Q&A: Regarding a Tumtum
Regarding a Tumtum
Question
Hello Rabbi. The Beit Yosef, in section 689, ruled that a tumtum does not fulfill others’ obligation in the reading of the Megillah, because we require that it be recognizable whether the person is male or female. My question is: why? After all, either way he should fulfill others’ obligation, since a woman can also do so. And what does it matter that it be recognizable? Thanks in advance.
Answer
I didn’t understand the question. Precisely because of this, a derivation from a verse was needed requiring that it be someone whose sex is recognizable as male or female. Were it not for that, he really would fulfill others’ obligation because of your either-way argument.
[I didn’t understand why your soul is bound up with this question. Does it touch on some essential aspect of your life, or was this written under the influence of Purim wine?]