17 Facts About Rivka Ravitz

Rivka Ravitz is an Israeli Haredi political administrator.

Rivka Ravitz has received extensive media coverage for being a Haredi mother of 12 in a high-profile political position.

Rivka Ravitz was born in Israel in 1976 to American immigrant parents.

Rivka Ravitz attended the Bais Yaakov school system for elementary and high school, graduating with an English teaching certificate.

Rivka Ravitz then earned an MBA at that institution, and, as of 2017, is working on a PhD in public policy at the University of Haifa.

Rivka Ravitz then began working as a parliamentary assistant to Reuven Rivlin, another member of the Finance Committee, at a salary of 4,500 shekels per month.

Rivka Ravitz went on to serve as his bureau chief, and managed many of his campaigns, including his successful campaigns for Speaker of the Knesset in 2003 and 2009, and his election as President of Israel in 2014, whereupon she became his chief of staff.

Rivka Ravitz selects the gifts he gives on state visits.

Rivka Ravitz oversees the hundreds of weekly letters issued from the president's office, including many that are translated into foreign languages.

Rivka Ravitz accompanies Rivlin on most of his appearances at local events, as well as foreign visits to heads of state.

Rivka Ravitz considers her high-profile position an opportunity to display her religious commitment and make a Kiddush Hashem.

Rivka Ravitz wears modest clothing, and covers her hair with a wig.

Later news reports clarified that Rivka Ravitz had bowed to Francis first, in lieu of shaking hands, and he had responded with his own bow, having been informed beforehand of her religious sensitivities.

Rivka Ravitz married at the age of 18 to Yitzhak Ravitz, who, between 2014 and 2018 served as deputy mayor of Beitar Illit.

At home, Rivka Ravitz manages without a live-in housekeeper, but has cleaning help a few hours a week.

Rivka Ravitz prepares meals the night before, and relies on her children to put away their own laundry.

Rivka Ravitz receives time off from work on Fridays, Shabbat, and Jewish holidays.