Possibility of America’s involvement in the war with the resulting problem of deserted wives revived the proposed “agunah” reform at today’s session of the Rabbinical Assembly’s fortieth annual convention, which is being held at Shaarey Zedek Congregation.
The body of Conservative rabbis has indicated approval in principle of a proposal by Rabbi Louis Epstein that traditional Jewish law be modified to permit an “agunah,” or abandoned wife, to obtain a divorce in certain cases, through a rabbinical tribunal.
“What with the Government’s mobilization plans and the possibility of the United States being drawn into the war, timely action on this matter may save many a bride of the next few years from the fate of an agunah,” Rabbi David Aronson, Minneapolis, asserted today.
Dr. Abram L. Sachar, in a special message outlining the work of the B’nai B’rith Hillel Foundations, invited the cooperation of Conservative rabbis in intensifying work among students.
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