
Talking Talmud
By Yardaena Osband & Anne Gordon
Learning the daf? We have something for you to think about. Not learning the daf? We have something for you to think about! (Along with a taste of the daf...)
Join the conversation with us!

Talking TalmudMar 28, 2025
00:00
23:10

Makkot 22: Not 40 Lashes, But 39 - And More Difficult Details
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.
Apr 30, 202519:02

Makkot 21: The Tattoo Taboo
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.
Apr 29, 202512:56

Makkot 20: Real (Jewish) Men Don't Shave (in Mourning)
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?
Apr 28, 202518:03

Makkot 19: Why Ma'aser Sheni Needs the Temple
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).
Apr 27, 202514:40

Makkot 18: When Offerings Are Invalid for Kohanim to Eat
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.
Apr 25, 202514:04

Makkot 17: Everyone Should Have a Child Like Rabbi Shimon
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).
Apr 25, 202512:28

Makkot 16: 8 Foodie Prohibitions
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.
Apr 25, 202521:43

Makkot 15: When a Positive Commandment Corrects a Violation
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.
Apr 23, 202520:42

Makkot 14: Generational Violations
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.
Apr 22, 202519:52

Makkot 13: And Now... Lashes
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.
Apr 22, 202520:27

Makkot 12: Timing Matters
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.
Apr 20, 202512:23

Makkot 11: The Mothers of the High Priests
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.
Apr 18, 202522:48

Makkot 10: Not Too Big, Not Too Small
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?
Apr 18, 202520:56

Makkot 9: Is Ignorance of the Law a Good Defense?
Are people responsible for doing the wrong thing when they thought it was permitted at the time that they did it, or to what extent is a person responsible for making sure he or she has knowledge of those permitted/prohibited actions? The example is a ger toshav - and the question of when punishing consequences kick in. That is, when does it seem close to deliberate, in contrast to the consequences all being left to God. With examples from the Torah where people were held responsible for transgressions they hadn't known they were committing (for example, Avimelech when he thought Sarah and Avraham were siblings, leaving her permitted for Avimelech to take as a wife - though she wasn't really). Also: 2 mishnayot - on the cities of refuge, and who can and cannot take refuge there. For example, a blind person cannot. An enemy of an "unintentional" killing cannot usually go to exile (and might be put to death for murder instead). Plus, the location of the 6 cities of refuge. Plus, initially, the killer ran to a city of refuge before the court judgement.
Apr 17, 202525:53

Makkot 8: The Eternal Torah, and the Time It Was Given
A new mishnah! But first - the written form of the Torah's verses, as compared to the read/pronounced form. Now, when one throws a stone into a public gathering - that person would go to exile in the city of refuge (among other cases, and with exclusions). Plus, cases between father and son, teacher and student, etc., where there might well be a mitzvah for the perpetrator to have a mitzvah for the action, including deliberate hitting (as compared to throwing a stone). With the Gemara doing the heavy duty lifting to interpret the mishnah. Plus, a jump to shemitah - and a comparison to voluntary action. Also, another mishnah: A father's accidental of a son, and a son's accidental killing of a father - the killer goes to the city of refuge. This right seems reserved to a Jew who kills a Jew (unless it's a ger toshav who kills a ger toshav). Note that the father who strikes his son for is own education is in a different category, because that might be a mitzvah, in context.
Apr 16, 202518:59

Makkot 7: Murder and Degrees of Unintentional Killing
Last mishnah of the chapter: After the witnesses have testified, and the court has issued its verdict (a death sentence), and the defendant runs away... and he comes back, but is not judged again. Rather, witnesses testify to the previous judgement. Plus, the concern about a court being a "bloody court" for sentencing however many to death - and the concern that no death sentences (so the court would never be a bloody court, but, at the same time, murderers would be getting away, as it were). Also: Chapter 2! With a new mishnah - and unintentional killing which may allow the killer to take refuge in a city of refuge, protected from an avenging relative. But not every unintentional killing has that protection. Also, another mishnah! What happens if a person is chopping with an axe and the axe-head - or the wood - flies through the air and kills another... would that woodchopper be able to be exiled to the city of refuge?
Apr 15, 202521:39

Makkot 6: Basics of Witness Testimony (and some quirky cases)
A new mishnah - a long one, including discussion of verses that provide the key details about witness testimony (not conspiring witnesses, though). For example, how many witnesses may offer testimony to establish the case. Plus, the significance of warning, especially in capital cases. Also, another mishnah: where different groups of witnesses see the same event from different angles. Plus, what happens if the potential victim of conspiring witnesses truly did wrong things?
Apr 13, 202520:52

Makkot 5: How Bad Conspiring Witnesses: Unto 100 Rounds
3 mishnayot! 1 - Conspiring witnesses who plot to impose monetary penalties on their victim. The witnesses can divide the payment that they are then required to pay, but each gets the full total of lashes (with a linguistic connection on the verses of the Torah - according to Abaye, vs. Rava's claim of imposing lashs on another). 2 - Conspiring witnesses are only deemed such when other witnesses come forward to establish that they couldn't have witnessed what they claim to have witnessed - with testimony about the witnesses themselves, and not about the event they are speaking about. And then witnesses can come forward who knock down the witnesses who claimed the witnesses were conspiring - and reestablish the original testimony. And so on for 100 sets of witnesses. Also, Rava introduces a number of cases where the witnesses are faulty and problematic, but not conspiring. Which is difficult, but not as bad as the conspiracy of conspiring witnesses. 3 - The penalty to the conspiring witnesses - and when they would experience "as they conspired to do to another." That is, their execution would only kick in if another's life was taken because of them. But the halakhah also seems to balk at imposing the death sentence on them, after their victim has been put to death - to the distinction to the "final judgement" with regard to the victim, not actually putting him to death.
Apr 13, 202526:14

Makkot 4: Well Water in the Sea
If a barrel of well water falls into the Mediterranean and a person comes to immerse where that water fell into the sea, that dunking is not effective - on the assumption that the water doesn't blend/disperse quickly. With some attention to other mixtures - such as wine in the Mediterranean, and more. Also, a new mishnah - back to the conspiring witnesses, and the monetary cases where the witnesses get lashes for false testimony and also are dunned for paying the amount they were attempting to force their victim to pay. Plus, the contrast between conspiring witnesses and the fines levied against someone who slanders (motzi shem ra).
Apr 13, 202513:27

Makkot 3: Talmudic Actuary Tables
How to assess the damage that the conspiring witnesses would have caused if they hadn't been determined to be conspiring: especially with monetary cases, such as the value of a ketubah, for example. But if he were to have died, he'd only have lost the value of the ketubah, without having to pay it out. So the risk of her having been widowed becomes part of the equation - including whether someone might have been willing to buy out the ketubah. Likewise, a case where the person they're testifying against has done the thing they're testifying about - and in that case, how much damage have they caused him? Also, a caveat about whether a loan is made with a promissory note - and how the default 30 days before asking for your money back kicks in only with a formal IOU. Plus, a concern about opening a collar on a shirt - and how that would be a violation of Shabbat, in contrast to removing the stopper from a wine barrel.
Apr 11, 202516:36

Makkot 2: Introducing the Lashes of Conspiring Witnesses
An introduction to the tractate Makkot, and to chapter 1: lashes as punishment for middle-level transgressions. Also, conspiring witnesses who cannot be given the judgment they sought to enact against the person they testified again, so that lashes take that place. So the Gemara explains that the mishnah's expectation for the result of the testimony is upended - though in some cases, the witnesses would be selected via the proper channels, as applied.
Apr 09, 202516:56

Sanhedrin 113: Wickedness Brings Anger; Righteousness Brings Joy
More on the idolatrous city - specifically, how to handle the sacred scrolls that cannot be burned (namely, bury them). How little prevents an ir ha-nidachat from being judged as such? Also, recognizing that the place of the destroyed city cannot be rebuilt as a city, can it be converted to gardens or orchards? A clear machloket! Plus, a detour into the question of Jericho, and also Achav. Also, who are the wicked referred to in the last mishnah? Thievery. Wickedness leading to anger - and God's anger. With a strong finish with an eye to redemption, when righteous people come to the world, which leads to joy in the world too.
Apr 09, 202517:10

Sanhedrin 112: Destroying Consecrated Property
More on the city of idolaters... Including how to determine how at least half of the city was involved, and the process by which each was put to death in an expeditious way. Also, what does it mean to destroy everything in a city when some of those things are not supposed to be destroyed ever?! Namely, consecrated property, and more. Of course, there's a machloket.
Apr 08, 202520:04

Sanhedrin 111: Destroying a City of Idolaters
A story of an old man in Egypt who recounted what his ancestors had done to the Israelite ancestors, which leads to a presentation of Moshe's questioning God, who is then presented as a tad frustrated about that attitude - in contrast to the more accepting approach of the patriarchs. Also, a new, and final, mishnah! With the details of a city of idolaters - an "ir ha-nidachat." Including how the holy things of the city should be handled when the rest of it is being destroyed. And also what can be done in that area after the city itself has been destroyed.
Apr 07, 202518:27

Sanhedrin 110: Mrs. Korach, Mrs. On, and Moshe's Authority
The sin of Korach (who didn't have a portion in the World to Come)... including a focus (and blame) on the wife of Korach and the wife of On (who names Korach and his followers as holy people, and then entices them). Plus, a discussion of the power of the Leviim and Kohanim, and the famous dispute over techelet on a garment. These interpretations are midrashim that build out the biblical text. Also, a new mishnah about the exile of the 10 Tribes, Rabbi Akiva uncharacteristically maintains that they will never return, and various others disagree with him as to their capacity for return.
Apr 06, 202520:26

Sanhedrin 109: Sins of the People of Genesis
[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.
Apr 04, 202520:09

Sanhedrin 108: Animal Rescue
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.
Apr 04, 202521:31

Sanhedrin 107: Jesus Leaves the Jewish Path
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.
Apr 03, 202519:41

Sanhedrin 106: The Wicked Moabite and the Wicked Edomite
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.
Apr 02, 202525:35

Sanhedrin 105: Why the "Wrong" Reasons Are the Right Reasons
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.
Apr 01, 202517:55

Sanhedrin 104: The Blind Camel
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.
Mar 30, 202520:08

Sanhedrin 103: No, the Wicked Kings Were Really That Bad
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.
Mar 30, 202512:09

Sanhedrin 102: Maybe the Wicked Kings Weren't So Bad
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?
Mar 28, 202519:26

Sanhedrin 101: Good in This World, Good in the World to Come
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.
Mar 28, 202523:10

Sanhedrin 100: Rabbinic Disrespect - and the Wisdom of Ben Sira
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.
Mar 27, 202519:12

Sanhedrin 99: Sing Every Day
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.
Mar 25, 202520:00

Sanhedrin 98: In Every Generation, Every Day
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.
Mar 25, 202517:02

Sanhedrin 97: Not Everyone Lies
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.
Mar 24, 202517:30

Sanhedrin 96: When Evil Prospers
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.
Mar 22, 202521:38

Sanhedrin 95: Stories of War and a Hidden Message of Hope
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).
Mar 21, 202524:23

Sanhedrin 94: The Writing of the Verses of Biblical History
A focus on the Assyrian king Sennacherib, and the Jewish king, Hizkiyahu (Hezekiah). Why is the wicked king given an honorific, asks the Gemara. And answers: He didn't use derogatory language when speaking about the land of Israel. Is that really the case?! From Sennacherib, we move on to Hezekiah -- and the discussion of him as a possible messiah, which would have meant Sennacherib was to be part of the "Gog and Magog" battle for final redemption (which clearly didn't happen that way). Plus, the exile of the 10 tribes, and a sage's need of an Aramaic translation of the Hebrew biblical text.
Mar 21, 202520:30

Sanhedrin 93: Who Will Say He Is the Messiah?
If you dream about a white horse (thanks to Zechariah's prophecy), that's a good thing (alluding to God's anger abating). Also, more on Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. With imports to Babylonia from Alexandria, possibly to the exclusion of breeding Egyptian hogs... Plus, Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar's idol. Plus, sexual immorality that is rejected by Nebuchadnezzar, no less. Plus, the experience of another three in the fiery furnace: Yehoshua, the high priest, Achav, and Tzidkiyahu (with a mini-study on Yehoshua, the high priest and a complicated interweaving of verses from many texts). Also, what traits are to be expected in the messiah? What about Bar Koziva who became Bar Kochba? After all, he said: I am the messiah! (What was his leadership? Could he have been the messiah? A false messiah?) Plus, the fortitude to withstand distraction, laughter, and the need for the bathroom, among other factors, when standing in the non-Jewish king's court. Plus, the way Jews are particularly geared to the messiah and redemption in historical periods of travail.
Mar 20, 202528:10

Sanhedrin 92: Bringing Back the Dry Bones
A small corrective on Cleopatra and Rabbi Meir (we know they couldn't have actually spoken to each other; they didn't live at the same time!). From there, delving into the teachings of Rabbi Elazar, some of which are about personal conduct, some about personal intellect, and how we interact. Also, the possible people who were resurrected by Ezekiel, in restoring the dry bones of his visions to life. Plus, the fiery furnace of the Book of Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar -- borrowed by the midrash for the famous fiery furnace from which Abraham also emerges unscathed.
Mar 19, 202518:19

Sanhedrin 91: Cleopatra and Antony
Sharpening the questions asked of the sages by secular figures (of leadership), such as Cleopatra -- who wants to know if the resurrection of the dead will bring people back clothed or naked -- and Antony, who asks about the insertion of the soul into human beings. The sages take the questions seriously, to be be sure, and provide answers that have some measure of logic behind them. Other tidbits include a heretic's sharp questions and a hunchback's quick retorts, and the friendship between Antoninus and Rebbe (Rabbi Yehudah NaNasi).
Mar 18, 202518:12

Sanhedrin 90: The World to Come
Finishing the 10th chapter - and beginning the 11th. First, the dispute between the sages and Rabbi Shimon for the details and timing of execution for someone who speaks to others to get them to violate the Torah. With idolatry being its own (worse) case. But can those false prophets perform miracles, prophesy, etc., and they then malign it, or are they just lying or deceiving throughout? Onwards to chapter 11 - to the principle of the World to Come, in which every Jew has a portion, except for those who do not. Plus, the principle of faith that is the "resurrection of the dead," with all the questions that entails. Also, using Torah or prophecy as magic incantations - that flies in the face of God's Torah to begin with. Plus, those personalities who serve as the basis of discussion for these matters - including who is forgiven and who is at risk of losing that portion in the World to Come. Also, historical personalities - including Romans - asking how we know that there is a World to Come from the Torah to begin with? With verses as hints to the answers.
Mar 17, 202522:12

Sanhedrin 89: When God Hides His Reasons
The daf begins with two mishnayot, basically, and they begin with a dispute between Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Yehudah over when to put the rebellious elder to death. Namely, did the public need to hear about his execution, or see it for themselves? 2 - False prophets and lesser falsities are executed by the court and in the hands of heaven, respectively. Plus, the adultery case or the betrothed case or conspiring witnesses against a daughter of a kohen - and their respective executions. Also, the Gemara elaborates on those categories of prophecy, which leads to Abraham's binding his son Isaac for sacrifice, and where does that message come from. Plus, an interpretation that refocuses the binding of Isaac on the son and his faith, over that of his father. With a taunting or dare factor to get the man of faith to lose his faith (spoiler: they don't) - including Job.
Mar 15, 202527:25

Sanhedrin 88: Accepting Majority Rule
On the 3 courts identified in the previous mishnah: delving into the dispute between the courts and the individual who is being questioned as a possible rebellious elder. With the prime example of Akavya ben Mehallalel -- who is NOT deemed a rebellious elder. He had a tradition and an opinion that counters the majority, but is a regular dispute, as far as that goes. Plus, initially, the disputes were really kept to a minimum. Which leads into the rabbinic era and the proliferation of dispute among the students of Hillel and Shammai. Also, how perverting the Torah's teaching might actually prevent one from becoming a rebellious elder.
Mar 15, 202514:58

Sanhedrin 87: Disagreeing Rabbis Aren't Rebellious Elders (unless they cross that line)
The Gemara specifies what kinds of cases need to be brought before the experts on the court. Plus, discussion of "going up" to the land of Israel, and then Jerusalem, for that expertise. Plus, a return to the case of the rebellious elder who goes against the teachings coming from the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. Also, Rav Pappa parses each detail of a baraita, quite thoroughly, to line it up with Rabbi Meir's approach on the rebelliious elder and also connect to other disputes.
Mar 14, 202518:16

Sanhedrin 86: Retranslating the Ten Commandments
In the discussion of kidnapping, the source is connected to the "don't steal" of the Ten Commandments (at least, according to a prominent opinion), which seems to revise the translation of that mitzvah! Also, the concern of conspiring witnesses in the context of the gluttonous and rebellious child (among others). Plus, a new mishnah! On a "zaken mamre" - the rebellious elder, and his death sentence, plus what it takes to deserve that execution.
Mar 13, 202524:07

Sanhedrin 85: The Prohibition against Hitting One's Parents: Extra Ramifications
Since a son cannot hit his parents, can that son sit on a court that would decide the case of his father being subject to lashes, for example? Rav Sheshet says yes, and the Gemara jumps to defend his approach, though then his view is countered in a sharp why. Also: 2 new mishnayot: First, one who hits his father or mother is only subject to execution if he actually injures the parent (but only if the hitting takes place while the parent is alive). Second, when it comes to kidnapping, the kidnapper is only liable for execution when he brings the captive into his own domain -- and possibly only after the kidnapper has exploited his captive.
Mar 12, 202518:48