torah – 2,711 pages of Talmud. A gem a day.

Makkot 10

Another daf where there are too many gems! The first is why you’re supposed to study in groups, and not alone . . . Rav Ashi says: Anyone who loves to study in abundance, i.e., with many colleagues, to him shall be increase, i.e., he will succeed in his studies. And that is parallel toContinue reading “Makkot 10”

Sanhedrin 55

Today’s gem comes from a Midrash that is connected to our daf! The daf is continuing to discuss forbidden sexual relationships. Today’s forbidden pleasure? Bestiality! On the daf, the question is asked about why does the animal involved in this forbidden union condemned to death? And we get this: Rav Sheshet said: You learned theContinue reading “Sanhedrin 55”

Sanhedrin 52

Two gems today. The first is an explanation of what Aaron’s sons did what was so wrong that God punished them with death by burning their souls in the Torah. The second is how the Talmud says we sentence someone to death by burning . . . or not. Apropos the deaths of Nadav andContinue reading “Sanhedrin 52”

Sanhedrin 51

Today in the list of capital punishments, I got a little verse that hits close to home. Gemara asks: In what way is she different from the priest himself? A priest who desecrates Shabbat is executed by stoning, so why would one have thought that the daughter of a priest should be punished by burning?Continue reading “Sanhedrin 51”

Sanhedrin 38

Another fabulous daf! While every word is amazing, I will give you two great one liners and then the real gem: Why were people created right before Shabbat (and last of all God’s creations)? Your first one liner: When wine enters, secrets emerge. And your second: It is taught in a baraita: Rabbi Meir wouldContinue reading “Sanhedrin 38”

Sanhedrin 25

Today’s daf explores the kind of person who can serve as a judge and/or as a witness. It talks about how a person spends their time, and that we should have jobs that make a difference in the world (quite a gem for a rabbi). And, it discusses what real repentance might look like. ThereContinue reading “Sanhedrin 25”

Sanhedrin 24

Another love story. This one between rabbis who so respect one another. It begins when something is taught int he name of Rabbie that makes no sense to Reish Lakish. . . The Gemara returns to discuss the matter itself: Reish Lakish says: Would a holy mouth, i.e., that of Rabbi Meir, say this strangeContinue reading “Sanhedrin 24”

Sanhedrin 22

Romance alert! Today’s daf elevates marital love. First, the pain of divorce: Rabbi Eliezer says: Concerning anyone who divorces his first wife, even the altar sheds tears about him, as it is stated: “And further, this you should do: Cover the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping and sighing, from His no longerContinue reading “Sanhedrin 22”

Sanhedrin 5

Hahaha! Today’s daf has a brag in it that cracks me up. It’s like a boy responding to someone saying he’s ugly by saying “Oh yeah? My mom thinks I’m handsome! So there!” At first you don’t know that’s what’s happening, it sounds like he is saying he got permission to judge cases from hisContinue reading “Sanhedrin 5”

Bava Batra 174

The daf is discussing when a guarantor should be sought after to pay off a debt. The gem is a very sketchy related story that makes you wonder if some rabbis take advantage of the law, or even think that their kind (meaning other rabbis) are above the law. Someone named Moshe bar Atzari wasContinue reading “Bava Batra 174”