Halizah

Origins and history

The practice stems from biblical laws regarding levirate marriage. Over time, rabbis grew concerned about motives for such unions. They preferred the halizah ceremony as a cleaner solution. This shift made the marriage option rare. Today, only Orthodox communities maintain the full ritual. Reform Judaism views the custom as having lost its binding force.

How it is kept

The event requires a court of three judges. The widow and her brother-in-law stand before them. A public examination confirms their identities and maturity. The brother wears a leather shoe on his right foot. He walks briefly while the widow loosens the straps. She removes the shoe and spits on the ground nearby. Specific Hebrew verses are recited throughout the process.

Dress and objects

A special shoe is central to the ritual. It must be made entirely of leather from a kosher animal. The construction includes two pieces sewn with leather thread. Straps secure the shoe to the leg. The community often provides this item. The brother's foot must be washed thoroughly before he puts it on.

Legal status today

In Israel, halizah is a legal requirement for religious divorce. No Orthodox rabbi performs levirate marriages anymore. Most view the idea as outdated. Reform leaders have dismissed the custom entirely. Between ten and twenty ceremonies occur annually in Israel. The practice remains strictly within Orthodox observance.

How Halizah is kept

Three judges sit on a bench while the couple stands between them. The brother wears a leather shoe on his right foot. He walks four cubits in front of the court. The widow loosens the straps and removes the shoe. She throws it away and spits on the floor. Both parties recite specific declarations in Hebrew. The judges then pronounce a blessing.

When and where

It happens after the husband's death when no children exist. The date is set by the court. It cannot occur on the Sabbath or holidays. The event usually follows the morning service.

The ceremony takes place in a synagogue court or a rabbi's house. It may also occur in the widow's home. The location is chosen for public visibility. Israel hosts the majority of these events today.

What Halizah means

Removing the shoe symbolizes the transfer of rights. It marks the end of the brother's obligation. Some view it as a sign of mourning. Others see it as a renunciation of inheritance. The act publicly declares the widow free to choose a new partner.

Who takes part

• The widow: Loosens the shoe and spits on the floor
• The brother-in-law: Wears the shoe and declares his refusal to marry
• The judges: Oversee the ceremony and recite blessings
• The witnesses: Verify the identity and maturity of the parties

If you are a guest

Guests observe the proceedings as a public record. They ensure the ritual follows legal standards. Their presence validates the release of the widow. No specific gifts or attire are required for attendees.

Then and now

The custom is shrinking in scope. Only Orthodox Jews perform it fully. Reform Judaism rejects the obligation entirely. Legal reforms in Israel make it a mandatory step for religious divorce. The number of ceremonies remains low each year.

Questions people ask about Halizah

See also

Jewish weddingThe ceremony and laws that bind a couple in Jewish marriage, from the canopy to the glass.Baháʼí marriageA spiritual union requiring parental consent and a specific vow to establish harmony between partners.WimpelA linen sash made from a baby boy's circumcision cloth that binds the Torah scroll.Tu B'AvA minor Jewish holiday in Israel that serves as a popular day for weddings and matchmaking.

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Halizah on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.