Please read the list of FAQ’s below to answer questions you may have related to both the Gett and Conversion processes of the Beth Din.
Should you have a further question, or do not understand the information below, please don’t hesitate in contacting us via our contact page.
The Beth Din does not inquire as to the reasons for the application of a Gett. We understand that family situations are very complex and sensitive and trust that as 2 adults the parties have made the correct decision for them.
We do suggest that should there be a need or desire for any type of mediation, that this be sought out independantly.
In order for a Gett to be effective the attendance of both the husband and wife to a Beth Din is required.
For a standard Gett the husband and wife are present in the room for a few minutes together for the husband to hand over the Gett to the wife.
Sometimes the man and woman (or one of them) do not wish to be in the same room together, or see each other. Sometimes there is an Intervention Order that prohibits this. Sometimes one of them lives some distance away, or in another country. In any of these situations, with the assistance of the Beth Din, a Shaliach (agent) is appointed by the husband to be an intermediary between them. The husband will instruct the Shaliach to deliver the Gett to his wife on his behalf. This would usually happen on the same day, but may take place on a future date.
Yes, you are most welcome to bring someone who may stay by your side throughout the entire process.
For the men, please bring a Kippah (head covering), while we ask that the women please dress modestly according to Jewish law.
Should you need reading glasses please bring a pair with you.
If the woman is receiving her Gett through an agent (shaliach), she should bring a photo ID for identification purposes.
The Beth Din reserves the right to cancel an applicants conversion process through the Melbourne Beth Din based on its assessment of each individual candidate.
If you are nearing the end of your conversion and you want to undergo your bris (circumcision) in advance to help you prepare for the final stages of the conversion, you may make a request to the Beth Din to review your case and the Dayanim may allow for a bris to take place prior to completing the full program.
Congratulation on the birth of your baby boy, may he bring blessing and nachas to you.
A baby born to a mother who is undergoing the conversion program will need to have a bris and attend the Mikvah at the same time as his mother does. At that point he is considered to be a convert through the choice of the Beth Din, with the need to accept this conversion when he turns 13.
Many mothers would like to circumcise their son on the 8th day like a Jewish child born to a Jewish mother. This is not always possible and should be done only after consultation with the Beth Din. The Dayanim will consider each case on its merits, assessing all factors including:
If the Dayanim feel that a Bris (al Daas Beis Din – under the guidance of a Beth Din) is allowed a certified Mohel should be engaged and should be in contact with the Beth Din to ensure the correct paperwork is completed.
Should the Beth Din not recommend a Bris at this point, a circumcision could still be performed which will mean that at the time of the completion of the conversion a bris will not be necessary. However a Hatafat Dam Bris (a pin prick to draw blood) for the purpose of the conversion will still be needed.
Please be in touch with the Dayanim to assess your personal situation.
The general practice of the Melbourne Beth Din is to only accept a candidate who is living in the Melbourne Jewish Community and is within walking distance of an Orthodox Shule. Each candidate will be assessed based on their situation