מגולם לכלי: 'בעילת מצווה' כטרנספורמציה

The loss of virginity is commonlyconstructedasa transformative event in various cultures.However, the manner in which this event is characterized and its conceptualization—its consequences and significance—vary from culture to culture. Through these differences, the unique role assigned to the concept of virginity in each culture is illuminated. This article delves into the Talmudic halakhic conceptualizations of the implications of defloration within the confines of a sexual relationship and the connection between these conceptualizations and the formulation of the halakhic term be‘ilat miṣvah. Although classic rabbinic literature does not explicitly state that be‘ilatmiṣvahis only limited to a virgin bride, this term is solely used inclear cases in which the marriage is to a virgin woman. Outlining the link between be‘ilatmiṣvahand defloration elucidates the unclear meaning of the term be‘ilatmiṣvahin Talmudic halakhah and allows a greater understanding for its ritual context in avariety of Jewish traditions that developed hereafter.