Study Sotah folio 44A with parallel Hebrew-English text, traditional commentary, and modern study tools. Free access to Babylonian Talmud online.
A corpse occupies 4 cubits with regard to impurity, as the rabbis decreed that one becomes impure when he stands within 4 cubits of a corpse. This measure protects priests and others who are forbidden to contract ritual impurity imparted by a corpse, so that they do not inadvertently become impure.
The Talmud challenges the preceding resolution: In which direction [kelapei layya] is there a distinction between the positions of the entrance? On the contrary, if one enters from the side, he can slip away and exit without becoming impure. However, if one enters from above it is impossible that
§ The Mishnah teaches among the statements that were said before battle: “What man is there that has betrothed a wife and has not taken her? Let him go and return to his house” (Deuteronomy 20:7). A baraita states: “That has betrothed” is referring to one who betroths a virgin, and to one who betrot
The Talmud asks: Shall we say that this opinion is not in accordance with the opinion of R' Yosei HaGelili? As, if it were in accordance with the opinion of R' Yosei HaGelili, he says: When the verse singles out “fearful and fainthearted” (Deuteronomy 20:8), this is referring to one who is afraid b
The Talmud answers: Even if you say that the ruling is in accordance with the opinion of R' Yosei HaGelili, such a man does not return, in accordance with the opinion of Rabba. As Rabba said: A man is never liable for a forbidden marriage until he has sex with his wife. With regard to the forbidde