Ex-rabbi with seven 'wives' to become a father again
A former rabbi who lives in Whatlington with his seven 'wives', has revealed he is expecting two more children to add to his brood.
Philip Sharp, who already has 13 children by five different women, is due to become a father again any day now with wife Margo, a 39-year-old New Zealander, who has already borne Philip three children.
And Vreni, a 38-year-old Swiss national, is expecting her second child by Philip in January.
In the latest edition of Closer magazine, Philip, dubbed the 'rampant rabbi' by some sections of the press, speaks about his unconventional lifestyle and the imminent arrival of two more children.
He told the magazine: "I never use contraception and I don't let my wives take the pill unless they really don't want kids.
"My three partners who haven't had children find it hard when the other women fall pregnant.
"I'm spending more time with Margo and Vreni as we prepare for the births."
Margo, who was 25 when she met Mr Sharp at the Messianic Synagogue in Hove where he used to preach, admitted to being jealous of the other wives.
She said: "The first year was the hardest. I told Philip and he said I should learn how to share, and now I have. Now I feel blessed that my children call the other wives mummy, and I trust them completely with my kids."
Philip is not committing polygamy under English law as he is not in fact married to any of his seven wives.
But the wives, which also include Chava, 64, Hannah, 51, Judith, 50, Tracey, 42, and Karyn, 29, have changed their surnames by deed poll to Sharp and wear wedding bands.
There is no marriage ceremony when they become part of this group and the women are judged to have become Philip's 'wife' when their particular relationship is consummated.
Philip has had a total of eight children, aged from six months and nine years, with his wives.
He also has five children, aged 13 to 22, from his first wife - the only one recognised as such by law - from whom he is estranged.
Karyn's mother Maureen also lives in the household and teaches the children in a converted barn next door to their home.
Philip previously claimed to have had a vision from God telling him he was the reincarnation of an Old Testament king.
He was later excommunicated by the Jewish establishment and now works as a haulier.
Philip has rules his wives must obey, including not wearing make-up to appear attractive to any other man, wearing hats to shield their hair from other men, follow a housework rota and attend his every whim.
Philip said there is no rota for sex and maintains he loves all his wives.
He said: "I love all my wives but in different ways. Some of them are good at mothering me and some of them are good at listening to what I have to say.
"There'll be several of us at the birth in our local hospital. I'll be there and Maureen, who is very good with newborns. I may not get a lot of time to spend with the children but the time we share together is special.
"I know the two new additions will be precious."
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Weather for Lewes
Saturday 04 February 2012
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