The Divorce

My friend's brother-in-law suddenly left his wife and five children. The children range in age from 19 years old to 10 years old. They are an orthodox Jewish family who are very religious. Both the wife and the husband cover their heads (she with a hat or wig, he with a yarmulke). They observe the strictest laws of Judaism. Their life together had always been centered around religion. Major decisions were informed by their religious beliefs including where to live and how to educate their children. They regularly attend synagogue. They are fully ensconced in their religious community.

The wife works as a public school administrator, having been in education for years. He works for an organization that provides support services to victims of torture.

The couple seem to live their lives in accordance with shared values. Their children are lovely. They are both involved in careers that focused on helping others. They never appear to fight or bicker or even to disagree with each other in any meaningful way.

They are also a very attractive couple. She has fine bone structure, soft brown eyes, straight teeth. He is handsome. They are both intelligent, engaging. While we did not seem them often, it was always a pleasure to see them socially. He was a particularly interesting conversationalist who spoke with wit, charm and knoweldge.

After more than 20 years of marriage, the husband suddenly left his wife. He announced to his wife that he did not love her. He said he never wanted to have five children. He said that he hated Judaism.

The husband's complete rejection of his family and lifestyle was shocking to everyone. The wife was in disbelief as he explained to her his lack of feeling for her and the children. People in the community tried unsuccessfully to analyze what could possibly make him act this way? Was he ill? Did he have a brain tumor? Was he traumatized from a recent visit to European sites of concentration camps and other places of torture as part of a work trip? Was there another woman? Was there another man?

It turns out he had lived a lie for over 20 years and simply does not believe in God.