In light of the difficult security situation and its direct impact on couples preparing to marry, Israel’s Chief Rabbis have issued a special psak halachah regarding the scheduling of weddings.

The Chief Rabbis of Israel — the Rishon LeTzion, Rav Dovid Yosef, and the president of the Chief Rabbinate Council, Rav Kalman Meir Ber — released the ruling addressing the challenges many couples are facing as a result of the current wartime conditions.

At the outset of their ruling, the rabbonim stressed that the establishment of a bayis ne’eman b’Yisroel at its proper time is of the utmost importance. According to the psak, whenever it is possible to hold the wedding on the originally scheduled date in accordance with the guidelines of the Home Front Command, every effort should be made to avoid postponing it.

The rabbonim wrote that even if security restrictions require a significantly reduced celebration and a smaller number of guests than originally planned, it is nevertheless preferable not to delay the chuppah.

At the same time, the Chief Rabbis addressed couples who were forced to postpone their wedding because of the security situation.

In an unusual step described as a temporary hora’as sha’ah for this year, the rabbonim ruled that such couples may conduct their weddings until Rosh Chodesh Iyar, including that date.

This leniency applies both to Sephardim and Ashkenazim, with particular sensitivity toward couples who have not yet fulfilled the mitzvah of peru urevu.

Despite this significant allowance, the rabbonim emphasized that this ruling does not constitute a permanent change in the long-standing minhag. Under normal circumstances, and in cases where no compelling ones exists, the traditional custom regarding weddings during Sefiras HaOmer remains unchanged.

The Chief Rabbis also made clear that, in their view, weddings should not be permitted on Motzaei Shabbos, even during this period, in order to prevent situations that could lead to chillul Shabbos.