Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann plans to propose a law on Sunday which would grant increased authority to Rabbinic courts. The law is identical to the one which was proposed by Friedmann’s predecessor Chaim Ramon and rejected by the government.
Under the current law, Rabbinic courts may only judge in cases of marriage and divorce, and in determining personal status under Jewish law. The proposed law would grant the courts the power to judge civil and financial disputes as well. The law faces opposition from groups that say it violates the status-quo agreement and from women’s organizations, which worry that women who want a Jewish divorce will face financial extortion.
Under the current law, Rabbinic courts may only judge in cases of marriage and divorce, and in determining personal status under Jewish law. The proposed law would grant the courts the power to judge civil and financial disputes as well. The law faces opposition from groups that say it violates the status-quo agreement and from women’s organizations, which worry that women who want a Jewish divorce will face financial extortion.