For the source text click/tap here: Ketubot 99
To download, click/tap here: PDF
Steinsaltz (OBM) writes:
The Jewish court has the ability to sell properties owned by an estate in order to pay debts owed by the individual who passed away.
This includes outstanding loans, payment of the ketuba, etc.
Generally speaking this was done by means of an announcement that the court has properties for sale – effectively a public auction – which would invite people to come and view the properties, establishing their value.
The Mishna continues and teaches that if an announcement of the auction was made, then even a wide discrepancy would not cancel the deal – property worth 100 can be sold for 200 or property worth 200 can be sold for 100.
According to the Ramban, the Mishna mentioned these specific numbers because even in the case of an auction there are limits to the error that is acceptable, and a larger discrepancy would cancel the sale.
We explore the the methods of collecting debts by law courts as well as review of when beis Din errs and when Beis Din and secular courts face off in arbitration.