Divorce

Jewish tradition extols marriage but recognises that a breakdown of the relationship can occur. In Progressive Judaism, we make this process as simple and compassionate for the couple as possible, while understanding that some may wish to mark the end of the marriage with a document or ritual.

Though minor historic differences exist, all Progressive communities seek to create dignified and sensitive ways for couples to formally bring a broken marriage to a close and allow both partners to move on and re-marry should they choose.

The Reform Beit Din has traditionally required a get – a Jewish document of divorce – for remarriage.

In other parts of the Jewish community, there are occasions when a husband has refused his wife a get. This cannot happen in Progressive Judaism. In cases such as this, where a couple have obtained a civil divorce, the Beit Din will award a get over the husband’s head.

Progressive Judaism also requires a divorced man, who has refused his ex-wife a get in another denomination, to grant the document as a precondition for any remarriage.

The Liberal Beit Din does not require a get to be issued when a couple divorced. Instead, a sefer kritut – a document of mutual separation – is offered for those wanted to mark the end of their marriage in religious terms. This is not a legal document and is not required for remarriage.

There are no other traditional rituals relating to divorce, however we recognise that some may wish to mark this life transition in a meaningful way, for example by visiting a mikveh.

To find out more about the process of Jewish divorce, your local community’s rabbi, cantor or lay leader should be your first point of contact. They will be able to offer you guidance and advice.