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When is a woman believed about her own status regarding marriage to a kohen? The Gemara (גמרא) analyzes why the Mishna uses the euphemistic term "midaberet" instead of direct language, with a machlokes between whether it refers to seclusion (yichud) or actual relations, and explores the basis for her credibility.
This shiur examines a fundamental Gemara (גמרא) on Kesubos 13a dealing with a woman's credibility regarding her own status for marriage to a kohen. The Mishna presents a case where witnesses saw a woman "midaberet" (speaking/conversing) with a man, and she claims he was kosher and suitable for kohanim. Rabbi Gamliel and Rabbi Eliezer rule she is believed, while Rabbi Yehoshua rules she is not believed and is presumed to be disqualified from marrying a kohen. The Gemara focuses on the term "midaberet," analyzing why the Mishna chose this euphemistic language. Ziri interprets it as "nistera" (they were secluded), while Rav Asi reads it as "nivla" (they had relations). The shiur examines Rashi (רש"י)'s explanation that this demonstrates the principle of lashon hakavod (dignified language), noting that the Gemara in Sukkah derives this concept from a different verse.
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Kesubos 13a
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