יום ה Date: 29 Tishrei, 5774 (10/23/14) – Yevamos#19 {Tani}

DEFINITELY NOT

Yebum = marrying a deceased childless paternal brother’s wife
Chalitzah = a ceremony performed (instead of marriage) to break a Yebum bond

[19b bottom] Gemarah: Reuven died childless and Shimon (his paternal brother) did Mammar (first questionable Rabbinical step of Yebum) with Reuven’s wife, but then Shimon died (still childless and also married to a wife of his own). If Levi (a third paternal brother) does Chalitzah with the first (Reuven’s) wife, Shimon’s wife is not released. If Levi does Chalizah or Yebum with Shimon’s wife, then Reuven’s wife is released from Mammar [because a definite Yebum candidate can exempt a questionable one but a questionable one cannot exempt a definite case].

Prac-T-cal Tidbits: We should always be sure to involve ourselves only in legitimate (non-questionable) activities. If we are unsure if something is “Kosher” we should not do it. We must stay connected to only the definitely OK things [ie: learning at home with a Chavrusa (partner), while focused and free of distractions, versus trying to learn by ones self during TV commercials].