Agunot meaning

Agunot are women who are unable to obtain a religious divorce from their husbands, leaving them in a state of marital limbo.


Agunot definitions

Word backwards tonuga
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division a-gu-not
Plural The plural of the word agunot is also agunot.
Total letters 6
Vogais (3) a,u,o
Consonants (3) g,n,t

Agunot, which means "chained women" in Hebrew, refers to Jewish women who are unable to obtain a religious divorce, known as a get, from their husbands. This situation leaves them in a state of limbo, unable to remarry under Jewish law and often facing social stigma and financial difficulties.

Causes of Agunot

There are several reasons why a woman may become an agunah. One common scenario is when a husband refuses to grant his wife a get, either out of spite or as a way to manipulate and control her. In some cases, a husband may be missing or incapacitated, making it impossible for the wife to receive a get.

Legal Challenges

Agunot face significant legal challenges in attempting to free themselves from their marriages. The Rabbinical Courts in Israel have the authority to compel a husband to grant a get, but in practice, this is not always effective. In countries without a religious court system, agunot may have even fewer options for obtaining a divorce.

Social and Financial Consequences

Being an agunah can have severe social and financial consequences for women. In many communities, a woman who is unable to obtain a get is treated as an outcast, leading to feelings of isolation and shame. Additionally, without a religious divorce, an agunah is often unable to remarry or move on with her life, impacting her ability to start a new family or pursue new relationships.

Agunot organizations and advocates work tirelessly to support these women and find ways to help them secure a get. Through legal advocacy, grassroots organizing, and public awareness campaigns, efforts are being made to address the systemic issues that contribute to the plight of agunot.

It is essential to raise awareness about the challenges faced by agunot and work towards finding solutions that prioritize the well-being and autonomy of these women. By addressing the root causes of agunot status and supporting initiatives that empower women to seek religious divorces, we can create a more just and equitable society for all individuals.


Agunot Examples

  1. Women who are agunot often struggle to obtain a religious divorce.
  2. The issue of agunot has been a longstanding challenge in Jewish communities.
  3. The agunot rights movement works to address the plight of women unable to obtain a get.
  4. Many agunot feel trapped in marriages they want to leave.
  5. Rabbis play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of agunot.
  6. Agunot often face social stigma within their communities.
  7. Legal reforms have been proposed to protect the rights of agunot.
  8. Agunot are women whose husbands refuse to grant them a Jewish divorce.
  9. The issue of agunot highlights the need for religious and legal reforms.
  10. Agunot cases can be emotionally and psychologically distressing for those involved.


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  • Updated 26/06/2024 - 14:39:10