Sunday, September 21, 2008

Gittin 71 - A deaf-mute

If one became mute and they asked him, "Shall we write a get for your wife?" and he nodded his head, they should test him six times with questions requiring "yes" or "no" in random order. If he answers all questions correctly, they may write and give a get.

A person born deaf-mute is presumed to lack clear understanding and can not contract a biblically binding marriage. Rabbinical enactments validated his marriage and divorce. Therefore, if his brother marries a woman and dies, and the wife falls to him in a levirate marriage, he lacks the legal power to divorce.

Art: Old Suitor - Young Girl by Jan Steen

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