What is a ‘Get’? A Practical Guide to Jewish Divorce in Israel

For many English-speaking residents in Israel, the word ‘Get’ brings up more questions than answers. Is it a court document? A religious ceremony? And why is it mandatory for Jewish couples to divorce? The process can seem intimidating and archaic, especially when you’re unsure of the difference between civil and religious proceedings or worried about a spouse’s cooperation.

Understanding the Jewish divorce Get is the first, most crucial step toward officially ending your marriage and moving forward with your life. This guide was created to provide clarity and practical direction for international residents navigating this unfamiliar territory.

Here, we will demystify the ‘Get,’ explaining its legal significance, what to expect during the ceremony at the Rabbinical Court, and how to prepare for potential challenges like ‘Get’ refusal. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to approach this process with confidence and a clear understanding of your path forward.

The ‘Get’ Explained: More Than Just a Divorce Paper

For many navigating the end of a marriage in Israel, the process involves more than a standard civil decree. Central to this journey is a unique and ancient document known as a ‘Get’. Mandated by Halakha (Jewish law), the Get is a bill of divorce with biblical origins in Deuteronomy 24:1. Its primary function is profound: it dissolves the spiritual and religious bond of a Jewish marriage, allowing both individuals to move forward and remarry within the Jewish faith. Understanding the role of the jewish divorce get is the first step toward navigating this complex process with clarity.

To better understand this concept, this short video provides a helpful overview of the process:

It is crucial to differentiate the Get from the civil divorce decree issued by the Family Court. While the civil decree dissolves the marriage in the eyes of the state, the Get is what dissolves it according to Jewish law. In Israel, for Jewish citizens, both are required to finalize a divorce completely.

What is a ‘Get’ and Who Needs One?

A Get is a specific, 12-line document meticulously handwritten by a specially trained scribe, known as a sofer. This is not a generic form but a personalized legal instrument. A Get (divorce document) is required for any Jewish couple married under Jewish law who wishes to divorce. This requirement applies broadly, affecting:

• Couples married in a religious Jewish ceremony, whether in Israel or abroad.
• Secular Israeli Jews who were married through the Chief Rabbinate.
• International couples who married in Israel under Jewish law.

Without a valid Get, both parties are considered still married and are not permitted to remarry within the Jewish faith.

Why is a ‘Get’ Legally Necessary in Israel?

The necessity of a jewish divorce get in Israel stems from the country’s legal framework, which grants the Rabbinical Courts exclusive jurisdiction over matters of marriage and divorce for Jewish citizens. This is a foundational component of Israeli family law. Consequently, a civil divorce alone is insufficient. Without a Get, a couple remains legally bound in a religious sense, which has severe real-world implications on their personal status. For a woman, attempting to remarry without a Get can lead to future children being labeled with the status of mamzer, a complex and challenging issue in Jewish law.

The ‘Get’ Ceremony: What to Expect at the Rabbinical Court (Beit Din)

Navigating the Rabbinical Court, or Beit Din, can feel intimidating, especially for English-speakers unfamiliar with the system. However, the ceremony for a jewish divorce get is a highly structured and formal procedure, not a negotiation or a continuation of legal disputes. Its purpose is singular: to execute the religious dissolution of the marriage according to Jewish law (Halacha). While the atmosphere is serious, the process is typically straightforward and methodical. Knowing what to expect can provide clarity and reduce anxiety, helping you move forward with confidence. An experienced lawyer can also be present to provide support and ensure all procedures are followed correctly.

Who Attends the Ceremony?

The ceremony is a formal legal proceeding overseen by the Beit Din, which is a court of three rabbinic judges (dayanim). The required participants are specific and their roles are clearly defined:

• The Husband and Wife: Both spouses must be physically present to give and receive the ‘Get’.
• The Scribe (Sofer): A specially trained scribe who writes the ‘Get’ document by hand with a quill and ink, following precise legal requirements.
• Two Witnesses (Eidim): Two qualified, kosher witnesses who observe the proceedings and sign the ‘Get’ to validate it.
• The Judges (Dayanim): The three rabbis who preside over the court, verify the process, and ensure every step is executed according to Jewish law.

The Key Steps of the Process

The ceremony follows a precise sequence of actions and declarations. The dayanim guide both parties through each step to ensure the divorce is valid.

First, the judges confirm the identities of the husband and wife and, most importantly, that both are acting of their own free will. This step is critical; a ‘Get’ given under duress is invalid. The Israeli legal system takes this so seriously that in some cases, a court rules divorce refusal is a crime with severe penalties. The husband then verbally instructs the scribe to write the ‘Get’ specifically for his wife. After it is written and signed by the witnesses, the husband places the folded document into his wife’s cupped hands. She then walks a few steps away, symbolizing the final act of separation and the completion of the jewish divorce get process.

What Happens After the Ceremony?

Once the wife has accepted the ‘Get’, the Beit Din officially declares the couple divorced. The court retains the original ‘Get’ document and issues each party a certificate of divorce, known as a ‘Ptur’ (release). This certificate is the official proof of your religious divorce and is a vital document. In Israel, you will need the ‘Ptur’ to update your marital status with the Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim). With this final step complete, both individuals are considered single and are free to remarry according to Jewish law.

Critical Issues: ‘Get’ Refusal and the ‘Agunah’ Problem

One of the most significant anxieties in a Jewish divorce is the possibility of a non-cooperative spouse. According to Halakha (Jewish law), a husband must grant the Get of his own free will. While this principle is intended to ensure the integrity of the process, it can unfortunately be manipulated as a tool of abuse and control, creating profound distress for the spouse seeking freedom.

Navigating this challenge requires a clear understanding of the issues and the powerful legal remedies available within the Israeli system.

What is ‘Get’ Refusal (Seruv Get)?

Seruv Get occurs when one spouse, most often the husband, refuses to grant or accept a jewish divorce get. This refusal can persist even after a civil divorce has been finalized, effectively trapping the other spouse in a religious marriage they no longer want. This is not merely a personal dispute; it is a serious form of emotional and financial abuse that weaponizes religious law to maintain control. Resolving Seruv Get demands expert legal intervention to compel compliance.

The Concept of an ‘Agunah’ (Chained Woman)

The most tragic outcome of Get refusal is the creation of an agunah, which translates to a “chained woman.” An agunah is a woman who is unable to remarry under Jewish law because her husband will not grant her a Get. This devastating situation, often referred to as The ‘Agunah’ Problem, has profound personal and religious consequences. She cannot move forward with her life, and any children she might have with another man could be deemed mamzerim (a status with severe marital restrictions), highlighting the absolute necessity of securing the Get.

Sanctions the Beit Din Can Impose

Fortunately, the Israeli Rabbinical Courts (Batei Din) are not powerless against a recalcitrant spouse. When a husband is ordered by the Beit Din to grant a jewish divorce get and refuses, the court can impose a range of increasingly severe sanctions to force compliance. These are not idle threats; they are practical tools designed to secure a just outcome.

• Freezing of Israeli bank accounts and credit cards
• Revocation of an Israeli driver’s license
• Issuing a stay of exit order, preventing the spouse from leaving Israel
• In the most extreme cases of refusal, imprisonment until the Get is granted

These powerful measures demonstrate that while Get refusal is a serious issue, the system provides strong, practical solutions for those facing it.

Navigating Israel’s Dual System: Civil vs. Religious Divorce

For Jewish citizens in Israel, divorce is not a single legal action but a parallel process managed by two distinct judicial systems. This two-track requirement can be particularly confusing for new immigrants (Olim) and international couples who are unfamiliar with the country’s unique blend of secular and religious law. Successfully ending a marriage requires satisfying the demands of both the civil Family Court and the religious Rabbinical Court.

The Role of the Family Court

The Family Court (Beit Mishpat L’Inyanei Mishpacha) is the state’s civil authority for all family matters. Its jurisdiction covers the practical and financial aspects of a separation, including the division of marital assets, child custody arrangements, visitation rights, and alimony or child support payments. The court operates based on Israeli civil law and issues a final divorce decree that is recognized by the state. However, this civil decree alone does not dissolve the religious marriage.

The Role of the Rabbinical Court (Beit Din)

The Rabbinical Court (Beit Din) has exclusive jurisdiction over the religious act of divorce for Jewish citizens. It is the only body that can authorize and oversee the granting of a jewish divorce get. This court operates according to Halakha (Jewish religious law), which can differ significantly from civil law. Understanding the different approaches and the strategic implications of a “jurisdiction race”-where the first court approached may gain authority over certain civil matters-requires professional representation in Israeli family law.

Why You Must Complete Both Processes

Finalizing your divorce in only one of the two courts leaves you in a state of legal and religious limbo, with significant real-world consequences. A complete and recognized divorce in Israel requires resolutions from both systems for the following reasons:

• Unresolved Civil Matters: Without a final ruling from the Family Court, your assets remain legally co-mingled, and custody and support arrangements are not legally enforceable.
• Inability to Remarry: Without a ‘Get’ from the Beit Din, you are still considered married under Jewish law. This prevents you from legally remarrying another Jewish person in Israel or in most recognized Jewish communities abroad.
• Official Status: The Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) will not change your official marital status from ‘married’ to ‘divorced’ on your identity card until it receives confirmation of completion from both courts.

Navigating this dual system requires a clear and practical legal strategy. To ensure you can move forward with certainty, it is essential to address both the civil and religious requirements from the very beginning. If you are facing this complex process, seeking experienced guidance can provide much-needed clarity. For a consultation on your specific situation, please contact SALIOR Law.

How an Experienced Divorce Lawyer Protects Your Interests

Navigating the intersection of civil and religious law in Israel can be overwhelming, especially for international clients. The role of a skilled family lawyer extends far beyond litigation; it is about providing strategic guidance and robust protection throughout the entire process. This is particularly true when securing a jewish divorce get, where proactive legal counsel ensures your religious freedom is not compromised.

An experienced attorney acts as your advocate, bridging cultural and linguistic gaps and ensuring your rights are upheld in both the Family Court and the Rabbinical Court (Beit Din).

Negotiating the ‘Get’ in Your Divorce Agreement

A comprehensive civil divorce agreement is your first line of defense. Your lawyer will ensure that the giving and receiving of the Get is included as a non-negotiable, legally binding clause. This stipulation typically outlines a specific date and terms for the ceremony, preventing the Get from being used as a bargaining chip for financial or custodial concessions later. This proactive step provides clarity and can prevent significant future conflict and emotional distress.

Representation and Support at the Beit Din

While a lawyer does not perform the religious ceremony, their presence at the Beit Din is invaluable. They are there to ensure the procedure is conducted fairly, that your rights are respected, and that all administrative details are correctly handled. For English speakers, having a professional advocate by your side offers immense peace of mind during a deeply personal and often emotional event. An experienced Israeli divorce attorney can make the process smoother and less intimidating.

Advocating for You in Cases of ‘Get’ Refusal

In the distressing event of Get refusal (seruv get), your lawyer’s role becomes critical. They are essential for petitioning the Rabbinical Court to recognize your spouse as recalcitrant and to impose sanctions. This advocacy is crucial to achieving your freedom and moving forward with your life. Practical legal actions include:

• Filing the necessary motions to declare the spouse a “get-refuser.”
• Arguing for the court to impose meaningful sanctions, such as freezing bank accounts, revoking a driver’s license, or even imprisonment.
• Exploring other legal avenues in the civil courts to apply pressure and enforce the divorce agreement.

Navigating the complexities of a jewish divorce get requires both legal skill and a deep understanding of the Israeli system. To ensure your interests are protected at every step, it is vital to have an expert guide. For practical legal solutions tailored to your situation, contact us at saliorlaw.com.

Navigating Your Jewish Divorce with Confidence and Clarity

Understanding the Israeli divorce process means recognizing that the ‘Get’ is far more than a simple document; it is a critical religious procedure with profound legal implications. As we’ve explored, navigating the dual civil and religious systems, especially with the potential for complications like ‘Get’ refusal, requires strategic planning. Successfully obtaining your jewish divorce get is the key to achieving the legal and personal freedom to build your new future.

The process can feel overwhelming, particularly for English-speaking clients in an unfamiliar legal landscape. At Salior Law, we provide empathetic, practical support grounded in deep experience inside the Israeli court system. Our expertise in complex international family law cases ensures you receive clear, realistic guidance every step of the way. Facing a divorce in Israel? Request a consultation for practical guidance.

With a knowledgeable legal partner by your side, you can protect your interests and move forward to your next chapter with security and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About the ‘Get’

Can a woman initiate the ‘Get’ process?

Yes, absolutely. While Jewish law requires the husband to grant the ‘Get’, a woman can and often does initiate the divorce proceedings. She can file a divorce claim with the Rabbinical Court (Beit Din) in Israel. If the court accepts her grounds for divorce, it has the authority to obligate, and in some cases compel, the husband to give the ‘Get’. A woman is not powerless in this process and can actively seek the dissolution of her marriage.

What is the difference between a ‘Get’ and a ‘Ketubah’?

The Ketubah and the Get serve opposite functions. The Ketubah is the traditional Jewish marriage contract signed during the wedding ceremony. It outlines the husband’s financial and personal obligations to his wife during their marriage. In contrast, the Get is the official religious divorce document that formally and conclusively ends the marriage according to Jewish law (Halacha). One begins the marital union, while the other is required to end it.

Do I need a ‘Get’ if I wasn’t married in a religious ceremony or in Israel?

In most cases, yes. If you and/or your spouse are Jewish according to Halacha, the Israeli Rabbinate requires a ‘Get’ to dissolve the marriage, regardless of where or how you were married civilly. Without a ‘Get’, you are still considered married under Jewish law and cannot remarry a Jewish person in Israel or in many communities abroad. It is a necessary step for your future legal status within the Jewish community.

How much does the ‘Get’ process cost?

The cost can vary significantly based on the complexity of your case. The standard filing fee with the Rabbinical Court is relatively low, typically under ₪500. The main expense is legal representation. For a simple, uncontested divorce, legal fees might range from ₪8,000 to ₪15,000. For a contested or complicated case requiring extensive negotiation or litigation, fees can exceed ₪30,000. It is crucial to get a clear fee structure from your attorney.

What happens if my spouse is living in another country?

Obtaining a ‘Get’ when your spouse resides abroad is a manageable but more complex process. The Israeli Rabbinical Court can coordinate with a recognized Beit Din in your spouse’s country of residence. Your spouse can appoint an agent or proxy (a “shaliach”) to deliver or receive the ‘Get’ on their behalf. This requires careful legal and logistical coordination to ensure all halachic requirements are met, making professional guidance essential for a smooth process.

Does the ‘Get’ ceremony decide financial matters or child custody?

No, the ‘Get’ ceremony is strictly a religious procedure to dissolve the marriage. It does not address civil matters such as the division of property, finances, spousal support (alimony), or child custody arrangements. These critical issues are handled separately, either through a comprehensive divorce agreement negotiated by the parties or through litigation in the Israeli Family Court. The two processes-religious and civil-run in parallel but are distinct.

How long does it take to get a ‘Get’ in Israel?

The timeline for a jewish divorce get depends entirely on cooperation. If both spouses agree on all terms and work together, the process can be completed relatively quickly, often within two to four months. However, if the divorce is contested, if one party is uncooperative, or if there are complex issues to resolve, the process can take much longer-anywhere from a year to, in difficult cases, several years. Clear communication and experienced legal help can significantly expedite proceedings.

Article by

Salior Ben Hamou Adv עו"ד סאליאור בן חמו

Salior Ben Hamou is an Israeli attorney with a rare combination of deep institutional experience inside the Israeli court system and hands-on legal representation for private clients.

Before entering private practice, Salior Ben Hamou spent 15 years working as a manager within the Israeli District Court, where she was directly involved in the administration and handling of thousands of legal cases across a wide range of matters.

This experience provided her with an exceptional understanding of:

How Israeli courts actually function in practice
Judicial procedures and case flow
Court expectations, timelines, and decision-making dynamics
The realities behind hearings, filings, and bureaucratic processes
Since 2020, Salior Ben Hamou has been practicing law and representing clients directly, with a focus on matters that commonly affect olim, foreign residents, and international families in Israel.

Salior Ben Hamou’s practice is particularly suited to clients who:

Are new to Israel or unfamiliar with Israeli bureaucracy
Expect clear communication and transparency
Require legal support that intersects with daily life, immigration status, or family matters
Prefer professional service aligned with international standards
She provides legal representation in:

Family law matters, including divorce, custody, and parenting arrangements
Immigration and legal status issues in Israel
Rights realization and administrative matters involving Israeli authorities