Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Marrying a kohen

9 January, 2005
Question:

This is a great site I stumbled upon.
I have a question regarding marrying a kohen.
1.a.Can a girl that perhaps tore her hymen from excercise or
masturbating marry a kohen?
b. Is she still considered a betulah?
2. Can a girl that had physical but not sexual relationship
with a guy, marry a kohen?
Thanks


Answer:

For most purposes, a woman who has torn her hymen independent of sexual intercourse is still considered a betulah (virgin).  

So long as she is not a divorcee or a convert, such a woman may marry a kohen. Even if she did have prior intercourse, so long as it was with a man she would have been halachically permitted to marry (i.e., not a close relative, mamzer, or non-Jew), she may still marry a kohen.

A relationship that did not include intercourse would not affect her ability to marry a kohen.

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