Marriage and Divorce
Options in Israel
can a person whose Jewishness is in doubt marry according to Jewish law in Israel ?
Marriage and Divorce •Options in IsraelNo ! That person must convert to the satisfaction of the rabbinate before having the capacity to marry in an Orthodox wedding ceremony according to Jewish law in Israel.
Can a lesbian or homosexual couple get married according to Israeli law in Israel ?
Marriage and Divorce •Options in IsraelNo. Lesbian or homosexual marriage does not exist in Israel. It is possible for two Israeli lesbians or homosexuals to get married abroad, where the relevant foreign law permits marriage between parties of the same sex. Furthermore, upon their return to Israel, this marriage can now be recognized , administratively, in Israel afterwards , following a November 2006 Israeli Supreme Court of Justice 6: 1 majority ruling. This ordered the Ministry of Interior to register such foreign marriages, providing there is documentary proof that the ceremony was conducted and recognized according to law, where it took place.
In any case, a single sex couple can make a family life agreement in Israel and have it authorized at a family court.
Is a marriage conducted according to Jewish law involving a homosexual man and a heterosexual woman valid ?
Marriage and Divorce •Options in Israel
Yes, the validity of the marriage depends on the legal capacity of the parties to marry, rather than their sexual tendencies, and if the ceremony was carried out properly according to Jewish law, then the union will be legally valid.
Are witnesses vital to a Jewish marriage ceremony ?
Marriage and Divorce •Options in IsraelYes. Without two witnesses with full legal capacity under Jewish law the dedication and marriage ceremony is void ab initio (from the beginning). Their presence is an essential part of the ceremony and gives it legal value. Without it the marriage is not legally valid.
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