Conservative Judaism/Marry a Divorced Man

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Expert: - 3/16/2011


Question
I am Marrying a divorced man.  Am I going to have a problem finding a Rabbi to marry us?

Answer
Dear Jennifer,

Thanks for writing and congratulations on your upcoming simcha.

You may have some trouble if your fiance hasn't given his ex a Jewish divorce. Regarding a Jewish divorce, I can only report that in the Conservative movement we require a Jewish "get" = Jewish bill of divorce in addition to a civil divorce.

This information will appear on your civil marriage license and hence any Rabbi with traditional training and practice, including virtually all Conservative and Orthodox Rabbis.

Any Conservative or Orthodox colleague can provide a competent source for your fiance to arrange for the delivery of a Jewish divorce.

Please feel free to contact the offices of the Rabbinical Assembly for contact information of the nearest expert in Jewish divorce law.

The Rabbinical Assembly:
3080 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
Ph: (212) 280-6000
Fx: (212) 749-9166
General inquiries: info@rabbinicalassembly.org

Providing a bill of Jewish divorce is a simple and painless formality with which you can both  start out a married life completely leaving the past behind to build a wonderful future together.

Best wishes and mazal tov

Rabbi Dov

Conservative Judaism

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Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner

Expertise

Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history, philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.

Experience

I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)

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