Talking Talmud – Details, episodes & analysis

Two mishnah. The first describes which items are included in the sale of a city? The daf discusses the definition of one of the items mentioned in the mishnah and what does this mean about what the Rabbis in Bavel knew about life in the time of the Mishnah. The second mishnah discusses the sale of a field.

3 mishnayot! Each about selling different properties, where the details of the sale are not specified. First, a courtyard. (if the details are specified, or if the seller says: "I'm selling you everything that is therein," then those sales are simpler, as per the stipulation). Second, an olive press, and third, a bath house. Without specification, the attached portions are all part of the sale, and the movable items are not.

More on Rabbi Benaya, including a visit to the Cave of Machpelah, and an encounter with Abraham, Sarah, and more... Also, a return to the discussion of chazakah, and the fact that a spout (as of a gutter) does not establish a chazakah. Plus, the difference between the Egyptian and Tyrian ladders and windows, with regard to what establishes the presumption of ownership, and what does not.

The daf shares the story of Rabbah bar Nachmani and his mysterious death. The Genara tries to understand why Rabbi Yochanom ben Matya uses the image of the Solomon’s banquet.

R. Hanina Ben Dosa, pious miracle worker, appears here again. Plus, back to rain... When a rabbinic leader decrees a fast, and the outcomes are different. What accounts for that, and what kind of pleading with - or rebuke to - God brings the rain? Also, depictions of the heavens and the clouds as choosing what to do, where to go. Plus, the comparison of righteous people to a date palm and a cedar tree, and why both metaphors are necessary. [Who's Who: Shmuel HaKatan] Also, regarding his decrees, including calling a fast. How close of a connection between prayer and response - what's cause and effect, what's laudable and what leads to ambivalence?

The charity collectors would hide from Elazar of Birta, because he would divest himself of everything, and they didn't want to let him go that far. Even when he was looking to buy a dowry for his daughter, and he only brings home some wheat - which multiplies exponentially. But he won't accept the goodness of that miracle either. Also, more miracles... which seems lesser, as compared to the natural progression of things. Which means we pray for nature to go our way, without supernatural intervention, which seems a little contradictory.

More of Choni (or Honi) the Circle-Maker's story, including the rest of his life, and the inheritance (or presumed inheritance) as told with regard to his grandchildren. Which includes discussion of his righteousness, his scholarship, and his miracles, of course. A much more poignant sad story than we usually think of this figure. Which complicates matters for his grandchildren, as presumed heirs to the affinity for rain.

More narrative. Rabbi Beroka and Elijah the prophet - when they met, first in the marketplace... Plus, the significance of black shoes as non-Jewish attire. And the accomplishment of those who cheer people up, with comedy. Also, what events call for crying out? Including for Shabbat? Of course, it's a machloket how quickly the situation is considered dangerous.

The potential positive impact of the righteous. Beginning with Nachum Ish Gamzu, who was blind, and a 4-limb amputee, with boils, in a bed with its feet in water to keep away the ants, in a dilapidated building, no less. He knows the building won't fall on him. But when they take him out, it indeed falls on everything inside. But why did he suffer like this? The Gemara says he said - he brought it on himself with an act lacking in compassion that he couldn't fix. Note also that Nachum Ish Gamzu taught R. Akiva. Also, when the righteous receive a message in a dream. And for whom do miracles happen? The ordinary people who tick with extraordinary kindness, which have tremendous impact.

A daf of stories... Nakdimon, and trading in water, when no rain had fallen. In comparison and contrast to Choni ha-Me'agael. Also, a presentation of curses, which are then turned into blessing - Achiyah HaShiloni, in contrast to Balaam. His words - those of the Jewish prophet - are more welcome than those coming from the non-Jew. Plus, another "ugly rabbi" story - and the value of flexibility. Also, what it means when R. Huna appeared to rely on a miracle...