rabbinate

noun

rab·​bin·​ate ˈra-bə-nət 

-ˌnāt

1

: the office or tenure of a rabbi

2

: the whole body of rabbis

Examples of rabbinate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Rabbanut exams test halachic knowledge, but so do semikha (ordination) exams administered outside the rabbinate’s system, including those of Yeshivat Maharat, Yeshiva University and Ohr Torah Stone. —Rabba Sara Hurwitz, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026

While its gleaming main plaza is under the supervision of the rabbinate and prayer there is segregated, the site also has an egalitarian section, far off to the side, where men and women can pray together. —Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026

For decades, many Orthodox Jews have looked to Israel’s Orthodox rabbinate as the arbiter of religious authenticity. —Michal Raucher, The Conversation, 19 Nov. 2025

The Perez family chose to hold a burial ceremony for Daniel, a 22-year-old tank commander, immediately after receiving the news, as was encouraged by the Israeli military rabbinate. —Shira Rubin, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rabbinate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

rabbinate

noun

rab·​bin·​ate ˈrab-ə-nət 

-ˌnāt

1

: the office of a rabbi

2

: a group of rabbis