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A woman cannot be married against her will

Rabbi Ya'aqob Menashe
Tuesday, May 19, 2009/Iyyar 25, 5769
We sometimes hear in the news about "forced marriages". This is a totally foreign concept in Judaism. In the Jewish religion a woman cannot be married against her will.

Even in an extreme case, if the Kesef Qiddushin (the ring or coins which are used to perform the wedding) were forced on her, the marriage would not be valid and she should throw the ring or coins onto the ground immediately.

In addition to the bride's acquiescence, two witnesses must be present to witness the handing over of the money or ring. Without this, the Qiddushin (marriage) is invalid. However, if two men were brought to witness the event, but were not told that it was their function (to be witnesses), provided they saw the ring or coins change hands and heard the bridegroom (Hathan) say "Haarei Aht Mequdesheth Li...", the marriage is valid.

(See Qanun Il Nissa, Huqqei Hannashim, Pereq 45)

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