Talking Talmud

The Beit Din of Rabban Gamliel, and the parameters of shemitah, and how they are derived. What can be done before Rosh Hashanah, including when it comes to saplings, and how might that differ from mature trees? What does it mean that Rabban Gamliel's court nullified these prohibitions? What mechanism of halakhic reasoning even allows for that?! Clearly, not everyone agrees. R. Yishmael and R. Akiva simply have different methods of interpretation, which practical applications. Plus, why we don't irrigate a field with rain water, because, really, what's the great exertion in that? If the water comes from a running stream that is constantly fed from a pool - that seems to be good enough for irrigating in Chol HaMoed. But of course, there's machloket over this irrigation question as well... Where the difference in rainfall in Babylonia and Israel may make a very practical difference.

Another detail of introduction on Rashi's commentary on Moed Katan. Plus, shemitah, and how does that line up with avot and toladot, as compared to Shabbat. Also, how to determine which details of shemitah are to be prohibited and which are not, based on the principle of k'lal u-p'rat u-k'lal. Also, plowing before the Rosh Hashanah of shemitah.

An introduction to the new tractate, and its focus on Chol HaMoed. Also, the first mishnah, with a discussion of irrigating a field over Chol HaMoed, and also during a shemitah year, and what is permissible and what is not. Specifically, via natural springs, and not via collected rain water or a deep well. The Gemara focuses on the distinctions drawn in the mishnah, with the implication of how labor intensive is the effort going to be to be permitted on Chol HaMoed. Plus, the parallel to the melakhot of Shabbat, and the handling of kilayim there... And now here. All of which serves to establish this "middle ground" of neither a regular weekday, nor a full holiday or Shabbat.

The final daf of Megillah! Several details about Torah reading and the scroll itself, in the name of Rav Shefatya. Also, the outrage of touching a Torah directly. Plus, rounding out the tractate. [Unfortunately, an update on Anchor, the app we use to record, seems to be doing the opposite of improving the audio. Please God, we will figure out what has changed as we go to record Moed Katan]

All the different Torah readings of all the holidays of the year. Including a mention of the second day of yom tov in the Diaspora. Plus, more on the ma'amadot and the Torah readings thereof. Also, the Torah reading of fast days, which includes a reading of the curses (against those who sin against God), and the way to read those passages.

Which shabbatot actually line up to have these 4 parshiyot read? Charting out the passages and the dates may be helpful. Also, when do we interrupt the regular order of the weekly parsha for the sake of the special parshiyot? And how far does that actually go? Is this a matter of the Torah reading or the Haftarah? Making the case in both directions. Plus, another mishnah on the special Torah readings of various holidays.

On the Shechinah and Its travels with Bnei Yisrael. And also the path back, the rebuilding after the destruction that was wrought - which accounts for the Shechinah's ongoing presence, perhaps. Plus, the moving of mountains at the time of the giving of the Torah. Also, the mishnah of the 4 parshiyot - the 4 special shabbatot around Adar, with special Maftir readings.

Dedicated to the health and well-being of Yehudis bas Hinda, who, at 102, joins the rabbis of the daf with exceptional longevity (thank God). But what was the secret of each of these various rabbis' living to longevity? Each has a different reason (or several). Also, a new mishnah - including not making a shul into a shortcut. And how the sanctity of a synagogue remains even after the space is not being used as a synagogue any longer. Plus, making sure grass doesn't grow in a functioning shul.

Selling Torah scrolls. What can you do with the funds since you can't purchase other scrolls (not Neviim or Ketuvim)? And what about the cloths with which we (they) wrap(ped) the scrolls? And on through the various cases. Plus, selling a Torah scroll to marry off a daughter, and NOT selling a daughter off for food. Also, 2 more mishnayot, on what can be sold and not - holy objects that are owned by the community - and cannot be sold to an individual. Plus, the 4 things a shul cannot be sold for the sake of establishing in place of the shul.

Chapter 4! Selling one property or item requires using those funds to purchase something that has a greater level of sanctity. From a town square to a synagogue to an aron kodesh and onward. Also, a discussion of the sanctity of Jerusalem. And more on this element of kedushat hamakom - sanctity of place. Plus, the story of Rami bar Abba and his desire to use the parts of an old synagogue for the new one he was building. Not such a simple thing to do, according to the rabbis.