Shalom Rav, I was wondering if you can help me on a specific kashya that i have.

(a) I was trying to find some information on the idea of Sotah. What if a man follows his wife to an apartment of another man and later confronts her on this. She swears to him that there were no relation. She even goes so far as to go in front of 2 Rabbis and swears to this, can this man divorce her based on the fact that she (in his eyes) is a Sotah?

(b) What happened in the olden days when the woman would drink the water and she was found not guilty? Was the husband later punished for his wrongful suspicion and being motzei shem ra on his wife?

(c) What do the Rabbis say about removing those doubts in a mans wife due to his suspicions even after he was proven wrong?

I'm sorry for all the questions, but I am greatly appreciative of your time in answering them for me!

Sincerely,

Benjamin

Dear Benjamin,

(a) The Halachah is that he can only divorce his wife if he warned her not isolate herself with someone and then she goes and does it. He can also divorce here if she does things that give her a bad name.

(b) She is then blessed with wonderful children. We do not find any punishment for the suspecting husband.

(c) This seems to happen by itself without great effort. Actually, there is a psychological illness where a person constantly suspects others.

No problem answering your questions, and best wishes,

Rabbi Yisroel Pesach Feinhandler

Rabbi of Avney Yashpe Synagogue

Author of Beloved Companions, Beloved Children, Priority In Prayer & Avney Yashpe

Marriage & Educational Counselor Expert Mohel

2 Gedera St. Romema, Jerusalem Israel 94427

e-mail: feinhan@aquanet.co.il

Tel: 972-2-537-1447

Cell: 972-54-371-447

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