Search

Kiddushin 61

Want to dedicate learning? Get started here:

English
עברית
podcast placeholder

0:00
0:00




podcast placeholder

0:00
0:00




Summary

Today’s daf is dedicated to the families of those killed, injured, missing, or taken hostage. We are praying for you and wishing you much continued strength. 

If a man betroths a woman claiming he owns a piece of land a particular size or in a particular place, how do we determine that measurement – does it include rocks and clefts or not?  The next Mishna raises a basic argument between Rabbi Meir and Rabbi Chanina ben Gamliel regarding a condition – whether a tnai kaful is needed – does one need to state both sides of the condition – if x, then y and if not x then z? Or is it enough to say if x, then y, and one can infer what will happen if it is not fulfilled?

Today’s daily daf tools:

Kiddushin 61

הַמַּקְדִּישׁ שָׂדֵהוּ בִּשְׁעַת הַיּוֹבֵל, נוֹתֵן בְּזֶרַע חוֹמֶר שְׂעוֹרִים חֲמִשִּׁים שֶׁקֶל כָּסֶף. הָיוּ נְקָעִים עֲמוּקִּים עֲשָׂרָה טְפָחִים אוֹ סְלָעִים גְּבוֹהִים עֲשָׂרָה טְפָחִים – אֵין נִמְדָּדִין עִמָּהּ. פָּחוֹת מִכָּאן – נִמְדָּדִין עִמָּהּ.

With regard to one who consecrates his field during the time of the Jubilee Year, i.e., in an era when the halakhot of the Jubilee Year are observed, if he wishes to redeem it from the Temple treasury he gives fifty silver shekels for an area that yields a ḥomer, i.e., a kor, of barley seed. If the field had crevices, i.e., deep fissures in its surface, ten handbreadths deep, or boulders ten handbreadths high, they are not measured with it, i.e., in the calculation of land that requires redemption. If the crevices or boulders are less than that, they are measured with it.

וְהָוֵינַן בַּהּ: נְהִי דְּבַהֲדֵי אַרְעָא לֹא קָדְשׁוּ, נִקְדְּשׁוּ בְּאַפֵּי נַפְשַׁיְיהוּ! וְכִי תֵּימָא: כַּמָּה דְּלָא הָוֵי בֵּית כּוֹר לָא חֲשִׁיב, וּרְמִינְהוּ:

And we discussed the following problem: Granted, that these areas are not consecrated together with the field, as they are ten handbreadths higher or lower than the rest of the land; but let the crevices and boulders be consecrated by themselves, so that they should require their own redemption of fifty silver shekels per beit kor. And if you would say that as long as an area does not amount to a beit kor it is not important, the Gemara raises a contradiction against this claim from a baraita.

״שָׂדֶה״ מָה תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר? – לְפִי שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״זֶרַע חֹמֶר שְׂעֹרִים בַּחֲמִשִּׁים״, אֵין לִי אֶלָּא שֶׁהִקְדִּישׁ בָּעִנְיָן הַזֶּה, מִנַּיִן לְרַבּוֹת, לֶתֶךְ וַחֲצִי לֶתֶךְ, סְאָה, תַּרְקַב, וַחֲצִי תַּרְקַב, וַאֲפִילּוּ רוֹבַע מִנַּיִן? תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״שָׂדֶה״ – מִכׇּל מָקוֹם!

The verse states with regard to one who consecrates his field: “Part of a field of his possession” (Leviticus 27:16). What is the meaning when the verse states this? Since it is stated in the same verse: “The sowing of a ḥomer of barley shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver,” I have derived only that this halakha applies to one who consecrated in this manner, i.e., consecrated an area fit to sow a ḥomer of barley. From where do I derive that this halakha includes a smaller area, e.g., one suitable for sowing a half-kor, and half of a half-kor, and the area for a se’a, and a tarkav, which is half a se’a, and half a tarkav, and even the area of a quarterkav? The baraita restates its question: From where is it derived that these areas of land can also be consecrated and redeemed based on the fixed values of the Torah? The verse states “a field” in any case.

אָמַר מָר עוּקְבָא בַּר חָמָא: הָכָא בִּנְקָעִים מְלֵאִים מַיִם עָסְקִינַן, מִשּׁוּם דְּלָאו בְּנֵי זְרִיעָה נִינְהוּ. דַּיְקָא נָמֵי, דְּקָתָנֵי דּוּמְיָא דִסְלָעִים גְּבוֹהִים, שְׁמַע מִינַּהּ.

Therefore, the Gemara’s question remains: Why aren’t the crevices and boulders measured by themselves? Mar Ukva bar Ḥama said: Here we are dealing with crevices filled with water. Due to the fact that they are not fit for sowing, the crevices are not considered a field. The Gemara comments: The language of the mishna is also precise, as it teaches the case of crevices, similar to the case of high boulders, which are also unsuitable for sowing. The Gemara affirms: Learn from this comparison that this explanation is correct.

אִי הָכִי, אֲפִילּוּ פָּחוֹת מִיכֵּן נָמֵי! הָנְהוּ נְאגָנֵי דְאַרְעָא מִיקְּרוּ, שִׁדְרָא דְאַרְעָא מִקְּרוּ.

The Gemara asks: If so, i.e., if the crevices, like the boulders, are unfit for sowing, then even if there is a disparity of less than ten handbreadths as well, the crevices and boulders should likewise not be measured as part of the field. The Gemara answers: If they are separated from the field by less than ten handbreadths, these crevices are called the cracks in the ground. Similarly, boulders less than ten handbreadths high are called the spine of the ground. They are considered regular features of fields, which typically have a few pits and mounds.

גַּבֵּי מֶכֶר תְּנַן: הָאוֹמֵר לַחֲבֵירוֹ ״בֵּית כּוֹר עָפָר אֲנִי מוֹכֵר לָךְ״, וְהָיוּ שָׁם נְקָעִים עֲמוּקִּים עֲשָׂרָה טְפָחִים אוֹ סְלָעִים גְּבוֹהִים עֲשָׂרָה טְפָחִים – אֵין נִמְדָּדִים עִמָּהּ. פָּחוֹת מִכָּאן – נִמְדָּדִים עִמָּהּ. וְאָמַר מָר עוּקְבָא בַּר חָמָא: אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵין מְלֵאִים מַיִם.

With regard to a sale of a field, we learned in a mishna (Bava Batra 102b): In the case of one who says to another: I am selling you a beit kor of earth, if there were crevices ten handbreadths deep or boulders ten handbreadths high in the field, they are not measured with it; if the crevices or boulders were less than that, they are measured with it. And Mar Ukva bar Ḥama says: Even if they are not filled with water, nevertheless they are not included.

מַאי טַעְמָא? אָמַר רַב פָּפָּא: לְפִי שֶׁאֵין אָדָם רוֹצֶה שֶׁיִּתֵּן אֶת מְעוֹתָיו בְּשָׂדֶה אַחַת וְיֵרָאֶה לוֹ כִּשְׁנַיִם וְכַשְּׁלֹשָׁה מְקוֹמוֹת.

The Gemara asks: What is the reason for this difference between the two rulings of Mar Ukva bar Ḥama? Why in the case of a sale are crevices not considered part of the field even if they are not filled with water? Rav Pappa says: Because a person who buys a field does not want to give his money for one field and yet it appears to him like two or three places. When purchasing a parcel of land, it is important to the purchaser that the land be one contiguous unit so as to enable farming it without difficulty. Therefore, these areas of ten handbreadths are not measured as part of the field regardless of whether or not they are filled with water.

הָכָא מַאי? לְהֶקְדֵּשׁ מְדַמֵּינַן לַהּ, אוֹ לְמֶכֶר מְדַמֵּינַן לַהּ? מִסְתַּבְּרָא לְהֶקְדֵּשׁ מְדַמֵּינַן לַהּ, דְּאָמַר לַהּ: אֲנָא טָרַחְנָא וְזָרַעְנָא וּמַיְיתֵינָא.

Having discussed the halakhot of a field with regard to consecration and sales, the Gemara asks: What is the halakha here, with regard to measuring a field to see if it fulfills the condition stipulated by one who betroths a woman, if it contains large crevices that are not filled with water? Do we compare it to the halakha of consecrated property and include these places, or do we compare it to the halakha of a sale, which means that they are not included? The Gemara answers: It stands to reason that we compare it to the case of consecrated property, as the husband can say to her: I will go to the trouble of sowing and bringing the produce from the lower or higher areas as well. Although the labor requires additional effort, he does possess a beit kor of land.

מַתְנִי׳ רַבִּי מֵאִיר אוֹמֵר: כׇּל תְּנַאי שֶׁאֵינוֹ כִּתְנַאי בְּנֵי גָּד וּבְנֵי רְאוּבֵן – אֵינוֹ תְּנַאי. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם אִם יַעַבְרוּ בְנֵי גָד וּבְנֵי רְאוּבֵן״. וּכְתִיב: ״וְאִם לֹא יַעַבְרוּ חֲלוּצִים״.

MISHNA: Rabbi Meir says: Any condition that is not doubled, i.e., which does not specify both the result of fulfilling the condition and the result of the condition remaining unfulfilled, like the condition Moses stipulated with the children of Gad and the children of Reuben who sought to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan, is not a valid condition and is not taken into account at all. As it is stated: “And Moses said to them, if the children of Gad and the children of Reuben pass over the Jordan with you, every man armed for battle before the Lord, and the land shall be subdued before you, then you shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession” (Numbers 32:29). And it is written afterward: “But if they will not pass over armed with you, they shall receive a possession among you in the land of Canaan” (Numbers 32:30).

רַבִּי חֲנִינָא בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל אוֹמֵר: צָרִיךְ הַדָּבָר לְאוֹמְרוֹ, שֶׁאִלְמָלֵא כֵּן, יֵשׁ בַּמַּשְׁמָע שֶׁאֲפִילּוּ בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן לֹא יִנְחָלוּ.

Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel says: One cannot derive the requirements of conditions in general from that particular case, as with regard to the nullification of the condition of the children of Gad and Reuben it was necessary to state the matter, as otherwise, if the verse had not specified both sides of the condition, it might have been thought it meant that they will not inherit even in the land of Canaan. One might have thought that if the tribes of Gad and Reuben would not fulfill the condition, they would forfeit their right to inherit anywhere. It was therefore necessary to specify that they would not lose their portion in Eretz Yisrael. Consequently, it is possible that with regard to a standard condition, where no such misunderstanding is likely to take place, it is not necessary to mention both sides.

גְּמָ׳ שַׁפִּיר קָאָמַר לֵיהּ רַבִּי חֲנִינָא בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל לְרַבִּי מֵאִיר! אָמַר לָךְ רַבִּי מֵאִיר: אִי סָלְקָא דַעְתָּךְ לָאו לִתְנַאי כָּפוּל הוּא דַּאֲתָא, לִכְתּוֹב: ״וְאִם לֹא יַעַבְרוּ וְנֹאחֲזוּ בְתֹכְכֶם״, ״בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן״

GEMARA: Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel is saying well, i.e., presenting a reasonable objection, to Rabbi Meir. He apparently refuted Rabbi Meir’s opinion entirely. How would Rabbi Meir respond? The Gemara answers: Rabbi Meir could have said to you: If it enters your mind that the verse does not come to teach the requirement of a compound condition to stipulate both positive and negative outcomes, let it merely write: But if they will not pass over they shall receive a possession among you, which would indicate that they have a portion in the land. The verse actually proceeds to state: “In the land of Canaan.”

לְמָה לִי? שְׁמַע מִינַּהּ לִתְנַאי כָּפוּל הוּא דַּאֲתָא.

Why do I need this extra phrase? Conclude from it that it comes to teach the requirement of a compound condition.

וְרַבִּי חֲנִינָא בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל אָמַר: אִי לָא כְּתַב רַחֲמָנָא ״בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן״, הֲוָה אָמֵינָא ״וְנֹאחֲזוּ בְתֹכְכֶם״ – בְּאֶרֶץ גִּלְעָד, אֲבָל אֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן – כְּלָל לָא. וְרַבִּי מֵאִיר? ״בְתֹכְכֶם״ – כֹּל הֵיכָא דְּאִית לְכוּ מַשְׁמַע.

And Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel says: If the Merciful One had not written: “In the land of Canaan,” I would say that the requirement: “They shall receive a possession among you” (Numbers 32:30) is referring to the land of Gilead, i.e., this land must be shared with the other tribes. But they would not inherit in the land of Canaan at all. The Gemara asks: And how does Rabbi Meir respond to this claim? He maintains that the expression: “Among you,” means anywhere that you have taken possession, including the land of Canaan. Therefore, the subsequent phrase “the land of Canaan” is superfluous and serves to teach that the condition must be doubled.

תַּנְיָא: אָמַר רַבִּי חֲנִינָא בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל: מָשָׁל לְמָה הַדָּבָר דּוֹמֶה – לְאָדָם שֶׁהָיָה מְחַלֵּק נְכָסָיו לְבָנָיו, אָמַר: פְּלוֹנִי בְּנִי יִירַשׁ שָׂדֶה פְּלוֹנִית, וּפְלוֹנִי בְּנִי יִירַשׁ שָׂדֶה פְּלוֹנִית, וּפְלוֹנִי בְּנִי יִתֵּן מָאתַיִם זוּז וְיִירַשׁ שָׂדֶה פְּלוֹנִית, וְאִם לֹא יִתֵּן – יִירַשׁ עִם אֶחָיו בִּשְׁאָר נְכָסִים.

It is taught in a baraita with regard to this issue that Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel said: Hear a parable: To what is this matter, i.e., the condition of the children of Gad and Reuben, comparable? It is comparable to a person who was dividing up his property among his sons, and said: My son so-and-so shall inherit such and such a field; and my son so-and-so shall inherit such and such a field; and my son so-and-so shall give two hundred dinars and inherit such and such a field, and if he does not give the money he will inherit a part of the remainder of the property with his brothers.

מִי גָּרַם לוֹ לִירַשׁ עִם אֶחָיו בִּשְׁאָר נְכָסִים – כְּפֵילוֹ גָּרַם לוֹ.

What causes the last brother to inherit a part of the remainder of the property with his brothers? The father’s double formulation of the condition causes him to inherit in this manner. It was therefore necessary for the father to state both sides and explain what will happen if the third brother fails to give the money. Had the father not repeated the condition, upon failing to give the two hundred dinars the son would not have received any portion of the property.

וְהָא לָא דָּמְיָא מָשָׁל לְמַתְנִיתִין! הָתָם קָתָנֵי: יֵשׁ בַּמַּשְׁמָע שֶׁאֲפִילּוּ בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן לֹא יִנְחָלוּ, אַלְמָא כְּפֵילָה לְאֶרֶץ גִּלְעָד נָמֵי מַהֲנֵי.

The Gemara asks: But the parable is not similar to the mishna, as there the mishna teaches: It might have been thought it meant that if they do not fulfill the condition they will not inherit even in the land of Canaan, and certainly not in the land of Gilead. This apparently indicates that the double formulation is also effective for them to inherit the land of Gilead with the other tribes. Otherwise, the children of Gad and Reuben would not receive any part of the Gilead either.

וְהָכָא קָתָנֵי: מִי גָּרַם לוֹ לִירַשׁ עִם אֶחָיו בִּשְׁאָר נְכָסִים – כְּפֵילוֹ גָּרַם לוֹ, אַלְמָא כְּפֵילָה לִשְׁאָר נְכָסִים הוּא דְּקָמַהֲנֵי!

And yet here the baraita teaches: What causes the last brother to inherit a part of the remainder of the property with his brothers? The father’s double formulation causes him. This apparently indicates that the double formulation is effective for the rest of the property, whereas he would have received that portion of the field linked to the condition in any case. According to this reasoning, the children of Gad and Reuben would have been granted a portion in the land of Gilead even without the double formulation.

לָא קַשְׁיָא. הָא – מִקַּמֵּי דְּנֵימָא לֵיהּ רַבִּי מֵאִיר ״וְנֹאחֲזוּ״,

The Gemara answers: This is not difficult, as this case, referring to Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel’s ruling in the mishna, was stated before Rabbi Meir said to him that the verse could simply have stated: “They shall receive a possession among you.” At that stage, Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel maintained that if the two tribes did not fulfill the condition they would not inherit even in the land of Gilead, as indicated by his use of the term: Even, in the mishna.

הָא – לְבָתַר דְּנֵימָא לֵיהּ רַבִּי מֵאִיר ״וְנֹאחֲזוּ״.

Whereas that case, referring to the parable in the baraita, was taught after Rabbi Meir said to Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel that when the phrase: “They shall receive a possession,” appears by itself it is referring to the land of Canaan. As stated previously, Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel responded by explaining that had the verse not stated: “In the land of Canaan,” one would have said that the requirement: “They shall receive a possession among you” (Numbers 32:30), is referring to the land of Gilead, and they would not inherit in the land of Canaan. In other words, even without the compound condition they would have received a portion in Gilead, which is similar to the parable.

בִּשְׁלָמָא לְרַבִּי מֵאִיר, הַיְינוּ דִּכְתִיב: ״אִם תֵּיטִיב שְׂאֵת, וְאִם לֹא תֵיטִיב לַפֶּתַח חַטָּאת רֹבֵץ״. אֶלָּא לְרַבִּי חֲנִינָא לְמָה לִי? סָלְקָא דַּעְתָּךְ אָמֵינָא: אִם תֵּיטִיב – אַגְרָא, אִם לֹא תֵיטִיב – לָא אַגְרָא וְלָא דִּינָא, קָא מַשְׁמַע לַן.

§ The Gemara proceeds to analyze these two opinions: Granted, according to the opinion of Rabbi Meir, who requires a compound condition, this is the reason that it is written, with regard to God’s rebuke of Cain: “If you do well, shall it not be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at the door” (Genesis 4:7). However, according to the opinion of Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel, why do I need both sides of this stipulation to be specified? The Gemara answers: Were it not for the double formulation it might enter your mind to say that the verse means: If you do well shall you not receive a reward? And if you do not do well you will receive neither reward nor punishment. The double formulation of the verse teaches us that if Cain fails to do well he will be actively punished.

בִּשְׁלָמָא לְרַבִּי מֵאִיר, הַיְינוּ דִּכְתִיב: ״אָז תִּנָּקֶה מֵאָלָתִי״, אֶלָּא לְרַבִּי חֲנִינָא בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל לְמָה לִי?

The Gemara asks another question: Granted, according to the opinion of Rabbi Meir, this is the reason that it is written, with regard to Abraham’s instruction to Eliezer to bring a wife for Isaac: “Then you shall be clear from my oath…if they will not give her to you” (Genesis 24:41). However, according to the opinion of Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel, why do I need this addition? The positive formulation of the oath already indicates the negative.

אִצְטְרִיךְ, סָלְקָא דַּעְתָּךְ אָמֵינָא: הֵיכָא דְּנִיחָא לַהּ לְדִידַהּ וְלָא נִיחָא לֵיהּ לְדִידְהוּ מַיְיתֵי בְּעַל כֻּרְחַיְיהוּ, קָא מַשְׁמַע לַן.

The Gemara answers: It was necessary for this to be stated; if Abraham had stated only: “And take a wife for my son” (Genesis 24:38), it might enter your mind to say: In a case where the arrangement is satisfactory for her, but not satisfactory for her family, he should bring her against their wishes. The verse therefore teaches us that Eliezer is not obligated to bring her against her family’s wishes.

״אִם לֹא תֹאבֶה הָאִשָּׁה״ לְמָה לִי? אִצְטְרִיךְ, סָלְקָא דַּעְתָּךְ אָמֵינָא: הֵיכָא דְּנִיחָא לְהוּ לְדִידְהוּ וְלָא נִיחָא לַהּ לְדִידַהּ – נַיְיתֵי בְּעַל כֻּרְחַהּ, קָא מַשְׁמַע לַן.

The Gemara inquires about another verse in that chapter: “If the woman is not willing to follow you” (Genesis 24:8). Why do I need this clause? The Gemara answers: It was necessary, since it might enter your mind to say: If it is satisfactory for them but not satisfactory for her, he should bring her against her wishes. The verse therefore teaches us that he should not bring her against her wishes.

בִּשְׁלָמָא לְרַבִּי מֵאִיר, הַיְינוּ דִּכְתִיב: ״אִם בְּחֻקֹּתַי תֵּלֵכוּ״, ״וְאִם בְּחֻקֹּתַי תִּמְאָסוּ״, אֶלָּא לְרַבִּי חֲנִינָא בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל לְמָה לִי? אִצְטְרִיךְ, סָלְקָא דַּעְתָּךְ אָמֵינָא: ״אִם בְּחֻקֹּתַי תֵּלֵכוּ״ – בְּרָכָה, ״אִם בְּחֻקֹּתַי תִּמְאָסוּ״ – לֹא בְּרָכָה וְלֹא קְלָלָה, קָא מַשְׁמַע לַן.

The Gemara asks a related question: Granted, according to the opinion of Rabbi Meir, this is the reason that it is written: “If you walk in My statutes” (Leviticus 26:3), you will receive blessings; conversely: “And if you shall reject My statutes” (Leviticus 26:15), you will receive curses. However, according to the opinion of Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel, why do I need both of these clauses? The Gemara answers: They are both necessary, as it might enter your mind to say: If you follow My statutes you will receive a blessing, whereas if you reject My statutes you will receive neither a blessing nor a curse. The verse therefore teaches us that the rejection of God’s statutes warrants a curse.

בִּשְׁלָמָא לְרַבִּי מֵאִיר, הַיְינוּ דִּכְתִיב ״אִם תֹּאבוּ וּשְׁמַעְתֶּם וְגוֹ׳״, ״וְאִם תְּמָאֲנוּ וּמְרִיתֶם וְגוֹ׳״, אֶלָּא לְרַבִּי חֲנִינָא בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל לְמָה לִי? אִצְטְרִיךְ, סָלְקָא דַּעְתָּךְ אָמֵינָא: ״אִם תֹּאבוּ״ – טוֹבָה, ״וְאִם תְּמָאֲנוּ״ – לֹא טוֹבָה וְלֹא רָעָה, קָא מַשְׁמַע לַן.

The Gemara again inquires: Granted, according to the opinion of Rabbi Meir, this is the reason that it is written: “If you are willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:19), whereas: “But if you refuse and rebel you shall be devoured by the sword” (Isaiah 1:20). But according to the opinion of Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel, why do I need the double formulation? The Gemara answers in a similar fashion: It is necessary, as it might enter your mind to say: “If you are willing” you will receive good, i.e., reward, “but if you refuse” you will receive neither good nor bad. The verse therefore teaches us that this is not the case, and one who rebels will receive punishment.

מַאי

In connection with the verse from Isaiah, the Gemara asks: What is the meaning of the phrase:

Today’s daily daf tools:

Delve Deeper

Broaden your understanding of the topics on this daf with classes and podcasts from top women Talmud scholars.

For the Beyond the Daf shiurim offered in Hebrew, see here.

New to Talmud?

Check out our resources designed to help you navigate a page of Talmud – and study at the pace, level and style that fits you. 

The Hadran Women’s Tapestry

Meet the diverse women learning Gemara at Hadran and hear their stories. 

I started learning Daf Yomi in January 2020 after watching my grandfather, Mayer Penstein z”l, finish shas with the previous cycle. My grandfather made learning so much fun was so proud that his grandchildren wanted to join him. I was also inspired by Ilana Kurshan’s book, If All the Seas Were Ink. Two years in, I can say that it has enriched my life in so many ways.

Leeza Hirt Wilner
Leeza Hirt Wilner

New York, United States

After experiences over the years of asking to join gemara shiurim for men and either being refused by the maggid shiur or being the only women there, sometimes behind a mechitza, I found out about Hadran sometime during the tail end of Masechet Shabbat, I think. Life has been much better since then.

Madeline Cohen
Madeline Cohen

London, United Kingdom

I started learning at the start of this cycle, and quickly fell in love. It has become such an important part of my day, enriching every part of my life.

Naomi Niederhoffer
Naomi Niederhoffer

Toronto, Canada

See video

Susan Fisher
Susan Fisher

Raanana, Israel

A few years back, after reading Ilana Kurshan’s book, “If All The Seas Were Ink,” I began pondering the crazy, outlandish idea of beginning the Daf Yomi cycle. Beginning in December, 2019, a month before the previous cycle ended, I “auditioned” 30 different podcasts in 30 days, and ultimately chose to take the plunge with Hadran and Rabbanit Michelle. Such joy!

Cindy Dolgin
Cindy Dolgin

HUNTINGTON, United States

I had no formal learning in Talmud until I began my studies in the Joint Program where in 1976 I was one of the few, if not the only, woman talmud major. It was superior training for law school and enabled me to approach my legal studies with a foundation . In 2018, I began daf yomi listening to Rabbanit MIchelle’s pod cast and my daily talmud studies are one of the highlights of my life.

Krivosha_Terri_Bio
Terri Krivosha

Minneapolis, United States

I began Daf Yomi with the last cycle. I was inspired by the Hadran Siyum in Yerushalayim to continue with this cycle. I have learned Daf Yomi with Rabanit Michelle in over 25 countries on 6 continents ( missing Australia)

Barbara-Goldschlag
Barbara Goldschlag

Silver Spring, MD, United States

I started the daf at the beginning of this cycle in January 2020. My husband, my children, grandchildren and siblings have been very supportive. As someone who learned and taught Tanach and mefarshim for many years, it has been an amazing adventure to complete the six sedarim of Mishnah, and now to study Talmud on a daily basis along with Rabbanit Michelle and the wonderful women of Hadran.

Rookie Billet
Rookie Billet

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-G-pic
Hannah Greenberg

Pennsylvania, United States

It has been a pleasure keeping pace with this wonderful and scholarly group of women.

Janice Block
Janice Block

Beit Shemesh, Israel

I started at the beginning of this cycle. No 1 reason, but here’s 5.
In 2019 I read about the upcoming siyum hashas.
There was a sermon at shul about how anyone can learn Talmud.
Talmud references come up when I am studying. I wanted to know more.
Yentl was on telly. Not a great movie but it’s about studying Talmud.
I went to the Hadran website: A new cycle is starting. I’m gonna do this

Denise Neapolitan
Denise Neapolitan

Cambridge, United Kingdom

I had no formal learning in Talmud until I began my studies in the Joint Program where in 1976 I was one of the few, if not the only, woman talmud major. It was superior training for law school and enabled me to approach my legal studies with a foundation . In 2018, I began daf yomi listening to Rabbanit MIchelle’s pod cast and my daily talmud studies are one of the highlights of my life.

Krivosha_Terri_Bio
Terri Krivosha

Minneapolis, United States

I started learning after the siyum hashas for women and my daily learning has been a constant over the last two years. It grounded me during the chaos of Corona while providing me with a community of fellow learners. The Daf can be challenging but it’s filled with life’s lessons, struggles and hope for a better world. It’s not about the destination but rather about the journey. Thank you Hadran!

Dena Lehrman
Dena Lehrman

אפרת, Israel

A friend mentioned that she was starting Daf Yomi in January 2020. I had heard of it and thought, why not? I decided to try it – go day by day and not think about the seven plus year commitment. Fast forward today, over two years in and I can’t imagine my life without Daf Yomi. It’s part of my morning ritual. If I have a busy day ahead of me I set my alarm to get up early to finish the day’s daf
Debbie Fitzerman
Debbie Fitzerman

Ontario, Canada

I tried Daf Yomi in the middle of the last cycle after realizing I could listen to Michelle’s shiurim online. It lasted all of 2 days! Then the new cycle started just days before my father’s first yahrzeit and my youngest daughter’s bat mitzvah. It seemed the right time for a new beginning. My family, friends, colleagues are immensely supportive!

Catriella-Freedman-jpeg
Catriella Freedman

Zichron Yaakov, Israel

I began daf yomi in January 2020 with Brachot. I had made aliya 6 months before, and one of my post-aliya goals was to complete a full cycle. As a life-long Tanach teacher, I wanted to swim from one side of the Yam shel Torah to the other. Daf yomi was also my sanity through COVID. It was the way to marking the progression of time, and feel that I could grow and accomplish while time stopped.

Leah Herzog
Leah Herzog

Givat Zev, Israel

I started learning at the start of this cycle, and quickly fell in love. It has become such an important part of my day, enriching every part of my life.

Naomi Niederhoffer
Naomi Niederhoffer

Toronto, Canada

After enthusing to my friend Ruth Kahan about how much I had enjoyed remote Jewish learning during the earlier part of the pandemic, she challenged me to join her in learning the daf yomi cycle. I had always wanted to do daf yomi but now had no excuse. The beginning was particularly hard as I had never studied Talmud but has become easier, as I have gained some familiarity with it.

Susan-Vishner-Hadran-photo-scaled
Susan Vishner

Brookline, United States

I started learning daf in January, 2020, being inspired by watching the Siyyum Hashas in Binyanei Haumah. I wasn’t sure I would be able to keep up with the task. When I went to school, Gemara was not an option. Fast forward to March, 2022, and each day starts with the daf. The challenge is now learning the intricacies of delving into the actual learning. Hadran community, thank you!

Rochel Cheifetz
Rochel Cheifetz

Riverdale, NY, United States

I’ve been studying Talmud since the ’90s, and decided to take on Daf Yomi two years ago. I wanted to attempt the challenge of a day-to-day, very Jewish activity. Some days are so interesting and some days are so boring. But I’m still here.
Wendy Rozov
Wendy Rozov

Phoenix, AZ, United States

Kiddushin 61

הַמַּקְדִּישׁ שָׂדֵהוּ בִּשְׁעַת הַיּוֹבֵל, נוֹתֵן בְּזֶרַע חוֹמֶר שְׂעוֹרִים חֲמִשִּׁים שֶׁקֶל כָּסֶף. הָיוּ נְקָעִים עֲמוּקִּים עֲשָׂרָה טְפָחִים אוֹ סְלָעִים גְּבוֹהִים עֲשָׂרָה טְפָחִים – אֵין נִמְדָּדִין עִמָּהּ. פָּחוֹת מִכָּאן – נִמְדָּדִין עִמָּהּ.

With regard to one who consecrates his field during the time of the Jubilee Year, i.e., in an era when the halakhot of the Jubilee Year are observed, if he wishes to redeem it from the Temple treasury he gives fifty silver shekels for an area that yields a ḥomer, i.e., a kor, of barley seed. If the field had crevices, i.e., deep fissures in its surface, ten handbreadths deep, or boulders ten handbreadths high, they are not measured with it, i.e., in the calculation of land that requires redemption. If the crevices or boulders are less than that, they are measured with it.

וְהָוֵינַן בַּהּ: נְהִי דְּבַהֲדֵי אַרְעָא לֹא קָדְשׁוּ, נִקְדְּשׁוּ בְּאַפֵּי נַפְשַׁיְיהוּ! וְכִי תֵּימָא: כַּמָּה דְּלָא הָוֵי בֵּית כּוֹר לָא חֲשִׁיב, וּרְמִינְהוּ:

And we discussed the following problem: Granted, that these areas are not consecrated together with the field, as they are ten handbreadths higher or lower than the rest of the land; but let the crevices and boulders be consecrated by themselves, so that they should require their own redemption of fifty silver shekels per beit kor. And if you would say that as long as an area does not amount to a beit kor it is not important, the Gemara raises a contradiction against this claim from a baraita.

״שָׂדֶה״ מָה תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר? – לְפִי שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״זֶרַע חֹמֶר שְׂעֹרִים בַּחֲמִשִּׁים״, אֵין לִי אֶלָּא שֶׁהִקְדִּישׁ בָּעִנְיָן הַזֶּה, מִנַּיִן לְרַבּוֹת, לֶתֶךְ וַחֲצִי לֶתֶךְ, סְאָה, תַּרְקַב, וַחֲצִי תַּרְקַב, וַאֲפִילּוּ רוֹבַע מִנַּיִן? תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״שָׂדֶה״ – מִכׇּל מָקוֹם!

The verse states with regard to one who consecrates his field: “Part of a field of his possession” (Leviticus 27:16). What is the meaning when the verse states this? Since it is stated in the same verse: “The sowing of a ḥomer of barley shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver,” I have derived only that this halakha applies to one who consecrated in this manner, i.e., consecrated an area fit to sow a ḥomer of barley. From where do I derive that this halakha includes a smaller area, e.g., one suitable for sowing a half-kor, and half of a half-kor, and the area for a se’a, and a tarkav, which is half a se’a, and half a tarkav, and even the area of a quarterkav? The baraita restates its question: From where is it derived that these areas of land can also be consecrated and redeemed based on the fixed values of the Torah? The verse states “a field” in any case.

אָמַר מָר עוּקְבָא בַּר חָמָא: הָכָא בִּנְקָעִים מְלֵאִים מַיִם עָסְקִינַן, מִשּׁוּם דְּלָאו בְּנֵי זְרִיעָה נִינְהוּ. דַּיְקָא נָמֵי, דְּקָתָנֵי דּוּמְיָא דִסְלָעִים גְּבוֹהִים, שְׁמַע מִינַּהּ.

Therefore, the Gemara’s question remains: Why aren’t the crevices and boulders measured by themselves? Mar Ukva bar Ḥama said: Here we are dealing with crevices filled with water. Due to the fact that they are not fit for sowing, the crevices are not considered a field. The Gemara comments: The language of the mishna is also precise, as it teaches the case of crevices, similar to the case of high boulders, which are also unsuitable for sowing. The Gemara affirms: Learn from this comparison that this explanation is correct.

אִי הָכִי, אֲפִילּוּ פָּחוֹת מִיכֵּן נָמֵי! הָנְהוּ נְאגָנֵי דְאַרְעָא מִיקְּרוּ, שִׁדְרָא דְאַרְעָא מִקְּרוּ.

The Gemara asks: If so, i.e., if the crevices, like the boulders, are unfit for sowing, then even if there is a disparity of less than ten handbreadths as well, the crevices and boulders should likewise not be measured as part of the field. The Gemara answers: If they are separated from the field by less than ten handbreadths, these crevices are called the cracks in the ground. Similarly, boulders less than ten handbreadths high are called the spine of the ground. They are considered regular features of fields, which typically have a few pits and mounds.

גַּבֵּי מֶכֶר תְּנַן: הָאוֹמֵר לַחֲבֵירוֹ ״בֵּית כּוֹר עָפָר אֲנִי מוֹכֵר לָךְ״, וְהָיוּ שָׁם נְקָעִים עֲמוּקִּים עֲשָׂרָה טְפָחִים אוֹ סְלָעִים גְּבוֹהִים עֲשָׂרָה טְפָחִים – אֵין נִמְדָּדִים עִמָּהּ. פָּחוֹת מִכָּאן – נִמְדָּדִים עִמָּהּ. וְאָמַר מָר עוּקְבָא בַּר חָמָא: אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵין מְלֵאִים מַיִם.

With regard to a sale of a field, we learned in a mishna (Bava Batra 102b): In the case of one who says to another: I am selling you a beit kor of earth, if there were crevices ten handbreadths deep or boulders ten handbreadths high in the field, they are not measured with it; if the crevices or boulders were less than that, they are measured with it. And Mar Ukva bar Ḥama says: Even if they are not filled with water, nevertheless they are not included.

מַאי טַעְמָא? אָמַר רַב פָּפָּא: לְפִי שֶׁאֵין אָדָם רוֹצֶה שֶׁיִּתֵּן אֶת מְעוֹתָיו בְּשָׂדֶה אַחַת וְיֵרָאֶה לוֹ כִּשְׁנַיִם וְכַשְּׁלֹשָׁה מְקוֹמוֹת.

The Gemara asks: What is the reason for this difference between the two rulings of Mar Ukva bar Ḥama? Why in the case of a sale are crevices not considered part of the field even if they are not filled with water? Rav Pappa says: Because a person who buys a field does not want to give his money for one field and yet it appears to him like two or three places. When purchasing a parcel of land, it is important to the purchaser that the land be one contiguous unit so as to enable farming it without difficulty. Therefore, these areas of ten handbreadths are not measured as part of the field regardless of whether or not they are filled with water.

הָכָא מַאי? לְהֶקְדֵּשׁ מְדַמֵּינַן לַהּ, אוֹ לְמֶכֶר מְדַמֵּינַן לַהּ? מִסְתַּבְּרָא לְהֶקְדֵּשׁ מְדַמֵּינַן לַהּ, דְּאָמַר לַהּ: אֲנָא טָרַחְנָא וְזָרַעְנָא וּמַיְיתֵינָא.

Having discussed the halakhot of a field with regard to consecration and sales, the Gemara asks: What is the halakha here, with regard to measuring a field to see if it fulfills the condition stipulated by one who betroths a woman, if it contains large crevices that are not filled with water? Do we compare it to the halakha of consecrated property and include these places, or do we compare it to the halakha of a sale, which means that they are not included? The Gemara answers: It stands to reason that we compare it to the case of consecrated property, as the husband can say to her: I will go to the trouble of sowing and bringing the produce from the lower or higher areas as well. Although the labor requires additional effort, he does possess a beit kor of land.

מַתְנִי׳ רַבִּי מֵאִיר אוֹמֵר: כׇּל תְּנַאי שֶׁאֵינוֹ כִּתְנַאי בְּנֵי גָּד וּבְנֵי רְאוּבֵן – אֵינוֹ תְּנַאי. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם אִם יַעַבְרוּ בְנֵי גָד וּבְנֵי רְאוּבֵן״. וּכְתִיב: ״וְאִם לֹא יַעַבְרוּ חֲלוּצִים״.

MISHNA: Rabbi Meir says: Any condition that is not doubled, i.e., which does not specify both the result of fulfilling the condition and the result of the condition remaining unfulfilled, like the condition Moses stipulated with the children of Gad and the children of Reuben who sought to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan, is not a valid condition and is not taken into account at all. As it is stated: “And Moses said to them, if the children of Gad and the children of Reuben pass over the Jordan with you, every man armed for battle before the Lord, and the land shall be subdued before you, then you shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession” (Numbers 32:29). And it is written afterward: “But if they will not pass over armed with you, they shall receive a possession among you in the land of Canaan” (Numbers 32:30).

רַבִּי חֲנִינָא בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל אוֹמֵר: צָרִיךְ הַדָּבָר לְאוֹמְרוֹ, שֶׁאִלְמָלֵא כֵּן, יֵשׁ בַּמַּשְׁמָע שֶׁאֲפִילּוּ בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן לֹא יִנְחָלוּ.

Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel says: One cannot derive the requirements of conditions in general from that particular case, as with regard to the nullification of the condition of the children of Gad and Reuben it was necessary to state the matter, as otherwise, if the verse had not specified both sides of the condition, it might have been thought it meant that they will not inherit even in the land of Canaan. One might have thought that if the tribes of Gad and Reuben would not fulfill the condition, they would forfeit their right to inherit anywhere. It was therefore necessary to specify that they would not lose their portion in Eretz Yisrael. Consequently, it is possible that with regard to a standard condition, where no such misunderstanding is likely to take place, it is not necessary to mention both sides.

גְּמָ׳ שַׁפִּיר קָאָמַר לֵיהּ רַבִּי חֲנִינָא בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל לְרַבִּי מֵאִיר! אָמַר לָךְ רַבִּי מֵאִיר: אִי סָלְקָא דַעְתָּךְ לָאו לִתְנַאי כָּפוּל הוּא דַּאֲתָא, לִכְתּוֹב: ״וְאִם לֹא יַעַבְרוּ וְנֹאחֲזוּ בְתֹכְכֶם״, ״בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן״

GEMARA: Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel is saying well, i.e., presenting a reasonable objection, to Rabbi Meir. He apparently refuted Rabbi Meir’s opinion entirely. How would Rabbi Meir respond? The Gemara answers: Rabbi Meir could have said to you: If it enters your mind that the verse does not come to teach the requirement of a compound condition to stipulate both positive and negative outcomes, let it merely write: But if they will not pass over they shall receive a possession among you, which would indicate that they have a portion in the land. The verse actually proceeds to state: “In the land of Canaan.”

לְמָה לִי? שְׁמַע מִינַּהּ לִתְנַאי כָּפוּל הוּא דַּאֲתָא.

Why do I need this extra phrase? Conclude from it that it comes to teach the requirement of a compound condition.

וְרַבִּי חֲנִינָא בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל אָמַר: אִי לָא כְּתַב רַחֲמָנָא ״בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן״, הֲוָה אָמֵינָא ״וְנֹאחֲזוּ בְתֹכְכֶם״ – בְּאֶרֶץ גִּלְעָד, אֲבָל אֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן – כְּלָל לָא. וְרַבִּי מֵאִיר? ״בְתֹכְכֶם״ – כֹּל הֵיכָא דְּאִית לְכוּ מַשְׁמַע.

And Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel says: If the Merciful One had not written: “In the land of Canaan,” I would say that the requirement: “They shall receive a possession among you” (Numbers 32:30) is referring to the land of Gilead, i.e., this land must be shared with the other tribes. But they would not inherit in the land of Canaan at all. The Gemara asks: And how does Rabbi Meir respond to this claim? He maintains that the expression: “Among you,” means anywhere that you have taken possession, including the land of Canaan. Therefore, the subsequent phrase “the land of Canaan” is superfluous and serves to teach that the condition must be doubled.

תַּנְיָא: אָמַר רַבִּי חֲנִינָא בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל: מָשָׁל לְמָה הַדָּבָר דּוֹמֶה – לְאָדָם שֶׁהָיָה מְחַלֵּק נְכָסָיו לְבָנָיו, אָמַר: פְּלוֹנִי בְּנִי יִירַשׁ שָׂדֶה פְּלוֹנִית, וּפְלוֹנִי בְּנִי יִירַשׁ שָׂדֶה פְּלוֹנִית, וּפְלוֹנִי בְּנִי יִתֵּן מָאתַיִם זוּז וְיִירַשׁ שָׂדֶה פְּלוֹנִית, וְאִם לֹא יִתֵּן – יִירַשׁ עִם אֶחָיו בִּשְׁאָר נְכָסִים.

It is taught in a baraita with regard to this issue that Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel said: Hear a parable: To what is this matter, i.e., the condition of the children of Gad and Reuben, comparable? It is comparable to a person who was dividing up his property among his sons, and said: My son so-and-so shall inherit such and such a field; and my son so-and-so shall inherit such and such a field; and my son so-and-so shall give two hundred dinars and inherit such and such a field, and if he does not give the money he will inherit a part of the remainder of the property with his brothers.

מִי גָּרַם לוֹ לִירַשׁ עִם אֶחָיו בִּשְׁאָר נְכָסִים – כְּפֵילוֹ גָּרַם לוֹ.

What causes the last brother to inherit a part of the remainder of the property with his brothers? The father’s double formulation of the condition causes him to inherit in this manner. It was therefore necessary for the father to state both sides and explain what will happen if the third brother fails to give the money. Had the father not repeated the condition, upon failing to give the two hundred dinars the son would not have received any portion of the property.

וְהָא לָא דָּמְיָא מָשָׁל לְמַתְנִיתִין! הָתָם קָתָנֵי: יֵשׁ בַּמַּשְׁמָע שֶׁאֲפִילּוּ בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן לֹא יִנְחָלוּ, אַלְמָא כְּפֵילָה לְאֶרֶץ גִּלְעָד נָמֵי מַהֲנֵי.

The Gemara asks: But the parable is not similar to the mishna, as there the mishna teaches: It might have been thought it meant that if they do not fulfill the condition they will not inherit even in the land of Canaan, and certainly not in the land of Gilead. This apparently indicates that the double formulation is also effective for them to inherit the land of Gilead with the other tribes. Otherwise, the children of Gad and Reuben would not receive any part of the Gilead either.

וְהָכָא קָתָנֵי: מִי גָּרַם לוֹ לִירַשׁ עִם אֶחָיו בִּשְׁאָר נְכָסִים – כְּפֵילוֹ גָּרַם לוֹ, אַלְמָא כְּפֵילָה לִשְׁאָר נְכָסִים הוּא דְּקָמַהֲנֵי!

And yet here the baraita teaches: What causes the last brother to inherit a part of the remainder of the property with his brothers? The father’s double formulation causes him. This apparently indicates that the double formulation is effective for the rest of the property, whereas he would have received that portion of the field linked to the condition in any case. According to this reasoning, the children of Gad and Reuben would have been granted a portion in the land of Gilead even without the double formulation.

לָא קַשְׁיָא. הָא – מִקַּמֵּי דְּנֵימָא לֵיהּ רַבִּי מֵאִיר ״וְנֹאחֲזוּ״,

The Gemara answers: This is not difficult, as this case, referring to Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel’s ruling in the mishna, was stated before Rabbi Meir said to him that the verse could simply have stated: “They shall receive a possession among you.” At that stage, Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel maintained that if the two tribes did not fulfill the condition they would not inherit even in the land of Gilead, as indicated by his use of the term: Even, in the mishna.

הָא – לְבָתַר דְּנֵימָא לֵיהּ רַבִּי מֵאִיר ״וְנֹאחֲזוּ״.

Whereas that case, referring to the parable in the baraita, was taught after Rabbi Meir said to Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel that when the phrase: “They shall receive a possession,” appears by itself it is referring to the land of Canaan. As stated previously, Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel responded by explaining that had the verse not stated: “In the land of Canaan,” one would have said that the requirement: “They shall receive a possession among you” (Numbers 32:30), is referring to the land of Gilead, and they would not inherit in the land of Canaan. In other words, even without the compound condition they would have received a portion in Gilead, which is similar to the parable.

בִּשְׁלָמָא לְרַבִּי מֵאִיר, הַיְינוּ דִּכְתִיב: ״אִם תֵּיטִיב שְׂאֵת, וְאִם לֹא תֵיטִיב לַפֶּתַח חַטָּאת רֹבֵץ״. אֶלָּא לְרַבִּי חֲנִינָא לְמָה לִי? סָלְקָא דַּעְתָּךְ אָמֵינָא: אִם תֵּיטִיב – אַגְרָא, אִם לֹא תֵיטִיב – לָא אַגְרָא וְלָא דִּינָא, קָא מַשְׁמַע לַן.

§ The Gemara proceeds to analyze these two opinions: Granted, according to the opinion of Rabbi Meir, who requires a compound condition, this is the reason that it is written, with regard to God’s rebuke of Cain: “If you do well, shall it not be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at the door” (Genesis 4:7). However, according to the opinion of Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel, why do I need both sides of this stipulation to be specified? The Gemara answers: Were it not for the double formulation it might enter your mind to say that the verse means: If you do well shall you not receive a reward? And if you do not do well you will receive neither reward nor punishment. The double formulation of the verse teaches us that if Cain fails to do well he will be actively punished.

בִּשְׁלָמָא לְרַבִּי מֵאִיר, הַיְינוּ דִּכְתִיב: ״אָז תִּנָּקֶה מֵאָלָתִי״, אֶלָּא לְרַבִּי חֲנִינָא בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל לְמָה לִי?

The Gemara asks another question: Granted, according to the opinion of Rabbi Meir, this is the reason that it is written, with regard to Abraham’s instruction to Eliezer to bring a wife for Isaac: “Then you shall be clear from my oath…if they will not give her to you” (Genesis 24:41). However, according to the opinion of Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel, why do I need this addition? The positive formulation of the oath already indicates the negative.

אִצְטְרִיךְ, סָלְקָא דַּעְתָּךְ אָמֵינָא: הֵיכָא דְּנִיחָא לַהּ לְדִידַהּ וְלָא נִיחָא לֵיהּ לְדִידְהוּ מַיְיתֵי בְּעַל כֻּרְחַיְיהוּ, קָא מַשְׁמַע לַן.

The Gemara answers: It was necessary for this to be stated; if Abraham had stated only: “And take a wife for my son” (Genesis 24:38), it might enter your mind to say: In a case where the arrangement is satisfactory for her, but not satisfactory for her family, he should bring her against their wishes. The verse therefore teaches us that Eliezer is not obligated to bring her against her family’s wishes.

״אִם לֹא תֹאבֶה הָאִשָּׁה״ לְמָה לִי? אִצְטְרִיךְ, סָלְקָא דַּעְתָּךְ אָמֵינָא: הֵיכָא דְּנִיחָא לְהוּ לְדִידְהוּ וְלָא נִיחָא לַהּ לְדִידַהּ – נַיְיתֵי בְּעַל כֻּרְחַהּ, קָא מַשְׁמַע לַן.

The Gemara inquires about another verse in that chapter: “If the woman is not willing to follow you” (Genesis 24:8). Why do I need this clause? The Gemara answers: It was necessary, since it might enter your mind to say: If it is satisfactory for them but not satisfactory for her, he should bring her against her wishes. The verse therefore teaches us that he should not bring her against her wishes.

בִּשְׁלָמָא לְרַבִּי מֵאִיר, הַיְינוּ דִּכְתִיב: ״אִם בְּחֻקֹּתַי תֵּלֵכוּ״, ״וְאִם בְּחֻקֹּתַי תִּמְאָסוּ״, אֶלָּא לְרַבִּי חֲנִינָא בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל לְמָה לִי? אִצְטְרִיךְ, סָלְקָא דַּעְתָּךְ אָמֵינָא: ״אִם בְּחֻקֹּתַי תֵּלֵכוּ״ – בְּרָכָה, ״אִם בְּחֻקֹּתַי תִּמְאָסוּ״ – לֹא בְּרָכָה וְלֹא קְלָלָה, קָא מַשְׁמַע לַן.

The Gemara asks a related question: Granted, according to the opinion of Rabbi Meir, this is the reason that it is written: “If you walk in My statutes” (Leviticus 26:3), you will receive blessings; conversely: “And if you shall reject My statutes” (Leviticus 26:15), you will receive curses. However, according to the opinion of Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel, why do I need both of these clauses? The Gemara answers: They are both necessary, as it might enter your mind to say: If you follow My statutes you will receive a blessing, whereas if you reject My statutes you will receive neither a blessing nor a curse. The verse therefore teaches us that the rejection of God’s statutes warrants a curse.

בִּשְׁלָמָא לְרַבִּי מֵאִיר, הַיְינוּ דִּכְתִיב ״אִם תֹּאבוּ וּשְׁמַעְתֶּם וְגוֹ׳״, ״וְאִם תְּמָאֲנוּ וּמְרִיתֶם וְגוֹ׳״, אֶלָּא לְרַבִּי חֲנִינָא בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל לְמָה לִי? אִצְטְרִיךְ, סָלְקָא דַּעְתָּךְ אָמֵינָא: ״אִם תֹּאבוּ״ – טוֹבָה, ״וְאִם תְּמָאֲנוּ״ – לֹא טוֹבָה וְלֹא רָעָה, קָא מַשְׁמַע לַן.

The Gemara again inquires: Granted, according to the opinion of Rabbi Meir, this is the reason that it is written: “If you are willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:19), whereas: “But if you refuse and rebel you shall be devoured by the sword” (Isaiah 1:20). But according to the opinion of Rabbi Ḥanina ben Gamliel, why do I need the double formulation? The Gemara answers in a similar fashion: It is necessary, as it might enter your mind to say: “If you are willing” you will receive good, i.e., reward, “but if you refuse” you will receive neither good nor bad. The verse therefore teaches us that this is not the case, and one who rebels will receive punishment.

מַאי

In connection with the verse from Isaiah, the Gemara asks: What is the meaning of the phrase:

Want to follow content and continue where you left off?

Create an account today to track your progress, mark what you’ve learned, and follow the shiurim that speak to you.

Clear all items from this list?

This will remove ALL the items in this section. You will lose any progress or history connected to them. This is irreversible.

Cancel
Yes, clear all

Are you sure you want to delete this item?

You will lose any progress or history connected to this item.

Cancel
Yes, delete