Question (R. Shimon ben Lakish to R.Yochanan): Could a Kal Vechomer be made to teach that a Jewish maidservant should leave her master's control by being married off (nisuin i.e. chupah) by her father...If physical signs of adulthood (simanim) do not cause her to leave her father's control but do cause her to leave her master's control; nisuin, which does cause her to leave her father's control, should certainly cause her to leave her master's control...?!

Answer (R. Yochanan): We only have the ways that were listed in the Mishnah - "a Jewish maidservant also acquires herself when she produces physical signs of adulthood.'' (The Mishnah does not mention leaving because of nisuin.)

Bar Pedaya: A Jewish maidservant leaves upon the death of her master.

Question: What is the source for this?

Answer: The pasuk states (Devarim 15, 17), "...and so you shall also do for your maidservant''. The pasuk also states beforehand (in reference to a nirtzah), "and he shall forever be your slave''. We compare the two - just as a nirtzah leaves upon the death of his master, so too a Jewish maidservant.

Support (Beraisa #1): A Jewish slave serves the son but not the daughter. A Jewish maidservant serves neither the son nor the daughter.

Beraisa #2: Both a Jewish slave and a Jewish maidservant serve neither the son nor the daughter.

Question: How does this tana understand the wording of the pasuk "and so you shall also do for your maidservant''?

Answer: It is referring to the requirement to give a generous severance gift to the maidservant when she leaves upon bring simanim.

Beraisa: The following people receive severance gifts - One who leaves after 6 years, in Yovel and a Jewish maidservant who acquires herself upon bringing simanim. However, one who leaves with giraon kesef or upon the death of the master does not receive severance gifts.