A small portion of a long mishnah: the case of arranging boards as an enclosure around a well, where 4 boards look like 8, or 8 that look like 12. The key being the “dyumadim” – double-boards. Then the daf moves on to aggadot connected to that “dyu” (two). Specifically, Adam and Eve, who were also two, but one. Also an observation on Eve as a receptacle for a baby. And the image of God as Adam’s “best man,” accompanying him at his wedding, putting God into the equation for both of them. Plus: A man should not walk behind a woman, for reasons of modesty… Which several biblical men seem to defy. Manoach (father of Samson) is singled out as an ignoramus. And finally, a hierarchy of following behind a lion, a woman, and idolatry.

Click here for the Talking Talmud podcast on Eruvin Daf 18.

To listen: Click the link above. Or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Or join the Talking Talmud WhatsApp group, and receive the link as soon as it goes up.

Please like our Facebook page and join our conversation there: Talking Talmud.