Podcasts about Talmud

Every effort must be made to arrive in the synagogue on time in the morning so one can recite the complete service – from the morning blessings, through the Akeda and Korbanot, followed by Pesukeh De'zimra, Shema and its blessings, the Amida, and so on. The Kabbalists in particular emphasized the importance of reciting the entire service without skipping any section. According to Kabbalistic thought, the prayer service is a process whereby one ascends from one level to the next, so that by the time he recites the Amida, he is on the highest level where he can speak directly to Hashem. Just as one cannot reach the third floor of a building without first reaching the second floor, likewise, one cannot reach the higher levels before passing through the lower levels, and so each stage of the prayer process is indispensable for the prayers to be effective. Indeed, in the work Maggid Mesharim (Parashat Beshalah), we read that the angel who taught Torah to Maran, author of the Shulhan Aruch, sternly admonished him to ensure to arrive on time in the synagogue so he can complete the entire prayer service. Skipping portions of the service, the angel warned, violates the "Heavenly protocol." Nevertheless, it occasionally happens that, for whatever reason, a person arrives late in the synagogue, and if he recites the entire service, he will be unable to pray the Amida together with the congregation. What should the individual do in this situation? Should he forego the recitation of the Korbanot for the sake of Tefila Be'sibur – praying the Amida together with the congregation – or must he follow the sequence of the prayer service even at the expense of Tefila Be'sibur? The Shulhan Aruch writes that if a person arrives late, then he should skip the introductory sections, and begin with Baruch She'amar so that he can catch up to the congregation and pray with them. If one has time for reciting some of the introductory portions of the prayer service, the Shulhan Aruch adds, then he should recite the morning blessings, as well as the paragraph of "Lefichach" through the verse of "Shema Yisrael" and "Baruch Shem." He should also recite the verses of the Tamid, and the section of the Ketoret, until but not including the paragraph that begins "Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel." Additionally, he should recite the Ana Be'cho'ah prayer. He should recite the first part of Hodu – until the words "U'bi'nvi'ai Al Tare'u" – and then skip until "Kel Nekamot Hashem," continuing through "Ya'anenu Be'yom Kor'enu." He should then skip until "Hashem Melech" and Baruch She'amar. If one does not have time to recite any part of the Korbanot section, then he should skip it entirely in order to pray the Amida with the congregation, as the value of Tefila Be'sibur – praying with the congregation – overrides the value of reciting the Korbanot. This is the ruling of the Shulhan Aruch, based on the opinion of the Rashba (Rav Shlomo Ben Aderet, Spain, 1235-1310). Likewise, the Hacham Sevi (Rav Sevi Ashkenazi, 1656-1718), after noting the comments of the Zohar and the Arizal about the importance of reciting the entire prayer service, and of not skipping any portions of it, writes that Tefila Be'sibur is the highest priority, and thus one should skip the earlier sections of the service when necessary to pray the Amida with the congregation. This was the position taken also by the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806). By contrast, the Poskim who follow the teachings of the Kabbalah ruled that one may never skip any portion of the prayer service, even for the sake of Tefila Be'sibur. These include the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) and the Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1870-1939). This is the view accepted by Hacham Bension Abba Shaul (Jerusalem, 1924-1998). He writes that notwithstanding the Shulhan Aruch's ruling, we cannot ignore the Kabbalists' teaching about the importance of the sequence of the prayer service. Furthermore, Hacham Bension adds, if we allow skipping the earlier sections of the prayer service, many people will do so habitually. It is preferable to forbid skipping, so people will see that by arriving late they forfeit the benefits of Tefila Be'sibur, and this will motivate them to make a greater effort to arrive on time. A mourner, Heaven forbid, should not skip the Korbanot section or any other portions of the daily prayer service. Although a mourner is not permitted to learn Torah, he may recite the passages from the Torah and other sources that have been incorporated into the prayer service.

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

Daf Yomi Chullin 47Episode 2355Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsSlides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1rebyL9k3KMXdaFT2Y0iGRfLrE8ZZya76lL4aBGE3fc4/edit?usp=sharingJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfMERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BabbleOnTalmudSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Chullin.47a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro 01:48 The lungs16:30 Glatt59:22 Conclusion

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

We conclude the daily Korbanot section with "Rabbi Yishmael Omer" – a Berayta (passage by a Tanna) authored by the great sage Rabbi Yishmael, listing the thirteen methods with which the Sages extracted Halachot from the text of the Torah. If one wishes to extract oil from the ground, it is not enough to know where the oil is located – he needs the right machinery to extract the oil from beneath the ground. Likewise, to deduce Halachot from the Biblical text, one needs to have the "tools," the rules by which the Halacha can be determined based on a careful analysis of the text. The first of these "tools" is Kal Va'homer, whereby a conclusion is reached through logical deduction, by noting that the Halacha applies in a less intuitive context. An analogy would be a person concluding that he can lift a certain heavy object after seeing that someone weaker than him was able to lift it. An example of a Kal Va'homer in the Torah is G-d's announcement of Miriam's punishment for speaking Lashon Ha'ra. He said that if Miriam's father had angrily scorned her, she would be ashamed for an entire week, so certainly, now that Hashem has scorned her by having her stricken with Sara'at, she should remain outside the camp for a week (Bamidbar 12:14). The second of Rabbi Yishmael's thirteen methods is Gezera Shava – extending a Halacha that applies in one context to a different context on the basis of a common word shared by these two areas of Halacha. Likely the most famous Gezera Shava is the connection drawn by the Sages between Pesach and Sukkot. The Torah establishes an obligation to eat Masa on the night of Pesach, the 15 th of Nissan, and the Sages deduced that on the first night of Sukkot one is similarly required to eat bread in the Sukka. As the Torah requires observing Pesach on "Hamisha Asar" – the "15 th " of Nissan, and it requires observing Sukkot on "Hamisha Asar" – the 15 th of Tishreh, we may infer that the obligation that applies on the night of Pesach applies also on Sukkot. Hence, one must eat bread in the Sukka on the first night of Sukkot just as one must eat Masa on the first night of Pesach. (Throughout the rest of Sukkot, although one who wishes to eat bread must do so in the Sukka, he does not have an obligation to eat bread in the Sukka; this obligation applies only on the first night.) The Tur writes that we recite this Berayta at the end of the Korbanot section between it is the introduction to Torat Kohanim – the Halachic Midrash on the Book of Vayikra, which focuses on the sacrifices, and is thus relevant to the topic of sacrifices. Furthermore, this Berayta appears in the Gemara (Yoma 33a), and thus by incorporating it as part of our daily prayer service, we ensure to learn some Gemara each day (just as reciting Ezehu Mekoman each day ensures the daily study of Mishna).

In this continuation of the "Rainmaker" narratives from Tractate Ta'anit, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores profound lessons about poverty, faith, honesty, prayer, and personal responsibility. The episode opens with the moving story of Rabbi Elazar ben Pedas, who lived in extreme poverty yet maintained unwavering faith. Through a remarkable dream-like encounter with Hashem, he demonstrates acceptance of Divine providence and a refusal to seek personal gain at the expense of others—even in the World to Come. The discussion then turns to the Torah's uncompromising standard of honesty. Rabbi Wolbe shares powerful contemporary examples illustrating the mitzvah of returning lost property and conducting business with integrity. Whether it's returning forgotten cash hidden inside a desk or correcting a pricing error that benefits you, true righteousness means doing what's right because Hashem commands it—not because anyone else is watching. The latter portion of the episode returns to the Talmud's stories of prayer for rain, emphasizing that a generation's spiritual state affects the effectiveness of its leaders' prayers. The episode culminates with a profound lesson on gratitude and perspective: complaints generate more negativity, while appreciation and positive expectation create opportunities for greater blessing. Rabbi Wolbe teaches that our words, attitudes, and outlook shape the spiritual reality we experience. _____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 27, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 15, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content._____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud,  #Gemara, #Taanit, #Rainmaker, #Faith, #Emunah, #Honesty, #Integrity, #PositiveMindset, #Gratitude, #DivineProvidence, #PersonalGrowth, #CharacterDevelopment, #SpiritualGrowth, #AttitudeMatters, #Blessings, #MindsetShift, #LiveWithPurpose ★ Support this podcast ★

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

In this continuation of the "Rainmaker" narratives from Tractate Ta'anit, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores profound lessons about poverty, faith, honesty, prayer, and personal responsibility. The episode opens with the moving story of Rabbi Elazar ben Pedas, who lived in extreme poverty yet maintained unwavering faith. Through a remarkable dream-like encounter with Hashem, he demonstrates acceptance of Divine providence and a refusal to seek personal gain at the expense of others—even in the World to Come. The discussion then turns to the Torah's uncompromising standard of honesty. Rabbi Wolbe shares powerful contemporary examples illustrating the mitzvah of returning lost property and conducting business with integrity. Whether it's returning forgotten cash hidden inside a desk or correcting a pricing error that benefits you, true righteousness means doing what's right because Hashem commands it—not because anyone else is watching. The latter portion of the episode returns to the Talmud's stories of prayer for rain, emphasizing that a generation's spiritual state affects the effectiveness of its leaders' prayers. The episode culminates with a profound lesson on gratitude and perspective: complaints generate more negativity, while appreciation and positive expectation create opportunities for greater blessing. Rabbi Wolbe teaches that our words, attitudes, and outlook shape the spiritual reality we experience. _____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 27, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 15, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content._____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud,  #Gemara, #Taanit, #Rainmaker, #Faith, #Emunah, #Honesty, #Integrity, #PositiveMindset, #Gratitude, #DivineProvidence, #PersonalGrowth, #CharacterDevelopment, #SpiritualGrowth, #AttitudeMatters, #Blessings, #MindsetShift, #LiveWithPurpose ★ Support this podcast ★

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

As part of the Korbanot section of the morning prayer service, we read the Mishnayot of the fifth chapter of Masechet Zebahim – the chapter of Ezehu Mekoman. This chapter goes through all the various sacrifices that were offered in the Bet Ha'mikdash, and concisely tells us the procedure required for each sacrifice. One reason we read this chapter is so that through our reading, we will be considered as though we actually brought the sacrifices and receive atonement. But additionally, we read this chapter as a fixed daily regimen of Torah learning. By incorporating this reading into our daily prayer, we ensure to learn Mishnayot each day. However, if this is the reason for reciting these Mishnayot, then we must understand what we read. Reading Mishna, or Gemara, without understanding the meaning of the text has no value. When it comes to prayer, although we are of course encouraged and urged to try to pray with Kavana (concentration), our Rabbis taught that there is value to our prayers even without understanding the words. If a person prays with sincere feelings and emotions, then his prayers are accepted regardless of he actually understands the words. But this does not apply to Torah learning. If a person reads a Torah text without understanding what he read, he is not credited with the Misva of Torah study. (The exception is the reading of the Zohar, which has value even if one does not understand what he reads.) Therefore, in order for our daily reading of Ezehu Mekoman to have value and to be considered as Torah study, we must learn the text so we understand what we are saying. This point is made by Hacham Ovadia Yosef. Some add that we recite specifically this chapter each morning because of its unique characteristic – all the information is presented unanimously, without any disagreements. Throughout the Mishnayot we find Mahlokot – disagreements among the Tanna'im regarding the Halachot under discussion. In the chapter of Ezehu Mekoman, however, there are no disagreements. Every Halacha is unanimous, and not subject to debate. This makes this chapter special and worthy of our daily study. Furthermore, I heard many years ago from Rav Meir Mazuz (1945-2025) that this chapter consists of 345 words – the Gematria of the name "Moshe." This alludes to the fact that all the information presented in this chapter regarding the offering of the sacrifice was taught to Moshe at Mount Sinai.

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

Daf Yomi Chullin 45Episode 2353Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsSlides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hiUnKwL5T0Bygfka3zLEiRs7629YVbXJwu8O6EkX4eQ/edit?usp=sharingJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfMERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BabbleOnTalmudSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Chullin.45a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro 01:35 Tracheas25:08 Brains30:13 Conclusion

Daf Yomi Chullin 46Episode 2354Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsSlides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hdmPsccS46lzZoPV7OWGQdgow1zbIqC5v6cG1wsqSWU/edit?usp=sharingJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfMERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BabbleOnTalmudSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Chullin.46a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro 01:18 Heart20:26 Spinal cord43:55 Liver52:59 Lungs59:18 Conclusion

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

Ryder Lee of "Raised by Giants" and Dan Kristos of "Ba'al Busters Broadcast" join Ryan for a discussion about the misconceptions of BAAL, Moloch, and general mythology, and the influence of BAAL imagery in pop-culture and politics. Also, how a wicked death cult, comprised of the worst aspects within human history, is very much still operating today.  Ryder Lee: https://www.youtube.com/@RaisedByGiants Dan Kristos: https://www.semperfryllc.com/store/p93/Priestcraft%3A_Beyond_Babylon_%28Signed_Copy%29.htmlBaal Busters Broadcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ba-al-busters-broadcast--5100262*The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

Danya Ruttenberg is a rabbi, writer, and activist who has been on the front-lines fighting for reproductive justice, through Jewish lenses, for many years. She joins Lex and Rena Yehuda for a conversation about abortion, the framework of bodily  autonomy, and how we might best conceptualize what it means to relate to these issues Jewishly. This episode is the 4th in an ongoing mini-series of Judaism Unbound episodes exploring Judaism through the framework of bodily autonomy. Access full shownotes for this episode via this link. If you're enjoying Judaism Unbound, please help us keep things going with a one-time or monthly tax-deductible donation -- support Judaism Unbound by clicking here! --------------Apply for the UnYeshiva's Certificate Program for Unbound Judaism by heading to www.judaismunbound.com/certificate! The final deadline to submit your application is June 14th.

As discussed in a previous installment, the Ana Be'cho'ah prayer, which consists of 42 words, alludes to the special 42-letter Name of G-d. We conclude this prayer with the exclamation, "Baruch Shem Kebod Malchuto Le'olam Va'ed" – "Blessed is the Name of the Majesty of His Kingship, forever and ever." After reciting the prayer expressing the divine Name, we make this proclamation giving praise to the Name of the Almighty. This proclamation is significant in that the first letters of its six words – Bet, Shem, Kaf, Mem, Lamed and Vav – are the only letters in the Hebrew alphabet that are used as prefixes to G-d's Name. These six letters can be appended to the Name to form the words "B'Hashem" (as in "Ach B'Hashem Al Timrodu" – Bamidbar 14:9), "She'Hashem" (as in "Ashreh Ha'am She'Hashem Elokav" – Tehillim 144:15), "K'Hashem" (as in "K'Hashem Elokenu Be'chol Kore'nu Elav" – Debarim 4:7), "Me'Hashem" (as in "Me'Hashem Yasa Ha'dabar" – Bereishit 24:50), "L'Hashem" (as in "L'Hashem Ha'yeshu'a" – Tehillim 3:9), and "V'Hashem" (as in "V'Hashem Holech Lifnehem" – Shemot 13:21). These letters thus have a special connection to Hashem's Name, and so we proclaim "Baruch Shem…" after making a reference to the divine Name. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in his work Torah Li'shmah, writes that although this proclamation is made silently when it is recited during the Shema reading, in other contexts it may be recited aloud. Accordingly, we do not need to recite "Baruch Shem" silently when we say Ana Be'cho'ah during the Korbanot section each morning. However, Hacham Ovadia Yosef noted that elsewhere in his writings (Od Yosef Hai), the Ben Ish Hai contradicts this ruling, and writes that "Baruch Shem" must be recited silently even in Ana Be'cho'ah. The accepted practice is to recite it silently in Ana Be'cho'ah just as we do during the reading of Shema.

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

Daf Yomi Chullin 44Episode 2352Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsSlides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ILis42nm65dCAfIgok1lvNT-ptjgyRdd0slk5GBky24/edit?usp=sharingJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfMERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BabbleOnTalmudSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Chullin.44a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro 01:33 Why Rava ruled the ox was treif31:05 Disconnecting the turbatz haveshet from the jaw35:11 Measuring the trachea01:01:36 Conclusion

Daf Yomi Chullin 43Episode 2351Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsSlides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1pLWojfHwRZElmYjEPAtLKqG5sT_9tTCQruEEs2tK12o/edit?usp=sharingJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfMERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BabbleOnTalmudSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Chullin.43a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro 01:38 The categories of tereifas42:35 Turbatz haveshet54:40 Conclusion

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

On today's page, Chullin 42, the rabbis begin a lengthy exploration of one of Judaism's most misunderstood categories: the treifah. Most of us use the word to describe any non-kosher food, from bacon to cheeseburgers, but the Talmud has something much more specific in mind. Through a detailed discussion of wounds, injuries, and mortal conditions, the daf reveals that a treifah is not merely forbidden food, but a kosher animal suffering from a fatal defect. Have we been using the wrong word all along? Listen and find out.

The Kabbalists taught that when one recites the "Ana Be'cho'ah" prayer, he should arrange the words of the prayer in pairs. Meaning, he should say the first two words, briefly pause, say the next two words, pause, and so on. This is the instruction given by Rav Haim Vital (1543-1620), in Sha'ar Ha'kavanot, based on the teachings of the Arizal. This is brought later by the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) and the Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1870-1939). However, Rav Meir Mazuz (1945-2025) ruled that one should not follow this custom, as the reading becomes unintelligible in this manner. By reciting the text of this prayer in pairs of words, one ends up saying, "Ana Be'cho'ah" – "Please, with the strength"; "Gedulat Yeminecha" – "the greatness of Your right"; "Tatir Serura" – "release those who are trapped"; "Kabel Rinat" – "accept the prayer of"; "Amecha Sagebenu" – "Your nation, protect us"; "Taharenu Nora" – "purify us, O Awesome One," and so on. The words are clearly not intended to be broken up in alternating pairs of two, as they have no meaning when recited this way. Rav Mazuz therefore ruled that one should recite the text of the prayer this way: "Ana Be'cho'ah Gedulat Yeminecha" ("Please with the power of the greatness of Your right"), "Tatir Serura" ("release those who are trapped"); "Kabel Rinat Amecha" ("Accept the prayer of Your nation"); "Sagebenu Taharenu Nora" ("protect us, purify us, O Awesome One"). (Incidentally, Rav Mazuz issued a similar ruling regarding the recitation of the famous verse, "Hashem Hoshi'a Ha'Melech Ya'anenu Be'yom Kor'enu." The Kabbalists instructed pausing after the word "Ha'melech," such that one should say: "Hashem Hoshi'a Ha'Melech, Ya'anenu Be'yom Kor'enu." Rav Mazuz noted that this reading sounds as though we ask Hashem to save the King ("Hoshi'a Ha'melech"). The proper way to read this verse, Rav Mazuz ruled, is with the pause after the word "Hoshi'a," such that we say, "Hashem save us; the King shall answer us on the day we call out.") Some Siddurim use a very complex system in punctuating this prayer, adding commas and periods, in an attempt to accommodate both opinions. In any event, Rav Yisrael Bitan writes that as the Arizal, the Ben Ish Hai and the Kaf Ha'haim all say that this prayer should be divided into pairs of words, it is difficult to dismiss this practice. Therefore, this is the preferred way to read Ana Be'cho'ah.

When does refusing to repeat a lie become complicity in it?The hardest question in documentary filmmaking is not how to find the truth. It is how to handle a lie. When a false story is already loose in the world, you have two choices that look almost identical on the page: refuse to repeat it, or amplify it by debunking it. The discipline of knowing which is which can decide whether your film tells the truth or makes the lie stronger.In this Deep Dive on Documentary First Episode 279 with Brian Pocrass, host Christian Taylor digs into the question Brian asked on tape about how much oxygen you give a lie. The conversation took thirty minutes to arrive there, but the question turns out to be the spine of every documentary that touches a contested story. This episode traces that question through C.S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters, Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life under the Nazi regime, Alexander Solzhenitsyn's 1974 essay Live Not By Lies, and a two thousand year old paradox in the book of Proverbs.The spine of the episode is Brian's question on tape: "The question is, how much oxygen do you give it?" That question runs straight into a paradox the rabbis of the Talmud spent centuries arguing over. Proverbs 26:4 says do not answer a fool according to his folly. Proverbs 26:5, the very next verse, says answer a fool according to his folly. The Talmudic resolution maps directly onto the filmmaker's dilemma: the stakes determine the answer. Christian closes the episode with her own test, drawn from her film The Girl Who Wore Freedom: the story of Michel de Vallavieille, the French farmer shot in the back by an American paratrooper on D-Day, and the famous Band of Brothers rumor she refused to put on screen.In this episode, Christian explores:Why every production company wanted Brian Pocrass to tell a different version of Heather O'Rourke's story than the one he ended up makingThe C.S. Lewis principle from The Screwtape Letters that the devil cares more about attention than beliefHow debunking a conspiracy theory can give the conspiracy a brand new piece of footage to point atDietrich Bonhoeffer's argument that silence in the face of evil is itself evilAlexander Solzhenitsyn's 1974 essay Live Not By Lies and the moral discipline of refusalThe two thousand year old paradox in Proverbs 26:4-5 and how the Talmudic rabbis resolved itWhy the Talmud's answer is sacred versus mundane stakes, and what that means for documentary filmmakersThe Michel de Vallavieille story from Christian's film The Girl Who Wore FreedomThe Band of Brothers rumor about Bill Guarnere that Christian refused to put on screenThe two questions every documentary filmmaker has to weigh before they amplify a storyChapters0:00 C.S. Lewis, the Devil, and Brian Pocrass's Question0:30 How Much Oxygen Do You Give a Lie?1:28 The Screwtape Letters and the Devil's Currency2:24 Bonhoeffer: Silence in the Face of Evil Is Evil Itself3:27 Solzhenitsyn's Live Not By Lies and Proverbs 264:59 The Girl Who Wore Freedom: Bill Guarnere and My Own Test6:14 The Question I Leave You WithFrequently Asked QuestionsWhen does debunking a lie make it stronger?Researchers at Data and Society documented this dynamic in a 2018 study called The Oxygen of Amplification. Repeating a false claim in order to refute it gives the claim attention, repeats the language, and trains the algorithm to surface it more. Britannica describes this dynamic as adding oxygen to the fire of misinformation. For documentary filmmakers, this means a debunking film about a conspiracy theory can leave viewers more familiar with the conspiracy than with the truth.What did Dietrich Bonhoeffer say about silence?Bonhoeffer's most famous line on the subject is silence in the face of evil is itself evil; not to speak is to speak; not to act is to act. Bonhoeffer was a German pastor in the 1930s who watched the German church surrender to the Nazi regime. He spent his adult life arguing against the silence of fellow pastors. The Nazis executed him in April 1945. His writings on costly discipleship remain among the most cited works of twentieth century theology.What is Alexander Solzhenitsyn's Live Not By Lies about?Live Not By Lies is the essay Solzhenitsyn released on the day the KGB arrested and deported him in 1974. He argues that while a single person cannot stop a lie from being told, every person can refuse to repeat it. The refusal itself is the action. The essay is one of the foundational moral texts of the dissident movement against Soviet totalitarianism and remains widely cited in discussions of personal moral resistance.How do the rabbis of the Talmud resolve Proverbs 26:4 and 26:5?Proverbs 26:4 says do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Proverbs 26:5 says answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes. The Talmudic resolution is that the two verses apply to different kinds of stakes. When the fool is talking about something sacred, you answer. When the fool is talking about something mundane, you do not. The wisdom is in knowing which kind of stakes you are facing.How do documentary filmmakers handle conspiracy theories about their subjects?There is no industry standard. Each filmmaker has to weigh the specific story. Some choose to confront the conspiracy directly and risk amplifying it. Others refuse to give the conspiracy screen time and risk being accused of avoidance. The discipline is to ask what the documentary makes more solid in the world and who the actual audience is: the people who already believe the lie, or the people who deserve the truth.About the Source EpisodeDocumentary First Episode 279 with Brian Pocrass aired on June 9, 2026. Brian is an attorney based in Los Angeles and the producer of She Was Here, the 2026 documentary about the life and death of Heather O'Rourke. The film features Heather's family debunking the Poltergeist curse rumor that has surrounded her death for almost forty years.Episode link: https://pod.fo/e/427c08About The Girl Who Wore FreedomThe Girl Who Wore Freedom is Christian Taylor's documentary about the children of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, France, and the American GIs who liberated their town on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The film centers on Danielle Patrix Van Den Heede, whose family hid GIs in the days after the invasion, and Michel de Vallavieille, the young farmer at Brecourt Manor who was shot in the back by an American paratrooper on D-Day and went on to build the Utah Beach Museum and become the mayor of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont.Website: https://thegirlwhoworefreedom.comAbout Documentary First: The Deep DiveEach week, host Christian Taylor takes an insight from a recent Documentary First filmmaker interview and explores it through literature, philosophy, theology, current culture, and the universal human experience. It is a companion show to Documentary First, built for documentary filmmakers, lovers of story, and anyone who wants to think more deeply about what we are watching. Christian Taylor is a documentary filmmaker (The Girl Who Wore Freedom, Heroes of Carentan), actor, voice actor, and podcast host based in the United States.Resources MentionedDocumentary First Episode 279 with Brian Pocrass: https://pod.fo/e/427c08She Was Here, directed by Nick Bailey, produced by Brian Pocrass (2026)The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis (1942)Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), German pastor and theologianLive Not By Lies by Alexander Solzhenitsyn (1974 essay)Proverbs 26:4-5Talmud, Shabbat 30bThe Girl Who Wore Freedom, directed and produced by Christian Taylor: https://thegirlwhoworefreedom.comBand of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose (1992 book and 2001 HBO miniseries)The Oxygen of Amplification, Whitney Phillips, Data and Society Research Institute (2018)Listen and FollowListen to this episode on your preferred podcast app: https://pod.fo/e/[DD 279 CODE — TO BE ADDED ONCE EPISODE IS LIVE]Documentary First on all podcast apps: https://podfollow.com/documentary-firstYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@documentaryfirstSupport the show on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/c/DocumentaryFirstConnectDocumentary First on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/doc1stConnect with Christian Taylor on...

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Daf Yomi Chullin 42Episode 2350Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsSlides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/19d3IgDnE1dVmeEYRzE_OADpwAAbc6wQaOFzLfFC6_JU/edit?usp=sharingJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfMERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BabbleOnTalmudSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Chullin.42a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/Thumbnail image:Photo by zai Dan on Unsplash#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro 04:13 The source for the 18 tereifos37:45 Exploring additional tereifos58:06 Conclusion

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

(Jewish Understanding) In 1972, Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair opened SARM Studios the first 24-track recording studio in Europe where Queen mixed "Bohemian Rhapsody". His music publishing company, Druidcrest Music published the music for The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1973) and as a record producer, he co-produced the quadruple-platinum debut album by American band "Foreigner" (1976). American Top ten singles from this album included, "Feels Like The First Time", "Cold as Ice" and "Long, Long Way from Home". Other production work included "The Enid – In the Region of the Summer Stars", "The Curves", and "Nutz" as well as singles based on The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy with Douglas Adams and Richard O'Brien. Other artists who used SARM included: ABC, Alison Moyet, Art of Noise, Brian May, The Buggles, The Clash, Dina Carroll, Dollar, Flintlock, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Grace Jones, It Bites, Malcolm McLaren, Nik Kershaw, Propaganda, Rush, Rik Mayall, Stephen Duffy, and Yes. In 1987, he settled in Jerusalem to immerse himself in the study of Torah. His two Torah books The Color of Heaven, on the weekly Torah portion, and Seasons of the Moon met with great critical acclaim. Seasons of the Moon, a unique fine-art black-and-white photography book combining poetry and Torah essays, has now sold out and is much sought as a collector's item fetching up to $250 for a mint copy. He is much in demand as an inspirational speaker both in Israel, Great Britain and the United States. He was Plenary Keynote Speaker at the Agudas Yisrael Convention, and Keynote Speaker at Project Inspire in 2018. Rabbi Sinclair lectures in Talmud and Jewish Philosophy at Ohr Somayach/Tannenbaum College of Judaic studies in Jerusalem and is a senior staff writer of the Torah internet publications Ohrnet and Torah Weekly. His articles have been published in The Jewish Observer, American Jewish Spirit, AJOP Newsletter, Zurich's Die Jüdische Zeitung, South African Jewish Report and many others. A 'miracle story' with a twist Rabbi Sinclair was born in London, and lives with his family in Jerusalem. He was educated at St. Anthony's Preparatory School in Hampstead, Clifton College, and Bristol University. A Project Of Ohr.Edu Questions? Comments? We'd Love To Hear From You At: Podcasts@Ohr.Edu https://podcasts.ohr.edu/

After we recite in the morning the section of the Ketoret and the passage of "Abayeh Hava Mesader," we recite a very special prayer – Ana Be'cho'ah. This prayer was composed by one of the great Tanna'im – Rabbi Nehunya Ben Ha'kaneh, whom the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) describes as one of the earliest Kabbalists, preceding even Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai. The Ana Be'cho'ah prayer is so significant that the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) and many others write that if a person arrives late to Shaharit, and needs to skip the introductory portions of the prayer service, he should not skip Ana Be'cho'ah. This prayer consists of seven lines, each of which with six letters, for a total of 42 letters, and these 42 letters spell the special 42-letter Name of Hashem. This Name is the "elevator," the Name associated with rising to the upper worlds. It is critically important to recite Ana Be'cho'ah as part of our introduction to Shaharit because it elevates us to the heavens so we can present our Tefilot to G-d. By the time we recite the Amida, we want to be standing before the Heavenly Throne, so we can speak directly to the Almighty. The recitation of Ana Be'cho'ah elevates us to the higher spheres so we can speak to Hashem while standing in front of His Throne. It is proper to recite this Tefila slowly and to take note of the first letters of the words. This Name is alluded to also in the first paragraph of Shema, which consists of 42 words (from "Ve'ahabta" through "U'bi'sh'arecha"), corresponding to the 42 letters of this Name. For this reason, some Siddurim feature the letters of this divine Name alongside the words of this paragraph of Shema. Another allusion to this Name is found in Kaddish – specifically, in the phrase "Ve'yishtabah Ve'yitpa'ar Ve'yitromam Ve'yitnaseh Ve'yit'hadar Ve'yit'aleh Ve'yit'halal," which consists of seven words that each contains six letters, for a total of 42. Some have the custom to recite Ana Be'cho'ah each night before going to sleep. The soul departs and rises to the heavens when one sleeps, and so it is appropriate to recite this prayer which, as mentioned, is associated with elevation and ascent. Likewise, it is customary to recite Ana Be'cho'ah at funerals, Heaven forbid, as the coffin is being taken for burial, and the soul is ready to rise to the heavens. In some communities, Ana Be'cho'ah is recited before Lecha Dodi on Friday night, as we elevate ourselves to the higher plane of Shabbat. Likewise, many recite this prayer after counting the Omer, as the Omer counting is intended to elevate us in preparation for Matan Torah on Shabuot. The custom to read Ana Be'cho'ah following the recitation of "Abayeh Hava Mesader" was taught by the Arizal, as brought in Sha'ar Ha'kavanot. This is cited by the Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1870-1939). The Seder Ha'yom (Rav Moshe Ben Machir, Safed, 16 th century), by contrast, writes that it is better to recite Ana Be'cho'ah later, just before Baruch She'amar. He explains that the world was created with the power of this 42-letter Name, and so it is appropriate to allude to this Name just before reciting "Baruch She'amar Ve'haya Ha'olam," when we give praise to Hashem who created the world. However, we follow the Arizal's teaching, that Ana Be'cho'ah should be recited after the section of "Abayeh Hava Mesader." One possible explanation for the Arizal's custom is that the section of "Abayeh Hava Mesader," which lists the various Abodot (services) performed daily in the Bet Ha'mikdash, omits Birkat Kohaim (the priestly blessing), which was recited each day in the Bet Ha'mikdash. In the Bet Ha'mikdash, the Kohanim reciting Birkat Kohanim would use the Shem Ha'meforash – the divine Name that is normally forbidden to utter, and according to some, this was the 42-letter Name. Perhaps, then, we add Ana Be'cho'ah – which is associated with this Name – after the section of "Abayeh Hava Mesader" to allude to the daily recitation of Birkat Kohanim in the Bet Ha'mikdash. The Ana Be'cho'ah prayer concludes with the pronouncement of "Baruch Shem Kebod Malchuto Le'olam Va'ed," giving praise to the exalted Name of G-d, which this prayer expresses.

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

Learn a daily class on a Daf of Gemara, the perfect Daf Yomi class; clear and engaging shiurim from Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac. Or browse the series for classes on any Masechta and tractate of your choice.

Blurb: On today's page, Chullin 40, the Talmud asks what happens when two people jointly perform an act, but only one brings corrupt intentions to it. The answer is severe: the whole slaughter becomes invalid, even though one participant may have meant no harm. The daf turns this legal problem into a broader warning about the company we keep and the partnerships we form. Can one bad partner ruin an otherwise worthy project? Listen and find out.

After the recitation of the Ketoret, we recite "Abayeh Hava Mesader," a section from the Gemara (Yoma 33a) citing Abayeh's concise list of all the Abodot (services) performed daily in the Bet Ha'mikdash, following the sequence in which they were performed. This list was compiled "Aliba De'Abba Shaul" – according to the view of Abba Shaul, as there is some debate concerning the sequence of the Abodot. We read this section so that we will be considered as though we followed this procedure and performed all these Abodot. However, this is effective only if one understands what he reads. Let us, then, briefly go through this list so we understand what we are saying: Ma'aracha Gedola – placing the firewood on the large altar in the Temple courtyard. Ma'aracha Sheniya Shel Ketoret – placing the firewood on the smaller altar, the incense altar inside the Bet Ha'mikdash. Siddur Sheneh Gizreh Esim – placing two long logs of wood on the large altar in the courtyard. Dishun Mizbe'ah Ha'penimi – cleaning the ashes from the incense altar. Hatabat Hamesh Nerot – preparing five of the lamps of the Menorah for kindling. Dam Ha'tamid – sprinkling the blood of the morning Tamid sacrifice. Hatabat Sheteh Nerot – preparing the remaining two lamps of the Menorah for kindling. Ketoret – bringing the morning incense offering. Ebarim – offering the Tamid sacrifice on the altar. Minha – the flour offering that accompanied the Tamid sacrifice. Havitin – the flour offering brought each day by the Kohen Gadol. Nesachin – the wine libations that accompanied the daily Tamid. Musafin – offering the special Musaf sacrifice on Shabbat, Rosh Hodesh and holidays. Bazichin – placing on the altar each Shabbat the frankincense that was on the Shulhan (table) with the Lehem Ha'panim (show-bread). Tamid Shel Ben Ha'arbayim – the afternoon Tamid sacrifice. Abayeh concludes his statement by mentioning the law that no sacrifice may be offered after the afternoon Tamid ("Aleha Hashlem Kol Ha'korbanot Kulam"). As mentioned, this section begins with the words "Abayeh Hava Mesader" ("Abayeh would arrange…"). The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) writes that there were those who added the word "Hu" ("he") in between the words "Abayeh" and "Hava." The reason is that if one recites the words "Abayeh Hava" quickly, he may inadvertently utter the Name of "Havaya," which may not be pronounced the way it is written. By breaking up these words with the word "Hu," one ensures not to mistakenly violate this prohibition, which, according to Tosafot (Shebuot 35a), is so severe that one forfeits his share in the next world if he transgresses and utters the Name. Hacham Ovadia Yosef writes that strictly speaking, this is not necessary, because one transgresses this prohibition only if he utters the Name intentionally. Even if one indeed ends up saying the Name of "Havaya" by reciting the words "Abayeh Hava," he has not committed any wrongdoing, because he had no intention at all of uttering the Name. Nevertheless, it is commendable to briefly pause between the words "Abayeh" and "Hava."

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Daf Yomi Chullin 41Episode 2349Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfMERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BabbleOnTalmudSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Chullin.41a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro 02:22 Ein adam oser davar she'eino shelo23:08 Places you cannot slaughter into30:09 Slaughtering with the intention of korbanos51:10 Conclusion

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June 4 second from 14:33 till the end As we've seen in previous installments, the recitation of the Ketoret is especially valuable, and offers a person great blessings and benefits. However, this is true only if the person recites the text slowly and with Kavana (concentration), understanding the words he utters. As such, it behooves us to try to understand this difficult text to whatever extent we can. The portion from the Talmud which we recite begins by listing the eleven ingredients of the Ketoret, and their relative amounts in the mixture. We read that the Ketoret consisted of a total of 368 portions ("Maneh"), and that 365 of these were offered over the course of the 365 days of the solar calendar – half a portion each morning, and half a portion each afternoon. The remaining three portions were used for the Kohen Gadol's special Ketoret offering inside the Kodesh Ha'kodashim (inner sanctum of the Bet Ha'mikdash) on Yom Kippur. The Gemara teaches us that these three portions were returned on Ereb Yom Kippur to the "Machteshet" – the mortar – to be ground extra-fine. Whereas the Torah requires that the ordinary, daily Ketoret be prepared "Daka" – finely-ground – the Ketoret brought in the Kodesh Ha'kodashim on Yom Kippur needed to be "Daka Min Ha'daka" – especially fine, and so these three portions were ground a second time on Ereb Yom Kippur, in preparation for the Yom Kippur service. The first four of the eleven spices listed by the Gemara are Sori, Siporen, Helbena and Lebona, which (as mentioned in our previous installment) are the four spices named by the Torah (Shemot 30:34). As the Gemara teaches, Sori is "Seraf Ha'notef Me'aseh Ha'ketaf" – "sap that drips from the balsam tree." This is the "Nataf" mentioned by the Torah, referring to its "dripping" ("Notef") from the tree. The Siporen – onycha – is called "Shehelet" in the Torah. The third and fourth spices are Helbena – galbanum – and Lebona – frankincense – which are listed by these names also in the Torah. The next five spices are Mor – myrrh; Kesia – cassia; Shibolet Nerd – spikenard; Karkom – saffron; and Kost – costus. There's a great deal of discission as to the correct text for this ninth spice. In many editions, this word appears as "Ha'kosht." The definitive article "Ha" ("the") seems difficult to justify, because this article is used only in reference to the first four spices ("Ha'sori Ve'ha'siporen Ve'halbena Ve'ha'lebona"). As we explained in a previous installment, the prefix "Ha" appears in reference to these four because these four are explicitly named by the Torah itself. All the others, however – including Kosht – are not named by the Torah, and so the prefix "Ha" seems inappropriate in this context. This point was made by Rav Meir Mazuz (1945-2025), who added that the word "Kosht" itself is incorrect. The correct pronunciation, he wrote, is "Kost" – meaning, with the letter Sin as opposed to the letter Shin. Rav Mazuz explained that "Kosht" resembles the Aramaic word "Keshot," which means "true" (as we say in the Berich Shemeh prayer: "De'Hu Elaka Keshot Ve'Orayteh Keshot…") and is not the name of a spice. Therefore, although in many Siddurim the word is written "Ha'kosht," it should be pronounced "Kost."

In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues exploring the Talmud's fascinating accounts of the "rainmakers"—sages whose prayers brought life-giving rain during times of drought. Through these stories, the Talmud reveals that rain represents far more than weather; it symbolizes Divine blessing, sustenance, livelihood, and our dependence on Hashem for every aspect of life. The episode repeatedly emphasizes that prayer is not reserved for great sages alone—every Jew possesses the power to pray and influence the world. The discussion highlights extraordinary examples of humble individuals whose sincerity and righteousness outweighed prestige, scholarship, or public status. From Rav Yehudah's powerful prayers, to simple teachers who educated poor children for free, to Rav Chanina ben Dosa whose faith transcended natural limitations, the common thread is that God responds to authenticity, humility, and genuine trust. Miracles occur not because people seek them, but because they live with complete dependence on Hashem. Rabbi Wolbe also explores the role of dreams, the significance of charity as an investment in eternity, the importance of returning lost property, and the Jewish perspective on balancing effort with faith. Throughout the episode, listeners are reminded that blessings flow through humility, gratitude, prayer, and recognizing that every success ultimately comes from Heaven._____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 20, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 8, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content._____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud,  #Gemara, #Taanit, #Humility, #Selflessness, #Charity, #Tzedakah, #Faith, #Prayer, #Rain, #DivineProvidence, #SimpleFaith ★ Support this podcast ★

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In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues exploring the Talmud's fascinating accounts of the "rainmakers"—sages whose prayers brought life-giving rain during times of drought. Through these stories, the Talmud reveals that rain represents far more than weather; it symbolizes Divine blessing, sustenance, livelihood, and our dependence on Hashem for every aspect of life. The episode repeatedly emphasizes that prayer is not reserved for great sages alone—every Jew possesses the power to pray and influence the world. The discussion highlights extraordinary examples of humble individuals whose sincerity and righteousness outweighed prestige, scholarship, or public status. From Rav Yehudah's powerful prayers, to simple teachers who educated poor children for free, to Rav Chanina ben Dosa whose faith transcended natural limitations, the common thread is that God responds to authenticity, humility, and genuine trust. Miracles occur not because people seek them, but because they live with complete dependence on Hashem. Rabbi Wolbe also explores the role of dreams, the significance of charity as an investment in eternity, the importance of returning lost property, and the Jewish perspective on balancing effort with faith. Throughout the episode, listeners are reminded that blessings flow through humility, gratitude, prayer, and recognizing that every success ultimately comes from Heaven._____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 20, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 8, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content._____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud,  #Gemara, #Taanit, #Humility, #Selflessness, #Charity, #Tzedakah, #Faith, #Prayer, #Rain, #DivineProvidence, #SimpleFaith ★ Support this podcast ★