יום ה Date: 13 Cheshvan, 5774 (11/6/14) – Yevamos#33 {Tani}

UNLAWFUL EXCHANGE

[33b bottom] Mishna: Two men betrothed two wives and at the time they entered the Chuppah, the wives were exchanged which lead to prohibitions being violated [even if considered Be’shogeg (by accident)]. The wives then separate from the husbands for three months, in case they are pregnant (because that is how long it takes until a woman may show as pregnant).

Prac-T-cal Tidbits: There is a Jewish custom for a couple not to tell other people, even family, about a pregnancy until after three months. Some reason that this is because the first trimester is the most susceptible to harmful things (G-d forbid) and a more fragile time period. Additionally, because the woman does not start showing yet. Judaism has many logical reasons for various customs, but we must ensure to keep to our customs even when we do not know the reasons.