Maybe he just went away for a while. It's really not an issue. Because of dropout control, many cults refuse to let their members live at home. Most people joining Orthodox Judaism continue to live at home, though they often travel to Israel or elsewhere to study for some time in a proper yeshivah. Afterwards, if they so choose, they usually return home until they get married.
Cults enforce a great deal of internal control.
In Jewish groups little or no real power is exercised by the leader over the members. We do believe that we should obey one's Rabbi, but that no one may pressure anyone into doing that. Which Rabbi you follow is a matter of your own choice. These leaders almost always demand absolute fealty and loyalty. They usually have set themselves up as leaders, building a following.