Talking Talmud

A new mishnah! On the sale of a field with demarcations of the property, where the buyer can hold the seller to those specifications, with a one-sixth margin of error (give or take, which is the bulk of the discussion). Plus, whether one-sixth exactly should be treated as more or less than one-sixth, which are respectively defined with halakhic conclusions. Also, the case of brothers who drew lots to determine the portions each received of their inheritance. With parallels to the division of the land of Israel among the 12 tribes, under the guidance of the Urim ve-Turim -- but there's no reason to think the brothers' decision would be contested, which is an easier lottery, such as it was.

A new mishnah! (from 104) With a case of contradictory measurements (specific and approximate), which is a complication for an effective sale - the one nullifies the other. Plus, a story that took place in the Galil - with the rental of a place for the year, 1 gold dinar per month. But then the year was declared a leap year - with an extra month. Should that be paid for as an independent month or divide it so that the 12 dinars of the year are spread out? Also, the language of a coin (istera) that's worth 96 copper coins vs. the language of 100 copper coins - which calls on the buyers and sellers to be precise - and yet people are often imprecise in exactly this kind of transaction. So the Gemara addresses which is meant when the vagaries of expression are in place. And it uses the leap year rental as a proof -- except not quite.

Interactions between buyer and seller - when a seller gives the buyer and advantage, for the portion of land being sold. In whose favor are the adjustments for the buyer or seller? It seems the seller wins out - in that he cannot be compelled to sell.... or so it would seem. Based on the costs of the land. Plus, the amount of land that is a minimum for the sowing of the given measure of seed could lead to a surplus of land that can be returned to the seller.

Beginning a new chapter - with a new mishnah. Namely, if one sells a field that has crevices or rocks of 10 handbreadths of depth or height, respectively - those areas are not included in the amount of land sold (a minimum of which is to plant a basic minimum of seed). And another new mishnah too, with specifics of a contract and their implications brought to practice.

More on the spacing of found buried bodies - and when the presumption is that you have found an ancient burial ground, based on the spacing (depending on the dispute with regard to burial details). Also, a dispute between the sages and R. Shimon in the mishnah vs. that of both sides in the baraita. Plus, the contrast to a burial ground and a vineyard, in terms of proximity.

Beginning with a mishnah on 100 -- about the structure of catacombs: family burial places carved into the recesses of a wall, and the specifics of the dimensions required for them. The Gemara delves into the spacing of niches for burial coming off chambers, including what direction to place the body. Also, the question of coming across a buried body - or two, and how to ascertain whether they are buried in the way of Jewish burial. When it comes to three bodies buried in that way, the question of moving the bodies for reburial is more complicated.

More on the definitions of a thoroughfare -- specifically, a private path. Is it measured in cubits or by use? Note: "Dayanei Golah" - the judges of the Diaspora, who weigh in on the width of a private path. With prooftexts for why a public thoroughfare is the width it is in comparison to other roads, likewise the king's road, and the cemetery road. Also, a ceremony that took place on the cemetery road - now with the judges from Tzipori. With details as to how it was done: who would be there, when, and where.

All you want to know about the cherubim/keruvim, and then some (because of there's dispute). What is their wingspan? What are their positions? Which way are they facing? Plus, 3 mishnayot: Beginning with the location of one home that had a cistern on the other side of another party's home. Also, the various ownership of property, from private to public to the king's road to that of a graveyard.

2 mishnayot! First, wine that goes sour is not the seller's responsibility, unless he knew it would sour. Plus other cases where it turns out that the seller is in fact responsible (e.g., if he brags about how great the wine is before the sale and then it goes bad). Also, the difference between "old wine" and "aged wine" and "cooking wine," in terms of caliber. Second, in the event of building a small home, with modeling on the Beit HaMikdash. Plus, mention of the Wisdom of Ben Sira.

Wine that is produced by pouring water over leaves (shemarim) that are terumah - the first 2 pourings are considered terumah still, but by the third, it loses that standing, unless it still has the taste of wine. That question of "taste" carries many ramifications as well. Also, to be able to make kiddush on "wine," the wine itself has to be eligible for libations on the altar.