Daf Yomi for Women - Hadran

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Taanit 11 - November 23, 19 Kislev Nov 23, 2021

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Today's daf is sponsored by Jason Friedman in honor of Danielle Novetsky Friedman's birthday today. Wishing you all the best on this special day. Happy birthday!

One who is traveling should eat small amounts of food either because it is not good for one's intestines or because the food will run out. In what cases will there be a difference in practice between these two reasons? In case of a famine, one should not engage in sexual relations, unless the couple has no children yet. If one has means while there is a famine in the community, it is forbidden to remove oneself from the community and ignore what others are going through. People like that will not be included when the community is ultimately consoled. The Gemara calls such a person 'beinoni, middling'." Who is considered evil? An evil person's conduct in a famine, causes the death of the righteous. Why? What is the reward for one who does include oneself in the community's suffering? An example is taken from Moshe in the Amalekite war. Who testifies against a person who does not act in this manner? Who will know what one does behind closed doors? There are several possibilities - the stones and beams of one's house, the two angels who accompany a person, one's soul, or one's organs. The righteous are punished for minor transgressions, the wicked are rewarded for minor commandments, and a person justifies his judgment on the Day of Judgment at the end of his life. Is it considered a positive thing for a person to fast or is it something not recommended? There are two approaches to this and they are derived from the nazir. It says by a nazir, "who has sinned against the soul." Is he a sinner because he vowed not to drink wine or is it just referring to a nazir who became impure to a dead person? someone who is defiled to die? One suggests that there are 2 types of people - those who can tolerate fasting and those who can not and the law is different for each. Talmud scholars are not allowed to fast because it will prevent them from learning Torah. There are no severe level fast days Babylonia other than Tisha B'Av. If one, after fasting a whole day, decided to continue the fast until the next morning, would he/she say the prayer "aneinu" the next day? Does it depend on whether one holds there is/is not such a thing as fasting for a few hours?

Taanit 10 - November 22, 18 Kislev Nov 22, 2021

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Today's learning is dedicated in memory of Eliyahu Dovid Kay who was murdered yesterday in the Old City.

Today's daf is also sponsored anonymously for a friend for a full and speedy recovery.

The Gemara brings several statements about the uniqueness of Israel as compared to other countries in the world. A braita is brought regarding the rainwater and it is attributed to Rabbi Yehoshua as it assumes the rainwater comes from the heavens. Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi says that the world gets all of its rain from the waters that overflow from Gan Eden. A comparison is made between different countries in the world to each other and then to gan Eden and ultimately to Gehenom. From when do we begin to ask for rain? Tana Kama says on 3 Marcheshvan and Rabban Gamliel says on the 7th. Who do we hold like? In Babylonia, we ask for rain much later (60 days after the autumnal equinox) as there is less need for rainfall at the earlier dates. If there is no rain by the 17 of Marcheshvan, individuals begin to fast 3 fasts. Most things, such as wearing leather shoes, etc. are permitted on these fast days as they are less serious. The fast begins in the morning. If it still doesn't rain by Rosh Chodesh Kislev, the court institutes public fast days. The severity of these fasts are the same as the first set. Who is considered an individual that is allowed to fast on the first set of fasts? If the issue resolved itself during the day that one was fasting, they still fast all day. If one goes from a place where they fast to a place where they are not fasting or the reverse, one acts more stringently in all cases. If one accidentally forgot and ate, one should not eat in a noticeable manner and shouldn't eat a lot of food. This is derived from a verse regarding Yaakov and his sons during the famine. When the brothers leave Egypt to go back home to get Yaakov, Joseph tells them "al tirgazi baderech." This is explained to mean don't speak Torah as you will get lost. But wasn't it said that if two Torah scholars are walking on the road and aren't learning, they should be burned? From where is this derived and how is the contradiction resolved? One should not take long strides and one should get into a city when it is still light.

Taanit 9 - November 21, 17 Kislev Nov 21, 2021

Show notes

This week's daf is sponsored by Pamela Kaplan in loving memory of the 17th yahrzeit of her father, David Kaplan, David Abba ben Aharon.

Today's daf is sponsored by Betsy and Tevie Mehlman in loving memory of Gitel Leah bat Moshe David (Gloria Mehlman) on her yahrzeit yesterday (16th Kislev). May her memory be blessed.

Today's daf is also sponsored anonymously in loving memory of Avraham ben Victoria.

Today's daf is also sponsored in loving memory of my grandfather, Joseph Cohen, Yosef ben Moshe HaKohen z"l on his yahrzeit.

Rabbi Yochanan engages in a discussion with his nephew, Reish Lakish's son, about the importance of giving charity and how giving charity causes one to become wealthy. Rabbi Yochanan tells him that one can even test God on this matter, even though in general one is not allowed to test God. Another statement of Rabbi Yochanan is that God brings rain for individuals, whereas God will only bring sustenance for the community. A difficulty is raised on this from a braita that talks about the well that was brought in Miriam's merit, the cloud for Aharon, and the manna for Moshe. As manna is sustenance, how was it brought for the merit of one individual? When Rava died and Rav Papa took over, he was sensitive to those who either did not always agree with his opinions or raised questions that he couldn't always answer. Sometimes God brings rain not only just for one individual but for one very specific area in a specific field. When it drizzles before the rain or after the rain, what does that tell of what is to come? When Ulla arrived in Babylonia, he saw the clouds porchot, thin ones under thick ones, which is a sign that the rain will come. He told everyone to bring everything inside as the rain was coming. When no rain came, he was embarrassed and said how the rains in Babylonia lie just as the Babylonians lie. He further criticized them for not learning enough Torah when they have such an abundance of good dates. He was also proven wrong about that as the dates he ate made him sick. Does the rainwater come from the ocean or from the heavens? This is a debate between Rabbi Eliezer and Rabbi Yehoshua.

Taanit 8 - Shabbat November 20, 16 Kislev Nov 19, 2021

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Today's daf is sponsored by Racheli Mendelson in loving memory of her mother Shoshana bat Shraga feibel and Rivka. "Studying was a big part of her life right until her last moments. She learned Gemara even when women did not think about studying Gemara and taught us to love Torah. May her memory be a blessing."

After connecting a verse from Kohelet 10:10 to rains not coming, another explanation is brought connecting that verse to Torah scholars and the importance of studying properly is stressed, as well as the importance of teacher treating one's students properly. What should be done if the people don't pray properly for rains to come? Who is the right type of person whose prayers will be heard and how important is intent in prayer? God is stricter with those who adhere strictly to God. When the rains are stopped it is likened to labor pains. The Gemara brings three words that are used to describe a woman in childbirth or getting pregnant and rain. One cannot pray for two things at the same time so if there is a famine and a plague, what should one pray for? Why can one not pray for two things at one time? There was a time when fasts were prohibited by the gentile authorities. What did Rabbi Zeira suggest to do when there were no rains? On what basis? Rain is not always a good thing as sometimes it makes things inconvenient for people. Miracles can only happen in a place that is hidden from the eye. Another reason why God doesn't bring the rains is when people say they will give charity, but they don't.

Taanit 7 - November 19, 15 Kislev Nov 19, 2021

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Study Guide Taanit 7

Today's daf is sponsored by Meir & Ahuva Balofsky in loving memory of Meir's father, Yosef Menachem ben Reuven v'Shoshana.

Today's daf is also sponsored by Rabbi Lee Wax in loving memory of her beloved mother's first yahrzeit, Myrna Wax z"l, Merna Miriam bat David v'Tzipporah. "Her stone-setting is also today. A woman of strength, courage, wisdom and love, who I miss. May her memory always be for a blessing."

The Gemara brings several articles on the importance of a rainy day - like the day of the resurrection of the dead, the day in which Torah was given, the day heaven and earth were created or perhaps even greater than those days. Following the mention of a verse in the context of the day the Torah was given, the Gemara deviates from the subject to discussing Talmud scholars and comparing between one who studies Torah and has proper behavior and one who studies Torah and does not. Or one who studies Torah for its own sake, lishma (or for the sake of God), and one who does not study Torah lishma. It is important to study Torah together with others - the Gemara brings various statements by rabbis that prove this matter from verses and also stressing that teachers can learn not only from their teachers and colleagues but also from their disciples and actually can learn more from them than from others. The Torah flourishes only in one whose mind is humble and this is explained in a story about Rabbi Yehoshua with the emperor's daughter where she asked him why he has so much wisdom if he is so ugly. He told her that good things are stored in ugly vessels because of the importance of humility. When does it rain? When the iniquities of the people were forgiven. For what reasons does God not bring rain? There are all different answers brought that say there are specific sins that cause rains to stop. What should be done if there is no rain? Pray!

Taanit 6 - November 18, 14 Kislev Nov 18, 2021

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Study Guide Taanit 6

Mazal tov to Daniel and Sara Berelowitz on the birth of a grandson - a son to Eliyahu and Hadar.

What is the source of the word "yoreh", the first rains? Does it comes from "moreh" meaning teaching (to prepare for the rainy season), "marveh" meaning saturating the ground, or from "yored" meaning it comes down softly. Since the phrase yoreh comes together with the word malkosh, it is clear that these are both positive things, and that "yoreh" shouldn't be taken as something negative (to rip of the fruits). Yoreh comes in Cheshvan, and Malkosh in Nisan and we know this from the phrase "be-ito" (in its time). What is the source of the word "Malkosh"? It either comes from "mal" meaning cutting where it cuts us to enable us to repent or from "maleh" meaning full since its fills the stalks, or from "melilot ve-kashin" meaning it falls on the full stalks. There are three potential dates for the yoreh. What are there? Three different opinions are brought. 3rd, 7th and 17th of Cheshvan, 7th, 17th and 23rd or 17th, 23rd, and the 1st of Kislev. Rav Chisda held like Rabbi Yosi who held by the last opinion. Ameimar had a different version of Rav Chisda's psak (it is unclear whether it matches Rabbi Yehuda or Rabbi Yosi). Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel said that if rain falls for 7 days (twice in a row), it can include all three "yoreh" days. This latter statement can only be according to Rabbi Yosi (since he never has a gap of more than 7 days). Regarding yoreh, what is the halachic significance of each of the three? The first is the date to begin requesting rain, the third is to begin fasting. What is the middle one for? Four possibilities are suggested: 1. Regarding vows, if a person says "I won't get benefit from so and so until the rains," his vow expires at the second yoreh. 2. For olives: Gifts that are left for the poor can be reclaimed by the owners at a certain points. For olives, this is the second yoreh. 3. The rabbis gave permission for people to pass through other people's fields as shortcuts "shvilei reshut." But this permit expires at the second yoreh as it will ruin the crops. 4. At the second yoreh, one has to remove all Sabbatical fruits from his or her home (debate between Rambam and Ramban whether they need to be destroyed or simply removed from the house). Why is the rain called a reviah? It comes from the language of "roveh," penetrating the land. Rain is called the husband of the earth. The first rain should saturate the earth. The second should make enough mud to create a cover for a barrel. If it starts raining before you say shema in the morning (i.e. before you say "and God will stop the rain,") that is a good sign. Abaye says this is referring to the night shema. But there are other sources that say rain early in the morning is good. We can distinguish between rain with thick clouds and rain with thin clouds. If Tevet has no rain (it is an almana, widow), this is a good sign as people can still travel, or perhaps there is no plague on the plants. However, others think it is a good thing. It depends on whether there was or wasn't rain earlier in the season. Rav Hisda says that if it rains in part of a country and not in another part, then this is not an indication that God is stopping the rain. However, it seems from verses in Amos that this is not a good sign. How is this reconciled? What blessing is said when a drought ends and at what point is it clear enough that the drought has ended?

Taanit 5 - November 17, 13 Kislev Nov 17, 2021

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Study Guide Taanit 5

Today's daf is sponsored by Rhona Fink in loving memory of her brother Elliot Laxer, Yisrael Tzvi ben Malca v'Chayim whose 13th Yartzeit is today. May his memory continue to be a blessing.

Today's daf is also sponsored by Audrey Mondrow in loving memory of Irving "Poppy" Mauskopf. Yechezkel Ben Avraham and Rachel. "A man who exemplifies 'Who is rich? One who is content with his lot' coupled with his complete Emunah in good and difficult times. May his neshama have an Aliyah."

The Mishna brings up a dispute between Rabbi Meir and Rabbi Yehuda as to until what date to ask for the rains - until the end of Pesach or until the end of the month of Nisan? This is contrary to the opinion that was brought in the previous Mishna of Rabbi Yehuda - until the first day of Pesach. Rav Nachman asked Rabbi Yitzchak six questions on various topics - the first refers to a verse they quoted in the Mishnah as proof of Rabbi Meir's opinion (or perhaps as proof of both opinions). In each question, Rabbi Yitzchak answers from the words of his rabbi, Rabbi Yochanan. In addition to the six questions, there are also three other cases where they were together and the Gemara tells of the conversation that took place. In one story, when they were eating and Rav Nachman asks for a dvar Torah from Rabbi Yitzchak, he tells him that one should not talk while eating as one may choke. In the third story, Rabbi Yitzchak blesses Rav Nachman that all his descendants will be like him - and told him a parable about a man - who was thirsty and tired and rested and drank under the tree that has a stream right beside it, and when he left he wanted to bless the tree and said, "Tree, tree, what will I bless you with?" After all, the tree has everything! He blessed the tree that all saplings that grow from the tree, be just like the tree.

Taanit 4 - November 16, 12 Kislev Nov 16, 2021

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Study Guide Taanit 4

Today's daf is sponsored by Mitzi Geffen in loving memory of her father Jack Lock, of Harrisburg PA, who passed away one year ago, 3 months shy of his 100th birthday. "He was an avid Zionist and so proud that all 4 of his children made Aliya to Israel, and that his "tribe" grew during his lifetime to nearly 100 family members, spanning 3 generations all in Israel. He was a generous and loving father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather, uncle and brother who is sorely missed."

Today's daf is also anonymously sponsored for the refuah shleima of Miriam Bat Malka.

The Gemara mentions several different statements regarding Talmudic scholars. In another statement, we are told that there were three people who asked something inappropriately of God. Two were answered fairly and one unfairly - Eliezer the servant of Avraham and Shaul in the battle with Goliath, and Yiftach. What could Yiftach have done to save his daughter? A verse is brought to emphasize that God never intended for Yiftach to slaughter his daughter. Another rabbis says that the Jewish people also asked inappropriately on two occasions. They asked that God be like the rain, which isn't always good (as in the summer months). They were answered fairly that God will be to them like dew which is a blessing all year round. There was a second request as well. Are the times for requesting rain and praising God about rain the same? This is an issue that is not one hundred percent clear. There is a contradiction in the words of Rabbi Yehuda between our Mishna and the next Mishna. In our Mishna it is written that we stop mentioning rain on the first day of Pesach. In the next Mishna it says we stop asking for rain at the end of Pesach. The Gemara brings four resolutions but rejects three of them and concludes that these are two different traditions about what Rabbi Yehuda said. It was said that Rabbi Yochanan ruled like Rabbi Yehuda, that we mention rain on Shmini Atzeret. This contradicts his student, Rabbi Elazar, who ruled like Rabban Gamliel that we ask for rain on the 7th of Marcheshvan. Is this really a contradiction? And if so, how can it be resolved? Outside of Israel when the eighth day of Shmini Atzeret is possibly the 7th day of Sukkot, when do we mention rains in our prayer?

Taanit 3 - November 15, 11 Kislev Nov 15, 2021

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Study Guide Taanit 3

What are the different possibilities to derive the source for the water libations on Sukkot? In the Mishna in Sukka, it says that we are obligated to do the water libations all seven days. That doesn't seem to match any of the opinions in the braita which lists the possibilities for what day we begin to mention the rains in our prayers. Is the Rabbi Yehoshua quoted by Rabbi Yehuda in the braita (we begin only at musaf of Shmini Atzeret) the same Rabbi Yehoshua mentioned also in the braita (we begin in Shmini Atzeret)? They conclude that it is not the same as the opinions don't match – why would Rabbi Yehoshua wait until musaf? Dew and winds and also clouds are not like rains because they are always in nature and God does not stop them from coming. Therefore we do not have to mention these in our prayers, but if we want to, we can. Is it really true that they are constants? Wind after the rain, sun after the rain, snow, etc. strengthen the positive effects of the rain on the crops. But other things such as lightning and being partly cloudy after the rains are considered to be bad for the crops.

Rosh Hashanah 35 - November 13, 9 Kislev Nov 14, 2021

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Study Guide Rosh Hashanah 35

The Siyum is sponsored by Valerie Adler to honor her niece Dr. Ayelet Libson "who we all admire and to Rabbanit Michelle for all the inspiring dapim so far. Mazal tov to all."

Rabban Gamliel and the rabbis disagreed as to whether a chazzan can fulfill one's personal duty to pray (Rabban Gamliel) or does each and every individual need to pray? It is said that Rabbi Yochanan said that rabbis, in the end, agreed with Rabban Gamliel, even though Rav thought they still disagreed. Also, Reish Lakish held that they continued to disagree. The Gemara questions the statement in the name of Rabbi Yochanan – from a different quote in his name, he says that we hold like Rabban Gamliel, which would indicate that they still disagree. Can one distinguish between Rosh Hashanah and other days in order to resolve the issue? Apparently not, as another source makes it clear that they disagree in both. The resolution is to say that "the rabbis" who agree with Rabban Gamliel was Rabbi Meir as is found in a braita that he in fact holds like Rabban Gamliel. Rosh Hashanah is different as there are many blessings, and not because you have to mention many verses in every blessing because you can say only "and in your Torah it is written" without mentioning the actual verses. Everyone should arrange their prayers before praying. But it is said that these are just prayers that are not prayed daily, such as holiday prayers. So why did Rav Yehuda arrange his prayers on a weekday? Rabbi Shimon Chasida said that Rabban Gamliel would say that the chazzan can fulfill the obligation even for those who are in the fields and cannot get to a synagogue. But the Gemara questions shouldn't it be the opposite – the people in the city who can come to the synagogue, but don't, should not be included and only those in the fields who can't come to the synagogue because of circumstances beyond their control, should be included in the chazan's prayers? In the end, they bring the statement in the name of Rabbi Shimon Chasida corrected - that Rabban Gamliel said that it only refers to the people in the fields who cannot get to the synagogue, but those in the city who can get to the synagogue and do not come, do not fulfill their obligation to pray by the chazan's prayer.

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