In Israel, marriage can be performed only under the auspices of the religious community to which couples belong, and inter-faith marriages performed within the country are not legally recognized. However, marriages performed abroad or remotely from Israel must be registered by the government. Matrimonial law is based on the millet or confessional community system which had been employed in the Ottoman Empire, including what is now Israel, was not modified during the British Mandate of the region, and remains in force in the State of Israel.
Bride and groom praying at the Western Wall before their wedding
Jewish wedding in Jerusalem, 2011
Jewish wedding in Israel, early 1950s
A sip of wine under the wedding canopy
Chief Rabbinate of Israel
The Chief Rabbinate of Israel is recognized by law as the supreme rabbinic authority for Judaism in Israel. The Chief Rabbinate Council assists the two Chief Rabbis, who alternate in its presidency. It has legal and administrative authority to organize religious arrangements for Israel's Jews. It also responds to halakhic questions submitted by Jewish public bodies in the Diaspora. The Council sets, guides, and supervises agencies within its authority.
Image: David Lau 1
Image: Yitzhak Yosef CHIEF SEPHARDIC RABBI OF ISRAEL הרב בורשטין והרב יצחק יוסף (cropped)