Can a Cohen Marry a Divorcee? Options for Couples

Can a cohen marry a divorcee? The short answer: under Orthodox halacha, no. The Torah forbids a kohen (a man from the priestly family) to marry a divorced woman, and because Jewish marriages in Israel go through the Chief Rabbinate, the Rabbinate will not marry such a couple. But many couples in this situation do marry: through a civil wedding abroad that is then registered in Israel, through a Reform or liberal Jewish ceremony, or by combining the two. This guide explains the halacha, the Israeli legal picture and the practical options. General information, not legal advice.

Where Does the Prohibition Come From?

The source is in the book of Leviticus: “Nor shall they marry a woman divorced from her husband, for he is holy to his God” (Leviticus 21:7). The Shulchan Aruch, the classic code of Jewish law, rules that a kohen is forbidden by Torah law to marry a divorcee (Even HaEzer 6:1). In Orthodox practice this is not a rabbinic stringency that can be waived, which is why couples often hear that there is “no solution” within the Rabbinate.

I want to say something personal here. As a rabbi I respect tradition and those who keep it. I also meet couples who feel this rule hurts them though they have done nothing wrong. That feeling is legitimate, and there are real options.

What This Means in Israel

In Israel, marriage between Jews is conducted by the Rabbinate and the rabbinical courts, under Torah law. A Knesset Research and Information Center paper on alternatives to religious marriage explains that people who are unable to marry “according to the law of Moses and Israel” are those the rabbinical court has ruled cannot marry this way, and lists marriage between a kohen and a divorcee as one of the grounds. You can read the Knesset research paper (Hebrew). For a wider overview, see the legal status of marriage in Israel. I also wrote about a related case: can a kohen marry a convert. For the full picture of marriage restrictions, see who can get married in Israel.

Your Options

A Civil Wedding Abroad, Then Registration

Many couples who cannot marry through the Rabbinate hold a civil wedding in another country, and then ask the Population and Immigration Authority to update their personal status. The relevant service is change of personal status on gov.il (Hebrew). Israel’s Supreme Court held as far back as the Funk Schlesinger case (HCJ 143/62) that the registration clerk is “only a registrar”, not a judge. Registration is not a ruling on the halachic question, and it is not proof of personal status. Read more about civil marriage options.

A Reform Jewish Wedding

The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism states clearly that it sees nothing wrong with a kohen marrying a divorcee or a convert (Reform movement FAQ, Hebrew). A Reform wedding is a full Jewish ceremony: chuppah, kiddushin, ketubah, Seven Blessings and the breaking of the glass. It is not registered by the state on its own, which is why many couples pair it with a civil marriage.

Both Together

Plenty of couples do both: a civil wedding for registration, and a Jewish chuppah in front of family and friends for meaning. You get the paperwork and the moment.

Let me say it simply: I officiate weddings for a cohen and a divorcee. I would be glad to stand with you under the chuppah and lead a warm, dignified Jewish ceremony, and you can pair it with a civil marriage as described above.

Living Together as Common Law Partners

Some couples choose to live together as recognized partners (in Hebrew, “yeduim batzibur”) without a registered marriage. That has legal consequences, so speak to a family lawyer before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a Reform rabbi marry a cohen and a divorcee?

The Reform movement’s position is that there is no bar to such a marriage. Each rabbi decides which ceremonies they lead, and I can speak for myself: I officiate weddings for a cohen and a divorcee. I am happy to talk with you and shape a ceremony that fits you.

What is the halachic status of their children?

According to the Shulchan Aruch, a child born to a kohen and a divorcee is called a “chalal” in halacha (Even HaEzer 7:12). This relates to the laws of the priesthood. If it matters to you, look into it carefully with a rabbi and a lawyer before the wedding.

Is there a halachic “heter” (permission)?

In Orthodox halacha the prohibition is from the Torah, so the marriage cannot be held through the Rabbinate. If someone promises you a halachic workaround, ask for the source.

Does this apply outside Israel?

The halacha is the same everywhere. What changes is civil law. In many countries couples can marry civilly where they live and add a Jewish ceremony by choice; check the rules of the country involved.

In Summary

A cohen and a divorcee cannot marry through the Israeli Rabbinate, but that is not the end of the road. A civil marriage abroad, a Reform chuppah, or both let you marry with love and dignity. Every couple’s situation is different, so it is worth speaking to a lawyer as well. General information, not legal advice. I officiate weddings for a cohen and a divorcee, and I would be glad to stand with you under the chuppah. If you would like to talk about a Jewish ceremony that feels right for you, you are welcome to contact the rabbi for an introductory conversation.