In this case given we supposedly understand that it is forbidden to have relations with any Jewish woman before marriage. If this is true, how come this is not directly outlined by the Torah but rather is only discussed by the Rabanan?
Best regards,
Yitzhak
Yitzhak Selig, Manchester, England
1) In fact, the Rambam writes (Hilchos Ishus 1:4) that relations with any woman outside of marriage is forbidden by the Torah. This is derived from the verse, "There shall be no Kedeshah from the daughters of Israel" (Devarim 23:18).
2) The Gemara (Sanhedrin 75a), which asks that if the woman is single then why should she be forbidden to the man who had a craving, only says this because his life is in danger. Even though relations are forbidden by the Torah with a single woman according to the Rambam, nevertheless one is not required to give up his life to avoid this prohibition, in the same way that one may eat Tereifah food to save one's life.
Kol Tuv,
Dovid Bloom