Updates from channel Marriage on Hiddush website https://hiddush.org/subchannel-15-0-Marriage.aspx This is an RSS update from channel Marriage on Hiddush website Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:11:48 GMT He-il Half of the Israeli Jewish Public Prefer to Marry in a non-Orthodox Marriage Ceremony https://hiddush.org/article-23668-0-Half_of_the_Israeli_Jewish_Public_Prefer_to_Marry_in_a_nonOrthodox_Marriage_Ceremony.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23668-0-Half_of_the_Israeli_Jewish_Public_Prefer_to_Marry_in_a_nonOrthodox_Marriage_Ceremony.aspx Mon, 19 Aug 2024 09:58:00 GMT A survey by the Smith Institute for Hiddush ahead of the 15th of Av: two-thirds of the Jewish public in Israel support legislation that would abolish the Orthodox monopoly on marriage and allow freedom of marriage in Israel. This includes 68% of Likud voters and 41% of the voters of Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit parties. If they had a choice - only 15% of the secular public would marry in an Orthodox marriage We Have Never Been So Close to Civil Marriage https://hiddush.org/article-23618-0-We_Have_Never_Been_So_Close_to_Civil_Marriage.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23618-0-We_Have_Never_Been_So_Close_to_Civil_Marriage.aspx Sun, 23 Apr 2023 09:07:00 GMT

At the beginning of March 2023, the Supreme Court accepted Hiddush’s arguments and dismissed the State's appeal against the ruling of the Jerusalem Administrative Court on the issue of "Utah marriages". The Jerusalem Administrative court ruled in favor of the petition filed by Hiddush and ordered that the Population Authority and the Ministry of the Interior are obligated to register as married any couple who marry through the “Utah online marriage". The ruling of the Supreme Court concludes the legal part of Hiddush’s two-year battle against the Minister of the Interior and the Population Authority and enables thousands of couples to marry in a civil marriage without having to leave Israel. Unfortunately (and shamefully) civil marriage and divorce in Israel are still a distant reality, but the ruling of the Supreme Court constitutes a breakthrough in the struggle for freedom of marriage. You can read more about the ruling of the Supreme Court here.

Utah Online Marriages https://hiddush.org/article-23604-0-Utah_Online_Marriages.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23604-0-Utah_Online_Marriages.aspx Wed, 15 Mar 2023 07:18:00 GMT Israel’s Supreme Court rejected the state's appeal regarding "Utah Online Marriages". The Population Authority is obligated to register as married all couples who wed in this manner. Update from Supreme Court Hearing on Registration of “Utah Marriages” https://hiddush.org/article-23599-0-Update_from_Supreme_Court_Hearing_on_Registration_of_“Utah_Marriages”.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23599-0-Update_from_Supreme_Court_Hearing_on_Registration_of_“Utah_Marriages”.aspx Wed, 08 Feb 2023 12:23:00 GMT On Monday, January 30, 2023, the Supreme Court held a hearing on the State's appeal regarding the registration of Utah marriages in the Israeli population registry, as the population authority is required to do for civil marriages of Israelis that take place in all other countries of the world From the Legal Trenches https://hiddush.org/article-23587-0-From_the_Legal_Trenches.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23587-0-From_the_Legal_Trenches.aspx Mon, 28 Nov 2022 22:38:00 GMT The fight to advance freedom of marriage was crowned with yet another victory last week. A Supreme Court Justice, Prof. Dafna Barak-Erez, rejected the state's request to postpone implementation of the ruling by the administrative court in Jerusalem on "Utah marriages" (civil marriages of Israelis performed in Utah, USA, by video). Court Rules: Israeli Couples Married via "Utah Marriage" to be registered https://hiddush.org/article-23583-0-Court_Rules_Israeli_Couples_Married_via_Utah_Marriage_to_be_registered.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23583-0-Court_Rules_Israeli_Couples_Married_via_Utah_Marriage_to_be_registered.aspx Fri, 30 Sep 2022 07:41:00 GMT The Administrative Court in Jerusalem ruled in favor of a petition filed by the NGO Hiddush - for Religious Freedom and Equality, directing the Population Authority and the Ministry of the Interior to register as married any couple that gets married via "Utah marriage” (A marriage platform created by Utah County, Utah, USA. Marriages are conducted via video conferencing with a marriage officiant in Utah and which can take place even if both spouses are in Israel or elsewhere in the world). In the Legal Trenches https://hiddush.org/article-23572-0-In_the_Legal_Trenches.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23572-0-In_the_Legal_Trenches.aspx Thu, 18 Aug 2022 17:23:00 GMT As the conclusion of the court’s summer recess approaches, we are preparing to renew litigation next month. Utah Weddings - Potential Breakthrough https://hiddush.org/article-23570-0-Utah_Weddings__Potential_Breakthrough.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23570-0-Utah_Weddings__Potential_Breakthrough.aspx Mon, 01 Aug 2022 19:52:00 GMT In a precedent-setting decision, the Lod District Court ruled earlier this month that civil marriages performed via Zoom under foreign auspices for couples in Israel will be inscribed in Israel’s Population Registry. "The Court Against the Torah!" – Really?! https://hiddush.org/article-23569-0-The_Court_Against_the_Torah_–_Really.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23569-0-The_Court_Against_the_Torah_–_Really.aspx Thu, 14 Jul 2022 19:18:00 GMT The Lod Administrative Court released a ruling this week that has far-reaching consequences for issues of religion and state, and which opens a significant window of opportunity for freedom of marriage for Israelis. Court orders the State of Israel to register Utah online marriages https://hiddush.org/article-23567-0-Court_orders_the_State_of_Israel_to_register_Utah_online_marriages.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23567-0-Court_orders_the_State_of_Israel_to_register_Utah_online_marriages.aspx Sun, 10 Jul 2022 17:43:00 GMT Hiddush - For Religious Freedom and Equality, responds to ruling by Administrative Court ordering the State of Israel to register Utah online marriages Civil Marriage – are we getting closer? https://hiddush.org/article-23538-0-Civil_Marriage_–_are_we_getting_closer_.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23538-0-Civil_Marriage_–_are_we_getting_closer_.aspx Thu, 17 Feb 2022 22:02:00 GMT In Israel, there has been increased attention on marriage rights in general and civil marriage in particular. A significant part of Hiddush’s work is focused on these very issues. This month alone, two Knesset committees have held hearings on the matter. Will Jewish leadership continue looking the other way? https://hiddush.org/article-23505-0-Will_Jewish_leadership_continue_looking_the_other_way.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23505-0-Will_Jewish_leadership_continue_looking_the_other_way.aspx Wed, 04 Aug 2021 15:02:00 GMT The world media, from Washington DC to Burkina Faso, French Guinea and the Arab world covered the phenomenon of the most prominent athlete in Israel today, who won a gold medal for the State of Israel and sweeping praise from the heads of state; but is not allowed by his country to marry his girlfriend because it placed the control of marriage in Israel in the hands of the Orthodox Chief Rabbinate. Contrary to Orthodox politicians - Public for marriage freedom https://hiddush.org/article-23504-0-Contrary_to_Orthodox_politicians__Public_for_marriage_freedom.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23504-0-Contrary_to_Orthodox_politicians__Public_for_marriage_freedom.aspx Wed, 28 Jul 2021 20:02:00 GMT Last week, on the Jewish calendar, we marked Tu b’Av (the 15th day of the month of Av), which can be likened to Valentine’s Day in the USA. Hiddush commissioned a special survey on marriage freedom in commemoration of the holiday, which was well covered in the Hebrew and English media. Hiddush in the legal trenches https://hiddush.org/article-23491-0-Hiddush_in_the_legal_trenches.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23491-0-Hiddush_in_the_legal_trenches.aspx Thu, 20 May 2021 16:08:00 GMT Last week, Hiddush filed a petition in the Supreme Court on behalf of itself; the Israel Women’s Network; NA’AMAT; the Rackman Center; and Women Lawyers for Social Justice to ensure adequate gender representation for women on Religious Councils and senior oversight appointments. Hiddush files petition against Minister Aryeh Deri https://hiddush.org/article-23480-0-Hiddush_files_petition_against_Minister_Aryeh_Deri.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23480-0-Hiddush_files_petition_against_Minister_Aryeh_Deri.aspx Wed, 17 Mar 2021 03:07:00 GMT An administrative petition was filed at the Jerusalem District Court this week against the Interior Minister, the Population Authority, and the Attorney General, who refuse to register some 150 Israeli couples who have been legally married via web conferencing in Utah County, Utah, USA. The petition was filed by Hiddush – For Religious Freedom & Equality, 9 of the couples married online via Utah County, and 2 Utah rabbis, Samuel Spector and Dr. David Levinsky. Legal Groups Protest Israel's Interior Minister https://hiddush.org/article-23467-0-Legal_Groups_Protest_Israels_Interior_Minister.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23467-0-Legal_Groups_Protest_Israels_Interior_Minister.aspx Thu, 21 Jan 2021 21:44:00 GMT J-PLAN, the Jewish Pluralism Legal Action Network, a network of Jewish lawyers in North America, working in partnership with Hiddush – Freedom of Religion for Israel, and the American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists [AAJLJ] sent a letter on January 18, 2021,to Israel’s Interior Minister, Attorney General, and other officials, to protest the Ministry of the Interior’s recent decision to suspend registration of civil marriages of Israeli citizens lawfully married under the laws of "Utah County in the State of Utah. Hiddush on the cutting edge of Marriage Freedom https://hiddush.org/article-23464-0-Hiddush_on_the_cutting_edge_of_Marriage_Freedom.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23464-0-Hiddush_on_the_cutting_edge_of_Marriage_Freedom.aspx Thu, 07 Jan 2021 10:00:00 GMT Hiddush - for Freedom of Religion and Equality has warned Minister Deri that if he does not cancel his suspension of legal marriage registrations held through video conferencing under Utah state law, Hiddush will be forced to petition the Supreme Court. The Israeli government's ploy to prevent marriages through consulates https://hiddush.org/article-23448-0-The_Israeli_governments_ploy_to_prevent_marriages_through_consulates.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23448-0-The_Israeli_governments_ploy_to_prevent_marriages_through_consulates.aspx Mon, 09 Nov 2020 21:27:00 GMT Hiddush would certainly welcome the opening of another narrow window to marriage in the form of removing the barrier to recognizing consular marriages. However, the real solution is, of course, for Israel to join the rest of the world’s Western democracies, which all recognize the right of their citizens to marry as they wish. Israelis turn away from marrying in the Rabbinate https://hiddush.org/article-23432-0-Israelis_turn_away_from_marrying_in_the_Rabbinate.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23432-0-Israelis_turn_away_from_marrying_in_the_Rabbinate.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2020 20:55:00 GMT Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) recent release shows that while the Jewish population in Israel grows, the number of couples that marry under the auspices of the Chief Rabbinate is significantly and consistently dropping! Let Marriage Freedom Ring! https://hiddush.org/article-23407-0-Let_Marriage_Freedom_Ring.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23407-0-Let_Marriage_Freedom_Ring.aspx Thu, 04 Jun 2020 21:53:00 GMT Today, Hiddush began a new campaign to allow marriage freedom in Israel. This is a collaboration between Hiddush and the School of the Arts in Musrara, Jerusalem. An open letter to the Jewish Agency Board of Governors https://hiddush.org/article-23391-0-An_open_letter_to_the_Jewish_Agency_Board_of_Governors.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23391-0-An_open_letter_to_the_Jewish_Agency_Board_of_Governors.aspx Tue, 25 Feb 2020 07:29:00 GMT Ironically, while the Israeli government expresses identification with victims of antisemitism, regardless of their religious stream, it continues to deny equality for non-Orthodox Jews in Israel. The number of non-Jewish family members making Aliyah https://hiddush.org/article-23373-0-The_number_of_nonJewish_family_members_making_Aliyah.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23373-0-The_number_of_nonJewish_family_members_making_Aliyah.aspx Fri, 27 Dec 2019 14:16:00 GMT Hiddush's publication of Israel's immigration numbers of non-Jewish family members under the Law of Return, as provided by the Population and Immigration Authority [PIA] in response to our Freedom of Information demands, caused quite the media storm this week. This resulted in the Authority retracting from their own data, and changing it drastically. Where are Israeli Jews now on Religion & State? https://hiddush.org/article-23366-0-Where_are_Israeli_Jews_now_on_Religion__State.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23366-0-Where_are_Israeli_Jews_now_on_Religion__State.aspx Thu, 12 Dec 2019 16:15:00 GMT The “Status Quo” is an affront to the will of the public: 63% want a civil unity government; 71% support public transportation on the Sabbath; 69% support establishing civil marriage and divorce in Israel Hiddush survey for International Human Rights Day https://hiddush.org/article-23365-0-Hiddush_survey_for_International_Human_Rights_Day.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23365-0-Hiddush_survey_for_International_Human_Rights_Day.aspx Mon, 09 Dec 2019 14:09:00 GMT The right to freedom of movement: 71% support public transportation on Saturday. The right to family: 69% support civil marriage in Israel. Most of the Jewish public in Israel supports the operation of public transportation on Saturdays and the establishment of civil marriage in Israel. This is not just politics. It’s about violations of basic human rights. 68% of the Israeli public supports freedom of choice in marriage https://hiddush.org/article-23338-0-68_of_the_Israeli_public_supports_freedom_of_choice_in_marriage.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23338-0-68_of_the_Israeli_public_supports_freedom_of_choice_in_marriage.aspx Tue, 13 Aug 2019 14:34:00 GMT A large majority of voters for Israel’s civil parties, including the Likud, want freedom of marriage, and given the central role that religion/state issues are playing in the current election campaign - We may be closer than ever before to forming a coalition that will finally grant Israelis this fundamental right. What they do not see: Rabbinate and marriages in Israel https://hiddush.org/article-23299-0-What_they_do_not_see_Rabbinate_and_marriages_in_Israel.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23299-0-What_they_do_not_see_Rabbinate_and_marriages_in_Israel.aspx Fri, 18 Jan 2019 12:44:00 GMT The Religious Services Ministry refuses to acknowledge the fact that growing circles reject the Rabbinate and prefer alternative marriages. International Human Rights Day survey: Israelis support marriage freedom https://hiddush.org/article-23291-0-International_Human_Rights_Day_survey_Israelis_support_marriage_freedom.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23291-0-International_Human_Rights_Day_survey_Israelis_support_marriage_freedom.aspx Sun, 09 Dec 2018 07:40:00 GMT On December 10th the world is marking International Human Rights day. Hiddush looked into one of the main violations of human rights in Israel, which ironically mostly harms Jews: The right to marry! Record support for freedom of choice in marriage! https://hiddush.org/article-23260-0-Record_support_for_freedom_of_choice_in_marriage.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23260-0-Record_support_for_freedom_of_choice_in_marriage.aspx Thu, 26 Jul 2018 06:43:00 GMT 70% of Israel's adult Jewish population wants the State of Israel to recognize all forms of marriage, including civil marriage and Reform and Conservative weddings. Most of the public wants legal alternatives to marriage via the Rabbinate! Hiddush represents Masorti rabbi arrested for conducting wedding https://hiddush.org/article-23259-0-Hiddush_represents_Masorti_rabbi_arrested_for_conducting_wedding.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23259-0-Hiddush_represents_Masorti_rabbi_arrested_for_conducting_wedding.aspx Wed, 18 Jul 2018 21:08:00 GMT At 5:30 AM on July 19th, two policemen knocked on the Haifa apartment of Dubi Haiyun, Rabbi of the Conservative congregation in Haifa. This followed orders given to the police by the Haifa rabbinic court, which alleged that Rabbi Haiyun was in breach of criminal law regarding a wedding he conducted. What does it mean for Israel to be a Jewish state? https://hiddush.org/article-23227-0-What_does_it_mean_for_Israel_to_be_a_Jewish_state.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23227-0-What_does_it_mean_for_Israel_to_be_a_Jewish_state.aspx Tue, 17 Apr 2018 08:59:00 GMT Israeli Independence Day celebrations are almost upon us, and the divisions over the identity of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state are greater than ever before. Chief Rabbinate refuses to recognize Orthodox marriage https://hiddush.org/article-23222-0-Chief_Rabbinate_refuses_to_recognize_Orthodox_marriage.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23222-0-Chief_Rabbinate_refuses_to_recognize_Orthodox_marriage.aspx Mon, 19 Mar 2018 11:11:00 GMT Noam Oren and his wife married in a religious ceremony, but authorities refuse to recognize it due to their insistence on protecting each other from potential divorce refusal. Israeli couples are voting with their feet! https://hiddush.org/article-23193-0-Israeli_couples_are_voting_with_their_feet.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23193-0-Israeli_couples_are_voting_with_their_feet.aspx Tue, 30 Jan 2018 19:41:00 GMT The Ministry of Religious Services has now reported a 4% drop in the number of couples marrying via the Rabbinate from 2016 to 2017. (The decline is really greater, because they ignore the increase in the Jewish population). In Tel Aviv the decline is greater than 15%!! Mazal Tov from the Consul General of Israel in New York https://hiddush.org/article-23159-0-Mazal_Tov_from_the_Consul_General_of_Israel_in_New_York_.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-23159-0-Mazal_Tov_from_the_Consul_General_of_Israel_in_New_York_.aspx Wed, 13 Dec 2017 22:50:00 GMT The New York Times reports that Consul General Dayan wrote: "it is no secret many members of the American Jewish community disagree with existing Israeli legislation on civil status issues... Ultimately the Israeli Knesset — elected democratically by the Israeli citizens — legislates. Three weddings and a protest https://hiddush.org/article-22158-0-Three_weddings_and_a_protest.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-22158-0-Three_weddings_and_a_protest.aspx Sun, 03 Dec 2017 08:58:00 GMT Today, at Temple Emanu-El in New York, New York three young couples from Israel got married, making the statement that the basic right of marriage freedom should be denied to no one. FAKE NEWS? LIBA declares 71% Israelis prefer to marry via Rabbinate! https://hiddush.org/article-20130-0-FAKE_NEWS_LIBA_declares_71_Israelis_prefer_to_marry_via_Rabbinate.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-20130-0-FAKE_NEWS_LIBA_declares_71_Israelis_prefer_to_marry_via_Rabbinate.aspx Thu, 17 Aug 2017 10:09:00 GMT The LIBA Center, which proclaims to be "dedicated to strengthening the Jewish Character of the State of Israel" once again demonstrated how to mislead the public by means of statistics. 67% of Jewish Israelis support freedom of choice in marriage https://hiddush.org/article-18130-0-67_of_Jewish_Israelis_support_freedom_of_choice_in_marriage.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-18130-0-67_of_Jewish_Israelis_support_freedom_of_choice_in_marriage.aspx Sun, 06 Aug 2017 22:32:00 GMT 50% of the Jewish Israeli public prefers non-Orthodox marriage. A growing majority of the Jewish public is fed up with and rejects the Israeli government's position and wants Israel to join all other Western democracies in establishing marriage freedom. 55% Jewish Israelis interested in weddings outside the Chief Rabbinate https://hiddush.org/article-17103-0-55_Jewish_Israelis_interested_in_weddings_outside_the_Chief_Rabbinate.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-17103-0-55_Jewish_Israelis_interested_in_weddings_outside_the_Chief_Rabbinate.aspx Thu, 11 May 2017 09:10:00 GMT 55% of the Jewish Israeli public and 81% of the secular Jewish Israeli public are interested in alternative marriages outside the auspices of Israel's Chief Rabbinate. This is the first time that a majority of the Jewish Israeli public has expressed a personal preference for marriages outside the Chief Rabbinate. For first time, Orthodox NGO campaigns for civil marriage in Israel https://hiddush.org/article-17067-0-For_first_time_Orthodox_NGO_campaigns_for_civil_marriage_in_Israel.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-17067-0-For_first_time_Orthodox_NGO_campaigns_for_civil_marriage_in_Israel.aspx Mon, 27 Mar 2017 21:44:00 GMT Civil marriage is one of the most encumbered issues in the Jewish state, but the Modern Orthodox organization Ne’emenei Torah Va’Avodah began a campaign Sunday advocating for the introduction of such a possibility in Israel. Hiddush's 2016 findings and data on marriage https://hiddush.org/article-17022-0-Hiddushs_2016_findings_and_data_on_marriage.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-17022-0-Hiddushs_2016_findings_and_data_on_marriage.aspx Sun, 25 Dec 2016 11:20:00 GMT In the past year, Hiddush focused on the battle for marriage freedom in Israel as our leading cause, conducting a comprehensive series of surveys and studies that highlighted a clear trend: the Israeli Jewish public supports marriage freedom. Sukkot 2016: Batya Kahana Dror, Esq. https://hiddush.org/article-16977-0-Sukkot_2016_Batya_Kahana_Dror_Esq.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-16977-0-Sukkot_2016_Batya_Kahana_Dror_Esq.aspx Fri, 21 Oct 2016 12:57:00 GMT Batya Kahana Dror, Esq. writes, "Getting married via the Rabbinate is not fitting for all couples. Sometimes this clashes with their worldviews, and sometimes it creates bureaucratic difficulties in simply obtaining the Rabbinate's permission to marry at all. Divorcing through the Rabbinate is also more difficult." Sukkot 2016: Smadar Dekel Naim, Esq. https://hiddush.org/article-16973-0-Sukkot_2016_Smadar_Dekel_Naim_Esq.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-16973-0-Sukkot_2016_Smadar_Dekel_Naim_Esq.aspx Fri, 21 Oct 2016 12:27:00 GMT Smadar Dekel Naim, Esq. writes, "There is no reason whatsoever to be party to this religious coercion, especially at this most precious, family-oriented moment, and in the most personal of matters. Why should we hold non-egalitarian ceremonies, with rabbis who don't identify with our ways of life? Many of whom actually despise us?" 2016 Religion & State Index: freedom of marriage https://hiddush.org/article-16970-0-2016_Religion__State_Index_freedom_of_marriage.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-16970-0-2016_Religion__State_Index_freedom_of_marriage.aspx Sun, 09 Oct 2016 12:45:00 GMT A revolution: About half of the Jewish public would prefer not to get married via the monopolistic, state empowered Chief Rabbinate The number of unmarried couples living together up by 29% https://hiddush.org/article-16960-0-The_number_of_unmarried_couples_living_together_up_by_29.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-16960-0-The_number_of_unmarried_couples_living_together_up_by_29.aspx Sun, 28 Aug 2016 09:33:00 GMT Over the course of two years, the number of unmarried couples living together in Israel increased dramatically by 28%, or nearly 20,000 couples. During this same period, the number of Jewish couples who got married in Israel fell by 6.5%. These are the findings of Hiddush's analysis of Central Bureau of Statistics data. 74% of Israeli Jews would prefer egalitarian Jewish wedding ceremonies https://hiddush.org/article-16956-0-74_of_Israeli_Jews_would_prefer_egalitarian_Jewish_wedding_ceremonies.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-16956-0-74_of_Israeli_Jews_would_prefer_egalitarian_Jewish_wedding_ceremonies.aspx Thu, 18 Aug 2016 09:57:00 GMT Israeli Jews are tired of having this anti-egalitarian, irrelevant ritual forced upon them. The public wants a modernized Jewish ceremony. A Missed Opportunity to Support Secular Life in Israel https://hiddush.org/article-16909-0-A_Missed_Opportunity_to_Support_Secular_Life_in_Israel.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-16909-0-A_Missed_Opportunity_to_Support_Secular_Life_in_Israel.aspx Fri, 06 May 2016 10:44:00 GMT The rabbinate sees itself as waging a culture war, and it has been winning. Since the state’s founding rabbinic power thwarts the development of a secular conception of citizenship. Hiddush polled Israeli Jews and found that 71% support the freedom to marry and divorce independent of the Orthodox rabbinate. 71% Israeli Jews attach importance to marriage & divorce freedom https://hiddush.org/article-16875-0-71_Israeli_Jews_attach_importance_to_marriage__divorce_freedom.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-16875-0-71_Israeli_Jews_attach_importance_to_marriage__divorce_freedom.aspx Tue, 12 Apr 2016 12:14:00 GMT 60% of the Jewish Israeli public supports the involvement of American Jewish organizations in advancing marriage freedom in Israel. There is no doubt that for Israelis – breaking the yoke of the fundamentalist Orthodox Rabbinate in marriage and divorce is a top priority among the religion/state battles. Israelis welcome American Jewish partnership in advancing this cause, both for the sake of Israel and for the sake of world Jewry! Will the Pew Israel Report Open our Eyes? https://hiddush.org/article-16847-0-Will_the_Pew_Israel_Report_Open_our_Eyes.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-16847-0-Will_the_Pew_Israel_Report_Open_our_Eyes.aspx Thu, 10 Mar 2016 12:41:00 GMT Rabbi Uri Regev presents his first impressions of the 2016 Pew report on Israel's Religiously Divided Society. His intimate familiarity with the subject matter and the population surveyed provide him a unique prism, which served him in assessing the report. 71% of Israeli Jews: Rabbinate's monopoly distances Jews from Judaism https://hiddush.org/article-16810-0-71_of_Israeli_Jews_Rabbinates_monopoly_distances_Jews_from_Judaism.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-16810-0-71_of_Israeli_Jews_Rabbinates_monopoly_distances_Jews_from_Judaism.aspx Sun, 14 Feb 2016 14:54:00 GMT Not only is the denial of the freedom to marry antithetical to core democratic principles, but it also undermines Jewish interests. 71% of the Israeli Jewish public maintain that the Chief Rabbinate's and the rabbinical courts' monopoly over marriage and divorce distances Jews from Judaism. How to most effectively advocate for religious freedom and equality in Israel https://hiddush.org/article-16806-0-How_to_most_effectively_advocate_for_religious_freedom_and_equality_in_Israel.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-16806-0-How_to_most_effectively_advocate_for_religious_freedom_and_equality_in_Israel.aspx Tue, 26 Jan 2016 13:41:00 GMT What advocacy strategy should supporters of religious freedom in Israel pursue? How should we set our policy priorities? How meaningful are Prime Minister Netanyahu's promises to Diaspora Jewry? Hiddush presents: Marriage freedom by the numbers https://hiddush.org/article-16805-0-Hiddush_presents_Marriage_freedom_by_the_numbers.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-16805-0-Hiddush_presents_Marriage_freedom_by_the_numbers.aspx Wed, 13 Jan 2016 10:03:00 GMT Hiddush released its new presentation titled, 'Marriage Freedom in Israel: by the Numbers,' which provides answers to the questions most often asked about the condition of marriage freedom in Israel, and related issues. Shahar Ilan, the Hiddush VP of Research and Information, presented the data at the meeting of the Knesset's Peoplehood, Religion, & State Caucus. 80% of secular Israeli Jews prefer not to get married via Orthodox Rabbinate https://hiddush.org/article-12748-0-80_of_secular_Israeli_Jews_prefer_not_to_get_married_via_Orthodox_Rabbinate.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-12748-0-80_of_secular_Israeli_Jews_prefer_not_to_get_married_via_Orthodox_Rabbinate.aspx Fri, 08 May 2015 13:26:00 GMT The consistent rise in the number of Israeli Jews who would have preferred to marry outside the Orthodox Rabbinate has been monitored in Hiddush’s multi-year polling on freedom of marriage. Israeli news series demonstrates the urgency of freedom of marriage https://hiddush.org/article-6655-0-Israeli_news_series_demonstrates_the_urgency_of_freedom_of_marriage_.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-6655-0-Israeli_news_series_demonstrates_the_urgency_of_freedom_of_marriage_.aspx Sun, 31 Aug 2014 13:55:00 GMT Israel's Channel 10 News ran a four-part series about the issue of marriage in Israel and the Chief Rabbinate's monopoly over this basic right. The timing and content serve as a major boost for efforts for freedom of marriage. D'var Torah for Parashat Re'eh: Thou shalt fight racism! https://hiddush.org/article-6651-0-Dvar_Torah_for_Parashat_Reeh_Thou_shalt_fight_racism.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-6651-0-Dvar_Torah_for_Parashat_Reeh_Thou_shalt_fight_racism.aspx Thu, 21 Aug 2014 13:41:00 GMT Rabbi Uri Regev writes about the weekly torah portion in relation to recent events that endanger both Judaism and democracy in Israel Reserve combat soldier returns from war protesting that he cannot marry his fiancée because of Orthodox marriage monopoly https://hiddush.org/article-6647-0-Reserve_combat_soldier_returns_from_war_protesting_that_he_cannot_marry_his_fiancée_because_of_Orthodox_marriage_monopoly_.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-6647-0-Reserve_combat_soldier_returns_from_war_protesting_that_he_cannot_marry_his_fiancée_because_of_Orthodox_marriage_monopoly_.aspx Mon, 11 Aug 2014 12:18:00 GMT Yet another heartbreaking story about an Israeli couple unable to marry in Israel because of the Orthodox Chief Rabbinate's monopoly on marriage. The answer is simple: freedom of marriage! Finance Minister Yair Lapid: Israel cannot be the only western country without religious freedom https://hiddush.org/article-3640-0-Finance_Minister_Yair_Lapid_Israel_cannot_be_the_only_western_country_without_religious_freedom.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-3640-0-Finance_Minister_Yair_Lapid_Israel_cannot_be_the_only_western_country_without_religious_freedom.aspx Sun, 01 Jun 2014 12:35:00 GMT The Israeli Finance Minister spoke at the Israeli Reform Movement's 50th Anniversary and renewed his commitment to religious freedom and denominational equality. Forced to marry abroad: A personal perspective on Israel's marriage crisis https://hiddush.org/article-2585-0-Forced_to_marry_abroad_A_personal_perspective_on_Israels_marriage_crisis.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2585-0-Forced_to_marry_abroad_A_personal_perspective_on_Israels_marriage_crisis.aspx Sun, 22 Dec 2013 12:17:00 GMT The lack of civil marriage and recongition of non-Orthodox marriage leaves hundreds of thousands of Israelis without any option to actualize their basic right to marriage. Millions more are forced to partake in a ceremony incongruent with their beliefs. 2013 JFNA GA Freedom of Marriage Panel https://hiddush.org/article-2579-0-2013_JFNA_GA_Freedom_of_Marriage_Panel.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2579-0-2013_JFNA_GA_Freedom_of_Marriage_Panel.aspx Wed, 11 Dec 2013 11:01:00 GMT Highlights from the Freedom of Marriage Panel at the 2013 GA in Jerusalem Pluralism at the Forefront of the 2013 GA in Jerusalem https://hiddush.org/article-2578-0-Pluralism_at_the_Forefront_of_the_2013_GA_in_Jerusalem.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2578-0-Pluralism_at_the_Forefront_of_the_2013_GA_in_Jerusalem.aspx Wed, 11 Dec 2013 10:57:00 GMT Looking back on the 2013 GA in Jersualem, pluralism and freedom of marriage were enjoyed a strong presence. Professor Aharon Barak: Israel's marriage laws are a clear violation of basic human rights https://hiddush.org/article-2561-0-Professor_Aharon_Barak_Israels_marriage_laws_are_a_clear_violation_of_basic_human_rights.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2561-0-Professor_Aharon_Barak_Israels_marriage_laws_are_a_clear_violation_of_basic_human_rights.aspx Tue, 29 Oct 2013 11:32:00 GMT Hiddush publishes excerpts from the former Israeli Supreme Court Chief Justice's forthcoming book on human dignity and constitutional rights. Professor Barak emphasizes that the Israel's marriage laws constitute a clear infringement of basic constitutional rights. Media Review: A significant rise in reporting on Israel's marriage crisis https://hiddush.org/article-2559-0-Media_Review_A_significant_rise_in_reporting_on_Israels_marriage_crisis.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2559-0-Media_Review_A_significant_rise_in_reporting_on_Israels_marriage_crisis.aspx Sun, 20 Oct 2013 13:26:00 GMT In the past few months, thanks to cooperative efforts between Hiddush and other like-minded organizations in Israel and America, the issue of freedom of marriage has been extensively covered in Israeli and international media. How bad is it? The inside scoop on Israel's marriage crisis https://hiddush.org/article-2557-0-How_bad_is_it_The_inside_scoop_on_Israels_marriage_crisis.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2557-0-How_bad_is_it_The_inside_scoop_on_Israels_marriage_crisis.aspx Thu, 17 Oct 2013 07:38:00 GMT Rabbi Uri Regev discusses a recent television expose on the difficulties that Israeli couples go through in order to marry in Israel. The Torturous Track to Marriage in Israel https://hiddush.org/article-2493-0-The_Torturous_Track_to_Marriage_in_Israel.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2493-0-The_Torturous_Track_to_Marriage_in_Israel.aspx Wed, 31 Jul 2013 13:31:00 GMT This week's video blog highlights a Channel 10 News exposé on the Orthodox monopoly on marriage in Israel. Huffington Post Op-ed: Why Is It so Difficult for Jews to Marry in Israel? https://hiddush.org/article-2454-0-Huffington_Post_Oped_Why_Is_It_so_Difficult_for_Jews_to_Marry_in_Israel.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2454-0-Huffington_Post_Oped_Why_Is_It_so_Difficult_for_Jews_to_Marry_in_Israel.aspx Sun, 12 May 2013 08:23:00 GMT Rabbi Uri Regev writes in the Huffington Post about the launching of the Freedom of Marriage World Map and Israel's severe restrictions on marriage. In Hiddush's Freedom of Marriage World Map, Israel receives "0" for religious monopoly and severe restrictions on marriage. https://hiddush.org/article-2450-0-In_Hiddushs_Freedom_of_Marriage_World_Map_Israel_receives_0_for_religious_monopoly_and_severe_restrictions_on_marriage.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2450-0-In_Hiddushs_Freedom_of_Marriage_World_Map_Israel_receives_0_for_religious_monopoly_and_severe_restrictions_on_marriage.aspx Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:10:00 GMT 45 countries, including Israel, received a grade of "0" due to severe restrictions on freedom of marriage. Hiddush CEO Rabbi Uri Regev: We cannot miss this historic opportunity for freedom of marriage in Israel. Hiddush Polling: Majority of Secular Israelis unopposed to freedom of marriage https://hiddush.org/article-2434-0-Hiddush_Polling_Majority_of_Secular_Israelis_unopposed_to_freedom_of_marriage.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2434-0-Hiddush_Polling_Majority_of_Secular_Israelis_unopposed_to_freedom_of_marriage.aspx Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:02:00 GMT Hiddush releases public opinion statistics on freedom of marriage on the eve of Knesset lobby for Civil Equality and Pluralism. Rabbi Regev, Hiddush CEO: "We should not miss this historic opportunity created the recent elections to establish civil marriage in Israel." The Rabbi Miri Gold Case Demystified https://hiddush.org/article-2366-0-The_Rabbi_Miri_Gold_Case_Demystified_.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2366-0-The_Rabbi_Miri_Gold_Case_Demystified_.aspx Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:44:00 GMT In this major achievment of Israel's move toward recognition of non-Orthodox rabbis, we must be careful to address challenges posed, and the road ahead. Human Rights Day in Israel https://hiddush.org/article-2299-0-Human_Rights_Day_in_Israel.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2299-0-Human_Rights_Day_in_Israel.aspx Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:25:00 GMT As we reflect on Human Rights Day, we are reminded of the dire need of Israel to acknowledge its failure in ensuring those promised in both the International Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration of Independence of Israel itself. Jeffrey Goldberg shows “How Israel Can Stop Alienating American Jews” https://hiddush.org/article-2293-0-Jeffrey_Goldberg_shows_“How_Israel_Can_Stop_Alienating_American_Jews”.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2293-0-Jeffrey_Goldberg_shows_“How_Israel_Can_Stop_Alienating_American_Jews”.aspx Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:22:00 GMT Jeffrey Goldberg suggests several ideas as to “How Israel Can Stop Alienating American Jews”, including showing respect for diverse Jewish expression and ending ultra-Orthodox discrimination Tzohar Rabbis Disingenuous In Their Campaign https://hiddush.org/article-2284-0-Tzohar_Rabbis_Disingenuous_In_Their_Campaign_.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2284-0-Tzohar_Rabbis_Disingenuous_In_Their_Campaign_.aspx Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:36:00 GMT Tzohar’s “victory for the Jewish People” is not in keeping with the pluralistic reality of the Jewish community in the United States from whom they have requested support. Supreme Court Petition to Allow Civil Marriage https://hiddush.org/article-2260-0-Supreme_Court_Petition_to_Allow_Civil_Marriage.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2260-0-Supreme_Court_Petition_to_Allow_Civil_Marriage.aspx Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:42:00 GMT Hiddush CEO Rabbi Uri Regev remarks “The reality which denies the basic human right of marriage to hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens is intolerable.” Knesset Nixes Civil Marriage https://hiddush.org/article-2246-0-Knesset_Nixes_Civil_Marriage_.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2246-0-Knesset_Nixes_Civil_Marriage_.aspx Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:10:00 GMT Ahead of the Wednesday event and vote, the NGO Hiddush: For Religious Freedom and Equality released a study it commissioned which shows two-thirds of the Jewish population in Israel are in favor of enabling civil marriage in Israel – although only one-third would marry in such a ceremony, were it to become an option. Hiddush Shows two-thirds of Israelis Support Civil Marriage https://hiddush.org/article-2243-0-Hiddush_Shows_twothirds_of_Israelis_Support_Civil_Marriage.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2243-0-Hiddush_Shows_twothirds_of_Israelis_Support_Civil_Marriage.aspx Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:12:00 GMT Researchers Drs. Guy Ben-Porat and Yariv Feniger posit that because there is a gap between support for civil marriage and personal interest in having a civil marriage, major political parties do not promote the issue. Hiddush CEO Rabbi Regev: “Leading up to elections, people need to demand that the political party leaders commit themselves to…carry out a civil revolution, including freedom of choice in marriage” Israelis Can Marry By Proxy https://hiddush.org/article-2178-0-Israelis_Can_Marry_By_Proxy.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2178-0-Israelis_Can_Marry_By_Proxy.aspx Sat, 25 Jun 2011 08:44:00 GMT High Court continues to pave way towards civil marriage in Israel Human Rights And The Supreme Court https://hiddush.org/article-2169-0-Human_Rights_And_The_Supreme_Court.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2169-0-Human_Rights_And_The_Supreme_Court.aspx Sun, 29 May 2011 10:04:00 GMT Israel has never had a constitution and has relied on its Declaration of Independence and judges to maintain equality Changing From Religious To Civil Marriages https://hiddush.org/article-2168-0-Changing_From_Religious_To_Civil_Marriages.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2168-0-Changing_From_Religious_To_Civil_Marriages.aspx Sun, 29 May 2011 09:37:00 GMT A comparative study for transitioning from religious to civil marriage systems Civil Marriage In Israel https://hiddush.org/article-2167-0-Civil_Marriage_In_Israel.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2167-0-Civil_Marriage_In_Israel.aspx Thu, 26 May 2011 10:56:00 GMT More than 5% of Israelis cannot get married in the State. Among them non-Halachic Jews, illegitimate children, abandoned wives, etc. Civil marriage is an option Israel continues to ignore Religious coercion in Israel escalating https://hiddush.org/article-2104-0-Religious_coercion_in_Israel_escalating.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2104-0-Religious_coercion_in_Israel_escalating.aspx Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:30:00 GMT U.S. State Department report on religious freedom worldwide finds increase in religious coercion, discrimination, and violence in Israel. Reports: Validity of 40,000 conversions in doubt, 360,000 new immigrants cannot get married Rabbi wants marriage age lowered to 15 https://hiddush.org/article-2081-0-Rabbi_wants_marriage_age_lowered_to_15.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2081-0-Rabbi_wants_marriage_age_lowered_to_15.aspx Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:06:00 GMT Rabbi Idan: "Girls who do not want to study or work are a burden to the household," Summer 2010 Religion State Index https://hiddush.org/article-2070-0-Summer_2010_Religion_State_Index.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2070-0-Summer_2010_Religion_State_Index.aspx Fri, 26 Nov 2010 12:32:00 GMT Religion and State Index for the second half of 2010 The Conversion Law Fraud https://hiddush.org/article-2186-0-The_Conversion_Law_Fraud.aspx https://hiddush.org/article-2186-0-The_Conversion_Law_Fraud.aspx Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:36:00 GMT The conversion law proposal that was supposed to help immigrants from the former Soviet Union has undergone changes which only strengthen the monopoly of the Chief Rabbinate. How the mighty have fallen.