Agunah

Definition

An agunah is a woman who is unable to remarry due to her husband's absence or refusal to grant a religious divorce (get) in Jewish law. This situation often arises when a husband goes missing, such as in war, or simply refuses to grant the divorce, leaving the woman in a state of marital bind. The issue of agunah highlights significant challenges and inequities women face within the framework of Jewish law (halakhah), particularly regarding divorce and women's rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. An agunah is often left in a vulnerable position as she cannot remarry or move on with her life while still being bound to her husband legally and religiously.
2. The situation of agunot (plural of agunah) can lead to significant psychological and social distress for women, as they may face stigmas and isolation.
3. Efforts to resolve the agunah issue have led to various legal innovations and community discussions aimed at providing women with more autonomy within halakhah.
4. Many modern Jewish communities are working on solutions such as prenuptial agreements that aim to prevent situations where a woman becomes an agunah.
5. The agunah issue raises broader questions about gender equality in religious contexts and the need for reforms in traditional practices.

Review Questions

• How does the status of an agunah reflect the challenges women face within Jewish law?
  • The status of an agunah underscores significant challenges women face in Jewish law, particularly regarding their rights in marriage and divorce. Since an agunah cannot remarry without receiving a get from her husband, she remains legally bound despite potentially being abandoned or mistreated. This situation reveals inequalities in how halakhah treats women compared to men, who can more easily initiate divorce, leading to calls for reform within the religious community.
• Discuss the implications of an agunah's situation on the broader community dynamics within Jewish society.
  • The situation of an agunah has profound implications for community dynamics within Jewish society, as it can create divisions between those advocating for women's rights and those adhering strictly to traditional interpretations of halakhah. The existence of agunot can lead to discussions about gender roles and highlight the need for innovative solutions like prenuptial agreements. Furthermore, it can also result in social stigmas surrounding women who are unable to remarry, affecting their mental health and community standing.
• Evaluate the potential solutions that have been proposed or implemented to address the agunah problem in contemporary Jewish communities.
  • Potential solutions to the agunah problem include prenuptial agreements that require a husband to provide a get under certain circumstances, thereby preventing situations where a woman becomes trapped in an unsolvable marriage. Additionally, some communities have explored halakhic leniencies or alternative legal avenues that allow for granting a divorce under specific conditions. Evaluating these solutions reveals ongoing tensions between maintaining traditional practices and addressing contemporary issues of gender equality, reflecting a dynamic interplay between law, faith, and social justice.

Related terms

get: A religious divorce document in Jewish law that a husband must give to his wife for her to be permitted to remarry.

halakhah: Jewish law that governs all aspects of life, including marriage, divorce, and family relations.

ketubah: A Jewish marriage contract outlining the husband's responsibilities to his wife, including financial support and conditions for divorce.