“If you pay attention to the folks for whom the system isn’t working, you’ll know how the system will eventually not work for everybody.” - Benay Lappe

Welcome to The Oral Talmud, our weekly deep dive chevruta study, discovering how voices of the Talmud from 1500 years ago can help us rethink Judaism today. 

Access the full Sefaria Source Sheet with additional show notes via this link. 

Last week we celebrated and reflected on five years of our study partnership with a new “Episode Zero.” This week we bring you the original first episode, discussing a classic origin story within Talmud. What does the way the Talmud tells a story teach us, beyond the actual content of the story? What bold moves do we need at times of crash and upheaval?

This week’s texts: 

• Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai Secures Yavne (Gittin 56a-b)
• Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai’s Deathbed (Berakhot 28b)

Find an edited transcript and full shownotes of references and further reading on The Oral Talmud webpage for this episode! The Oral Talmud is a co-production of Judaism Unbound and SVARA: A Traditionally Radical Yeshiva. If you’re enjoying this podcast, please help us keep both fabulous Jewish organizations going with a one-time or monthly tax-deductible donation at oraltalmud.com. You can find a donate button on the top right corner of the website.