Gett and Civil Divorce
A Gett terminates a marriage under Jewish law. It does not replace a civil divorce where one is required.
Conversely, a civil divorce does not terminate a Jewish marriage under Halacha. Following a separation, both civil and religious steps may therefore be necessary.
What Is a Gett?
A Gett is the Jewish bill of divorce written specifically for the couple and delivered in accordance with precise Halachic requirements. It is written by a qualified sofer.
The spouses must be identified in the Gett precisely in accordance with Halacha. Errors in identifying or writing names may affect the validity of the Gett. Some questions and procedures may therefore initially appear unusual. The rabbis guide the parties throughout the procedure, explain what they need to do, and welcome questions at any stage.
How Do I Begin?
A person requiring a Gett may submit an initial application to the Beth Din. The short form on this website is sufficient for the first contact.
The Beth Din will then contact the parties and explain what information and documents are required in the particular case.
Information Required Later
Precise determination of the names of both spouses is particularly important in preparing a Gett.
This may include official names, Hebrew names, additional given names, names and nicknames actually used, fathers' names, pronunciation and correct Hebrew spelling.
These details are not requested in the initial website form. The Beth Din will explain what is required after contact has been established.
Before the Gett Appointment
Before the Gett can take place, the necessary information must be clarified and the required preparations completed. These include the Halachic determination of names and arranging the persons required for the Gett.
Where special circumstances exist—for example, where the spouses cannot appear together or another Beth Din is involved—the appropriate procedure will be determined individually.
What Happens at the Gett?
A Gett takes place under the direction of a Beth Din. Ordinarily, three rabbis of the Beth Din, a sofer and two witnesses participate.
The sofer writes the Gett specifically for the couple. The Gett is then delivered in accordance with the requirements of Halacha.
The parties do not need to learn the detailed procedure beforehand. The Beth Din guides them through it and explains what to do.
Delivery of the completed Gett
If the Spouses Cannot Appear Together
In appropriate circumstances, a Gett can be arranged using a shaliach, a Halachically appointed agent.
Whether this is possible and what procedure is required must be determined with the Beth Din in the individual case.
After the Gett
Following completion of the Gett procedure, the relevant rabbinical divorce documentation is prepared. These documents may be required later, particularly if either former spouse wishes to marry again.
Records concerning a Gett may remain important many years later as evidence of Jewish personal status. The Beth Din therefore retains the records necessary for these continuing purposes.
Recognition
The Beth Din of Austria is recognized by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel for Gett.
Apply for a Gett
A short application is sufficient for the initial contact. The further information and documents required for the proceeding will then be clarified directly with the parties.