Chanan Chernitsky asked:
What is the difference between the Sotah's "tumah" and her "seclusion"? Isn't it that she becomes Tameh through seclusion?
Chanan Chernitsky, Winnipeg, Canada
The Kollel replies:
Chanan - It is true that a Sotah becomes prohibited (Temei'ah) by secluding herself with a man that is not her husband. However, she is only prohibited out of doubt. She must drink the "discerning waters" in order for us to determine whether or not she is telling the truth.
Tum'ah refers to proof that the woman who secluded herself has had forbidden relations with her suitor. After such proof no waters are necessary; the woman is divorced and does not receive a Kesuvah.
Best wishes,
Mordecai Kornfeld
Kollel Iyun Hadaf