Special Laws for Jews.—The law of marriage and divorce which governs the Jews of Russia differs in many particulars from the rules applicable to adherents of other sects. This special set of regulations comes from the people of Israel themselves and is an outgrowth of the ancient Mosaic code of jurisprudence. In thus permitting the Jews to have a body of rules founded on the ancient precedents of their race and in agreement with their consciences we find at least one attitude of wise tolerance for which the Russian Empire is entitled to credit.
Betrothal.—A Jewish betrothal must take place in the presence of two competent witnesses. The consent of the parents of either party is not required. Like marriage the betrothal can be dissolved only by death or by divorce. It obligates the parties to marry within thirty days from the date on which either demands marriage.
A betrothal may be dissolved on the following grounds:
A. Evil conduct.
B. Change of religion.
C. Insanity.
D. Unchastity of either party or of one of his or her near relatives.
E. By the man entering a dishonest occupation.
Impediments.—Besides the impediments which prevent certain people of other sects from lawfully concluding marriage there are other impediments specially applicable to Jewish people. Briefly enumerated they are as follows:
1. A woman guilty of adultery, or even of secret association, with a man against her husband’s will cannot marry her accomplice.