If your halachic marriage is not legally registered, it cannot be recognized by any government authority. This can be an obstacle in the case of a student who wishes to add his wife to his A/2 visa with A/4 status. It is important to obtain legal documentation of marriage as soon as possible.
To legalize a halachic marriage in Israel, you must apply in a Beit Din Rabbani, a beis din that is under the jurisdiction of the Israeli Rabbinate. The Beit Din has the power to legalize your marriage by approving it as halachically valid.
How To Apply
Applications can be submitted either in person or via email.
In person applications
To open a file, both spouses must go to the Beit Din Rabbani (no appointment is necessary) and submit the following documents:
- Original Kesubah (Jewish marriage contract), plus a copy
- Passport of each spouse, plus a copy
- Passport picture of each spouse
- Original letter from mesader kedushin, in Hebrew only, written on his official stationery and containing all details pertaining to the marriage ceremony (see below for required details). A sample letter is available here.
- Payment of 326 NIS – to be paid with Israeli credit card, or by obtaining a payment voucher from the Beit Din secretary, submitting cash payment for it at a post office, then presenting the signed receipt at the Beit Din. Cash or checks not accepted.
Required Details for Letter from Mesader Kiddushin
- Date and location of the wedding
- Names, passport numbers and birthdates of bride and groom
- Names and birthdates of the parents of both bride and groom
- Statement that the marriage was conducted according to Jewish law
- Confirmation that both spouses are Jewish, single and over age 18 at the time of marriage
- If the marriage was performed in Israel: a commitment not to conduct further weddings without prior legal registration
- The mesader kedushin’s name, title, credentials, phone number, and original signature
Applications are processed and completed within 2-4 weeks of submission. You will be notified when to return for a “diun” (hearing) in front of the beit din, at which you must bring along two unrelated male witnesses who know both spouses.
Email Applications
- Pay the fee online to open a file. Print the receipt or take a screenshot as proof of payment.
- Email the Rabanut the following scanned documents:
- Application form for ishur nisu’in
- Email contact form
- Passports of both spouses
- Kesuba
- Wife’s parents’ kesuba
- Passport-size photo of each spouse
- Letter from mesader kiddushin (see above for required details)
- Proof of online payment
They will respond with an appointment for a “diun” in front of the beit din, at which you will be asked to bring along two unrelated male witnesses who know both spouses.
Please note that every case is different. You may be asked to submit more documentation than what is listed here.
Beit Din Rabbani – Givat Shaul
Rechov Am V’Olamo 4, off Kanfei Nesharim
Email address: jerusalem@rbc.gov.il
Sunday – Thursday: 8:30 am-1:30 pm
Telephone: *5889
Fax: 02-623-2396
