Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 18:16 mean?
A: Leviticus 18:16 prohibits a man from having intimate relations with his brother’s wife. The Torah considers this act as uncovering 'the nakedness of your brother,' meaning it violates the sanctity of the marital bond between the brother and his wife. This law is part of the Torah’s detailed moral and ethical code governing family relationships.
Q: Why is this prohibition important in Judaism?
A: This prohibition is important because it upholds the sanctity of family structure and prevents jealousy, conflict, and moral corruption within the household. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Mishneh Torah (Issurei Biah 1:1) that these laws preserve purity and holiness in Jewish life. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 76a) also discusses the severe consequences of violating these boundaries.
Q: Does this law apply if the brother is divorced or deceased?
A: If the brother is divorced from his wife, the prohibition no longer applies since she is no longer his wife. However, if the brother has passed away without children, there is a mitzvah of 'yibbum' (levirate marriage), where the brother may marry the widow to perpetuate his brother’s name (Deuteronomy 25:5-6). If he chooses not to, they perform 'chalitzah' instead. Rashi (on Leviticus 18:16) clarifies that the prohibition applies only while the brother is alive and married to her.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern Jewish life?
A: This verse remains relevant today as it establishes boundaries for ethical behavior within families. Orthodox Jews follow these laws strictly, ensuring that marital relationships are respected and moral integrity is maintained. The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 15) codifies these laws, and rabbinic authorities provide guidance on complex situations, such as civil marriages or unconventional family structures.
Q: What can we learn from this commandment?
A: This commandment teaches the importance of respecting family boundaries and maintaining moral discipline. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 23:9) emphasizes that these laws distinguish the Jewish people as a holy nation. By adhering to them, we cultivate self-control, dignity, and reverence for the sacred bonds of marriage.
Prohibition of Arayot (Forbidden Relationships)
The verse "עֶרְוַת אֵשֶׁת־אָחִיךָ לֹא תְגַלֵּה עֶרְוַת אָחִיךָ הִוא" (Vayikra 18:16) explicitly forbids a man from engaging in a relationship with his brother’s wife. This prohibition is part of the broader category of arayot (forbidden sexual relationships) outlined in Parshat Acharei Mot. The Torah emphasizes that such an act is tantamount to uncovering the nakedness of one’s brother himself.
Rashi’s Explanation
Rashi comments on this verse by noting that the phrase "עֶרְוַת אָחִיךָ הִוא" ("it is thy brother’s nakedness") teaches that the prohibition applies even after the brother’s death, unless the man dies childless, in which case the mitzvah of yibbum (levirate marriage) may apply (Devarim 25:5-10). Rashi derives this from the juxtaposition of this prohibition with the laws of yibbum elsewhere in the Torah.
Rambam’s Legal Perspective
In Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah (Laws of Forbidden Relationships 1:6), the Rambam codifies this prohibition as one of the arayot punishable by karet (spiritual excision) if violated intentionally. He further clarifies that this prohibition applies whether the brother is alive or deceased, except in the specific case of yibbum.
Talmudic and Midrashic Insights
Exceptions: Yibbum and Chalitzah
The Torah permits a brother to marry his deceased brother’s wife only if the brother died without children (Devarim 25:5-10). This mitzvah, known as yibbum, is the sole exception to the prohibition. However, if the brother performs chalitzah (the removal of the shoe), the prohibition remains in full force, and the woman may not marry any of her deceased husband’s brothers.
Moral and Social Implications
This prohibition underscores the Torah’s emphasis on preserving family integrity and preventing jealousy or strife between brothers. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 188) explains that such boundaries protect societal harmony and ensure that familial relationships remain sacred.