Yevamot 3: When "Exempt" Means Forbidden
Why are the co-wives described as "exempting" one another from yibum, when really those potential cases of yibum are prohibited? One suggestion is that that language would have suggested a need for halitzah, and once there's a need for halitzah, there's a risk of presuming yibum was possible, when it wasn't. Another suggestion: Plus, the strong connection between halitzah and yibum. Also, the Gemara asks why these 15 cases of co-wives don't include 6 more stringent cases of illicit sexual relationships (which we know from the Torah, and will discuss those cases later in Yevamot). Plus, some…
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