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About Rav Ovadiah
Expertise
Willing to answer and research general Halakhah questions in any field, including medical ethics.

Experience
Attended yeshiva. Author. Shomer miztvot.

Education/Credentials
Doctorate Degree
Organizations: http://betmidrashmoedim.org/

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Homework Help > Judaism > Orthodox Judaism > Adultery

Orthodox Judaism - Adultery


Expert: Rav Ovadiah - 12/30/2007

Question
I'm confused.  I just don't understand how Mosaic Law worked 2000 years ago.  When a man and a married woman committed adultery were they stoned to death in every case?  Why would G-d have been so strict then and not now?

Answer
Alex,
It is man's standards and punishments that have changed, not God's. If a man and a women were caught in adultery and this was witnessed by at least 2 adult Jewish (reliable) witnesses then both were stoned to death. Jewish law also requires that the people be warned beforehand that they are about to commit a capital crime. That way there is no ignorance of the law. Adultery remains a capital crime in many countries. However, Israel no longer carries out the death penalty and I have no idea of the current penalty for adultery in Israel. Hope this helps. Shalom!

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