The widow must not remarry until the ties with her brother-in-law are removed

This mitzvah forbids a childless widow from remarrying outside the family until the bond of yibbum is resolved. Either the surviving brother must marry her (yibbum) or release her through chalitzah. This ensures respect for the deceased brother’s legacy and prevents the widow from entering another marriage while bound by Torah law. Only once chalitzah is performed does she become free to marry whomever she chooses.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

• Rambam (Hilchot Yibbum v’Chalitzah 1:2): Rules that a widow bound by yibbum is prohibited from marrying another man until chalitzah is performed.
• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 600): The root is to honor the continuity of the deceased brother’s household and to preserve family sanctity.
• Talmud (Yevamot 3a): Establishes that a widow awaiting yibbum is considered a zekukah (bound woman) and cannot marry until released.