Q&A: The Punishment of a Rapist According to the Torah
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This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
The Punishment of a Rapist According to the Torah
Question
Rabbi Michi, hello!
What is the punishment of a person who raped one of the forbidden relations, when there were no witnesses or prior warning? Is his punishment only karet, or is some additional punishment imposed on him? Does karet mean excommunication?
Answer
Why rape? Even if he had relations with them consensually. When there are no witnesses and no prior warning, what other punishment could there be? A religious court does not impose punishments without witnesses and prior warning. As for punishments from Heaven, I have no idea. I am not worthy to say. I also do not know what karet is (are you asking about excommunication in Heaven?), and it seems I am in good company.