Question: Does the Conservative Movement require 3 reconciliation attempts for a Get?
Dear Rabbi,
We were married by a reform Rabbi. We
obtained a civil divorce last year. I was told I need a
Get to be divorced according to Judaism. So my questions are:
1. Do I need a Get, as the ceremony was Reform?
2. If yes, does the Conservative movement have a Bet Din in the Boston area?
3. If so, does it requirement three reconcilliation attempts?
Thanks, Mindy.
Answer: Dear Mindy,
Yes, you certainly need a Jewish "get" - a bill of divorce from the perspective of the Conservative Movement.
There are several ways to achieve this.
1. Contact the Bet Din of the Conservative Movement via the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, 550 Fifth Avenue, NY, NY, 212-533-7800. The Bet Din can be reached at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America as well, 212-678-8000. Both resources can provide you with the name of a "mesader gittin" if there is one in Boston.
2. There is an alternative procedure known as a "get by agency" for which you might want to speak with a Conservative Rabbi in Boston near you, when one can't effect a get with a Bet Din.
3. In my opinion, attempts at reconciliation would be unnecessary if a civil divorce is already granted.
Feel free to contact me if there are difficulties.
Best Wishes,
Rabbi Dov
