behavior; in this way it tried to soften the allegation and, undoubtedly more important, avoid the misuse of the name of God (B. Sotah 21a; 32b). On the other hand it expressed the opinion that men and women got what they deserved and that we were dealing with an evil man and an evil woman. The Bavli in these opening pages clarified the basis for a case, i.e., was the husband’s jealousy sufficient or were witnesses necessary and a warning necessary(B. Sotah 2a). As jealousy is a sin, was it permissible in this case and why? The view of women(and men) was more negative than previously expressed with the rather full discussion of what happened when a woman and a man were isolated for even a short period. It expressed the opinion that a woman would inevitably be seduced in such a situation and minimized the time during which the two needed to be alone- just enough to mix a cup of wine, to circle a small palm tree, or get undressed. There was little faith that a serious effort at seduction would fail. Of course, this was equally a reflection on the nature of men who would inevitably make the effort to seduce, although they did not realize this (B. Sotah 3a- 4b).
The scholars broadened the decision of the Mishnah that the court could bring an accusation for those who were deaf, retarded, or imprisoned and included someone who had gone on a long journey in this effort to guard public morality(B. Sotah 17a).
More than in the Yerushalmi, the discussion of the nature of the evidence dealt with the psychological effect of jealousy on the husband as well as the communal pressure on the woman after an accusation has been made(B. Sotah 2b, 3a).
The discussion of the Bavli continued its low opinion of both men and women in this sexual situation, so if the accused woman had to be brought to Jerusalem from a distance, it insisted that three sages, not two as demanded by the Mishnah , accompany her and ensure that there was no sexual contact between the woman and her husband(B. Sotah 7a, 25a). This, of course, increased the difficulty and expense of proceeding with such a case.