Daily Daf Differently

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 36. We examine the relative values of human dignity, property values and the sacred atmosphere of Shabbat and Yom Tov. When such values come into conflict, which must make way before the other? The Talmud relates a story […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 35. We explore some legal implications that may follow from the power of sacred time of Shabbat. Hillel’s unique position in this regard. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 34. In order to create a special holiday experience we take into consideration appearances, thoughts and intentions, as well as actions. How much should we worry about things going wrong? How seriously should we take the thoughts of […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 33. How many ways can wood be put to use? Are they all appropriate for the holiday? What are the broad considerations that the Sages took seriously when limiting activities on Yom Tov? How definitive are the legal […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Simeon Cohen looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 32. This daf recounts some interesting aggadic teachings of Rav Natan bar Abba, including what the nature of one’s character should be in order to be considered a true descendent of Abraham, and what types of behavior will lead […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Simeon Cohen looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 31. Can one make a hole in a house on יום טוב? Is the ruling here different than the ruling for how one should behave on שבת? This daf deals with the question of making a hole as a […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Simeon Cohen looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 30. Can one carry a vessel on יום טוב? If so, how should one go about it? This daf makes clear that the rabbis understood that commerce needs to proceed on a Festival, but it also emphasizes that it […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Simeon Cohen looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 29. Can one obtain food from a butcher, grocer or shepherd on a Festival? This daf acknowledges that people’s basic needs still need to be met on יום טוב; here, the rabbis devise a system through which people can […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Simeon Cohen looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 28. Can one sharpen a knife on a Festival? If so, what are the stipulations which dictate how the sharpening can be performed? This daf uses these questions as a means to explore the idea that it is significant […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Simeon Cohen looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 27. This episode deals with the question of what to do if an animal dies on יום טוב. Can it be cut up? Can the carcass be moved? And to what degree are the answers to the questions contingent […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Simeon Cohen looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 26. This daf deals with the question of what to do if a first-born animal, a בכור, falls into a בור on a Festival. Is it permitted to descend to save it? Can one examine it for blemishes? And […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 25. What’s the most polite way to drink a cup of wine? The rabbis cared about social manners, and these manners become the basis for Jewish law. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 24. Which is more important: the details of Talmudic debate or the mystical quest for holiness? An interaction on our daf suggests that one may lead to the other. The opening and closing music for this podcast is […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 23. Creating a day that is a taste of eternity takes attention to detail and careful planning. Perhaps this is the reason the Gemara brings so many debates about what constitutes Melacha (prohibited work) on Shabbat and Yom […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 22. The principle of Marit Ayin (for the sake of appearance) has its origins in Talmudic thinking. What we are seen doing can influence the actions of others, and the rabbis remind us that we need to be […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 21. Look! A raven! Even the greatest rabbis are not above using any tactic to avoid an unwanted discussion. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 20. In trying to understand the debate between Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel from yesterday’s mishnah, the Talmud presents a sampler of different types of argument. Each one offers us the opportunity to access the excitement –and the […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 19. Which is more central to the Chag, the celebration with family and friends or the connection that we make with God? According to Beit Hillel, both are essential. Moadim l’Simcha! The opening and closing music for this […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Ethan Linden looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 18. “I been out riding fences, for so long now.” Unbeknownst to many, that classic Eagles’ lyric from the song Desperado is not a metaphor for loneliness or heartbreak, but instead a subtle allusion to the rabbinic practice […]

Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Ethan Linden looks at Masechet Beitza Daf 17. Which holiness is most holy: the people of Israel, Shabbat, or perhaps the Festivals? A seemingly picayune question about the wording of the blessing for the Amidah inspires some far reaching thinking on the subject. The opening […]