The Jerusalem District Rabbinical Court on Thursday held a first hearing to discuss a request by the mother of the children that were allegedly assaulted by suspected child-abusing cult leader Elior Chen.
The children's mother has filed for a divorce, but Chen married her in a non-rabbinical wedding, and therefore, is not recognized by the state of Israel as the woman's spouse.
In November, the self-styled rabbi who allegedly influenced followers to abuse their children in order to "correct their corrupt souls," was indicted on eight counts of abusing and assaulting minors.
