Torah Portion: Mishpatim
If a man shall seduce a virgin who was not betrothed and lie with her, he shall provide her with a marriage contract as his wife (Shemos 22:15).
To judge the case of a seducer — a person who seduced a virgin with true or false words until she agreed to be with him — in accord with the rules spelled out in the Torah, as it is written: If a man shall seduce a virgin etc.
The root of this law is obvious.
Do not be surprised by the seemingly minor penalty put upon the man of paying a fine of just fifty kesef — regardless ofwhether she is from a wealthy home or a poor one. For this fine does not take the place of the other forms of restitution he must pay for as well, such as shame and blemish, which are paid based on her standing and stature. All of Hashem’s mitzvos are just.
This mitzvah applies wherever there is an authorized beis din (court) of ordained judges. One who transgresses this and did not carry out this law violates a positive commandment.
