The Organization for the Resolution of Agunot (ORA) is a not-for-profit social service agency that resolves cases of contested Jewish divorce, the majority of which involve domestic abuse. Specifically, ORA helps couples resolve their differences to effectuate a timely Jewish divorce in accordance with the highest standards of Jewish law.

(What exactly is a Jewish divorce, and how is it different than a civil divorce? Click here to learn more.)

ORA operates under the direct guidance of Rabbi Hershel Schachter, Rosh Yeshiva and Rosh Kollel at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, an affiliate of Yeshiva University. Additionally, ORA works with a team of attorneys and mental health professionals and collaborates with rabbis and Jewish courts around the world.

The primary role of ORA is to provide basic information about the Jewish divorce process to couples, and to dispel false impressions about Jewish divorce which hinder a quick and amicable resolution. ORA acts as an impartial intermediary between husband and wife and walks each party through the divorce process.  ORA reestablishes the often shattered lines of communication and, when appropriate, advocates for the rights of either of the divorcing parties.

To date ORA has directly assisted 70 women receive Jewish divorces, and has provided consultations to many more couples from around the world.