Legal Marriage in Israel

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 are required to go to the Beit Din Rabani (no appointment is necessary) and submit the following documents:

1. Original Kesubah (Jewish marriage contract), plus a copy
2. Passport of each spouse, plus a copy
3. Passport picture of each spouse
4. Original letter from mesader kedushin, acceptable in Hebrew only, written on his official stationery containing all details pertaining to the marriage ceremony. A sample letter is available here. The letter should include the following details:
   1. Date and location
   2. Names, passport numbers and birthdays of bride and groom
   3. Names and birthdays of the parents of the bride and groom
   4. The fact that the marriage was conducted by him according to Jewish law
   5. The fact that both spouses are Jewish and were single and over age 18 at the time of marriage
   6. If the couple was married in Israel: a commitment not to perform another marriage ceremony for any couple who did not first register legally
   7. Mesader kedushin’s name, title, credentials, phone number, and original signature
5. Payment of 282 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.

Applications are processed and completed within 2-4 weeks of submission.You will be notified when to return 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.  

Email Applications

• Pay the fee online to open a file.  Either print the receipt or take a screenshot for proof of payment.
• Email the Rabanut the following scanned documents:
  • Application form for Ishur Nisu’in
  • Email Contact Form
  • Both spouses passports
  • Kesuba
  • Wife’s parents’ kesuba
  • Passport size photo of each spouse
  • Letter from Mesader Kiddushin (see above for 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 and 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