal department that require legal training, or for jobs that require studies in finance or others.They will be able to apply for positions that require degrees but not specific professions.
I am in favor of this. I think it is a good idea. the Rabbanut tests for smicha require years of study and discipline and should be recognized and it will give people a good base to start from when they are ready.
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