BSD When tradition and finances meet. The minimum value for most halachic transactions is a "prutah". How do we estimate a prutah? This class sheds some light on the matter, discussing different coins and currencies mentioned in the Talmud. Another question discussed here deals with a coin which is worth less than a prutah [...]
BSD So... why do Bet Shammai require such a high amount of money for Kiddushin? 1) We assume women wouldn't go for less than a dinar (unless proven otherwise); 2) When the Torah mentions the word "kesef" it means silver, not money. Thus, only a silver dinar would suffice (not the regular copper prutah); [...]
BSD What an expensive girl! According to Beit Shammai, the minimum amount required for Kiddushin is a silver Dinar (that was quite a high currency in olden days). Now, for most halachic transactions, a prutah (a cheap copper coin) suffices. So why do Beit Shammai require such a high amount when it comes to [...]
BSD In memory of Sultana bat Eliyahu Two things have to happen for a Jewish marriage to take place: 1) Kiddushin (mistakenly translated as "betrothal") in which the woman receives either money or a Kiddushin document (attention: this is not a ketubah!) 2) Chuppah, in which the couple stand under one canopy or enter [...]
Rabbi Avrohom Baruch Zachariash teaches the halachas of Chol Hamoed with the Mishnah Berurah (O.C. 537). Watering grass; stains on table cloths; Oneg Shabbos (and wearing makeup) versus going to the mikveh; Having a Gentile turn off a device to save money; Being lenient about Kashrus due to guests or oneg Shabbos; investing in [...]
BSD Marriage through B'ia (intimate relations). How do we know that b'ia is a valid option for marrying a woman? And what is the halachic definition of b'ia?
BSD Jewish marriage through a document. Giving a woman a marriage document (with all its conditions) is one possible way of marrying her. Why isn't it an accepted way of Kiddushin nowadays?; Mazal Tov! In this shiur we finally meet the concept of Tenaim- the prenuptial agreements made between the man and the woman.
BSD Weird and wonderful reactions to marriage proposals (from the Talmud). He asks her to marry him, giving her money, but she throws the money to the fire or to the ocean. Or she throws it to a dog. How do we interpret that behavior halachically? And what happens if she tells him to [...]
BSD Kiddushin in installments. Can Kiddushin money be paid in more than one payment? If yes, at what point is the woman mekudeshes? Also, if a man gave a woman a collateral as a security for his upcoming Kiddushin money, is she already mekudeshs?
BSD The Jewish wedding ring should be a simple one, with no gems embedded in it. During the wedding ceremony the face of the bride is (partially) covered. In this shiur you will learn the real reason for both these customs.