Zmanim and Nashim
Rambam was incredibly precise with the manner in which he wrote his code. It is therefore probable to explain that this exactness is also expressed in the way that he ordered his work. Consequently, it makes sense that there is a connection between the conclusion of one book and the beginning of the book that follows it.
The marriage laws are found at the beginning of the book of Nashim (Women) which follows the book of Zmanin (Times). One can therefore logically conclude that there is some connection between the conclusion of one—Zmanim—and the beginning of the second—Nashim.
The last law presented in the book of Zmanim is as follows:
Text 11
If [a person has the opportunity to fulfill only one of two mitzvot] - lighting a lamp for one's home [i.e. Shabbos candles] or lighting a Chanukah lamp, or alternatively, lighting a lamp for one's home or reciting kiddush - the lamp for one's home receives priority, since it generates peace within the home. [Peace is of primary importance, as reflected by the mitzvah requiring] G-d's name to be blotted out to create peace between a husband and his wife. Peace is great, for the entire Torah was given to bring about peace within the world, as [Mishlei 3:17] states: "Its ways are pleasant ways and all its paths are peace."
Rambam, Megilla V’Chanukah 4:14
Although there is already an obvious connection between the two sections, being that the ending of the book of Zmanim concerns familial peace, which is also the subject of the entirety of the book of Nashim, there is a deeper connection as well, that is expressed in the particulars of the above law.
The law at the conclusion of Zmanim expresses that not only is peace important, but that peace is effected through Torah—“the entire Torah was given to bring about peace within the world.”
This concept that marital peace is specifically brought about through Torah is expressed in the beginning of the book of Nashim as well. The concept of Eirusin, as discussed in the first law, expresses as well the manner in which Torah brings about spousal peace at is specifically the concept of Eirusin that solidifies the marriage.
When the whole marriage is as it was before the giving of the Torah, that “a man would meet a woman in the marketplace and he and she decided to marry, he would bring her home, conduct relations in private and thus make her his wife,” the connection between the couple was exceptionally weak. Just as the relationship was easily created, it was also easily undone. As soon as the couple separated, their marriage was automatically dissolved.
The novel concept of Eirusin, an “acquisition” in a marriage, was created in order to form a strong relationship that is not easily broken. The marriage cannot be disbanded by the couple merely separating from one another, and can only be terminated through a divorce contract.
It is therefore understood, that the concept of Eirusin in marriage is to create a strong bond between the couple; one that cannot easily be destroyed and brings peace and strengthens the relationship.
