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Marakech- Morocco is the world’s only country that permits Jewish family courts to operate within its legal system.. The Jewish court in Morocco can only deal with inheritance and family issues such as marriage, divorce, wills, probate estates, and gifts between Moroccan Jews.
They are not permitted to deal with other legal matters, which remain within the domain of the Moroccan legal system and deal with civil and criminal cases.
Despite a diminishing Jewish population, the rabbinical courts still deal with some 150 cases a year. The system was set up under the pre-war French protectorate, but also dates back to the dhimmi laws allowing Jewish family law to operate under rabbinical courts according to their customs.
Jewish communities had a special place under Moroccan sultans because of their financial acumen and access to funds. They were also allowed to deal in precious metals like gold and silver and create jewelry, which at the time was denied to Muslims.
Despite the fact that most Moroccan Jews emigrated abroad (many to Israel), the courts still deliver judgments under the auspices of the King. The Jewish population in Morocco stood at 265,000 in the 1960s, but many left for Israel, Canada, and other locations following the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. The population has declined to 3,000 to 7,000, according to some estimates. Now there are only two rabbinical courts in Casablanca, which has five rabbis. The court in Marrakech has been closed for six months due to the death of the rabbi.
The 2011 Moroccan constitution recognized the unique position of Jewish heritage in Morocco and its synagogues. Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane attended the opening of the refurbished Slat Al Fassiyine synagogue in Fez and read a congratulatory message from His Majesty King Mohammed VI emphasizing the importance of Morocco’s historic Jewish heritage and the King’s assurance to maintain Jewish religious freedom.
