Under what circumstance may a father sell his daughter as a Hebrew maid-servant?
The Rambam rules that a father may sell his daughter only under extreme poverty — specifically, when he has nothing left, not even a garment on his back.
Question 2
What triggers the Hebrew maid-servant's release before six years are completed?
The maid-servant goes free when she shows signs of maturity at age 12 or above, even if her six-year term hasn't ended. This is unique to her — damaged limbs do not free her, unlike a male servant.
Question 3
What is 'yi'ud' (ייעוד)?
Yi'ud is the master's act of designating the maid-servant as a wife for himself or his son. It constitutes kiddushin (betrothal) — not full marriage — and must be done with her knowledge.
Question 4
Can a master sell a Hebrew maid-servant to another person?
The Rambam rules explicitly that a master may not sell a Hebrew maid-servant or give her as a gift to another person under any circumstances.
Question 5
If a father sells his daughter and then goes and betroths her to someone else, what happens?
If the father goes and betroths her to another after selling her, it removes the master's ability to perform yi'ud, and she is freed from service. The Rambam discusses this in detail.