For the source text click/tap here: Yevamot 27
To download, click/tap here: PDF
The concept of zika – the almost marital relationship that exists between the yavam and the yevama before they have had the opportunity to fulfill the mitzva of yibum or halitza (see Yevamot 18).
The discussion of zika is revived on our daf in the context of the following case:
There were three brothers and two of them were married to two sisters. The married brothers died, and both widows become potential yevamot to the surviving brother. In this case he certainly cannot marry (i.e. perform yibum with) both sisters, a relationship that is forbidden by the Torah. Can he marry one of them?
The rabbis also turn their attention to which should be considered first, a woman who holds a get, a divorce certificate, or a woman who has been betrothed in levirate marriage.
We explore further examples of Chalitzah as practiced in the Sephardic community as well as a famous responsa of the RADVAZ in the 16th century concerning an Agunah in Jerusalem.