(‘ontrolling Passions- Mixed Results 107

was introduced. The husband could change his mind and retract his expression of jealousy, but once the ordeal had begun, it could not be halted; after all, its purpose was to set an example to other women. If that did not work, an effort was made to induce a confession by tiring her out.

When the authorities dealt with the matter of witnesses, they added to this complication by demanding that the husband express his suspicion seriously before two witnesses, not on separate occasions, and that these same two witnesses needed then to have seen the woman visit a suspected paramour. The court sought such proof so that it did not deal with weak cases, but it also made the entire matter more difficult. There were discussions whether conversations or visits without sexual relations were sufficient cause for an accusation and the subsequent ordeal. Part of the debate centered around the question whether such visits permitted sufficient time for sexual relations, and for some even the briefest period was considered so(J. Sotah. 1:2). The accused was prohibited from sexual relations with her husband and also potential marriage with her paramour(M. and J. Sotah 1:2).

In contrast to the Mishnah , the court went down two roads simultaneously; they asked her not only to admit her guilt if the matter in question occurred during a light-hearted moment or through too much drinking, but they also asked her to stand her ground if she felt that she was innocent, so that the waters would have their effect of proving her innocent(J. Sotah 1:4). They also told her biblical tales of women who had problems to encourage her. If at this time she confessed, her ketubah was forfeited and she was given a divorce.

Interestingly, R. Meir focused on the nature of the husband Who made the accusation. He divided them into three types: those who accused readily, those who locked up their wives because of their Sidious nature, and those who ignored slight indiscretions(J. Sotah

7.

If she did not confess, the priests humiliated her by tearing off

Some of her garments, revealing her breast and then read the curse.