יום ב Date: 17 Cheshvan, 5774 (11/10/14) – Yevamos#37 {Eliezer}

RIGID FLEXIBILITY

[37a top] Gemarah: In a difficult situation (where a woman’s husband passed away, she discovered that she was pregnant from her original husband, married a new Kohen husband, but then the original baby died within 30 days) we may rely on the Rabbanan’s opinion (that a less than 30 day old baby that passes away is still considered viable) instead of R’ Shimon ben Gamliel’s opinion (see yesterday’s daf) [so that she may remain married to her new husband, and not require Chalitza with the brother of her original husband (which would then prohibit her to her new Kohen husband)].
Ritva: In reality the bottom line law is according to the Rabbis, but we usually try to be extra careful and follow the more strict view of R’ Shimon ben Gamliel. But when there is strenuous counter pressure, we fall back to the definitive lowest acceptable ruling.

D-E-ep Thoughts: In critical moments we must realize our absolute values. We must know where in life there is necessitated flexibility, and where we must draw our lines in the sand. We must never use Mitzvos and good deeds as ‘excuses,’ and put our Shalom Bayis (peace in the home) and Avodas Hashem (G-dly worship) in the core of our activities. Remember where we come from and where we are headed…