Marriage Suitability (Nissuin)
The Talmud in Tractate Kiddushin 6a writes whoever is not well versed in the laws of marriage and divorce should not undertake to perform the marriage ceremony.
It is interesting to note that the Shulchan Aruch Even Hoezer section 49 writes that the main area of concern was that perhaps through a lack of knowledge inadvertently the Rabbi may perform a wedding ceremony for a couple who are prohibited to marry. Resulting in offspring that would have the status of mamzeirim.
A Rabbi must first ascertain that the groom and the bride are both of the Jewish faith. (see tab Certificate of Jewish Identity). However once this has been established that not necessarily means that the couple are permitted to marry al pi halacha according to Jewish Law.
Issues that need to be addressed include but not limited to.
1. The groom is a Cohen
2. The bride or her parents are geirim converts
3. The bride is a divorcee
4. Yibum and Chalitzah
5. Second marriages
6. Conservative and Reform marriage ceremonies
I offer the service whereby after the necessary investigation and halachic issues have been thoroughly addressed a document of permission or prohibition will be issued in relation to the forthcoming marriage.
Please email the office to request a form. inforabbibarber@gmail.com