Tzohar rabbi chat line sees dozens of daily inquiries

The Tzohar Rabbinical Organization is fielding dozens of inquiries per day on a new WhatsApp line that launched just days ago. Named You Have a Rabbi, the service links individuals with volunteer clergy through a private messaging channel.

Rabbi Asher Sabag, a Tzohar board member leading the initiative, said public interest in Judaism has risen in recent years. He noted that this curiosity is strongest among teenagers and young adults, a trend that accelerated after the events of October 7.

Sabag explained that many users are not looking for quick halachic rulings. Instead, they want a supportive dialogue where a rabbi listens and speaks to them as an equal. The organization chose WhatsApp because people already use the platform for casual conversation, which lowers the barrier to entry compared to traditional approaches.

The service guarantees anonymity. Neither the person asking nor the rabbi answering can be identified unless the inquirer chooses to share their name. This privacy feature is designed to make the line accessible to those who keep their religious questions private.

Currently, the line operates every day from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. It is open to men and women of all ages. Organizers plan to expand the hours to include mornings and afternoons soon, aiming to reach a wider audience.

While Tzohar identified secular and traditional sectors as key demographics, the group stated that anyone is welcome to use the service. Topics range from strict legal matters to questions about faith, Jewish identity, morality, and Shabbat observance. Rabbis tailor their responses to the individual, often continuing the conversation rather than providing a simple answer.

The contact number is 0554416712. The line is also listed on the official Tzohar website and its social media channels.