EPISODE · Nov 7, 2024 · 15 MIN
Bava Batra 135: Ineffectual Deathbed Documents
from Talking Talmud · host Yardaena Osband & Anne Gordon
When a man is dying, they ask him in a roundabout way whether his wife will be subject to yibum. When he says she could marry a kohen gadol means she doesn't have any need for yibum. But what about when a man comes to divorce his wife, he is considered reliable with regard to his wife's status - sometimes! Sometimes, he is explicitly "not believed" with regard to his wife's status. Which leads to a serious discussion about protecting the women, and also held in a respectful manner that allowed for different opinions. Also, if a will is written on one's deathbed and not yet given to anyone, and then the person dies -- that will is not considered valid. Likewise, a deed of transfer that is to be written on one's deathbed is not valid, because that kind of contract is only effective if the original owner is still alive.
What this episode covers
When a man is dying, they ask him in a roundabout way whether his wife will be subject to yibum. When he says she could marry a kohen gadol means she doesn't have any need for yibum. But what about when a man comes to divorce his wife, he is considered reliable with regard to his wife's status - sometimes! Sometimes, he is explicitly "not believed" with regard to his wife's status. Which leads to a serious discussion about protecting the women, and also held in a respectful manner that allowed for different opinions. Also, if a will is written on one's deathbed and not yet given to anyone, and then the person dies -- that will is not considered valid. Likewise, a deed of transfer that is to be written on one's deathbed is not valid, because that kind of contract is only effective if the original owner is still alive.
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Bava Batra 135: Ineffectual Deathbed Documents
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