Last Sunday, April 14, the Organization for the Resolution of Agunot, a not-for-profit organization (which assists divorcing couples in resolving contested Jewish divorces in a timely fashion and in accordance with the highest standards of Jewish law) held a rally in Fair Lawn in front of the home of a recalcitrant husband, Jute David Kestler, who has been withholding a get from his wife Robyn for more more than two-and-a-half years. The Rabbinical Council of America’s Beit Din issued a siruv, a contempt citation, against Kestler for his non-appearance at the Beit Din of America.

Almost 100 people stood in front of Kestler’s home, carrying signs asking him to free his wife. The public protest is often employed by ORA in an attempt to shame the husbands into granting gets.

Since its founding in 2002, ORA has assisted in the resolution of over 195 disputed divorce cases. They are currently working on 50-60 open cases. ORA provides its services free of charge.

ORA operates under the guidance of Rabbi Herschel Schachter, rosh yeshiva at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), and in cooperation with an extensive team of attorneys, rabbis, mental health professionals, and community volunteers.

ORA director, Rabbi Jeremy Stern, invites people to visit the website at www.getorah.org to learn more and to contact them about any agunot who need help. You can also call the office at (212)795-0791.

By Jeanette Friedman