Acharei Mot
The Torah portion in Leviticus beginning at 16:1. Its later passages include the prohibited relationships listed in chapter 18.
Learning reference
Glossary
Key Hebrew terms, names, texts, measurements, and institutions used throughout Rambam Clearly.
694 termsAdam
The first human being. The wedding blessings recall his creation and the formation of Chavah from him.
Adar
A month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifteenth of Adar is a designated occasion for the court to review communal needs.
Agunah
A woman who cannot remarry because her husband is missing and his death has not been halachically established, or because she is otherwise unable to obtain release from the marriage.
Agunot
The plural of agunah: women unable to remarry because their marital status has not been resolved.
Aharon
Aaron, Moshe’s brother and the first High Priest; the priestly line descends from him.
ahavas Yisrael
Love for a fellow Jew, expressed through care, respect, and practical concern for another person’s needs.
al da’as rabbim
On the authority of the public. This form of vow restricts ordinary release from the vow; in the ketubah collection cases it strengthens the safeguard against collusion.
Al menas
The Hebrew expression meaning ‘on condition that.’ According to the Rambam, the legal act begins now but remains dependent upon the condition being fulfilled, so some ordinary rules of conditional wording do not apply.
Amah (Cubit)
amahA cubit (amah in Hebrew) is a traditional unit of length based on the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, ordinarily measured as six handbreadths. Common halachic estimates are about 48–57.6 cm (19–22.7 inches) per cubit, depending on the authority followed—not simply the length of your own arm. To picture four cubits by four cubits, imagine a square about 1.92–2.30 meters on each side (roughly 6 feet 4 inches to 7 feet 7 inches). These conversions help visualize the text; the measurement to use for a practical halachic ruling depends on the applicable standard.
amasla
An alternative pronunciation of amatlah: a credible explanation accounting for an earlier statement.
Amatla
A credible qualifying explanation that accounts for an earlier statement or weakens the apparent meaning of a report. The court considers whether the explanation has genuine substance and fits the circumstances.
amatlah
A credible explanation accounting for an earlier statement, allowing the apparent contradiction to be resolved under the applicable rules.
Amei ha’aretz · עמי הארץ
amei ha’aretzUnlearned people. In this chapter, the two additional attendees at chalitzah need not have the knowledge required of its three judges.
Amnon
A son of King David whose assault of his half-sister Tamar is described in II Samuel 13.
Amoraim
The Sages after the Mishnah whose discussions and explanations form the Gemara.
androgynos
The category defined in Hilchos Ishus 2:24 by the presence of both male and female reproductive organs. The Rambam classifies the person’s male or female status as uncertain.
apotiki
Property or a claim designated as the source from which a creditor is to collect.
arachin
Pledges of the Torah’s prescribed valuations for persons, set out in Leviticus 27. The amount follows the Torah’s categories rather than a person’s market value.
Arayos
The plural of ervah. Here it denotes the Torah-prohibited sexual relationships carrying liability for kares, including the relationships identified in Leviticus 18.
Arayos
arayotThe plural of ervah: the Torah-prohibited sexual relationships carrying liability for kares, including the relationships identified in Leviticus 18.
Arba amos
The four cubits around a person; in certain circumstances, this area can acquire an object for that person.
arev
A guarantor who answers for another person’s obligation if that person does not pay. An ordinary guarantee of a ketubah has special limits, distinct from a father’s guarantee and a kablan’s direct undertaking.
Arusah
A woman after erusin or kiddushin but before nisu’in. She is legally bound to her husband, yet the couple may not begin married life together until nisu’in is completed.
Arusot
The plural of arusah: women whose kiddushin has taken effect but whose marriages have not yet progressed to nisu’in.
Aseh · עשה
asehA positive Torah commandment. A prohibition inferred from a positive commandment is classified as an aseh rather than an ordinary negative commandment.
Asham
A guilt offering. In the special case of shifchah charufah, the man brings this offering for a qualifying act whether he acted intentionally or inadvertently; the detailed conditions appear in Hilchos Shegagos chapter 9.
Asher
A Hebrew personal name used to identify one man in an illustrative case.
Ashkenazi
Relating to Jewish communities and halachic traditions that developed in Germany and neighboring European lands.
Ashkenazic
Relating to Jewish communities and traditions that developed in central and eastern Europe. Ashkenazic authorities sometimes differ from Sephardic authorities in legal rulings and customs, including the calculation of ketubah payments.
asmachta
A Scriptural verse used as support for a Rabbinic law, rather than its direct Torah-level source.
asmakhta
A contingent undertaking made without the full commitment needed for a binding obligation. The precise legal classification depends on the circumstances.
Asnat
A Hebrew personal name, used here for one woman in the example.
Aveirah
A transgression of a Torah or Rabbinic prohibition. Its precise legal consequences depend on the prohibition and the circumstances.
Avi
A Hebrew personal name used to identify one man in an illustrative case.
Avner ben Ner
The commander of King Shaul’s army and a prominent warrior and leader. The Rambam cites him here as an example of extraordinary physical might.
Avodah
Service of Hashem. In personal application it refers to the inner and practical work of refining one’s character and living according to Torah.
Avodah Zarah
Idol worship or the acceptance of a false deity. The Rambam explains that its rejection of Hashem can begin with a person’s inward belief.
avodas Hashem
Service of Hashem: learning Torah, fulfilling mitzvos, and directing one’s conduct toward His will.
Avot
A tractate of the Mishnah devoted to the Sages’ ethical teachings, character development, and Torah study. It is often called Pirkei Avot, “Chapters of the Fathers.”
aylonis
A spelling variant of aylonit: a specific halachic classification associated with atypical female development and inability to bear children. The age and physical criteria are detailed in Hilchos Ishus 2; infertility alone does not establish this status.
Aylonit
A woman classified under specific halachic criteria as not developing the ordinary signs of female maturity and as incapable of bearing children. This status has consequences for marriage and other laws; it is not a general label for every woman experiencing infertility.
Azharah
A Torah prohibition. In the discussion of its scriptural source here, this does not mean the separate advance warning given to an offender.
B’fanai nichtav u’vfanai nechtam
“It was written in my presence and signed in my presence.” This is the agent’s special declaration when bringing a get within or across the Diaspora.
B’nekitat Chefetz
An oath administered while the person holds a sacred object, traditionally a Torah scroll. It is a more formal judicial oath than a shevuat heset.
Ba’er Heteiv
A concise commentary on the Shulchan Aruch collecting earlier authorities’ rulings. The citation here is to its commentary on Even HaEzer.
bagrus
A spelling variant of bagrut: the status of a bogeres, ordinarily reached after the six-month na’arah period. It is distinct from the initial transition out of minority.
Bagrut
The halachic stage of full adulthood that follows the na’arah period. Once a daughter reaches bagrut, her father can no longer accept kiddushin for her through his own authority.
Bamidbar
Numbers, the fourth book of the Torah and one of the books interpreted by the Sifrei.
baraisa
A teaching from the era of the Mishnah that was not included in the Mishnah itself; plural, baraisos.
baraita
A teaching from the era of the Mishnah that was not included in the Mishnah's compilation.
Bari
A definite factual claim made with certainty, as opposed to shema, a claim framed only as a possibility.
bas mitzvah
A girl who has reached the age and halachic status of obligation in the commandments, normally at twelve with the required signs of maturity. This is distinct from the later stage of bagrut.
Bateil
Void. When the Rambam calls a get bateil, it is invalid under Torah law and does not dissolve the marriage.
Bava Basra
The Ashkenazic spelling of Bava Batra, the Talmudic tractate dealing with property, inheritance, documents, and related civil law.
Bava Batra
A tractate of the Talmud concerning property, neighbors, ownership, inheritance, documents, and guarantees.
Bava Metzia
The tractate of the Mishnah and Talmud concerning civil law, including the return and identification of lost property.
Bayit Chadash
Bayis ChadashAn alternative spelling of Bayit Chadash, Rabbi Yoel Sirkes’s commentary on the Tur.
Bayit Chadash
Rabbi Yoel Sirkes’s commentary on the Tur, commonly abbreviated Bach. It examines the sources and reasoning behind the rulings.
Ba’er Heteiv
Be’er HeitevAn alternative spelling of Ba’er Heteiv, a commentary collecting earlier rulings on the Shulchan Aruch.
be’ilah kesheirah
Fully effective yibbum relations performed at the outset, or after that same brother’s ma’amar with this widow, without another preceding act that compromises their effect. See Hilchos Yibbum VaChalitzah 5:9.
be’ilah pesulah
Disqualified relations for yibbum. They create a marital bond requiring a get, but do not completely resolve the remaining yibbum obligation in the cases discussed.
Beis din
A Jewish court of law. Its judges apply Jewish law to cases and legal documents.
Beis HaMikdash
The Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This chapter also explains the role of the Sanhedrin’s designated seat in determining capital jurisdiction.
Beis kor
A land area of 75,000 square cubits, traditionally associated with sowing one kor of seed. Using cubits of 48–57.6 cm gives about 17,280–24,883 square meters: 1.73–2.49 hectares or 4.27–6.15 acres. These are approximate equivalents under two common halachic standards.
Measurement reference ↗Beit Din
A Jewish court that decides matters of halachah. Its authority depends on the applicable law and the matter before it.
Beit HaMikdash
The Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This chapter mentions counting years from its construction or destruction.
Beit Shmuel
Rabbi Shmuel ben Uri Shraga Feivish’s commentary on Even HaEzer, addressing marriage and divorce law.
Beit Yosef
Rabbi Yosef Karo’s extensive commentary on the Arba’ah Turim, surveying the Talmudic and medieval sources that underlie his practical rulings.
Ben · בן
benSon or child. In this chapter’s discussion of surviving offspring, the term includes a daughter and later descendants as well.
Ben Azzai
Shimon ben Azzai, a student and colleague of Rabbi Akiva, was renowned for exceptional Torah scholarship and devotion while still young.
Ben Zoma
Shimon ben Zoma, a student and colleague of Rabbi Akiva, was celebrated for exceptional wisdom and Torah scholarship while still young.
Bereirah
A legal question about whether a later selection can clarify which person or object an earlier act applied to from the outset. Its application depends on the law and the kind of uncertainty involved.
bererah
Retroactive clarification: whether a later division can establish the required earlier allocation. Its application to the mixed waters in Sotah 18a remains unresolved.
Rabbi Ovadiah of Bartenura (Bertinoro)
BertinoroBertinoro is an alternate English rendering of Bartenura. Rabbi Ovadiah of Bartenura was a fifteenth-century Italian rabbi whose clear commentary became the standard commentary printed alongside the Mishnah.
bikkurim
First fruits brought to the Temple and given to a Kohen.
Bilhah
A wife of Yaakov, previously Rachel’s maidservant. The account concerning Reuven refers to her.
binyan av
A principle of Torah interpretation deriving a general rule from a model case or cases.
Birkat Avraham
A collection of responsa by Rabbenu Avraham, the Rambam’s son. Responsum 44 is cited in the approved discussion of the wording of Hilchos Ishus 1:2.
Birkat Chatanim
The six wedding blessings recited in connection with nisu’in. Together with the blessing over wine, they form the group commonly called Sheva Berachot.
birkat habayit
Birkat habayit, literally “the blessing of the household,” refers here to the savings achieved when people live and maintain a household together. Supporting an additional person within an existing household generally costs less than maintaining that person separately.
Birkat HaMazon
Grace after Meals, the series of blessings recited after eating a meal that included bread.
bittul
Setting aside self-centeredness in submission to Hashem’s will; humility and openness to truth.
Bitul
Setting aside self-centeredness in submission to Hashem’s will; humility and openness to truth.
Boaz
A leading figure in the Book of Ruth who married Ruth after publicly assembling ten elders. Their union continued the ancestral line of King David.
Boel — בועל
boelThe man who has relations with a woman. In these sotah laws, it can also designate the man named in the warning and subsequent seclusion, without asserting that adultery was established.
bogeres
A spelling variant of bogeret: the female legal stage following the six-month na’arah period. A na’arah is already an adult; bogeres identifies the later stage.
Bogeret
A woman who has reached the halachic stage of bagrut, generally after the na’arah period. Her father can no longer consecrate her through his own authority, although she may appoint him as her agent.
Bogrot
The plural of bogeret: women who have reached the halachic stage of bagrut that follows na’arus.
brachah
A blessing acknowledging Hashem. The reflection uses a child’s recitation of a blessing as an everyday example.
Chalalah
A female status arising from disqualified priestly lineage or a union prohibited specifically because of priesthood. Merely being forbidden to marry a Kohen does not itself make a woman a chalalah.
chalifin
An exchange-based method of acquisition, including acquisition through a symbolic object. It does not establish kiddushin.
Chalitzah
The formal ceremony that releases a childless man’s widow from her bond to his brother. After valid chalitzah, she may marry someone else, subject to the ordinary laws of marriage.
chalitzah me’ulah
Full chalitzah, performed without a preceding act such as a get or ma’amar that reduces its effect. It releases the widows of the same deceased husband.
chalitzah pechusah
Chalitzah of reduced effect; it releases the woman who undergoes it but may not release her co-wives.
Chalitzah pesulah · חליצה פסולה
chalitzah pesulahInvalid chalitzah with legal consequences. It prohibits yibbum without releasing the widow to marry someone else; valid chalitzah is still required.
Challah
The portion separated from qualifying dough as a gift to a Kohen. Here it means the dough-separation obligation, not a braided loaf.
Challal
A male whose priestly lineage has been disqualified under the laws of prohibited priestly unions. The detailed rules appear in Hilchos Issurei Bi’ah 19.
chalutz hana’al
“The one whose shoe was removed,” the designation proclaimed during chalitzah.
Chalutzah · חלוצה
chalutzahA woman who has undergone chalitzah. Valid chalitzah releases the yibbum bond and creates certain Rabbinic marriage restrictions.
chametz
Leavened grain food subject to the Passover prohibitions.
charamim
A form of property dedication, including property designated for Kohanim. This use is distinct from cherem as a ban or sanction.
Charufati
Literally, “my pledged one.” A Hebrew expression discussed as a declaration of kiddushin; its legal effectiveness is disputed, as explained in Hilchos Ishus 3:6.
Chassidus
The inner dimension of Torah as taught through the Chassidic tradition. Chabad Chassidus explains Divine unity, the soul, and practical avodah through intellectual understanding.
chatas kevuah
A fixed sin offering of a prescribed category, rather than an offering whose form varies with the person’s means. It is required for qualifying inadvertent transgressions.
Chavah
Eve, the first woman, whom the Torah describes as having been created from Adam and as the mother of all living people.
chayavei aseh
Relationships prohibited through a positive Torah commandment rather than an explicit negative commandment.
chayavei lavin
Relationships forbidden by a Torah negative commandment in which kiddushin can nevertheless take effect, as distinguished here from relationships carrying kares.
Chayim Sha’al
A collection of halachic responsa by the Chida, Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai.
Chazakah
An established halachic presumption used when the facts cannot be determined directly. Its practical effect depends upon the subject and the strength of the presumption.
Chazal
An abbreviation meaning our Sages of blessed memory, referring to the rabbinic Sages whose teachings and enactments shape Jewish law.
Chelkas Mechokek
Rabbi Moshe Lima’s commentary on Even HaEzer, the marriage and family-law section of the Shulchan Aruch.
Chelkat Mechokek
An alternative spelling of Chelkas Mechokek, Rabbi Moshe Lima’s commentary on Even HaEzer.
Cherem
A ban or solemn religious sanction. In monetary disputes, a court may pronounce it conditionally against whoever makes a knowingly improper claim. This is distinct from requiring the litigant to swear an oath.
Cherem Stam
A general, conditional ban pronounced against whichever unidentified person made a false claim or committed the specified wrongdoing, without accusing a particular individual directly.
Cheresh
A deaf man who, in the classical halachic category used here, also cannot communicate through speech. The term describes a legal status in the Rambam’s framework, not every person with hearing loss.
chereshes
The female form of cheresh: the classical legal category of a person who can neither hear nor speak. Hearing loss alone does not establish this category.
Chereshet
A deaf woman who, in the classical halachic category used here, also cannot communicate through speech. The term describes a legal status in the Rambam’s framework, not every person with hearing loss.
chereshim
The plural of the technical category cheresh: people who can neither hear nor speak in the classical legal framework defined here. Hearing loss alone does not establish this status.
cheshbon hanefesh
An honest accounting of one’s conduct and avodah, directed toward teshuvah and practical improvement.
Chol HaMoed
The intermediate days of Pesach and Sukkos. Although some ordinary activities are permitted, these days remain part of the festival and have their own obligation of rejoicing.
Choshen HaMishpat
The section of the Tur and Shulchan Aruch dealing with monetary law, courts, property, obligations, and inheritance.
Choshen Mishpat
The section of the Tur and Shulchan Aruch dealing with monetary law, courts, property, obligations, and inheritance.
Chuppah
The act that completes nisuin, the second stage of marriage. The Rambam describes the husband bringing his bride into his home and entering marital seclusion with her. The word also commonly means the wedding canopy; authorities differ over the precise act needed for nisuin.
Commentary to the Mishnah
The Rambam’s early systematic commentary on the entire Mishnah, written in Judeo-Arabic and including explanations of the text, legal principles, and practical rulings.
Conjugal rights
The Torah obligation of marital intimacy that a husband owes his wife. Unlike an ordinary monetary benefit, this obligation cannot simply be removed by attaching a condition to the marriage.
Consecrate
To create the legally binding first stage of Jewish marriage through kiddushin. This does not by itself complete the later stage of nisuin.
Consecrated
Halachically bound through kiddushin—the first legal stage of Jewish marriage. It does not mean that the entire wedding process has necessarily been completed.
Cubit (Amah)
cubitA cubit (amah in Hebrew) is a traditional unit of length based on the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, ordinarily measured as six handbreadths. Common halachic estimates are about 48–57.6 cm (19–22.7 inches) per cubit, depending on the authority followed—not simply the length of your own arm. To picture four cubits by four cubits, imagine a square about 1.92–2.30 meters on each side (roughly 6 feet 4 inches to 7 feet 7 inches). These conversions help visualize the text; the measurement to use for a practical halachic ruling depends on the applicable standard.
Cubit (Amah)
cubitsA cubit (amah in Hebrew) is a traditional unit of length based on the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, ordinarily measured as six handbreadths. Common halachic estimates are about 48–57.6 cm (19–22.7 inches) per cubit, depending on the authority followed—not simply the length of your own arm. To picture four cubits by four cubits, imagine a square about 1.92–2.30 meters on each side (roughly 6 feet 4 inches to 7 feet 7 inches). These conversions help visualize the text; the measurement to use for a practical halachic ruling depends on the applicable standard.
Cush
A Biblical name commonly associated with a region south of Egypt, including Nubia. Its precise geographical scope depends on the passage; it should not automatically be equated with the borders of modern Ethiopia.
Dagul MeRevavah
Rabbi Yechezkel Landau’s glosses on the Shulchan Aruch.
dam betulim
Blood attributable to first intercourse, distinguished from the recurring bleeding condition discussed in Ishus 25.
dam tohar
Blood during the Torah-defined days of purity after childbirth. Present accepted practice does not permit uterine bleeding on this basis.
dappin
Columns or sheets of writing. In the explanation followed here, Rashi understands the term as columns, requiring the sotah passage to occupy one column.
dat
Law or established religious practice. In this chapter it refers to dat Moshe or dat Yehudit, whose meanings and legal conditions are distinguished.
dat Moshe
The requirements of Torah law. In this chapter, the term identifies the specified violations discussed in Halachah 11; financial forfeiture is subject to the conditions stated in Halachah 14.
dat Yehudit
The accepted Jewish standards of modest conduct discussed in Halachah 12. Ketubah forfeiture for their violation is subject to the warning and proof conditions in Halachah 14.
davar mechuar
Concrete compromising circumstances suggesting improper intimacy, without eyewitness testimony to adultery. Their consequences depend on the conditions explained in the relevant halachos.
Davening
The Yiddish term for praying, especially reciting the established Jewish prayers.
David
A Hebrew personal name used to identify one man in an illustrative case.
deMid’Oraisa chazya lei
“For under Torah law she is eligible for him.” A phrase in Kiddushin 19a cited in the discussion of a minor yavam’s acquisition.
Deuteronomy
The fifth book of the Torah, called Devarim in Hebrew.
Devarim
Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Torah and one of the books interpreted by the Sifrei.
Devorah
A Hebrew personal name, used for one woman in this hypothetical case.
diftera
Incompletely processed hide. It is not the fully prepared parchment required for a sotah scroll.
Dinah
A Hebrew personal name, used here for one woman in the example.
Dinar
An ancient denomination, also called a zuz. For the silver standard used in these chapters, estimates are 4.8 grams per dinar, or 5.1 grams according to the Alter Rebbe. Provincial currency has one-eighth that silver content. These are silver equivalents, not modern purchasing power.
Measurement reference ↗Dinarim
The plural of dinar. An ancient denomination, also called a zuz. For the silver standard used in these chapters, estimates are 4.8 grams per dinar, or 5.1 grams according to the Alter Rebbe. Provincial currency has one-eighth that silver content. These are silver equivalents, not modern purchasing power.
Measurement reference ↗dowry
Property a wife brings into the marriage. Responsibility for its value and rights to its yield depend on the legal category under which it is held.
ed
A witness. In the checking-cloth laws of Issurei Biah 4, a cloth used to detect blood, rather than a human witness.
Edei mesirah
Witnesses who observe the delivery of a get to the woman.
edim
Plural of ed, witness. In Issurei Biah 4, the checking cloths that provide evidence of whether blood was present.
Edom
A biblical people and region; in the Rambam’s geographical usage here, the European lands of his time.
Edut ishah
The special body of testimony law used to establish that a missing husband died. To prevent an agunah from remaining unable to remarry, halachah accepts some forms of testimony here that would not ordinarily establish other legal facts.
Eidei berur
Witnesses whose testimony establishes what happened, serving an evidentiary function.
Eidei kiyyum
Witnesses whose presence is necessary for a legal act to take effect, rather than merely to prove afterward that it occurred.
Eidei mesirah
Witnesses who observe delivery of the get. They are distinct from witnesses who sign the document.
eifah
A halachic measure of dry volume; one-tenth of it is an isaron.
Eli
A Hebrew personal name; in the chapter’s hypothetical case it identifies the man whose father is uncertain.
Emes
Truth. In avodah, it includes integrity between what a person knows, says, intends, and actually does.
Eretz Yisrael
The Land of Israel. Its boundaries for particular halachic purposes do not necessarily coincide with the borders of the modern State of Israel.
Erusin
Another term for kiddushin, the first legally binding stage of Jewish marriage. In classical halachic usage it does not mean a modern nonbinding engagement.
Eruvin
A tractate of the Talmud dealing primarily with domains and the Rabbinic arrangements that permit carrying or travel in defined circumstances.
Ervah
A close family relationship or other union forbidden by the Torah’s laws of marriage. In some cases kiddushin cannot take effect at all; in others, each woman could be consecrated individually but two related marriages cannot coexist.
eved
A servant or slave. The legal meaning depends on the context: an eved Ivri is a Jewish servant, while an eved Kena’ani belongs to a different halachic category with distinct laws of service, emancipation, and personal status.
Eved Ivri
A Jewish servant whose service is governed by the Torah’s laws of Hebrew servitude.
eved Kena’ani
A slave in the halachic category distinguished from a Jewish servant. The category has specific rules concerning emancipation and legal lineage.
Even HaEzer
The section of the Tur and Shulchan Aruch devoted primarily to marriage, divorce, yibbum, chalitzah, and related family law.
Ezra
Ezra the scribe, a leader in the return from Babylonian exile. The Rambam cites his enactment concerning early baking for the poor.
Ezras Nashim
The Women’s Courtyard of the Beis HaMikdash. Its name does not mean that entry is restricted to women.
farbrengen
A Chassidic gathering for Torah teaching, song, and encouragement in serving Hashem.
Fruits of property
fruits of all her propertyThe “fruits” of property are the income or yield it produces. This right concerns the benefit derived from her property, rather than ownership of the underlying property itself.
Gad
A Hebrew personal name used to identify one man in an illustrative case.
gadol
An adult male in halachic status. The ordinary transition requires both the specified age and qualifying physical signs; Hilchos Ishus 2 also defines alternative criteria.
gargir
A pungent herb mentioned by the Rambam as stimulating saliva. The chapter concerns the saliva produced by eating it.
gedolah
An adult female in halachic status. In Hilchos Ishus 2:6 this includes a na’arah, a bogeres, and an aylonis whose status has been established under the stated rules.
gemar bi’ah
The completed act of intercourse, distinguished here from ha’ara’ah, the initial degree of penetration.
Gemara
The discussions of the Amoraim that analyze and explain the Mishnah. Together, the Mishnah and Gemara form the Talmud.
genizah
Respectful storage or burial of sacred writings that may not be discarded ordinarily.
Geonic
Relating to the Geonim, the leading scholars of the post-Talmudic academies.
Geonim
The leading heads and scholars of the great post-Talmudic academies, especially in Babylonia, whose rulings and explanations form a major bridge between the Talmud and the Rishonim.
Gerushin
Divorce. Hilchot Gerushin is the section of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah devoted to the laws of Jewish divorce and the get.
Get
A Jewish bill of divorce prepared and delivered according to halachah. Valid delivery dissolves the marriage bond. Any remaining restrictions on whom or when the woman may marry are governed by separate laws.
Gezerah shavah
A received method of interpreting the Torah by connecting matching expressions in different verses.
Gilgul Shevuah
Gilgul shevuah means extending an already-required oath to cover an additional claim.
Gittin
The plural of get, Jewish bills of divorce; also the name of the Talmudic tractate devoted to divorce and its legal procedures.
Givonim
The people of Givon described in Sefer Yehoshua. Their descendants were assigned a distinct communal status and are called Netinim.
Givonites
The people of Givon (Gibeon); their descendants are called Netinim or nesinim in these laws.
gomer
A person who completes the act of intercourse by insertion of the entire organ, as distinguished from initial penetration.
Goses
A person in the final stage of dying. A goses is halachically alive, but the likelihood of imminent death creates the timing uncertainty discussed here when a get is delivered elsewhere.
Great Sanhedrin
The central court of seventy-one sages. The Rambam distinguishes its binding enactments from later enactments of the Geonim.
gris
A traditional measure of surface area used in certain stain rules. Its relevance depends on the kind of finding; it is not a general minimum for every blood finding.
Guide for the Perplexed
A major philosophical work of the Rambam, known in Hebrew as Moreh Nevuchim. It addresses difficult questions of Torah belief, prophecy, Divine providence, and the reasons for mitzvot.
ha’ara’ah
The legally defined initial penetration that establishes the applicable intercourse liability. The Rambam’s Commentary to the Mishnah defines it as insertion of the entire glans; completion and ejaculation are not required.
hachlat ah tovah
The source’s displayed form of hachlatah tovah: a positive, concrete resolution for improving one’s conduct.
hachlatah tovah
A positive, concrete resolution for improving one’s conduct and service of Hashem.
Hagahot Maimoniot
Glosses accompanying the Mishneh Torah that record Ashkenazic authorities and compare their rulings with the Rambam’s. The work is associated with Rabbi Meir HaKohen of Rothenburg.
Measurement reference ↗hagashah
Bringing a grain offering to the prescribed point on the altar before kemitzah.
Hakchashah
Contradictory testimony about the alleged event itself. It differs from hazamah, which challenges the whereabouts of the original witnesses.
Halachah
halachaA spelling variant of halachah: an authoritative Jewish law or legal ruling.
Halachah
An authoritative Jewish law or legal ruling. In this reader, it also means one numbered section of the Rambam.
Halachic
Relating to halachah, the practical and legal framework of Torah law.
halachically
According to halachah, Jewish law.
Halachos
The plural of halachah: individual laws or authoritative Jewish legal rulings.
Halachot
Laws or legal rulings. As the title of the Rif’s work, Halachot refers to Rabbi Yitzchak Alfasi’s digest of practical Talmudic law.
hana’at milveh
The benefit of a loan, distinguished from the loan principal or an existing debt. Authorities differ over which lending benefit can establish kiddushin.
Hashem
Literally ‘the Name,’ the customary respectful way to refer to God outside prayer or the reading of Scripture.
hasra’ah
A formal warning given before a transgression. Court-imposed execution or Torah lashes require the warning and the other conditions specified in the laws of judicial procedure.
Hazamah
Testimony that the original witnesses themselves were elsewhere at the time of the event they claim to have witnessed. Subject to its legal conditions, this disqualifies them as edim zomemim and exposes them to the penalty they sought to impose.
Heichal
The main sanctuary building of the Beis HaMikdash. It is distinct from the surrounding courtyards.
Hekdesh
Hekdesh refers here to property consecrated to the Temple treasury. Redemption transfers the property out of its sacred status in exchange for payment to the treasury.
Hilchos
The Ashkenazic pronunciation of the Hebrew word meaning ‘laws of,’ used in the titles of sections of the Mishneh Torah.
Hilchos Avadim
The section of the Mishneh Torah addressing the legal categories of servants and slaves, their acquisition, service, treatment, and release.
Hilchos Avodas Kochavim
The section of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah that presents the laws concerning idol worship and the practices associated with it.
Hilchos Berachos
The Ashkenazic pronunciation of Hilchot Berachot, the section of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah devoted to the laws of blessings.
Hilchos Chovel
A shortened name for Hilchos Chovel U’Mazik, the laws of personal injury and damage to property in the Mishneh Torah.
Hilchos Chovel U’Mazik
The section of the Mishneh Torah governing personal injury and damage to property, including liability and compensation.
Hilchos Chovel UMazik
The section of the Mishneh Torah governing injury to people and damage to property, including the different compensatory payments.
Hilchos Edus
The section of the Mishneh Torah governing witnesses and testimony.
Hilchos Edut
The Laws of Testimony, the section of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah concerning witnesses and the acceptance of their testimony.
Hilchos Gerushin
The section of the Mishneh Torah devoted to divorce, the get, and the evidence permitting a woman to remarry.
Hilchos Ishus
The Laws of Marriage, the opening section of Sefer Nashim in the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah.
Hilchos Ishut
An alternative spelling of Hilchos Ishus, the Rambam’s laws of marriage in Sefer Nashim.
Hilchos Issurei Bi’ah
The section of the Mishneh Torah concerning forbidden sexual relationships and related personal-status laws.
Hilchos Issurei Biah
The section of the Mishneh Torah governing forbidden sexual relationships and related safeguards, including yichud.
Hilchos Kiddush HaChodesh
The section of the Mishneh Torah explaining the establishment of months and leap years in the Jewish calendar.
Hilchos Malveh VeLoveh
The section of the Mishneh Torah concerning creditors, debtors, loans, guarantees, and collection of debts.
Hilchos Matanah
A shortened reference to Hilchos Zechiyah U’Matanah, the laws of acquisition and gifts in the Mishneh Torah.
Hilchos Mechirah
The section of the Mishneh Torah governing sales and related transactions, including the authority to transfer property.
Hilchos Megillah V’Chanukah
The section of Mishneh Torah governing the reading of the Megillah and the laws of Chanukah.
Hilchos Melachim
The section of the Mishneh Torah concerning kings and wars.
Hilchos Metamei Mishkav Umoshav
The Rambam’s Laws of Those Who Render a Bed or Seat Impure, treating the impurity categories that convey this form of ritual impurity.
Hilchos Na’arah Besulah
The section of Sefer Nashim concerning the laws of a virgin maiden, including the penalties for rape, seduction, and a husband’s false accusation concerning her virginity.
Hilchos Naarah Betulah
The section of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah addressing the fines, compensation, and related laws concerning a virgin girl.
Hilchos Nachalos
The Laws of Inheritance, a section of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah concerning inheritance and the administration of estates.
Hilchos Nachalot
The Laws of Inheritance, a section of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah concerning inheritance and estates.
Hilchos Nezirut
The section of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah concerning nazirite vows and their obligations.
Hilchos Sanhedrin — the Rambam’s laws of courts
Hilchos SanhedrinThe section of the Mishneh Torah dealing with Torah courts, judges, judicial procedures, and penalties within their jurisdiction, including the laws of lashes. This is a section of the Rambam, not the Talmudic tractate bearing the same name.
Hilchos Sefer Torah
The section of the Mishneh Torah governing Torah scrolls, tefillin, and mezuzos; cited here for the rules of ruled guidelines.
Hilchos Shevuos
The section of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah governing oaths.
Hilchos Sotah
The section of the Mishneh Torah concerning the laws of sotah.
Hilchos Talmud Torah
Laws of Torah study. This title may refer to the Rambam’s section of Mishneh Torah or to the Alter Rebbe’s separately authored laws, as specified in the text.
Hilchos Terumot
The Laws of Terumah, the section of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah concerning the sacred agricultural portions given to Kohanim and who may eat them.
Hilchos To’en VeNit’an
The section of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah concerning claims, denials, evidence, and oaths in monetary disputes.
Hilchos Tumas Tzaraas
The section of Mishneh Torah governing the ritual impurity and purification of Torah-defined tzaraas.
Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah
The Rambam’s Laws of the Foundations of the Torah, including knowledge of Hashem, prophecy, and sanctifying Hashem’s name.
Hilchos Yibbum V’Chalitzah
The section of the Mishneh Torah explaining levirate marriage and the chalitzah procedure that releases its obligation.
Hilchos Yibbum VaChalitzah
The section of Sefer Nashim concerning the bond between a qualifying childless widow and her deceased husband’s brother, its fulfillment through yibbum, and its release through chalitzah.
Hilchos Yibbum vChalitzah
The section of Sefer Nashim concerning the bond between a qualifying childless widow and her deceased husband’s eligible brother, yibbum, and release through chalitzah.
Hilchos Zechiyah U’Matanah
The section of the Mishneh Torah governing acquisition of ownerless property and gifts.
Hilchot
The Hebrew word for ‘laws of.’ It introduces the name of a legal section within the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah.
Hilchot Berachot
The section of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah devoted to the laws of blessings, prayer-related responses, and giving thanks to Hashem.
Hilchot Issurei Bi’ah
The section of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah devoted to prohibited intimate relationships and the personal-status laws connected with them.
Hilchot Malveh V’Loveh
The section of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah that presents the laws governing loans, creditors, debtors, and collection.
Hilchot Nedarim
The laws of vows in the Mishneh Torah.
Hilchot Sh’vuot
The section of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah that presents the laws of oaths.
Hoshea
Hosea, a prophet whose book forms part of the Twelve Prophets.
Iggeres HaTeshuvah
The section of Tanya explaining teshuvah, return to Hashem, and the restoration of one’s relationship with Him.
Igrot Moshe
The collection of halachic responsa by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein.
ikkar ketubah
The basic marriage payment required by law: ordinarily 200 zuz for a virgin bride and 100 zuz for a widow or divorcee. It is distinct from the additional sum the husband undertakes voluntarily. The applicable currency standard affects its silver value.
il lem
An alternative displayed form for illem, a man who hears but cannot speak.
il lemes
An alternative displayed form for illemes, a woman who hears but cannot speak.
illem
A man who cannot speak but can hear; this differs from the classical category cheresh, who neither hears nor speaks.
illemes
A woman who cannot speak but can hear; this differs from the classical category chereshes, who neither hears nor speaks.
Isar
A small coin used in the Talmudic period. In this halachah, the Rambam uses its physical size—not its monetary value—to measure a mark. The cited traditional estimate is a coin about 2.7 cm (1.06 in.) across.
isaron
One-tenth of an eifah, a dry-volume measure equal to the volume of 43.2 eggs. It is the flour quantity specified for the sotah offering.
ish
A man. Hilchos Ishus 2:10 uses this as a designation for a male who has attained adult halachic status.
Ishus
Marriage; the name of the Mishneh Torah section governing kiddushin and the rights and obligations of marriage.
issur
A prohibition under Jewish law.
Issurei aseh
Prohibitions derived from the wording of positive Torah commandments. In Hilchos Ishus 1:8, these are distinguished from relationships forbidden by an explicit negative commandment.
Issurei Biah
Forbidden intimate relationships; the opening section of Sefer Kedushah in the Mishneh Torah.
Issurei kedushah
Prohibitions of holiness: another name used in Hilchos Ishus 1:7 for the listed relationships forbidden by Torah negative commandments without liability for kares.
Issurei lavin
Prohibitions expressed as negative Torah commandments. In marriage law, the term includes prohibited unions in which kiddushin can still take effect.
Iyov
Job, a Biblical figure and the book of Scripture bearing his name.
Jerusalem
The holy city and site of the Beis HaMikdash. The wedding blessings join a couple’s joy with prayer for Jerusalem’s restoration.
Jerusalem Talmud
The Talmud Yerushalmi, the foundational compilation of Amoraic discussion produced in Eretz Yisrael. It is distinct from the Babylonian Talmud.
Judah
The Biblical tribal territory and later kingdom surrounding Jerusalem. The wedding blessing prays that voices of joy will again be heard in its cities.
kabbalas ol
Acceptance of Hashem’s authority and commitment to fulfill His will, even when personal enthusiasm is limited.
kablan
A person who assumes a direct payment undertaking, allowing the claimant to demand payment from him directly. For a ketubah, the form of the declaration distinguishes this undertaking from an ordinary guarantee.
kal vachomer
Reasoning from a case with less reason for a rule to a case with greater reason for that rule.
Kankantum
A traditional writing substance that could be combined with other materials to make a lasting mark.
kareis
A severe punishment imposed by Heaven, literally being cut off. It is distinct from execution by a court.
Kares
A punishment imposed by Heaven, commonly translated as excision. In Hilchos Ishus 1 it distinguishes the category of arayos from certain other prohibited relationships.
karet
A severe Torah penalty, commonly translated as excision, applying to specified intentional transgressions.
katan
A male minor in halachic status. Age and the physical signs or alternative criteria set out in Hilchos Ishus 2 determine the end of this status.
Kav
A traditional measure of volume. In the chapter’s example, it measures the amount of food needed for support.
Kedei tumah — כדי טומאה
kedei tumahThe minimum duration of seclusion that provides an opportunity for sexual relations. The Rambam describes it as the time needed to roast an egg and swallow it; no modern minute conversion is assumed.
Kedeshah
The term used in Hilchos Ishus 1:4 for the woman in the prohibited nonmarital sexual encounter described there. The Rambam and Ra’avad differ over the scope of this designation.
kehunah
The priestly status of a Kohen, with its particular responsibilities, sanctity, and marriage restrictions.
kemitzah
Taking the prescribed portion of a grain offering with the Kohen’s hand. That portion is burned upon the altar.
Kenas — קנס
kenasA statutory fine imposed by the Torah, distinct from compensation assessed for the particular harm. A qualifying judicial admission does not impose the fine and can exempt it even when witnesses subsequently testify; the detailed conditions govern that exemption.
Kerisos
Keritot, a tractate of the Mishnah and Talmud discussing transgressions punishable by kareis and their associated offerings, along with several special sacrificial obligations.
Keritut
Complete severance. In the laws of divorce, the get must sever the marital bond rather than leave continuing marital authority.
kerus shofchah
A man with a severed reproductive organ, subject to the Torah’s restriction on entering the marriage congregation.
Kessef Mishneh
Rabbi Yosef Karo’s commentary on the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, devoted to identifying sources, explaining difficult rulings, and responding to objections.
Kesubah
An alternate spelling of ketubah: the marriage document and the financial obligation it records, ordinarily payable upon divorce or the husband’s death. Context may also refer to the dowry recorded in it.
kesubas benin dichrin
The special ketubah condition under which sons of a wife who predeceased her husband inherit her marriage-settlement amount from their father, subject to the conditions of this enactment. Also spelled ketubas benin dichrin.
Maseches Kesubos
KesubosThe tractate of the Mishnah and Talmud concerning marriage obligations, the ketubah, and related family and property law. Kesubos is an Ashkenazic spelling of Ketubot.
Kesuvim
The Writings, the third division of Tanach. It includes Tehillim (Psalms), Mishlei (Proverbs), Iyov (Job), the Five Megillos, and other Biblical books.
Ketanah
A minor girl. While she remains a ketanah, her father has the Torah authority to accept kiddushin on her behalf.
Ketubah
The marriage contract that records the husband’s financial obligations toward his wife, including the amount payable when the marriage ends under qualifying circumstances. Its principal obligation ordinarily begins with nisuin.
Ketubas benin dichrin
Ketubas benin dichrin applies when a wife dies before her husband. When the father later dies, her sons receive the amount of their mother’s marriage settlement before the remaining estate is divided among his heirs, subject to the conditions governing this provision. They also share in the remaining inheritance. This can matter when the father has sons from different wives whose marriage settlements were of different amounts.
Maseches Ketubot
KetubotThe plural of ketubah: marriage settlements or their documents. As a tractate title, Ketubot names the Talmudic tractate devoted to marital obligations and related questions of property and testimony.
Ki Teitzei
A Torah portion in Deuteronomy. Its name means ‘When you go out.’
Kiddushin
The legally binding first stage of Jewish marriage, also called erusin. In the usual ceremony, a woman knowingly accepts a ring or another object of sufficient value for this purpose in the presence of two qualified witnesses. Nisuin completes the marriage.
Kikkar
An ancient weight, or talent: in the calculation used here, 60 maneh or 6,000 dinar-weight units. At 4.8–5.1 grams per unit, this is approximately 28.8–30.6 kilograms (63.5–67.5 pounds). A kikkar of gold specifies gold by weight, not silver currency.
Measurement reference ↗Kin’at Eliyahu
A commentary on the Mishneh Torah cited for explanations of the Rambam’s rulings. The chapter cites its discussion of whether written words of kiddushin require a separate spoken declaration.
King David
The second king of Israel and founder of the Davidic royal dynasty. Yoav served as the commander of his army.
King Shaul
The first king of the united Jewish kingdom. Avner ben Ner served as the commander of his army.
kinui
An admonition concerning marital faithfulness; in the formal laws of sotah, a warning against seclusion with a particular man.
kinuy
A formal warning against seclusion with a particular man under the laws of sotah. This spelling is equivalent to kinui.
Kinyan
A formal halachic act of acquisition or commitment that gives legal force to a transaction or obligation.
kinyan agav
A legal mechanism connecting the acquisition of movable property with land. In the lien arrangement discussed in Hilchos Ishus 17, movable assets are made security together with land, so the order of the liens can affect collection.
Kinyan Chalifin
A formal act used to confirm a transaction or financial undertaking, commonly performed when the person accepting the obligation takes an object such as a cloth.
kitusei mikatas shiurei
“Its required measure is treated as crushed.” An object permanently designated for destruction is regarded as lacking a required halachic measure, even while physically intact.
Kiyor
The Temple basin from which the Kohanim wash their hands and feet before service. The sotah waters are taken from this basin.
Klalei HaTorah VeHaMitzvot
A thematic presentation of principles drawn from the Rogatchover Gaon’s writings, organized by subject.
kli shares
A vessel consecrated for service in the Beis HaMikdash.
Kohanim
The plural of Kohen. Kohanim are descendants of Aharon within the tribe of Levi and have a distinct priestly status and responsibilities.
Kohen
A male descendant of Aharon within the tribe of Levi. A Kohen has a distinct priestly status and particular privileges and restrictions under halachah.
Kohen Gadol
The High Priest, who has additional marriage restrictions beyond those of an ordinary Kohen.
Kol
A public report that has been substantiated in beis din through testimony and surrounding circumstances. It is more than ordinary gossip, but it does not have the force of conclusive eyewitness testimony.
kol hara’ui lebilah
“Anything fit for mixing.” A Talmudic principle distinguishing a step that could have been performed but was omitted from a step that was impossible to perform; its application depends on the particular law.
kometz
The portion of a grain offering taken by kemitzah and burned upon the altar.
komos
A substance used for lasting writing. It is excluded from the sotah scroll because its writing cannot be fully erased into the waters.
Kor
A volume of 30 seah: approximately 249 liters (66 U.S. gallons) using Rav Chaim Naeh’s measure, or 430 liters (114 U.S. gallons) using the Chazon Ish’s. A beis kor measures land area, not volume.
Measurement reference ↗Kosher
Valid or fit according to halachah. When describing testimony, it means testimony given by witnesses who meet the ordinary legal qualifications.
Kumos
A traditional writing substance that could be combined with other materials to make a lasting mark.
Kuntres Acharon
A concluding supplementary treatise. In this chapter’s Makneh citation, the supplement commenting on the marriage laws in Even HaEzer.
Lav hanitak la’aseh — לאו הניתק לעשה
lav hanitak la'asehA Torah prohibition linked to a positive commandment that provides the required corrective action. The accompanying positive commandment affects whether Beis Din administers lashes; the precise conditions are explained in the Rambam’s laws. The possibility of correction does not permit the original violation.
Lav hanitak la’aseh — לאו הניתק לעשה
lav hanitak la’asehA Torah prohibition linked to a positive commandment that provides the required corrective action. The accompanying positive commandment affects whether Beis Din administers lashes; the precise conditions are explained in the Rambam’s laws. The possibility of correction does not permit the original violation.
Lavan
The father of Leah and Rachel. His instruction that Yaakov complete Leah’s wedding week before marrying Rachel is cited as a model for not combining separate celebrations.
Lavud
A halachic principle under which a gap of less than three handbreadths can be treated as closed or joined to a nearby surface, where the applicable law calls for it.
Leah
A Hebrew personal name. In Biblical contexts Leah is one of the four Matriarchs, the daughter of Lavan and sister of Rachel. In illustrative cases, this name identifies a fictional woman.
Lekach Tov
A work by Rabbi Yosef Engel examining general principles of Talmudic law. Its opening section analyzes how agency relates the agent’s action to the person who appointed him.
Levi
A member of the tribe of Levi. When contrasted with a Kohen, the term means a Levite who is not a descendant of Aharon’s priestly line. Levites had assigned duties in the Temple, including singing and guarding.
Levi’im
The plural of Levi. In this context, Levi’im are members of the tribe of Levi who are not Kohanim.
levonah
Frankincense, an aromatic resin used with certain offerings. It is forbidden on the sotah offering.
Li meihach
An alternate division of the letters that could be read as “a matter of amusement to me.”
Likkutei Sichos
The published collection of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s talks, organized by volume and Torah portion or occasion.
Likutei Amarim
The first section of Tanya, the Alter Rebbe’s foundational Chassidic work on the soul and practical divine service.
Limhach
The Aramaic word in the formula meaning “to go” for the woman to marry another man.
linah
Disqualification through remaining overnight beyond the period permitted for sacred service. It concerns ritual validity rather than physical spoilage.
Lishkas HaGazis
The Chamber of Hewn Stone, the designated seat of the Great Sanhedrin at the Temple. Its functioning there is a condition for capital jurisdiction.
Lishmah
For the sake of the specified person or legal act. A get must be written specifically for the husband and wife whose marriage it will end; the correct names alone do not supply that intent afterward.
lo avah
“Did not desire.” The negation lo must be kept with avah so the declaration expresses refusal.
Lod
A city in the Land of Israel, used here as an example of the place where a get was written.
log
A halachic measure of volume. The half-log used here is approximately 173 ml according to Shiurei Torah or 299 ml according to the Chazon Ish.
Lot
Avraham’s nephew, a Biblical figure. His extreme intoxication in Bereishis 19 serves as a reference point in the laws of legal capacity.
ma’amad shelashtan
A transfer of a debt or deposit arranged in the presence of all three parties: the original creditor or owner, the person holding the obligation or property, and the recipient.
Ma’amar · מאמר
ma’amarA Rabbinically instituted preliminary act resembling kiddushin before yibbum. It has halachic significance but does not by itself complete the yibbum marriage.
ma’amar kasher
Valid ma’amar: the Rabbinic partial marital bond remains fit to lead to permitted yibbum by the same brother with the same widow, with no intervening disqualifying act.
ma’amar pasul
Disqualified ma’amar: it cannot lead to permitted yibbum in the stated sequence. Its partial marital bond can still require a get; any remaining zikah also needs resolution.
ma’amarim
Plural of ma’amar: Rabbinic kiddushin acts that create partial marital bonds before yibbum. Each distinct bond may require its own get.
ma’areh
A person who performs ha’ara’ah, the legally defined initial penetration.
Ma’aseh Rokeach
Rabbi Masud Chai Rokeach’s commentary on the Mishneh Torah, examining its wording, sources, and rulings.
ma’aser ani
The tithe given to the poor in the third and sixth years of the seven-year agricultural cycle.
ma’aser rishon
The first tithe of agricultural produce, given to a Levite.
ma’aser sheni
The second tithe of produce, eaten in Jerusalem under its laws or redeemed onto money used there.
ma’asrot
Tithes: designated portions separated from agricultural produce.
Maariv
The evening prayer service.
Maaseh Rokeach
Rabbi Masud Chai Rokeach’s commentary on the Mishneh Torah, examining the Rambam’s wording and sources.
Maggid Mishneh
Rabbi Vidal of Tolosa’s commentary on the Mishneh Torah, identifying sources and explaining the Rambam’s rulings.
makas mardus
Rabbinic disciplinary lashes, distinct from Torah-prescribed lashes. Exemption from a specified Torah penalty does not necessarily exclude this disciplinary response.
Makkas mardus
Rabbinic disciplinary lashes, distinct from the Torah’s prescribed punishment of malkos.
Makkat Mardut
Disciplinary lashes imposed by a rabbinic court in circumstances defined by halachah, including certain violations of Rabbinic law. They are distinct from the fixed judicial lashes prescribed by the Torah.
Mamzer
A person born from certain unions forbidden by the Torah. A mamzer has specific marriage restrictions under halachah; the term does not simply mean a child born outside marriage.
Mamzeres
The feminine form of mamzer: a woman with the specific lineage status arising from certain Torah-prohibited unions. Being born to unmarried parents does not itself create this status.
Mamzerim
The plural of mamzer, a specific lineage status arising from certain Torah-prohibited unions. It does not simply mean children born outside marriage.
Maneh
One hundred zuz. Its silver equivalent is about 480–510 grams under the pure-silver standard, or 60–63.75 grams under the provincial standard. These are metal equivalents, not fixed dollar amounts.
Measurement reference ↗Maseches Niddah
Niddah is the tractate of the Mishnah and Talmud discussing niddah and related ritual-purity laws. In a Mishnah reference such as Niddah 1:7, the numbers identify the chapter and mishnah.
matnas shechiv mera
A spelling variant of matnat shechiv mera: a gift made under the special rules for a gravely ill person, taking effect after death when the applicable conditions are met.
matnat shechiv mera
A disposition of property made by a seriously ill person under special halachic rules. When the applicable conditions are met, his words can take effect without an ordinary act of acquisition.
Me’achshav
The Hebrew expression meaning ‘from now.’ If the condition is later fulfilled, the legal act is treated as having taken effect from its original moment rather than only from the later fulfillment.
Me’ah
A coin denomination equal to one-sixth of a dinar. This corresponds to about 0.80–0.85 gram of silver under the pure-silver standard, or 0.10–0.106 gram under the provincial standard.
Measurement reference ↗Me’uchar
Postdated: bearing a date later than the proper date of the document.
Medinah
A locality or territory. In the residence laws of Hilchos Ishus, Chapter 13, it means a city within a larger land, rather than a modern state or country.
mei’anah
She refused. In Ishus 23:10, the first use refers to refusal of marital relations; the later minor-wife case refers to the distinct procedure of mi’un.
Mekach Ta’ut
A transaction or agreement entered on a materially mistaken premise. When the mistaken fact was essential to the agreement, halachah may treat the agreement as invalid from the outset.
Mema’enet
A minor girl who ends a qualifying Rabbinic marriage through mi’un, a declaration of refusal before two people.
Merkavas HaMishneh
A commentary on the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah by Rabbi Shlomo ben Moshe of Chelm. The author’s biography is available through the authority entry.
Mesiach lefi tumo
Speaking casually and naturally, without intending to give formal testimony. In the laws of a missing husband, such an incidental statement can sometimes be accepted even from a person whose formal testimony would not be accepted.
metaltelin
Movable assets, as opposed to land.
metzora
A person diagnosed with the Torah-defined condition of tzaraas.
Mezimim
Witnesses who establish hazamah against another group by testifying that those witnesses were with them elsewhere at the relevant time.
Mezuzah
A parchment bearing the Torah passages placed on a doorpost. It is not a divorce document.
Mezuzot
The plural of mezuzah: parchments bearing the Torah passages placed on doorposts.
mi’un
A minor girl’s refusal that ends a marriage established for her under rabbinic law when she lacks a father with authority to marry her off. Where this procedure applies, no get is required.
Midivrei soferim
Literally, from the teachings of the Sages. Its force depends on context: it can identify a rabbinic law, while the Maggid Mishneh and Kessef Mishneh explain its use in Ishus 1:2 as describing how a Torah-level law is derived.
Migo
A principle that may give a litigant’s claim credibility because another available claim would have secured the same legal advantage. Its application and limits depend on the case.
Mikveh
A body of water meeting halachic requirements for ritual immersion. A constructed mikveh ordinarily requires at least forty seah of qualifying water and must also meet rules concerning the water’s source and connection; volume alone does not make an ordinary pool a mikveh.
minchah
A grain offering brought in the Beis HaMikdash. Its ingredients and service depend on the particular offering.
Minyan
A quorum of ten adult Jewish men required for designated public prayers and ceremonies, including the wedding blessings.
Minyan shtarot
The Era of Contracts, a historical system for numbering years used in Jewish legal documents. It is distinct from counting years from Creation.
Miriam
A Hebrew personal name, used here for one woman in the example.
mis’asek
One acting without the relevant intention for the act that occurs, including the mistaken-identity case discussed here. In the applicable forbidden relationship, this can require a sin offering; it does not establish intentional court liability.
Mishkan
The portable Sanctuary used before the permanent Beis HaMikdash.
Mishnah
The foundational written collection of the Oral Torah, organized into six orders and compiled by Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi.
Mishneh LaMelech
Rabbi Yehuda Rosanes’s commentary on the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, examining the sources and distinctions underlying its rulings.
Mishneh Torah
The Rambam’s comprehensive code of Jewish law, organized into fourteen books and their legal sections. It covers both laws practiced in ordinary Jewish life and laws concerning the Temple and other institutions.
mitpachat
A cloth or scarf; in Ishus 24, a headscarf covering the hair.
Mitzvah
A commandment or its fulfillment. The word can refer to a Torah commandment or a Rabbinic obligation, so the context determines which level of obligation is meant.
mitzvas chachamim
A commandment ordained by the Sages. The Kessef Mishneh discusses why the Rambam uses this description for the prescribed warning.
Mitzvos · מצוות
mitzvosCommandments; plural of mitzvah.
Mitzvot
The plural of mitzvah: the commandments of the Torah.
Moda’ah
A formal advance declaration protesting a forthcoming legal act. In get and chalitzah proceedings, it can undermine the act’s legal effectiveness; its precise consequences depend on the act and circumstances.
Modeh bemiktzas
A defendant who admits part of a monetary claim and denies the rest. Where the conditions of the law apply, the partial admission requires a Torah oath concerning the denied portion.
Mordechai
The halachic compilation by Rabbi Mordechai ben Hillel, arranged in relation to the tractates of the Talmud and preserving many earlier authorities’ rulings.
Mored
A husband who refuses marital intimacy with his wife.
Moredes
An alternate spelling of moredet: a wife whose refusal of marital relations falls under the relevant legal procedure. The reason for refusal affects which rules apply.
Moredet
A wife classified as refusing marital intimacy. The reason for her refusal determines which legal procedure applies.
Moshe
Moses, the prophet who led the Jewish people from Egypt and transmitted the Torah at Sinai.
Motzi shem ra
In this chapter, a husband’s formal defamatory court accusation that his wife committed adultery after kiddushin, subject to the specific conditions of Hilchos Naarah Betulah 3.
Mukat Etz
Literally, ‘one struck by wood.’ A woman whose physical signs of virginity were affected by an injury or another nonsexual cause. The status concerns the amount of her ketubah; it does not mean that she previously had marital relations.
Mukdam
Predated: bearing a date earlier than the proper date of the document.
Na’arah
The halachic stage beginning when a girl is at least twelve and develops the required signs of physical maturity. It lasts six months, after which she becomes a bogeret. If the signs appear later than twelve, this six-month period also begins later.
na’arah me’orasah
A consecrated maiden in the defined naarah stage. The special capital category additionally requires virgin status and the other conditions explained in Hilchos Issurei Biah Chapter 3.
Na’arus
The six-month halachic stage that begins when a girl, aged at least twelve, develops the required signs of maturity. Bagrut follows its completion; it is not always limited to the ages twelve through twelve and a half.
Naarah
The halachic stage of female adolescence that normally begins at age twelve with the required signs of maturity and lasts six months before bagrus. It is distinct from both minority and full adulthood.
Naarah Betulah
A virgin girl; also the name of this section of the Mishneh Torah. Eligibility for its fixed fine depends on the age and status rules explained in the chapter.
Natin
A descendant of the Givonim. A Natin may not marry into the general Jewish community. Although a Natin and a mamzer share certain marriage restrictions, they are distinct personal statuses.
Nazirah
A nazirah is a woman who undertakes a nazirite vow, which includes abstaining from wine and other grape products, refraining from cutting her hair, and avoiding ritual impurity from the dead.
Nazirite
A man or woman who undertakes a nazirite vow. Its obligations include refraining from cutting the hair, avoiding the prohibited grape products, and avoiding ritual impurity from a human corpse. Nazirah is the feminine form.
nechasim benei chorin
Property that remains with the debtor or estate, rather than property transferred to purchasers.
Nedarim
A tractate of the Mishnah and Talmud dealing with vows: how their wording creates obligations, how they can be released, and when a father or husband can annul them.
Neder
A binding vow. A common form makes a particular object or benefit forbidden to the person; a vow can also involve a sacred undertaking. Its wording and legal category determine its effect.
Nedunya
The dowry: property a wife brings into the marriage. It is distinct from the basic ketubah and the husband’s additional undertaking. Responsibility for its value determines whether it is nichsei tzon barzel or nichsei melog.
nedunyah
The dowry: property a wife contributes to the marriage. Its repayment is distinct from the basic and additional ketubah obligations.
Nefel · נפל
nefelA nonviable birth. In this chapter, uncertainty about whether a child was viable affects whether the widow is exempt from yibbum.
Nefesh habehamis
The animal soul described in Chassidus: the self-oriented life-force and emotional nature that can be refined and directed toward serving Hashem.
Nekitat chefetz
Nekitat chefetz means holding a sacred object, such as a Torah scroll, when taking the oath. It is a formal requirement of the oath described here, rather than an ordinary verbal assurance.
Neshamah
The soul; in the reflection here, the Divine soul that grounds the spiritual bond between Jews.
Nesinim
A spelling variant of Netinim: descendants of the Givonites subject to a distinct rabbinic marriage restriction. Sharing certain restrictions with mamzerim does not make them mamzerim.
Nesu’ah
A woman whose marriage has progressed from erusin to nisu’in. She is now considered fully married for the rights and obligations that begin with nisu’in.
Netinim
The plural of Natin: descendants of the Givonim who were assigned a distinct communal and marital status.
Nevi’im
The Prophets, the second division of Tanach. It includes the historical books beginning with Yehoshua (Joshua), as well as Yeshayahu (Isaiah), Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah), Yechezkel (Ezekiel), and the Twelve Minor Prophets.
Nicanor
The name associated with the eastern gate of the inner Temple courtyard; the sotah stands on its outer side.
Nichsei melog
Property whose underlying ownership remains with the wife, while the husband ordinarily receives its income or produce during marriage. He does not guarantee its assessed value; when it is returned to her, she bears its decrease in value and benefits from its increase.
Nichsei tzon barzel
Property brought into a marriage for whose assessed value the husband accepts financial responsibility. Ordinarily, that value is owed when the marriage ends. His obligation is for that value, even if the assets subsequently depreciate or are lost.
Niddah
Niddah is a halachic status associated with menstrual bleeding. Marital relations are forbidden during this status, which continues until the required purification process is completed.
Nisan
The Hebrew month in which Passover begins on the fifteenth day.
Nissan
The first month of the Torah’s festival calendar, in the spring. It follows Adar.
Nissuin
The completion of marriage after kiddushin, traditionally through chuppah. The couple is already legally bound by the earlier kiddushin.
Nisu’in
The completed stage of Jewish marriage, following kiddushin or erusin. It brings the couple into the full marital relationship and activates obligations that do not ordinarily begin with kiddushin alone.
Nisuin
The completed stage of Jewish marriage, following kiddushin. It brings the couple into the full marital relationship and activates obligations that do not ordinarily begin with kiddushin alone.
nit’an
The particular man suspected of an improper relationship with a married woman. Suspicion alone does not establish adultery.
Noam
A Hebrew personal name used to identify one man in an illustrative case.
Noda BiYehudah
Noda B’YhudahAn alternative spelling of Noda BiYehudah, Rabbi Yechezkel Landau’s responsa.
Noda BiYehudah
A collection of responsa by Rabbi Yechezkel Landau. The second edition, Even HaEzer 62, discusses identifying a lost get by its container and dimensions.
Nonkosher
Not kosher: not permitted for eating under the Torah’s dietary laws. In the discussion of birds, it identifies a species forbidden as food.
Onah
Onah is a wife’s right to marital relations and her husband’s corresponding obligation toward her. Its required frequency depends on his physical strength and occupation.
Oneg Shabbos
Enjoyment of Shabbos. Marital intimacy is included among its expressions in the Rambam’s discussion of Shabbos.
Ones
Coercion or circumstances beyond a person’s control. Its effect on responsibility depends on the particular law and the circumstances; it is distinct from inadvertent wrongdoing.
Onkelos
A Roman convert and Torah scholar traditionally associated with Targum Onkelos, the authoritative Aramaic rendering of the Torah.
Orach Chayim
The section of the Tur and Shulchan Aruch covering daily religious practice, prayer, blessings, Shabbos, and festivals.
P’rutah
The minimum monetary value ordinarily needed for kiddushin: one-192nd of a silver dinar. Using dinar estimates of 4.8–5.1 grams gives approximately 0.025–0.0266 gram of silver. Its cash value changes with the silver price; it is not a fixed number of cents.
Measurement reference ↗palginan dibbura
Dividing a statement for legal purposes: accepting it for one legal consequence without necessarily accepting it for another.
Parnasah
In these marriage laws, a dowry or marriage provision supplied for a daughter. It is distinct from ongoing support for food and other living needs.
Pasul
Disqualified. For a get, the Rambam ordinarily uses this term for a Rabbinic disqualification. His special warning in Hilchos Gerushin 2:6 requires the further discussion given there.
Maseches Pe’ah
Pe’ahA tractate of the Mishnah devoted primarily to agricultural gifts that must be left for the poor.
peirei peirei peirot
The third generation of produce: yield generated after two successive reinvestments of the original produce.
peirei peirot
Produce of produce: yield generated by property purchased with the original property’s produce.
peiros
Peiros, literally “fruits,” refers to the yield or income produced by property, as distinct from the property itself.
Perek
A chapter. The plural is perakim.
periyah veriviyah
The commandment to be fruitful and multiply. In the Rambam’s ruling, the Torah obligation rests on the man and is ordinarily fulfilled by a son and a daughter, subject to the qualifications in Hilchos Ishus 15. A further Rabbinic obligation to have children remains afterward.
P’rutah
perutahThe minimum monetary value ordinarily needed for kiddushin: one-192nd of a silver dinar. Using dinar estimates of 4.8–5.1 grams gives approximately 0.025–0.0266 gram of silver. Its cash value changes with the silver price; it is not a fixed number of cents.
Measurement reference ↗Pesach
Passover, the spring festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt and one of the three pilgrimage festivals.
pesharah
A compromise that settles a dispute through an agreed resolution rather than requiring a ruling that awards one side its entire legal claim. In marital disputes, it may involve agreed terms for separation or financial payment.
peshi’ah beva’alim
Negligence in a custodial arrangement where the owner was also serving the custodian under the conditions of the law of beva’alim. The term names a particular exemption from liability; it does not authorize misuse of property.
petzua dakka
A man with a specified injury to his reproductive organs, subject to the Torah’s restriction on entering the marriage congregation.
pikachat
The female counterpart of pike’ach: a woman of sound understanding outside the legal categories of chereshet and shotah.
pikchim
The plural of pike’ach: people of sound understanding outside the legal categories of cheresh and shoteh.
pike’ach
A man of sound understanding outside the legal categories of cheresh and shoteh. Here the term describes legal capacity, not exceptional cleverness.
Pilegesh
A woman designated as a partner without being consecrated as a wife. This is a distinct legal subject, addressed by the Rambam in Hilchos Melachim 4:4.
Pirkei Avos
Ethics of the Fathers, the tractate of Mishnah teaching ethical conduct and service of Hashem.
Pischei Teshuvah
Rabbi Avraham Tzvi Hirsch Eisenstadt’s commentary collecting responsa and later rulings relevant to the Shulchan Aruch.
Piskei Siddur
Halachic rulings incorporated by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi into his siddur and its accompanying instructions.
Pischei Teshuvah
Pitchei TeshuvahAn alternative spelling of Pischei Teshuvah, Rabbi Avraham Tzvi Hirsch Eisenstadt’s collection of later rulings on the Shulchan Aruch.
Pnimiyus
Inwardness or inner truth. In avodah, it means that a person’s conduct genuinely expresses what is understood and felt within, rather than remaining external.
Pogemes ketubasah
A woman who acknowledges that part of her ketubah has already been paid. This admission reduces her outstanding claim and brings the requirement to swear before collecting the balance.
principal
In property law, the underlying property or capital, distinguished from its income or yield. In the laws of agency, the principal is the person who authorizes an agent to act on their behalf.
Provisions imposed by the court
These are standard provisions established by the Sages that ordinarily take effect through marriage itself. The couple does not need to appear before a court or expressly include them in the marriage document.
pushka
A charity box in which money is placed for tzedakah.
Rabbi Akiva
One of the greatest Sages of the Mishnah. He profoundly shaped the study and organization of the Oral Torah and taught many leading scholars of the next generation.
Rabbi Chiyya
A leading disciple and colleague of Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi who helped preserve and teach the Oral Torah. A collection of Tannaitic teachings associated with him clarifies and supplements the Mishnah.
Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah
A leading Sage of the Mishnah and a contemporary of Rabbi Akiva. He became head of the academy at a young age and was renowned for both Torah scholarship and extraordinary wealth.
Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi
The leading Sage who compiled and organized the Mishnah around the beginning of the third century CE. He is often called Rebbe or simply Rabbi in the Talmud.
Rachel
One of the four Matriarchs, the daughter of Lavan and sister of Leah. Yaakov married her after completing Leah’s wedding week.
Rambam
Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, also known as Maimonides, the great medieval Torah scholar whose Mishneh Torah systematically organizes Jewish law.
Rambam LaAm
An annotated edition of the Mishneh Torah published by Mossad Harav Kook.
Rav · רב
ravA rabbi; in a practical halachic question, an appropriately qualified halachic authority.
Retroactive effect
A later event establishes that a legal act took effect from an earlier moment. In this chapter, fulfilling an ‘on condition that’ stipulation can establish that the divorce took effect from the original delivery of the get.
Reuven
A Hebrew personal name, used here for one brother in the example.
Rishonim
The major medieval rabbinic authorities who followed the Geonim and preceded the later Acharonim.
Rivkah
A Hebrew personal name, used here for one woman in the example.
Ruth
The Moabite woman who joined the Jewish people and married Boaz. The public gathering connected with their marriage is cited in discussing the wedding minyan.
seris adam
s’ris adamA male whose reproductive organ or testicles have been cut, severed, or crushed as described in Hilchos Ishus 2:14. This category has an age rule distinct from seris chamah.
seris chamah
s’ris chamahThe category of saris distinguished from incapacity caused by the physical injury described as seris adam. Hilchos Ishus 2 sets out its age and physical criteria.
Safek gerushin
A divorce whose legal effect is in doubt. It cannot be treated as a definitely valid divorce or as certainly ineffective.
Safek kiddushin
Kiddushin whose legal validity remains uncertain. Because the marriage bond may have taken effect, the woman cannot assume that she is unmarried and will generally require a get before marrying someone else.
Safek megureshes
A woman whose divorce remains halachically uncertain. Because she may still be married and may also already be divorced, the restrictions of both possibilities can apply until the doubt is resolved.
Safek megureshet
A woman whose divorce is uncertain. She may not remarry without resolving the doubt through the required get; this differs from a get known to be only Rabbinically disqualified.
Sanhedrin — סנהדרין
SanhedrinA Torah court of judges. The Great Sanhedrin has seventy-one judges, while a lesser Sanhedrin has twenty-three. Sanhedrin is also the name of a Talmudic tractate about courts and judicial law; a reference such as Sanhedrin 73b refers to that tractate.
Sarah
A Hebrew personal name, used here for one woman in the example.
saris
A male in a specific halachic category of reproductive incapacity. The category should not be inferred merely from difficulty conceiving.
saris adam
A man whose reproductive incapacity resulted from injury or human intervention, after an earlier period of reproductive fitness.
saris chamah
A man with congenital reproductive incapacity who never had a period of reproductive fitness; the precise halachic category exempts him from yibbum and chalitzah.
saris chammah
A man with congenital reproductive incapacity; the category’s precise criteria and marriage restrictions are governed by the Rambam’s personal-status laws.
Seah
A traditional volume of six kav. In the standard system, it is approximately 8.29 liters (2.19 U.S. gallons) according to Rav Chaim Naeh, or 14.33 liters (3.79 U.S. gallons) according to the Chazon Ish. Thirty seah make one kor.
Measurement reference ↗sefer
A book; in Torah learning, a sacred Jewish text.
Sefer HaChinuch
A work presenting the Torah’s commandments in the order of the weekly Torah portions, with explanations and principal laws.
Sefer HaMitzvos
The Rambam’s enumeration of the Torah’s commandments, with introductory principles explaining how they are counted. This is the same work as Sefer HaMitzvot.
Sefer HaMitzvot
The Rambam’s enumeration of the Torah’s commandments, with introductory principles explaining how they are counted.
Sefer HaSichos
A collection of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s talks, arranged by year.
Sefer Kedushah
The Book of Holiness, the fifth book of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah. It contains Hilchos Issurei Biah, Hilchos Maachalos Asuros, and Hilchos Shechitah.
Sefer Nashim
The Book of Women, the fourth book of the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah. It contains the laws governing marriage, divorce, and related obligations.
Sefer Torah
A Torah scroll written in its prescribed Hebrew script.
Sefer Yehoshua
The Book of Joshua, the first book of Nevi’im, which describes the entry of the Jewish people into Eretz Yisrael.
Sela
Four dinarim: about 19.2–20.4 grams of silver under the pure-silver standard, or 2.4–2.55 grams under the provincial standard. The passage determines which standard applies.
Measurement reference ↗Sela’im
Plural of sela, an ancient monetary unit. In this chapter the statutory fine is measured in pure silver.
Semag
Sefer Mitzvos Gadol, Rabbi Moshe of Coucy’s compilation of the Torah commandments and their laws. The author is also known by this title.
Semichah
Rabbinic ordination. In this chapter, original semichah means the classical authority transmitted by ordained judges, which is required to adjudicate Torah fines; modern rabbinic certification does not by itself confer that jurisdiction.
Sephardic
Relating to Jewish communities and halachic traditions associated with Spain and communities shaped by its heritage.
seris adam
A male whose reproductive organ or testicles have been cut, severed, or crushed as described in Hilchos Ishus 2:14. This category has an age rule distinct from seris chamah.
seris chamah
The category of saris distinguished from incapacity caused by the physical injury described as seris adam. Hilchos Ishus 2 sets out its age and physical criteria.
setirah
Seclusion. In the sotah laws, the specified private encounter after a warning against seclusion with a particular man.
Sh’liach hava’ah
An agent appointed by the woman to bring the get to her. His receipt of the get does not itself complete the divorce.
Sh’liach holachah
An agent appointed by the husband to carry and deliver the get. His receipt from the husband does not itself divorce the woman.
Sh’liach kabbalah
An agent appointed by the woman to receive the get as her legal representative. Once the get reaches his hand, the divorce takes effect as though it had reached her own hand.
sh’niyah
A woman forbidden as a rabbinic extension of the Torah’s prohibited family relationships; a spelling variant of sheniyah.
Sh’niyot · שניות
sh’niyotRelatives forbidden by the Sages as extensions of the Torah’s prohibited family relationships.
Shabbos
The Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, observed from Friday evening until nightfall on Saturday. The name also identifies the tractate dealing with its laws, especially the prohibited categories of labor.
Shachuf — שחוף
shachufIn Hilchos Sotah 1:1, a man unable to have an erection and unable to father children. A formal warning concerning him can nevertheless qualify as kinui.
Shaliach
An authorized agent empowered to carry out a legal act for someone else. The agent’s authority is limited by the instructions given, and departing from them can invalidate the act.
Shaliach kabbalah
A receiving agent appointed by a woman to accept her get on her behalf. When the agent validly receives it, the delivery to the woman is legally complete even before the physical document reaches her.
shalom bayis
Peace and harmony in the home, nurtured through respectful conduct, consideration, and responsibility.
Shavkuha
An Aramaic plural command meaning “release her,” recognized in Hilchos Gerushin 2:10 as an instruction to divorce.
Shavuos
The Festival of Weeks, one of the three pilgrimage festivals, observed at the conclusion of the seven-week count from Pesach.
Shavuos
ShavuotAn alternative spelling of Shavuos, the Festival of Weeks.
shechin
The particular severe skin condition named in the Rambam. The term should not be generalized to every chronic skin illness or assigned a modern diagnosis without evidence.
Shegagah
An unwitting error. Here, an error about the circumstances of relations, such as mistaking the man for her husband; later regret alone is not shegagah.
Hilchos Shegagos
ShegagosThe Rambam’s Laws of Offerings for Unintentional Transgressions. They explain the sacrificial obligations for inadvertent sins and certain special offerings, including the guilt offering for shifchah charufah.
sheilah
A question submitted to a qualified rabbi for a halachic ruling.
Shema
An uncertain claim—‘perhaps’—made without definite knowledge, as opposed to a bari claim stated with certainty.
Shemittah
The seventh year of the agricultural cycle. A Shemittah cycle is a period of seven years.
Shemos
The Hebrew name of Exodus, the second book of the Torah.
sheniyah
A woman in a degree of kinship that the Sages prohibited as an extension of the Torah’s forbidden relationships. The term does not mean a second wife.
Sheva Berachot
The Seven Blessings recited at a Jewish wedding: the six wedding blessings together with the blessing over wine. The name also refers to qualifying festive meals during the week after the wedding.
Shevuas Heses
A shevuas heses is a rabbinically instituted oath that is less stringent than the oath taken while holding a sacred object.
Shevuas hesses
A Rabbinically instituted oath required for a qualifying complete denial of a monetary claim. It differs from the Torah oath associated with a qualifying partial admission.
Shevuat Heset
A Rabbinic oath used in resolving monetary disputes. It is generally imposed on a defendant who denies a claim even when the claimant lacks the evidence required for a Torah-level oath.
Maseches Shevuos
ShevuosThe tractate of Mishnah and Talmud concerning oaths, including testimony, monetary claims, and admissions. Shevuos is an Ashkenazic spelling of Shevuot.
Shevuot
The tractate of the Mishnah and Talmud discussing oaths, including oaths concerning deposits and claims.
Shi’bud
A shi’bud is a legal charge securing an obligation against property. It does not make the wife the present owner of the husband’s land. It gives her a right to collect from property subject to that charge when payment becomes due, under the applicable collection rules.
Shibukin
An Aramaic word for dismissal or release in the get formula.
shidduchin
Preliminary arrangements for marriage, before kiddushin creates a binding marital bond.
shifchah
A female slave in the historical legal setting of these laws, distinct from a hired employee.
Shifchah charufah
In Hilchos Ishus 4:17, a woman who is half a maidservant and half free and whom a Hebrew servant has consecrated.
Shiltei HaGiborim
Rabbi Yehoshua Boaz’s collection of supplementary rulings and commentary on the Rif and the Mordechai.
Shimon
The Hebrew name Simon. It may identify Yaakov’s son and the tribe descended from him, or simply serve as a personal name in a legal example.
Shinar
A Biblical name for the Babylonian region in southern Mesopotamia, broadly within modern Iraq.
shirei halishkah
Funds remaining from the communal half-shekel collection after allocations for communal offerings; used for designated communal needs.
shiur
A Torah lesson or class. In the Live It example, it refers to the scheduled community Torah class.
Shiurei Torah
Rabbi Avraham Chaim Naeh’s work on halachic measurements; its calculation is one of the standards cited for the half-log.
Shniyah
One woman within the rabbinic category of shniyos: additional relatives forbidden as an extension of the Torah’s arayos. This is the same term as sheniyah.
Shniyos
Additional degrees of kinship prohibited by the Sages as a secondary category to the Torah’s arayos. The twenty categories and their generational limits are listed in Hilchos Ishus 1:6.
Shniyos
shniyotAdditional degrees of kinship prohibited by the Sages as a secondary category to the Torah’s arayos. The twenty categories and their generational limits are listed in Hilchos Ishus 1:6.
Shogeg
An inadvertent transgressor: someone unaware of a relevant fact or prohibition. This does not necessarily mean that the physical act was accidental.
shomeres yavam
A childless widow awaiting yibbum with her deceased husband’s brother or chalitzah releasing that bond.
Shotah
A woman whose severe mental incapacity prevents the legally meaningful understanding and consent required for marriage and other legal acts.
Shoteh
A man whose severe mental incapacity prevents the legally meaningful understanding and consent required for marriage and other legal acts.
Shovar
A written receipt acknowledging payment or discharge of a debt, used to answer a later demand based on the original document.
Shulchan Aruch
Rabbi Yosef Karo’s practical code of Jewish law, arranged in four sections. Even HaEzer, the section cited here, addresses marriage, divorce, and related personal-status laws.
Shulchan Aruch HaRav
The halachic code authored by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi; distinct from Rabbi Yosef Karo’s Shulchan Aruch.
Siddur
A Jewish prayer book containing the ordered texts of the prayers.
Sifra
A collection of early rabbinic interpretation of Vayikra (Leviticus), especially the derivation and explanation of Torah law. It is also called Toras Kohanim.
Sifrei
Classic collections of halachic interpretation on Bamidbar and Devarim originating in the era of the Tannaim.
Sikra
A colored substance traditionally used for writing or painting.
siman ha’elyon
The upper sign: the bodily developments listed in Hilchos Ishus 2:7. Their legal significance depends on age, whether one or all are present, and whether the lower sign is found.
siman hatachton
The lower sign of maturity: two qualifying hairs in the specified region. Their age of appearance, length, and location determine their legal significance.
simanim
The windpipe and esophagus when used for the two anatomical passages discussed in the laws of slaughter and the fatal-injury case here.
sinar
A garment worn around the waist for modest coverage. Ishus 24:13 discusses Ezra’s enactment concerning wearing it in the home.
sirtut
Ruled guidelines made on the writing surface before writing. The chapter discusses their requirement when writing passages of Scripture.
Sivlonot
Gifts sent by a prospective groom to his intended bride. The gifts do not themselves create kiddushin, but local custom may make them evidence that kiddushin occurred beforehand.
sotah
The laws of a wife suspected of adultery following warning and seclusion; also the Talmudic tractate devoted to those laws.
Sukkos
The seven-day Festival of Booths beginning on 15 Tishrei. Its central commandments include dwelling in a sukkah and taking the four species. Shemini Atzeres follows as a distinct festival.
Ta’anat Betulim
A husband’s legal claim that he did not find the expected signs of his bride’s virginity. When the claim is available and accepted, it can affect the fundamental amount of her ketubah.
tahor
Ritually pure; feminine form, tehorah. Ritual status is distinct from a judgment about personal worth.
Talmud
The Mishnah together with the Gemara’s extensive discussion and analysis. The Babylonian Talmud is the central text of traditional rabbinic study.
Tamar
A Biblical personal name. Yehudah’s daughter-in-law Tamar and Amnon’s half-sister Tamar are different people.
Tanach
The Hebrew Bible: Torah, Nevi’im, and Kesuvim. Its name is formed from the initial Hebrew letters of those three divisions.
Tanna
A Sage of the Mishnah’s era. In some Talmudic contexts the term instead describes a reciter who memorized and transmitted earlier teachings; its meaning depends on the passage.
Tannaim
The Sages of the Mishnah’s era, whose teachings form the Mishnah, Tosefta, and early halachic Midrashim.
Tannaitic
Belonging to the era or teachings of the Tannaim, the Sages whose teachings form the Mishnah and related early collections.
Tanya
The Alter Rebbe’s foundational work of Chabad Chassidus, explaining the Jewish soul and practical divine service. Its sections include Likutei Amarim and Iggeres HaTeshuvah.
Targum
A translation, especially an Aramaic rendering of Scripture. Targum Onkelos on the Torah and Targum Yonasan on the Prophets are distinct works; a citation’s context identifies which is intended.
Targum Onkelos
The classic Aramaic translation and interpretation of the Torah associated with Onkelos the convert. It has a central place in traditional Torah study.
Tarkuha
An Aramaic plural command meaning “divorce her,” recognized as a divorce instruction.
Tefach
A halachic handbreadth: approximately 8 cm (3.15 in.) according to Rav Chaim Naeh and 9.6 cm (3.78 in.) according to the Chazon Ish. The appropriate figure can depend on the halachic question and the authority being followed.
Tefachim
The plural of tefach. One tefach is approximately 8 cm (3.15 in.) according to Rav Chaim Naeh and 9.6 cm (3.78 in.) according to the Chazon Ish. Thus, ten tefachim—the measure used here—is approximately 80–96 cm (31.5–37.8 in.).
Tehillim
Psalms, the biblical book of prayers and songs in the Writings.
Tenai
A stipulation that makes the legal effect of kiddushin or another transaction depend upon a stated fact, event, or action. Its precise wording determines what must occur for the act to take effect.
Tenai beis din
Binding legal conditions established by the Sages that take effect even when they are not expressly written in the parties’ document. In marriage, these include the basic ketubah obligation.
Tenai kaful
A ‘doubled condition’ that explicitly states both outcomes: what happens if the condition is fulfilled and what happens if it is not. In an ordinary conditional agreement, the Rambam requires this precise two-sided wording.
Tenem le’abba
“Give them to my father,” the opening words identifying the Tosafot discussion on Kiddushin 8b.
tenufah
The prescribed waving of an offering. In the sotah service, the woman and the Kohen participate together.
Teruchin
An Aramaic word for divorce or separation in the get formula.
Terumah
A Kohen is a member of the hereditary priesthood. Terumah is a sacred portion of agricultural produce given to a Kohen, which his eligible wife may also eat. It must remain ritually pure, and the person eating it must also be ritually pure.
terumah gedolah
The primary priestly portion separated from agricultural produce before the tithes.
Terumat HaDeshen
Terumas HaDeshenAn alternative spelling of Terumat HaDeshen, Rabbi Yisrael Isserlein’s collection of halachic responsa and decisions.
Terumat HaDeshen
Rabbi Yisrael Isserlein’s collection of halachic responsa and decisions, an important source for later Ashkenazic rulings.
terumat ma’aser
The priestly portion separated from the first tithe: one tenth of that tithe.
Teshuvah
Repentance and return to Hashem through recognizing wrongdoing, abandoning the sin, regretting it, and resolving not to repeat it.
Tiferes Yisrael
Rabbi Yisrael Lipschitz’s commentary on the Mishnah, divided into Yachin and Boaz. Yachin explains the Mishnah’s wording and rulings; Boaz offers expanded discussions.
Tihveyan
An alternate reading that implies addressing two women.
Tihveyin
An Aramaic form addressing the woman in the standard formula.
tinok
A young male child. In Hilchos Ishus 2, this designation applies throughout male minority, not only infancy.
tinokes
A young female child. In Hilchos Ishus 2, this designation applies throughout female minority, not only infancy.
Tish’ah B’Av
The fast of the ninth of Av, a national day of mourning centered on the destruction of the First and Second Temples.
Tishah B’Av
The fast of the ninth of Av, a national day of mourning centered on the destruction of the First and Second Temples.
Tishrei
The Hebrew month that begins with Rosh Hashanah and includes Yom Kippur and Sukkos.
Titzbeyan
An alternate reading that implies addressing two women.
Titzbeyin
An Aramaic form meaning “you choose,” addressed to the woman.
Toch k’dei dibbur · תוך כדי דיבור
toch k’dei dibburA brief halachic interval: the time needed to say “Shalom alecha, rabbi u’mori”—“Peace upon you, my rabbi and teacher.” In many contexts, a correction or retraction made within this interval is treated as part of the original statement. This rule has exceptions: once kiddushin or a divorce takes effect, even an immediate retraction cannot undo it. See Hilchos Ishus 6:4 and 7:22; Hilchos Gerushin 6:16.
Toch k’dei dibbur · תוך כדי דיבור
toch kedei dibburA brief halachic interval: the time needed to say “Shalom alecha, rabbi u’mori”—“Peace upon you, my rabbi and teacher.” In many contexts, a correction or retraction made within this interval is treated as part of the original statement. This rule has exceptions: once kiddushin or a divorce takes effect, even an immediate retraction cannot undo it. See Hilchos Ishus 6:4 and 7:22; Hilchos Gerushin 6:16.
Tofess
The standard wording of a legal document, distinguished from the individualized particulars and essential formula that must be completed for the specific case.
Torah
The Five Books of Moshe. The word Torah can also refer more broadly to the entirety of Jewish teaching, depending on context.
Toref
The individualized essential information and formula of a get, distinguished from the standard text that may be prepared in advance under the Rambam’s ruling.
Tosafot
Commentaries on the Talmud by medieval rabbinic scholars, often discussing and comparing passages.
tosefet
The additional amount voluntarily undertaken in a ketubah, beyond its basic statutory payment.
Tosefet Ketubah
The ketubah payment has two components. The ikkar ketubah is the basic amount required by law. The tosefet ketubah is an additional sum the husband undertook to pay. A ruling that removes entitlement to the basic amount does not necessarily remove entitlement to the additional sum.
Tosefta
A collection of Tannaitic teachings arranged according to the Mishnah’s structure that supplements and clarifies its laws.
tovat hana’ah
The benefit of choosing which eligible recipient receives a required gift. This choice is distinct from ownership of the gift itself.
treifah
A person or animal with a fatal injury or condition recognized by halachah. Such a condition does not itself mean that the person or animal is already dead.
Tumim
The analytical component of Urim VeTumim, Rabbi Yonatan Eybeschutz’s commentary on Choshen Mishpat.
tumtum
A person whose sexual anatomy is concealed. The male or female classification is uncertain until the concealed anatomy is revealed; this differs from visibly having both kinds of organs.
Tur
The Arba’ah Turim, Rabbi Yaakov ben Asher’s four-part code of Jewish law. Its structure became the basis for the Shulchan Aruch.
Tzafenat Paneach
The title used for works by Rabbi Yosef Rosen, the Rogatchover Gaon, including his commentaries and responsa.
Tzara’as
A Torah-defined condition affecting people, garments, or buildings, whose diagnosis and purity laws are determined by a Kohen; it is not simply a modern medical disease.
tzaraas
A Torah-defined condition affecting a person, garment, or house, with its own laws of ritual impurity and purification.
tzarah
Another wife of the same deceased husband. His surviving wives belong to one household for the obligation of yibbum or chalitzah.
Tzarat ervah
The co-wife of a woman forbidden to the surviving brother as an ervah. This is distinct from the corrected reading tzarat yevamah in Hilchos Ishus 4:14.
Tzarat yevamah
The co-wife of a woman who underwent yibbum. This is the corrected wording discussed in Hilchos Ishus 4:14.
tzedakah
The mitzvah of giving charity, providing practical help for people in need.
Tzfas
Safed, a city in the Galilee. The illustrative case uses it as a location distinct from Jerusalem and Lod.
Uchdei
An alternate reading that could imply a condition on the release.
V’chadu
“And now,” introducing the present release in the Aramaic formula.
V’dein
The Aramaic opening “and this” in the formula identifying the document of divorce.
V’din
An alternate reading meaning “and judgment,” which the Rambam warns against.
V’i garat
An alternate division of the letters that could imply “if she committed adultery.”
V’iggeres
“And a letter” in the Aramaic divorce formula.
Vav
The Hebrew letter ו. Here its written length matters because it must not look like a yud.
Vavs
Plural of vav, the Hebrew letter ו.
Vayikra
Leviticus, the third book of the Torah and the primary biblical text interpreted by the Sifra.
veset
A menstrual pattern used under halachic rules to determine when bleeding is expected and which daytime or nighttime period must be observed.
veset kavua
A recurring menstrual pattern established under the halachic rules for a fixed cycle; approximate monthly regularity alone does not establish it.
Witnesses to Kiddushin
witnessesKiddushin must take place in the presence of two qualified witnesses. Without them, no kiddushin are created; the witnesses are part of the legal act itself, not merely proof that it occurred.
Yaakov
Jacob, the third of the Patriarchs. He married Leah and Rachel and became the father of the tribes of Israel.
yabmi
“My yavam,” the widow’s deceased husband’s eligible paternal brother.
Yachin
The explanatory part of Rabbi Yisrael Lipschitz’s Tiferes Yisrael commentary on the Mishnah.
Yavam
A qualifying paternal brother of a deceased man who left no surviving offspring. He is the brother connected to the widow under the laws of yibbum and chalitzah.
Yechezkel
Ezekiel, one of the later books of the Prophets.
Yehoshua
Joshua, who succeeded Moshe as leader of Israel. He is mentioned here in connection with the Givonites.
Yehudah
Judah, a son of Yaakov. His acknowledgment in the account of Tamar is recounted in the sotah admonition.
yei’ush
An owner’s despair of recovering lost or stolen property. Its legal effect depends on the applicable rules of acquisition.
Jerusalem Talmud
YerushalmiThe Talmud Yerushalmi, the foundational compilation of Amoraic discussion produced in Eretz Yisrael. It is distinct from the Babylonian Talmud.
Yeshayahu
Isaiah, a prophet of Israel and the book of Tanach bearing his name.
Yevamah
A widow who is bound to her deceased husband’s brother under the laws of yibbum. Yibbum or chalitzah resolves that bond.
yevamim
Plural of yavam: brothers to whom a childless deceased man’s widow is bound under the laws of yibbum.
Yevamos
Plural of yevamah: widows subject to the yibbum obligation. When used as a source with a daf number, Yevamos names the tractate concerning yibbum, chalitzah, and related marriage laws; it is an Ashkenazic spelling of Yevamot.
Yevamot
The tractate concerning yibbum, chalitzah, and related marriage laws.
Yevamtah
Her husband’s brother’s wife. If that brother dies childless and the husband performs yibbum with the widow, the two women become co-wives.
Yibbum
The Torah’s levirate-marriage process when a man dies without surviving offspring and leaves a qualifying paternal brother. His widow has a special bond to the brother; the laws of yibbum and chalitzah determine how that bond is resolved.
Yichud
Being alone together in a private setting. In the wedding context, the bride and groom’s entry into a private room can fulfill an aspect of chuppah according to the Rambam’s definition.
yiras Shamayim
Reverence for Heaven: awareness of Hashem’s authority that guides a person to fulfill His will and refrain from sin.
Yisrael
An Israelite; in the contrast with a Kohen here, a Jewish man who is not a priest.
Yoav
Yoav ben Tzeruyah, commander of King David’s army, was a formidable military leader and warrior. The Rambam cites him as an example of extraordinary might.
Yoreh De’ah
One of the four sections of the Tur and Shulchan Aruch. It includes the laws of prohibited foods, vows, ritual purity, charity, and mourning.
Yosef
The Hebrew name Joseph. In a legal example it may simply be a person’s name; in a Biblical narrative it can refer to Yaakov’s son Yosef, who became a ruler in Egypt.
Yud
The Hebrew letter י. An added or omitted yud can change how the Aramaic text of a get is read.
Yuds
Plural of yud, the Hebrew letter י.
zavah
A woman with Torah-defined zivah impurity. Its counting and immersion requirements depend on whether the discharge establishes the lesser or greater category.
zavah gedolah
A woman whose qualifying bleeding on three consecutive zivah days establishes the greater zavah category, requiring seven clean days.
zavah ketanah
A woman with qualifying bleeding on one or two zivah days, subject to the applicable shorter observation and immersion rules.
zavim
The plural of zav; here, the discharge-related ritual impurity category used in the Rabbinic decree described in Issurei Biah 4:4.
Zekukah la-yavam · זקוקה ליבם
zekukah la-yavamA widow bound to her deceased husband’s paternal brother by the yibbum obligation; the bond is resolved through yibbum or chalitzah.
Zibburit
The lowest grade of land for debt collection. Collection from zibburit concerns the quality of land used to pay a claim, not a reduction in the amount of the debt.
Zikah · זיקה
zikahThe Torah bond between a childless man’s widow and his paternal brother. Until it is resolved through yibbum or chalitzah, she may not marry another man.
Zion
A Biblical name for Jerusalem and, by extension, the spiritual center of the Jewish people. In the wedding blessings, Zion is pictured rejoicing as her children return.
Zivah — זיבה
zivahA Torah category of uterine bleeding occurring in designated days outside the niddah period. Its counting and purification requirements depend on the number of consecutive days of bleeding, as explained in Hilchos Issurei Biah 6–7. Chapter 11 explains the later accepted practice.
Zomemin
Witnesses subject to the special law of hazamah. The chapter describes successive groups whose testimony changes which earlier group is treated as false.
Zonah
A specific status in the laws of marriage to a Kohen, not simply a synonym for prostitute. It includes a female convert and certain women who have had relations prohibited by Torah marriage law, as detailed in Hilchos Issurei Bi’ah 18.
Zuz
Another name for a dinar. A pure-silver zuz represents approximately 4.8–5.1 grams of silver; a provincial-currency zuz represents approximately 0.60–0.64 gram. Identify the currency standard before converting an amount.
Measurement reference ↗