Talking Talmud

On the shades of white of tzara'at, in terms of color and brightness, and how they were to be compared, and perhaps even mixed. With various analogies to help explain the relationships among the various colors and intensities. With a possible dig at the Roman empire, in the last analogy.

Beginning on the previous daf - we have a deep dive into the halakhic approach, when it comes to interpreting the biblical text. Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi uses "ribui u-miyut" -- amplification and limitation (vs. "k'lal u-p'rat" -- generalization and specification). Both approaches infer meaning and practical applications from the wording of the biblical text. It turns out that either is acceptable, as long as the scholar is consistent. Which was Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi's approach, though? Also, a return to the case of carrying from private-to-public domain from the mishnah, with the appropriate comparison to the mishnah and its cases at the beginning of Tractate Shabbat.

More on whose opinion is represented in the mishnah - Rabbi Yishmael vs. Rabbi Akiva, and why each would be the opinion represented. Plus, the underlying discussion about the lashes that would be applied to the person who has violated the halakhah in question in the mishnah.

The Gemara's introduction to Shevuot seems far afield - in its sidestepping to tzara'at blemishes and Shabbat details. So it explains the connection to lashes in the previous tractate. Plus, the sacrificial offerings that are brought on a sliding scale - dependent on one's economic status. Plus, the period of lapsed awareness of one's status as impure (for example). Also, whose opinion is represented in the mishnah? The Gemara first explains that it is not in line with the opinions of either Rabbi Yishmael or Rabbi Akiva. Until it comes back around to Rabbi Yishmael.

A new - and long - mishnah: Those who violate their oaths need to bring a sacrifice for not following through on their commitment (2 such cases). But is that only with regard to the future (with the past, another 2 are added)? Likewise, 2 that are 4 with regard to the oaths of the kohanim. Plus, 2 that are 4 in carrying from on domain to another (that is, from private to public; and then public to private is added to make 4). Plus, the various stages of lack of awareness while on is transgressing -- which can have impact on the person's sin-offerings. With various opinions represented in the mishnah (including that of Rabbi Shimon and Rabbi Meir - regarding the cases of the lack of awareness).

More on the 613 mitzvot - and ways of encapsulating the most essential mitzvot into many fewer. Plus, the way one prophet follows the next, supplanting the message of the previous one (in concern and petition to God, not competition). Also, two stories of how the sages mourned the prominence and hegemony of Rome having taken over the holy places -- most of the sages weep, but Rabbi Akiva laughs. For all that desecration, even foxes in the ruins of the Temple, fulfills the prophecy of Uriah, which affirms for him that Zechariah's prophecy of redemption and a rebuilt Jerusalem will also come to pass.

Details of the whip itself are derived or inferred from verses in the Torah -- specifically to focus on the process of flogging the sinner. Also, the last mishnah of Makkot: with the list of one who gets lashes to the exclusion of karet, thanks to the inherent humiliation in the lashes. Also, 3 practices were decided by the earthly courts and then approved by the heavenly court - so the Gemara proves that heavenly support through supporting verses. Likewise, a heavenly voice that confirmed 3 other courts' decisions - including backing King Solomon's famous "cut the babt in half" decision, to make it clear that there was no chance that the other woman was the real mother. Plus, the tradition of the 613 mitzvot, with 365 negative ones and 248 positive ones, and how we get to 613 (hint: "Torah tzivah lanu Moshe....").

3 mishnayot, but first: more on plowing, in such a way that leads to lashes. Then: details of lashes -- how many, where on the body, in numbers divisible by 3. Also, when transgressors are covered by one set of lashes or get several in a row - with time to heal in between the sets. And lastly, a detailed description of the process of the lashes - including where the person doing the flogging stands, how he flogs, and how the person getting the lashes stands, and holds himself, and so on.

A daf with 2 mishnayot: 1. One who tattoos a tattoo is liable for lashes -- if the person both engraved in the skin and also added the ink. But maybe that's only if the tattooist wrote the Name of God. Or alternatively, the name of idolatry. Likewise, things that look like tattoos seems also to be at least taboo, even if they don't incur lashes. 2. Repeated violations of the same constraint on a nazir will incur multiple sets of lashes - or only one, depending on whether he was warned. The question arises with sha'atnez too - whether one is liable for one event or multiple events. And likewise kilayim - in terms of planting or plowing while mixing species.

Finishing out ma'aser sheni - determining when one would be subject to lashes if the produce is eaten outside of Jerusalem. That measure is derived from the proximity of verses in the Torah that align lashes with the phenomenon of eating outside of Jerusalem. Plus, the tithing of one fig that wasn't tithed - how does that work? Note how designating food for tithing might actually result in more lashes than if no designation had taken place. Also, a new mishnah -- on one who shaves his head or the like in mourning, which is prohibited. How is one held accountable, and for what actions, exactly?