Makkot 10: Not Too Big, Not Too Small

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#Jewish #Religion #Yardaena

30:55

A secret field that summons lightning. A massive spiral that disappears into a salt lake. A celestial observatory carved into a volcano. Meet the wild—and sometimes explosive—world of land art, where artists craft masterpieces with dynamite and bulldozers. In our Season 2 premiere, guest Dylan Thuras, cofounder of Atlas Obscura, takes us off road and into the minds of the artists who literally reshaped parts of the Southwest. These works aren’t meant to be easy to reach—or to explain—but they just might change how you see the world. Land art you’ll visit in this episode: - Double Negative and City by Michael Heizer (Garden Valley, Nevada) - Spiral Jetty by Robert Smithson (Great Salt Lake, Utah) - Sun Tunnels by Nancy Holt (Great Basin Desert, Utah) - Lightning Field by Walter De Maria (Catron County, New Mexico) - Roden Crater by James Turrell (Painted Desert, Arizona) Via Podcast is a production of AAA Mountain West Group.…

about a year ago 20:55

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More on the cities of refuge -- what kinds of cities are suitable for this purpose? Medium-sized cities, with water available, and marketplaces, and a sizable enough population -- which should be replenished if those numbers drop. Also, if a student (of Torah, presumably) is exiled, his teacher is exiled with him -- as essential to his life. Which points to the idea that people should only teach suitable students (who are not likely to end up in a city of refuge). If a teacher is exiled, the entire yeshivah goes with him too. Plus, the sages and the verses they used to learn out details about those who kill inadvertently. In the hopes that all happens as it should. Also, a city of refuge that is already home to a majority of unintentional killers cannot accept new ones. Plus, what happens in a city that has no elders to begin with?

1965 episodes

Talking Talmud

Makkot 10: Not Too Big, Not Too Small

Talking Talmud

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published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

1965 episodes

#Jewish #Religion #Yardaena

همه قسمت ها

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1
Shevuot 19: Two Paths Diverged (in a Wood) 21:31

11 hours ago21:31

21:31

Finishing chapter 2! If there are 2 paths, one with a known source of impurity and the other ostensibly pure, and you don't know which is which, and he walked both paths, he was definitely impure, but it's not known when he became impure. But what if he forgot where he walked? How does he track when he became impure? Also, what about a person who did the same transgression where it entails a sin-offering, for example, and he did it again, and isn't sure about what h remembered and what he forgot. With a clear dispute among Amoraim.…

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Shevuot 18: Meriting Sons 19:27

1 day ago19:27

19:27

The case of a couple who are engaged in sexual intercourse when she realizes she has begun menstruating -- which makes their intimacy a violation of niddah. The question, of course, is what are they to do? With extenuating factors in whether the man is a Torah scholar, for example. Also, some aggadata on the daf: the consequences - on a metaphysical level - if the couple don't separate. And if a couple takes caution with regard to to the time when she expects to start menstruating, they'll be rewarded as a positive consequence.…

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Shevuot 17: Access Paths Out of the Temple 14:14

3 days ago14:14

14:14

One who discovers that he is impure after entering the Beit HaMikdash needs to depart as quickly and/or directly as possible. But what if he used the shortest route, but took a long time to walk it (or a long route quickly)? Also, one who enters a home that is impure because of tzara'at, that same person stays pure - if he walks in differently from normal. Plus, the kohen's check of the house for tzara'at. Also, the positive mitzvah that is included in the sum total for which one is not liable.…

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Shevuot 16: Everlasting Sanctity - Or Not? 18:56

5 days ago18:56

18:56

More on adding to the city of Jerusalem or the Temple courtyard - where Rav Nachman says one of the factors listed in the mishnah is necessary (as compared to all of them). With the question of lasting sanctification or resanctification, in the time of Ezra and Nechemiah's return to Zion. Note differences between the First Temple and the Second Temple. Also, the question of shifts in status (in terms of impurity upon entry, or thereafter) between the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the Mikdash (Temple).…

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Shevuot 15: Expanding Jerusalem 20:12

5 days ago20:12

20:12

Sourcing the process of adding to the city of Jerusalem and/or the Temple's courtyard -- in verses. With discussion of whether Moshe's sanctification of Temple vessels lasted for the generations or whether they needed new anointing... and what implications are there (if any) from the vessels to the area? Also, the song to accompany the expansion of Jerusalem or the Temple courtyard - also, from the verses. Plus, the question of using verses as prayer, but not incantation.…

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Shevuot 14: Hidden Impurity 25:38

6 days ago25:38

25:38

The end of chapter 1! Does the goat that is sent to "Azazel" atone for kohanim? Unclear, but they have other means of atonement. Plus, the dispute between Rabbi Yehudah and Rabbi Shimon on atonement. And, with the new chapter, a long mishnah, beginning with the case of a person who touches an impure thing and then enters the holy (or handles the holy foods) - but inadvertently (namely, the transgression is "hidden from him" - the consequences depend on the particulars. And the mishnah continues with many cases, with details about purity -- including extending the size of Jerusalem or the courtyard of the Temple. Plus, the case of where the action is known, but not the impurity (specifically in the case of a sheretz -- creepy-crawly).…

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Shevuot 13: Does Yom Kippur Atone for Violating Yom Kippur? 19:38

6 days ago19:38

19:38

On Yom Kippur atoning for sin, regardless of a person's regret. With a dive into Rabbi Yehudah vs. Rebbe (Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi), as to the extent of the atonement and what happens with unrepented sins. And which view underlies or agrees with the mishnah? Also, the sacrifices atone - but only with repentance, so isn't that going to be the case with Yom Kippur too? But even if Yom Kippur does atone without teshuvah, what happens if the thing to atone for is the violation of Yom Kippur itself?…

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Shevuot 12: Dessert on the Altar 17:39

8 days ago17:39

17:39

What can be done with an animal designated for offering that is no longer needed for whatever reason (that does not include a blemish to the animal)? For example, if the owner (the one who sinned) died...so he can't carry out the plan for atonement? Several possible solutions are considered. Also, going back to the atonement of Yom Kippur and all the kinds of transgressions it applies to. Including, it seems, sins for which a person did not repent! (as long as the sinner isn't denying God's existence)…

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Shevuot 11: The Red Heifer and Unconditional Sanctity 19:26

8 days ago19:26

19:26

More on the animals that were consecrated for a year, yet not used within the year, and now what? The case of grain offerings is brought to determine what happens in the case of "t'vul yom," someone awaiting the end of the day for his dunking in a mikveh to take full effect. Also, physical sanctity of communal offerings can be conditional. As with the first case, what if the item isn't used, but before it's truly been sanctified? It's a dispute whether you can redeem the animals, let them out to pasture to incur a blemish, or to have to wait and let the animal die. Plus, the red heifer - parah adumah - can it really be conditional ?…

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Shevuot 10: Even More Goats 19:03

10 days ago19:03

19:03

Parsing the specific goats - Rosh Chodesh, festivals, Yom Kippur - where each atones for specific things, and is where each thing can't usurp the atonement property of the others, or be used for other things. The particulars of the offering of the goats also make the difference in how and for what they each atone (sin-offerings have different procedures, including different locations of offering - inner and outer altars). Also, other animals that have been consecrated for the daily offerings - the consecration last for a year. If the animal develops a blemish, the sanctity can be redeemed, but what if there's no blemish, just the consecration expires. A parallel is drawn to ketoret, incense - in terms of desacralizing incense that wasn't used within the year of consecration.…

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Shevuot 9: More Goats 18:34

11 days ago18:34

18:34

Continuing on the question of atonement and how one way to atone doesn't necessarily atone for other needs for atonement. In this case, the he-goats of Yom Kippur vs. the goats of Rosh Chodesh. [What's What: Binyan Av] And where do the offerings of the holidays fit in with the Rosh Chodesh offerings and those of Yom Kippur? Plus, the linguistic comparison of "avon" - sin - for the goats of Rosh Chodesh and the tzitz, the front plate worn by the kohen gadol. Though the conclusion leads to great specificity in what atones for what.…

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Shevuot 8: Atonement or Suspended Punishment on Yom Kippur? 18:00

12 days ago18:00

18:00

Does the goat-offering atone for 3 different kinds of impurities? The verse indicates it won't atone for all kinds of impurities, only some of them. But what kind of impurities does it atone for? Perhaps for an idolater - but it's too egregious of a transgression. Perhaps for a woman after childbirth -- but what is her sin for which she brings a sin-offering? Perhaps she has (falsely) sworn off relations with her husband in the throes of labor (but it's a machloket). So the Gemara comes around to talking again about the impurity that is brought into the Temple or with regard to its sanctified foods -- inadvertently, to be sure. But how does this atonement relate to the atonement provided by the day of Yom Kippur? What if a person doesn't have time to bring the atoning offering before Yom Kippur?…

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Shevuot 7: Offerings and Atonement 23:05

12 days ago23:05

23:05

An investigation into the verses that teach that the sliding scale sacrifice is offered to atone for bringing impurity into the Temple, or the consecrated foods. Also, a long baraita on these violations and the specific sliding-scale offering, including 3 specific kinds of impurity, and the question what the Yom Kippur se'ir (he-goat) atones for.…

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Shevuot 6: White on White 23:39

14 days ago23:39

23:39

On the shades of white of tzara'at, in terms of color and brightness, and how they were to be compared, and perhaps even mixed. With various analogies to help explain the relationships among the various colors and intensities. With a possible dig at the Roman empire, in the last analogy.

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Shevuot 5: Pathways of Interpretation 21:18

15 days ago21:18

21:18

Beginning on the previous daf - we have a deep dive into the halakhic approach, when it comes to interpreting the biblical text. Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi uses "ribui u-miyut" -- amplification and limitation (vs. "k'lal u-p'rat" -- generalization and specification). Both approaches infer meaning and practical applications from the wording of the biblical text. It turns out that either is acceptable, as long as the scholar is consistent. Which was Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi's approach, though? Also, a return to the case of carrying from private-to-public domain from the mishnah, with the appropriate comparison to the mishnah and its cases at the beginning of Tractate Shabbat.…

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Shevuot 4: Mishnaic Authorship -- and Lashes 17:30

15 days ago17:30

17:30

More on whose opinion is represented in the mishnah - Rabbi Yishmael vs. Rabbi Akiva, and why each would be the opinion represented. Plus, the underlying discussion about the lashes that would be applied to the person who has violated the halakhah in question in the mishnah.

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Shevuot 3: Sacrifices on a Sliding Scale 18:05

17 days ago18:05

18:05

The Gemara's introduction to Shevuot seems far afield - in its sidestepping to tzara'at blemishes and Shabbat details. So it explains the connection to lashes in the previous tractate. Plus, the sacrificial offerings that are brought on a sliding scale - dependent on one's economic status. Plus, the period of lapsed awareness of one's status as impure (for example). Also, whose opinion is represented in the mishnah? The Gemara first explains that it is not in line with the opinions of either Rabbi Yishmael or Rabbi Akiva. Until it comes back around to Rabbi Yishmael.…

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Shevuot 2: Two That Are Four 21:23

17 days ago21:23

21:23

A new - and long - mishnah: Those who violate their oaths need to bring a sacrifice for not following through on their commitment (2 such cases). But is that only with regard to the future (with the past, another 2 are added)? Likewise, 2 that are 4 with regard to the oaths of the kohanim. Plus, 2 that are 4 in carrying from on domain to another (that is, from private to public; and then public to private is added to make 4). Plus, the various stages of lack of awareness while on is transgressing -- which can have impact on the person's sin-offerings. With various opinions represented in the mishnah (including that of Rabbi Shimon and Rabbi Meir - regarding the cases of the lack of awareness).…

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Makkot 24: The Promise of the Foxes 20:12

19 days ago20:12

20:12

More on the 613 mitzvot - and ways of encapsulating the most essential mitzvot into many fewer. Plus, the way one prophet follows the next, supplanting the message of the previous one (in concern and petition to God, not competition). Also, two stories of how the sages mourned the prominence and hegemony of Rome having taken over the holy places -- most of the sages weep, but Rabbi Akiva laughs. For all that desecration, even foxes in the ruins of the Temple, fulfills the prophecy of Uriah, which affirms for him that Zechariah's prophecy of redemption and a rebuilt Jerusalem will also come to pass.…

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Makkot 23: The Heavenly Court Supporting the People (Even King Solomon) 21:18

19 days ago21:18

21:18

Details of the whip itself are derived or inferred from verses in the Torah -- specifically to focus on the process of flogging the sinner. Also, the last mishnah of Makkot: with the list of one who gets lashes to the exclusion of karet, thanks to the inherent humiliation in the lashes. Also, 3 practices were decided by the earthly courts and then approved by the heavenly court - so the Gemara proves that heavenly support through supporting verses. Likewise, a heavenly voice that confirmed 3 other courts' decisions - including backing King Solomon's famous "cut the babt in half" decision, to make it clear that there was no chance that the other woman was the real mother. Plus, the tradition of the 613 mitzvot, with 365 negative ones and 248 positive ones, and how we get to 613 (hint: "Torah tzivah lanu Moshe....").…

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Makkot 22: Not 40 Lashes, But 39 - And More Difficult Details 19:02

20 days ago19:02

19:02

3 mishnayot, but first: more on plowing, in such a way that leads to lashes. Then: details of lashes -- how many, where on the body, in numbers divisible by 3. Also, when transgressors are covered by one set of lashes or get several in a row - with time to heal in between the sets. And lastly, a detailed description of the process of the lashes - including where the person doing the flogging stands, how he flogs, and how the person getting the lashes stands, and holds himself, and so on.…

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Makkot 21: The Tattoo Taboo 12:56

22 days ago12:56

12:56

A daf with 2 mishnayot: 1. One who tattoos a tattoo is liable for lashes -- if the person both engraved in the skin and also added the ink. But maybe that's only if the tattooist wrote the Name of God. Or alternatively, the name of idolatry. Likewise, things that look like tattoos seems also to be at least taboo, even if they don't incur lashes. 2. Repeated violations of the same constraint on a nazir will incur multiple sets of lashes - or only one, depending on whether he was warned. The question arises with sha'atnez too - whether one is liable for one event or multiple events. And likewise kilayim - in terms of planting or plowing while mixing species.…

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Makkot 20: Real (Jewish) Men Don't Shave (in Mourning) 18:02

23 days ago18:02

18:02

Finishing out ma'aser sheni - determining when one would be subject to lashes if the produce is eaten outside of Jerusalem. That measure is derived from the proximity of verses in the Torah that align lashes with the phenomenon of eating outside of Jerusalem. Plus, the tithing of one fig that wasn't tithed - how does that work? Note how designating food for tithing might actually result in more lashes than if no designation had taken place. Also, a new mishnah -- on one who shaves his head or the like in mourning, which is prohibited. How is one held accountable, and for what actions, exactly?…

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Makkot 19: Why Ma'aser Sheni Needs the Temple 14:39

24 days ago14:39

14:39

More on Bikkurim - first fruits: Rav Sheshet says that not placing the produce in the right place next to the altar will prevent it from counting as first fruits, but not reciting the verses from the Torah won't invalidate the first fruits. Which then leads to discussion of whose view he is citing. With comparisons to "bekhor" - first animals - and also to ma'aser sheni (second tithings). Also, from there, the discussion of why ma'aser sheni isn't practiced in the absence of the Temple (eating food in sanctity in Jerusalem could theoretically happen without the Temple, but the aim is to prove why that is not the case, even many years after the Temple's destruction).…

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Makkot 18: When Offerings Are Invalid for Kohanim to Eat 14:03

25 days ago14:03

14:03

A case of a kohen who eats from a korban olah before the throwing of the blood on the altar... but even kohanim aren't allowed to eat from an olah/burnt-offering. In any case, the inappropriate eating of sacrifices leads to reason for 6 sets of lashes (or maybe 5, which is part of the discussion). Also, more on bikkurim, the first fruits - and what invalidates them as food for the kohen, or perhaps not. Plus, a comparison to mixing flour and oil for the meal-offering.…

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Makkot 17: Everyone Should Have a Child Like Rabbi Shimon 12:27

26 days ago12:27

12:27

A new mishnah! Bikkurim - first fruits - and other special offerings where one who eats incorrectly and gets lashes. NOTE CLARIFICATION TO THE AUDIO: The issue of lashes upon eating the Bikkurim is specifically in the case that a kohen ate the offerings before the person who brought them recited the verses (two separate people (which wasn't clear, in listening to the recording). Plus other prohibited foods - like a korban Pesach, if it were left over night. Plus, the case of the mother bird and one who didn't send her away. Also, a discussion about whose opinion is represented in the mishnah -- Rabbi Akiva or Rabbi Shimon? With a deep dive into Rabbi Shimon's approach (via a very long baraita). Specifically with regard to eating specific foods outside of Jerusalem (what happens with Maaser Sheni, and the limitations on who can eat from it, for example).…

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Makkot 16: 8 Foodie Prohibitions 21:42

26 days ago21:42

21:42

With regard to the mitzvah of sending away the mother bird when you come to take the eggs (or the fledgling birds), if one took the mother bird instead of sending her away - what happens? It's a machloket! Either the perpetrator here receives lashes, or he should just send away the mother bird now, and not get lashes. (it's an example of the positive commandment that comes together with the negative commandment, and doesn't (necessarily) get lashes). And there's one other mitzvah that has that same capacity - namely, the rapist who marries and divorces the woman he raped (and can remarry her). Also, on forbidden foods - when does one eats them get lashes? With a focus on creepie-crawlies and water creatures, and eventually land creatures, and those that fly -- all of which are learned out from verses in the Torah. Eight possible violations in total.…

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Makkot 15: When a Positive Commandment Corrects a Violation 20:41

27 days ago20:41

20:41

A difficult daf. When a combination of mitzvot (positive and negative) and the violation thereof lead to lashes vs. when the result is no lashes. Plus, Rabbi Yochanan changes his mind. Plus, the case of a man who rapes a woman, has to marry her, can't divorce her, and then does divorce her - what happens to him? Also, how the time factor to do a positive commandment is relevant to his rectifying this situation.…

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Makkot 14: Generational Violations 19:51

29 days ago19:51

19:51

Reviewing the opinions of Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Yishmael, and Rabbi Yitzchak on lashes and more severe punishments from the previous daf, with some focus on Rabbi Yitzchak's opinion. Plus, Rabbi Yochanan's opinion that one who committed all of the illicit sexual relationships in one period of forgetting or lack of awareness would need to bring a sin-offering for each relationship. But the only way one could violate the prohibition against sleeping with one's sister, who is also one's father's sister, and one's mother's sister - that takes a wicked person who is the son of a wicked person, in terms of violating and violating again, for such relationships to be possible in one person (and then raising the question whether that's one sin-offering or three). [Who's Who: Rabbi Yitzchak] Also, what happens when a person is ritually impure and needs to bring that sacrifice? And what if an impure person did eat from the offering (eg - Shelamim) while impure? To be punished, one still needs a warning from the biblical text.…

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Makkot 13: And Now... Lashes 20:26

29 days ago20:26

20:26

The end of chapter 2, and the beginning of chapter 3. First, a killer who goes into exile must be upfront about why he's in exile. And in the event of people wanting to honor him, he would need to protest just the once. But not more. The chapter closes with a dispute. Also, the beginning of chapter 3, with its first mishnah -- namely, for when people get lashes. Plus: who and why the Givonim? Note: The Gemara explains the view that says - for every violation of karet, one also gets lashes, but not everyone agrees with that! So the Gemara presents the 3 opinions on this topic, only one of which is represented in the mishnah - specifically, that of Rabbi Akiva.…

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Sanhedrin 109: Sins of the People of Genesis 20:08

7 weeks ago20:08

20:08

[Who's Who: Nachum Ish Gamzu] (He turned dirt into gold, after all!). The generation of the Tower of Bavel - and what they did so wrong that they lost their portion in the World to Come. Namely, what did they do in building that tower?! War? Idolatry? And the people of Sodom, and their terrible behavior that lost them their portion in the World to Come - specifically, how they became so inhospitable. Plus, how far they went in punishing those who were in the least bit charitable.…

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Sanhedrin 108: Animal Rescue 21:31

7 weeks ago21:31

21:31

A new mishnah - it's very long - listing the groups of people who have no share in the World to Come. Such as, the generation of the flood (those who were not saved in Noah's ark). Likewise, the spies of the Book of Numbers. And many others. Where the biblical texts about each of these groups intimate that they are punished in the next world, and/or losing the World to Come. Plus, an investigation into the animals that Noah brought into the ark - 7 kosher animals and 2 non-kosher animals, "husband and wife." Including concerns about cross-breeding among the animals. With the ark itself perhaps determining which animals were worthy of joining the rescue.…

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Sanhedrin 107: Jesus Leaves the Jewish Path 19:40

7 weeks ago19:40

19:40

A long discussion of the sins of King David... and yes, it's a long list. Largely, and perhaps unsurprisingly, related to issues of lust. (In contrast to other interpretations by the sages that he did not sin at all - in the same events). Also, Yehoshua ben Perahiah and his student Jesus - and their sojourn in Egypt (and travels back), when King Yannai was killing sages.…

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Sanhedrin 106: The Wicked Moabite and the Wicked Edomite 25:34

7 weeks ago25:34

25:34

More on Balaam, and how was truly just so wicked, at least in the rabbinic literature. How bad was he in the Torah? Plus, he was a true prophet, regardless of the fact that he was wicked. The Gemara than describes just how wicked Balaam was, according to his ideas to entrap Jews and turn them from worship of God -- into the defecation worship of the Baal-Peor. Plus, how young Balaam was at his death, and why. Also, shifting focus to Do'eg Ha-Edomi, from the book of Samuel - a bit of an enemy of King David. Where God seems more willing to let Do'eg have a future and moments of not-wickedness than David himself. He seems to have known some Torah, in any case. But what he did that was so bad seems to be worked into the biblical narrative about him.…

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Sanhedrin 105: Why the "Wrong" Reasons Are the Right Reasons 17:54

7 weeks ago17:54

17:54

Why are the people of the Jerusalem perpetually backsliding (in their observance)? Jeremiah asks the question and the people provide a convincing answer - in that both those who repent and those who continue to do wrong (and those who are righteous) all end up in the same place. With interplay of biblical verses from different books. Plus, the concern that God has severed the ties with the Children of Israel/Jewish people, when not only was King David called God's servant, but so too was Nebuchadnezzar - with clever explanation as to why even this does not mean a severed tie from God to the Jewish people. Plus, being plagued by one's own evil inclination. Also, heretics and the rooster as a sign of God's wrath. Note: Don't curse the wicked - and take this capacity for wrong-doing with humility. Note: Balaam's story. Also, people should always to mitzvot, even if for the wrong reasons, because eventually, one will come to act for the right reasons.…

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Sanhedrin 104: The Blind Camel 20:07

7 weeks ago20:07

20:07

An investigation and interpretation of verses from Eikhah/ Lamentations playing off the word "eikhah," as well as the alphabet, given the acrostics in the megillah of Eikhah. Plus, the example of two Jewish slaves who describe a camel and the circumstances under which it walks ahead (beyond their view): blind in one eye, two wineskins with oil and wine respectively, etc. -- and then are freed for being right. Also, who decided who is on the list of those who do not have a portion in the world to come? Anshei Knesset HaGedolah. Plus, the preparation for building the Temple - and also the messages from a bat kol, questioning the Anshei Knesset HaGedolah and their right to make such a list. Plus, the story of several of the people who the Gemara then says will indeed have a portion in the World to Come. And Anshei Knesset HaGedolah walk back their judgements of all these people who were to be excluded from the World to Come - and leaving it up to God.…

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Sanhedrin 103: No, the Wicked Kings Were Really That Bad 12:08

7 weeks ago12:08

12:08

Resh Lakish bounces off the wicked kings of Yehudah to talk about wickedness in general. With playing on the spelling of words as implying the way bad things happen in the world, with the letter "ayin." Plus, more on Menashe -- among several of the other wicked kings who didn't make it onto the list of those who don't have a portion in the World to Come. With a list of how many midrashic interpretations these wicked kings had learned -- that is, they learned more Torah than one might have expected. And idolatry and the killing of the prophet Isaiah.…

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Sanhedrin 102: Maybe the Wicked Kings Weren't So Bad 19:25

8 weeks ago19:25

19:25

An approach to the Golden Calf that blames God for giving the Israelites gold and silver upon their departure from Egypt -- because they suddenly had the means for the wrong-doing, instead of when they were poor. This raises questions, of course, about wealth and leisure, and its desirability. Also, Rabbi Abbahu would lecture on the topic of 3 wicked kings -- even after he gave it up for a time, he came back to it, on the grounds that they hadn't repented yet, after all. Plus, King Menashe's appearance to Abaye in a dream, with his teaching of halakhah (yes, in the dream), and his defense of his own worship of idolatry. Also, Achav -- another wicked king who is treated far more gently than one might expect. For example, the Gemara counts his good deeds as equal to his bad deeds. Even in the story of the revenge of Navot... But wasn't Achav the worst of the worst?…

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Sanhedrin 101: Good in This World, Good in the World to Come 23:09

8 weeks ago23:09

23:09

More on those who have no portion in the World to Come -- starting with those who whisper incantations over a wound. The problem seems to be magicking up God's healing powers, which is a marked sign of disrespect. But some surprising measures of incantations are indeed permitted - even on Shabbat. Also, when Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyracanus became ill - and the students went to visit him. Does this account take place before or after the story of the oven of Akhnai? Plus, the rationale that teaching Torah benefits people in both this world and the World to Come. Plus, an investigation into Menashe and his father Hezekiah, and why Menashe didn't follow in his father's good ways. Plus, points of faith even in suffering.…

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Sanhedrin 100: Rabbinic Disrespect - and the Wisdom of Ben Sira 19:12

8 weeks ago19:12

19:12

One of the sages presents an interpretation, describing the beauty of a vision of a plentiful river surrounded by delightful growing things that emerges from the Holy of Holies. Others congratulate him on his teaching -- and one of those congratulations is criticized as coming from bystander who wasn't in a position to judge, and therefore was disrespectful. Except that - in contrast with a truly disrespectful response - it really wasn't. Also, the book of the Wisdom of Ben Sira -- and the phenomenon of books that were left out of the canon. Plus, some of the content of Ben Shira as part of the assessment of what is allowed.…

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Sanhedrin 99: Sing Every Day 20:00

8 weeks ago20:00

20:00

Different opinions from the sages on the length of the "messianic era": 40 years? 70 years? 3 generations? Or Rabbi Hillel's shocking statement that the messiah has already come and gone, as per fulfilling the prophesies in the era of Hezekiah, king of Judah. Also, the distinction between the messianic era and the World to Come, with prophecy being primarily about the former. But the key question regarding the messianic era and how different it may be from the current world is also significant. Plus, the famous statement that ba'alei teshuvah (returning penitents) are closer to God even than the righteous. And then Eden (the Garden on the outskirts, perhaps) is another place... but the prophets can't prophesy about that which they've never seen. Also, Rabbi Akiva encourages everyone to review their Torah studies, regularly and repetitively. Plus, people are created for work, and your work should be Torah.…

Talking Talmud

1
Sanhedrin 98: In Every Generation, Every Day 17:01

8 weeks ago17:01

17:01

Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi - on the messiah, and when he will come, with regard to the people awaiting his arrival. Including Eliyahu (Elijah), of course. Also, the birthpangs of the messiah - how many sages want the messiah to come, but only after they themselves die, so they don't have to suffer through it. But won't the messianic era be worth it? And won't their Torah study and acts of kindness protect them? With parallels between the entrance to the land of Israel from the Exodus of Egypt, vs. the return after the Babylonian Exile.…

Talking Talmud

1
Sanhedrin 97: Not Everyone Lies 17:30

8 weeks ago17:30

17:30

Is there truth in the world? Rava thought not, until he encountered one truth-telling sage and heard his story of truth-tellers, and how that sage's own lie was his downfall. Also, a story about Eliyahu, in the exploration of the messianic time to come -- including a good deal of calculation and supposition regarding when it will happen. Plus, the discovery of a scroll written in Hebrew that had been found among the treasures the Romans took from Jerusalem, in their conquest. And it too has predictions for the future and end of the world.…

Talking Talmud

1
Sanhedrin 96: When Evil Prospers 21:38

8 weeks ago21:38

21:38

From Sennacherib to Nebuchadnezzar - and why the latter was able to conquer Jerusalem (that is, what good deed did he do that he got his way of breaking through Jerusalem's divine protection?). Also, how Nebuchadnezzar's captain of the guard, Nevuzaradan, led the charge, and succeeded where Sennacherib did not, apparently with God's approval. He was indeed a bloody man of war, until - it seems - he saw the error of his ways.…

Talking Talmud

1
Sanhedrin 95: Stories of War and a Hidden Message of Hope 24:23

9 weeks ago24:23

24:23

Compare this part of the daf to the stories in Shmuel Bet (Second Samuel) -- the son of Goliath is armed to go take vengeance on David. Ishbivenov is this same son of the giant, and his name is connected to his identity - because his revenge is on account of Nov. God makes it clear to David that he must pay the price of his wrong-doing, and gives him a choice of cutting off his descendants or suffer himself. He chooses the latter. Which leads to his own near-death, in greater detail in the Gemara than in the Navi. Also, the Assyrian army and their marching plan and huge numbers of troops (maybe). Plus, the angel Gavriel supporting the battles (against siege and more during Sennacherib's wars).…

Talking Talmud

1
Makkot 12: Timing Matters 12:22

4 weeks ago12:22

12:22

If the verdict comes from the court that an inadvertent killer has to go to the city of refuge to exile, but there is no kohen gadol at that time - the killer cannot every leave his exile. Plus, Yoav and the mistakes he made in trying to seek refuge. Plus, the angel of Rome. Plus, a new mishnah, with a person in need of exile who is in a tree, on the border of the city of refuge. And another mishnah, with the role of ma'aser sheni - and the Levite cities Along with the need to take refuge in a city other than your own, even if your residence is in a city of refuge.…

Talking Talmud

1
Makkot 11: The Mothers of the High Priests 22:48

5 weeks ago22:48

22:48

The verses of the Torah suggest that Joshua wrote part of the Torah - which might just be the passages about the city of refuge (since he later implemented the plan for them, upon entering the land). Or did Joshua simply repeat it later in his own book? A worthy dispute. Also, a new mishnah: The role of the kohen gadol and his death with regard to exiles returning from the city of refuge. Plus, the role of the anointed kohen. Plus, how the mothers of the kohanim gedolim helped the exiles, so they wouldn't pray for the deaths of the mothers' sons (though those prayers might not bring about his death either!). Plus, a real case of defamation and lashes. Also, a mishnah about the timing when the exile verdict comes down - depending on the life of the kohen gadol, and what happens if that seat is empty.…

Talking Talmud

6 weeks ago20:25