Yevamot 68 & 69
If I had to pick a theme that emerges from our study of Yevamot 68 & 69, it would be…
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Yevamot 67
Throughout today’s daf (Yevamot 67a), reference is made to the laws of inheritance, and specifically, to the laws of inheritance…
Yevamot 66
Today’s daf (Yevamot 66b) quotes from Mishna Terumot 11:9 to teach us that a cow rented by a Israel from…
Yevamot 65
In today’s daf (Yevamot 65b), Rabbi Abba quotes from Mishlei 9:8 which states, אַל תּוֹכַח לֵץ פֶּן יִשְׂנָאֶךָּ הוֹכַח לְחָכָם…
Yevamot 64
The Mishna (Yevamot 6:6) in today’s daf (Yevamot 64a) states that if a couple are married for ten years and…
Yevamot 63
Many of us – myself included – worry. Still, among the various teachings from the Book of Ben Sira that…
Yevamot 62
Today’s daf (Yevamot 62a) tells the story of the death of Rabbi Akiva’s students, and while I have previously attempted…
Yevamot 61
Of those who read my daily daf insights, they differ significantly in terms of age, background, and location. Yet beyond…
Yevamot 60
Early on in today’s daf (Yevamot 60a) an attempt is made to understand the reasoning of one of Rabbi Eliezar…
Yevamot 59
Much of today’s daf (Yevamot 59a) focusses on the laws of marriage for a Kohen Gadol about whom the Torah…
Yevamot 58
Today’s daf (Yevamot 58b) discusses the complex halachot concerning a woman who is a בת כהן (the daughter of a…
Yevamot 57
While various cases are presented in today’s daf (Yevamot 57a) relating to Kohanim, I would like to focus on just…
Yevamot 56
Three years ago I attended a conference where Rabbi Dr. Rafi Feuerstein spoke about a topic close to his heart;…
Yevamot 55
The Torah’s model of yibum, which our Massechet has discussed at length, involves a woman marrying her deceased husband’s brother…
Yevamot 54
Amid the various complex and – at times – startling cases discussed in today’s daf (Yevamot 54a), Rav Ashi teaches…
Yevamot 53
If you’ve been following my commentary on Massechet Yevamot (and especially my remarks on Yevamot 3 – https://rabbijohnnysolomon.com/yevamot-3/, Yevamot 8…
Yevamot 52
Today is Yom HaZikaron LaShoah VeLaGevurah, and though – as every day – my task is to study today’s daf…
Yevamot 51
Early on in our study of Massechet Yevamot (see for example my commentary to Yevamot 8b) we explained that though…
Yevamot 50
We were previously taught in the Mishna (Yevamot 4:13, 49a) that ‘if a man’s wife died, he is permitted to…
Yevamot 49
In most houses and apartments, the glass used in toilet and bathroom windows differ from those in the rest of…
Yevamot 48
The final teaching in today’s daf (Yevamot 48b) states that once a non-Jew has decided to convert to Judaism, they…
Yevamot 46&47
One of the most profound perspectives in the teachings of Rav Soloveitchik is his examination, in ‘Kol Dodi Dofek’, of…
Yevamot 45
The final teaching in today’s daf (Yevamot 45b) was said by Rav Chama bar Gurya, quoting Rav, stating that: ‘If…
Yevamot 44
Throughout my posts on Massechet Yevamot I have emphasised how the mitzvah of Yibum is fraught with moral and ethical…
Yevamot 43
Towards the end of today’s daf (Yevamot 43b) we find a Beraita listing what may or may not be done…
Yevamot 42
A Beraita is cited in today’s daf (Yevamot 42b) which makes reference to a ruling מפי חכמים בכרם ביבנה –…
Yevamot 41
Embedded in the Mishna (Yevamot 4:10) in today’s daf (Yevamot 41a) is a fascinating remark reflecting – at least according…
Yevamot 40
As we are in the midst of the festival of freedom, and having just had our Pesach Seder, it seems…
Yevamot 39
In my commentary to Yevamot 3a (see https://rabbijohnnysolomon.com/yevamot-3/), I referenced Yevamot 39b, because it is here where Abba Shaul teaches…
Yevamot 38
While not the only example, it is rare for a Mishna to appear verbatim as a Mishna in two different…
Yevamot 37
I have often said that halachic sayings and teachings contain and seek to convey Jewish values and philosophy, and upon…
Yevamot 36
The final lines of today’s daf (Yevamot 36b), continuing onto tomorrow’s daf (Yevamot 37a), raises an oft-overlooked and highly misunderstood…
Yevamot 35
A principle discussed in today’s daf (Yevamot 35b) and stated explicitly in a later Mishna (Yevamot 4:10, 41a) is that…
Yevamot 34
In today’s daf (Yevamot 34b) we find a curious teaching of Rav Yochanan that: כל ששהתה אחר בעלה עשר שנים…
Yevamot 33
Both in today’s (Yevamot 33b) and yesterday’s (Yevamot 32b) daf, reference is made to the level of transgression committed by…
Yevamot 32
Today’s daf (Yevamot 32a) makes reference to the biblical verse (Devarim 25:9) describing the halitzah procedure where the woman makes…
Yevamot 31
Much of today’s daf (Yevamot 31) explores the difference between קידושין (marriage) and גירושין (divorce) and, specifically, the differences between…
Yevamot 30
The first Mishna (Yevamot 1:1) in Massechet Yevamot (2a) discusses the situation where a man with more than one wife…
Yevamot 29
The Mishna (Yevamot 3:5) in today’s daf (Yevamot 29a) describes a case of three brothers, where two of the brothers…
Yevamot 28
We were previously taught in the Mishna (Yevamot 3:1, 26a) about a case of four brothers, where two of them…
Yevamot 27
Earlier on in Massechet Yevamot (14b-15a) we learnt a Beraita where we were informed of Rav Yochanan ben Nuri’s attempt…
Yevamot 25
The Mishna (Yevamot 2:9) in today’s daf (Yevamot 25a) informs us that if a man brings a Jewish divorce bill…
Yevamot 24
I have previously explained that Massechet Yevamot contains much material about conversion, and given this, I would like to make…
Yevamot 23
In previous posts I have spoken about my method of learning and writing my thoughts on the daily daf, and…
Yevamot 22
A topic that is regularly addressed in Massechet Yevamot which, as those currently studying it have come to discover, is…
Yevamot 21
We are taught in Massechet Moed Katan 28a that Rav Chisda was blessed with good Mazal, and this is affirmed…
Yevamot 20
As part of its discussion about the various biblically and rabbinically prohibited relationships, today’s daf (Yevamot 20a) quotes a remarkable…
Yevamot 19
As we know, almost all of Massechet Yevamot is about relationships, and specifically, the closeness or distance of relationships that…
Yevamot 18
A week ago the Jewish world lost a beacon of Torah dedication and Torah scholarship, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky zt’l, who…
Yevamot 17
Today’s daf (Yevamot 17a) contains a brief teaching which, depending on how it is interpreted, has radical implications.The question posed…
Yevamot 16
Today’s daf (Yevamot 16a) records an exchange between Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Yonatan ben Harkinas – who was a student…
Yevamot 15
It is possible that you have an accent that clearly informs those who speak with you about the location where…
Yevamot 14
As we know, the Gemara is replete with over 300 disagreements between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai. However, what we…
Yevamot 13
Within its discussion about the different Yibbum and Halitzah policies of Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai as recorded in the…
Yevamot 12
Today’s daf (Yevamot 12a) contains a teaching of Rebbi which, though said with respect to the laws of Yibbum and…
Yevamot 11
The Beraita towards the end of today’s daf (Yevamot 11b) tells us about a very particular situation where a couple…
Yevamot 10
Purim Sameach! Yesterday’s daf (Yevamot 9a) contained an insult said by Rebbi about his student Levi – כמדומה לי שאין…
Chagigah 27
Today we finish our study of Massechet Chagigah and consequently our study of all of Seder Moed! And to say…
Chagigah 26
Today’s daf (Chagigah 26a) – the penultimate page in Massechet Chagigah – contains an exquisite teaching about the way people…
Chagigah 25
We were taught in the Mishna (Chagigah 3:4, see Chagigah 24b) that wine and oil brought by those who are…
Chagigah 24
We were previously taught in the Mishna (Chagigah 3:2) that ‘with regard to teruma (priestly food), if one of one’s…
Chagigah 23
Today’s daf (Chagigah 23a) informs us of an unsettling story: ‘There was an incident involving a certain person who was…
Chagigah 22
An age-old question in the world of rabbinics is what should be the right psak and policy when at least…
Chagigah 21
We were previously taught in Mishna Chagigah 3:1 (20b) about a variety of stringencies concerning the laws of spiritual purity…
Chagigah 20
What happens if someone plans to travel to a particular destination and, given their excess luggage, they hire donkey drivers…
Chagigah 19
In today’s daf (Chagigah 19a) we are taught the principle of אין מטבילין באויר – ‘we do not do immersion…
Chagigah 18
One of the first questions that a gym instructor or personal trainer might ask a new client is what is…
Chagigah 17
Basing itself on Devarim 16:7, we learn in today’s daf (Chagigah 17a-b) that having come to Jerusalem and consumed the…
Chagigah 16
While evil which is witnessed by others can be testified about by others, today’s daf (Chagigah 16a) raises the question…
Chagigah 15
Almost all of today’s daf (Chagigah 15a-b) examines the personality of Elisha ben Ayuva – otherwise known as ‘Acher’ (literally,…
Chagigah 14
Today’s daf (Chagigah 14b) informs us how four different Torah scholars – Ben Azzai, Ben Zoma, Acher and Rabbi Akiva…
Chagigah 13
Much of today’s daf (Chagigah 13b) compares and seeks to interpret the prophetic visions of Yeshayahu (Isaiah) and Yechezkel (Ezekiel).…
Chagigah 12
Reflecting on how God uses the name “I am El Shaddai” (Bereishit 35:11), today’s daf (Chagigah 12a) records the opinion…
Chagigah 11
There are some subjects which are so delicate, and so open to misunderstanding, that they should only be taught in…
Chagigah 10
Having reached Mishna Chagigah 1:8 in today’s daf (Chagigah 10a) which, though it does refer to the laws of the…
Chagigah 9
What choices of your past that you cannot fix do you most regret?This, fundamentally, is the question posed in the…
Chagigah 8
The Mishna (Chagigah 1:5) in today’s daf (Chagigah 8b) states that someone with many dependents and a more limited budget…
Chagigah 7
Today’s daf (Chagigah 7a) repeatedly references Mishlei 25:17 which states: הֹקַר רַגְלְךָ מִבֵּית רֵעֶךָ פֶּן יִשְׂבָּעֲךָ וּשְׂנֵאֶךָ – ‘Let the…
Chagigah 6
Today’s daf (Chagigah 6a-b) explores a dispute between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai referenced in the first daf of Massechet…
Chagigah 5
We all know that there is a prohibition called לשון הרע (Lashon HaRa, whose primary biblical prooftext is Vayikra 19:16),…
Chagigah 4
There are times when an item or experience that we want is, for various reasons, not available to us. There…
Chagigah 3
According to Rambam’s 8th ‘Principle of Faith’, it is essential to consider every word of the Written Torah to be…
Chagigah 2
The first daf of Massechet Chagigah (2a) focusses on the mitzvah of ראייה, meaning the ‘appearing’ and ‘being seen’ at…
Moed Katan 29
Mazal Tov! Today we complete our study of Massechet Moed Katan which, over the past month, has taught us a…
Moed Katan 28
This Shabbat we will be reading Parshat Tetzaveh, which teaches us about the various בגדי כהונה (priestly clothes), and it…
Moed Katan 27
Sometimes you can read about an incident that took place in the past and not fully appreciate the impact that…
Moed Katan 26
Today’s daf (Moed Katan 26a) informs us that קריעה should be performed not only on the death of one’s mother…
Moed Katan 25
Early on in today’s daf (Moed Katan 25a) a ‘suggestion’ is made that children die young because their parents did…
Moed Katan 24
The Mishna (Moed Katan 3:7) at the end of today’s daf (Moed Katan 24b) states that only the seven closest…
Moed Katan 23
We are taught in today’s daf (Moed Katan 23a-b) that there was a dispute between בני יהודה (the Judeans) and…
Moed Katan 22
Today’s daf (Moed Katan 22b) speaks about קריעה – the tefach-long tear that a mourner rips into their clothes upon…
Moed Katan 21
Today’s daf (Moed Katan 21b) informs us that a mourner is forbidden בשאילת שלום (which is generally translated as meaning…
Moed Katan 20
It is a concept which I began exploring many years ago, and one that is explicitly discussed by a range…
Moed Katan 19
The Mishna (Moed Katan 3:3) in today’s daf (Moed Katan 18b) lists a variety of procedures and actions that may…
Moed Katan 18
The Mishna (Moed Katan 3:3) in today’s daf (Moed Katan 18b) lists a variety of procedures and actions that may…
Moed Katan 17
Today’s daf (Moed Katan 17a, and also repeated in Chagigah 15b) contains an oft-cited yet nevertheless cryptic teaching about the…
Moed Katan 16
Sometimes you can look at the same text many times, each time thinking that you have understood it, but then…
Moed Katan 15
Today is International Holocaust Memorial Day when many people around the world will learn about, and reflect upon, the horrors…
Moed Katan 14
We are taught by Rav Yosef in today’s daf (Moed Katan 14b) that the Sanhedrin would try capital cases on…
Moed Katan 13
A topic that arises in today’s daf (Moed Katan 13a) relates to the types of business deals and other work…
Moed Katan 12
We are taught in today’s daf (Moed Katan 12b) in the name of Rav that it is permitted to cut…
Moed Katan 11
Massechet Moed Katan, which spans three chapters, primarily addresses the laws of Chol HaMoed. However, much of its third chapter…
Moed Katan 10
Today’s daf (Moed Katan 10) addresses a range of activities that people may want – or feel that they need…
Moed Katan 9
It happens twice in our daf (Moed Katan 9b). A son is encouraged by his father to receive a bracha…
Moed Katan 8
We are taught in the Mishna (Moed Katan 1:7) that weddings may not be held on Chol HaMoed. However, as…
Moed Katan 7
The Mishna (Moed Katan 1:5) and the subsequent discussion in today’s daf (Moed Katan 7a), contains what I believe to…
Moed Katan 6
Having been taught in the Mishna (Moed Katan 1:2) that ויוצאין אף על הכלאים – ‘[agents of the court] also…
Moed Katan 5
We were previously taught in the Mishna (Moed Katan 1:2) that it is permissible to fix markers on an unmarked…
Moed Katan 4
We were previously taught in the Mishna (Moed Katan 1:2) that ומתקנין את המקולקלת במועד – ‘we may repair a…
Moed Katan 3
Much of today’s daf (Moed Katan 3a-b) explores the various activities which are prohibited during the Shemitta year, and it…
Moed Katan 2
To be a ‘Shaliach’ is generally translated, at least in the purely halachic sense, as a ‘messenger’ whose task it…
Megillah 32
Mazal Tov! Today we completed our study of Massechet Megillah, and in the final daf (Megillah 32a) we are taught…
Megillah 31
Today’s daf (Megillah 31b) contains a pithy teaching that conveys a lesson derived from an episode in Sefer Melachim (The…
Megillah 30
We were taught in the Mishna (Megillah 3:4) that on the second of the series of the four special Shabbatot…
Megillah 29
Much of today’s daf (Megillah 29a) explores the concept that, even absent of the Temple, God’s presence (Shechina) remains with…
Megillah 28
Much of Megillah 27b-28a is filled with the responses of various elderly Talmudic masters to the question posed to them…
Megillah 27
Sometimes we can learn a text and do a double-take because either we suspect that we haven’t understood the text…
Megillah 26
We generally assume that once an item has been sanctified for sacred purposes, it is then considered to be sacred.…
Megillah 25
Today’s daf (Megillah 25a-b) contains two Mishnaic teachings that – on first glance – are contradictory, while – at the…
Megillah 24
A fascinating discussion in today’s daf (Megillah 24b) relates to a verse in Devarim 28:29 which warns the Jewish people…
Megillah 23
There are times when the word ‘Torah’ is used to exclusively refer to the Pentateuch (חמישה חומשי תורה), times when…
Megillah 22
Today is Rosh Chodesh Shvat, and today’s daf (Megillah 22b) teaches us that on Rosh Chodesh there is an extra…
Megillah 21
We are taught in today’s daf (Megillah 21a) that one must stand when reading the Torah for a congregation, and…
Megillah 20
The Mishna (Megillah 2:4) in today’s daf (Megillah 20a) lists a variety of mitzvot that need to be performed in…
Megillah 19
The Mishna (Megillah 2:3) in today’s daf (Megillah 19a) records a debate between Rabbi Meir, Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Yosi…
Megillah 18
We are taught in today’s daf (Megillah 18b) that a Megillah or, in fact, even one letter of the Megillah,…
Megillah 17
Today’s daf (Megillah 17a) contains many fascinating and profound teachings. But since the daf opens with a teaching – echoed…
Megillah 16
In recent weeks I’ve been listening to the podcast ‘A Slight Change of Plans’, and when I studied a particular…
Megillah 15
Today’s daf (Megillah 15a) includes the teaching of Rabbi Elazar in the name of Rabbi Chanina that the blessing of…
Megillah 14
Much of today’s daf (Megillah 14a-b) teaches us about the שבע נביאות – the seven biblical prophetesses (Sarah, Miriam, Devorah,…
Megillah 13
Today’s daf (Megillah 13b) provides us with a stark reminder that the Jewish people are in danger when those with…
Megillah 12
Today’s daf (Megillah 12b) decodes the information that we are told about Mordechai in the beginning of the Megillah (Esther…
Megillah 11
Throughout the Tanach we find people or groups of people who presume that they can know, with both precision and…
Megillah 10
While not experienced by all those who had the displeasure of COVID, nevertheless one of the oft-discussed side effects of…
Megillah 9
In today’s daf (Megillah 9a-b) we are taught that beyond a Torah scroll being written in the classic כתב אשורית,…
Megillah 8
Today’s daf (Megillah 8a-b) contains many of the Mishnayot in the first chapter of Massechet Megillah where each of them…
Megillah 7
Today’s daf (Megillah 7b) includes the oft-quoted teaching of Rava that: ‘It is the duty of a man to intoxicate…
Megillah 6
Today’s daf (Megillah 6b) contains a blunt yet important teaching by Rabbi Yitzchak that I often cite:‘If someone tells you…
Megillah 5
In one of his stand-up performances, British comedian Ashley Blaker speaks of those Jews who go to synagogue just twice…
Megillah 4
Today’s daf (Megillah 4a) records a fascinating rule taught by Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi which, though codified by many of…
Megillah 3
Today’s daf (Megillah 3a-b) records how those serving in the Beit HaMikdash must temporarily cease doing so in order to…
Megillah 2
Today we begin Massechet Megillah whose opening Mishna informs us that while residents of walled cities (כרכין המוקפין) read Megillat…
Rosh Hashanah 25
Rabban Gamliel was a remarkable Torah scholar and religious leader. He was a direct descendent of Hillel, and he was…
Rosh Hashanah 24
Today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 24a-b) explores what witnesses must see in order for their testimony about the new moon be…
Rosh Hashanah 23
Today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 23a) contains a teaching by Rav Yochanan that ‘whoever learns Torah and does not teach it…
Rosh Hashanah 22
Having discussed some laws relating to testifying about a new moon, the Mishna (Rosh Hashanah 1:8) in today’s daf (Rosh…
Rosh Hashanah 21
The Mishna (Rosh Hashanah 1:6) found in today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 21b) describes a fascinating situation concerning the halacha which…
Rosh Hashanah 20
The sole focus of our daf today (Rosh Hashanah 20a-b) are the laws pertaining to Rosh Chodesh and the various…
Rosh Hashanah 19
The theme of much of today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 19a) is the Jewish Calendar and the sanctity of the festivals,…
Rosh Hashanah 18
We are taught a profound idea in today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 18a) that Torah study, together with acts of kindness…
Rosh Hashanah 17
Much of the discussion in today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 17a) relates to God’s final judgement of our deeds at the…
Rosh Hashanah 16
Today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 16b) contains many profound theological teachings, including many associations with Parshat Vayera that we just read…
Rosh Hashanah 15
We have previously learnt (Sukkah 35a) that one of the reasons why an Etrog is referred to with the word…
Rosh Hashanah 14
Today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 14b) quotes an oft-cited Beraita – capturing a unique period in Jewish history where personal halachic…
Rosh Hashanah 13
In today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 13a), as part of a broader discussion about the time it takes for fruit to…
Rosh Hashanah 12
Almost every year, at some point on January 1st, we read of a similar story highlighting one of the most…
Rosh Hashanah 11
Every Friday night, as part of the Kiddush, we recite the words of Bereishit 2:1-3 which begins with the phrase:…
Rosh Hashanah 10
Today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 10a-b) explores the question of whether periods shorter than a year can, in particular circumstances and…
Rosh Hashanah 9
Much of Massechet Rosh Hashanah explores the concept of time, and in today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 9a) we encounter a…
Rosh Hashanah 8
We are taught in today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 8a) that Rav Nachman bar Yitzchak said that the first of Tishrei…
Rosh Hashanah 7
Many years ago I read a unique book which unfortunately has few parallels before or since. Titled ‘One People, Two…
Rosh Hashanah 6
Much of today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 6a) explores the laws of נדרים (vows), and it is here that a Beraita…
Rosh Hashanah 5
Yesterday, the 7th of Cheshvan, was the 88th yartzheit of Rav Meir Shapiro (1887-1933) who is regarded by many as…
Rosh Hashanah 4
Today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 4b) contains a rabbinic aphorism that I regularly invoke which, though mentioned in our daf as…
Rosh Hashanah 3
There is an interesting phrase used in today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 3b) in relation to Daryavesh (Darius) who, as is…
Rosh Hashanah 2
Having been taught in the Mishna (Rosh Hashanah 1:1) that the first of Nissan is the New Year for kings,…
Beitzah 40
When considering what should be my thought for today’s daf (Beitzah 40b) – the final in the Massechet – I…
Beitzah 39
Having previously explained how the laws of ‘techumin’ (i.e. the prohibition of walking more than 2,000 amot beyond a town…
Beitzah 38
Today’s daf (Beitzah 38a-b) contains one of the most confusing and cryptic exchanges in the entire Gemara.We are told that…
Beitzah 37
A fascinating principle relating to ‘techumin’ (boundaries) is taught in the Mishna (Beitzah 5:4) found in today’s daf (Beitzah 37a)…
Beitzah 36
The Mishna (Beitzah 5:2) in today’s daf (Beitzah 36b) lists a variety of activities which our Sages forbade on Shabbat…
Beitzah 35
The Mishna (Beitzah 5:1) in today’s daf (Beitzah 35b) informs us that “We may put a vessel under dripping water…
Beitzah 34
In today’s daf (Beitzah 34a) we are taught a Beraita which describes an unusual situation where a number of people…
Beitzah 33
Today’s daf (Beitzah 33b) makes reference to woods with a fragrance, noting that ‘we may handle fragrant woods [on Shabbat]…
Beitzah 32
Today’s daf (Beitzah 32b) informs us of a halacha that we may be מוחט a wick on Yom…
Beitzah 31
Today’s daf (Beitzah 31b) raises the question of whether food may be taken on Yom Tov from a room that…
Beitzah 30
The Mishna (Beitzah 4:1), as cited in today’s daf (30a), rules that in order to distinguish between Yom Tov and…
Beitzah 29
Today is Isru Chag (in Israel) which is when we reflect on the Yamim Tovim that we have experienced throughout…
Beitzah 28
Having been taught in today’s daf (Beitzah 28a) that the only difference between the Shabbat and Yom Tov laws is…
Beitzah 27
Quite often, while explaining a particular halachic ruling, the Gemara will make a statement which is rich with theological meaning…
Beitzah 26
Today’s daf (Beitzah 26b) records a question posed by [the Amora] Hillel to Rava concerning יש מוקצה לחצי שבת –…
Beitzah 25
Having just read the Kriat HaTorah this morning of VeZot HaBracha, it was lovely to see one of the beautiful…
Beitzah 24
Much of today’s daf (Beitzah 24a) explores the prohibited melacha of ציד (trapping) on Shabbat and Yom Tov, during which…
Beitzah 23
Early on in today’s daf (Beitzah 23a) we are taught that ‘inverting a fragrant cup on silk garments on Yom…
Beitzah 22
We were previously taught in the Mishna (Beitzah 2:6, 21b) that on three matters Rabban Gamliel ruled strictly in accordance…
Beitzah 21
In today’s daf (Beitzah 21a) we read that Rav Avya the Elder asked Rav Huna a technical and theoretical question…
Beitzah 20
Today’s daf (Beitzah 20a) recounts a dramatic story where the elderly sage and disciple of Shammai, Baba ben Buta, prevented…
Beitzah 19
Early on in today’s daf (Beitzah 19a), we are introduced to a fascinating Talmudic principle of מחשבתו נכרת מתוך מעשיו…
Beitzah 18
In today’s daf (Beitzah 18a-b), reference is made to the mitzvah of immersing in a mikvah where the Gemara raises…
Beitzah 17
I remember the first time I learnt today’s daf (Beitzah 17a) because through the journey I went on then, I…
Beitzah 16
It is just over an hour after Yom Kippur has finished. I’ve had something to eat with the family, and…
Beitzah 15
It is Erev Yom Kippur, and I am looking at today’s daf (Beitzah 15b) which informs us that what we…
Beitzah 14
In seeking to explain the distinction drawn by Beit Hillel in the Mishna (Beitzah 1:7) in today’s daf (Beitzah 14a)…
Beitzah 13
We learn in today’s daf (Beitzah 13a) that the obligation to take terumah only begins once grain, fruit and vegetables…
Beitzah 12
In today’s daf (Beitzah 12b), reference is made to terumah – which may not be separated on Yom Tov, and…
Beitzah 11
The Mishna (Beitzah 1:5) in today’s daf (Beitzah 11a) notes how Beit Hillel permitted placing an animal hide on Yom…
Beitzah 10
Today’s daf (Beitzah 10a) explores the Talmudic principle of ברירה (‘Bereira’ – meaning ‘clarification’) which concerns an ambiguous situation…
Beitzah 7-8
Among the laws discussed in the two dapim we studied over Rosh Hashanah (Beitzah 7-8) is the mitzvah of כיסוי…
Sukkah 10-11
While learning yesterday (Sukkah 10) and today’s daf (Sukkah 11) over Shabbat (given that today was Tisha B’Av), I was…
Shekalim 22
As our study of Massechet Shekalim draws to a close, the final lines of Shekalim (22b) refer to the fact…
Shekalim 21
In explaining the position of Rabbi Yosi in the Mishna (Shekalim 8:1), today’s daf (Shekalim 21b) quotes a Beraita describing…
Shekalim 20
Today’s daf (Shekalim 20a) records a curious exchange between Rabbi Mana and Rabbi Yosi about the mitzvah of Hashavat Aveida…
Shekalim 19
Today we begin Chapter Seven of Massechet Shekalim (Shekalim 19a) whose opening Mishna (Shekalim 7:1) addresses the question of how…
Shekalim 18
In today’s daf (Shekalim 18b), and basing itself on the seemingly superfluous word קרבן in the verse ‘if a person…
Shekalim 17
Today’s daf (Shekalim 17a) begins with a Mishna (Shekalim 6:3) and it specifies the location by each of the gates…
Shekalim 16
Much of today’s daf (Shekalim 16) explores the dimensions and manufacture of the Aron (Ark), and it is here where…
Shekalim 15
While the Gemara’s method of communicating various teachings and rulings often involves lengthy dialogues and discussions, as well as detailed…
Shekalim 14
We were previously taught (see Mishna Shekalim 5:1) that the House of Garmu were responsible for the production of the…
Shekalim 13
The Mishna (Shekalim 5:1) in today’s daf (Shekalim 13a) tells us about Petachiah – better known to use as Mordechai…
Shekalim 12
The Mishna (Shekalim 4:6) found in today’s daf (Shekalim 12a) informs us of a dispute between Rabbi Akiva and Ben…
Shekalim 11
Having made reference in the previous Mishna (Shekalim 4:2) to the special ramp that was built for the transportation of…
Shekalim 10
The Mishna (Shekalim 4:2) found in today’s daf (Shekalim 10b) begins by listing three items that were purchased מתרומת הלשכה…
Shekalim 9
Having informed us of the importance of being “נקיים (literally ‘clean’, but generally understood to be ‘free from sin and…
Shekalim 8
We are taught in the Mishna (Shekalim 3:2) found in today’s daf (Shekalim 8a) that someone who withdraws money from…
Shekalim 6-7
A central theme in both yesterday’s (Shekaim 6) & today’s daf (Shekalim 7) is the status of מותר – (surplus)…
Shekalim 5
The Mishna (Shekalim 2:1) found in today’s daf (Shekalim 5a) informs us that just as there were half-shekel donation boxes…
Shekalim 4
Today’s daf (Shekalim 4) informs us that donations for the upkeep of the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) should not be sought…
Shekalim 3
The Mishna (Shekalim 1:1) quoted in today’s daf (Shekalim 3a) informs us that the Beit Din in each city were…
Shekalim 2
As part of its discussion about the contribution of the half-shekel for the maintenance of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later…
Massechet Pesachim Siyum Video
Every day I endeavour to share a thought on the daf that is thoughtful and meaningful. Here is a video…
Pesachim 121
Today’s daf (Pesachim 121b) – the final page of Massechet Pesachim – concludes with a discussion about Pidyon HaBen (the…
Pesachim 120
Today’s daf (Pesachim 120b) records a disagreement between Rabbi Elazar Ben Azariah and Rabbi Akiva concerning the time up to…
Pesachim 119
Shavua Tov! Towards the end of today’s daf (Pesachim 119b) the Gemara quotes and discusses the Mishna (Pesachim 10:8) which…
Pesachim 118
Among the excerpts from Tehillim which form the Hallel is chapter 116 which begins with the words אהבתי כי ישמע…
Pesachim 117
We often think of Hallel as merely being a collection of joyous songs of praise. However, today’s daf (Pesachim 117a)…
Pesachim 116
The Mishna (Pesachim 10:5) found in today’s daf (Pesachim 116b) contains the remarkable teaching – which was to then become…
Pesachim 115
Towards the end of today’s daf (Pesachim 115b) we are informed that early on in the Pesach seder, the table…
Pesachim 114
As part of the Gemara’s explanation (Pesachim 114a) for the position of Beit Hillel (see Mishna Pesachim 10:2) that text…
Pesachim 113
Whenever we read a written record of spoken words, it should be clear to us that a dimension of those…
Pesachim 112
Today’s daf (Pesachim 112a) contains a stunning expression that exquisitely captures the passion and emotions of a teacher. To give…
Pesachim 111
There are many Jewish practices which evolve from considerations expressed in Jewish texts, and in general, the more those texts…
Pesachim 110
In order to make sense of today’s daf (Pesachim 110), we must begin by taking a moment to reflect on…
Pesachim 109
Today’s daf (Pesachim 109a) informs us that ‘a person is obligated to bring joy to his children and to the…
Pesachim 108
Today’s daf (Pesachim 108b) cites a Beraita which informs us that the wine used at the Seder ‘must have the…
Pesachim 107
Have you ever had the experience of really wanting to consume a certain food or drink, but afterwards coming to…
Pesachim 106
Today’s daf (Pesachim 106a) records how those who did not hear Havdalah on Motzei Shabbat may do so up until…
Pesachim 105
Towards the end of today’s daf (Pesachim 105b) we are told that there is a difference between bringing in Shabbat…
Pesachim 104
Today’s daf (Pesachim 104b) tells a story that contains many layers and many messages:We are told how the great Ulla…
Pesachim 103
Almost all of today’s daf is concerned with one question – namely, the order of the Havdalah.For example, Pesachim 103a…
Pesachim 102
In today’s daf (Pesachim 102b), while discussing a situation where a meal has been held just prior to the onset…
Pesachim 101
Today’s daf (Pesachim 101b) focuses its attention on the association between eating, reciting brachot before and after eating, and the…
Pesachim 100
Pesachim 100a relates a dispute between Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Yossi. According to Rabbi Yehuda, if someone has started a…
Pesachim 99
The opening Mishna of Chapter ‘Arvei Pesachim’ (Pesachim 10:1) which is found in today’s daf (Pesachim 99b) informs us that…
Pesachim 98
The Mishna (Pesachim 9:9) found in today’s daf (Pesachim 98b) describes a situation where a group of people who intend…
Pesachim 97
Today’s daf (Pesachim 97a) addresses the laws pertaining to a lost Korban (sacrifice), and it is here where we are…
Pesachim 96
“What is the difference between the Pesach celebrated in Egypt (פסח מצרים), and the Pesach celebrated in subsequent generations (פסח…
Pesachim 95
The Mishna (Pesachim 9:3), at the beginning of today’s daf (Pesachim 95), informs us about two rules regarding the recitation…
Pesachim 94
You’ve probably heard the idea that if something non-kosher is mixed with a kosher dish that is hot, then if…
Pesachim 93
We are taught in a Beraita in today’s daf (Pesachim 93a) that someone who converted to Judaism between Pesach and…
Pesachim 92
The Torah informs us that “if any person is ritually impure from contact with the dead” אוֹ בְדֶרֶךְ רְחֹקָה –…
Pesachim 91
Today’s daf (Pesachim 91) begins and ends with Mishnayot (Pesachim 8:6, 8) which each start by referring to an אונן…
Pesachim 90
When Bnei Yisrael were first commanded in Egypt about the Korban Pesach, they were told that it should be slaughtered…
Pesachim 89
Although it may sound oxymoronic, I generally avoid generalisations – especially when contrasting women and men. Moreover, while – on…
Pesachim 88
Today’s daf (Pesachim 88a) references how each of the three patriarchs referred to Mount Moriah – which was to become…
Pesachim 87
As many of you know, aside from being blessed to learn directly from Rabbi Sacks zt’l on a number of…
Pesachim 86
The offering and the consumption of the Korban Pesach while Bnei Yisrael was in Egypt was a bold theological statement…
Pesachim 85
In response to the Mishna’s discussion found in today’s daf (Pesachim 85b) about the boundaries of Jerusalem within which the…
Pesachim 84
Today’s daf (Pesachim 84a) records an apparent disagreement between Rabbi Yochanan and Reish Lakish highlighting their different approaches to the…
Pesachim 83
The most significant thesis of the author of the Sefer HaChinuch, which he repeatedly promotes in that magnificent work, is…
Pesachim 82
We were taught in the previous Mishna (Pesachim 7:8) that if part, or all, of a Korban Pesach became טמא…
Pesachim 81
As previously explained in yesterday’s daf, טומאת התהום (literally “the impurity of the deep”) refers to a situation where, notwithstanding…
Pesachim 80
The Mishna (Pesachim 7:7) in today’s daf (Pesachim 80b) discusses various cases where a Korban Pesach was offered in the…
Pesachim 79
We have previously discussed the law of פסח שני which states that individuals who are טמא (impure from contact with…
Pesachim 78
While addressing the relationship between the offering and the eating of the Korban Pesach, today’s daf (Pesachim 78b) cites a…
Pesachim 77
In general, I am a very time-conscious person, and though I don’t think I can speak much about high fashion,…
Pesachim 76
Halacha teaches that when two foods are cooked together then there is a transfer of flavours between them. Given this,…
Pesachim 75
Last Shabbat we read Parshat Beshalach which concludes with the story of Bnei Yisrael’s battle with Amalek, and this Shabbat…
Pesachim 74
During the discussion in today’s daf (Pesachim 74) about the ways in which the Korban Pesach should be cooked, we…
Pesachim 73
Today’s daf (Pesachim 73a) cites two rules about the Korban Pesach based on the principle of עלו לא ירדו (once…
Pesachim 72
How would you feel if you suddenly discovered that you weren’t who you thought you were? For example, if you…
Pesachim 71
Throughout rabbinic literature, the Hebrew word אַךְ is understood to be a word of “exclusion” – meaning that whenever it…
Pesachim 70
In today’s daf (Pesachim 70b) we are told about Yehuda Ben Dortai and his son who, one year when the…
Pesachim 69
Among the many different responsa volumes on my shelves is ‘Melumdei Milchama’, in which Rabbi Dr. Nahum Rabinovitch addresses questions…
Pesachim 68
Towards the end of today’s daf (Pesachim 68b) we are told how Rav Sheshet (who, we should recall was blind…
Pesachim 67
Toward the end of yesterday’s daf (Pesachim 66b), reference was made to the law of ‘Pesach Sheni’ concerning which we…
Pesachim 66
Twice in today’s daf an exquisite phrase is used which, since the time of the Gemara, has been invoked in…
Pesachim 65
There are times when the Gemara records a halachic opinion that is supported by proof, or a halachic opinion that…
Pesachim 64
Within today’s daf (Pesachim 64b), we read of a disagreement between Abaye and Rava concerning the events that occurred in…
Pesachim 63
In today’s daf (Pesachim 63b) we read of a disagreement concerning the efficacy of התראת ספק – which has been…
Pesachim 62
In today’s daf (Pesachim 62b) reference is made to a now-lost work called the ספר יוחסין (literally, ‘a book of…
Pesachim 61
The Mishna (Pesachim 5:3) in today’s daf (Pesachim 61a) teaches us that the Korban Pesach may not be offered before…
Pesachim 60
In today’s daf (Pesachim 60a) we are introduced to a fascinating halachic rule of מקצת אוכלין לא פסלא (literally ‘if…
Pesachim 59
We are taught in the Mishna (Pesachim 5:2) in today’s daf (Pesachim 59b) that the Korban Pesach must be slaughtered…
Pesachim 58
Given the commandment that the Korban Tamid be offered every day in the morning and afternoon (see Bemidbar 28:4), the…
Pesachim 57
Today’s daf (Pesachim 57a) contains a number of stinging critiques towards spiritual leaders – including Kohanim Gedolim (High Priests) and…
Pesachim 56
In today’s daf (Pesachim 56a) we encounter the interpretation of Rabbi Yehuda on the Mishna (Pesachim 4:8) who explains that…
Pesachim 55
Today’s daf (Pesachim 55a) refers to the halachic concept of יוהרא (hubris) – which is the word used to describe…
Pesachim 54
We are taught in today’s daf (Pesachim 54b) that שבעה דברים מכוסים מבני אדם – ‘seven things are concealed from…
Pesachim 53
The Mishna (Pesachim 4:4) in today’s daf (Pesachim 53a) notes how there were divergent customs concerning the eating of roasted…
Pesachim 52
Until COVID, I visited different communities around the world as a scholar-in-residence – with the Chag where I was almost…
Pesachim 51
Chapter 4 of Massechet Pesachim is called מקום שנהגו (“In a place where it is the custom to…”), and it…
Pesachim 50
Much of the final lines of the third chapter of Massechet Pesachim is dedicated to exploring the difference between עולם…
Pesachim 49
The Mishna (Pesachim 3:7) lists a number of places where a person may find themselves on the fourteenth of Nissan…
Pesachim 48
As we know, any act of baking dough on Pesach runs the risk of it rising and becoming chametz especially…
Pesachim 47
There is a beautiful rabbinic aphorism, based on the words of Mishlei 31:14 (הָיְתָה כָּאֳנִיּוֹת סוֹחֵר מִמֶּרְחָק תָּבִיא לַחְמָהּ –…
Pesachim 46
Today’s daf (Pesachim 46a) tells us about the (literal) lengths that one should go to in order to perform a…
Pesachim 45
We are taught in the Mishna (Pesachim 3:2) in today’s daf (Pesachim 45a) that dough which has become stuck in…
Pesachim 44
Much of today’s daf (Pesachim 44) explores the halachic principle of טעם כעיקר – which is the idea that we…
Pesachim 43
The previous Mishna (Mishna Pesachim 3:1, see Pesachim 42a) listed a number of different chametz-based products including ‘kutach’ – which…
Pesachim 42
We are taught by Rabbi Yehuda in today’s daf (Pesachim 42a) that ‘a woman should only knead [the dough for…
Pesachim 41
Today’s daf (Pesachim 41) deals with the Korban Pesach, and specifically, how the Korban Pesach must be cooked. This is…
Pesachim 40
Today’s daf (Pesachim 40) makes reference to halachic strictures on Pesach which, though not demanded by halacha, are encouraged to…
Pesachim 39
In addition to eating Matzah on Seder night, we also eat Maror, with this requirement being derived from the Torah…
Pesachim 38
‘A panda walks into a cafe. He orders a sandwich, eats it, then draws a gun and fires two shots…
Pesachim 37
When is bread not bread? This is, in effect, the question addressed in today’s daf (Pesachim 37) while considering which…
Pesachim 36
Devarim 16:3 describes matzah as לֶחֶם עֹנִי, and in today’s daf (Pesachim 36a), two different explanations are offered as to…
Pesachim 35
‘Demai’ is the term given to produce grown in the Land of Israel where a doubt exists whether Terumah and…
Pesachim 34
Much of today’s daf (Pesachim 34) discusses the halachic principle of היסח הדעת (i.e. diverting or ceasing to focus one’s…
Pesachim 33
Within today’s daf (Pesachim 33b) we find a curious discussion about the spiritual status of the juice squeezed from grapes…
Pesachim 32
Undoubtedly, the most referenced Torah law in all of Massechet Pesachim is the prohibition of eating Chametz on Pesach. However,…
Pesachim 31
Having discussed the prohibition of owning, eating or benefiting from chametz on Pesach, the Mishna (Pesachim 2:3) in today’s daf…
Pesachim 30
In today’s daf (Pesachim 30a) we are informed of Rav’s position that earthenware dishes which previously absorbed chametz flavour may…
Pesachim 29
Today’s daf (Pesachim 29b) presents a variety of opinions about the status of non-chametz food into which biblically prohibited chametz…
Pesachim 28
We were previously taught in Mishna Pesachim 2:1 (see Pesachim 21a) that while Rabbi Yehuda ruled that ביעור חמץ may…
Pesachim 27
Among the different topics addressed in today’s daf (Pesachim 27b) is whether consecrated items which have been burnt nevertheless maintain…
Pesachim 26
As part of the Gemara’s ongoing discussion about הנאה (deriving benefit) from a forbidden object or substance even when this…
Pesachim 25
Having spent much of the past few dapim discussing the halachic concept of הנאה (benefit) and the situations when it…
Pesachim 24
Today’s daf (Pesachim 24b) contains an important halachic principle which has numerous practical applications, but which also teaches us about…
Pesachim 23
This Sunday* I will be speaking alongside a number of other disciples about Rabbi Sacks zt’l, and while preparing my…
Pesachim 22
Today’s daf (Pesachim 22b) makes reference to one of the most fascinating mitzvot in the Torah which has, unfortunately, been…
Pesachim 21
Shavua Tov & Chanukah Sameach! In today’s daf (Pesachim 21b) two different Amoraim offer a biblical prooftext for the prohibition…
Pesachim 20
Today’s daf (Pesachim 20b) returns to the question – previously examined earlier on (see Pesachim 14a) – regarding the disposal…
Pesachim 19
Towards the end of today’s daf (Pesachim 19b) the Gemara uses a curious phrase with reference to objects whose spiritual…
Pesachim 18
The biblical word that sits at the centre of much of the discussion in today’s daf (Pesachim 18a-b) is יטמא,…
Pesachim 17
A central element of the Chanukah story is that the oil that was used in the Beit HaMikdash was spiritually…
Pesachim 16
The topic of much of today’s daf (Pesachim 16a) concerns the extent to which liquids are susceptible to טומאה which,…
Pesachim 15
Today’s daf (Pesachim 15b) quotes a Beraita which informs us of a fascinating qualification which has a significant impact on…
Pesachim 14
There is a rule, as derived from Devarim 12:4, that we may not destroy the name of God which is…
Pesachim 13
A major idea in Judaism, one that I particularly focus on in my (upcoming) book on the Shehecheyanu blessing and…
Pesachim 12
Today’s daf (Pesachim 12) discusses time-precision in halacha, and the extent to which margins of error are or are not…
Pesachim 11
In today’s daf (Pesachim 11a-b) we are taught that אדם בהול על ממונו – ‘a person is in turmoil about…
Pesachim 10
Today’s daf (Pesachim 10a-b) expends much time discussing the laws of searching for chametz and specifically, the chance that mice…
Pesachim 9
In today’s daf (Pesachim 9a), we consider the case where chametz has certainly entered a property but may possibly have…
Pesachim 8
Today’s daf (Pesachim 8a) invokes one of the most fascinating yet misunderstood principles relating to mitzvah performance, namely שלוחי מצוה…
Pesachim 7
Much of today’s daf (Pesachim 7a-b) explores the various formulae used in the brachot that we recite, beginning with the…
Pesachim 6
‘It was taught in a baraita: One asks about and teaches the halachot of Pesach thirty days before Pesach’ (Pesachim…
Pesachim 5
Today’s daf (Pesachim 5a) contains a cryptic aggadic teaching which, upon first glance, seems almost impossible to make sense of.…
Pesachim 4
Today’s daf (Pesachim 4a) draws a comparison between the laws of בדיקת חמץ (searching for chametz) in a rented home,…
Pesachim 3
Much of today’s daf (Pesachim 3a-b) is dedicated to the topic of using refined language, and by citing Bereishit 7:8…
Eruvin 105
Dear friends, Over the past 104 days we have studied Massechet Eruvin. During this period, we have examined the…
Eruvin 104
Having reached the penultimate daf of Massechet Eruvin (nb. I hope to share something special tomorrow to celebrate our completion),…
Eruvin 103
Sometimes you can read a text in one way, while nevertheless feeling that there is more to it than meets…
Pesachim 2
The first Mishna in Massechet Pesachim (1:1, 2a) teaches us that we perform the mitzvah of bedikat chametz (checking for…
Eruvin 102
The Mishna at the end of today’s daf (Eruvin 10:13, 102b) informs us that ‘one may tie up a string…
Eruvin 101
Much of today’s daf (Eruvin 101) is interested in doors, keys and locks, with Mishna Eruvin 10:9 (101a) focussing its…
Eruvin 100
Today’s daf (Eruvin 100b) contains what I believe to be one of the most enigmatic passages from the entire Talmud:‘Said…
Eruvin 91-92
Yesterday, for the first time in over five months, I did not post a Daf Yomi thought, and this is…
Eruvin 41-42
Shana Tova! In April of this year, while reflecting on the severe impact of the Coronavirus pandemic as well as…
Shabbat 157
Today, after 157 days, we reach the final page of Shabbat, and with this, the final lines of this Massechet…
Shabbat 156
Today’s daf (Shabbat 156), which is the penultimate page of Massechet Shabbat, primarily focusses on two quite different themes: i)…
Shabbat 155
In today’s daf (Shabbat 155b) we are told that Rabbi Yona shared a biblical exposition at the entrance of the…
Shabbat 154
In yesterday’s Mishna (Shabbat 24:1, 153a) we were taught that if someone arrives at a city once Shabbat has commenced,…
Shabbat 153
Having already spent much of the past few pages presenting various philosophical teachings relating to the preciousness of life and…
Shabbat 152
This morning I will be delivering my penultimate shiur on Sefer Mishlei (The Book of Proverbs) to a fabulous and…
Shabbat 151
While much of today’s daf (Shabbat 151b) considers the halachot pertaining to what may and may not be done for…
Shabbat 150
Today’s daf (Shabbat 150a) explores the halachic implications of the verse ממצוא חפצך ודבר דבר – “[Refrain] from pursuing your…
Shabbat 149
Much of the 23rd Chapter of Massechet Shabbat concerns permitted and forbidden actions and expressions that may lead to, or…
Shabbat 148
In today’s daf (Shabbat 148b), reference is made to the rabbinic decree, originally stated in Mishna Beitzah (5:2, 36b), that…
Shabbat 147
Having made reference to the exceptional wine that was produced in Phrygia (a small kingdom in Asia Minor), along with…
Shabbat 146
Today’s daf (Shabbat 146a) teaches us a key principle about the biblical melacha of מכה בפטיש (literally ‘one who strikes…
Shabbat 145
Today’s daf (Shabbat 145b) cites a heartrending verse from Sefer Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah) 9:9 describing the emptiness and loneliness of the…
Shabbat 144
In yesterday’s daf, the Mishna (Shabbat 22:1, 143b) stated that ‘we may not squeeze (סוחטין) fruits [on Shabbat] to extract…
Shabbat 143
Today’s Mishna (Shabbat 21:3, 143a) discusses the treatment of seemingly purposeless small crumbs of food that remain on a table…
Shabbat 142
Today’s daf (Shabbat 142a-b) discusses a number of questions concerning various forms of בורר (selecting/separating). Firstly, it addresses the words…
Shabbat 141
Today’s daf (Shabbat 141a-b) discusses the question of whether it is permissible to scrape mud/clay from shoes with a sharp…
Shabbat 140
Two brief incidents recorded in today’s daf (Shabbat 140a) raise the important question of finding the right balance between loyalty…
Shabbat 139
In today’s daf (Shabbat 139a) we are told that members of the community of Bashkar sent a question about creating…
Shabbat 138
As someone who spends much of their life either learning, writing or teaching Torah, it is difficult to express the…
Shabbat 137
While we often presume that the text that we have in our Gemara is a perfect rendition of what was…
Shabbat 136
Towards the end of today’s daf (Shabbat 136b) Ravina testifies that he had heard Rava render a particular halachic ruling…
Shabbat 135
TRIGGER WARNING: MY ANALYSIS OF TODAY’S DAF ADDRESSES STILLBIRTH & INFANT DEATHEarly on in today’s daf (Shabbat 135a) we are…
Shabbat 134
Not long after Abaye was conceived his father sadly died, and during childbirth, his mother tragically died (see Kiddushin 31b).…
Shabbat 133
Today’s daf (Shabbat 133b) cites a Beraita presenting two approaches to the verse זה אלי ואנוהו – ‘this is my…
Shabbat 132
Much of today’s daf (Shabbat 132a) is dedicated to identifying a suitable biblical prooftext to support the halacha that a…
Shabbat 131
In the Mishna (Shabbat 19:1) found in yesterday’s daf (Shabbat 130a) we were introduced to the halachic principle, conceived by…
Shabbat 130
In today’s daf (Shabbat 130a) we are taught a principle that ‘any mitzvah that [the Jewish people] accepted upon themselves…
Shabbat 128
Today’s daf (Shabbat 128b) contains a ruling with respect to the laws of childbirth on Shabbat which provides us with…
Shabbat 127
Today’s daf (Shabbat 127b) contains three stories relating to the virtue of הדן את חבירו לכף זכות – judging your…
Shabbat 126
The Mishna in today’s daf (Shabbat 18:1, Shabbat 126b) informs us that the moving of boxes of straw or grain,…
Shabbat 124
Today’s daf (Shabbat 124b) contains a fascinating teaching about the laws of Mukzeh and how we indicate our intentionality towards…
Shabbat 123
In today’s daf (Shabbat 123a), reference is made to the previous Mishna (Shabbat 17:1-2, 122b) beginning with the words כל…
Shabbat 122
Today’s daf (Shabbat 122b) returns to the topic of ‘Mukzeh’, i.e. objects that are ‘set’ aside as having no purposeful…
Shabbat 121
For many years I have worked in the field of curriculum development, and around 12 years ago I was invited…
Shabbat 120
The Mishna (Shabbat 16:3) found in today’s daf (Shabbat 120a) informs us that if a fire is consuming a home…
Shabbat 119
In today’s daf (Shabbat 119b) we find 8 different teachings attempting to answer the question of why Jerusalem was destroyed,…
Shabbat 118
Today’s daf (Shabbat 118a) examines the duty to eat three meals on Shabbat, and among the sources it brings in…
Shabbat 117
Today’s daf (Shabbat 117b) teaches us about the duty to have two loaves of bread for each of our…
Shabbat 116
Today’s daf (Shabbat 116a) makes reference to ‘The House of Avidan’ which was a location where scholars of various nations…
Shabbat 115
As we know, the Jewish people have been referred to as ‘the people of the book’, and since the beginnings…
Shabbat 114
Having previously been discussing Shabbat clothes, today’s daf (Shabbat 114a) relates a story about a form of clothes as well…
Shabbat 113
Today’s daf (Shabbat 113a-b) informs us that a person should wear different clothes (מלבוש) on Shabbat than those that they…
Shabbat 112
Whenever a halachic decisor is approached by someone with a halachic question, their task is to listen very carefully to…
Shabbat 111
When reading the first few lines of the Mishna (Shabbat 15:1) in today’s daf (Shabbat 111b), I was reminded of…
Shabbat 110
Today we continue the exploration of the rabbinic prohibition on healing on Shabbat. The mishnah on Shabbat 109b informs us…
Shabbat 109
Today we continue the exploration of the rabbinic prohibition on healing on Shabbat. The mishnah on Shabbat 109b informs us…
Shabbat 108
Bathing in salt water has long been considered to have medicinal benefits, and bathing eyes in salt water has long…
Shabbat 107
Amid our discussion concerning the prohibition of ‘trapping’ an animal on Shabbat, today’s daf (Shabbat 107a) explores the Shabbat prohibition…
Shabbat 106
The Mishna (Shabbat 13:5) on today’s daf (Shabbat 106a) presents a fascinating debate concerning the melacha of צוד – trapping.…
Shabbat 105
The Mishna (Shabbat 13:3) in today’s daf (Shabbat 105b) discusses the forbidden melacha of weaving, and in doing so it…
Shabbat 104
Today’s daf (Shabbat 104a) contains some of the most exquisite Torah insights that can be found throughout the Gemara –…
Shabbat 103
The Mishna (Shabbat 12:3) in today’s daf (Shabbat 103a) informs us that the melacha of כותב (writing) is contravened when…
Shabbat 102
Today’s daf (Shabbat 102b) begins the 12th Chapter of Massechet Shabbat titled ‘HaBoneh’ (one who builds), and having reached this…
Shabbat 101
Much of today’s daf (Shabbat 101b) discusses the case mentioned in the Mishna (Shabbat 11:5, 100b) involving two boats that…
Shabbat 99-100
Towards the end of today’s daf (Shabbat 99b) and continuing into tomorrow’s daf (100a) is a fascinating halachic discussion about…
Shabbat 98
In today’s daf (Shabbat 98a) we find a debate about whether carrying in a covered public area is prohibited since…
Shabbat 97
Today’s daf (Shabbat 97a) makes reference to an important principle about the pursuit of good vrs. bad which has significant…
Shabbat 96
At the end of today’s daf (Shabbat 96b), Rabbi Akiva – on the basis of a gezera shava (where identical…
Shabbat 95
Today’s daf (Shabbat 95a) tells a story of which variations have sadly been repeated many times since and which illustrates…
Shabbat 94
Sometimes when reading a Talmudic story it seems quite clear that there is more to the story than meets the…
Shabbat 93
Much of today’s daf (Shabbat 93a) is dedicated to examining the debate introduced in yesterday’s daf (see Shabbat 92b) concerning…
Shabbat 92
One of the 39 melachot is הוצאה (carrying from one domain to another), and in today’s daf (Shabbat 92a) our…
Shabbat 91
Today’s daf (Shabbat 91b) contains a fascinating philosophical discussion about the extent to which individual items remain distinct within, or…
Shabbat 90
In today’s daf (Shabbat 90b) reference is made to locusts and how carrying a locust in a public domain contravenes…
Shabbat 89
Among the many fascinating aggadic teachings found in today’s daf (Shabbat 89a) is a cryptic and curious story which I…
Shabbat 88
Today’s daf (Shabbat 88a) contains one of the most challenging aggadic insights in the entire Talmud. We are told that…
Shabbat 87
Today’s daf (Shabbat 87a) cites a Beraita informing us of three decisions, each on first glance seem hard to justify,…
Shabbat 86
Today’s daf (Shabbat 86b, as well as the first few lines of Shabbat 87a) records a debate between the Sages…
Shabbat 83-85
Unfortunately, due to a variety of work pressures as well as the need to prepare a number of shiurim I…
Shabbat 82
Today’s daf (Shabbat 82a) begins with a record of a conversation that took place between the 3rd century Amora Rav…
Shabbat 81
Continuing the theme of this chapter concerning the measure of an item/items that is deemed to have inherent purpose, value…
Shabbat 80
In today’s daf (Shabbat 80b) we find fascinating story about a Galilean who came to Babylon, likely in the late…
Shabbat 79
Among the various items previously listed in the Mishna (Shabbat 8:2, see Shabbat 78b) as having inherent purpose, value and…
Shabbat 78
As previously explained in my comments to Shabbat 76a-b, ‘if a product is of sufficient value or use to a…
Shabbat 77
Today’s daf (Shabbat 77b) contains a number of fascinating aggadic (non-legal) passages but one which particularly stood out for me…
Shabbat 76
Towards the end of yesterday’s daf (Shabbat 75b) was a Mishna (Shabbat 7:3) outlining the general rules (כללים) pertaining to…
Shabbat 75
To my mind, the most intriguing of all the 39 prohibited Shabbat melachot listed in the Mishna (Shabbat 7:2) is…
Shabbat 74
Today’s daf (Shabbat 74b) discusses some of the 39 prohibited melachot listed in the Mishna (Shabbat 7:2) including the melachot…
Shabbat 73
Within today’s daf (Shabbat 73a) is the Mishna (Shabbat 7:2) listing all of the 39 prohibited Shabbat Melachot. Yet rather…
Shabbat 72
Having discussed the spiritual liabilities of someone who unintentionally transgresses the melachot of Shabbat, today’s daf (Shabbat 72b) considers the…
Shabbat 71
There are times when the biographical background of Talmudic scholars should not be presumed to frame their particular position on…
Shabbat 70
In today’s daf (Shabbat 70a) we are taught that there are 39 ‘melachot’ (i.e. creative acts) that are prohibited by…
Shabbat 69
In his book ‘Faith in the Future’, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks explains that ‘the clearest contrast between communal faith and an…
Shabbat 68
The opening Mishna of Perek Klal Gadol (7:1, 67b) informs us that השוכח עיקר שבת – anyone who “forgets the…
Shabbat 67
Mishna Shabbat (6:10, 67a) lists a number of curious objects which Rabbi Meir allows to be carried on Shabbat and…
Shabbat 66
There are times when a curious or cryptic Gemara beckons its learner to dig beyond its initial reading, and a…
Shabbat 65
Having been taught in the Mishna (Shabbat 6:6-7, Shabbat 65a) that a woman may use a stone, nut or coin…
Shabbat 64
Continuing its discussion of various ornaments that may be worn on Shabbat, the Mishna (Shabbat 6:5, 64b) informs us that…
Shabbat 63
The Mishna (Shabbat 6:4) in today’s daf (Shabbat 63a) opens with a clear statement that a man may not go…
Shabbat 62
While I endeavour to learn, understand and appreciate the significance and symbolism of the mitzvot that I perform, there are…
Shabbat 61
Today’s daf (Shabbat 61a) begins by relating how Rav Yochanan, whose tefillin (like all right-handers*) were worn on his left…
Shabbat 60
While our clothes and shoes may have a functional purpose to provide us with protection from the elements, our clothes…
Shabbat 59
Among the head and hair ornaments discussed in today’s daf (Shabbat 59b) that according to rabbinic law may or may…
Shabbat 58
I have always thought that the reason why bells are often attached to the Torah cover and atop of a…
Shabbat 57
Whenever halacha as codified does not allign with halacha as lived I am fascinated to explore why this is the…
Shabbat 56
In today’s daf (Shabbat 56a) we are told that an edict was made during the period of King David that…
Shabbat 55
Today’s daf (Shabbat 55a) records an incident that I wish I could say has not been repeated since. It describes…
Shabbat 54
In our previous Mishna (Shabbat 5:2, 52b) we were taught that ewes may go out in a public domain on…
Shabbat 53
In our previous Mishna (Shabbat 5:2, 52b) we were informed that rams may go out in a public domain while…
Shabbat 52
Today’s daf (Shabbat 52a) continues its discussion of the previous Mishna (5:1, 51b) concerning the use of a halter or…
Shabbat 51
In today’s daf (Shabbat 51a) Rav Huna cites a teaching of Rebbi (i.e. Rabbi Yehuda HaNassi) that הטמנה (insulating) of…
Shabbat 50
Today’s daf (50a) records a debate whether date-palm branches intended for firewood may be used as a seat on Shabbat.…
Shabbat 49
In today’s daf (Shabbat 49a) we are taught in a Mishna that it is permitted to insulate a hot pot…
Shabbat 48
Towards the end of yesterday’s daf (Shabbat 47b) we started our study of Chapter 4 with the question: ‘With what…
Shabbat 47
The final Mishna in Perek Kirah (Shabbat 47b) – as understood by the Gemara – states that it is permissible…
Shabbat 46
As previously mentioned, Mishna Shabbat (3:6, see Shabbat 44a) records a debate whether an unlit lamp is mukzeh on Shabbat.…
Shabbat 45
Today’s daf (Shabbat 45a) continues its examination of the laws of mukzeh, but rather than examining items that are mukzeh…
Shabbat 44
Today’s daf (Shabbat 44a) discusses the question of whether a lamp – which in this case would have been an…
Shabbat 43
Today’s daf (Shabbat 43a-b) focusses its attention on the laws of mukzeh and the situations that may justify infractions of,…
Shabbat 42
Today’s daf (Shabbat 42a) addresses a very practical question that arises in my house every Friday night, but to explain…
Shabbat 39
Having discussed the prohibition of cooking with fire on Shabbat as well as any act that manipulates an already lit…
Shabbat 38
In today’s daf (Shabbat 38a) we encounter a rabbinic disagreement with significant halakhic ramifications – especially for those who are…
Shabbat 37
Today’s daf (Shabbat 37a-b) intensely debates the implications of the case presented in the opening Mishna of Perek Kira: Does…
Shabbat 36
Today’s daf (Shabbat 36a-b) ends our study of Perek BaMeh Madlikin (i.e. the 2nd chapter of Massechet Shabbat primarily focussing…
Shabbat 35
Today’s daf (Shabbat 35b) cites a Beraita recording a custom of how the shofar was blown six times in…
Shabbat 34
Moadim LeSimcha! Today’s daf (Shabbat 34a) continues its discussion about Shabbat eve preparations and it reviews the checklist provided in…
Shabbat 33
In today’s daf (Shabbat 33b) we are told the story of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and his son Rabbi…
Shabbat 32
Much of today’s daf (Shabbat 32b) is very hard to digest since its discussion attempts to attribute specific spiritual transgressions…
Shabbat 31
Today’s daf (Shabbat 31a) is the source of the famous story of the prospective convert who approached both Hillel and…
Shabbat 30
In today’s wide-ranging daf (Shabbat 30a-b) Rav Tanchum from the town of Navi poses the question whether a candle…
Shabbat 29
Shavua Tov! In today’s daf (Shabbat 29b) we continue the discussion concerning which lamps, wicks and oils may or may…
Shabbat 28
While yesterday’s daf explored some of the laws pertaining to tzitzit, today’s daf (Shabbat 28b) addresses a number of laws…
Shabbat 27
Having previously made reference to liquids that are susceptible to spiritual contamination (tum’ah), today’s daf (Shabbat 27a-b) begins by…
Shabbat 26
Today’s daf (Shabbat 26a) continues the discussion of the Mishna (see Shabbat 24b) listing the fuels that may not…
Shabbat 24
In today’s daf (Shabbat 24a) reference is made to an ancient and discontinued custom of reciting a Haftarah following…
Shabbat 23
While the word ‘Triage’ is most often used to describe the difficult decisions that need to be made when…
Shabbat 22
As part of its ongoing discussion about the laws of Chanukah lights, today’s daf (Shabbat 22a) cites a fascinating…
Shabbat 21
Today’s daf (Shabbat 21b), which outlines laws of kindling Shabbat candles, is also the primary Talmudic source discussing the…
Shabbat 20
Today’s daf (Shabbat 20b) concludes the end of the first chapter of Massechet Shabbat and begins our study of…
Shabbat 19
In today’s daf (Shabbat 19a) we are taught a Beraita stating that a person may not board a ship…
Shabbat 18
Shabbat 18a continues to explore questions concerning the initiation of a melacha on Erev Shabbat that continues on Shabbat.…
Shabbat 17
Today’s daf (Shabbat 17b) includes Mishnayot (Shabbat 1:5-9) listing numerous disputes between Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel about the…
Shabbat 16
Today’s daf (Shabbat 16b) tells a story which appears to imply that the rabbinic leadership at the time of…
Shabbat 15
In today’s daf (Shabbat 15b) we continue our discussion relating to the enactments made by our early sages concerning…
Shabbat 14
Mishna Shabbat (1:4), found on Shabbat 13b, informs us that there were 18 rulings that the Rabbis enacted which…
Shabbat 13
We previously studied the Mishna (see Shabbat 11a) listing a variety of acivities that should not be done on…
Shabbat 12
Today’s daf (Shabbat 12a) addresses the question of whether one should go to console mourners (Nichum Aveilim) or visit…
Shabbat 11
We previously discussed the Mishna (Shabbat 9b) which listed a range of activities that we should not start just…
Shabbat 10
Having previously noted (see Shabbat 9b) that one should not start a Torah tribunal just prior to the time…
Brachot 64
Brachot 64a, the last page of Massechet Brachot, contains a number of fascinating teachings. In one teaching Rav Avin informs…
Brachot 63
Brachot 63 contains a variety of rabbinic teachings on the beauty and importance of Torah study – which is a…
Brachot 62
While I endeavour to learn, understand and appreciate the significance and symbolism of the mitzvot that I perform, there are…
Brachot 61
In today’s daf (Brachot 61b) we encounter a profound teaching of Rava who, while addressing the spiritual potential of each…
Brachot 60
In today’s daf (Brachot 60b) we are taught about the ‘Asher Yatzar’ bracha which is recited after going to…
Brachot 59
We were taught in Chapter 9 of Mishna Brachot (see Brachot 54a) that if someone sees a comet in the…
Brachot 58
Today’s daf (Brachot 58b) includes an exquisite rule about my favourite bracha – that if we are overcome with heartfelt…
Brachot 57
While learning today’s daf (Brachot 57) I had a bit of a revelation which I think is deserving of sharing.…
Brachot 56
Today’s daf (Brachot 56) contains a curious collection dreams along with a wider discussion about the relationship between dream…
Brachot 54
Today’s daf (Brachot 54a) opens with the full text of the final chapter of Mishna Brachot which both begins and…
Brachot 53
Today’s daf (Brachot 53b) makes reference to what I believe is one of Chazal’s most exquisite metaphors describing the collective…
Brachot 51-52
Chapter 8 of Mishna Brachot (Brachot 51b) lists a series of disputes between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai concerning the…
Brachot 49
So the story, as recorded in our daf (Brachot 49a), begins with Rav Zeira asking his mentor and teacher Rav…
Brachot 48
In today’s daf (Brachot 48b) Rabbi Nachman informs us that the first bracha of Birkat HaMazon – otherwise known as…
Brachot 47
Today’s daf (Brachot 47b) describes an encounter between Rami bar Chama and Rav Menashya bar Tachlifa that led to a…
Brachot 46
In today’s daf (Brachot 46b) we find a series of discussions about the section of Birkat HaMazon, known as ‘HaTov…
Brachot 45
Today’s daf (Brachot 45b) records a fascinating episode where Yehudah bar Mereimar, Mar bar Rav Ashi and Rav Acha…
Brachot 44
In today’s daf (Brachot 44a-b) we explore the laws of the ‘Borei Nefashot’ bracha (which is recited after consuming a…
Brachot 43
In his book ‘The Upside of Irrationality’ Professor Dan Ariely describes one of his research projects which sought to understand…
Brachot 41
Today’s daf (Brachot 41a-b) contains a fascinating halacha which, embedded in it, communicates an exquisite message. On Brachot 41a we…
Brachot 37
Brachot 37a-b contains a series of detailed debates about the brachot to be recited on foods eaten during the Talmudic…
Brachot 35
There is a famous story – made even more famous by Rav Yehuda Amital – about the founder of Chabad…
Brachot 34
Today’s daf (Brachot 34a-b) includes a discussion about the spiritual significance of errors in prayers by those leading prayers and…
Brachot 33
‘And now, Israel, what does God your Lord ask of you? Merely to fear God your Lord, to walk in…
Brachot 32
I recently had use of a rental car which had an indicator on the dashboard that lit up when any…
Brachot 30
Some years ago I gave a shiur on ‘Why we face towards Jerusalem in Prayer’ (see http://bit.ly/2UjbzpY). In the shiur…
Brachot 27
Gemara Brachot (27b) makes reference to the student-teacher relationship, and in particular, to what extent must a student adopt the…
Brachot 26
Gemara Brachot 26b records a debate concerning the origins of our three daily prayers and according to R’ Yossi the…
Brachot 22
Today’s daf (Brachot 22a) contains perhaps one of the most exquisite ideas that I have ever encountered in the…
Brachot 19
Today’ daf (Brachot 19a) includes citation from Mishna Eduyot (5:6) where, in response to the claim that Akavya Ben Mehahalalel…
Brachot 17
According to Brachot 17a, Rava who would often say: ‘The objective of [Torah] wisdom is [to foster a commitment to]…
Brachot 16
In today/tomorrow’s daf (Brachot 15b-16a) we read a beautiful drasha presented by Rav Chama B’Rabbi Chanina based on the words…
Brachot 11
Today’s daf (Brachot 11b) includes a short passage that led me, around 20 years ago, to spend over 100 hours…
