Orthodox Objection to the Lieberman Clause

Abstract

A central part of understanding the Orthodox rejection depends on analyzing the involvement of Orthodox leaders with the Lieberman clause in its early stages, as well as exploring the solution that the Modern Orthodox community ultimately accepted, albeit several decades later. Relevant factors include halakhic and legal hesitations that questioned the legitimacy of the clause and its authority in court, as well as cultural questions that defined denominations. This paper will first discuss the creation of the clause and Orthodox interest in the effort, then the thematic connection between the clause and the ketubah. Next, this paper explores halakhic objections to the clause and presents a discussion of its validity in secular courts. The last stage of this inquiry looks at the Orthodox movements approach to the agunah crisis and themes that it shares with the Lieberman clause. (from Introduction)