Top judge to launch guide for lawyers on Jewish practices and customs
Lady Hale will unveil the Board of Deputies’ new booklet later this month, helping lawyers understand a range of sensitive issues in Judaism
The UK’s most senior judge is to launch a new guide to help lawyers grappling with cases involving Jewish families to understand Jewish customs.
Lady Hale, president of the Supreme Court, will unveil the Board of Deputies’ new booklet, called: ‘Jewish Family Life and Customs: A Practical Guide,’ on 28 November at the highest court in the land.
The document deals with a range of issues including the role of the rabbi, religious rites and life events, marriage, divorce, cohabitation, domestic and child abuse, conversion to Judaism, death, organ donation, bereavement and mourning.
Among its more detailed elements is an explanation of the Jewish religious divorce, or get. Administered by a Beth Din, the wife is traditionally given a get by her husband when the marriage breaks down, but some men refuse, either through obstinacy or mental impairment, or because he cannot be contacted.
“There is no remedy for any of these situations,” the guide advises. “Therefore it is essential that a wife is advised of these pitfalls well before the civil divorce has been concluded.”
Also attending the launch will be members of the Supreme Court, as well as High Court Judges, Circuit Judges, District Judges, Coroners and MPs.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
- Lady Hale
- News
- UK Supreme Court
- Jewish Family Life and Customs: A Practical Guide
- marriage
- divorce
- cohabitation
- domestic and child abuse
- conversion to Judaism
- Death
- organ donation
- bereavement
- mourning
- beth din
- High Court Judges
- Circuit Judges
- District Judges
- Coroners
- Board of Deputies of British Jews
