1,899. Performing Chalitzah Improperly

Yibum v’Chalitzah 4:15

If the yevama removes the shoe, spits and recites her assigned text while the couple is seated or reclining on their sides, if the straps of the shoe are tied on the yavam’s leg below his knee, or if the yevama performed chalitzah in front of three simple people who don’t know how to read the text, the chalitzah is nonetheless valid. The same is true if a blind man performs chalitzah.

Yibum v’Chalitzah 4:16

Chalitzah is invalid if performed at night; if performed in front of only two judges, or if one of three judges was a relative or unfit to serve; if the shoe was tied above the yavam’s knee; if the yavam untied the shoe and the yevama removed it or if she untied the shoe and he removed it; if the yevama had intention but the yavam didn’t, or vice versa; or if a minor girl removed the shoe of an adult man. Similarly, if chalitzah is performed in front of only one judge, or if it is performed at night by the couple while they’re alone, it is invalid. However, if chalitzah is performed by a person with congenital deafness, a person lacking mental faculties or a minor, or if a man performs chalitzah with a woman who is not under a levirate bond, then the act is meaningless.