Welcome to the Hundred and Seventy First episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Danny Nevins looks at Masechet Eruvin Daf 16.

Today we follow an argument between Rav Huna and Rav Pappa (which begins at the end of 15b) about the seemingly minor point of whether a barrier that has precisely the same quantity of gaps and wall is recognized as an Eruv. Rav Pappa’s supporters lose round after round of the argument, but he still carries the day. How come? In the end, his reading of the Mishnah is just better! It’s reassuring to find a triumph of reasoning, and of a lenient reading to boot.

Rabbi Danny Nevins is the dean of the JTS Division of Religious Leadership, which includes the Rabbinical School and H.L. Miller Cantorial School, as well as the Center for Pastoral Education. In addition to teaching at JTS, he serves as a member of the Rabbinical Assembly’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, and has written responsa on various subjects in topics related to bioethics, disability, sexuality and technology. Prior to working at JTS, he served as rabbi of Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills, MI.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.