Justice Unbound: Women, Religion and the State of Israel

Susan and Rivkah delve into the ancient ritual of chalitza, a halachic ceremony releasing a widow from marrying her late husband's brother. What does chalitza mean for women today, especially in the modern state of Israel? What happens to a woman when chalitza can't—or won't—be done? Through personal stories, expert insights and a critical lens, we explore the halachic, legal, and cultural dimensions of this practice. Justice Unbound is made possible by the generous support of the Gimprich Family Foundation. Mentioned in this episode: Family Law and the Challenge of Modernity: Debate about Levirate Marriage among Moroccan Sages by Elimelech Westreich https://bit.ly/Westreich

What does the Ottoman Sultan have to do with Jewish divorce in 2025? Susan and Rivkah delve into the surprising origins of Israel's two-tracked civil system, consisting of religious and secular courts. What is the difference between these secular and religious courts, and how do Israelis decide where to go? Are non-Jews in Israel also bound by religious courts? And how can a democratic state operate religious courts, anyway? Justice Unbound is made possible by the generous support of the Gimprich Family Foundation. Mentioned in this episode: Scholarship of Dr. Yüksel Sezgin https://bit.ly/YSezgin

Chuppot is an independent rabbinic-halachic organization that marries couples in accordance with Jewish law--but outside the purview of the State Rabbinate. Since its establishment in 2018, Chuppot has married 1600 couples... and counting. Why does an alternative like this exist? And what ramifications does it have for the next generation? Rivkah speaks with Rabbi Chuck Davidson, director of Chuppot's halachic department. Justice Unbound is made possible by the generous support of the Gimprich Family Foundation.

Can a Jewish marriage that was never consummated be annulled? Not so fast. Susan Weiss and Rivkah Lubitch tell the story of a 17-year-old girl in a marriage she can't escape. The episode introduces the halachic concept of "ma'is alay"–"he disgusts me"–circumstances under which a woman cannot stand to sleep with her husband, which has implications for divorce. Being repulsed by her husband did not help the 17-year-old girl get out of her marriage. What did? Justice Unbound is made possible by the generous support of the Gimprich Family Foundation.

Is polygamy legal in Israel, and is it grounds for divorce? Susan Weiss and Rivkah Lubitch share the story of Rivkah's client, whose husband married a second wife while refusing to divorce the first. This episode underscores how women pay the price when religious law is imposed by the state. Justice Unbound is made possible by the generous support of the Gimprich Family Foundation.

Susan Weiss and Rivkah Lubitch talk about agunot, Jewish women held in marital captivity. They explain marriage and divorce in Jewish Law, the legal system in Israel, and how things work in the state-backed rabbinic courts.

This episode tells the story of one of Rivkah's first clients, who waited 20 years for her get—Jewish bill of divorce. Justice Unbound is made possible by the generous support of the Gimprich Family Foundation.

Rivkah Lubitch and Susan Weiss take you behind the closed doors of Israeli Rabbinic Courts to reveal the real stories of women seeking justice under religious law in Israel.

Justice Unbound is made possible by the generous support of the Gimprich Family Foundation.