1,998. Employing Scare Tactics

Hilchos Sotah 3:2

When the couple arrived in Jerusalem, the Sanhedrin would have the woman sit before them without her husband being present. They would use scare tactics on her in the hope that they could avoid having her drink the bitter water. They would say, “My daughter, we know that things like wine, giddiness, youth and bad neighbors can have many negative effects. Don’t require that God’s great and holy Name be blotted out in the water. Many preceded you and were swept away. People of greater standing than you have been overcome by temptation and stumbled.” They would then share the story of Yehuda and his daughter-in-law Tamar, the surface reading of the episode of Reuven and his father’s concubine, and the story of Amnon and his sister. This would make it easier for her to confess. If she admits to committing adultery or simply declines to drink, then she is divorced without being paid the value of her kesubah. The case is then over.

Hilchos Sotah 3:3

If she maintains her innocence, she is brought to the eastern gate of the Temple courtyard, which was opposite the Holy of Holies. She is taken from one place in the Temple courtyard to another, walking around so that she should become tired and lose her resolve. Again, this is in the hope that she will confess.