British Chief Rabbi Shames Orthodox Husband Who Refuses Religious Divorce

Image by getty images

By JTA November 9, 2015

For the first time, London’s main rabbinical court and Britain’s chief rabbi have published the name and photo of a recalcitrant husband, and are calling for him to be banned from synagogues and publicly shunned.

In a notice published in the London Jewish Chronicle, the London Beth Din calls for congregations to bar John Abayahoudayan, who has refused his estranged wife Rivka a get, or Jewish divorce, for 15 years, the Jewish Chronicle reported Friday. The ad also asks Jewish individuals to “consider whether it is appropriate for them to have social or business contacts with him until the get is given.”

The Abayahoudayans had a civil divorce in 2002, but the lack of religious divorce makes Rivka Abayahoudayan an agunah, or chained women, who is unable under Jewish law to remarry.

The Sephardi Beth Din said it supported the London Beth Din’s decision. Approached by the Jewish Chronicle, John Abayahoudayan refused to comment.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said, “The Beth Din and I would like to send the strongest possible message that when individuals abuse the halachic process in a way which causes deep emotional and personal pain and suffering, we will do everything in our power to try to stop that abuse and support those affected.”

According to the Jewish Chronicle, the Beth Din 10 years ago placed an advertisement criticizing a recalcitrant husband, but did not publish his photo or call for any action against him.

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO