The gemara discusses uses of knives that were used for various purposes – can they be used for shechita or cutting meat, i.e. knives used to idol worship? or slaughtering a treifa?
This month’s learning is sponsored by Marci Glazer in loving memory of her teacher and chevruta, Rachel Brodie, Rachel Aviva bat Devora Chana, on her 4th yahrzeit. “She brought her love of Torah to thousands of people in her all-too-short life. A lover of Midrash, she still invited me on this Daf Yomi journey.”
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This month’s learning is sponsored by Marci Glazer in loving memory of her teacher and chevruta, Rachel Brodie, Rachel Aviva bat Devora Chana, on her 4th yahrzeit. “She brought her love of Torah to thousands of people in her all-too-short life. A lover of Midrash, she still invited me on this Daf Yomi journey.”
Chullin 8
אָמַר רַבִּי זֵירָא אָמַר שְׁמוּאֵל: לִיבֵּן סַכִּין וְשָׁחַט בָּהּ – שְׁחִיטָתוֹ כְּשֵׁרָה, חִידּוּדָהּ קוֹדֵם לְלִיבּוּנָהּ. וְהָאִיכָּא צְדָדִין? בֵּית הַשְּׁחִיטָה מִירְוָוח רָוַוח.
§ Rabbi Zeira says that Shmuel says: If one heated a knife until it became white hot [libben] and slaughtered an animal with it, his slaughter is valid, as cutting the relevant simanim with the knife’s sharp blade preceded the effect of its white heat. Had the effect of the heat preceded the cutting, the animal would have been rendered a tereifa, an animal with a wound that will cause it to die within twelve months, before the slaughter was completed, by searing the windpipe and the gullet. The Gemara asks: But aren’t there the sides of the knife, which burn the throat and render the animal a tereifa? The Gemara answers: The area of the slaughter in the throat parts immediately after the incision, and the tissue on either side of the incision is not seared by the white-hot blade.
אִיבַּעְיָא לְהוּ: לִיבֵּן שַׁפּוּד וְהִכָּה בּוֹ, מִשּׁוּם שְׁחִין נִדּוֹן אוֹ מִשּׁוּם מִכְוָה נִדּוֹן?
A dilemma was raised before the Sages: If one heated a skewer [shappud] until it became white hot and struck a person with it, and after the wound healed a leprous mark developed, is that mark adjudged as a leprous boil or is it adjudged as a leprous burn?
לְמַאי נָפְקָא מִינַּהּ – לְכִדְתַנְיָא: שְׁחִין וּמִכְוָה מְטַמְּאִין בְּשָׁבוּעַ אֶחָד, בִּשְׁנֵי סִימָנִין – בְּשֵׂעָר לָבָן וּבְפִסְיוֹן, וְלָמָּה חִלְּקָן הַכָּתוּב? לוֹמַר שֶׁאֵין מִצְטָרְפִין זֶה עִם זֶה.
What is the practical difference whether it is adjudged a boil or a burn? The difference is for that which is taught in a baraita: Both a leprous boil and a leprous burn become impure during one week of quarantine with two symptoms: With white hair that grows in the leprous mark and with spreading of the leprous mark. And why did the verse divide them into two separate passages even though their halakhic status is the same? The verse divided them to say that they do not join together to constitute the requisite measure of impure leprous marks. Rather, there is impurity only if the boil or the burn constitutes that measure individually.
וְתַנְיָא: אֵיזֶהוּ שְׁחִין וְאֵיזֶהוּ מִכְוָה? לָקָה בְּעֵץ, בְּאֶבֶן, בְּגֶפֶת, בְּחַמֵּי טְבֶרְיָא, וּבְכׇל דָּבָר שֶׁלֹּא בָּא מֵחֲמַת הָאוּר, לְאֵתוֹיֵי אֲבָר מֵעִיקָּרוֹ – זֶהוּ שְׁחִין. וְאֵיזֶהוּ מִכְוָה? נִכְוָה בְּגַחֶלֶת, בְּרֶמֶץ, בְּסִיד רוֹתֵחַ, בְּגִפְסִיס רוֹתֵחַ, וּבְכׇל דָּבָר הַבָּא מֵחֲמַת הָאוּר, לְאֵתוֹיֵי חַמֵּי הָאוּר – זוֹ הִיא מִכְוָה.
And it is taught in a baraita: Which wound is a boil and which is a burn? If one was struck with wood, with a stone, with pomace, with the hot springs of Tiberias, or with any item that is not heated by fire, a phrase that serves to include lead that was mined from its source in the ground, which is occasionally hot enough to burn a person, this impression left on the skin is a boil. And which wound is a burn? If one was burned with a coal, with hot ashes, with boiling limestone, with boiling gypsum [begippesit], or with any item that is heated by fire, a phrase that serves to include water heated by fire, this impression left on the skin is a burn.
וְתַנְיָא: שְׁחִין וּמִכְוָה, אִם שְׁחִין קוֹדֵם לַמִּכְוָה – בִּטֵּל מִכְוָה אֶת הַשְּׁחִין, וְאִם מִכְוָה קוֹדֶמֶת לַשְּׁחִין – בִּטֵּל שְׁחִין אֶת הַמִּכְוָה.
And it is taught in a baraita: If there is a boil and a burn on the same place on the skin and a leprous mark developed, the later wound determines the nature of the leprosy. Therefore, if the boil preceded the burn, the burn nullifies the boil and the mark is a leprous burn. And if the burn preceded the boil, the boil nullifies the burn and the mark is a leprous boil.
וְהָכָא, הֵיכִי דָּמֵי? כְּגוֹן דַּהֲוָה בֵּיהּ חֲצִי גְּרִיס שְׁחִין מֵעִיקָּרָא, וְלִיבֵּן שַׁפּוּד וְהִכָּה בּוֹ, וּנְפַק בֵּיהּ חֲצִי גְּרִיס אַחֵר.
And here, where the dilemma was raised whether the mark that develops from being struck with a hot skewer is a boil or a burn, what are the circumstances? It is a case where initially there was a boil half the size of a split bean on the person’s skin, and one heated a skewer until it became white hot and struck him with it, and another mark half the size of a split bean emerged on the skin there.
מַאי חַבְטָא? קָדֵים וְאָתֵי הַבְלָא וּמְבַטֵּל לֵיהּ לְחַבְטָא, וְהָוֵה לֵיהּ שְׁחִין וּמִכְוָה, וְלָא מִצְטָרְפִין; אוֹ דִלְמָא הַבְלָא קָדֵים, וְאָתֵי חַבְטָא וּמְבַטֵּל לֵיהּ לְהַבְלָא, וְהָוֵה לֵיהּ שְׁחִין וּשְׁחִין, וּמִצְטָרֵף?
The Gemara clarifies the dilemma: What is the halakha? Does the effect of the blow come first and then the effect of the heat comes and nullifies the effect of the blow, and it is a half-measure boil and a half-measure burn and they do not join together to constitute a full measure? Or perhaps the effect of the heat comes first and then the effect of the blow comes and nullifies the effect of the heat, and it is a half-measure boil and a half-measure boil and they join together.
תָּא שְׁמַע, דְּאָמַר רַבִּי זֵירָא אָמַר שְׁמוּאֵל: לִיבֵּן סַכִּין וְשָׁחַט בָּהּ – שְׁחִיטָתוֹ כְּשֵׁירָה, חִידּוּדָהּ קוֹדֵם לְלִיבּוּנָהּ. אַלְמָא חַבְטָא קָדֵים! חִדּוּד שָׁאנֵי.
The Gemara suggests: Come and hear a resolution to the dilemma from that which Rabbi Zeira says that Shmuel says: If one heated a knife until it became white hot and slaughtered an animal with it, his slaughter is valid, as cutting the relevant simanim with the knife’s sharp blade preceded the effect of its white heat. Apparently, the effect of the blow comes first. The Gemara rejects that proof: Cutting with a sharp blade is different from striking with a blunt object, and only in the case of a blade does the cut precede the effect of the heat.
תָּא שְׁמַע: לִיבֵּן שַׁפּוּד וְהִכָּה בּוֹ – נִדּוֹן מִשּׁוּם מִכְוַת אֵשׁ, אַלְמָא חַבְטָא קָדֵים! הָתָם נָמֵי, דְּבַרְזֵייהּ מִיבְרָז, דְּהַיְינוּ חִדּוּד.
The Gemara suggests: Come and hear a resolution to the dilemma from a baraita: If one heated a skewer until it became white hot and struck a person with it and after the wound healed a leprous mark developed, that mark is adjudged as a leprous burn caused by fire. Apparently, the effect of the blow precedes the effect of the burn. The Gemara rejects that proof: There too, the reference is to a case where he stabbed the skin with the skewer, which is the same as cutting with a sharp blade.
אָמַר רַב נַחְמָן אָמַר רַבָּה בַּר אֲבוּהּ: סַכִּין שֶׁל עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה מוּתָּר לִשְׁחוֹט בָּהּ, וְאָסוּר לַחְתּוֹךְ בָּהּ בָּשָׂר. מוּתָּר לִשְׁחוֹט בָּהּ – מְקַלְקֵל הוּא, וְאָסוּר לַחְתּוֹךְ בָּהּ בָּשָׂר – מְתַקֵּן הוּא.
§ Rav Naḥman says that Rabba bar Avuh says: With regard to a knife used for idol worship, it is permitted to slaughter an animal with it, but it is prohibited to cut meat with it. It is permitted to slaughter an animal with it because slaughtering it is a destructive action vis-à-vis the animal, which is worth more when it is alive. But it is prohibited to cut meat with it, because once the animal is slaughtered, cutting it is a constructive action that renders the meat manageable.
אָמַר רָבָא: פְּעָמִים שֶׁהַשּׁוֹחֵט אָסוּר – בִּמְסוּכֶּנֶת, וּמְחַתֵּךְ מוּתָּר – בְּאַטְמֵי דְּקָיְימָן לְקוּרְבָּנָא.
Rava said: There are times when it is prohibited for one who slaughters an animal to use a knife used for idol worship, e.g., in the case of an animal that is in danger, meaning that it is about to die. If he does not slaughter the animal it would become an unslaughtered carcass and depreciate in value. And there are times when it is permitted for one who cuts meat to use a knife of idol worship, e.g., in the case of an animal whose thighs are intended to be sent as a gift to a person of stature. Cutting it into pieces would render it unfit for this purpose, thereby diminishing its value.
וְתִיפּוֹק לֵיהּ מִשּׁוּם שַׁמְנוּנִית דְּאִיסּוּרָא!
The Gemara challenges: And derive that it is prohibited to use a knife used for idol worship, not because benefit from it is prohibited, but due to the residue of fat of forbidden carcasses on the knife.
בַּחֲדָשָׁה.
The Gemara rejects that possibility: Rav Naḥman is referring to the case of a new knife on which there is no residue.
חֲדָשָׁה, בֵּין לְרַבִּי יִשְׁמָעֵאל בֵּין לְרַבִּי עֲקִיבָא, מְשַׁמְּשֵׁי עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה הֵן, וּמְשַׁמְּשֵׁי עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה אֵינָן אֲסוּרִין עַד שֶׁיֵּעָבֵדוּ! אִיבָּעֵית אֵימָא, דִּפְסַק בֵּיהּ גְּוָוזָא לַעֲבוֹדָה זָרָה, וְאִיבָּעֵית אֵימָא, בִּישָׁנָה שֶׁלִּיבְּנָהּ בָּאוּר.
The Gemara challenges: If it is a new knife, both according to Rabbi Yishmael and according to Rabbi Akiva, who disagreed about whether an idol is forbidden from the moment that one crafts it or from the moment that one worships it, a knife is merely in the category of accessories of idol worship, and accessories of idol worship are forbidden only after they are used for idol worship. The Gemara explains: If you wish, say that the reference is to a case where he cut a branch [gevaza] for idol worship with the knife, which leaves no residue. And if you wish, say instead that Rav Naḥman is referring to the case of an old knife that he burned until it became white hot in the fire, and therefore, there is no residue on the knife.
אִתְּמַר: הַשּׁוֹחֵט בְּסַכִּין שֶׁל גּוֹיִם, רַב אָמַר: קוֹלֵף, וְרַבָּה בַּר בַּר חָנָה אָמַר: מֵדִיחַ. לֵימָא בְּהָא קָמִיפַּלְגִי, דְּמָר סָבַר: בֵּית הַשְּׁחִיטָה צוֹנֵן, וּמָר סָבַר: בֵּית הַשְּׁחִיטָה רוֹתֵחַ.
§ It was stated: With regard to one who slaughters an animal with the knife of gentiles, Rav says: He peels off a layer of the flesh from the place on the animal where the knife touched the flesh and the forbidden residue on the knife was absorbed. And Rabba bar bar Ḥana says: He rinses the place where the knife touched the flesh. The Gemara suggests: Let us say that they disagree about this, that one Sage, Rabba bar bar Ḥana, holds: The area of the slaughter on the throat is cold and does not absorb the forbidden residue, and therefore rinsing is sufficient. And one Sage, Rav, holds: The area of the slaughter on the throat is hot and therefore it absorbs the forbidden residue.
לָא, דְּכוּלֵּי עָלְמָא בֵּית הַשְּׁחִיטָה רוֹתֵחַ הוּא; מַאן דְּאָמַר קוֹלֵף – שַׁפִּיר, וּמַאן דְּאָמַר מֵדִיחַ – אַיְּידֵי דִּטְרִידִי סִימָנִין לְאַפּוֹקֵי דָּם לָא בָּלְעִי.
The Gemara rejects that suggestion: No, it is possible that everyone holds that the area of the slaughter on the throat is hot. For the one who says that he peels off a layer, it works out well, and the one who says that he rinses the place where the knife touched the flesh holds that since the two organs that must be severed in ritual slaughter [simanim], i.e., the windpipe and the gullet, are occupied with discharging blood, they do not absorb the residue.
אִיכָּא דְּאָמְרִי, דְּכוּלֵּי עָלְמָא בֵּית הַשְּׁחִיטָה צוֹנֵן. מַאן דְּאָמַר מֵדִיחַ – שַׁפִּיר, מַאן דְּאָמַר קוֹלֵף – אַגַּב דּוּחְקָא דְסַכִּינָא בָּלַע.
There are those who say that everyone holds that the area of the slaughter on the throat is cold. For the one who says that he rinses the place where the knife touched the flesh, it works out well, and the one who says that he peels off a layer holds that although that area is cold, due to the pressure of the knife on the throat, the flesh absorbs the residue.
סַכִּין טְרֵיפָה, פְּלִיגִי בַּהּ רַב אַחָא וְרָבִינָא, חַד אָמַר: בְּחַמִּין, וְחַד אָמַר: בְּצוֹנֵן, וְהִלְכְתָא: אֲפִילּוּ בְּצוֹנֵן, וְאִי אִיכָּא בְּלִיתָא דִּפְרָסָא לְמִיכְפְּרֵיהּ, לָא צְרִיךְ.
§ With regard to a knife with which an animal that is a tereifa was slaughtered, Rav Aḥa and Ravina disagree. One says: One purges it in hot water to remove the absorptions from the tereifa, and one says: One rinses it in cold water, and that is sufficient. And the halakha is: One may rinse it even in cold water. And if there is a tattered piece of a curtain with which to wipe the knife, one need not rinse it.
וּלְמַאן דְּאָמַר בְּחַמִּין, מַאי טַעְמָא? מִשּׁוּם דְּקָא בָלְעָה אִיסּוּרָא? דְּהֶיתֵּירָא נָמֵי בָּלְעָה אֵבֶר מִן הַחַי! אֵימַת בָּלְעָה? לְכִי חָיְימָא. אֵימַת קָא חָיְימָא? לְכִי גָמְרָה שְׁחִיטָה, הָהִיא שַׁעְתָּא הֶיתֵּירָא הֲוָה.
And according to the one who says that one purges it in hot water, what is the reason that he must do so; is it due to the premise that the knife absorbed forbidden residue? That reasoning should not be limited to a case where he slaughtered a tereifa. A knife with which he slaughtered an animal that is permitted should also require purging, because it absorbed residue from the limb from a living animal before the slaughter was completed. The Gemara answers: When is there concern that the knife absorbed the residue? It is when the throat grows warm. When does it grow warm? It is at the point when the slaughter is complete. At that moment, it is already permitted.
אָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר רַב: הַטַּבָּח צָרִיךְ שְׁלֹשָׁה סַכִּינִין, אַחַת שֶׁשּׁוֹחֵט בָּהּ, וְאֶחָד שֶׁמְּחַתֵּךְ בָּהּ בָּשָׂר, וְאֶחָד שֶׁמְּחַתֵּךְ בָּהּ חֲלָבִים.
§ Rav Yehuda says that Rav says: The slaughterer requires three knives, one with which he slaughters the animal, and one with which he cuts meat, and one with which he cuts forbidden fats. One may not use the same knife for cutting the meat and the forbidden fats due to the residue on the knife after cutting the forbidden fats.
וְלִיתַקֵּן לֵיהּ חֲדָא, וְלִיחְתּוֹךְ בָּהּ בָּשָׂר, וַהֲדַר לִיחְתּוֹךְ בַּהּ חֲלָבִים? גְּזֵירָה שֶׁמָּא יַחְתּוֹךְ חֲלָבִים וְאַחַר כָּךְ בָּשָׂר. הַשְׁתָּא נָמֵי מִיחַלַּף לֵיהּ! כֵּיוָן דְּאַצְרְכִינְהוּ תְּרֵי – אִית לֵיהּ הֶיכֵּרָא.
The Gemara suggests: And let him designate one knife for cutting both the meat and forbidden fats and cut meat with it and then cut forbidden fats with it. In this manner the forbidden residue on the knife will not affect the meat. The Gemara explains: The Sages issued a rabbinic decree prohibiting the use of one knife to cut meat and then forbidden fats lest he also cut forbidden fats and cut meat thereafter. The Gemara challenges: Now too, after the decree mandating separate knives there is a concern that they will be confused for him and he will use the knife that cut the forbidden fats to cut the meat. The Gemara explains: Since the Sages required him to have two knives, he has a conspicuous marker on one of the knives that will prevent confusion.
וְאָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר רַב: הַטַּבָּח צָרִיךְ שְׁנֵי כֵּלִים שֶׁל מַיִם, אֶחָד שֶׁמֵּדִיחַ בּוֹ בָּשָׂר, וְאֶחָד שֶׁמֵּדִיחַ בּוֹ חֲלָבִים. וְנִיתַקֵּן לֵיהּ חֲדָא, וּנְדִיחַ בּוֹ בָּשָׂר וַהֲדַר נְדִיחַ בּוֹ חֲלָבִים? גְּזֵירָה שֶׁמָּא יָדִיחַ חֲלָבִים וְאַחַר כָּךְ בָּשָׂר. הַשְׁתָּא נָמֵי מִיחַלְּפִי לֵיהּ? כֵּיוָן דְּאַצְרְכִינֵּיהּ תַּרְתֵּי אִית לֵיהּ הֶיכֵּרָא.
And Rav Yehuda says that Rav says: The slaughterer requires two vessels of water, one with which he rinses meat and one with which he rinses forbidden fats. The Gemara suggests: And let him designate one vessel and rinse meat with the water in the vessel and then rinse forbidden fats with the water in the same vessel. The Gemara explains: The Sages issued a rabbinic decree to prohibit doing so lest he rinse fats and rinse meat thereafter. The Gemara challenges: Now too, after the decree mandating separate vessels there is a concern that they will be confused for him and he will rinse meat in the vessel in which he rinsed fats. The Gemara answers: Since the Sages required him to have two vessels, he has a conspicuous marker on one of the vessels that will prevent confusion.
אָמַר אַמֵּימָר מִשְּׁמֵיהּ דְּרַב פָּפָּא: לָא לִיסְחוֹף אִינִישׁ כַּפְלֵי עִילָּוֵי בִּישְׂרָא, דְּדָאֵיב תַּרְבָּא וּבָלַע בִּישְׂרָא.
§ Ameimar says in the name of Rav Pappa: A person should not place [lisḥof] the flanks of an animal atop other meat so that the forbidden fats that are attached to the flanks are in contact with the other meat, due to the fact that the forbidden fat liquefies and flows and the meat absorbs it.
אִי הָכִי, כִּי תְּרִיצִי נָמֵי דָּאֵיב תַּרְבָּא וּבָלַע בִּשְׂרָא? קְרָמָא מַפְסֵיק מִתַּתַּאי! אִי הָכִי
The Gemara raises an objection: If so, and that is a concern, when the flanks are placed in their typical manner [teritzi] as well, with the forbidden fat above the meat of the flanks, the forbidden fat flows and the meat of the flanks absorbs it. The Gemara explains: The membrane between the forbidden fat and the meat of the flanks interposes from below and prevents absorption of the forbidden fat. The Gemara challenges: If so,
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I began to learn this cycle of Daf Yomi after my husband passed away 2 1/2 years ago. It seemed a good way to connect to him. Even though I don’t know whether he would have encouraged women learning Gemara, it would have opened wonderful conversations. It also gives me more depth for understanding my frum children and grandchildren. Thank you Hadran and Rabbanit Michelle Farber!!
Harriet Hartman
Tzur Hadassah, Israel
Michelle has been an inspiration for years, but I only really started this cycle after the moving and uplifting siyum in Jerusalem. It’s been an wonderful to learn and relearn the tenets of our religion and to understand how the extraordinary efforts of a band of people to preserve Judaism after the fall of the beit hamikdash is still bearing fruits today. I’m proud to be part of the chain!
Judith Weil
Raanana, Israel
While vacationing in San Diego, Rabbi Leah Herz asked if I’d be interested in being in hevruta with her to learn Daf Yomi through Hadran. Why not? I had loved learning Gemara in college in 1971 but hadn’t returned. With the onset of covid, Daf Yomi and Rabbanit Michelle centered me each day. Thank-you for helping me grow and enter this amazing world of learning.
Meryll Page
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Hadran entered my life after the last Siyum Hashaas, January 2020. I was inspired and challenged simultaneously, having never thought of learning Gemara. With my family’s encouragement, I googled “daf yomi for women”. A perfecr fit!
I especially enjoy when Rabbanit Michelle connects the daf to contemporary issues to share at the shabbat table e.g: looking at the Kohen during duchaning. Toda rabba
Marsha Wasserman
Jerusalem, Israel
Having never learned Talmud before, I started Daf Yomi in hopes of connecting to the Rabbinic tradition, sharing a daily idea on Instagram (@dafyomiadventures). With Hadran and Sefaria, I slowly gained confidence in my skills and understanding. Now, part of the Pardes Jewish Educators Program, I can’t wait to bring this love of learning with me as I continue to pass it on to my future students.
Hannah Greenberg
Pennsylvania, United States
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Susan Fisher
Raanana, Israel
In January 2020 on a Shabbaton to Baltimore I heard about the new cycle of Daf Yomi after the siyum celebration in NYC stadium. I started to read “ a daily dose of Talmud “ and really enjoyed it . It led me to google “ do Orthodox women study Talmud? “ and found HADRAN! Since then I listen to the podcast every morning, participate in classes and siyum. I love to learn, this is amazing! Thank you
Sandrine Simons
Atlanta, United States
I am a Reform rabbi and took Talmud courses in rabbinical school, but I knew there was so much more to learn. It felt inauthentic to serve as a rabbi without having read the entire Talmud, so when the opportunity arose to start Daf Yomi in 2020, I dove in! Thanks to Hadran, Daf Yomi has enriched my understanding of rabbinic Judaism and deepened my love of Jewish text & tradition. Todah rabbah!
Rabbi Nicki Greninger
California, United States
Since I started in January of 2020, Daf Yomi has changed my life. It connects me to Jews all over the world, especially learned women. It makes cooking, gardening, and folding laundry into acts of Torah study. Daf Yomi enables me to participate in a conversation with and about our heritage that has been going on for more than 2000 years.
Shira Eliaser
Skokie, IL, United States
When I began learning Daf Yomi at the beginning of the current cycle, I was preparing for an upcoming surgery and thought that learning the Daf would be something positive I could do each day during my recovery, even if I accomplished nothing else. I had no idea what a lifeline learning the Daf would turn out to be in so many ways.
Laura Shechter
Lexington, MA, United States
In early 2020, I began the process of a stem cell transplant. The required extreme isolation forced me to leave work and normal life but gave me time to delve into Jewish text study. I did not feel isolated. I began Daf Yomi at the start of this cycle, with family members joining me online from my hospital room. I’ve used my newly granted time to to engage, grow and connect through this learning.
Reena Slovin
Worcester, United States
I started my journey on the day I realized that the Siyum was happening in Yerushalayim and I was missing out. What? I told myself. How could I have not known about this? How can I have missed out on this opportunity? I decided that moment, I would start Daf Yomi and Nach Yomi the very next day. I am so grateful to Hadran. I am changed forever because I learn Gemara with women. Thank you.
Linda Brownstein
Mitspe, Israel
Attending the Siyyum in Jerusalem 26 months ago inspired me to become part of this community of learners. So many aspects of Jewish life have been illuminated by what we have learned in Seder Moed. My day is not complete without daf Yomi. I am so grateful to Rabbanit Michelle and the Hadran Community.
Nancy Kolodny
Newton, United States
I started learning Daf Yomi to fill what I saw as a large gap in my Jewish education. I also hope to inspire my three daughters to ensure that they do not allow the same Talmud-sized gap to form in their own educations. I am so proud to be a part of the Hadran community, and I have loved learning so many of the stories and halachot that we have seen so far. I look forward to continuing!
Dora Chana Haar
Oceanside NY, United States
I learned Mishnayot more than twenty years ago and started with Gemara much later in life. Although I never managed to learn Daf Yomi consistently, I am learning since some years Gemara in depth and with much joy. Since last year I am studying at the International Halakha Scholars Program at the WIHL. I often listen to Rabbanit Farbers Gemara shiurim to understand better a specific sugyiah. I am grateful for the help and inspiration!
Shoshana Ruerup
Berlin, Germany
In my Shana bet at Migdal Oz I attended the Hadran siyum hash”as. Witnessing so many women so passionate about their Torah learning and connection to God, I knew I had to begin with the coming cycle. My wedding (June 24) was two weeks before the siyum of mesechet yoma so I went a little ahead and was able to make a speech and siyum at my kiseh kallah on my wedding day!
Sharona Guggenheim Plumb
Givat Shmuel, Israel
I began learning the daf in January 2022. I initially “flew under the radar,” sharing my journey with my husband and a few close friends. I was apprehensive – who, me? Gemara? Now, 2 years in, I feel changed. The rigor of a daily commitment frames my days. The intellectual engagement enhances my knowledge. And the virtual community of learners has become a new family, weaving a glorious tapestry.
Gitta Jaroslawicz-Neufeld
Far Rockaway, United States
I started learning Daf Yomi because my sister, Ruth Leah Kahan, attended Michelle’s class in person and suggested I listen remotely. She always sat near Michelle and spoke up during class so that I could hear her voice. Our mom had just died unexpectedly and it made me feel connected to hear Ruth Leah’s voice, and now to know we are both listening to the same thing daily, continents apart.
Jessica Shklar
Philadelphia, United States
My curiosity was peaked after seeing posts about the end of the last cycle. I am always looking for opportunities to increase my Jewish literacy & I am someone that is drawn to habit and consistency. Dinnertime includes a “Guess what I learned on the daf” segment for my husband and 18 year old twins. I also love the feelings of connection with my colleagues who are also learning.
Diana Bloom
Tampa, United States
While vacationing in San Diego, Rabbi Leah Herz asked if I’d be interested in being in hevruta with her to learn Daf Yomi through Hadran. Why not? I had loved learning Gemara in college in 1971 but hadn’t returned. With the onset of covid, Daf Yomi and Rabbanit Michelle centered me each day. Thank-you for helping me grow and enter this amazing world of learning.
Meryll Page
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Chullin 8
אָמַר רַבִּי זֵירָא אָמַר שְׁמוּאֵל: לִיבֵּן סַכִּין וְשָׁחַט בָּהּ – שְׁחִיטָתוֹ כְּשֵׁרָה, חִידּוּדָהּ קוֹדֵם לְלִיבּוּנָהּ. וְהָאִיכָּא צְדָדִין? בֵּית הַשְּׁחִיטָה מִירְוָוח רָוַוח.
§ Rabbi Zeira says that Shmuel says: If one heated a knife until it became white hot [libben] and slaughtered an animal with it, his slaughter is valid, as cutting the relevant simanim with the knife’s sharp blade preceded the effect of its white heat. Had the effect of the heat preceded the cutting, the animal would have been rendered a tereifa, an animal with a wound that will cause it to die within twelve months, before the slaughter was completed, by searing the windpipe and the gullet. The Gemara asks: But aren’t there the sides of the knife, which burn the throat and render the animal a tereifa? The Gemara answers: The area of the slaughter in the throat parts immediately after the incision, and the tissue on either side of the incision is not seared by the white-hot blade.
אִיבַּעְיָא לְהוּ: לִיבֵּן שַׁפּוּד וְהִכָּה בּוֹ, מִשּׁוּם שְׁחִין נִדּוֹן אוֹ מִשּׁוּם מִכְוָה נִדּוֹן?
A dilemma was raised before the Sages: If one heated a skewer [shappud] until it became white hot and struck a person with it, and after the wound healed a leprous mark developed, is that mark adjudged as a leprous boil or is it adjudged as a leprous burn?
לְמַאי נָפְקָא מִינַּהּ – לְכִדְתַנְיָא: שְׁחִין וּמִכְוָה מְטַמְּאִין בְּשָׁבוּעַ אֶחָד, בִּשְׁנֵי סִימָנִין – בְּשֵׂעָר לָבָן וּבְפִסְיוֹן, וְלָמָּה חִלְּקָן הַכָּתוּב? לוֹמַר שֶׁאֵין מִצְטָרְפִין זֶה עִם זֶה.
What is the practical difference whether it is adjudged a boil or a burn? The difference is for that which is taught in a baraita: Both a leprous boil and a leprous burn become impure during one week of quarantine with two symptoms: With white hair that grows in the leprous mark and with spreading of the leprous mark. And why did the verse divide them into two separate passages even though their halakhic status is the same? The verse divided them to say that they do not join together to constitute the requisite measure of impure leprous marks. Rather, there is impurity only if the boil or the burn constitutes that measure individually.
וְתַנְיָא: אֵיזֶהוּ שְׁחִין וְאֵיזֶהוּ מִכְוָה? לָקָה בְּעֵץ, בְּאֶבֶן, בְּגֶפֶת, בְּחַמֵּי טְבֶרְיָא, וּבְכׇל דָּבָר שֶׁלֹּא בָּא מֵחֲמַת הָאוּר, לְאֵתוֹיֵי אֲבָר מֵעִיקָּרוֹ – זֶהוּ שְׁחִין. וְאֵיזֶהוּ מִכְוָה? נִכְוָה בְּגַחֶלֶת, בְּרֶמֶץ, בְּסִיד רוֹתֵחַ, בְּגִפְסִיס רוֹתֵחַ, וּבְכׇל דָּבָר הַבָּא מֵחֲמַת הָאוּר, לְאֵתוֹיֵי חַמֵּי הָאוּר – זוֹ הִיא מִכְוָה.
And it is taught in a baraita: Which wound is a boil and which is a burn? If one was struck with wood, with a stone, with pomace, with the hot springs of Tiberias, or with any item that is not heated by fire, a phrase that serves to include lead that was mined from its source in the ground, which is occasionally hot enough to burn a person, this impression left on the skin is a boil. And which wound is a burn? If one was burned with a coal, with hot ashes, with boiling limestone, with boiling gypsum [begippesit], or with any item that is heated by fire, a phrase that serves to include water heated by fire, this impression left on the skin is a burn.
וְתַנְיָא: שְׁחִין וּמִכְוָה, אִם שְׁחִין קוֹדֵם לַמִּכְוָה – בִּטֵּל מִכְוָה אֶת הַשְּׁחִין, וְאִם מִכְוָה קוֹדֶמֶת לַשְּׁחִין – בִּטֵּל שְׁחִין אֶת הַמִּכְוָה.
And it is taught in a baraita: If there is a boil and a burn on the same place on the skin and a leprous mark developed, the later wound determines the nature of the leprosy. Therefore, if the boil preceded the burn, the burn nullifies the boil and the mark is a leprous burn. And if the burn preceded the boil, the boil nullifies the burn and the mark is a leprous boil.
וְהָכָא, הֵיכִי דָּמֵי? כְּגוֹן דַּהֲוָה בֵּיהּ חֲצִי גְּרִיס שְׁחִין מֵעִיקָּרָא, וְלִיבֵּן שַׁפּוּד וְהִכָּה בּוֹ, וּנְפַק בֵּיהּ חֲצִי גְּרִיס אַחֵר.
And here, where the dilemma was raised whether the mark that develops from being struck with a hot skewer is a boil or a burn, what are the circumstances? It is a case where initially there was a boil half the size of a split bean on the person’s skin, and one heated a skewer until it became white hot and struck him with it, and another mark half the size of a split bean emerged on the skin there.
מַאי חַבְטָא? קָדֵים וְאָתֵי הַבְלָא וּמְבַטֵּל לֵיהּ לְחַבְטָא, וְהָוֵה לֵיהּ שְׁחִין וּמִכְוָה, וְלָא מִצְטָרְפִין; אוֹ דִלְמָא הַבְלָא קָדֵים, וְאָתֵי חַבְטָא וּמְבַטֵּל לֵיהּ לְהַבְלָא, וְהָוֵה לֵיהּ שְׁחִין וּשְׁחִין, וּמִצְטָרֵף?
The Gemara clarifies the dilemma: What is the halakha? Does the effect of the blow come first and then the effect of the heat comes and nullifies the effect of the blow, and it is a half-measure boil and a half-measure burn and they do not join together to constitute a full measure? Or perhaps the effect of the heat comes first and then the effect of the blow comes and nullifies the effect of the heat, and it is a half-measure boil and a half-measure boil and they join together.
תָּא שְׁמַע, דְּאָמַר רַבִּי זֵירָא אָמַר שְׁמוּאֵל: לִיבֵּן סַכִּין וְשָׁחַט בָּהּ – שְׁחִיטָתוֹ כְּשֵׁירָה, חִידּוּדָהּ קוֹדֵם לְלִיבּוּנָהּ. אַלְמָא חַבְטָא קָדֵים! חִדּוּד שָׁאנֵי.
The Gemara suggests: Come and hear a resolution to the dilemma from that which Rabbi Zeira says that Shmuel says: If one heated a knife until it became white hot and slaughtered an animal with it, his slaughter is valid, as cutting the relevant simanim with the knife’s sharp blade preceded the effect of its white heat. Apparently, the effect of the blow comes first. The Gemara rejects that proof: Cutting with a sharp blade is different from striking with a blunt object, and only in the case of a blade does the cut precede the effect of the heat.
תָּא שְׁמַע: לִיבֵּן שַׁפּוּד וְהִכָּה בּוֹ – נִדּוֹן מִשּׁוּם מִכְוַת אֵשׁ, אַלְמָא חַבְטָא קָדֵים! הָתָם נָמֵי, דְּבַרְזֵייהּ מִיבְרָז, דְּהַיְינוּ חִדּוּד.
The Gemara suggests: Come and hear a resolution to the dilemma from a baraita: If one heated a skewer until it became white hot and struck a person with it and after the wound healed a leprous mark developed, that mark is adjudged as a leprous burn caused by fire. Apparently, the effect of the blow precedes the effect of the burn. The Gemara rejects that proof: There too, the reference is to a case where he stabbed the skin with the skewer, which is the same as cutting with a sharp blade.
אָמַר רַב נַחְמָן אָמַר רַבָּה בַּר אֲבוּהּ: סַכִּין שֶׁל עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה מוּתָּר לִשְׁחוֹט בָּהּ, וְאָסוּר לַחְתּוֹךְ בָּהּ בָּשָׂר. מוּתָּר לִשְׁחוֹט בָּהּ – מְקַלְקֵל הוּא, וְאָסוּר לַחְתּוֹךְ בָּהּ בָּשָׂר – מְתַקֵּן הוּא.
§ Rav Naḥman says that Rabba bar Avuh says: With regard to a knife used for idol worship, it is permitted to slaughter an animal with it, but it is prohibited to cut meat with it. It is permitted to slaughter an animal with it because slaughtering it is a destructive action vis-à-vis the animal, which is worth more when it is alive. But it is prohibited to cut meat with it, because once the animal is slaughtered, cutting it is a constructive action that renders the meat manageable.
אָמַר רָבָא: פְּעָמִים שֶׁהַשּׁוֹחֵט אָסוּר – בִּמְסוּכֶּנֶת, וּמְחַתֵּךְ מוּתָּר – בְּאַטְמֵי דְּקָיְימָן לְקוּרְבָּנָא.
Rava said: There are times when it is prohibited for one who slaughters an animal to use a knife used for idol worship, e.g., in the case of an animal that is in danger, meaning that it is about to die. If he does not slaughter the animal it would become an unslaughtered carcass and depreciate in value. And there are times when it is permitted for one who cuts meat to use a knife of idol worship, e.g., in the case of an animal whose thighs are intended to be sent as a gift to a person of stature. Cutting it into pieces would render it unfit for this purpose, thereby diminishing its value.
וְתִיפּוֹק לֵיהּ מִשּׁוּם שַׁמְנוּנִית דְּאִיסּוּרָא!
The Gemara challenges: And derive that it is prohibited to use a knife used for idol worship, not because benefit from it is prohibited, but due to the residue of fat of forbidden carcasses on the knife.
בַּחֲדָשָׁה.
The Gemara rejects that possibility: Rav Naḥman is referring to the case of a new knife on which there is no residue.
חֲדָשָׁה, בֵּין לְרַבִּי יִשְׁמָעֵאל בֵּין לְרַבִּי עֲקִיבָא, מְשַׁמְּשֵׁי עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה הֵן, וּמְשַׁמְּשֵׁי עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה אֵינָן אֲסוּרִין עַד שֶׁיֵּעָבֵדוּ! אִיבָּעֵית אֵימָא, דִּפְסַק בֵּיהּ גְּוָוזָא לַעֲבוֹדָה זָרָה, וְאִיבָּעֵית אֵימָא, בִּישָׁנָה שֶׁלִּיבְּנָהּ בָּאוּר.
The Gemara challenges: If it is a new knife, both according to Rabbi Yishmael and according to Rabbi Akiva, who disagreed about whether an idol is forbidden from the moment that one crafts it or from the moment that one worships it, a knife is merely in the category of accessories of idol worship, and accessories of idol worship are forbidden only after they are used for idol worship. The Gemara explains: If you wish, say that the reference is to a case where he cut a branch [gevaza] for idol worship with the knife, which leaves no residue. And if you wish, say instead that Rav Naḥman is referring to the case of an old knife that he burned until it became white hot in the fire, and therefore, there is no residue on the knife.
אִתְּמַר: הַשּׁוֹחֵט בְּסַכִּין שֶׁל גּוֹיִם, רַב אָמַר: קוֹלֵף, וְרַבָּה בַּר בַּר חָנָה אָמַר: מֵדִיחַ. לֵימָא בְּהָא קָמִיפַּלְגִי, דְּמָר סָבַר: בֵּית הַשְּׁחִיטָה צוֹנֵן, וּמָר סָבַר: בֵּית הַשְּׁחִיטָה רוֹתֵחַ.
§ It was stated: With regard to one who slaughters an animal with the knife of gentiles, Rav says: He peels off a layer of the flesh from the place on the animal where the knife touched the flesh and the forbidden residue on the knife was absorbed. And Rabba bar bar Ḥana says: He rinses the place where the knife touched the flesh. The Gemara suggests: Let us say that they disagree about this, that one Sage, Rabba bar bar Ḥana, holds: The area of the slaughter on the throat is cold and does not absorb the forbidden residue, and therefore rinsing is sufficient. And one Sage, Rav, holds: The area of the slaughter on the throat is hot and therefore it absorbs the forbidden residue.
לָא, דְּכוּלֵּי עָלְמָא בֵּית הַשְּׁחִיטָה רוֹתֵחַ הוּא; מַאן דְּאָמַר קוֹלֵף – שַׁפִּיר, וּמַאן דְּאָמַר מֵדִיחַ – אַיְּידֵי דִּטְרִידִי סִימָנִין לְאַפּוֹקֵי דָּם לָא בָּלְעִי.
The Gemara rejects that suggestion: No, it is possible that everyone holds that the area of the slaughter on the throat is hot. For the one who says that he peels off a layer, it works out well, and the one who says that he rinses the place where the knife touched the flesh holds that since the two organs that must be severed in ritual slaughter [simanim], i.e., the windpipe and the gullet, are occupied with discharging blood, they do not absorb the residue.
אִיכָּא דְּאָמְרִי, דְּכוּלֵּי עָלְמָא בֵּית הַשְּׁחִיטָה צוֹנֵן. מַאן דְּאָמַר מֵדִיחַ – שַׁפִּיר, מַאן דְּאָמַר קוֹלֵף – אַגַּב דּוּחְקָא דְסַכִּינָא בָּלַע.
There are those who say that everyone holds that the area of the slaughter on the throat is cold. For the one who says that he rinses the place where the knife touched the flesh, it works out well, and the one who says that he peels off a layer holds that although that area is cold, due to the pressure of the knife on the throat, the flesh absorbs the residue.
סַכִּין טְרֵיפָה, פְּלִיגִי בַּהּ רַב אַחָא וְרָבִינָא, חַד אָמַר: בְּחַמִּין, וְחַד אָמַר: בְּצוֹנֵן, וְהִלְכְתָא: אֲפִילּוּ בְּצוֹנֵן, וְאִי אִיכָּא בְּלִיתָא דִּפְרָסָא לְמִיכְפְּרֵיהּ, לָא צְרִיךְ.
§ With regard to a knife with which an animal that is a tereifa was slaughtered, Rav Aḥa and Ravina disagree. One says: One purges it in hot water to remove the absorptions from the tereifa, and one says: One rinses it in cold water, and that is sufficient. And the halakha is: One may rinse it even in cold water. And if there is a tattered piece of a curtain with which to wipe the knife, one need not rinse it.
וּלְמַאן דְּאָמַר בְּחַמִּין, מַאי טַעְמָא? מִשּׁוּם דְּקָא בָלְעָה אִיסּוּרָא? דְּהֶיתֵּירָא נָמֵי בָּלְעָה אֵבֶר מִן הַחַי! אֵימַת בָּלְעָה? לְכִי חָיְימָא. אֵימַת קָא חָיְימָא? לְכִי גָמְרָה שְׁחִיטָה, הָהִיא שַׁעְתָּא הֶיתֵּירָא הֲוָה.
And according to the one who says that one purges it in hot water, what is the reason that he must do so; is it due to the premise that the knife absorbed forbidden residue? That reasoning should not be limited to a case where he slaughtered a tereifa. A knife with which he slaughtered an animal that is permitted should also require purging, because it absorbed residue from the limb from a living animal before the slaughter was completed. The Gemara answers: When is there concern that the knife absorbed the residue? It is when the throat grows warm. When does it grow warm? It is at the point when the slaughter is complete. At that moment, it is already permitted.
אָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר רַב: הַטַּבָּח צָרִיךְ שְׁלֹשָׁה סַכִּינִין, אַחַת שֶׁשּׁוֹחֵט בָּהּ, וְאֶחָד שֶׁמְּחַתֵּךְ בָּהּ בָּשָׂר, וְאֶחָד שֶׁמְּחַתֵּךְ בָּהּ חֲלָבִים.
§ Rav Yehuda says that Rav says: The slaughterer requires three knives, one with which he slaughters the animal, and one with which he cuts meat, and one with which he cuts forbidden fats. One may not use the same knife for cutting the meat and the forbidden fats due to the residue on the knife after cutting the forbidden fats.
וְלִיתַקֵּן לֵיהּ חֲדָא, וְלִיחְתּוֹךְ בָּהּ בָּשָׂר, וַהֲדַר לִיחְתּוֹךְ בַּהּ חֲלָבִים? גְּזֵירָה שֶׁמָּא יַחְתּוֹךְ חֲלָבִים וְאַחַר כָּךְ בָּשָׂר. הַשְׁתָּא נָמֵי מִיחַלַּף לֵיהּ! כֵּיוָן דְּאַצְרְכִינְהוּ תְּרֵי – אִית לֵיהּ הֶיכֵּרָא.
The Gemara suggests: And let him designate one knife for cutting both the meat and forbidden fats and cut meat with it and then cut forbidden fats with it. In this manner the forbidden residue on the knife will not affect the meat. The Gemara explains: The Sages issued a rabbinic decree prohibiting the use of one knife to cut meat and then forbidden fats lest he also cut forbidden fats and cut meat thereafter. The Gemara challenges: Now too, after the decree mandating separate knives there is a concern that they will be confused for him and he will use the knife that cut the forbidden fats to cut the meat. The Gemara explains: Since the Sages required him to have two knives, he has a conspicuous marker on one of the knives that will prevent confusion.
וְאָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר רַב: הַטַּבָּח צָרִיךְ שְׁנֵי כֵּלִים שֶׁל מַיִם, אֶחָד שֶׁמֵּדִיחַ בּוֹ בָּשָׂר, וְאֶחָד שֶׁמֵּדִיחַ בּוֹ חֲלָבִים. וְנִיתַקֵּן לֵיהּ חֲדָא, וּנְדִיחַ בּוֹ בָּשָׂר וַהֲדַר נְדִיחַ בּוֹ חֲלָבִים? גְּזֵירָה שֶׁמָּא יָדִיחַ חֲלָבִים וְאַחַר כָּךְ בָּשָׂר. הַשְׁתָּא נָמֵי מִיחַלְּפִי לֵיהּ? כֵּיוָן דְּאַצְרְכִינֵּיהּ תַּרְתֵּי אִית לֵיהּ הֶיכֵּרָא.
And Rav Yehuda says that Rav says: The slaughterer requires two vessels of water, one with which he rinses meat and one with which he rinses forbidden fats. The Gemara suggests: And let him designate one vessel and rinse meat with the water in the vessel and then rinse forbidden fats with the water in the same vessel. The Gemara explains: The Sages issued a rabbinic decree to prohibit doing so lest he rinse fats and rinse meat thereafter. The Gemara challenges: Now too, after the decree mandating separate vessels there is a concern that they will be confused for him and he will rinse meat in the vessel in which he rinsed fats. The Gemara answers: Since the Sages required him to have two vessels, he has a conspicuous marker on one of the vessels that will prevent confusion.
אָמַר אַמֵּימָר מִשְּׁמֵיהּ דְּרַב פָּפָּא: לָא לִיסְחוֹף אִינִישׁ כַּפְלֵי עִילָּוֵי בִּישְׂרָא, דְּדָאֵיב תַּרְבָּא וּבָלַע בִּישְׂרָא.
§ Ameimar says in the name of Rav Pappa: A person should not place [lisḥof] the flanks of an animal atop other meat so that the forbidden fats that are attached to the flanks are in contact with the other meat, due to the fact that the forbidden fat liquefies and flows and the meat absorbs it.
אִי הָכִי, כִּי תְּרִיצִי נָמֵי דָּאֵיב תַּרְבָּא וּבָלַע בִּשְׂרָא? קְרָמָא מַפְסֵיק מִתַּתַּאי! אִי הָכִי
The Gemara raises an objection: If so, and that is a concern, when the flanks are placed in their typical manner [teritzi] as well, with the forbidden fat above the meat of the flanks, the forbidden fat flows and the meat of the flanks absorbs it. The Gemara explains: The membrane between the forbidden fat and the meat of the flanks interposes from below and prevents absorption of the forbidden fat. The Gemara challenges: If so,
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