Belmont Synagogue

Getting Married in Israel

Frequently Asked Questions

We are getting married in Israel. What documents do we need to take with us?
The Rabbinical authorities in Israel will expect your local orthodox Beth Din to authorise you as an eligible person to get married. The London Beth Din issues such certificates that you can present to the rabbinate in Israel, stating that you are Jewish, single and eligible to get married.

To obtain a Marriage Abroad Certificate please send the following documents listed below to the London Beth Din (305 Ballards Lane, North Finchley, London, N12 8GB)

● A covering letter stating where and when you are getting married with your Hebrew name (if known) and contact details and whether you wish the certificate to be posted or be available for collection.
● A photocopy of your Parents' Ketubah (Jewish Marriage Certificate)
● A photocopy of your full birth certificate showing both parents names.
● Either a letter from an Orthodox Rabbi confirming that he knows you personally and that you are Jewish and single or two Jewish witnesses, non relations, who have known you for at least 5 years that would be willing to attend an appointment at the London Beth Din to testify that you are single.
● Three passport photographs.
● Cheque in the sum of £60 for US Members or £100 for non-US Members, made payable to: USKB

Please note the Israeli Rabbinate expect all couples to attend a Marriage Enhancement Programme


My parents weren't married in an Orthodox synagogue. How do I proceed?

Some additional documentation will be required to establish your Jewish bona fides; the Beth Din will advise about this.

I don't have an Orthodox Rabbi who has known me that long. How can I proceed?

It may be possible to find other people who have known you well for a long time to testify to your single status before the Beth Din. The Beth Din will be able to advise who is qualified to do this for you. Please check that they are willing to do this for you before submitting their names.

How do I find a Rabbi to marry us?

You need to get in touch with the Rabbanut (Office of the Chief Rabbinate) in the area/town where you are getting married in order to open a file. They will expect to receive the letter from your local Beth Din before agreeing to marry you. They will provide you with the ketuba (marriage contract) and a qualified Rabbi to solemnise your wedding.

When should I contact the Israeli Rabbinut?

A file can be opened with the Israeli Rabbinate well in advance (eg 4 - 6 months) of the wedding date. However, the certificate from the London Beth Din attesting to your single status is only valid for 3 months. If you anticipate any complications, it may be advisable to allow more time to sort out the paperwork.

Is my Israeli marriage recognised in Britain?

Marriages under the official Rabbinate in Israel are registered with the Ministry of Religious affairs and, subsequent to the wedding, you will be issued with a Te'udat Nissu'in (marriage certificate) which is the State registration of your marriage. As such, this certificate is recognised by the British authorities as equivalent to a civil marriage, so no further civil ceremony is required.

Is it possible for my United Synagogue Rabbi to perform the ceremony in Israel?

This is can usually be arranged but he will need permission to do this from the Israeli Rabbinic Authorities. Contact the Marriage Authorisation Office (0208343 6313) for guidance on how to facilitate this.

Will the Israeli Rabbinut expect anything else from us?

The Israeli Rabbinate will ordinarily require proof that the couple have had marriage lessons and that the bride has gone to the mikvah. It is strongly advised that anyone planning a marriage contacts the Marriage Enhancement Programme well before the marriage.

We are returning to the UK after our marriage is Israel, are we able to join the United Synagogue and is there a membership discount scheme?

The United Synagogue is able to offer membership to couples marrying in Israel once documentation from a recognized orthodox authority has been verified. Please ask your local United Synagogue administrator for further details of the membership scheme.




For further enquiries please contact:

The London Beth Din
Tel: 020 8343 6270
Email: info@bethdin.org.uk

Upcoming Events

SUNDAY 24 JUNE 2012
F@B PRESENTS
A MIDSUMMER SOIREE
FEATURING BOYBERSHOP &
THE ILLYRIA STRING QUARTET

this week
shabbat times

May. 18th - 19th
27th Iyar
Begins: 20:36
Ends: 21:51
Sedra: Behar-Bechukotai (Mevorachim Hachodesh)

Belmont Synagogue

About Belmont