Separation & Divorce

Jewish tradition extols marriage but recognises that a breakdown of the relationship can occur, for a variety of causes, and so allows divorce. According to traditional Jewish law, a Get (bill of divorce) is required for every Jewish marriage that is dissolving, whether or not there was a religious wedding ceremony.

From its beginnings, Reform Judaism has objected to the inequalities of traditional Jewish divorce and therefore we do not require a Get. Civil divorce is considered sufficient.

Reform Judaism does recognise that some other denominations of Judaism do require a Get and that some couples like to have one. In these cases, the Movement for Reform Judaism Beit Din can arrange for this. The Movement for Reform Judaism also offers a mutual sefer-k’ritut document of separation.