עברית
Faith
Forty Days Before the Creation of a Fetus
Question
Dear Rabbi, where does the concept come from that 40 days before the creation of a fetus a heavenly voice issues and announces? Thank you
Answer
Greetings,
Thus said our sages in Tractate Sotah (page 2a), forty days before the creation of a fetus, a heavenly voice issues and says, "So-and-so is destined for So-and-so," and "The house of So-and-so is for So-and-so," and "The field of So-and-so is for So-and-so." This is specifically regarding a person's first match; however, concerning a second match, a person is not paired with a spouse except according to his deeds. Rashi explains: modest for the righteous, and promiscuous for the wicked.
Blessings,
Hillel Meirs
