Yevamot 15: Tzorot (Rival Wives), Chalitza and Mamzerim

Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai agree that tzarot, rival wives are not obligated in yibum, but they hold different opinions as to why and thus the consequences of such unions.  The rabbis agreed that future tzarot should be required to perform chalitza and avoid the question of yibum.  However, today's daf focuses on the actions of past tzarot: were their children mamzerim (of flawed lineage based on forbidden sexual relationships other than nidda) with karet as a possibility in their futures or were they simply of flawed lineage with no harsh consequence?

When the rabbis discuss their options, they note twice that we must keep in mind Proverbs 3:17: Dracheicha darchei noam v'chol netivotecha shalom, "Her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace".  When facing competing halachot, we should always choose the option that results in the least amount of conflict.  Men would be upset with their wives if they learned after the fact that their wives had not performed chalitza and thus their marriages were in question.  Thus we cannot put families in that position.

The rabbis walk us through a number of examples from their lives and circumstances.  Each story teaches us both about the lives of the rabbis and about the intentions of Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai.  It seems that the rabbis are looking for times when the houses of the great Sages were able to put aside their differences and bend their preferred rulings based upon a desire for a cohesive community.

The end of our daf focuses more specifically on tzorot, widows, mamzerim and the priesthood.  The High Priest is of such status that only the most 'pure' lineage can be a marriage partner.  However, even ordinary priests - although they are of very high status as well - are said to have married women with somewhat questionable lineage.  

It is heartening to learn that beyond the ideals of our rabbis, real life was understood and taken into consideration.  People marry people, people have affairs, people make mistakes in their ritual practice sand in their life choices.  If only we could treat each other with respect today when we learn about flawed lineage - or its equivalent sins - today.