- Family and Society
- General Questions
Relationship with a divorced woman
Question
Good day Rabbi,
I would like to know if I (Kohein) would loose my Kohanim status if I date a divorced woman?
I have found the most incredible woman. When we met I knew she was a widower however a month into our relationship we spoke about our previous marriages and she told me she was married prior to her second marriage.
I do know the prohibition that we (Kohanim) are not allowed to wed divorcees however I am getting mixed answers - from the Rabbi’s I have consulted - if we are allowed to date without any intentions of ever getting married, living together or having children.
She is a true Eishes Chayil and I believe I have found my beshert in her. I would hate to loose both our chances of hope and happiness after so much loss and heartache.
I look forward to your response.
Answer
Shalom
I understand your question but, unfortunately, I do not see a solution as a Cohen cannot marry a divorcee. This is a result of the special elevated nature of the Cohen.
I recognize that this is not easy to hear but this is the clear halacha.
Kol tuv

Rules to Shiduchim
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 7 Tishrei 5764
What must I tell my future wife
Rabbi Gideon Weitzman | 22 Nisan 5765

Dor YeSharim
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 19 Tammuz 5766

Cohen that marries a widow
Various Rabbis | Tammuz 1, 5770
Rabbi Gideon Weitzman
Works at the Puah Institution of Fertility and medicine according to halacha.
Red clothing
15 Adar I 5763
Women wearing pants for sports
2 Adar II 5763
Working Together During Niddah
21 Tammuz 5763
Head Covering for Unmarried Women
18 Sivan 5763

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773

cutting toilet paper on shabbat
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Av 28, 5768
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

cutting toilet paper on shabbat
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Av 28, 5768

money issues
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Iyyar 24, 5783

Troubled by Basic Questions: God, Torah, Running the World..
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 27, 5783

Mitzwoth and Converts
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 5, 5783
