A Level of Trust

The case of the woman suspected of being faithful to her husband, known as “Sotah,” is very perplexing. This woman is claiming her innocence, which can only be proven in a supernatural manner.

She must be escorted to the Beit Hamikdash, where she is humiliated and forced to drink an odd concoction of water, dust from the Temple floor, and the rubbed out ink from the parchment that quoted this specific passage in the Torah

If she is innocent, she will be blessed with a beautiful baby boy. But if she is guilty, she will die in a treacherous manner.

This is the only case in the Torah that was decided by a Divine act. The erasing of Hashem’s name in this concoction, shows the lengths taken to preserve peace in the home, known as Shalom Bayit.

The woman in question brought these troubles upon herself. After she was caught by two witnesses being secluded with another man, she received a stern warning from her husband. If this happens again, the marriage is over, unless she drinks the Sotah waters. She is guilty of acting in an immodest and inappropriate manner.

Nowadays, these laws apply in an indirect manner. If a warning was given by a husband after his wife has been secluded, and she secluded herself again with the same man, the marriage is terminated. There are no Sotah waters to verify the truth. This doubt and suspicions have ruined their relationship.

This is to serve as a warning for all couples to maintain a level of trust and faithfulness towards one another. They must not allow anything to disrupt the sacred bond between them. They must keep the fire burning so that they do not grow apart from one another. The Jewish home is sacred and must be cherished and protected.