Yevamot II 85: Ten Lineages; Rights of Women Vs. Those of Men

We begin with the rabbis asking about whether the sons and the daughters of Aaron are subject to similar prohibitions regarding avoiding ritual impurity.  Through this conversation the rabbis discuss the ten different lineages: Priests, Leviim, Israelites; chalalim, converts, freed slaves; converts, freed slaves, mamzerim; Gibeonites, children of unknown parentage, and foundlings.  Within these different groups, some intermarriage is allowed and some intermarriage is prohibited. 

The discussion includes specific questions that elucidate the halachot in question.  For example, when a yevama does not have a ketuba because her first marriage was prohibited, can she receive a ketuba from her yevam (who is permitted to her)?  The rabbis discuss who would benefit from such arrangements and why the cases might be brought to court.  It is noted that women would always want to be married.  If she or her children benefit from the existence of a ketuba, the rabbis assume that she is encouraging her husband to stay with her; to give her a ketuba.

These categories of Jews mostly hold no meaning in today's world.  Growing up in the Conservative movement, I did not question the idea that Kohanim and Leviim had certain special responsibilities at services.  I only learned as an adult that the Reform movement discarded those designations years ago.  Because the Temple is no longer standing, most of the categories of Jews are irrelevant.  There has been so much intermarriage within the larger community that it would be impossible to know who is of a certain lineage.  

Learning these detailed halachot is useful as an exercise: first, we learn our history according to the rabbis.  Second, we learn what the rabbis believe we should be doing if the Temple were rebuilt.  Finally, we learn about how the rabbis think.  Often, when I have difficulty following an argument because I do not have the background to fully understand it, I make myself feel better remembering that I am continuing to learn the logic of our Sages.