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Monthly Archives: October 2012
Shabbat 28 – The law was transmitted to Moses on Mount Sinai
Today’s daf deals with several aspects of the shape and materials to be used in the manufacture of tephillin (phylacteries). In each case the Talmud informs us that the reason behind these aspects of tephillin eg. black straps is not … Continue reading
Shabbat 26 – How to handle your in-laws?
When learning today’s daf I realised all I really needed to do was quote the following:- “A mother-in-law who hated her daughter-in-law said to her: Go adorn yourself with balsam oil. She went and adorned herself. When she came, he … Continue reading
Shabbat 25 – Who is wealthy?
The famous question posed in the Ethics of the Fathers is posed on today’s daf. Who is wealthy? תנו רבנן: איזה עשיר? כל שיש לו נחת רוח בעשרו, דברי רבי מאיר…….. רבי טרפון אומר: כל שיש לו מאה כרמים ומאה … Continue reading
Shabbat 23 – Kiddush wine or Hanukkah candles. Which takes precedence?
The Talmud says that buying Hanukkah lights takes precedence over buying wine for kiddush, because the Hanukkah lights involve Pirsum Nes, the publicizing of the miracle of Hanukkah. בעי רבא: נר חנוכה וקידוש היום מהו? קידוש היום עדיף – דתדיר, … Continue reading
Shabbat 23 – When to light Shabbat candles
Today’s daf deals with two interesting and important areas of Jewish Law:- 1. When are we supposed to light Shabbat candles; and 2. If we only have enough money for Kiddush wine or Hanukkah candles which takes precedence? I have … Continue reading
Shabbat 22 – How the laws of Hanukkah changed?
The last two days of daf yomi provide the first mention of the laws of Hanukkah in the Talmud and cover everything from how many candles to light to where the Hanukkiah should be placed. One of my favourite journals … Continue reading
Shabbat 21 – The text is incomplete
וחסורי מיחסרא “And it is incomplete” The Koren notes: “The following expression: It is incomplete, is essentially an exegetical tool, i.e. added words to clarify the statements of a mishna or a baraita. It should be readas if the added words … Continue reading
Shabbat 20 – Why the Koren is invaluable and the language of the Talmud
And so we finish the 1st chapter of tractate Shabbat and start the famous second chapter of Bameh Madlikin which many communities say every Friday night as part of the Kabbalat Shabbat service. I find it hard to understand the … Continue reading
Shabbat 19 – Sending mail before Shabbat/receiving mail on Shabbat
An often discussed topic is the sending and receiving of letters on erev Shabbat and Shabbat respectively. In the modern era the question became extremely important with the release of the each of the Harry Potter books and whether Jews … Continue reading
Shabbat 18 – Are we permitted to use a Shabbat clock?
Two giants of psak halakha in the 20th century disputed whether we are permitted to use a timer switch on Shabbat. For a full discussion of this topic see Rabbi Michael Broyde’s excellent article here. However below is a brief description … Continue reading
Torah and back again 