Infidelity causes the tearing apart of this spiritual union, and creates irreversible hurt and pain within the family unit. With true remorse and a sincere commitment to future faithfulness, it is possible to keep together such a severely damaged marriage. However, chances are that the wounded partner will forever be scarred and will carry the injury within for the rest of his or her life.
I would hope that following the recent rash of highly publicized stories of infidelity, national advertising agencies would recognize their moral responsibility by toning down the explicit sexuality of their marketing approaches. Regardless of whether there is any change of heart on Madison Avenue, however, each of us has an important duty to help educate society about the intrinsic value of remaining faithful to one’s spouse. We can do our part to point out that marriage represents a sacred trust — and that a betrayal of that trust always carries painful, lasting consequences. --RABBI SIMCHA BACKMAN is spiritual leader of Chabad of Glendale and the Foothills. Reach him at (818) 240-2750.
