Talking Talmud

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).

Different types of rain: depending on volume and timing. First, the Yoreh. And Malkosh. And why both have to be for a blessing, from Heshvan to Nisan. With several explanations, based on the biblical text. Also, Reviya, fruitful, fertile rain that makes mud, enough to seal a barrel. Also, what if rain comes down in some part of the country, but not elsewhere - is that considered rain being withheld, or really not? It's a machloket, but it also gets resolved. Plus, when do we make a blessing over the rain, and what blessing is it? [Dedicated in prayer for rain in the Land of Israel]

When does the season of asking for rain end? Of course, it's a debate, but a mild one, and contingent on biblical interpretation. Which leads into a structured conversation about the meaning of various, diverse verses between R. Nachman and R. Yitzchak. With a focus on idolatry, and then the sharp questions on Shmuel's apparently divinely engineered death, the unfairness of it, and how he wasn't as young as we think. Also, the best blessing in the world.

An angry Torah scholar is presumed to be angry because of the Torah itself - that one's sensitivities have been refined. Is this a positive commentary on anger? Also, 3 who made requests of God that were inappropriate - Eliezer, Avraham's servant; Shaul; Yiftach - all of which have unintended or lasting consequences for women. Plus, asking for rain vs. mentioning rain - appropriately!

Revisiting a topic from Sukkah: pouring out libations - of strong drink, of wine, of water. And how the Gemara derives the 2 libations from the text. Plus, whose opinion is represented in this discussion of 7 libations over 7 days. Also, the conclusion of a tradition - Halakhah le-Moshe mi-Sinai - with 3 details, including the libation material here. Also, mentioning the rain and God as Provider of rain, in contrast to clouds and wind, which are never withheld, and which are secondary to rain. What is beneficial specifically, and what are happenstance? For example, snow, drizzle, and more. All of which is making sense of the natural world.

A new tractate! Speaking of fast as prayer, specifically when the Land of Israel needs rain. The mishnah opens with the question if defining the rainy season - namely, when do we start praying for rain? Too early, and it's a sign of a curse over Sukkot. So the distinction becomes between asking for rain and mentioning the fact that God is the One who provides rain. Also, where we mention God's role in bringing rain in the Amidah. Note the connection to Berakhot. Plus, God's role in rain, in life, and livelihood.

Reading the last daf.... More on Musaf of Rosh Hashanah. And how to pray: fix your prayer in your mind before you begin. [Who's Who: R. Yehudah bar Yehezkel] R. Yehudah davened intermittently... And a shaliach tzibur could fulfill the prayer obligation of those working in the fields.

Figuring out the order of the various shofar blasts. Which depends on biblical verses and the sounds of each blast - what makes a teruah a teruah? Also, the requirements of who blows how many shofar blasts over the course of how long. And where multiple shofar blasts may be completely fine for filling one's obligation - indeed, it is the obligation - or may contradict it and require another round. Plus, shofar vs. shofar blessings, which takes priority and why? Also, when a shaliach tzibur (chazan, prayer leader) can help another (congregant) pray, on behalf of the community, or the individual. The tractate seems to have shifted focus to the expectations of the service...

Going back to the mishnah that says water and wine can be used on Rosh Hashanah, to clarify the sound of the shofar. But urine is prohibited for the same case. Also, are women included with the kids who are allowed to blow a shofar for fun on Rosh Hashanah, or are they prohibited from doing so? Also, how the shofar is blown - how many blasts, what did they sound like, how long were they, android in what order? Plus, the emotion of the shofar blasts - whimpers or wailing - and the model for this of Sisera's mother.

A 5-mishnah daf. Opening with the structure of the Amidah for Musaf on Rosh Hashanah, including the shofar-blowing that takes place interspersed during this prayer. Also, the configuration of each section for Rosh Hashanah (malkhiyot, zikhronot, shofarot) - and the obligation for each. Also, the verses of these sections do not mention punishment, by design. Also, moving on from the content of Musaf to the way it unfolds in shul - with the shaliach tzibur and the person blowing shofar. Plus, how the non-Jewish authority prevented shofar-blowing (or tried). Plus, why we don't say Hallel on Rosh Hashanah. Also, prioritizing shofar-blowing... Or not quite. Also, why blowing shofar doesn't take precedence over other mitzvot, particularly the violation of melakhah for the sake of the shofar (ie, we don't do it).