116. Restrictions of Bans and Excommunication

Talmud Torah 7:4

When a person is placed under a ban, he is not allowed to cut his hair or launder his clothes, like a mourner; he is not counted in a zimmun (for bentching), nor in a minyan for any matter. No one should sit within four cubits (about six feet) of the one under a ban. He may teach and others may teach him; he may hire others and others may hire him. If he dies under the ban, the court sends a representative to place a stone on his coffin. This says that they are symbolically “stoning” him because he was separated from the community. Eulogies are not recited for him and his casket is not escorted.

Talmud Torah 7:5

Excommunication is more stringent than a ban. One who has been excommunicated may not teach or be taught. He is permitted to study on his own so that he will not forget what he has learned. He may not be hired or hire others. We may not engage in commerce with him. He should only be given enough business to earn a living.