Talking Talmud

More on wine that may have become vinegar - this case, in a barrel from which terumot and ma'aserot may have been taken. Does the barrel turn from the top or from the bottom? What if the liquid smells of vinegar, but tastes of wine? How to determine thee time of the turning? Also, more on the suitable use of the generic "Shehakol" blessing, as compared to "Borei Pri HaGefen" blessing - for various beverages.

A seller of wine selling a cellar of wine - where the difference between a barrel vs. the stock carries real implications for the shift from wine to vinegar being an issue for the sale. Also, when wine is sold in a store, the blessing over it should be the one for wine (Borei Pri HaGefen). But there is a risk of the wine becoming vinegar - and when it's turning, or turned, it should get the more generic "Shehakol" blessing.

More on the dispute between Rav and Shmuel - on whether the seller owes the buyer the value of the error in the event that the merchandise sold was not as it should have been. Also, the saga of fighting camels - where the original owner might be liable for the loss of one of them. Plus, the question of the application of the concepts of "rov" and "chazakah" in establishing whether there was an error in the sale. Also, does the seller of defunct seeds need to pay for the loss of the seeds, or also pay for all the expenses that went into planting the seeds?

Note: We had some technical difficulties with the recording of this episode and apologize for the choppiness at the end of the recording.

Beginning chapter 6 - with a new mishnah. One who sells produce that is sometimes used for eating and sometimes for planting -- what happens if the buyer plants the item and it doesn't grow? What if one sells an ox and it turns out to be a gorer? When is the seller responsible for the dud of the sale? Plus, when does the issue of "rov" - the majority, especially in terms of expectations - kick in, especially since it's rarely applied in the context of monetary dealings.

In the middle of 7 beraitot -- the last of which addresses increases to the cost of wheat, and then the Gemara turns to Megillat Ruth. Specifically, can you find wheat to purchase? If so, there's a dispute whether you can leave the land of Israel. Think of the family of Naomi, who left the land of Israel for Moab, because of a famine in that generation. Plus, all of the arrangements that needed to have been made for Ruth to end up with Boaz -- meaning, a good thing (that couple) that comes from bad things (the respective spouses' deaths, for example), which is theologically troubling. Also, another consideration of when one is allowed to leave the land of Israel - in terms of economics, again. Plus, Rabbi Yochanan's recollections, including of a time when the costs were down, but people still didn't have money for food.

A given town has limits on how much it can increase the size of its measures. If the rationale is to avoid inflation, then why increase at all? Perhaps it's a concern of "ona'ah" - defrauding either party - but the Gemara rejects that as a concern too. And so on, for a few attempts. Plus, the use of verses to establish the adjustments to weights and measures. Also, people who hold onto produce as a matter of hoarding, usurers, and those who mess with their weights and measures - all of whom are treated by the law as not great, deceitful categories of people. Plus, a differences in marketplace practices by Shmuel and his father, to make sure the price there isn't driven up.

Further discussion of the laws that pertain weights and measures, with a mnemonic to help them remember 11 beraitot, all pertaining to weights and measures, including those pertaining to the norms of the given place. For example, whether a serving might be flat or level, as compared to rounded or heaping. Plus, a caution against using "large" or "small" weights, with the goal, of course, against preventing cheating. Plus, punishments for those who messed with weighs and measures. Also, the injunction against metal weights and measures, and uneven levels, and less precise pacing for leveling the goods. Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai wasn't sure whether he should teach all of these halakhot in public - lest they teach the dishonest people how to be dishonest. But if he didn't teach them, what would that imply about the Torah and the knowledge of the Torah scholars?

A new mishnah! (the last of the chapter) -- on the upkeep of weights and measures. That is, wiping them clean, specifically those that are used for wet goods. Also, a question of ethical importance as determined by one's honesty in weights and measures -- supported by textual nuance. Plus, why it is that dishonesty in weights and measures is so bad.

2 mishnayot! First: The case of someone who sells food and drink -- that is, oil and wine -- and the price rises or falls, and the seller or the buyer wants to renege, it depends where in the process of pouring it out for the buyer whether each can renege. If a middleman is responsible for the commodity, and a barrel of the goods breaks, he is responsible to cover the loss. Plus, the dripping of 3 extra drops, after the seller has transferred the buyer's purchase to him. Also, the second mishnah: Someone sends a minor son to buy oil with the particular coin to make the purchase - the kid loses the change and breaks the flask of oil, and it's a dispute whether the storekeeper is liable or not. Because wasn't it the father's goal for the storekeeper to give the child the oil and change? Or was that the storekeeper's independent decision?