As the war in Israel leaves countless families shattered, the issue of chalitza resurfaces with complicated consequences for widows. In this second episode on chalitza, Susan and Rivkah discuss halachic solutions--past and present--and why the current crisis makes it more urgent than ever to address. Learn about what the Center for Women's Justice …

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…

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 reli…

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 s…

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 f…

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 …

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…

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.Susan Weiss and Rivkah Lubitch