On today’s pages, Avodah Zarah 65 and 66, we meet a minister in rose water and Rava himself debating pleasure versus power. Dr. Tevi Troy, our very own Presidentischer Rav, helps us draw lessons from presidents, CEOs, and moguls who thought they were untouchable—until the government reminded them otherwise. Can political reality burst even the strongest illusions? Listen and find out.

On today’s page, Avodah Zarah 64, the rabbis introduce the strange prohibition of giving a “free gift” to a gentile. Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin helps us unpack what’s at stake, from communal bonds to baseless love, and why family ties redefine generosity. What does Judaism teach about gifts without strings? Listen and find out.

On today’s page, Avodah Zarah 63, the Talmud suggests that sometimes smashing things apart clears the way for something better. But how do we know when destruction is holy, not harmful? Listen and find out.

In today's page of Talmud, Avodah Zarah 62, the rabbis weigh in on whether wages earned from idolatrous wine are permitted, offering a lesson about work, boundaries, and moral compromise. But how do we know when a job crosses the line? Listen and find out.

In today's page of Talmud, Avodah Zarah 60 and 61, the Rabbis debate touchless wine presses, leading to speculation about Rashi’s side hustle—wine maker, egg seller, or both. But what does this teach us about balancing learning with making a living? Listen and find out.

In today's page of Talmud, Avodah Zarah 58 and 59, a wine dispute between rabbis turns into a debate about which towns raise the most learned Jews—and why staying rooted matters. But how can your zip code shape your soul? Listen and find out.

Please visit this link to sign up for some learning in honor of Marvin Singer, who passed away this week.

In today's page of Talmud, Avodah Zarah 57, the rabbis continue their discussion of the laws of wine. The Gemara relates a story which takes place in a city where the Jewish inhabitants ruled, and enjoyed access to influence and power, which the Gentile residents did not. There's a link between this story and this week's Torah portion of Eikev, in which the Jews are told, basically, not to get too comfortable. But is comfort really such a danger to spiritual health? Listen and find out. 

On today's page of Talmud, Avodah Zarah 56, the sages discuss wine. It's easy to understand that wine created for the purpose of idol worship is expressly forbidden. But regular wine—not expressly Kosher, yet definitely not created for idolatry—is still not allowed. Why? Listen and find out. 

On today’s page of Talmud, Avodah Zarah 55, a Roman general’s question about God’s “jealousy” opens the door to parables about human nature, trust, and why even pain seems to follow rules. But why would God let hardship happen at all? Listen and find out.

In today's pages of Talmud, Avodah Zarah 53 and 54, the sages continue their discussion on the laws of idol worship. Today, however, we zoom out for a more philosophical conversation. For example, if idol worship is forbidden, why does G-d allow it to exist? Within the context of the discussion, what is the nature of G-d, nature, and our own free will? Listen and find out.