Niddah 8: The Virgin Human and the Virgin Sycamore Tree

Today's Gemara focuses on Rabbi Eliezer's teaching about the betula, the virgin: she is one of four types of women who do not menstruate regularly but who are still ritually pure until the moment that they see blood.  

A barita is quoted.  It says that there are three types of virgins: a virgin human, a virgin gourd, and a virgin sycamore.  A virgin human is one who has not had sexual intercourse.  The main reason for noting her status is ensure that only virgins marry high priests (Vayikra 21:19) and their ketubot are worth 200 dinars, twice those of non-virgins.  Virgin gourds are those which have never been cultivated (Devarim 21:4).  A virgin sycamore is one that has never been cut.  This affects its legal status when buying or selling it.

Steinsaltz notes that the sycamore is a tall and wide tree related to the fig. It was grown for its wood, which was large and light.  It would renew itself from the trunk after it was trimmed and then cut down.  We are reminded that Bava Batra (68) teaches about the virgin sycamore and one that has been trimmed when considering sale.  Virgin sycamores were considered part of the field; cultivated sycamores were considered independent and were sold separately from the field.

It is interesting to note that the rabbis are concerned with virgin humans - meaning women or girls rather than men - and their status regarding high priests.  Certainly there was high value put upon virgins in ordinary marriages, as well.  The ketubah was the main focus here, rather than any other aspect of virginity.  Further, a virgin might begin menstruating at any time - or she might have begun menstruating before she married.