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relatives’ marriage but not when they are displeased, because they will
then certainly destroy the union. In such a case, it is better for the
physician not to encourage the marriage.



A Woman who is in the Habit of Constantly

Making False Complaints about her Husband to
the Police

Question: There was a case involving a woman who was mentally
stable but emotionally weak, who would summon the police every
time her husband touched her, which she interpreted as his striking
her. The police would respond to the call and come to their house and
cause the husband a lot of trouble. Is he entitled to divorce her on
account of all of this harassment?

Response: If it appears to the beis din that her accusations are
unfounded it’s possible that the husband can divorce her on account
of her complaints since, “A person cannot live with a snake in one
basket” and she is constantly stirring up fights.

Can a Schizophrenic Patient be Compelled to

Divorce his Wife?

Question: There was a case where a woman demanded that her hus-
band divorce her, claiming he was a schizophrenic and that he had had
several major attacks in the course of their marriage, with him going
into a frenzy, causing damage in the house, hitting and threatening
murder. She argued that she feared for her life and for the lives of her
children. Should he be compelled to divorce her while he is sane?

Response: In his responsa, the Tzitz Eliezer (6, 42) discusses this
case and writes: “It is written in the Shulchan Aruch (Even Ha’ezer,

220 1 Medical-Halachic Responsa of Rav Zilberstein