Talking Talmud

Yardaena Osband & Anne Gordon

Learning the daf? We have something for you to think about. Not learning the daf? We have something for you to think about! (Along with a taste of the daf...)
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Episodes 63

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S31 · E139
Yesterday · 21 min
Hullin 139: A Nest on Your Head
Consecrated birds are exempt from the mitzvah of sending away the mother bird -- what is the case? Well, what if a person consecrated the baby birds in the nest? Returning them to the nest if the mother bird returns to them, then there's no requirement to send her away anyway! Maybe he's consecrating the mother bird. Plus, what happens if a consecrated bird escapes to the wild?! Note that the Gemara narrows the mishnah's halakhah to a very specific case, in contrast to the original phrasing. Also, the case of finding a nest in the head of a person. And the ostensible sources, or allusions, anyway, in the Torah, for Moshe, Haman, Esther, and Mordechai. [Where's Where? Papuniya]
S31 · E138
Tuesday · 18 min
Hullin 138: Sending Away the Mother Bird
Finishing the 11th chapter and beginning the 12th chapter. First, how much wool must one give in terms of worth? And how must it be presented? And how do we know how much wool counts as this gift to the kohen? The source is in the verses in the same context as the "first fleece" mitzvah in the Torah, in Deuteronomy. Note the famous proverb about reaching for too much as an unsuccessful project, whereas a less ambitious grasp will be successful. Plus, the discussion of the kohen's sash -- namely, if there was no wool in the kohen's sash, then why the first fleece? The Gemara steps back to say that wool is used for the kohen gadol's clothing, and the sash applies to everyone, basically, and therefore the measure of how much fleece is required. Also, chapter 12! And a new mishnah -- all about the mitzvah of sending away the mother bird to take the eggs/baby birds, which, together with honoring parents, carry a biblical promise of long life.
S31 · E137
Monday · 17 min
Hullin 137: Shearing Sheep Only Applies to Sheep
The "first fleece" mishnah applies only to sheep - and the question is how is that known (from the Torah). Along the way, other first-born rules are raised, like the first-born ox doesn't work. Can it be that "shearing" isn't specific to sheep, but removing any animal's hair? And was this a serious inquiry? Also, the minimum number of sheep required for the prescribed shearing -- perhaps 5. Or perhaps according to the value of the fleece. Which comes to a comparable value.
S31 · E136
Sunday · 12 min
Hullin 136: Fleecing the Impure
3 universally accepted lenient halakhot at that time: 1. The first shearing of the wool applied only in the land of Israel (a reduction of obligation, as compared to the mishnah). 2. The words of Torah are not susceptible to ritual impurity. 3. The complicated requirements to violate the law of "mixing kinds," wherein 3 separate elements had to be planted together. Also, note that the "first fleece" had other stringencies that were part of it (eg - whether the treyfot of these sheep would be obligated in the first fleece). And how that is learned from the verses, including a "gezerah shavah" (but which one?).
S31 · E135
Friday · 20 min
Hullin 135: The First Fleece
A new chapter! A new mishnah! The first shearing of your sheep's wool goes to the kohanim. But only from non-consecrated animals. And only when you have "numerous" sheep -- which may be as few as two, or maybe five. Plus, what happens if the owner would dye the wool? Also, partnership in ownership of the flocks that would be required in gifts from the first-sheared wool but are not, because of the partnership (depending on the partnership). Note the contrasts when compared to terumah. Also, the categorization of retroactive clarification -- which shows up again (yesh/ein bereirah). Plus, the ramifications of a partnership with a non-Jew, including those who are not necessarily idolators.
S31 · E134
Friday · 18 min
Hullin 134: Gifts to the Kohanim, Gifts to the Poor
A new mishnah! A convert who had a cow -- and it was slaughtered before the conversion, no gifts to the kohen; if after the conversion, then the convert is obligated in the gifts. But if it's not clear which happened first -- then the convert would be exempt from giving those gifts. [Who's Who: Rav Dimi] Plus, a contradiction raised by a different case -- as based on the information provided by ant holes in grain to determine how long ago that grain was moved, and whether it was harvested after the gifts for the poor had been left. Also, more on the gifts to the poor -- leket, shikchah, and pe'ah, and how they have different constraints/leniencies, as compared to terumah, which goes to the kohen.
S31 · E133
September 10 · 14 min
Hullin 133: Abaye's Priestly Gifts
Rav Yosef tested Rava and Abaye, regarding the gifts that are supposed to go to the kohen - when the kohen grabs the goods, he presents himself with the defense of obtaining the materials. Abaye explains how he used to reach of the gifts, but was schooled by others to simply wait. Plus, did Abaye teach Torah when he should have been functioning as a kohen? Also, partnered ownership of animals with an idolator -- how far can that be taken?
S31 · E132
September 9 · 25 min
Hullin 132: A Kohenet
Do the gifts to the kohen include the daughter of the kohen as a recipient, or is she considered like a yisrael for this purpose, and the gifts are only to male kohanim? Also, more on the koi (the animal that is neither "behamah" nor "haya," but has indications of each). Plus, a new mishnah! On the case of a first-born animal that is blemished, which then exempts the owner from giving the gifts to the kohanim. And if that blemished animal is mixed among 100 other (unblemished) animals, it would exempt all of them from the gifts. Also, the question of joint ownership, and how that might exempt one from those same gifts. Plus, the understanding that this mishnah is speaking to the butcher, and not the owner or the kohen, for example.
S31 · E131
September 8 · 16 min
Hullin 131: Are the Levites Part of the Jewish People?
A particular levi would grab the gifts going to the kohanim, before they reached the kohanim. The people complained to Rav... which raises the question of the gifts that are not required of the levites for the kohanim. But why aren't they required of the levites? Where does Rav find this approach? The difference seems to hinge on whether the levites are part of the people. Also, any foods that are considered sacred are taken from the levites, but not the things that are not sacred. But at the end of the long discussion, it seems that Rav's view is refuted, and the levites really did have to give these gifts.
S31 · E130
September 7 · 14 min
Hullin 130: Priestly Gifts
A new chapter, and a new mishnah! The mitzvah of gifts from slaughtered animals that went to the kohanim - leg, jaw, and maw (the 4th stomach of the cow). Even not during the time of the Temple. Specifically about non-consecrated animals, and not about sacrifices, which have their own set of laws regarding the kohanim. And the many details surrounding these gifts. Also, delving into the gifts, and the specifics of the gifts to the kohanim. Including Rav Hisda's exemption for paying those gifts if they were lost, for example.
S31 · E129
September 6 · 13 min
Hullin 129: Food That Isn't Food
When something that is made of food is not being used for the purposes of food -- and then is not subject to the rules that pertain to food, such as those of impurity, for example. Thus, what a thing is used for has impact on its status and other areas of halakhah, and not just what it was originally designed to be. Also, a new mishnah! More on a dangling limb, and when it is considered to be attached to a dead body, to investigate for impurity, while it can be kept from being considered a dangling limb, whether from a living animal or not.
S31 · E128
September 5 · 19 min
Hullin 128: The Value of No Conclusion: Teiku (Again)
When a dangling limb might become susceptible to impurity. Plus, cases that conclude "Teiku" -- the conclusion is not known with surety. Does the whole body function as a "handle" for the dangling limb? It's a machloket. And several other cases that are not resolved, but conclude "teiku." Plus, flesh that is severed and becomes susceptible to impurity, with attention to the difference between a limb from a live animal in contrast to a limb from a carcass. Note the careful interpretation of the biblical texts here.
S31 · E127
September 4 · 13 min
Hullin 127: Count Your Teeth!
A list of the creeping-crawlies... which diverts us to the fire that a salamander can generate, and the glory of God's creations, including animals that grow on land vs. those from sea vs. those from fire, and the wonder of Rabbi Akiva. Plus, the corruption of the people of Neresh, and various different strengths (or weaknesses) of various locations. Also, a new mishnah! The impurity of partially severed limbs.
S31 · E126
September 3 · 14 min
Hullin 126: Dem Bones
The question of impure marrow from bone - if closed, it doesn't matter, but if punctured, it will impart impurity. Thus, bones become a whole discussion unto themselves, as exceptional cases. Also, the eggs of creepy crawlies - when would they render a person impure? (Begin with the perforation of the egg -- much as the hole in the bone to access the marrow makes a difference too). Note: Ahistorical scientific assumptions included. Also, consider the pervasiveness of impurity and the implications of that for society - much like our own.
S31 · E125
September 2 · 19 min
Hullin 125: Do Bones Impart Impurity? Do Tents?
The marrow of a bone - in a sacrificial offering, that was then leftover - leads to impurity, as do the bones themselves. But that can depend on whether they are opened or closed. Also, touching impurity turns out to have the same status as one would have after carrying impurity. And raises the question of the "ohel," tent, for when impurity is transferred as a matter of being there, as per all of the different categories. Also, the "list' of the Mishnah plays out in the Gemara. Plus, defining the impurity of the tent ("ohel").
S31 · E124
September 1 · 13 min
Hullin 124: Tannaitic Debates: Measurements of Meat
A new mishnah! But first, procedure about how that which is rendered impure becomes pure again by virtue of an action, though that action is not necessarily needed. Plus, when is the impurity of such an item lasting? Some of the description are very fast, in contrast to some others. Plus, how one applies the cautionary tale of this verse. So, when is nevelah meat a debate? And would one want to prove the nevelah meat, and the correct kinds of all of these losses would happen?
S31 · E123
August 31 · 12 min
Hullin 123: Hides in Plain Sight
A new mishnah! More on the hide, and how, without flesh, it doesn't transmit impurity. But in the process of flaying the hide, there is a short time when convey impurity is possible. Also, note that impurity can be removed by changes to the item itself, and not just ridding the item of its ritual impurity.
August 30 · 13 min
Hullin 122: The Impurity of Skin
A new mishnah! But a difficult one. Specifically about skin and when it conveys impurity -- with specific reference to creepie-crawlies, but there is also discussion about the skin of other animals, and even of a dead body (human). And the gruesome discussion of skin being used functionally. With a different level of impurity for human skin -- from a Torah level and from a rabbinic level, which is more cautious and stringent than the Torah level (including the question of tanning). Also, a review of different statuses of different kinds of skin, and the potential of imparting impurity.
S31 · E121
August 29 · 12 min
Hullin 121: Check the Knife!
More on items that join with meat to achieve a volume of food that would lead to the imparting of impurity. Including "allal" - which this daf defines (nuchal ligaments?). With a focus on what aspects can join with meat. Also, if a Jew slaughters a non-kosher animal for a non-Jew's consumption (or the converse) -- the implications of that case, as to when impurity would be imparted, or when there would be halakhic complications to begin with.
S31 · E120
August 28 · 15 min
Hullin 120: When Food Is Not Food
When do spices join together with the meat to yield an amount that can impart impurity of food -- even though the spices alone wouldn't get that impurity to begin with, because spices aren't quite food for this purpose. The Gemara clarifies that it really means the scrapings - including meat - at the bottom of the pot. But what if that includes forbidden fats or coagulated blood or the like? Also, liquids that come from foods with special halakhic statuses -- and how those liquids have the special statuses as well.

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