Daf Yomi One Week at a Time: Kiddushin

As we start a new Masechet, we will introduce some key concepts of Kiddushin (betrothal). The Gemara teaches that there are 3 ways a woman can be betrothed: money, a document, and sexual relations. We will learn the parameters of each of these mechanisms.

This week we will learn the reasons behind each opinion for how much money needs to be given in order to betroth a woman. We will also learn how a man can betroth a woman with a document or have relations with her. We will then learn how a Jewish man or woman can be sold into slavery and how they are set free.

This week we will learn how a Jewish slave and maidservant go free. We will also learn about the Jewish slave who decides to stay on with his master after his allotted time. The Gemara also teaches about a non-Jewish slave, how he is bought, and how he goes free.

This week we will learn how different objects are acquired according to Jewish Law. There are many forms of proprietary acts that one can do in order to transfer ownership. Every type of object requires a particular form of action. We will then learn about parents’ and children’s obligations to one another and the different obligations of men and women.

This week we will continue learning about the commandment to honor and fear one’s parents. We will also learn that this applies to one’s teachers and Torah scholars as well. We will then learn about other commandments women are exempt from because they are time-bound positive commandments.