יום א Date: 24 Adar, 5775 (3/15/15) – Kesuvos#41 {Eliezer}

NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENTS

[41a top] Mishnah: If one admits to seducing a girl, he is obligated to pay for the embarrassment and depreciation by his own admission, but he does not pay the fine [based on the principle of “Modeh Be’knas” (one who admits to a fine is not required to pay, but if he admits to compensatory damage, he is obligated to pay)]
R’ Rosner (quoting Achronim): Beis Din (court) is the originator of fines [they are not inherent in the acts performed and never exist until Beis Din implements them [unlike borrowing monies (in which the actions create the obligations to pay back)]. By stealing as well, thieves are obligated to return the items themselves only, but “fines” are created once verdicts are determined in Beis Din. If a stealer jumps ahead and admits his crime before testimony is received, the ‘ruling’ is created on his own accord and thus cannot activate a fine.

D-E-ep Thoughts: Although we should all crave G-d’s closeness at all times, certain “fines” have been put in place to help keep people in check. We are given Yetzer Haras (evil inclinations) in order to grant use reward [through choosing properly]. But, if we do sin (G-d forbid) and then recognize our errors and admit to our mistakes, many ‘punishments’ become unnecessary. May we all keep on the straight path of life and never veer off into unwelcoming territory to avoid all negative reinforcements.