More on the disqualified: First, people who use sabbatical produce as merchandise, during a year where the intercalation is done outside of the land of Israel, which itself is unusual. Kohanim were spotted working the land and produce in various ways – and the Gemara attempts to give them excuses that don’t involve violating the shemitah rules. But all that produce could be converted to terumah. Does that mean that kohanim are willing to mess with the laws of the sabbatical produce? Plus, a tussle between Rabbi Yochanan and Resh Lakish… again. Also, the Gemara on a “cluster of wicked people” — as represented by Shevnah, who was a leader in the court of King Hezekiah, and how God does not heed them over the righteous people. Plus, archaeology that may indeed support some of Shevnah’s purported activities.

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