Wife's Shabbos Clothing

It was stated (Kesuvos 54a) : When Beis Din collects a kesuvah for a widow, Rav said: An assessment is made to the clothing that she wears (all the clothing that she received from her husband is deducted from the amount of the kesuvah). Shmuel said: That which she wears is not assessed.

The Rashba writes that according to Shmuel, there is no distinction between her clothing that she wears during the weekday and her clothing for Shabbos. One might have thought that we do not deduct her weekday clothing from her kesuvah because those are regarded as a necessity, but her Shabbos clothing, which is intended for beautification purposes, perhaps they belong to the husband. The Rashba rules that all her clothing, including those worn exclusively for Shabbos are hers and may not be deducted.

The Meiri disagrees and maintains that the dispute between Rav and Shmuel pertains only to her Shabbos clothing, but Rav would concede that her weekday clothing, which are a necessity, is not deducted from her kesuvah.

The Rambam rules that a woman’s Shabbos clothing belong to the husband. In Hilchos Malveh V’loveh (1:5), he writes that a creditor may not collect his debt from the wife’s clothing because they belong to her. However, the Rambam qualifies and states that this is only regarding her weekday clothes; her Shabbos clothing, however, belong to the husband and the creditor may seize them.

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Transferring Inheritance Away From Yishmael

Shmuel said to Rav Yehudah (Kesuvos 53a): “Smart one! Do not be present when an inheritance is being transferred (away from the rightful heir) even when it is from a bad son to a good son, because one never knows what offspring will come forth from him (the bad son) and certainly when the transfer is from a son to a daughter (even though the transfer is valid, it should not be condoned).”

It is written in Parshas Chaye Sarah [24:10]: And the servant took ten camels of his master's camels, and he went, and all the best of his master was in his hand. Rashi comments that Avraham wrote a gift deed to Yitzchak for everything he owned, so that they would hasten to send him their daughter.

The Daas Zkeinim asks: The Gemora in Eruvin states that Avraham fulfilled the entire Torah including the Rabbinical obligations, such as eruv tavshilin. How could Avraham transgress this prohibition of transferring the inheritance away from the rightful heir; Yishmael and the sons of Keturah should have been the inheritors?

The Mizrachi answers: Avraham was permitted to do this because he was told by Hashem [Breishis, 21:12]: For in Yitzchak will be called your offspring.

The Maharal in Gur Aryeh answers: It was permitted because Sarah had told Avraham [ibid, v. 10]: For the son of this handmaid shall not inherit with my son, with Yitzchak. Sdei Chemed explains: Would Avraham heed Sarah’s words and violate a Rabbinical prohibition? Rather, the explanation is as follows: Since Hashem agreed with Sarah and He told Avraham [ibid, v. 12]: Whatever Sarah tells you, hearken to her voice, Avraham was given permission to transfer all his possessions to Yitzchak.

The Yefeh Toar answers that there is no transgression whatsoever when a father gives his possessions away during his lifetime; the prohibition is only when he transfers his property immediately prior to his death.

Maharsha (Sanhedrin 91a) answers: Yishmael and the children of Keturah were not fit to inherit Avraham. This is because Yishmael was the son of a slavewoman and Keturah was a pilegesh, and not an ordinary wife.

Rav Elyashiv challenges this explanation: Yishmael is referred to in the Torah as Avraham’s son; how can the Maharsha say that he was not an actual son?

The Oholei Yitzchak answers the original question: Our Gemora explains the rationale for this prohibition. One should not transfer an inheritance away from the rightful heir even when it is from a bad son to a good son, because one never knows what offspring will come forth from him (the bad son). Avraham knew through ruach hakodesh that no good offspring will ever come out from Yishmael, and therefore, there is no prohibition to give all his possessions to Yitzchak.

Similarly, the Chasam Sofer explains the verse in this week’s parsha. It is written [ibid, 21:11]: But the matter greatly displeased Abraham, concerning his son. Rashi explains literally: Avraham was displeased because Sarah told him to send Yishmael away. The Chasam Sofer explains: Avraham didn’t want to send him away because he was concerned on the account of this prohibition. How could he chase Yishmael away and give all his possessions to Yitzchak if Yishmael is the rightful heir, and perhaps, Yishmael will have some good offspring. Sarah saw through ruach hakodesh that there will be no good offspring coming from Yishmael, and Hashem told Avraham to listen to the words of Sarah.

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Daf Yomi - Kesuvos 53 - Highlights

Rav Papa and Yehudah

Rav Papa was making arrangements for his son to be married to the daughter of Abba of Sura (his father-in-law; Rav Papa’s son was obviously born to him from a previous marriage, for otherwise, he would be prohibited for him to marry his mother’s sister). Rav Papa went there to write the kesuvah for the bride. When Yehudah ben Mereimar heard of his arrival, he left his house and came before Rav Papa. When they reached the door of Abba of Sura’s house, Yehudah wished to depart. Rav Papa said to him, “Will the Master come in with me?” Rav Papa observed that it was distasteful to him to enter. Rav Papa asked him: What is it that you have on your mind? Are you reluctant to enter because Shmuel said to Rav Yehudah: “Smart one! Do not be present when an inheritance is being transferred (away from the rightful heir) even when it is from a bad son to a good son, because one never knows what offspring will come forth from him (the bad son) and certainly when the transfer is from a son to a daughter (even though the transfer is valid, it should not be condoned).” (Here too, a father is writing a dowry to his daughter and is pledging property that should belong to his sons.) Rav Papa explained to him that providing a dowry is an enactment of the Rabbis, as Rabbi Yochanan stated in the name of Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai (and therefore there is nothing wrong if you are present by this transfer).

Yehudah replied: Perhaps this enactment applies only to one who acts willingly; may we force the father to write a dowry?

Rav Papa said: I didn’t mean for you to come in and force the father; I meant that you should come in without forcing him.

Yehudah answered him: If I would go in, it would amount to compulsion (Abba of Sura would be ashamed to offer a small dowry in the presence of a distinguished guest).

Rav Papa urged him to enter, but having sat down, he remained silent. Abba thought that Yehudah was displeased with the amount that he pledged and consequently assigned to his daughter all that he possessed. Finally, however, Abba said to him: Will the Master not speak even now? By the life of the Master, I have left nothing for myself!

Yehudah replied: If you would have listened to me, even the initial amount that you assigned did not give me any pleasure.

Abba asked: May I retract from what I pledged?

Yehudah responded: I do not want that you should become a retractor (he is legally permitted to retract since there was no erusin yet). (52b – 53a)

Selling her Kesuvah

Rav Yeimar Sava inquired of Rav Nachman: If a woman sold her kesuvah to her husband, does she still have the kesuvah condition for the male children or not (perhaps she has no right to sell the rights that her sons have in the dowry)?

Rava asks: Why didn’t you inquire regarding a case where she waives her right to the kesuvah?

Rav Yeimar Sava explains himself: I inquired regarding a case where she sold her kesuvah, for even though her financial situation compelled her to sell it, she still might lose the rights to the conditions in the kesuvah; certainly, she might lose her rights to the kesuvah conditions when she waives her rights to the kesuvah.

Rava said: In a case that she sells her kesuvah to others, she retains the right to the kesuvah conditions for the male children because she only sold the kesuvah due to her financial situation. If she waived the rights to her kesuvah, she has forfeited the right to the kesuvah conditions for the male children because she has willingly waived her right to the kesuvah.

Rava inquired: Is selling the kesuvah to her husband tantamount to selling it to others (and she would retain the right to the kesuvah conditions for the male children) or is it like she waived the rights to the kesuvah to her husband?

Rava resolved the inquiry himself: Selling the kesuvah to her husband is tantamount to selling it to others.

Rav Idi bar Avin challenged Rava by citing a Mishna in Yevamos (87b): If a woman's husband went overseas, and they came (one witness) and said to her, “Your husband died,” and she married, and afterwards her husband returned, she must leave this one and this one. And the heirs of neither this one, nor of this one inherit her kesuvah.

The Gemora there (91a) asked: Why are we mentioning kesuvah here? The Mishna had already taught us that she does not receive a kesuvah.

Rav Papa answered: The Mishna now is referring to the kesuvah conditions for the male children. (Stipulated in the kesuvah is that her sons are entitled to receive her kesuvah from their father's estate when he dies, even if their mother died first and their father married again and had sons with his second wife. They receive her kesuvah in addition to their shares in their father's estate to which the sons of both the first and the second wife are equally entitled. In the case spoken of in our Mishna, however, the sons of the first wife lose their claim to her kesuvah.)

Rav Idi concludes his question: Why do we say that she forfeits the right to the kesuvah conditions? Why don’t we say that her evil inclination compelled her (just as here, her financial situation compelled her to sell the kesuvah) to accept the testimony of one witness because she wanted to remarry and she should not lose the right to the kesuvah condition?

The Gemora answers: The Rabbis penalized her there because she did not investigate the matter thoroughly, and that is why she loses her rights to the conditions of the kesuvah. (53a)
She Waived her Right
Ravin bar Chanina sat before Rav Chisda and he said in the name of Rabbi Elozar: If a woman waives her right to the kesuvah to her husband, she does not receive sustenance from the husband’s estate after she is widowed.

Rav Chisda replied: If you had not reported this halacha to me in the name of a great man, I would have thought that the woman should not lose that right because it is written [Mishlei 17:13]: If one repays good with evil, evil will not depart from his house. (She did a favor to the husband by waiving her right to the kesuvah, he should repay the favor and she should be supported from his estate while she is a widow.) (53a)
Burying an Arusah
Rav Nachman, Ula and Avimi bar Papi were sitting and Rav Chiya bar Ammi was sitting with them. A man, whose arusah had died, came before them. They told him: Go bury her or give her kesuvah to her (this is referring to the statutory amount of the kesuvah, these Rabbis being of the opinion that the husband has been allowed to retain the kesuvah of his deceased wife for the expenses he incurred in the burial).

Rav Chiya asked them from the following braisa: If a wife from erusin dies, the husband is not deemed to be an onein (one whose close relative passed away and has not been buried yet), he may not become tamei to her if he is a Kohen; and similarly (if he dies) she is not an onein, she does not have to be busy with his burial. If she dies, he does not inherit her and if he dies, she collects her kesuvah. Rav Chiya concluded: The reason why she collects her kesuvah is because the husband died first; however, it is evident that if she dies first, there are no kesuvah obligations (and the husband would not be required to bury her).

The Gemora asks: What is the reason for this halacha?

Rav Hoshaya answers: For the following is written in the kesuvah: When you marry another man, you can take what is written for you. This implies that she collects her kesuvah only if she may marry another man and that doesn’t apply when she died first.

Ravin came from Bavel to Eretz Yisroel and said in the name of Rish Lakish: An arusah who dies (before the husband) does not have a right to her kesuvah (the husband is not required to bury her).

Abaye said to the Chachamim: Go tell Ravin: Your favor is taken away and cast onto thorns (the information which he intended to be an assistance to the students was of no use to them), for Rav Hoshaya already explained this ruling in Bavel. (53a – 53b)
Terminating Support for the Daughters
The Mishna had stated: The daughters that I will have from you they will sit in my house and be supported by my estate until they are taken as wives by men is (also automatically) obligatory, as it is a condition of Beis Din.

Rav taught the Mishna in the following manner: The daughters will be supported until they are taken into marriage. Levi taught: The daughters will be supported until they reach the state of bagrus (generally, at twelve and a half).

The Gemora explains: They both agree that if the daughter becomes a bogeres or if she enters into nisuin, her right to support expires. They only argue regarding an arusah who has not reached the state of bagrus yet.

The Gemora cites a braisa: Until when is a daughter supported? Until she becomes an arusah. It was said in the name of Rabbi Elozar: Until she becomes a bogeres. (Rav is following the opinion of the Tanna Kamma and Levi is following Rabbi Elozar’s opinion.)
Support for an Arusah
Rav Chisda said to Rav Yosef: Have you ever heard from Rav Yehudah whether an arusah receives support from her father’s estate or not?

Rav Yosef said to him: I never heard from Rav Yehudah regarding this, but I logically assume that she is not entitled for support. The reason that the Rabbis established that the daughters will be supported by their father’s estate is because we didn’t want them to be compelled to suffer the humiliation of begging for food; however, this is not applicable by an arusah. Her husband would not allow her to beg for food (and he will sustain her) and there is therefore no necessity for her to be sustained by her father’s estate.

Rav Chisda replied: If you did not hear anything regarding this, my logic dictates that she should receive support. Since the husband has not completely decided if he will marry her (perhaps she has defects), he will not throw away his money for nothing.

The Gemora cites another version of this discussion: Rav Yosef said to Rav Chisda: I never heard from Rav Yehudah regarding this, but I logically assume that she is entitled for support. Since the husband has not completely decided if he will marry her (perhaps she has defects), he will not throw away his money for nothing.

Rav Chisda replied: If you did not hear anything regarding this, my logic dictates that she should not receive support. Since her husband would not allow her to beg for food (and he will sustain her), there is therefore no necessity for her to be sustained by her father’s estate. (53b)
Support for a Girl who Performed Mi’un
They inquired of Rav Sheishes: Regarding a minor girl who performed mi’un (A girl whose father had died could be given in marriage while still a minor (under the age of twelve) by her mother or older brother. This marriage is only valid Rabbinically. As long as she has not attained the age of twelve, she may nullify the marriage by refusing to live with her husband. This act of refusal, referred to as mi’un nullifies the marriage retroactively.); is she entitled to be supported by the father’s estate (because the nisuin has been retroactively nullified) or not (since she left her father’s authority through nisuin)?

Rav Sheishes cited the following braisa to them: A widow in her father’s house (after erusin), a divorced woman in her father’s house or a woman who was awaiting yibum in her father’s house is entitled to be supported from her father’s estate. Rabbi Yehudah said: Only a woman who is still in her father’s house is entitled to support, but a woman who is no longer in her father’s house is not entitled to support. It would seem that Rabbi Yehudah and the Tanna Kamma are ruling in an identical manner. The difference between them must be regarding a minor girl who performed mi’un. The Tanna Kamma maintains that she is entitled to be supported and Rabbi Yehudah disagrees. (53b)
Support for the Daughter of a Yevamah
Rish Lakish inquired: Does the daughter of a yevamah receive support from her father’s estate or not?

The Gemora elaborates: Since the yevamah receives her kesuvah from her initial husband, it would seem logical that she does not receive support from her father’s estate. Or perhaps, since, if there is no available kesuvah from her initial husband, she collects the kesuvah from the yavam, the daughter may receive support from his estate as well?

The Gemora lets this question remain unresolved.

[END]

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Why do Men Live Longer?

The Mishna (Yevamos 38a) states: If while a woman was awaiting yibum, she inherited property from her father, and subsequently sold it or gave it away, Beis Shamai and Beis Hillel agree that it is valid. (Although Beis Hillel rules that a woman who is an arusah may not sell property in which she inherited, the yevamah is permitted to do so.)

The Mishna asks: If she died, what shall they do with her kesuvah and with the property which comes in and goes out with her? (Does the yavam inherit her in the same manner that a husband inherits his wife?) Beis Shamai says: The husband’s heirs divide it with the father’s heirs (the woman’s inheritors). Beis Hillel disagrees: The property remains with those that presently possess it. The kesuvah goes to the husband’s heirs. The property which comes in and goes out with her goes to the father’s heirs.

Tosfos asks: Why is Beis Hillel’s ruling in this case different than the case in Bava Basra? The Mishna there (158a) states: If a house fell on him and on his mother, killing them both, and we are uncertain which one of them died first. The son’s heirs claimed that the mother died first and afterwards the son died. The mother’s heirs claim that the son died first and afterwards the mother died. Beis Hillel rules that the property is divided between them. Why there does he rule to divide the estate and here he rules that the property remains with those that presently possess it?

Tosfos answers: It is more common for a mother to die before the son; the Gemora in Bava Basra (108a) considers it a tragedy when a son dies in the lifetime of the mother. It is for this reason that Beis Hillel rules that the money is divided between them and we do not award the property to the mother’s heirs.

Sheorim Mitzuyanim B’halacha asks: The Gemora in Bava Basra is referring to a case where the son died from a sickness while the mother was alive; the mother is in tremendous grief and sorrow, and that is when it is regarded as a tragedy. In our case, a house fell on top of both of them, and that is a tragedy in itself. Since both of them died, the tragedy is not any more if the son died moments before the mother?

He continues that Tosfos could have said like he said in Kesuvos (52a) in the name of the Yerushalmi: It is common for women to die faster than men do. This is because women are generally weaker due to childbirth and the raising of children. (Tosfos 83b)

Maharam Schiff asks: The language of the Yerushalmi would indicate that women naturally die early and not on account of being endangered due to childbirth.

The Ibn Ezra (Vayikra 21:2) states that a majority of the time, a male will live longer than a female.

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Ransoming a Captive for More than their Value

The Beraisa states: If she was captured and the kidnappers sought ten times her fair value for redemption, the first time he must redeem her. Afterwards, if he wants he can and if he does not want he does not have to. Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel states that we do not redeem captives for more than they are worth for “the establishment of the world” (that captors should not thereby be encouraged to demand exorbitant prices for the ransom of their captive).

This issue had an extraordinary public application about 700 years ago. The leader of Ashkenazic Jewry at the time was Rabbi Meir ben Boruch of Rottenberg. He was imprisoned by a German ruler, Rudolph, whose voracity knew no bounds. Rabbi Meir (known as Maharam Mi’Rottenberg) was imprisoned until his death, and his body was not released. The community did not ransom him, as he himself had ruled. Many years after his death, a private member of the community paid almost all of his own money to release the body, with the stipulation that he be buried next to him.

There is a question whether according to Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel a man would be permitted to ransom his wife if the ransom exceeds her worth. The Ritva holds that he may do so and the Chelkas Mechokeik disagrees.

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Food for Thought

*** Do we make a special kesuvah for Kohanim?

*** How do we evaluate the worth of a woman or anyone that is being held captive?

*** If a wife eats certain foods that are unhealthy and because of that she falls ill, is the husband required to pay for the doctor bills?

*** Is one Biblically obligated to provide a dowry for his daughter?

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Daf Yomi - Kesuvos 52 - Highlights

Argument of Abaye and Rava

Rava says that a kohen who is the husband of a woman who is forbidden to return to him because she is a captive is obligated to redeem her, but if she is forbidden to return to him because of a different prohibition he is not obligated to redeem her.

Let us say that this (argument between Rava and Abaye) is an argument among the Tanaim. The Beraisa discusses a case of someone who vows that his wife cannot benefit from him, and she then becomes a captive. Rabbi Eliezer says that he should redeem her and honor her kesuvah (marriage commitment upon divorce). Rabbi Yehoshua states that he must honor her kesuvah but does not have to redeem her.

Rabbi Nasan says that he asked Sumchus the following question. When Rabbi Yehoshua said that he honors her kesuvah and does not have to redeem her, was it a case where he made the vow against her and she then became captive, or when she became captive and he then made the vow? Sumchus replied: I did not hear anything clearly regarding his position. However, it seems logical that it was when he made the vow first and she then became captive. If she became captive first, men will come to trickery (and take a vow as an excuse not to redeem her).

The Gemora asks: It seems that the argument above is regarding the wife of a kohen, with Abaye holding like Rabbi Eliezer and Rava holding like Rabbi Yehoshua. The Gemora answers that no, the case is where she vowed not to have benefit from him and he upheld that vow. Rabbi Eliezer that he still must redeem her, as he put her finger in between her teeth (so to speak) by upholding her vow. Rabbi Yehoshua says that she put her own finger in her mouth, by making the vow.

The Gemora asks that this explanation seems difficult. If according to Rabbi Yehoshua she is primarily looked upon as the guilty party, why does he say that the husband must honor the kesuvah? Additionally, Rabbi Nasan said that he asked Sumchus the following question. When Rabbi Yehoshua said that he honors her kesuvah and does not have to redeem her, was it a case where he made the vow against her and she then became captive, or when she became captive and he then made the vow? Sumchus replied: I did not hear anything clearly regarding his position. If she is the one who made the vow, why should it make a difference if she made the vow first and then became captive, or became captive and then made the vow!

The Gemora therefore answers that the case must indeed be where he made the vow. Abaye can explain the Beraisa according to his reasoning, and Rava according to his reasoning. Abaye will explain according to his reasoning in the following manner. Everyone will agree that a kohen gadol must redeem his wife who is a widow, and that a regular jew does not have to redeem his wife who is a mamzeres (product of an illicit relationship) or nesinah (from the nation who tricked Yehoshua into letting them become Jewish). Everyone also agrees that a kohen who vowed not to have benefit from his wife must redeem her. The argument is only regarding a regular Jew who made such a vow. Rabbi Eliezer says that the original condition is upheld, while Rabbi Yehoshua says the vow is upheld.

[Being that a kohen does not have the words “I will return you as a wife” only that he will “return her to her county,” he can do so even without taking her back as a wife. The question is only regarding a Yisrael. What is stronger: His having to take her “return her and take her back as a wife,” or does the fact that his vow clearly overrule that option enable him not to fulfill his obligation to redeem as well?]

Rava can explain the Beraisa according to his reasoning in the following manner. Everyone will agree that a kohen gadol with a wife who is a widow, and that a regular Jew with a wife who is a mamzeres or nesinah does not have to redeem his wife. The argument is only regarding any Jew, whether kohen, who made a vow that he will not benefit his wife. Rabbi Eliezer says that the original condition is upheld, while Rabbi Yehoshua says the vow is upheld.

Redeeming a Regular Wife in Captivity

The Beraisa states that if a woman is captured while her husband is alive and he dies while she is in captivity, if he knew about her status when he was alive the inheritors must redeem her. If he didn’t, the inheritors are not obligated to redeem her.

Levi thought to act on the Beraisa in an actual case. Rav told him that Chavivi (Rabbi Chiya) had told him that the halachah does not follow this Beraisa. Rather it follows the Beraisa that states that if she was captured after the death of her husband, the orphans do not have to redeem her. Moreover, even if she was captured in the lifetime of her husband and her husband died while she was in captivity, the orphans do not have to pay to redeem her, as this is not within the requirement of “and I will return you as my wife.”

The Beraisa states: If she was captured and the kidnappers sought ten times her fair value for redemption, the first time he must redeem her. Afterwards, if he wants he can and if he does not want he does not have to. Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel states that we do not redeem captives for more than they are worth for “the establishment of the world” (that captors should not thereby be encouraged to demand exorbitant prices for the ransom of their captive).

The Gemora asks, this implies that for their value they must be redeemed, even if their value is more than their kesuvah is worth. However, a similar Beraisa states that if a woman is captured and the captors sought ten times the value of her kesuvah, the first time he must do so and afterwards, if he wants he can and if he does not want he does not have to. Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel says: If the price of her redemption is that of her kesuvah, he should redeem her, if not he does not have to redeem her! The Gemora answers that Rabban Gamliel has two separate leniencies in this matter (both are true).

Healing a Widow from the Kesuvah

The Mishna states that if she is stricken, he is obligated to heal her. The Beraisa states that a widow is supported by the possessions of the orphans, and her needing to be healed is akin to basic support. Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel states that healing that for a limited time can be obtained through her kesuvah, but healing that does not have an end in sight is not paid for by the kesuvah.

Rabbi Yochanan says that in Eretz Yisrael they treated bloodletting treatments as healing with no end in sight. Rabbi Yochanan’s relative had a father’s wife who needed treatment every day. They came before Rabbi Yochanan, and he told them that they should come to terms with the doctor on a sum that would cover treatment for the rest of her life. Rabbi Yochanan said that he made himself like the lawyers (it is forbidden for a judge to act, even indirectly, as legal adviser to one of the litigants).

Originally what did he hold (was correct), and in the end what did he hold (was correct)? Originally he held that he should give advice that was beneficial to his relatives, as the passuk say “and from your flesh do not disappear.” In the end he held that an important person like himself cannot use this leniency (a judge must subject himself to greater restrictions in order to be free from all possible suspicion of partiality).
Mishna
If he didn’t write “the male sons that I will have from you they will inherit the money of your kesuvah more than the portion of their brothers” (in the kesuvah) he is still obligated as this is a condition of Beis Din. “The daughters that I will have from you they will sit in my house and be supported by my estate until they are taken as wives by men” is (also automatically) obligatory, as it is a condition of Beis Din. “You will sit in my house and be supported by my estate as long as you are living as a widow in my house” is (also automatically) obligatory, as it is a condition of Beis Din. This is how the people of Yerushalayim would write (a kesuvah, including these conditions). The people of the Galil would write like them. The people of Yehuda would write “until the inheritors wish to give you the kesuvah.” Therefore, if the inheritors wish, they can give her the (value of the) kesuvah and send her off.

Analyzing “Banin Dichrin”
(“Male Sons”)

Rabbi Yochanan said in the name of Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai: why did they establish the kesuvah condition (above regarding) of male sons? In order that a person should give a dowry for a daughter like the inheritance inherited by his son. The Gemora asks, is it possible that in a situation where the Torah indicated that a son should inherit and not the daughter, that the sages would institute that a daughter should inherit (by giving her a large dowry, avoiding the potential inheritance by the son)?

The Gemora answers: The inheritance of a daughter also has its roots in the Torah, as the passuk says “take wives and give birth to sons and daughters, and take for your sons wives and your daughters give to men.” It makes sense that he takes a wife for his son (as men actively search out wives), but a daughter is not normally in his hands (to actively search out for her a husband)! The passuk must be teaching us that a man should dress his daughter well and give her a dowry, in order that other should jump at the chance to marry her.

How much should he give her? Abaye and Rava say up to a tenth of his possessions.

The Gemora asks: Perhaps the money given by her father for her marriage purposes should be given to her sons from the marriage, but the kesuvah money from the husband’s side should not? The Gemora answers that if this would be the case, her father would also refrain from pledging money.

The Gemora asks: Perhaps only when the father gives a dowry, the husband’s kesuvah money should automatically go to her sons. If the father does not give a dowry, perhaps the husband’s pledge should also not go to her sons? The Gemora answers that the Rabbanan did not make a distinction between cases in their standard conditions of kesuvah.

The Gemora asks: Let this also be true regarding a daughter (from this wife) among sons (of a different wife) as well? The Gemora answers that the Rabbanan made it like the laws of inheritance regarding sons.

The Gemora asks: Let this also be true regarding a daughter (from this wife) among daughters (of a different wife) as well? The Gemora answers that the Rabbanan did not make such a distinction.

The Gemora asks: Let them also be able to collect from movable possessions (unlike the Gemora implied on 50b)? The Gemora answers that the Rabbanan made it have the regular laws of kesuvah.

The Gemora asks: Let them collect from properties that have a lien on them? The Gemora answers that the stipulation was based on inheritance (not seizure).

The Gemora asks, let this even be true when there is not a dinar worth of property (see 91a)? The Gemora answers that the Rabbanan did not institute this condition when it would conflict with a Torah law of inheritance.

[END]

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Spending More than a Fifth

Rabbi Ila said: It was decreed in Usha that one who gives liberally to charity should not give more than a fifth of his wealth (for then, he will be forced to beg for support himself).

A braisa is cited to support this ruling: One who gives liberally to charity should not give more than a fifth of his money, for then, he will be forced to beg for support himself. There was an incident with a fellow who wished to give to charity more than a fifth of his wealth and his friend did not allow him to. Who was this friend? Rabbi Yesheivav. Others say: Rabbi Yesheivav wished to give to charity more than a fifth of his wealth and his friend did not allow him to. Who was this friend? Rabbi Akiva.

The Rosh writes that this halacha applies by all mitzvos; one should not spend more than a fifth of his wealth on any specific mitzva, such as esrog or lulav. The Rambam and Rema seem to rule accordingly.

The Rishonim ask: Why would someone be exempt from performing a mitzvah just because it costs more than a fifth of his wealth? The Ra’avad answers that this is similar to halacha that one should make his Shabbos like an ordinary weekday, and not be forced to be supported from charity. This is because poverty is regarded as death, and one is not obligated to give up his life for an ordinary mitzvah.

The Ra’avad adds that this halacha applies only to a positive commandment; however, one would be required to spend his entire wealth in order not to transgress a negative precept.

The Gemora stated that one should not spend more than a fifth of his wealth to fulfill a mitzvah; is one halachically required to spend up to that amount, or is it only regarded as a mitzvah?

The Beis Yosef (Y”D; 249) writes that it is considered a mitzvah in the preferable manner if one spends up to a fifth of his wealth in order to perform a mitzvah. The Beis Yosef adds that although one can imply from the Gemora that it is not even a mitzvah to spend that amount because the Gemora states: One who spends liberally should not give more than a fifth of his wealth; however, even less than that would be regarded as spending liberally, and there would be no mitzvah whatsoever to spend that amount. Nevertheless, there is a Yerushalmi in Pe’ah that seems to indicate that there is a mitzvah to spend up to one-fifth of his wealth for a mitzvah.

In the sefer Ahavas Chesed, the Chafetz Chaim cites a Rambam in his explanation to the Mishnayos, who writes that there is a halachic obligation to spend up to one-fifth of one’s wealth for charity. He asks form our Gemora, which would seem to indicate that there is no such obligation. He answers that our Gemora is discussing a case where the poor people are not present and someone is searching to find them in order to give them charity. In such a situation, there is not even a mitzvah to give up to one-fifth. However, the Yerushalmi and the Rambam are speaking about a case where the poor person is in front of you; then, there would be a halachic obligation to give up to one-fifth.

WHEN CAN ONE SPEND
MORE THAN A FIFTH ?

What if one wants to spend more than a fifth? Is he allowed to? It is evident from the Rambam in his explanation to the Mishnayos that it is regarded as virtuous (midas chassidus) for one to spend more than a fifth. However, it can be inferred from the Rambam in halachos that one should not spend more than a fifth of his wealth on a mitzvah.

The Chafetz Chaim reconciles the two rulings of the Rambam in the same manner as before. If the poor person is present, it would be regarded as midas chassidus to spend more than a fifth, and that is what the Rambam in his explanation to the Mishnayos is discussing. However, when the poor people are not present and one is chasing after them, he should not spend more than a fifth.

The Shitah Mekubetzes writes that one is permitted to spend more than a fifth of his wealth if it is to support the studying of Torah. The Ahavas Chesed explains the reasoning for this. One who supports another fellow to learn Torah is creating a partnership with him; the supporter receives a reward together with the one who is learning the Torah. One is permitted to purchase this reward for himself even if it will cost him more than a fifth.

Reb Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe (Y”D, 4:37) rules that this is correct only if the supporter specifically negotiates with the one studying Torah to create a partnership of Yissochar and Zevulun. However, if the provider is just donating money to support Torah, he is not permitted to give more than a fifth.

The Ibn Ezra in Mishlei (4:7) writes that one is permitted to spend more than a fifth of his wealth in order to study Torah himself. The Chafetz Chaim in Likutei Halachos (Yoma 12a) also rules like that. However, the Netziv in the Shiltos states that this is a matter of dispute between two Amoraim. The Gemora in Eruvin cites the verse that Torah is not in the Heavens. Rav Avdimi says: If it would be in the heavens, one would be obligated to go there and learn. It is evident that one would be forced to spend more than a fifth of his wealth to study Torah, for otherwise, he could claim that it costs too much to travel to the Heaven. However, Rava disagrees regarding the interpretation of that verse, and according to him, one would not be allowed to spend more than a fifth in order to study Torah.

The Rema (Y”D, 249:1) seems to hold that one can give away more than one-fifth of his wealth to charity right before he dies. It is brought in the name of Rabbeinu Yonah that even then, he should not.

It is written in Ahavas Chesed that one who is a free-spender in regards to himself and his family, i.e., he splurges on expensive clothing, builds for himself a fancy mansion and generally leads a luxurious lifestyle; it is permitted for him to give to charity more than a fifth of his wealth.

Some say that if one finds himself in dire straits, he is permitted to spend more than a fifth with the intention that it should be on account of this deed that he will merit a salvation. It is brought in the name of the Bnei Yissoschar that one who requires atonement on a specific sin is also permitted to give away more than a fifth.

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Daf Yomi - Kesuvos 50 - Highlights

One Fifth to Charity

Rabbi Ila said: It was decreed in Usha that one who gives liberally to charity should not give more than a fifth of his wealth (for then, he will be forced to beg for support himself).

A braisa is cited to support this ruling: One who gives liberally to charity should not give more than a fifth of his money, for then, he will be forced to beg for support himself. There was an incident with a fellow who wished to give to charity more than a fifth of his wealth and his friend did not allow him to. Who was this friend? Rabbi Yesheivav. Others say: Rabbi Yesheivav wished to give to charity more than a fifth of his wealth and his friend did not allow him to. Who was this friend? Rabbi Akiva.

The Gemora cites a Scriptural verse which alludes to the one-fifth figure in regards to charity. (50a)

Age to Study Torah
Rav Yitzchak said: It was decreed in Usha that one should bear with his son who declines to study Torah (have patience with him and employ gentle means to induce him to study) until he is twelve years old. Afterwards, he may employ drastic measures (hitting him with a strap and withholding support to him) in order to force him to study.

The Gemora asks: Can this be correct? But Rav said to Rav Shmuel bar Shilas: Do not accept a student under the age of six; you shall accept a student of the age of six and stuff him like an ox!?

The Gemora answers: While it’s correct that a six year old should be stuffed like an ox, but he may not employ drastic measures until after he has reached twelve years of age.

Alternatively, I may say: This is no difficulty, since Rav’s ruling may have referred to studying Scripture, whereas the decree enacted in Usha was referring to the study of Mishna; for Abaye stated: Mother (referring to his nurse; his mother died while he was an infant, and his upbringing was entrusted to a nurse from whom he learned many proverbs, maxims, legends and folklore) told me that a child of six is ready for Scripture; a child of ten is ready for Mishna; a child in his thirteenth year is ready for a full twenty-four hours fast, and, in the case of a girl, one who is in her twelfth year (a girl is not weakened by studying Torah).

Rav Katina said: One who brings his son to study Torah under the age of six will run after him, but he will not succeed (in his efforts to restore his child to his normal health; his health will remain irrevocably ruined).

Others say: The young boy’s friends will run after him, but they will not succeed (in reaching his level of knowledge and scholarship).

The Gemora comments: Indeed, both versions are correct. He will be weak, but well learned.

Alternatively, you can say that the first version is referring to a boy that is week; the second version is referring to a healthy one. (50a)
Wife Selling Melog Property
Rabbi Yosi bar Chanina said: In Usha they decreed that a wife who sells her melog property (usufruct property - the property which the woman brings in with her from her father's house, and which is not recorded in the kesuvah, as well as property which comes to her by inheritance or as a gift after the marriage; this property is hers, and her husband is not responsible for it, since he may only usufruct (the right to use and enjoy the profits and advantages of something belonging to another as long as the property is not damaged or altered in any way) it; the term nikhsei melog is derived from the Aramaic word meligah, plucking, i.e., the husband plucks the property just as a chicken is plucked) while her husband is alive and she dies, the husband may take the land from the purchasers (since he is regarded as a purchaser from the time of his marriage; his purchase of the property predates their purchase).

Rav Yitzchak bar Yosef once met Rabbi Avahu who was standing among a crowd of people in Usha. Rav Yitzchak asked him: who is the master of the ruling of Usha? Rabbi Avahu replied: It is Rabbi Yosi bar Chanina. Rav Yitzchak bar Yosef learned this from him forty times, and afterward it was as if he had put it into his pocket (he memorized it). (50a)
Scriptural Expositions
It is written [Tehillim 106:3]: Praiseworthy are they that keep justice, who perform charity at all times. The Gemora asks: Is it possible to perform charity at all times? Our Rabbis of Yavneh explained, and others say that it was Rabbi Eliezer: This refers to a man who maintains his sons and daughters while they are still young (it is regarded as a charitable act since they are not legally obligated to support them). Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachmeini said: This refers to a man who raises an orphan boy or orphan girl in his house and enables them to marry.

It is written [ibid. 112:3]: Wealth and riches are in his house, and his charity endures forever. Rav Huna and Rav Chisda expounded the text in different ways. One said: It refers to a man who studies the Torah and teaches it to others. The other one said: It refers to a man who writes the Torah, Prophets and the Writings scrolls and lends them to others.

It is written [ibid. 128:6]: And you shall see your children's children; peace upon Israel. Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said: Once your children have children there will be peace upon Israel; for they will not be subject to chalitzah or yibum. Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachmeini said: Once your children have children, there will be peace for the judges of Israel, for doubtful claimants regarding inheritance will not come to quarrels. (50a)
Kesuvah for the Male Children
The Mishna had stated: This teaching Rabbi Elozar ben Azaryah taught in front of the sages in Kerem Be’Yavneh: The sons should inherit and the daughters should be supported. Just as sons only inherit after their father dies, so too daughters should only be supported after their father dies.

Rav Yosef sat before Rav Hamnuna, and Rav Hamnuna sat and said: Just like the sons only inherit land from their father, so too, the daughters are supported (from the male heirs) only from land.

Everyone screamed at Rav Hamnuna: Do you mean to say that if a father does not leave over land, the children do not inherit anything?

Rav Yosef said to Rav Hamnuna: Perhaps the master was referring to the kesuvah for the male children (if their mother dies first, they have exclusive rights to the land which was guaranteed by their father to their mother in her kesuvah, and they are not required to share this land with children born to their father from a different marriage)?

Rav Hamnuna replied: Master, who is a great man, knows what I am saying. (50a – 50b)
Supporting Orphan Girls with Moveable Property
Rav Chiya bar Yosef said: Rav would support orphan girls from the wheat of the aliyah (their father had no land and they needed to be maintained).

They inquired: Did Rav give them from that which they were promised for their diary (from their father, which can be collected even from moveable property) and what is the meaning of aliyah? Does it mean that we estimate the upper limit of their father’s generosity, and this would follow Shmuel’s opinion. For Shmuel said: With regard to a dowry, we estimate according to the disposition of their father (if he would be liberally generous or perhaps stingy; and accordingly, we can collect even from moveable property since it is not something which was designated in the kesuvah). Or perhaps, Rav was providing basic maintenance for the orphan girls and aliyah would mean according to the good things which were said in the upper chamber? For Rav Yitzchak bar Yosef said: It was decreed upon in the upper chamber that the daughters should be maintained even from moveable property (unlike all other obligations stipulated upon in the kesuvah, which may only be collected from land).

The Gemora cites the following proof: Rabbi Banai, the brother of Rabbi Chiya bar Abba had moveable property of orphans in his hands. The orphaned daughters came before Shmuel to claim them. Shmuel told Rabbi Banai: Go and support them (with the moveable property). The Gemora notes: Are we not speaking about their sustenance, and this would be following the opinion of Rav Yitzchak bar Yosef (who allows them to collect even from moveable property)?

The Gemora rejects the proof: It is referring to their dowry, and Shmuel is following his own opinion, for Shmuel said: With regard to a dowry, we estimate according to the disposition of their father (if he would be liberally generous or perhaps stingy; and accordingly, we can collect even from moveable property since it is not something which was designated in the kesuvah).

The Gemora records several related incidents: In Nehardea, they collected moveable property to sustain orphan girls. Rav Nachman disagreed with them and told them to return the property.

Rav Ami and Rav Assi wanted to collect moveable property to sustain orphan girls. They were told: if Rabbi Yochanan and Rish Lakish did not do like this, they shouldn’t either.

Rabbi Elozar wanted to collect moveable property to sustain orphan girls. Rabbi Shimon ben Elyakim told him: I know, my teacher that you are not acting according to the line of justice; rather, you are acting with compassion. However, there is a concern that the students will observe your judgment and they will think that this indeed is the correct halacha.

Rav Yosef once told inheritors to give dates that are on the mats to sustain an orphan girl. Abaye challenged him: Would you collect from dates for a creditor (obviously not; you would only collect from land)?

Rav Yosef responded: I was referring to dates that are fit to be used for mats (but they are still on the tree and are therefore regarded as land).

Abaye was not satisfied and he asked him: Since the dates are ready to be harvested, shouldn’t they be considered as if they already were harvested?

Rav Yosef replied: I was referring to dates that still require the palm tree. (50b – 51a)

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