In a world of alternative facts and untruths truths – I loved this passage in our daf today. Concerning the lack of truth, Rava says: Initially I would say that there is no truth anywhere in the world. There was a certain one of the Sages, and Rav Tavut is his name, and some say Rav Tavyomei is his name, who was soContinue reading “Sanhedrin 97”
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Sanhedrin 96
Today’s daf has a loud and clear message not to judge! It’s a beauty. Rabbi Zeira says: Even though Rabbi Yehuda ben Beteira sent a statement from Netzivin: Be vigilant with regard to treating with deference an elder who forgot his studies due to circumstances beyond his control, and be vigilant with regard to cutting the jugular veins when slaughtering an animal inContinue reading “Sanhedrin 96”
Sanhedrin 95
The famous story of David sleighing the giant Goliath has been captured in art and told and retold. But did you know that Goliath had a brother? On our daf today, we meet a family of giants! We also see a strange negotiation between God and David – apparently, even kings are held accountable forContinue reading “Sanhedrin 95”
Sanhedrin 94
Ever just get a feeling? Like something is telling you to do something? (Or not to do something?). It might be your angel. (If you’re not a prophet who God talks to directly. Apropos Daniel, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, the Gemara notes: In certain respects, the latter three were greater than Daniel, and in certain respects, Daniel was greater than theContinue reading “Sanhedrin 94”
Sanhedrin 93
Have Jews ever believed the Messiah had arrived? Yes. And I am not talking about Jesus. Today we are introduced to someone the Gemara calls “Bar Koziva” which means son of falsehood. This name gives away the end. He is not the true messiah. However, none other than Rabbi Akiva had called him “Bar Kokheva”Continue reading “Sanhedrin 93”
Sanhedrin 92
You know how Forest Gump always quotes his momma saying, “Momma says” and then says pearls of wisdom? We get a whole section on today’s daf of “Rabbi Elazar says” with pearls of wisdom. My favorite is this: And Rabbi Elazar says: With regard to anyone who amends the truth in his speech, it isContinue reading “Sanhedrin 92”
Sanhedrin 91
This rarely happens. I have referenced two passages on our daf today this week! The first, one of my Bat Mitzvah students is teaching in her Bat Mitzvah Thursday and the second I referenced today subbing for a University of Miami Jewish law class! So, of course I want to share both. The first thatContinue reading “Sanhedrin 91”
Sanhedrin 90
Today’s daf is all about the resurrection of the dead! There is much that is fascinating as any conversation about what happens after we die is so interesting. But my gem comes from the end of our daf today as this conversation extends to both Queen Cleopatra and the Roman Emperor and his daughter. TheContinue reading “Sanhedrin 90”
Sanhedrin 89
Today we have a passage of Talmud studied by all rabbis and leaders of the High Holy Days. On Rosh haShana, we read of the binding of Isaac, when God calls upon Abraham to sacrifice his son. There are so many questions surrounding that scene. Our daf answers a few of them: Apropos the bindingContinue reading “Sanhedrin 89”
Sanhedrin 88
Who is Rav Ulla b. Abba? Who is the one destined to receive a place in the World-to-Come? It is one who is modest and humble, who bows and enters and bows and exits, and who studies Torah regularly, and who does not take credit for himself. The Sages cast their eyes on Rav UllaContinue reading “Sanhedrin 88”
2,711 pages of Talmud. A gem a day. 