Talking Talmud

Following the mishnah's order if the day, with a mnemonic to help one remember in order. For example, why do they go out to the square? Why do they wear sackcloth? Why ashes? The rationale for each step is somewhat disputed, and the practical difference in each dispute is articulated. Note how foreign this process is as compared to our contemporary practice. Plus, 2 important figures who are involved in this ritual - the elder and the shaliach tzibur, with side notes for the sage, and the various hierarchical standings. And the impact these details have on repentance, including going back to the king of Nineveh. Coming back to the shaliach tzibur, the skill set makes a difference to how davening happens.

Chapter 2! With all the mishnah of the chapter. The mishnah goes through the order of the activities in a day of fasting for rain. Plus, a comparison to the people of Nineveh, and their repentance. Plus, the qualifications for leading the congregation on this day. And the order of the prayer itself. Also, the role of the mishmar in this fast. Plus, limitations on these designated fast days.

The hot topic of whether women who are pregnant or nursing should be fasting when it comes to fasting for rain. Also, a reflection when. There was (non-rain) trouble for the community, and 13 fasts didn't improve the situation. But more fasts would have been truly onerous on the community. Or.... That's a machloket. Plus, the people of Nineveh serve as a model for those who need live in a place where rain is needed when it's not the rainy season in Israel and whether that warrants "asking for rain." Likewise, they are a model for how turning away from sin should be done.

How did the mishah in of mourning develop and why are their differences? The practice of saying Aneinu is an integral part of praying on a fast day but where to place it is a question.

One cannot take on a fast of a few hours and call it a fast - it doesn't count in that regard. And separating from a community fast is not acceptable either - so joining in a small part of that fast in solidarity is, however, acceptable. With supports and arguments against this position regarding partial fasts. Including a rule of thumb making sure that one takes a fast upon oneself from the day before. When exactly? It's a machloket, though pegged to the afternoon. Plus, an important turning to Megilat Taanit, as the official calendar of holidays. Also, the case of high quality meat enticing someone who is fasting, and when whether one can break the fast and make it up another time, based on how badly you want to eat it. Plus, a "fast because of a dream," to provide an antidote, as it were, for a bad dream (even on Shabbat). Plus, a new mishnah: more serious fasting for rain by the community. Which includes limiting activity as well. Where fasting isn't fasting, as we like to say.

Suffering through famine should save the person who chooses to do so from a strange death. Plus, other outcomes of famine, like avoiding sexual relations to avoid having children during years of famine. Also, separating from the community, and the negative consequences thereof. Also, the Gemara says - anyone who fasts is called a sinner (which seems to contradict the premise of the tractate!). Where does the Nazir, as one who abstains, fit into this equation? Asceticism isn't the goal of the fasting for rain. This spectrum of delving into the enjoyment of life to one who intentionally chooses to refrain or abstain.

A dispute between R. Eliezer and R. Yehoshua over the source of rain - from the heavens or the oceans. Plus, a new mishnah: when we really start asking for rain, including in the Diaspora. Also, what happens if rain doesn't fall, though it is the rainy season, and the asking for rain has begun? First, individuals will fast. If it still doesn't rain, then a communal fast will be called. With the terms of these fast days. Plus, don't misjudge your own worth, as one who is eligible to be an individual who fasts for the good of the community. Also, don't delve into halakhah when you're traveling, lest it disturb the camaraderie of traveling - and how far that goes.

More on Resh Lakish, including a discussion of reward and punishment, and the relationship between the books of the Torah and those of Ketuvim. Also, the leaders of Israel (Moshe, Sharon, Miriam), and the gifts they received. Also, back to rainfall - and the proof of how it can fall at the behest or in the merit of one individual. Including the particulars of the clouds (and drizzle) that herald (and follow) rain.

One must understand Mishnah before going on. And the way to make sure you know enough is to study more. Which brings us to Resh Lakish's practice of reviewing Mishnah 40 times. R. Ada bar Ahava would review 24 times. [Who's Who (in part): Resh Lakish] Also, the dilemma of what to pray for when confronted with both famine and plague (may we never know this situation). But why can't you pray for two things at the same time?! We have biblical verses to teach that. Plus, in a time of religious persecution, when fasting was not allowed, they decreed a fast as part of their prayer to end the persecution, and they'll actually fast once the persecution is over. Also, an open question whether this tractate verges to the spiritual/metaphysical or to the practical, if religious.

How does rain compare to the resurrection of the dead? How does rain compare to Torah? How does rain compare to creation? Also, Torah is compared to wine, water, and milk - why? Plus, the famous trade of insults between the daughter of the Roman emperor and R. Yehoshua (in which wine figures prominently). || Note: Apologies from the delay in releasing the podcast today - it seemed there was a problem with the audio file, but then it resolved. In the meantime, it has rained in Jerusalem, at least, and we may be in for a rainy few days, thank God (an unusual attitude for those accustomed to rainfall all year long, to be sure).