Q&A: Regarding the Two Levels: Marriage and Betrothal
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Regarding the Two Levels: Marriage and Betrothal
Question
Did the essential nature of marriage change before and after the giving of the Torah? Because before the giving of the Torah it was sexual relations, whereas after the giving of the Torah sexual relations became part of betrothal. Before the giving of the Torah there was no wedding canopy, whereas after the giving of the Torah there is a Torah-level obligation to pass through the wedding canopy, which itself constitutes marriage.
Answer
After the giving of the Torah, betrothal was added before marriage. But betrothal itself can be effected in three ways: money, a document, or sexual relations. Marriage is bringing her into his home and/or sexual relations, exactly as it was before the giving of the Torah.