- June 28, 2023
- Yoni Levoritz
- Divorce
What is a Sefer Kritut in Jewish Divorce Law
A guide by the Levoritz Law Firm
In Jewish divorce law, there are a number of intricacies that are quite unique to this particular religious and cultural tradition. One such complexity is that of the sefer kritut, which is a document that is issued by a rabbinical court to a woman who has been granted a divorce decree (get).
The sefer kritut can be translated as “writing of divorce,” and it serves a number of important functions in the context of Jewish divorce law. Specifically, the sefer kritut is designed to provide formal proof that a woman has been divorced from her husband, and it also serves as a legal document that frees her from any obligations to her former spouse.
There are a few key elements of the sefer kritut that are worth exploring in further detail. First, it is important to note that the sefer kritut is a relatively recent addition to Jewish divorce law. In fact, it was not formally instituted until the medieval period (approximately the 12th century CE), when rabbinical authorities began to recognize the need for a more formalized system of documentation for divorce.
Second, the sefer kritut is only issued in cases where the divorce process has been initiated by the husband, rather than the wife. According to Jewish law, a man has the power to initiate divorce proceedings at any time, although there are certain conditions that must be met before a divorce can be granted (such as the payment of a settlement or the provision of proper grounds for divorce).
Third, the sefer kritut is designed to protect the interests of both parties involved in a divorce. For the woman, it serves as proof of her legal status as a divorced woman, which allows her to remarry and move on with her life without fear of legal repercussions. For the husband, it provides a clear record of his divorce and frees him from any further obligations to his former spouse.
One of the interesting things about the sefer kritut is that it combines both legal and religious elements. On the one hand, it is a legal document that has the power to impact the lives of those involved in a divorce. On the other hand, it is also seen as a religious document, given that it is issued by a rabbinical court and is considered to be a product of Jewish law.
Another important aspect of the sefer kritut is that it must be prepared in a specific way in order to be valid. The document must be written on parchment, using special ink and script that is specific to Jewish law. Additionally, the document must be signed by three witnesses (who are not related to either party) and the rabbinical judge who oversees the divorce proceedings.
Overall, the sefer kritut is an important part of Jewish divorce law that serves a number of key functions. It provides legal proof of divorce, releases the parties from any further obligations to one another, and is recognized as a religious document that is steeped in Jewish tradition and law. While the sefer kritut may seem like a minor detail in the broader context of Jewish divorce law, it is a critical piece of documentation that has significant consequences for those involved in a divorce.
Looking for Divorce or Family Law Assistance?
If you are considering a divorce from your spouse, or have questions about your divorce process, call the knowledgeable and experienced attorneys at the Levoritz Law firm today at 855.213.3104 for a free consultation.