2,002. The Dust and Tearing the Garment

Hilchos Sotah 3:10

There was a place of one square cubit to the right as people entered, which had a marble tablet and an affixed ring. The kohein would lift this tablet and take “from the dust on the floor of the Tabernacle” (as per Numbers 5:17) and put it so that it could be seen on the surface of the water. Something bitter, like wormwood, was also added to the mix as per verse 18, which refers to it as “bitter water.” The kohein then dissolves the writing on the scroll in this water, doing so particularly for this woman. He must dissolve it thoroughly, leaving no trace of it on the scroll.

Hilchos Sotah 3:11

Next, one of the kohanim in the Temple courtyard would approach the woman. He would take hold of her garment in the front and rip it until he revealed the place of her heart (i.e., the upper chest). He would also uncover her hair, undoing her braids to make her unattractive. He would bring an Egyptian rope, which was a metaphor for the conduct of the Egyptians, which this woman emulated. He would tie it above her breasts to keep her ripped garment from falling and leaving her standing there undressed. If there was no Egyptian rope, any type of rope could be used.