Press Release

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Divorce is not something anyone is taught how to do. And yet, when a person suddenly finds themselves in this reality, they land on unfamiliar terrain — one with its own rules, terminology, systems, and emotional weight. For Jewish individuals, the path is often even more complex, as they navigate both civil court and beit din simultaneously, often with little guidance on how to manage the two processes at once. Matrimonial law is complex, as are the halachot related to divorce -- and none of this even touches on the heart of the matter -- the emotional toll of divorcing. 

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Recognizing this need, ORA has launched The Get Guide, a new, accessible companion for individuals and families navigating Jewish divorce. The resource was first introduced at the recent OU Rebbetzin Conference and to members of the RCBC, and is now available to the broader community.

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Having resources early on is not only supportive — it can impact outcomes. People deserve clarity from the start. This guide is designed to give them a sense of steadiness and understanding at a moment that is often overwhelming. We wrote this guide with the reader in mind, doing our best to stay attuned to the needs and also mindset, priorities -- and also fears, in order to anticipate what information might be most helpful. 

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The Get Guide distills the most essential information about the divorce process:

• what substantive issues arise in divorce

• what to expect when approaching beit din

• key differences between civil and halachic processes

• questions to ask, pitfalls to avoid, and terminology to know

 

Importantly, the guide is written not only for those going through divorce themselves, but also for the people who accompany them — rabbis, rebbetzins, friends, parents, and siblings seeking to better understand how to support their loved ones with sensitivity and confidence.

 

The Get Guide is the brainchild of Andrea and Bryan Bier, who transformed their own experience supporting a loved one through divorce into a mission to make the journey clearer for others. Their vision, dedication, and partnership were instrumental in shaping this project, and ORA expresses deep gratitude for their leadership and generosity.

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The need for such a resource has become increasingly urgent. Nearly a decade ago, ORA began seeing a startling trend: individuals were reaching out for help years after separation — often three to five years too late. The ramifications of this reality were stark. Decisive choices were made, many which could not be undone. That’s when ORA created One Step Forward, its Jewish Divorce Resource Line, which has since fielded 8,000 calls for help, supports individuals at every stage of the divorce process. The Get Guide complements this helpline, offering a clear, concrete, and accessible tool that people can turn to from the very beginning.

 

Divorce will never be easy, but it can be clearer, calmer, and less isolating when people have a companion in hand. The Get Guide was created to be exactly that.