Jewish Divorce

Jofa Resources for Agunot

You are not alone.

 

Providing resources to empower agunot has been an integral part of Jofa’s mission since the organization’s founding. Jofa sees the agunah issue as a social injustice and believes there is a critical need for a systemic, halakhic solution to the plight of agunot.

Halakhic Prenuptial Agreements: Agunah Prevention

We strongly recommend that all couples sign a halakhic prenuptial agreement prior to their weddings.

A well-written and properly executed halakhic prenuptial agreement is a possible means to ensuring fair and lawful proceedings in the event of a divorce. While a prenuptial agreement is not a guarantee, it can prevent other women from becoming agunot in the future.

 

We work closely with rabbis and organizations in promoting the use of prenuptial agreements. Please ensure that both parties review the agreement prior to signing, and in some states the agreement should also be reviewed by a lawyer.

*JOFA does not recommend using the optional boxes for financial or custody matters on this form.

Tefilla for Agunot

Written by Shelley Frier List

Creator of heaven and earth, may it be Your will to free the captive wives of Israel when love and sanctity have fled the home, but their husbands bind them in the tatters of their ketubot.  Remove the bitter burden from these agunot and soften the hearts of their misguided captors.  Liberate Your faithful daughters from their anguish.  Enable them to establish new homes and raise up children in peace.

Grant wisdom to the judges of Israel; teach them to recognize oppression and rule against it.  Infuse our rabbis with the courage to use their power for good alone.

Blessed are you, Creator of heaven and earth, who frees the captives.

Guide to Jewish Divorce and the Beit Din System

JOFA’s Guide to Jewish Divorce and the Beit Din System (2005) helps women make informed decisions as they negotiate the beit din system to obtain a Jewish divorce. The Guide includes frequently asked questions and a section based on the comments and cautions of individuals with personal experience. It also compares the practices of various batei din (rabbinic courts) in the New York metropolitan area and offers a glossary.

Resources