14. Neglect of husband to support his wife.
15. Persistent vicious and disorderly manner of life on part of the husband.
16. Husband’s admission that he is incurably impotent.
17. The contraction by the husband of a loathsome disease.
18. The adoption by the husband of a dishonest or disgusting occupation.
19. Such conduct on the part of the wife as causes her husband, without deliberation, to violate the ritualistic requirements of the Jewish religion.
Procedure.—The rabbi is the judge in the first instance of a divorce petition. Appeal from his decision lies to the civil authorities.
In the ordinary divorce case the first action by the rabbi is an attempt to reconcile the parties. A confession of the guilty party is competent evidence.
The divorce becomes effective by the man delivering to the wife, after the rabbinical decision, a bill of divorcement. This is done even if the wife is the successful suitor. The husband can be compelled to make such a delivery.
Effects of Divorce.—The dowry (Nedunya), which was settled on the wife at the time of the marriage, must be returned to her if she is the innocent party. The woman retains the name of her divorced husband. Both parties are free to marry again.