Sotah

Sotah as an Issue of Paternity

by Rabbi Dov Linzer
Posted on September 14, 2009

Masekhet Sotah primarily focuses on the parsha in the Torah regarding a woman whose husband suspects her of adultery (Bamidbar 5:11-31). It is fascinating to see how Chazal’s understanding of Sotah differs from the simple sense of the psukim. This issue has been explored by various scholars, in particular Moshe Halbertal and Judith Hauptman, who point out that in Chazal’s understanding the process is one which is more based on objective fact (observed seclusion following a warning) rather than on the husband’s capricious suspicions.…