Is the offspring of a married man who has relations with an unmarried woman a mamzer?

If the child in the first situation is not a mamzer, what would he/she be considered if the two parents never married? Reply

why this ... too ? Also read that it applies in case of adultery only to a Jewish couple. Because if a Jewish woman had a civil marriage to a gentile, then Torah still considers that woman as single. And therefore would not commit adultery when having any extra relations. Really so ? What about the principles of " Dina d'malchuta Dina" (civil union is legal so it is respected); and "B'diavad" (not allowed, but accepted once done) ? Reply

why this ... ? .I recently read that if a married Jewish woman has relations with a gentile and gets pregnant, in this case the child will not be a "mamzer". Why ? Reply

For Tzvi Freeman Hashem is clear in His Covenant with Israel that a child born to a Jewish father is Jewish regardless of who the mather* is: "Beware what I command you today" (Shemot 34:10-11) "Every first issue of a womb is Mine... You [Jewish father] shall redeem every firstborn of your sons. They shall not appear before Me empty-handed" (Shemot 34:19-20)

Although Hashem warns Jewish father to not to err by giving non-Jewish women to his sons because they may cause his sons to erroneously worship other gods (Shemot 34:12-16) still, after this statement Hashem commands Jewish father to redeem his firstborn.

Devarim 7:3-4 further explains that if a daughter of Israel is given to a non-Jew then such an action is punishable: "then Hashem's wrath will burn against you, and He will destroy you quickly!" The Talmud teaches that "Hashem's wrath" always leaves a lasting effect (Zevachim 102a)

*Only time offspring is not Jewish when child is born from a woman who is a property of a master (Shemot 21:4) Reply

For Tzvi Freeman Kohen is forbidden to marry: a harlot; widowed; desecrated (raped/nonvirgin); [convert]; and a divorced woman (Vayikra 21:7; and 13).

The definition of a harlot includes - a Jewish woman who lived with any man who is not permitted to her because of a negative commandment (Devarim 7:3-4). This includes not only relationships punishable by death or karat, but also living with a mamzer or a non-Jew (Rashi).

living with a gentile woman is not a prohibition specific to Kohanim it does not prevent him from taking part in the Blessing of the Kohanim but a Jewish woman is not permitted to live with a non-Jew, period. Such a woman is considered a harlot and her children are not Jews. A daughter born from such a forbidden relationship cannot marry a Kohen but she can marry into Israel. But if son is born, although he is not a mamzer he cannot convert to Judaism, just like a mamzer cannot marry a daughter of Israel. I believe I'm not the only one who knows this halacha. Reply

For Sarah The halacha there says that the child is not a mamzer, but nevertheless cannot marry a kohen. Reply

Mamzer Dear Rabbi,

In the footnote #2 you explain that there is an exception to this rule: a child born of a Jewish mother and non-Jewish father. Though the two can never be bonded in marriage, the child is not a mamzer.

According to the Shulchan Aruch (Even haEzer 4:19) Jewish woman who is "married" to a non-Jew, the product of such a union is neither a mamzer nor a Jew, but the child has the right to convert to Judaism. Correct?

Thank you. Reply

Polygamy some jews (sefaradim) do practice polygamy. Reply