Marriage – Divorce

נישואין – גירושין

The Rebbe's guidance on divorce:

Divorce is a last resort. Shalom bayis is paramount; divorce should be considered only after persistent effort and spiritual dedication, and after trying every avenue, including rabbinic mediation (IK 5685, 9990, 10942). Where the difficulty is medical, first exhaust every available medical option (IK 6098). See also: Marriage – Peace in the home (shalom bayis).

When a divorce does happen, do it properly and promptly. Delaying a get for practical reasons, such as waiting for another match, is not justified (IK 6342). Consult the local rabbinic authorities promptly to make sure every halachic step has been properly taken (IK 10843). On halachic details of a get, see IK 547, 2595, 3133, 8920. Involvement in agunah cases requires great caution and should be undertaken only with proper rabbinic authority (IK 1801, 8094).

After divorce: strengthen trust in Hashem's timing, keep growing in Torah and mitzvos, and make sure there is full forgiveness with one's former spouse (IK 2568). Concerns about marrying a divorcee are generally unfounded today (IK 2846), and parents' divorce is no reason to delay a child's shidduch (IK 9439). See also: שידוכים – נישואין שניים.

Shiurim in this topic

1801. Supporting the Yeshiva, Outreach, and Efforts for an Agunah תמיכת הישיבה, קירוב לבבות, ומאמצים בענין עגונה

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2418. Responding to Shidduch Proposals and Avoiding Negative Declarations מענה להצעות שידוך והימנעות מהצהרות שליליות

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2568. Finding a Match After Divorce and Strengthening Trust in G-d מציאת שידוך לאחר גירושין וחיזוק הבטחון בה'

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2595. Writing an Unused Name in the Ketubah כתיבת שם שאינו בשימוש בכתובה

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2846. Marrying a Divorcee and the Importance of Personal Virtue נישואין עם גרושה וחשיבות המעלה האישית

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3133. Schizophrenia, Divorce, and Halachic Status in Jewish Law סכיזופרניה, גירושין, ומעמד הלכתי בהלכה היהודית