131

The court must fine one who seduces a maiden

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
וְכִֽי־יְפַתֶּ֣ה אִ֗ישׁ בְּתוּלָ֛ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־אֹרָ֖שָׂה וְשָׁכַ֣ב עִמָּ֑הּ מָהֹ֛ר יִמְהָרֶ֥נָּה לּ֖וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה׃ אִם־מָאֵ֧ן יְמָאֵ֛ן אָבִ֖יהָ לְתִתָּ֣הּ ל֑וֹ כֶּ֣סֶף יִשְׁקֹ֔ל כְּמֹ֖הַר הַבְּתוּלֹֽת׃ - פָּרָשַׁת מִשְׁפָּטִים
Exodus 22:15-16 - "If a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed and lies with her, he shall provide her with a marriage contract as a wife. If her father refuses to give her to him [in marriage], he shall weigh out money according to the dowry of the virgins."

This Mitzvah's Summary

מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Family – מִשְׁפָּחָה

The court must fine a man who seduces an unmarried maiden.

This mitzvah requires the court to impose a fine on a man who seduces an unmarried virgin. If the father of the girl refuses to give her in marriage, the seducer must pay damages equal to the dowry of a virgin. This law protects the dignity of the maiden and her family, deterring immorality and ensuring accountability for improper conduct.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Na’arah Betulah 1:1): Rules that the seducer is obligated to pay fifty silver shekels to the maiden’s father.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 552): The root is to safeguard the honor of Jewish daughters and deter men from reckless immorality.
  • Talmud (Ketubot 29a–30a): Distinguishes between a seducer and a rapist, with differing penalties, but both aimed at upholding the dignity of women.
(Source: Chabad.org)

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