Talking Talmud

What does a wife owe her husband? What does a husband owe his wife? From her earnings to her conjugal rights. Which term means what? Each sage who weighs in has rationale and verses to back himself up. Plus, how the Jewish couple is enjoined to avoid the "Persian practice," of sexual relations while fully dressed. Also, a new mishnah: granular details on the chuppah, and responsibility.

Contractual relationships that a woman (even a girl) has with her father and then, presumably, eventually, her husband. Including the source for the father's "right" to his daughter's earnings. Also, the "sustenance" (mezonot) that a husband provides for his wife. And again, the transactional dynamic of earnings for provisions, dowry for burial, etc.

More on the case of defamation of a woman by her husband. What happens, practically, when one brings such a case? The husband goes to the court, and then the question is whether there are witnesses to the effect that she was had an affair. Also, doesn't the death sentence on her head contradict her collecting the ketubah money?! Also, what is the relationship between the daughter and the father? What about the relationship with the husband?

The case of Motzi Shem Ra - defamation - from a husband against his wife. Namely, his accusation that she has had an affair and has not slept with the husband. She gets a death sentence, and the question is whether she'll be strangled or stoned. This dynamic of his defamation and her (potential) adultery is both concerning and dramatic. Also, the terms and setting of her stoning. Plus the parallel to one who committed idolatry.

The woman's ketubah can function as a lien, fundamentally, on the man's property. In the case under discussion, of a woman who is betrothed/married twice, do the terms of the second ketubah supplement or replace the terms of the first one? When it comes to regular (non-ketubah) documents, R. Nachman says the second replaces the first. But is that the case for ketubah? Also, a new mishnah: the defamer. Specifically, the implications of defamation for converts - namely, in the case of a husband bringing a suit against his wife (or betrothed). Likewise, for one who doesn't have a living father - as the defamation is an offense against him.

R. Avina asks R. Sheshet about the case where a girl's brothers provide for her from the father's estate. Since her father would have gotten her earnings, maybe the brothers should as well... But that's not so clear. Plus, does a man care more for his daughter or his wife, in the precarious circumstances after his death? Also, when the woman has been injured physically in the event if rape.... Plus, to what degree can the sons stand in for their father, with regard to their sister? Plus, a new mishnah.

A new chapter, a new mishnah. In the event of a seduction or rape, the compensation for degradation, humiliation, and the fine go to her father. Unless he has died and then there's a machloket whether the funds go to her brothers or to herself. Plus, the Gemara's assumption that seduction involves her decision to participate - and yet he must pay compensation. Which calls into question the assumption that she's a willing participant. Also, the ongoing machloket between R. Yosef and Rabbah [Who's Who: Rav Yosef].

Closing the chapter, with a new mishnah. If someone stole, and then comes clean, he doesn't have the pay the additional fine (eg: 2x the object stolen. Basically, those compensation packages that include payment plus fine, the perpetrator can be exempted from the knas (fine). Why isn't rape on this mishnah? Also, the second half of the mishnah takes us into the Laws of Damages, and a goring ox.

3 mishnayot: 1. An orphan who is betrothed and then gets divorced - and is then raped, what penalty does the rapist get? [Who's Who: R. Elazar ben Shamua] Also, defining "boshet"/humiliation. And how to determine the paymenyin compensation for having caused boshet. Plus, the fixed sum as established in the Torah. Also, a father who can sell his minor daughter... and why he can't receive any penalty in the event of her rape.

There are women who might use the talmudic era version of barrier birth control, including a pregnant woman, a nursing woman, and especially with concern for the minor... So the Gemara defines who is a minor. Plus: "God protects the fools." Also, a new mishnah: what is the difference between a seducer and a rapist? Including the rapist marrying the woman he raped. Plus, the Amoraim consult the women in their lives - an interesting recognition that the "women's voice" was necessary.