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Talking TalmudAvodah Zarah 50: Not a Carpenter, Nor the Son of a CarpenterMore on the Mercury idol - including stones that were removed from the idol, and were then prohibited. Plus, other idolatries -- more than one that compares the practices of idolatry with the dead, where benefit is prohibited. But stones weren't the Jewish approach in worship, so perhaps it shouldn't be a problem of benefit. Plus, a beraita that was too difficult to unpack -- with the claim that they needed a carpenter, the son of a carpenter to resolve it. Also, another beraita that needed unpacking (about removing worms from a tree, or putting manure on certain places...2025-08-0717 minTalking TalmudAvodah Zarah 10: Circumcision under the RomansMore on the festivals of the non-Jews, including, specifically, the coronation of their kings. With specific focus on the coronation of a king born of a king - except that the Romans didn't really function that way. So perhaps it was the king's birthday, not his coronation day? The Gemara attempts to unravel the terms. Also, Antoninus, about whom there are many stories with Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi, a caesar who hated the Jews, and the role of circumcision in defining the Jewish community. The link Yardaena mentions towards the end of the episode: https://thelehrhaus.com/scholarship...2025-06-2916 minTalking TalmudGittin 83: In Rabbi Eliezer's WakeAfter R. Eliezer died, 4 sages (Tannaim, of course) went to refute his statement with regard to divorce stipulations, each one in turn. Plus, all of the developments of the discussion in their wake, including issues of kehunah, and more, specifically because of concerns that the marital bond remained extant.
NOTE: In a first for Talking Talmud, rather than the usual conversation or tag-team, Yardaena is the sole voice here. Anne's phone died literally as she went to record. But Yardaena covered the material beautifully. Please God, we'll be back tomorrow and following, in our usual form.
2023-08-0711 minTalking TalmudGittin 71: When Deaf Is Not Deaf-MuteA deaf-mute who can communicate in writing, who wants to appoint one to write a get for his wife - because he can communicate, the court appoints on his behalf. [Note: The skipping and choppiness in Anne's recording is something we've never encountered before, and we didn't realize it was happening. You have our profound apologies.] Plus, mute vs deaf vs deaf-mute. Also, how the scribe(s) writing the get becomes relevant in the context of a shaliach, and a verbal directive for get.2023-07-2615 minTalking TalmudGittin 57: Titus, Balaam, Jesus, and RomeOn Onkelos -- the famous translator, who converted to Judaism. The Gemara here presents his investigations prior to conversion, wherein he consults some dead and ostensibly wicked non-Jews: Titus, Balaam, Jesus. Titus advises him to fight the Jews, not join them. Also, concern about the small size of the Land of Israel, and the way it's going to expand as needed. Plus, other famous converts - Na'aman, Nevuzadran, Haman's descendants, Sisera's descendants, Sennacharib's descendants... Shmaya and Avtalyon, from the "Zugot." Also, reading Rome into the Genesis narrative, with Jacob and Esau standing in for Israel and Rome, and the...2023-07-1225 minTalking TalmudNazir 11: The Whole Is Greater than the Sum of Its PartsCan a person vow a nedrei if nezirut for only one of the nezirut prohibitions? Was the language of becoming a Nazir part of colloquial speech?2023-02-0317 minTalking TalmudNazir 10: The Talking CowWhen a vow for nezirut is conditioned upon an external event, such as the positioning of a cow or a door, and whether the vow will be upheld. Plus, the dispute between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai continues. Also, Rava's understanding of the role of the cow in this kind of case, plus his revision, as it were, to include the possibility of both the cow and the door.2023-02-0212 minTalking TalmudNazir 9: People Know What a Nazir IsChapter 2: One who uses unusual expressions in taking on nezirut (for example, including refraining from dried figs in the vow), and whether that has impact on the assumption of nezirut. A machloket between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai. Also, specific definitions of the korbanot mitigate against just deciding whatever sacrifice one wanted to offer, for example. Misspeaking for such a thing is allowable to some extent, but the vow for nezirut is expected to comply with the definition, as people know what a nazir is, and shouldn't have introduced external details.2023-02-0116 minTalking TalmudNazir 8: To Be a Nazir ForeverA new mishnah: One who takes on being a nazir using euphemistic language - may indeed take on nezirut for his whole life, with some question as to how often he might be eligible to cut his hair/shave his head - depending on the phrasing used to undertake the nezirut. Likewise, one can undertake longer periods of nezirut, depending on phrasing. Also, one who undertakes nezirut "forever" can also delimit the time, depending. With the possibility of one long nezirut or multiple repetitions of 30-day periods of nezirut. Plus, different ways of counting, and different shapes of houses supporting...2023-01-3111 minTalking TalmudNazir 7: Until the End of the World3 mishnayot on vowing to become a nazir. First, how to specify the term of nezirut, and how the default remains 30 days. Plus, measuring distance between places based on how long it takes to travel there. Also, the language used itself can make the difference, including when not to default to 30 days, but that doesn't mean adding on an hour or a day in your vow necessarily works.2023-01-3014 minTalking TalmudNazir 6: Growing Your Hair LongMore on the machloket between R. Matanah and Bar Peda. The practical difference between their views is one who becomes impure on the 30th day, because if it's only 29 days, the impurity shouldn't negate the entirety of the nezirut. [Talmudic concept: miktzat ha-yom ke-kulo] Plus, the Gemara lines up this dispute with another one, by tannaim. Also, the impact of growing one's hair long, which takes a minimum of 30 days. Which also raises the question of whether the word, "until" is inclusive of the day mentioned, or not.2023-01-2912 minTalking TalmudNedarim 5: How Long Nezirut?On Avshalom, son of King David, and nazir. He cut his hair once a year, which is derived from a verse. Or was that every week?? Plus, a new mishnah: the default nezirut is 39 days long -- which leads the Gemara to probe how we know 30 days (and not 29, for that matter - which is a machloket between R. Matanah and Bar Peda.2023-01-2815 minTalking TalmudNedarim 4: Samson Didn't Vow2 mishnayot - beginning with taking a vow like the nezirut of Shimshon (Samson), with different phrasings that all refer to him. But why use all the details?! Also, what's the difference between this kind of nazir and a regular nazir? Beginning with sacrifices, and hair-trimming, and the issues of becoming impure from contact with the dead. Plus, of course, the way one becomes a nazir. Also, the story of Shimon HaTzadik and the beautiful nazir.2023-01-2715 minTalking TalmudNedarim 3: Beauty Is as It DoesA note on Rivan, the son-in-law of Rashi, who takes his place, as it were, in Nazir. || Wording the vow to become a nazir - with a plan to become "beautiful." Is that enough to count as a nazir's vow? Is that physical beauty or the beauty of mitzvot? Plus, the beauty if long curly locks. Also, a new mishnah: mentioning part of nezirut counts as a vow to be a full nazir. And the Gemara explaining the views represented in the mishnah (R. Shimon vs. Rabbanan). Plus, how can the vow of the nazir contradict the requirement for kiddush...2023-01-2617 minTalking TalmudNazir 2: The Vow of the NazirAn introduction to Nazir, including its placement in Seder Nashim, and following Nedarim. An introduction to chapter 1, including the biblical source for nezirut. And the opening of the masekhet, with discussion of how one takes on nezirut with an articulated statement, and the ambivalence about this optional asceticism, which will be discussed at greater length going forward.2023-01-2514 minTalking TalmudNedarim 91: Signs of an AffairThe case of a woman who says to and about her husband that he divorced her - is she to be believed? Also, narrative preceding halakhah with regard to the behavior that follows potentially misspoken words, especially as pertaining to the marital bed and its aftermath.2023-01-2413 minTalking TalmudNedarim 90: Is Annulment Dependent on RevocationThe Gemara presents Rav Pappi’s version of the machloket between Rabbi Natan and the Chachamim. Plus the last Mishnah of our Masechet!2023-01-2316 minTalking TalmudNedarim 89: The Vows That Can't Be Revoked3 mishnayot, addressing how the father can revoke a daughter's vows, with what terms and what exception, what to pay attention to, etc. Plus, the 9 women whose vows are upheld and can't be revoked. Also, conditional vows that complicate the lives of everyone, and whether they can be revoked or nullified.2023-01-2220 minTalking TalmudNedarim 88: Can a Blind Man See?When the sages contradict their own opinions, specifically via a parallel case if inadvertent homicide and a blind person, as compared to Nedarim. Also, a new mishnah: when a father wants to give money or property to his daughter, but not to her husband, his son-in-law. That is, the question of whether what she acquires is also immediately acquired by him.2023-01-2116 minTalking TalmudNedarim 87: Missing IntelThe case of a man who discovers later that he didn't have all the details at the time he revoked a vow. With a parallel to tearing keriyah in mourning, and introducing how long it takes to revise the information of the situation. Plus, a mishnah about a woman who swears off figs and grapes, and that vow is revoked apparently partially - is that sufficient? Plus a second mishnah on one who doesn't know he has the right to revoke a vow, and later discovers it - does he get an extension of time to do so? What if...2023-01-2018 minTalking TalmudNedarim 86: Who Owns a Wife's Body?In memory and tribute of our teacher Rabbi Moshe Kahn z"l || More on the question of a vow about something that doesn't yet exist, in parallel to a field that is to be consecrated in the future, and why that parallel doesn't work... Until the Gemara figures out how it could work as a legitimate parallel. Also, what exactly does a husband own in the relationship, as tricky as that question may feel to us today? Does the wife have ownership over her body? The produce of her hands? Plus, a new mishnah: if a man mixes up who...2023-01-1914 minTalking TalmudNedarim 85: Swearing Away the FutureA new mishnah - a woman who makes the things she produces off-limits from her father, brother, in-laws... The husband can revoke the vow. She can't take those same things away from her husband. But what if she made more than the required amount, and that's the part she was making off-limits to her husband? He should still revoke the vow. Especially if they get divorced one day, and that vow would then kick in. Also, the Gemara on this mishnah, and how Shmuel decides the halakhah according to R. Yochanan ben Nori, but then Shmuel seems to contradict his...2023-01-1814 minTalking TalmudNedarim 84: The Pool of Poor PeopleA woman who has sworn off benefit from people, and can still eat from the agricultural mitzvot of charity, but it doesn't mention ma'aser ani. But is that lack of mention because she can't eat from ma'aser ani? What are the implications of demai (uncertainty with regard to whether tithes have been taken). Note that ma'aser ani doesn't have kedushah, as some other such mitzvot do. Also, the question of when one can designate the recipient of such gifts to the poor may carry monetary value (or not).2023-01-1713 minTalking TalmudNedarim 83: If It's a Mitzvah, It's No GiftWhat did R. Yochanan mean about partial revoking of vows? With the parallel to nezirut, and how it can't be separated in its vow. Plus, when a woman swears off benefit from others, and the husband cannot revoke that vow, she can indeed eat from leket, shikhcha, and pe'ah - because they're mitzvot. Is the husband included in the "everyone" though? (It's a machloket)2023-01-1613 minTalking TalmudNedarim 82: Combination NedarimMore on the husband's revoking his wife's vows, and how he cannot do so when it comes to a vow she makes pertaining to a third party. Though when the vow can be extended as pertaining to his household, then he can revoke. Also, if one makes a vow that includes self-affliction and no self-affliction in the same vow (e.g., two loaves of bread, one of which is affliction to miss out on and another which is not), the husband can only revoke the part of self-affliction. And veering into the question of nezirut.2023-01-1514 minTalking TalmudNedarim 81: Swearing Off MakeupWhy are the children of Torah scholars not themselves also Torah scholars? With several possible answers. Also, going back to a wife's nedarim that do not involve self-affliction. The husband can then revoke the vows if they pertain to the couple's relationship, but if they pertain to her connection to others, he cannot revoke them. But if her vows pertain to both of them, he can revoke them.2023-01-1414 minTalking TalmudNedarim 80: Defining AfflictionA study of self-affliction: what is "inui"? What needs to be prohibited from oneself? With bathing as the example. Also, the question of how not bathing is suffering (or not, as the case may be) in the context of Yom Kippur, and where the karet punishment might kick in. Note that discomfort and affliction may not quite define halakhic "inui."2023-01-1318 minTalking TalmudNedarim 79: The Safety NetFinishing the 10 chapter of Nedarim on the husband who revokes his wife's vows, as needed. And... beginning chapter 11, with a new mishnah on a vow taken by a woman that afflicts her, and which her husband or father can then revoke. Some of which might affect him or their relationship. Which means that the vows that bring about self-affliction need to be explored and defined. Also, some rationale why the husband can revoke self-affliction vows and those that would have impact on their relationship or life together, the later right only lasting for the duration of the marriage.2023-01-1212 minTalking TalmudNedarim 78: To Annoy His WifeAgain, nullifying vs. revoking - hatarat vs. hafarat nedarim. As learned from "zeh ha-davar," as worded in the biblical verse. Plus, a gezerag shavah with regard to a vow of consecration that can be annulled. Plus, the festivals as paralleled to the vows (or vice versa). Plus, the sources for the conclusion, whether logic or verses or gezerah shavah. Also, when a husband refrains from immediate revoking of his wife's vow with the intent to annoy her - though the plan is clearly that he will eventually revoke to.2023-01-1121 minTalking TalmudNedarim 77: Did You Nullify Your Vows before Candle-lighting?Revoking and annulling vows on Shabbat - the latter, specifically for things needed that same Shabbat. Plus, revoking vows at night - but why does this need to be stated? What happens when the vow is made on Shabbat? Wrapping up these issues, or almost. Also, can judges nullify a vow while standing? Rabban Gamliel dismounted his donkey to adjudicate a case... Does that answer the case? Plus, the sin in vowing, and the source for it.2023-01-1018 minTalking TalmudNedarim 76: Defining a DayMore on the question of whether one can nullify vows in advance. With a parallel to the impurity and purity of seeds. Also, a new mishnah, on the "day" that the vow can be revoked. Plus, the Gemara on how to define the day - is it 24 hours or specifically the calendar date that the vow is made.2023-01-0917 minTalking TalmudNedarim 75: Preventative MeasuresA new mishnah: Vows that haven't yet been made can't be ratified in advance. Revoking in advance is a machloket, however. But how would revoking in advance actually work? Also, can a man revoke his wife's vow before she's even made them?2023-01-0811 minTalking TalmudNedarim 74: Yibum and Revoking VowsA new mishnah: A woman waiting for yibum - can the yavam revoke this woman's vows? Which leads to the question of where the man gets the authority to revoke the vows. And the return of "ma'amar." Plus, the obligation of the yavam to the yevamah.2023-01-0717 minTalking TalmudNedarim 73: Impossible vs. ImprobableMore on whether a father or husband can revoke a woman's hear he didn't hear. What if the man is deaf? With recourse to the example of an unmixed grain sacrifice (minchah) as a parallel. Also, a new mishnah on the women who wait the appropriate time period after betrothal - can that husband-to-be revoke her vows or not yet? Plus, the d'Orayta or deRabbanan divide.2023-01-0614 minTalking TalmudNedarim 72: The Role of Divorce in Upholding VowsWhen a husband divorces his wife after she's taken a vow, does the divorce function as upholding or ratifying the vow, or is it just silence? With the practical difference being if she divorced and remarried immediately, with implications for the second husband's ability to revoke that vow. Plus, a new mishnah - on the practice of a father revoking any and all vows that his daughter made under his auspices before she was ever betrothed, so that she marries with a clean slate. Also, how one can revoke a vow he didn't hear.2023-01-0521 minTalking TalmudNedarim 71: 100 BetrothalsA woman who takes a vow while betrothed, divorces that same day, gets betrothed to another that same day - the father can revoke her vow and the second (or last in this kind of chain) can revoke it. That is, she is always under her father's auspices, as a young woman, or under her husband's, but she hasn't aged into her own authority. Plus, the verses that explain the bottom lines of these cases. Also, a dispute between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai regarding the nature of revoking the woman's vow.2023-01-0412 minTalking TalmudNedarim 70: The Male Claim to the Betrothed Young WomanMore on the husband/father revoking vows - with a parallel to the vow of becoming a nazir. Declaring oneself a Nazir bring a vow, of course. The point comes, though, when the man cannot revoke it - once he's confirmed it, it's upheld - or so it seems at first blush. Also, a new mishnah, which introduces new parameters for the difference between the father and the husband - specifically (again), if the father dies. Plus, the sources for this authority, and the complications of the shifts in the woman's status. Plus, the waiting period between betrothal and marriage...2023-01-0316 minTalking TalmudNedarim 69: An Infinity LoopThe right to revoke a woman's vow, as it transfers between husband and father (or not), in the event of the other's death. Also, the question of whether one can pose a question to a sage to revoke her vow - comparable to nullifying vows as we've seen in the past. Plus, the question of exchange/temurah.2023-01-0216 minTalking TalmudNedarim 68: A Father and a HusbandWhen a man revokes his betrothed's vow, is he removing the vow or weakening it? How does the father's revoking impact the vow? Plus, the timing of the betrothed's revoking or upholding the vow. Plus, how that timing works with the father's involvement, including if the father dies.2023-01-0110 minTalking TalmudNedarim 67: Revoking a Young Woman's VowsAnother quick December 31 request for support for Talking Talmud. || Introducing the halakhit pertaining to a husband and father being able to revoke a girl or woman's vows. Revoking being a different treatment of the vow than a sage's annulling a vow. And with recognition that this treatment of a woman's vows may be troubling. The daf introduces the most complicated case of a betrothed young woman, under the auspices of both her father and her husband at the same time, and both are needed to revoke her vow. Plus, the biblical verses that provide the sources of these cases.2022-12-3116 minTalking TalmudNedarim 66: The Beautiful Daughters of IsraelNote: Plug for 2022 year-end contributions to Talking Talmud (details and link to contribute on FB or WhatsApp). Two mishnayot: First, an opening to release a person from his vow against eating meat, for example, if he can be asked: had you realized that would include Shabbat and holidays, would you have made this vow? Note that a vow that is partly nullified is wholly nullified. Likewise, exceptions to the general vow can be used to undermine and nullify that vow. Also, the possibility of undoing a vow because of the fear of shame to the family members because of his...2022-12-3018 minTalking TalmudNedarim 65: Nebuchadnezzar's Knowledge of HalakhahDissolving a vow that pertains to another person can only be done in the presence of that other person. With a proof from Moses and Jethro - and Midian and Egypt. Plus, a story about Nebuchadnezzar and his shame before Tzidkiyahu. Also, 3 mishnayot: openings to annul a vow, beginning with new developments. For example, a vow to keep out if certain property because of a dog or a snake, with the subsequent discovery that the dog/snake died, and the vow is no longer relevant. Plus, an opening to dissolve a vow because if the injunctions in the Torah against...2022-12-2917 minTalking TalmudNedarim 64: Guilt TripsChapter 9. With a new mishnah, introducing the process of removing, annulling, dissolving a vow. The question arises as to how one demonstrates regret, or what makes a person regret a vow. For example, feeling bad before one's parents, before God. Plus, other future developments that lead to regretting the past vow - so many vows would never be made if the future were known as to the impact. Note R. Eliezer's apparently more lenient view with regard to vows here. Also, the need to go to get a vow annulled with a story to the sage... Which, again, raises the...2022-12-2816 minTalking TalmudNedarim 63: Personal Prohibition and the ExtremeWhat happens when one swears off wine for the year and then the year turns out to have an extra month? What happens if the person swearing off the wine specified Adar in his vow - but didn't specify Adar I or Adar II, then what are the implications for the length of the vow? Also, what happens when the vow specifies Pesach? Given the presumption of wine on the first night if Pesach. Plus, Ezra's decree about garlic. Plus, other vows specifying meals, etc. Do we hold people to this kind of extreme language?!2022-12-2712 minTalking TalmudNedarim 62: The Great Rabbi TarfonSeveral stories about Rabbi Tarfon, including his reputation, and how he made use of it. [Who's Who: R. Tarfon] Also, harvesting as a time that defines or limits a vow - with mention of several different harvests. Likewise, referring to the rainfall as a way to define time (we didn't know it would happen when we recorded, but this day in Israel is a representative very rainy day).2022-12-2614 minTalking TalmudNedarim 61: Jubilee CelebrationsThe Gemara continues its discussion around nedarim of time and how do we define a section of time. Why is the fig harvest considered the end of summer?2022-12-2519 minTalking TalmudNedarim 60: A Vow of TimeChapter 8. When one vows to make wine off-limits, but with a time factor - today, this week, this month, and so on - it's off-limits until the end of that same day, week, month, and so on. But "a day," "a week," "a month" means for the specific length of time. Also, applying these details of time to other situations of vows - "today" vs. "one day," for example. Plus, avoiding the language of nedarim.2022-12-2413 minTalking TalmudNedarim 59: When Is an Onion an Onion? (yes, still the onion)Concluding the discussion of whether something prohibited can lost that status. Recall the ability to annul a vow! Plus, the implications of a terumah-hullin mixture, and the possibility of reversing its status. Also, what happens when that which is planted has already been tithed? When it grows again, do you have to tithe again? When do you cross the line into taking too much?2022-12-2319 minTalking TalmudNedarim 58: Onion Is as Onion Does (or Grows)More on the onion and the way it grows - does the prohibited part forbid the permitted part, or vice versa? Note the Talmudic, halakhic concept: Davar she-yesh lol matirin - a way to permit something that was forbidden. How that concept is applied elsewhere, especially with regard to mixtures, and here. Also, weeding with a Kuti/Samaritan, who is not considered reliable for taking terumot and maaserot, with implications for shemitah concerns as well. All of these concerns seem to kick in for the kind of bulbs that grow over themselves, as it were, as compared to beans, which...2022-12-2219 minTalking TalmudNedarim 57: Do Growing and Replanting Remove Foods from a Vow?A long mishnah: One who declares certain foods to be off-limits will have different restrictions, depending on the phrasing. Plus, how far into the future does one's vow extend? Also, when a husband swears off his wife's productivity. Or does so for a set amount of time (the same "until Pesach" deadlines that we've seen in the past). Note that the Gemara doesn't address the whole if the mishnah; rather, it focuses on the vow against the productivity of the wife's hands. Plus, the question of uprooting an onion during the 7th year (shemitah), for replanting in the 8th year...2022-12-2122 minTalking TalmudNedarim 56: Inside/Outside3 mishnayot: When one swears off a house - going into the attic of a house may or not be included in that vow, as prohibited (a dispute between R. Meir and the sages). Also, one who swears off a bed, which may or may not include a "dargash." Plus, defining "dargash." Also, swearing off entrance to a city - which includes its environs, apparently, while the inside/outside of a house are more specific to the doorjamb.2022-12-2013 minTalking TalmudNedarim 55: It's All According to the One Who VowsMore on the terms we use. One who swears off "dagan" may include a particular bean, and not just the 5 grains, because of the way that bean is stored. Plus, the story of Mar bar Shmuel and the stipulation in his will. Also, character development for Rava from R. Yosef. Also, swearing off clothing, and the implications for non-garments, and for things made of the same kind of thing as garments, but when it's not garments. Likewise, the implications of carrying on Shabbat for "garments" - namely, if it's not considered carrying, it's considered wearing, and vice versa.2022-12-1923 minTalking TalmudNedarim 54: Defining "Vegetables"Chapter VII: Swearing off "vegetables" - does that include gourds? What about legumes? What drives whether the term "vegetables" is more or less inclusive? Also, the implications for punishment if this vow is violated technically are significant. Namely, the question of whether one would get lashes. Also, implications for me'ilah. What happens with different (correct) names for meat - when that meat is hekdesh?! Whose fault is it?2022-12-1816 minTalking TalmudNedarim 53: Olive Oil, Winter Grapes, and AsparagusMore vows about food in 3 new mishnayot. Does swearing off dates include silan (date honey)? What about winter grapes and their vinegar? It would seem that the way we refer to the different foods and their derivatives may make the difference, as to whether it is included in the vow against the food. But is there really a dispute in the mishnah? Also, one who swears off wine can still have cider (wine from apples) - the default understanding of the term "wine" means from grapes. Likewise, "oil" meant olive oil. Likewise, "honey" means from bees. Likewise, "leeks," as compared...2022-12-1712 minTalking TalmudNedarim 52: Curds and WheyFood vows in the mishnah - first, swearing off milk (does that include whey?), or swearing off whey (does that include milk?). Plus, R. Tarfon, meat, and more. Also, one who swears off grapes (what about wine?) or olives (what about olive oil?). To what extent does the general casual phrasing have impact on the reach of the vow?2022-12-1612 minTalking TalmudNedarim 51: Awkward Wedding ChitchatA racy daf. Bar Kappara talks to R. Yehudah HaNasi's daughter, apparently provoking her. Ben Elasa was the son-in-law to R. Yehudah HaNasi, and he was invited to the wedding of R. Shimon, son of R. Yehudah HaNasi. And Bar Kappara asks provocative questions of R. Yehudah HaNasi, some of them less table-talk than others. [Who's Who: Bar Kappara] Also, 2 mishnayot, with attention to the precise meaning of the words used when making a vow - common use and expression vs. literal use of a term, which is the intent of one's vow?2022-12-1518 minTalking TalmudNedarim 50: Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Yehoshua, and the Beauty of TorahBiographical details about various sages, with a focus on R. Akiva, including his marriage, and the dynamic with his father-in-law, Kalba Savua. Plus, the Jerusalem of Gold ornament. Note the Nedarim context here of the very familiar narrative. Also, the insult to R. Yehoshua that he is ugly, despite his glorious Torah. Plus, another insult to Shmuel, and the consequences of that.2022-12-1426 minTalking TalmudNedarim 49: Have Some Carbs with Your CarbsAnother granular mishnah. One who swears off cooked food can still eat roasted food or undercooked food. Cooked means prepared with heat that you eat with bread, as per the practices of yore. Likewise, one who swears off food made in a pot - boiling, specifically, or moving on to any food that's cooked in a pot. Also, the porridge eaten in Babylonia, with bread. Plus, table manners and the effect of different foods.2022-12-1318 minTalking TalmudNedarim 48: Why Nedarim?!Starting with a long mishnah: the phrasing of the vow prohibiting benefit makes a real difference, even in private property. What happens when the property is available for public use? How can one be sworn of use or benefit from them? The mishnah defines municipal works in this context. Plus, different locales have different expectations and requirements. Also, on the people of the Galilee - whom the Gemara calls "contrarians," who regularly made nedarim, swearing off each other's property! Plus, a second mishnah - with the case of a grandfather who swears off benefit from his son, which makes things...2022-12-1222 minTalking TalmudNedarim 47: Prohibiting Something That Doesn't Yet ExistWhen the vow is on a specific property, how long would one be prohibited from benefit? For example, what if the property changes hands? For that matter, can one prohibit something even after it's gone from his own possession?! Also, a discussion of the off-limits property, with a question raised by Rami bar Hama. Namely, how effective is a vow when the relevant property changes hands? With several attempts to address the dilemma.2022-12-1112 minTalking TalmudNedarim 46: Bathhouses and Olive PressesContinuing the mishnah... With regard to joint ownership. What if only one is prohibited from the benefit of that which jointly owned? It's the same rationale for prohibition or permission. Likewise, what about property or tools that are leased to the public (eg - a bathhouse or an olive press) - it will depend on whether the owner who has sworn off another getting benefit depends on whether the owner actually has any rights to the leased property/tools. Also, what happens when one says another can't get benefit, imposed on another, as compared to one taking a vow upon...2022-12-1016 minTalking TalmudNedarim 45: The Smallest PublicClosing chapter 4. Retracting a statement of hefker is not effective when the declaration of hefker took place before 3 people - then it's automatically ownerless (and according to biblical law, one witness would be enough for immediate effect, but the sages required 3). Also, chapter 5: where jointly owned property may be subject to vows swearing off benefit, and the question of whether that shared ownership means one must be stringent with regard to the potential benefit, or whether one can assume that the shared ownership means there's no real way to lose the benefit.2022-12-0912 minTalking TalmudNedarim 44: Hefker RemorseOn the rules of "hefker," declaring something ownerless. And how it removes this issue of being unable to provide benefit (or not). How long is a declaration of hefker into effect? And when can that declaration be retracted? That is, if nobody else has come along to claim the "ownerless" property. Also, timing that is designed to protect against swindlers. Plus, when the Torah requirement for tithing and the rabbinic standing overlap in ways that leave produce untithed when it should be tithed.2022-12-0823 minTalking TalmudNedarim 43: Very Helpful Work-AroundsA new mishnah: When one wants to borrow a cow (!), and the cow isn't available, which leads the would-be borrower to swear off the cow ever coming to plow the field. But when one who has sworn of benefit from another and is truly in need, the one who can't give CAN work around the prohibition and vow via indirect benefit to the other. But R. Yosi doesn't like the indirect giving as a work-around. Which makes the Gemara explore why he doesn't. Is it just timing? The way he conceives of hefker? The way he conceives of vows?2022-12-0720 minTalking TalmudNedarim 42: A Vow of No-Benefit and the Seventh YearOne who swears off benefit from his friend cannot enter the friend's field or benefit from his produce. But a shemitah year changes those terms. Plus, how the phrasing her lines up (or doesn't) with the position of Rav and Shmuel, or perhaps R. Yochanan and Resh Lakish - specifically with regard to the impact of shemitah on the benefit factor. Plus, swearing off benefit means no lending/borrowing, or selling/buying. Even though only one direction is "benefit"2022-12-0613 minTalking TalmudNedarim 41: 13 VersionsMore on illness and its impact (like forgetting all of one's learning), plus stories about the sages. Including R. Yosef. Plus, insight into the writing or compiling of the Mishnah. Also, the challenges of forgetting, as per R. Hiya - and the remembering by a lowly laundryman. Also, two mishnayot on the extent to which one can be near another person and not violate the swearing off of benefit.2022-12-0515 minTalking TalmudNedarim 40: The Healing Powers of Visiting the SickThe sages falling ill and getting visitors. Including when nobody visited R. Helbo. But how curative are such visits! And how much harm does one do when not praying for another's recovery. Plus, Rava gets sick and wants to keep it quiet. Until he finally agrees - go out and announce it, and let them pray (or rejoice). Also, the Shechinah visits the sick too. Plus, a question of whether the visitor sits, stands, sits on the floor, etc. - in the presence of God, as the Shechinah is visiting too. Plus, a sidebar on rain and mikvaot, and the...2022-12-0418 minTalking TalmudNedarim 39: Removing 1/60th of SufferingA mishnah from Daf 38, and the Gemara on it - one who is the subject of someone else's vow swearing off benefit from him. How would this have impact on a visit to the sick, in either direction? It seems an indirect benefit... One possiblity is standing instead of sitting, while visiting. Plus, "benefitting" from fruit during a shemitah year. Also, where in the Torah do we find the mitzvah of visiting the sick? Plus, there's no "measure" to visiting the sick - with several interpretations of what that means.2022-12-0321 minTalking TalmudNedarim 38: Wealthy Prophets (No pun intended)Prophets are rich, says the Gemara. Just see Moses, Samuel, Amos, and Jonah. Including prooftexts. Plus, R. Yehudah HaNasi and his wealth too. Also, a new mishnah - when a person swears of benefitting from another, what relationship can they still have? Including during a wedding between the families of both people.2022-12-0220 minTalking TalmudNedarim 37: Do Daughters Need Safeguarding?What benefits can accrue from Torah when one swears off benefit from a given person? The Gemara shows the monetary loss. Plus, the dispute over whether teachers of children are paid for childcare or for teaching them skills. Also, analysis of the dispute. Plus, what about girls, when boys were the only ones in school? Also, how do the ta'amei hamikra (trop) fit in? Aren't they part of the text, essentially?2022-12-0122 minTalking TalmudNedarim 36: Consent and BenefitThe daf explores an very existential question: can we perform an action on someone else’s behalf for their benefit without their knowledge?2022-11-3019 minTalking TalmudNedarim 35: What Is the Role of a Kohen?A dilemma posed to R. Nachman: when one swears off property, does that make the use of that property its own violation, as per me'ilah, the violation of property consecrated to the Beit HaMikdash? Also, the new mishnah: what is included and excluded when one swears off benefit from another person? What can the limited person still do for or with the other? For example, the role of a kohen that goes beyond personal benefit... When can he function in his official role, even for one who has sworn off benefitting from him, and when can he not?2022-11-2918 minTalking TalmudNedarim 34: VersionsA mishnah on the previous daf leads into a discussion of what is excluded when one swears off benefit from another. Including returning a lost object, for example, and how benefit should go to the Temple treasury. And the dispute that arises in this question. Plus, an important assessment of these passages as difficult, which leads to considerations of different manuscripts or editions before the different commentators. Also, the complications this emerge from swearing off benefit - specifically, one swears off from another's benefit from his loaf of bread, and then gives that same loaf as a gift. What is...2022-11-2823 minTalking TalmudNedarim 33: Fine-tuning DistinctionsA new chapter! The only real difference between one who swears off benefit from his friend and one who swears off the food of his friend is only a matter of walking over, on his property, for example (and whether items not connected to food prep would be allowed or not). Plus, who taught this mishnah? (R. Eliezer). Also, another mishnah...still on food prep, and a question on what might be rented, and that connects. Plus, swearing off and yet getting benefit. With complicated parameters. Plus, the case of Hanan.2022-11-2716 minTalking TalmudNedarim 32: The Power and Importance of Brit MilahMore on the importance of circumstances. Specifically, the story of Moshe and God's wrath at his apparent delaying the circumcision of his son. Plus, more on Moshe, and God's wrath. Also, the completion of Avraham via brit milah, and the covenant with God. Plus, the significance of gematriya in names.2022-11-2622 minTalking TalmudNedarim 31: Labeling PeopleMore mishnayot! One - a person who makes a vow not to benefit from those who "rest" on Shabbat - who is included and excluded from this category? Or a vow not to benefit from those who eat garlic... Which links back to a decree from Ezra, specifically to eat garlic on Shabbat. Likewise, one who goes up to Jerusalem. All being connected to Jews vs. Kutim. Two - Swearing off benefit from those who are descendants of Noah, which sounds like everyone, but comes to exclude the Jewish people. Three - Swearing off benefit from those who are descendants...2022-11-2619 minTalking TalmudNedarim 30: Utterly Extreme VowsA whole lot of mishnayot. One: A person who swore off benefit from seafarers. Or land-dwellers. But who's included in these sweeping statements? Two: One who swears off benefit from those who benefit from seeing the sun. But again, who is included here? The wording is specific. Exposed to the sun includes the blind, of course. Three: One who swears off the dark-headed. But whom does that exclude? Four: One who swears off benefit from those who are born. As compared to those who have not yet been born.2022-11-2414 minTalking TalmudNedarim 29: Is There a Grace Period for a Vow?More on the consecrated trees... If they're consecrated until they're felled. What does that time stipulation do to the neder? And then they need to be reconsecrated, with ongoing renewal. But that's debate (whether they need to be redeemed). Where does the sanctity go? Plus, the comparison to kiddushin, betrothal, and the sanctity of marriage. Plus, the comparison to korbanot. Also, how stipulations with regard to timing in a neder matter. And again the application to kiddushin. And likewise, with regard to korbanot.2022-11-2319 minTalking TalmudNedarim 28: The Promises Made in Dire StraitsA new mishnah! Taking a vow to protect yourself from thugs who you feel are putting you in danger, and you take a vow to protect yourself. With a machloket between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai, how far that goes. Plus, the law of the land is the law (assuming that doesn't mean laws made against Judaism). Also, another mishnah! The need to redeem saplings (for example) that have been consecrated - with various parameters. Plus, the vows people take in a time of need - like, the protect the saplings, plus the case of the tallit. Namely, promises made...2022-11-2216 minTalking TalmudNedarim 27: How to Really Mean What You Say[Announcement on Donation Opportunities] Vows that are not fulfilled because of circumstances beyond one's control. With the example of a court case, a man who filed documents in his favor, and he assures the court he'll return with a vow that the documents will be null and void if he doesn't come back in time. That's how certain he is that he'll come back. Which leads to an important dispute between Rava and R. Huna - is his vow upheld, despite the fact that he was prevented from return by circumstances beyond his control. Plus, a new definition of "asmachata"...2022-11-2119 minTalking TalmudNedarim 26: (Some) Onions Are Good for the HeartMore on accidental vows. When part of the vow remains in force, but not all of it - depending on how much regret the person making the vow explains. Plus, a machloket about vows based on a machloket about designated sacrifices. Also, swearing people off something in a way that includes people because they are similar to others, in which case, the question becomes what happens to all of the people included if/when a vow is untied. Plus, an example of swearing off onions because of health concerns, which are then determined to be healthful... So that vow becomes...2022-11-2018 minTalking TalmudNedarim 25: Unwitting, Accidental VowsDo people use their own language when formulating a vow? Or are they more likely to rely on a formula? What kind of pitfalls are there (or potentially so) in one's own language? Also, a new mishnah, on unwitting vows. That is, when one makes a statement that is based on a mistaken premise. Plus, R. Akiva's innovative statement about vows - that nullifying a vow in part nullified it in full.2022-11-1916 minTalking TalmudNedarim 24: Circumstances beyond Our ControlDo the rabbis agree with R. Elazar Ben Yaakov from the mishnah or not? What if a person can't fulfill a vow because of circumstances beyond his control? What about a host and a guest, where the meal doesn't happen... Are such vows actually vows? [Who's Who: R. Elazar ben Yaakov] Also, a new mishnah, on vows of exaggeration, and the problem with them.2022-11-1810 minTalking TalmudNedarim 23: Abaye Goes Too FarHow dissolving vows seems to have been a common occurrence. Also, the Manny expressions of regret. Also, both Abaye and his wife want the daughter of Abaye's wife to marry someone from their respective sides of the family. And even Abaye makes an extreme vow that needed to be dissolved. Also, a new mishnah: invitations and disclaimers. Plus, cancelling future vows in advance. Including Rosh Hashanah stipulations. There's a tension between wanting people to be careful with their language, and also to make sure that they aren't stuck.2022-11-1716 minTalking TalmudNedarim 22: Down with VowsAnother case of dissolving a vow... because your deeds are known in heaven. Also, comparing making a vow to building an altar. Plus, an investigation into anger, and the harm that being angry does to oneself. And this sense of anger permeating the events of the writing of all the books after the 5 books of the Torah and the Book of Joshua. Plus, on how one gets our of a vow - R. Nachman and the annulment and regret.2022-11-1619 min