What is the biggest age gap permitted by halakha between a man and a girl/woman for them to get married?
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1Is there a basis to your assumption that such a gap exists?– YoreinuJun 14, 2022 at 1:33
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1sefaria.org/Jerusalem_Talmud_Yevamot.12.6.2?lang=bi Also mentioned in Bavli Yevamos 44A and 101B. Exact ages aren’t mentioned, but old with young is discouraged, and according to many, by yibum it is actually not allowed– ChatzkelJun 14, 2022 at 2:15
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@Chatzkel but what do they mean by old man? Is for example the gap of 9 years normal in halakha and is permitted?– milJun 14, 2022 at 4:11
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Definitely permitted. As to what age gap is too big, individuals are probably much better off consulting a rabbi regarding their specific situation.– N.T.Jun 14, 2022 at 6:09
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1Jewish marriage is not some kind of a romantic enterprise - it is a means to fulfill heavenly commandments. So unless the man is sterile, there can be no limitations. Look at the forefathers, Isaac (37) married Rivka (3), Jacob (84) married Rachel and Lea (20), and more.– Al BerkoJun 15, 2022 at 11:15
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1 Answer
There is no age gap explicitly mentioned in halacha. However, there is a general depreciation in The Talmud for marrying two people of significantly different ages.
"Who marries his daughter to an old man, or who takes an old woman as a wife for a young son, to him the verse refers, "To add drunkenness to thirst; the Lord will not pardon him" (Deuteronomy 29. 19f) (Sanhedrin 76b).
"If he was young and she old, or vice versa, they [the elders] would say to him "What sense is there in your marrying one much younger than yourself? or "What sense is there in your marrying one much older than yourself? Go, marry one who is about your own age and do not introduce strife into your house" (Jebamoth 101b).
