agunah

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to an anonymous divorced man who gives us his perspective on the divorce process and the need to protect oneself from his own darkest inclinations.

While one would never assume themselves capable of get (divorce document) refusal, the emotions of uncoupling run high and it's possible to find yourself considering using the get as a bargaining chip. We sit down with a man who was in this exact predicament and he explains why the get should never be used in this way and how signing a halakhic prenup protects both people in the dissolving marriage.

-What role do community leaders, rabbeim, and therapists play in a couple's divorce process?
-What should one do post divorce to better themselves?
-What can men do to protect themselves from even the consideration of get refusal?
-How important is the halakhic prenup for all communities?

Tune in to hear a conversation on divorce, granting a get, and what can be done to protect against our baser instincts.

References:
To Heal a Fractured World by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck
Game Plan for Life by Joe Gibbs

For more, visit https://18forty.org/agunah

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Bari Mitzmann - Instagram content creator and host of the Women of Valor podcast - about social media advocacy, particularly in regard to the agunah crisis.

With an Instagram audience of 30,000 followers, Bari is often asked to promote causes. One such cause was the recent #FreeChava campaign where Bari's promotion helped spark recent support for agunot. While posting about advocacy on social media seems like a natural thing to do, it can be hard to verify information about the causes being posted. Bari therefore likes to be careful about what she posts, posting sparingly to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Does Bari use her account for advocacy? What kind of advocacy works best on social media? Why did she choose to advocate regarding the agunah crisis? What boundaries can be established on social media to maintain agency and sanity? Tune in to hear Bari Mitzmann reflect on her social media advocacy and the role she played in recent agunah advocacy.

References:
Women of Valor podcast with Bari Mitzmann

For more, visit https://18forty.org/agunah/.

Bari Mitzmann is a content creator, wife, and mother of two, who partners with women of all backgrounds to provide personal growth support. Bari holds a BA in Psychology, a Masters in Education, and has a large following on Instagram, where she thinks and talks about nutrition, social change, and the world of Jewish women. Bari is the host of the Woman of Valor podcast, which offers candid conversation and practical advice for the modern woman. Bari joins 18Forty to discuss social advocacy, change, and how to build a better world through social media.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Keshet Starr - CEO of ORA - about what it’s like to work on the front lines of agunah activism.

As the CEO of ORA - the Organization for the Resolution of Agunot - Keshet is directly involved with many cases of get-refusal, working with both parties to ensure a satisfactory resolution. She is also involved in agunah advocacy - both for specific agunot and to raise awareness for the issue in general - and prevention. While many are averse to the concept of prenups, as it makes them uncomfortable, Keshet works to normalize and publicize the halakhic prenup, as well as other agunah prevention tactics.

What does a typical agunah case look like? What steps does ORA take when helping an agunah? Do they protest on social media and at the get-refuser’s home immediately, or first verify the details of the case and develop a plan of action? Who does the prenup benefit and how does it give newlyweds insurance? Does it create a standard for marriage that’s better for everyone? Tune in to hear Keshet Starr reflect on her work in agunah advocacy, and the contributions she’s made as the CEO of ORA.

References:
Tears of the Oppressed by Aviad Hacohen
Meishiv Milchama by Rav Goren
Marriage, Divorce, and the Abandoned Wife in Jewish Law by Michael Broyde
Gray Matter by Chaim Jachter
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

For more, visit https://18forty.org/agunah/.

Mrs. Keshet Starr, Esq., is the Executive Director of the Organization for the Resolution of Agunot (ORA), the leading nonprofit organization addressing the agunah (Jewish divorce refusal) crisis worldwide. At ORA, Keshet oversees advocacy, early intervention, and prevention initiatives to eliminate abuse from the Jewish divorce process. Keshet is a Wexner field fellow and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Keshet has written and lectured widely on issues relating to divorce, domestic abuse, and the intersection between civil and religious divorce processes. Keshet brings to 18Forty her passion, wisdom, and commitment to bringing change to individuals and the Jewish world.

The Mamzerus Crisis & Solutions