Deuteronomy 22:15 - Parents defend daughter's purity?

Context in Torah

The verse (Devarim 22:15) appears in the context of the laws concerning a slanderous husband who falsely accuses his newlywed wife of not being a virgin. The parents are instructed to bring evidence of their daughter's virginity before the elders at the city gate, the traditional place of judgment.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "the tokens of the girl's virginity" refers to the simanim (physical signs) of her virginity, specifically the blood-stained garment from the wedding night. He notes that both parents participate in this process to demonstrate their joint testimony about their daughter's purity.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra emphasizes that the parents bring the evidence "to the elders at the gate" because this was where legal matters were adjudicated in ancient Israel. The public nature of this proceeding serves both as a deterrent against false accusations and as a means to publicly clear the young woman's name.

Halachic Implications

• The Rambam (Hilchot Naarah Betulah 3:7) rules that this law applies specifically when the husband makes his accusation immediately after marriage.
• The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 68:1) discusses how these laws were applied in later halachic practice.
• Talmudic discussions (Ketubot 46a) explore what constitutes valid evidence of virginity in such cases.

Moral Lessons

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 237) derives from this verse the importance of protecting a person's reputation and the severity of making false accusations. The requirement for both parents to participate teaches that matters of family honor concern both father and mother equally.

Symbolic Interpretation

The Kli Yakar suggests that bringing the evidence "to the gate" symbolizes bringing truth into the open, as the city gate represents the interface between private and public life. This teaches that serious marital disputes should not be kept private when they involve questions of truth and justice.