Advocating for More Marriage Options in Israel

Rabbi Olya Weinstein, CEO of Project Kesher Israel, recently advocated for more marriage and divorce options in Israel as part of a panel hosted by Hillel of Tel Aviv University. She highlighted that, despite the diversity of Jewish denominations, the only officially recognized wedding tradition in Israel is still rooted in the outdated concept of “kinyan,” where a woman is “purchased” by her husband-to-be, and divorce depends on the approval of her husband and three rabbinic judges. 

Rabbi Weinstein shared insights from women's experiences with the current system and discussed the need for marriage recognition for the LGBTQ community. 

The event fostered meaningful dialogue between panelists, including Orthodox rabbis from the religious organizations Tzohar and Huppot, and a representative from Israel Hofsheet, a non-partisan organization promoting freedom of religion and pluralism in Israel as core democratic values.