Pilegesh

Pilegesch ( פילגש ) is a Hebrew term for a concubine with similar social and legal status as a recognized wife and often to witness with the intention of children.

Term origin

Pilegesch the Greek term pallakis is Pallax / related, which means " mistress " or " lover ", and " favorite ". The derivation of an Aramaic- Hebrew term Palga Isha ( " half- woman " ), however, should be seen as folk etymology.

Legal equipment

In ancient times, a Pilegesch was recognized among the Hebrews and enjoyed the same rights in the house as the lawful wife. Since it was considered a blessing to have many children, and childlessness was considered a disaster, gave lawful wives her maidens her husband to give for their infertility replacement, as in the cases of Sarah and Hagar, Leah and Zilpah, Rachel and Bilhah. The Concubine deserved the same inviolability and the same respect as the wife and it was considered a degradation of man to whom she belonged, if hand was laid upon them.

According to the Babylonian Talmud ( Sanh. 21a) was the difference between a Pilegesch and a legitimate full- wife that the latter is a ketubah, a marriage contract, and received their marriage was introduced by a previous engagement, which was not the case in full at the Pilegesch. After Judah ha - Nasi, the Pilegesch also received a ketubah, but not advertised alimony.

All children of a man with his concubine were treated as children of the marriage, quite in contrast to the so-called Mamserim.

• Form of marriage
• Halacha
• Marriage in Judaism