Marriage in Israel

September 2, 2009

Articles, NU Voices for Israel

Did you know that only Orthodoxy rabbis may conduct Jewish weddings in Israel? And that hundreds of Isaelis travel abroad for civil marriages (which must then be recognized by Israel when they return)?

Filmmaker Amy Beth Oppenheimer has made a documentary about marriage and religion in Israel called Faces of Israel: A Discussion About Marriage, State and Religion in the Jewish Homeland.

According to the Forward:

The 75-minute film focuses on the Orthodox rabbinate’s control of marriage, required among Israeli Jews to be an Orthodox ceremony, regardless of the bride and groom’s religious preferences. Civil ceremonies are not legally recognized in Israel.

Oppenheimer calls the film a “springboard to discussion” about tensions in Israel between being a Jewish and a democratic state. Adds the Forward:

With its diversity of opinions, “Faces of Israel” leaves ample space for viewers to reach their own conclusions – which is precisely the director’s goal.