Q&A: Betrothal Through Intercourse
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Betrothal Through Intercourse
Question
Hello Rabbi Michi.
I didn’t quite understand the distinction in Maimonides’ words, where he makes a division regarding intercourse before the revelation at Mount Sinai and after the revelation at Mount Sinai.
That is, what was added after the revelation at Mount Sinai that made betrothal through intercourse permitted and not promiscuity?
Answer
This is not a question of promiscuity. The Torah wants marriage to be preceded by a formal legal act of betrothal. This can be done in three ways, one of which is intercourse. The commitment created by the betrothal is the addition that came with the giving of the Torah.