Share Mishna Game
Save to Folder
Why are close relatives not allowed to be judges or witnesses in a case?
Because they might be biased and not able to judge fairly.
Name three relatives mentioned in the Mishnah who are disqualified.
Brother, uncle (paternal or maternal), brother-in-law.
Is a person’s stepfather allowed to be a judge or witness? Why or why not?
No, because he is considered a close relative.
What about a father-in-law or a son-in-law – are they allowed to be witnesses?
No, both are considered close family and are disqualified.
Are the children of disqualified relatives also disqualified?
Yes, their sons and sons-in-law are also considered relatives.
Is a stepson disqualified from being a witness? What about the stepson’s children?
The stepson is disqualified, but his children are not.
According to Rabbi Yosei, whose opinion is the list based on?
Rabbi Akiva
What is the difference between Rabbi Akiva’s version and the original version of the Mishna?
Rabbi Akiva includes more relatives; the original only disqualified paternal relatives who can inherit.
Why are only paternal relatives disqualified in the earlier version?
Because they are the ones who can inherit, making them more connected.
Are maternal relatives allowed to serve as judges or witnesses?
Yes, because they are not able to inherit and are not considered as close legally.
When is someone considered a relative for disqualification?
Only if they are related at the time of the trial.
If someone married a litigant’s daughter but divorced her before the trial, can he be a witness?
Yes, because they are no longer related at the time of the trial.
What if the daughter passed away before the trial – is her husband still considered a relative?
According to most opinions, no, unless they had children together.
What does Rabbi Yehuda say if the couple had children?
He says they are still considered relatives because of the children.
When does a relationship through marriage count to disqualify a person?
That relationships through marriage can still count if children were born from them.
Besides relatives, who else is not allowed to serve as a judge or witness?
Someone who loves or hates one of the people in the case.
