Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan has appointed Rabbi Rachamim Barchiyahu as Israel Police Chaplain.
The appointment, recommended by Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh, was announced Monday. Barchiyahu will be awarded the rank of Commander. Deputy Police Commissioner, Major Zohar Dvir headed the search committee that was established this past May.
Barchiyahu currently serves as Chief Rabbi in the Jewish community of Talmon, and Rosh Yeshiva (dean) of Yeshiva Ma’aminim B’Mishtara.
For the past several years, the yeshiva has served as a place in which to discuss the application of Torah law in police work. Discussions and learning in the yeshiva also focus on developing policies that can enable observant Jews to serve in the force.