Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Rabbi Cannot Perform His Own Marriage Ceremony, Quebec Judge Rules

June 17, 1958
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

A person cannot perform his own marriage ceremony in the Province of Quebec, Associate Chief Justice W.B. Scott ruled here in annulling a marriage contracted by a rabbi in Montreal nearly three years ago. The marriage was performed in accordance with Hebrew law and in the presence of several witnesses, but was not listed in any civil register.

Annulment was granted at the petition of the rabbi who recalled in his plea that his wife by an earlier marriage was alive and that that marriage had never been dissolved. The judge reprimanded the plaintiff rabbi, considering the position he occupied in the community. He said that the defendant also had not acted in good faith, as from the evidence the court was satisfied that she knew the plaintiff’s wife was still living at the time of the second marriage.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement