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Chagigah 2b: Can a Cheresh Who Learns to Speak Still Considered a Shoteh?
Chagigah 2b: Can a Cheresh Who Learns to Speak Still Considered a Shoteh?
Sep 18, 2025
3:15
Chazal gave a cheresh — someone deaf and mute — the status of a shoteh, exempt from mitzvos and unable to marry, divorce, or transact normally. But what if, through modern education, he learns to communicate or even speak? Some poskim, like the Divrei Chaim and Maharsham, say this could change his status. Others, like the Maharam Shik, say the chazakah remains. We’ll explore the sources, the debate, and why real estate remains a unique exception.