Sotah 8 - 1st Day of Pesach - Thursday April 6, 15 Nissan

During the process of the Sotah, there are a number of things that are done in order to encourage her to confess that she is guilty, such as walking back and forth to tire her out. She is then brought to the Nikanor Gate, at the entrance to the azara, to drink the bitter water, which is also similar to a leper and a woman who gave birth, and others like her who are bringing sacrifices and stand there while their sacrifices are being brought. We do not have two Sotahs drinking at the same time so that one won’t influence the other to not confess. It is also derived from a verse. If there is no concern one will influence the other, can they both be done at the same time and if so, isn’t there an issue of not performing mitzvot in bundles? There is a debate between Rabbi Yehuda and the rabbis about whether her clothes are mostly removed or not. However, their opinions appear to be reversed in a woman who is taken out to get stoned. This is resolved as the issues are different in each of these cases. As part of the process, she wears ugly clothing and removes her jewelry. An Egyptian rope is used to keep what is left of her clothes covering her private parts. Does it specifically need to be an Egyptian rope or can it be any type of belt? Men are allowed to watch the proceedings and women are encouraged so that they learn not to behave in this manner. The Sotah situation teaches us that punishment is meted out measure for measure. When the Temple is no longer standing, the Sages explain that God ensures that people get punished in the way the courts would have punished them.