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Hullin 60: God’s Lion’s Roar to Defend the Jewish People

June 29, 2026 | י״ד בתמוז תשפ״ו

A series of stories about Rabbi Yehoshua ben Haninah interacting with Roman officers, conversing with the Caesar, etc. Some of these stories need unpacking and investigation: including God as described as a lion (Amos). Plus, the lion whose roar pulled down the walls of Rome (and caused its women to miscarry). All of which points to the power residing with God, and not the Caesar. Also, how God controls the events of the world via nature — another question by the Caesar, and Rabbi Yehoshua has a demonstration for him. Fundamentally, the series of stories provide some measure of comfort for a Jewish audience. Also, an investigation into the verses that describe the creation of the world in Genesis — specifically, the story of the moon as a diminished light in comparison to the sun, and God’s ostensible regret in how He handled the moon. Plus, the production of the world’s vegetation in creation.

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Anne and Yardaena

Anne Gordon is the deputy editor of Ops & Blogs at The Times of Israel. She is a veteran educator, having taught in high school and post-high school institutions in Israel and America for several decades. Yardaena Osband is a pediatrician and teaches in her community and online. They both hail from Boston, proud alumna of Maimonides School, where they first learned Gemara. Talking Talmud is their conversation (via podcast) on the daf yomi. They say: “Learning the daf? We have something for you to think about. Not learning the daf? We have something for you to think about! (Along with a taste of the daf…) Join the conversation with us!”

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