Talking Talmud

More on those who have no portion in the World to Come -- starting with those who whisper incantations over a wound. The problem seems to be magicking up God's healing powers, which is a marked sign of disrespect. But some surprising measures of incantations are indeed permitted - even on Shabbat. Also, when Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyracanus became ill - and the students went to visit him. Does this account take place before or after the story of the oven of Akhnai? Plus, the rationale that teaching Torah benefits people in both this world and the World to Come. Plus, an investigation into Menashe and his father Hezekiah, and why Menashe didn't follow in his father's good ways. Plus, points of faith even in suffering.

One of the sages presents an interpretation, describing the beauty of a vision of a plentiful river surrounded by delightful growing things that emerges from the Holy of Holies. Others congratulate him on his teaching -- and one of those congratulations is criticized as coming from bystander who wasn't in a position to judge, and therefore was disrespectful. Except that - in contrast with a truly disrespectful response - it really wasn't. Also, the book of the Wisdom of Ben Sira -- and the phenomenon of books that were left out of the canon. Plus, some of the content of Ben Shira as part of the assessment of what is allowed.

Different opinions from the sages on the length of the "messianic era": 40 years? 70 years? 3 generations? Or Rabbi Hillel's shocking statement that the messiah has already come and gone, as per fulfilling the prophesies in the era of Hezekiah, king of Judah. Also, the distinction between the messianic era and the World to Come, with prophecy being primarily about the former. But the key question regarding the messianic era and how different it may be from the current world is also significant. Plus, the famous statement that ba'alei teshuvah (returning penitents) are closer to God even than the righteous. And then Eden (the Garden on the outskirts, perhaps) is another place... but the prophets can't prophesy about that which they've never seen. Also, Rabbi Akiva encourages everyone to review their Torah studies, regularly and repetitively. Plus, people are created for work, and your work should be Torah.

Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi - on the messiah, and when he will come, with regard to the people awaiting his arrival. Including Eliyahu (Elijah), of course. Also, the birthpangs of the messiah - how many sages want the messiah to come, but only after they themselves die, so they don't have to suffer through it. But won't the messianic era be worth it? And won't their Torah study and acts of kindness protect them? With parallels between the entrance to the land of Israel from the Exodus of Egypt, vs. the return after the Babylonian Exile.

Is there truth in the world? Rava thought not, until he encountered one truth-telling sage and heard his story of truth-tellers, and how that sage's own lie was his downfall. Also, a story about Eliyahu, in the exploration of the messianic time to come -- including a good deal of calculation and supposition regarding when it will happen. Plus, the discovery of a scroll written in Hebrew that had been found among the treasures the Romans took from Jerusalem, in their conquest. And it too has predictions for the future and end of the world.

From Sennacherib to Nebuchadnezzar - and why the latter was able to conquer Jerusalem (that is, what good deed did he do that he got his way of breaking through Jerusalem's divine protection?). Also, how Nebuchadnezzar's captain of the guard, Nevuzaradan, led the charge, and succeeded where Sennacherib did not, apparently with God's approval. He was indeed a bloody man of war, until - it seems - he saw the error of his ways.

Compare this part of the daf to the stories in Shmuel Bet (Second Samuel) -- the son of Goliath is armed to go take vengeance on David. Ishbivenov is this same son of the giant, and his name is connected to his identity - because his revenge is on account of Nov. God makes it clear to David that he must pay the price of his wrong-doing, and gives him a choice of cutting off his descendants or suffer himself. He chooses the latter. Which leads to his own near-death, in greater detail in the Gemara than in the Navi. Also, the Assyrian army and their marching plan and huge numbers of troops (maybe). Plus, the angel Gavriel supporting the battles (against siege and more during Sennacherib's wars).

A focus on the Assyrian king Sennacherib, and the Jewish king, Hizkiyahu (Hezekiah). Why is the wicked king given an honorific, asks the Gemara. And answers: He didn't use derogatory language when speaking about the land of Israel. Is that really the case?! From Sennacherib, we move on to Hezekiah -- and the discussion of him as a possible messiah, which would have meant Sennacherib was to be part of the "Gog and Magog" battle for final redemption (which clearly didn't happen that way). Plus, the exile of the 10 tribes, and a sage's need of an Aramaic translation of the Hebrew biblical text.

If you dream about a white horse (thanks to Zechariah's prophecy), that's a good thing (alluding to God's anger abating). Also, more on Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. With imports to Babylonia from Alexandria, possibly to the exclusion of breeding Egyptian hogs... Plus, Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar's idol. Plus, sexual immorality that is rejected by Nebuchadnezzar, no less. Plus, the experience of another three in the fiery furnace: Yehoshua, the high priest, Achav, and Tzidkiyahu (with a mini-study on Yehoshua, the high priest and a complicated interweaving of verses from many texts). Also, what traits are to be expected in the messiah? What about Bar Koziva who became Bar Kochba? After all, he said: I am the messiah! (What was his leadership? Could he have been the messiah? A false messiah?) Plus, the fortitude to withstand distraction, laughter, and the need for the bathroom, among other factors, when standing in the non-Jewish king's court. Plus, the way Jews are particularly geared to the messiah and redemption in historical periods of travail.

A small corrective on Cleopatra and Rabbi Meir (we know they couldn't have actually spoken to each other; they didn't live at the same time!). From there, delving into the teachings of Rabbi Elazar, some of which are about personal conduct, some about personal intellect, and how we interact. Also, the possible people who were resurrected by Ezekiel, in restoring the dry bones of his visions to life. Plus, the fiery furnace of the Book of Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar -- borrowed by the midrash for the famous fiery furnace from which Abraham also emerges unscathed.