Talking Talmud

NOTE: This episode discusses infant mortality. But first, additional discussion of the rites of mourning, and how some become optional on Shabbat. This rites are less clear than some of the previous ones, because of various customs. Tearing garments is supposed to be a sign of greatest sorrow - including how some sages (like Shmuel) tore for their colleague/teachers (like Rav). Also, how we keep our loved and respected ones, even through our grief. Now, to the most difficult part: The details of the burial of a newborn (until 30 days). And then the details for an infant (until a year). And then the details for a year old... Which is fundamentally the same level of mourning as that for an adult. The details here are prescriptive and descriptive, perhaps, but theological or existential.

Do we actually mourn on Shabbat? Some things are cancelled because of Shabbat, while some things are upheld. And some measures depend on the practices of the given community. Plus, the question of remarrying after the death of a wife, including the possible needs of young children who have lost their mother.

What is the significance of the thirty day mourning period? How do we mourn our community leaders?

Outlining the practices (and prohibitions) of the mourner - including some that are very familiar - and a notable exception to accommodate the needs of the community. [Who's Who: R. Yosi bar Halafta] Plus, stories of rabbis who were in mourning and taught Torah publicly anyway. This moves us into a different realm of avelut. Also, the prohibition on a mourner wearing tefillin - and how that plays out over the week, given location, company, and so on. Plus, the mourning of Moshe Rabbenu. With some discussion of the demographics of the Gemara's mourners.

How does the mitzvah of rejoicing on the holidays align with the sorrow during a period of mourning? And how does these conflicting emotions play out over the various holidays? Plus, when news of a death in the family came late. And the verses that teach shiva. Also, how much mourning is undertaken by one who hears about the loss more than 30 days after the death takes place? The answer is a sole voice dissenting against the many - but in this case, the one dissenting position is upheld. Why? Plus, the rituals of mourning for those who are not the 7 close relatives, including wearing makeup (or not, as the case may be).

Collecting on a debt, or to pay a poor scribe - either is permitted writing on Chol HaMoed. Other scribal issues are left until after the holiday. [What's What: The scroll of Ezra/Azarah] Plus, tefillin, mezuzahs, and tzitzit on Chol HaMoed. Also, the way holidays truncate shiva and sheloshim.

Cutting nails on Chol HaMoed - and the implications of seeing long nails on another person. Plus, the connection to covenant, even going back to Abraham and Isaac. Also, the documents allowed to be written on Chol HaMoed. [Who's Who: Rabbi Reuven ben Itzterobili] From the documents that include betrothal and divorce arises a discussion of destiny, and from there to how much can be held against a person who hasn't even done wrong (yet). Plus, maligning Moshe Rabbenu.

[Who's Who: R. Yehuda bar Yehezkel.] How should the sages handles an excommunicated Torah scholar who was out of line in what must have been a serious way, where the sage who headed up the excommunication is no longer available to walk it back? Take it to the next greatest sage, even if you have to travel to do so. Though he delegated the investigation, and the sub's conclusion was rejected in the end. Also, haircuts on Chol HaMoed - for example, keeping the count of the mourner, and how the days of mourning fall out on the calendar.

Narratives of cases that align with the halakhic details of daf 15. What happens when one is ostracized, and what kinds of ethics do we expect from the sages?

A systematic approach to the various statuses of people and the range of activities that those same categories of people may or may not do, or must do. Plus, a "deeper dive" into the way each of those categories of people is permitted or required or forbidden to engage in learning Torah. (With apologies for some audio glitch that doesn't really hit the content that badly, but we aren't pleased, and would have made sure it didn't happen if we could figure out why it does!)