When Jews get a civil divorce, they may also get a religious divorce. If you are Orthodox, you must have the religious divorce before you are allowed to marry again in the synagogue. Traditionally, this consisted of the man giving a get (divorce contract to his wife). Women could not initiate religious divorce. (As usual, things are different in the Reform tradition. Many Reform Jews don't bother religious divorce, and those that do make a ceremony that is right for them. For example, in my synagogue, one divorcing couple brought their ketubah (wedding contract) to the rabbi's office and cut it into pieces.)

My question is this: do any of your religions have rituals associated with divorce? If so what are they? What useful purpose (if any) do you think divorce rituals serve?

• Message Board: Join in our discussion