Talking Talmud

On two of the Temple practices - specifically, how the congregation would daven or meditate on verses while the kohanim were blessing the people. Plus, how "amen" was not said in the Beit HaMikdash, and what was said instead (and when). [Who's Who: Rabbi Abbahu] Also, the blessings by the kohen gadol on Yom Kippur, plus the ceremony of him reading passages from the Torah as well.

More on Birkat Kohanim. Plus, how R. Elazar Ben Shamua achieved a truly ling life - in never using a synagogue as a shortcut, among other respectful aspects of his comportment. Also, what the people say in response to the kohanim when they are duchening (saying the priestly blessing in shul). The formal response brings the people to bless God who has blessed them.

On Birkat Kohanim - the priestly blessing - and how it was said in the Temple and outside of it. Including the responses by the people. Also, the case of eglah arufah - a found murdered body - and why it would happen. And the role of the kohanim there. Plus, coming back to permutations of Birkat kohanim, even in shul.

More on the discussion of Yosef and Yehudah, getting God's name inserted into their names. With some debate over what Nachshon ben Aminadav overcame to jump into the sea first. Were the tribes fighting to jump in, or to avoid the sea wholly? Plus, deriving information (not only halakhah) from the biblical text. Also, what exactly happened during the blessings and curses? With some mathematics and calculations to count up how many mitzvot are associated with each blessing and curse. Multiplied by the people, and then some.

Bringing a verse to life - a winged flying insect that helps (or does not help) the Israelites when they crossed into the land of Israel to conquer it. Also, what about the tribes on Mounts Gerizim and Eval, and how that parallels the kohen gadol's breastplate. Also, midrashim on Yosef... and Yehudah, how both of them were righteous and we're therefore treated to letters from God's name to be added to their names. Plus, how Yosef nearly sinned with the wife of Potiphar, but didn't.

More on the spies. Why people wanted to hear from Calev more than they were willing to hear from Joshua. Plus, trusting God when it comes to conquering the land with His assistance. The midrashim establish the sins of the spies, I spades. And then suggests otherwise. Also, a description of how the people and the ark crossed the Jordan River. Which leads to the story of Uzza.

The splitting of the Jordan River reminded the nations around of what they'd heard of the splitting of the Red Sea, and were still afraid, all these years later. Also, Moses' sending out of the spies, and how they were looking to shame the land from the outset. Also, a discussion of Calev, whose report on the land was dramatically different from nearly all the other spies, and he made a detour to Hevron. Plus, a focus on Yehoshua (Joshua) as well, and the difference between them.

On the fact that Tefilah can be said in any language - because it's a request for mercy. But can one really pray in... wait for it... Aramaic?! Plus, the way to pray as an individual... in Hebrew! Plus, a guest appearances by Caligula, and the message from a heavenly voice in Aramaic! Plus, the appearance of the Angel Gabriel, who clearly knew Aramaic, when others seemed not to. Also, determining where the Israelites were , with regard to the Land of Israel during those blessings and curses, as well as the Kutim (or Samaritans) whose interpretations were sometimes very far afield from rabbinic Judaism, and sometimes, dovetailed exactly.

Chapter 7! Passages that are read out that can be recited in any language, as compared to those that need the Hebrew. Plus, a long description of the blessings and curses on Mount Gerizim and Eival. Plus, the difference between a mitzvah that has an utterance as compared to one that has both speaking and saying. What is to be said loud? And what quietly? Including the Amidah. Including one who is suffering - so people can pray on that person's behalf.

A daf that opens with aggadata: Job's worship of God from love, as explicated in the text. Plus, Abraham's worship of love of God. As compared to the one who serves God out of fear. Also, the 6th chapter, with its single mishnah. On witnesses and the question of a woman who has secluded herself, and who is considered a reliable witness - to establish her as a sotah or prevent her from becoming a sotah, for that matter.