1,898. Invalid Chalitzah

Yibum v’Chalitzah 4:13

The aforementioned procedure only applies when both parties are able to speak because then it’s possible for them to recite their parts. However, if either party is unable to speak, they cannot perform chalitzah, and if they do, it is invalid. It is not, however, identical to a chalitzah performed by a person with congenital deafness, which is of no halachic consequence at all.

Yibum v’Chalitzah 4:14

If she only spits but doesn’t remove the shoe or recite the text, or if she spits and recites the text but doesn’t remove the shoe, she has performed an invalid chalitzah. If both parties recite their assigned text but the yevama doesn’t remove the shoe or spit, they haven’t done anything at all. This is because Deuteronomy 25:9 says, “Thus shall be done to the one…,” which suggests that the action of removing the shoe or spitting has an effect. Just reciting the text is not an indispensable part of the ceremony and is ineffective in the absence of actions.