Sherith Israel co-sponsors a screening of the celebrated film Gett, which tells the story of one woman’s agonizing pursuit of a legal divorce in Israel.

3 pm: Film screening 
5:30 pm: Presentation and discussion

This event is free, and snacks and drinks will be provided.

Link to Google Map of location

In Israel, rites of passage—including conversion, marriage, and divorce—are the sole domain of the Orthodox Rabbinate. For Jews, meaning those deemed “Jewish enough” by the Rabbinate, marriage can only legally take place when performed by an Orthodox rabbi. Likewise, the Orthodox rabbinical courts are the only bodies in Israel with the power to settle a divorce. Part of that process involves a gett (the document that releases a wife from marriage). In order to obtain a gett and finalize a divorce, some Jewish women have been compelled to give up parental rights or pay large sums of money.

Join us for a screening of the celebrated film Gett: The Trial of Vivian Amsalem, which tells the story of one woman’s pursuit of a gett, followed by a presentation and conversation with the New Israel Fund’s May Pundak, Israeli civil rights attorney and activist.

We will learn about the state of marriage and divorce in Israel, as well as a new campaign by NIF’s New Generations (young adult group) calling on Israel to enact legislation guaranteeing marriage equality in Israel.

This event is sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women and New Israel Fund, in partnership with Congregation Emanu-El, Congregation Rodef Sholom, the Jewish Community Relations Council, the Jewish Film Institute, Shalom Bayit, Sherith Israel, and The Kitchen.