The ritual of separation and release is often the beginning of wholeness and healing. In the case of irreconcilable differences, a Reform rabbi may produce a non-traditional document that is mutually exchanged by separating husband and wife. Some Reform Jews have found great comfort and closure in using a Jewish ritual to end a marriage that was created with Jewish ritual. It is important, however, to know that this document is not a “get” (a formal divorce decree recognized by Conservative and Orthodox Jews). This is a ceremony that symbolically frees the estranged husband and wife to move forward in their separate lives. In each case, a civil divorce is still required.
