Q&A: The Man’s Role
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
The Man’s Role
Question
Is it permitted for a man to work at a job that brings in less income than his wife’s, because of the written marital obligation?
And is it permitted at all to remain a kollel student and depend on his wife’s salary?
And is it permitted to get married when the man has no livelihood?
Answer
Everything is permitted if the wife agrees. In any case, one way or the other, the wife’s salary does not determine what is permitted or forbidden for the husband. He is obligated to support her, and that is that. If he earns enough to do so, then he is fine even if she is a millionaire. Of course, he can also say to her: “Go, let your earnings provide your support.”
Discussion on Answer
In my opinion, no. A contract is binding. Waiving a right is also valid.
Good evening!
I’d be glad to know: what is the Jewish law when it was agreed in advance that the husband would remain a kollel student all his life, and they married on that understanding? Can the wife go back on that and demand that he work?