Get married at Beit Emanuel

Beit Emanuel Progressive Synagogue will be delighted to help you with your marriage plans.

Our Rabbi, Dr Robert Ash, is a licensed Marriage Officer and can perform both civil and Jewish religious marriages.

Traditional Jewish law requires that both partners to a marriage be Jewish. No distinction is made between those born Jewish and those who have converted to become Jewish. Under the agreement between the Progressive Rabbis and the Progressive synagogues in South Africa, known as Minhag South Africa, our Rabbis may perform marriages only between persons both of whom are Jewish.

Since 2006 developments in South African law have made possible marriage between two partners of the same sex. The South African Union for Progressive Judaism, in common with Progressive Movements around the world, has ruled that Rabbis and Marriage Officers may conduct same sex marriages between two Jews, if they desire to do so. Rabbi Ash and Beit Emanuel welcome applications from all Jews who wish to be married under Progressive Jewish auspices.

There are certain restrictions placed upon marriage by Jewish traditions and secular laws in terms of whom one may marry. Potential marriage partners should consult a Rabbi or Jewish Marriage Officer for clarification of these restrictions, which mainly, but not exclusively, apply to marriage between close blood relatives.

Progressive Judaism no longer recognizes the ancient category of mamzer and does not restrict the freedom of cohanim (priests) to marry whom they wish.

If you are interested in marrying under the auspices of Beit Emanuel, please make an appointment to meet with Rabbi Ash who will guide you through the process and answer any questions which you might have.

Beit Emanuel has published a booklet which describes the traditions and practices of Progressive Jewish marriage. You can obtain a copy free from the synagogue office.