Much of today's daf discusses legal issues that arise due to the claims of witnesses. More specifically, how we are to rely upon witnesses with regard to a woman whose husband has died while abroad? Is it necessary to have two witnesses claim that this husband has died, or will one witness suffice? Do the testimonies of men and women carry the same weight? How do these cases of deserted wives compare to other cases that rely on witnesses, like whether or not someone has consumed tevel, untithed produce, for example? Or like when there are discrepancies regarding konamot, articles that people claim are sanctified and prohibited.
The rabbis are more lenient regarding witnesses in these cases than in others. The testimony of women and others who are not normally 'counted' as witnesses is almost equal to that of men. Two witnesses are not required - though the rabbis spend a good chunk of time arguing how this should affect a woman's legal status should the 'deceased' husband reappear. The rabbis go to great effort to ensure that women do not wait indefinitely for their lost husbands.
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