In the middle of today's Daf, we end chapter three and begin chapter four. Unlike the previous chapters, where I could not really understand what the division signified, today we…
Tag: Shema
Women’s Sexuality and the Talmud – Berakhot 24
In order to recite the Shema, we must concentrate on the words of the prayer. The Rabbis are concerned about behaviors and circumstances that will distract us while we (men)…
Confessions – Talmud Berakhot 22
I have had to start and stop a post on this Daf several times. I am uncertain what to say and that has caused me to fall behind. As I…
Women, Slaves and Minors – Berakhot 20
Yesterday, we learned about the debate as to whether a person can violate a negative commandment to preserve human dignity. Today, we will resolve that debate: we cannot violate prohibitions…
Interruptions – Berakhot 14
A central concern of the Talmud is to analogize the prayer service to the Temple sacrifices elucidated in the bible. Once the Temple in Jerusalem is destroyed and the Jews…
A Hard Verse – Berakhot 9
Some verses in the bible are hard for us to relate because of the content. I always cringe when I read that people with disabilities are not allowed to serve…
The Sandwich Generation and the Talmud – Berakhot 8
Today's Daf has several teachings famous sages gave their children, but it also has a beautiful passage about how we treat the elderly. If you remember Exodous, Moses ascended a…
The Frenetic Talmud and the Dangers of Procrastination – Berakhot 4
I am a natural procrastinator. As much as I try to live a planned, purposeful life managed through checklists, I cannot really do it. Left to my natural devices I…
DY-Day Berakhot 2
Today is the day. The first day of our Daf Yomi cycle. My previous posts help set the stage for today. If you do not know what he Mishnah or…
Late 70’s Television and the Talmud
When I was 10, there was a television miniseries called "The Holocaust". I have not seen this show for over 40 years, but I clearly remember one particular scene. When…