Talking Talmud

A new Seder and a new Masechet! The Masechet begins with a discussion of the main categories of damagers and the relationship between the Avot (categories) and Tolodot (subcategories) of damagers.

The daf begins with a Mishnah that raises some difficult questions. The last Mishnah of the Masechet and Seder discusses what professions are desirable and should be taught to one’s son. The Masechet ends with a beautiful passage on the study of Torah and the hope it brings to a person’s life.

The daf has a very open discussion about sexual temptation and sin by giving example from the Tanamim and Amoraim

The daf discusses Rabbi Yochanan’a concept of chazakot and when one does not to bring a witness to prove something. Later the Mishnah discussed the laws of yichud or seclusion.

Two mishnahs; First mishnah - when the timing of an agents betrothal for a woman and a father's (or her own) conflict... What is the status of that kiddushin? Second Mishnah - if a man returns with a family how does he prove their lineage

A kohen whose kiddushin is with a woman who is prohibited to him and who is the intimate with her - he gets two counts against him, one for each prohibition. The idea is that kiddushin is prohibited for the way it leads to a prohibited sexual relationship. Also, a new mishnah about how a father and even both parents can't declare their child (or child-to-be) a mamzer.

A new mishnah about challals, challalot, and their progeny, and whom they can marry. Likewise, converts. Following the lineage quality of the father... Also, a beraita regarding liability for multiple sins - specifically, kohanim who get involced with the various prohibited relationships. But how many women is the given kohen being intimate with?

A new mishnah - checking back the lineage of a woman who marries a kohen, namely 4 women which equals 8, when you consider 4 generations on both sides. Though some families, who were in various kinds of public service, were exempt from some of those checks, because they wouldn't have been eligible for those roles if their lineage had been blemished. But why davka the women and not the men? Also, fights about lineage brought out the insults from others. Plus, the position that converts cannot be Jewish kings, with potentially painful implications for other roles of leadership as well. And recognition of how uneven treatment of converts were in different communities.

More on the Shetuki also sometimes known as a Beduki. The daf also discussed the status of the Cutean and who they may or may not marry.

A new mishnah, with more on who's allowed to marry whom. The people who are prohibited from marrying others can (maybe!) marry each other. Also, the need for Gemara to explicate the mishnah. Plus, can the progeny of the couple that marries (who are prohibited to others) marry a kohen?