Yevamos 15:2-3

Yevamos 15:2

Beis Hillel reported only hearing that a woman is only believed regarding her husband’s death when she came from the harvest within the same country (so that the story is verifiable), like a particular incident that occurred (recorded in the gemara, Yevamos 116b). Beis Shammai replied that it makes no difference whether she comes from the harvest, from the olive orchard or from the vineyard, whether in the same country or another, she is always believed. The Sages only mentioned the harvest because that’s what happened to have occurred in that particular case. When Beis Hillel heard this, they retracted their opinion and taught as Beis Shammai.

Yevamos 15:3

Beis Shammai say that the woman who reports her husband’s death may both remarry and receive the value of her kesubah. Beis Hillel say that she may remarry but she does not receive the value of her kesubah. Beis Shammai expressed surprise that Beis Hillel permits a very serious matter – it would be adultery if the woman’s report is inaccurate and she remarries! – but they prohibit a relatively minor financial matter. Beis Hillel replied that the deceased’s brothers do not inherit based on the widow’s testimony, so we see that it has no bearing on financial matters. Beis Shammai replied that the kesubah specifies that she receives the money even when she marries another husband. When Beis Hillel heard this, they retracted their opinion and taught as Beis Shammai.