In this week's Parsha Naso we read about the "wayward wife". The Torah tells us that if a husband suspects his wife of adultery (with another specific man), he must warn her not to seclude herself with the suspect. If she has been witnessed subsequently secluding herself with the suspect and denies committing adultery, she must undergo the procedure of "Sotah" in order for her to remain married to her husband.  

The process of "Sotah" involves both the husband and wife coming to the Temple and the women is given "Sotah" water to drink. A special scroll is written with the portion of the Torah and curses written in this week's Parsha. The scroll is then erased into the water. If the woman in did in fact commit adultery then the water she is given causes her to miraculously "explode" and die. If she is innocent though then she is blessed. 

There are two important aspects which can teach us about marriage from this procedure. The first aspect, our Sages point out, is that when the scroll is erased the the Name of G-d  which is written in the scroll and is erased as well. Normally it is prohibited to erase the Name of G-d but in this case G-d commands us to erase His Name for the sake of marital harmony. 

The second aspect is that nowhere do we find that the Torah commands us to rely on miracles to adjudicate any matter of Jewish Law. In this case though we use miraculous means in order to verify the innocence or guilt of this women and thereby permit her to remain married to her husband. 

This teaches us the utmost importance that Hashem places on marital harmony. Hashem is "Willing" to allow His Name to erased and performs open miracles in order restore peace between husband and wife.

My these words be in merit of a refuah shelaima for Miriam bas Gittel

Shabbat Shalom,