Talking Talmud

The discussion of charity begins in Pe'ah, with a focus on how poor one must be to receive tzedakah, when the expectation is that one downgrade, and when one doesn't have to go that far. Plus, an underage girl who is married off by her mother or brothers can come back and collect the funds from her respective family members. Also, financial advisories for those who don't have money, but live as if they do. Plus, the politics of inheritance. When is a lien placed on property by the court and when was it not? Especially given the need to support women and girls.

A husband's requirement to provide clothing for his wife, even when her father has written her off. Also, stories illustrating these issues. Including those of Mar Ukva, plus [Who's Who: Mar Ukva] With a focus on inheritance, and how to do so in a dignified way.

A new chapter! A new mishnah! Which provides the text of the "equation" for what each spouse owes the other, including what funds paying back humiliation might come directly to the woman. Except that R. Yehudah Ben Beteira revises that position wholly. Which opens a good deal of discussion in the Gemara. Plus, a variety of humiliating practices that lead to compensatory payment. Also, adding conditions to the ketubah, based on the movable property, and more. Plus, the economics of the ketubah with regard to the dowry she brings in to the marriage. Also, stories about the actual negotiations, including Nakdimon.

To what extent do the provisions for a woman include wine? The answer seems to depend on whether she's accustomed to drinking wine - clearly, some women did drink and others did not. The implications of "too many" cups of wine for her behavior are presented rather dramatically. Plus, a story of Homa, Abaye's widow, who puts in the request with Rava for her wine, even though her husband wasn't accustomed to drink. That interaction leads to drama with Rava's wife, who was the daughter of R. Hisda and Homa. Also, other provisions for the woman, including mattresses, pillows, clothing, etc. Which should still be respectable, at least.

More on wives deemed "rebellious." An assortment of rabbis needed to adjudicate a case of a moredet and whether she needs to give up her wardrobe. [What's What: Ika de-amrei] And the answer is not clear at all. Plus, the question of when the moredet can get divorced. Also, a mishnah on what it means to provide for a wife's food, including specifics about the kinds of foods and their amounts. Plus, the implications for a house with tzara'at, food with tzara'at, etc.

Part of the famous story of Rabbi Akiva - the story of his years of Torah study and his wife's possibly surprising years of support. Also, a new mishnah: a woman who rebels against her husband (or a man who rebels against his wife) is penalized financially, with regard to the ketubah. What is the rebellion? It's a dispute whether she's refusing the marital bed or refusing to fulfill her responsibilities at home (and likewise, a man's refusal would be either conjugal relations or the sustenance/mezonot that he should be providing).

A few disputes between Rav and R. Yochanan, including how a groan can break your whole body, and how that's a matter of the Jewish condition, in terms of perpetual anguish. Also, a man's obligation for the frequency of a wife's conjugal rights, depending on his profession. Plus, stories of sages who prioritized their studies over the families and the dramatic (and sometime dire) outcomes.

Dedicated in the memory of Dr. Dodi Tobin z"l. || A series of what amounts to recommendations by the sages for a healthy diet during pregnancy. Including how a mother's diet of etrogim made the child smell good, to the extent that the child was used to spice. Plus, more marriage politics around nursing, which are apparently eternal. Also, just how delectable all kinds of food, meat and wine and mushrooms and turnip and even pomegranates can be, to drive people beyond distraction in their desire and appetite for the food. And how the way one treats the waiters is indicative of one's righteousness - and if one is righteous enough, Elijah the Prophet just might pop by for a visit. Plus, the next mishnah. And - 2 sages with comparable names. And a dispute between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai that brings us back to pregnancy and nursing.

The Gemara discusses its understanding of some developmental milestones and explains how infants recognize their mothers. When can nursing mothers remarry?

A husband cannot consecrate a wife's earnings after all. How is this case parallel to swearing off the use of something? Is it really comparable to the terms of marriage? Also, shifting to what the woman has to provide in marriage - with great specificity. Plus, nursing.