Was the Temple of Onias created for God or for idol worship – what lead to its establishment? The gemara ends with various statements regarding – leadership and those who desire leadership positions, the important of Talmud Torah as a replacement for sacrifices, the concept that all sacrifices are equal before God – rich people’s and poor people’s (animal, bird, meal offerings) and the most important thing in sacrifices is the intent.
This week’s learning is sponsored by Robert and Paula Cohen in loving memory of Joseph Cohen, Yosef ben Moshe HaCohen, z”l. “He was hard working, loved to sing, esp. as a chazan, and was very dedicated to his family and community.”
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This week’s learning is sponsored by Robert and Paula Cohen in loving memory of Joseph Cohen, Yosef ben Moshe HaCohen, z”l. “He was hard working, loved to sing, esp. as a chazan, and was very dedicated to his family and community.”
Menachot 110
וְנִשְׁבָּעוֹת לַה׳ צְבָאוֹת״. הָלְכוּ לַאֲלֶכְּסַנְדְּרִיָּא שֶׁל מִצְרַיִם וּבָנוּ מִזְבֵּחַ וְהֶעֱלוּ עָלָיו לְשֵׁם שָׁמַיִם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא יִהְיֶה מִזְבֵּחַ לַה׳ בְּתוֹךְ אֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם״.
and swear to the Lord of hosts; one shall be called the city of destruction” (Isaiah 19:18). They went to Alexandria in Egypt and built an altar and sacrificed offerings upon it for the sake of Heaven, as it is stated in the following verse: “In that day shall there be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at its border, to the Lord” (Isaiah 19:19).
״עִיר הַהֶרֶס יֵאָמֵר לְאַחַת״, מַאי ״עִיר הַהֶרֶס יֵאָמֵר לְאֶחָת״? כְּדִמְתַרְגֵּם רַב יוֹסֵף: ״קַרְתָּא דְּבֵית שֶׁמֶשׁ דַּעֲתִיד לְמִיחֲרַב״, אִיתְאֲמַר דְּהִיא חֲדָא מִנְּהוֹן. וּמִמַּאי דְּ״עִיר הַהֶרֶס״ לִישָּׁנָא דְּשִׁימְשָׁא הִיא? דִּכְתִיב: ״הָאוֹמֵר לַחֶרֶס וְלֹא יִזְרָח״.
The verse states: “One shall be called the city of destruction” (Isaiah 19:18). The Gemara asks: What is the meaning of the verse: “One shall be called the city of destruction”? The Gemara answers: As Rav Yosef translates into Aramaic: Concerning the City of the Sun, which will be destroyed in the future, it will be said that it is one of them. And from where is it derived that in the phrase: “The city of destruction [heres],” the term heres is referring to the sun? As it is written: “Who commands the sun [ḥeres], and it does not rise; and seals up the stars” (Job 9:7).
״הָבִיאִי בָנַי מֵרָחוֹק וּבְנוֹתַי מִקְצֵה הָאָרֶץ״ – ״הָבִיאִי בָנַי מֵרָחוֹק״, אָמַר רַב הוּנָא: אֵלּוּ גָּלִיּוֹת שֶׁל בָּבֶל, שֶׁדַּעְתָּן מְיוּשֶּׁבֶת עֲלֵיהֶן כְּבָנִים. ״וּבְנוֹתַי מִקְצֵה הָאָרֶץ״ – אֵלּוּ גָּלִיּוֹת שֶׁל שְׁאָר אֲרָצוֹת, שֶׁאֵין דַּעְתָּן מְיוּשֶּׁבֶת עֲלֵיהֶן כְּבָנוֹת.
§ After mentioning the Jewish community in Egypt, the Gemara discusses Jewish communities in other locations. The verse states: “Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your seed from the east and gather you from the west; I will say to the north: Give up, and to the south: Keep not back, bring My sons from far, and My daughters from the end of the earth” (Isaiah 43:5–6). What is the meaning of “bring My sons from far”? Rav Huna says: These are the exiles of Babylonia, whose minds are calm, like sons, and who can therefore focus properly on Torah study and mitzvot. What is the meaning of “and My daughters from the end of the earth”? These are the exiles of other countries, whose minds are unsettled, like daughters.
אָמַר רַבִּי אַבָּא בַּר רַב יִצְחָק, אָמַר רַב חִסְדָּא, וְאָמְרִי לַהּ אָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה, אָמַר רַב: מִצּוֹר וְעַד קַרְטִיגְנֵי מַכִּירִין אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאֶת אֲבִיהֶם שֶׁבַּשָּׁמַיִם, וּמִצּוֹר כְּלַפֵּי מַעֲרָב וּמִקַּרְטִיגְנֵי כְּלַפֵּי מִזְרָח אֵין מַכִּירִין אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵל וְלֹא אֶת אֲבִיהֶן שֶׁבַּשָּׁמַיִם.
§ Rabbi Abba bar Rav Yitzḥak says that Rav Ḥisda says, and some say that Rav Yehuda says that Rav says: The gentiles living from Tyre to Carthage recognize the Jewish people, their religion, and their Father in Heaven. But those living to the west of Tyre and to the east of Carthage recognize neither the Jewish people nor their Father in Heaven.
אֵיתִיבֵיהּ רַב שִׁימִי בַּר חִיָּיא לְרַב: ״מִמִּזְרַח שֶׁמֶשׁ וְעַד מְבוֹאוֹ גָּדוֹל שְׁמִי בַּגּוֹיִם וּבְכׇל מָקוֹם מֻקְטָר מֻגָּשׁ לִשְׁמִי וּמִנְחָה טְהוֹרָה״. אֲמַר לֵיהּ: שִׁימִי אַתְּ?! דְּקָרוּ לֵיהּ אֱלָהָא דֵּאלָהָא.
Rav Shimi bar Ḥiyya raised an objection to the statement of Rav from the verse: “From the rising of the sun until it sets, My name is great among the nations; and in every place offerings are presented to My name, and a pure meal offering; for My name is great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 1:11). This indicates that God’s name is known across the entire world, even to the west of Tyre and the east of Carthage. Rav said to him: Shimi, is it you who is raising such an objection? The verse does not mean that they recognize God and worship him. Rather, it means that although they worship idols, they call Him the God of gods.
״בְּכׇל מָקוֹם מֻקְטָר מֻגָּשׁ לִשְׁמִי״ – בְּכׇל מָקוֹם סָלְקָא דַּעְתָּךְ? אָמַר רַבִּי שְׁמוּאֵל בַּר נַחְמָנִי אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹנָתָן: אֵלּוּ תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים הָעוֹסְקִים בַּתּוֹרָה בְּכׇל מָקוֹם, מַעֲלֶה אֲנִי עֲלֵיהֶן כְּאִילּוּ מַקְטִירִין וּמַגִּישִׁין לִשְׁמִי.
§ The verse states: “And in every place offerings are presented to My name, and a pure meal offering; for My name is great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts.” Does it enter your mind to say that it is permitted to sacrifice offerings in every place? Rather, Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥmani says that Rabbi Yonatan says: These are Torah scholars, who engage in Torah study in every place. God says: I ascribe them credit as though they burn and present offerings to My name.
״וּמִנְחָה טְהוֹרָה״ – זֶה הַלּוֹמֵד תּוֹרָה בְּטָהֳרָה, נוֹשֵׂא אִשָּׁה וְאַחַר כָּךְ לוֹמֵד תּוֹרָה.
Furthermore, when the verse states: “And a pure meal offering,” this is referring to one who studies Torah in purity, i.e., one who first marries a woman and afterward studies Torah. Since he is married, he is not disturbed by sinful thoughts.
״שִׁיר הַמַּעֲלוֹת הִנֵּה בָּרְכוּ אֶת ה׳ כׇּל עַבְדֵי ה׳ הָעֹמְדִים בְּבֵית ה׳ בַּלֵּילוֹת״, מַאי ״בַּלֵּילוֹת״? אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: אֵלּוּ תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים הָעוֹסְקִים בְּתוֹרָה בַּלַּיְלָה, מַעֲלֶה עֲלֵיהֶן הַכָּתוּב כְּאִילּוּ עֲסוּקִים בַּעֲבוֹדָה.
The Gemara cites another verse that praises Torah scholars. “A Song of Ascents, Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand in the House of the Lord at night” (Psalms 134:1). What is the meaning of “at night,” given that the Temple service is not performed at night and all the offerings must be sacrificed during the daytime? Rabbi Yoḥanan says: These are Torah scholars, who engage in Torah study at night. The verse ascribes them credit as though they engage in the Temple service.
״לְעוֹלָם זֹאת עַל יִשְׂרָאֵל״, אָמַר רַב גִּידֵּל אָמַר רַב: זֶה מִזְבֵּחַ בָּנוּי, וּמִיכָאֵל שַׂר הַגָּדוֹל עוֹמֵד וּמַקְרִיב עָלָיו קׇרְבָּן.
§ The Gemara cites another verse that is interpreted in a similar vein. King Solomon said to Hiram of Tyre: “Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, to dedicate it to Him, and to burn before Him incense of sweet spices, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Shabbatot, and on the New Moons, and on the Festivals of the Lord our God. This is an ordinance forever for Israel” (II Chronicles 2:3). Since the Temple was eventually destroyed, what did Solomon mean when he said that it is “an ordinance forever”? Rav Giddel says that Rav says: This is referring to the altar that remains built in Heaven even after the earthly Temple was destroyed, and the angel Michael, the great minister, stands and sacrifices an offering upon it.
וְרַבִּי יוֹחָנָן אָמַר: אֵלּוּ תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים הָעֲסוּקִין בְּהִלְכוֹת עֲבוֹדָה, מַעֲלֶה עֲלֵיהֶם הַכָּתוּב כְּאִילּוּ נִבְנָה מִקְדָּשׁ בִּימֵיהֶם.
And Rabbi Yoḥanan says that there is an alternative explanation of the verse: These are Torah scholars, who engage in studying the halakhot of the Temple service. The verse ascribes them credit as though the Temple was built in their days and they are serving in it.
אָמַר רֵישׁ לָקִישׁ: מַאי דִּכְתִיב ״זֹאת הַתּוֹרָה לָעֹלָה לַמִּנְחָה וְלַחַטָּאת וְלָאָשָׁם״ – כׇּל הָעוֹסֵק בַּתּוֹרָה כְּאִילּוּ הִקְרִיב עוֹלָה, מִנְחָה, חַטָּאת, וְאָשָׁם.
§ The Gemara cites similar interpretations of verses: Reish Lakish said: What is the meaning of that which is written: “This is the law [torah] of the burnt offering, of the meal offering, and of the sin offering, and of the guilt offering, and of the consecration offering, and of the sacrifice of peace offerings” (Leviticus 7:37)? This teaches that anyone who engages in Torah study is considered as though he sacrificed a burnt offering, a meal offering, a sin offering, and a guilt offering.
אָמַר רָבָא: הַאי ״לָעֹלָה לַמִּנְחָה״ – ״עֹלָה וּמִנְחָה״ מִיבְּעֵי לֵיהּ! אֶלָּא אָמַר רָבָא: כׇּל הָעוֹסֵק בַּתּוֹרָה אֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ לֹא עוֹלָה (וְלֹא חַטָּאת) וְלֹא מִנְחָה וְלֹא אָשָׁם.
Rava said an objection to this interpretation: This verse states: “Of the burnt offering, of the meal offering.” If the interpretation of Reish Lakish is correct, the verse should have written: “Burnt offering and meal offering.” Rather, Rava says that the correct interpretation of this verse is: Anyone who engages in Torah study need not bring a burnt offering, nor a sin offering, nor a meal offering, nor a guilt offering.
אָמַר רַבִּי יִצְחָק: מַאי דִּכְתִיב ״זֹאת תּוֹרַת הַחַטָּאת״ וְ״זֹאת תּוֹרַת הָאָשָׁם״? כׇּל הָעוֹסֵק בְּתוֹרַת חַטָּאת – כְּאִילּוּ הִקְרִיב חַטָּאת, וְכׇל הָעוֹסֵק בְּתוֹרַת אָשָׁם – כְּאִילּוּ הִקְרִיב אָשָׁם.
Rabbi Yitzḥak said: What is the meaning of that which is written: “This is the law of the sin offering” (Leviticus 6:18), and: “This is the law of the guilt offering” (Leviticus 7:1)? These verses teach that anyone who engages in studying the law of the sin offering is ascribed credit as though he sacrificed a sin offering, and anyone who engages in studying the law of a guilt offering is ascribed credit as though he sacrificed a guilt offering.
מַתְנִי׳ נֶאֱמַר בְּעוֹלַת בְּהֵמָה ״אִשֶּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ״, וּבְעוֹלַת עוֹף ״אִשֶּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ״, וּבְמִנְחָה ״אִשֶּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ״, לוֹמַר לְךָ: אֶחָד הַמַּרְבֶּה וְאֶחָד הַמַּמְעִיט, וּבִלְבַד שֶׁיְּכַוֵּין לִבּוֹ לַשָּׁמַיִם.
MISHNA: It is stated with regard to an animal burnt offering: “A fire offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (Leviticus 1:9), and with regard to a bird burnt offering: “A fire offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (Leviticus 1:17), and with regard to a meal offering: “A fire offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (Leviticus 2:2). The repetitive language employed concerning all of these different offerings is to say to you that one who brings a substantial offering and one who brings a meager offering have equal merit, provided that he directs his heart toward Heaven.
גְּמָ׳ אָמַר רַבִּי זֵירָא: מַאי קְרָאָה? ״מְתוּקָה שְׁנַת הָעֹבֵד אִם מְעַט וְאִם הַרְבֵּה יֹאכֵל״.
GEMARA: Rabbi Zeira said: What is the verse from which this principle is derived? “Sweet is the sleep of a laboring man, whether he consumes little or much”(Ecclesiastes 5:11).The verse is interpreted as referring to one who brings an offering, and teaches that one who brings a substantial offering and one who brings a meager offering can be equally assured that their offering will be accepted.
רַב אַדָּא בַּר אַהֲבָה אָמַר, מֵהָכָא: ״בִּרְבוֹת הַטּוֹבָה רַבּוּ אוֹכְלֶיהָ וּמַה כִּשְׁרוֹן לִבְעָלָיו״.
Rav Adda bar Ahava said that the source is from here: “When goods increase, those who consume them increase; and what advantage is there to the owner, except seeing them with his eyes?” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). One who brings a substantial offering, who thereby increases the number of priests who partake of it, does not have more merit than one who brings a meager offering. Rather, the offering that God desires is one where He recognizes, i.e., “seeing them with His eyes,” that its owner has the proper intent.
תַּנְיָא, אָמַר רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן עַזַּאי: בּוֹא וּרְאֵה מָה כְּתִיב בְּפָרָשַׁת קׇרְבָּנוֹת, שֶׁלֹּא נֶאֱמַר בָּהֶן לֹא ״אֵל״ וְלֹא ״אֱלֹהִים״, אֶלָּא ״ה׳״, שֶׁלֹּא לִיתֵּן פִּתְחוֹן פֶּה לְבַעַל דִּין לַחְלוֹק.
The Gemara addresses the expression “an aroma pleasing to the Lord” stated in the verses mentioned in the mishna. It is taught in a baraita that Rabbi Shimon ben Azzai says: Come and see what is written in the portion of offerings: As in these verses, the divine names El and Elohim are not stated, but only “the Lord.” This is so as not to give a claim to a litigant to argue. Only one name of God is used in conjunction with all the various offerings, to prevent heretics from claiming that different offerings are brought to different gods.
וְנֶאֱמַר בְּשׁוֹר הַגַּס ״אִשֶּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ״, וּבְעוֹף הַדַּק ״אִשֶּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ״, וּבְמִנְחָה ״אִשֶּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ״, לוֹמַר לְךָ: אֶחָד הַמַּרְבֶּה וְאֶחָד הַמַּמְעִיט, וּבִלְבַד שֶׁיְּכַוֵּין אֶת לִבּוֹ לַשָּׁמַיִם.
And it is stated with regard to a large bull offering: “A fire offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (Leviticus 1:9), and with regard to a small bird offering: “A fire offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (Leviticus 1:17), and with regard to a meal offering: “A fire offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (Leviticus 1:9). The repetitive language employed concerning all of these different offerings is to say to you that one who brings a substantial offering and one who brings a meager offering have equal merit, provided that he directs his heart toward Heaven.
וְשֶׁמָּא תֹּאמַר: לַאֲכִילָה הוּא צָרִיךְ, תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״אִם אֶרְעַב לֹא אֹמַר לָךְ כִּי לִי תֵבֵל וּמְלֹאָהּ״, וְנֶאֱמַר: ״כִּי לִי כׇל חַיְתוֹ יָעַר בְּהֵמוֹת בְּהַרְרֵי אָלֶף, יָדַעְתִּי כׇּל עוֹף הָרִים וְזִיז שָׂדַי עִמָּדִי״, ״הַאוֹכַל בְּשַׂר אַבִּירִים וְדַם עַתּוּדִים אֶשְׁתֶּה״.
And lest you say that God needs these offerings for consumption, in which case a larger offering would be preferable to a smaller one, the verse states: “If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is Mine, and everything within it” (Psalms 50:12). And it is stated: “For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains; and the wild beasts of the field are Mine” (Psalms 50:10–11). Similarly, it is stated in the following verse: “Do I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?” (Psalms 50:13).
לֹא אָמַרְתִּי אֲלֵיכֶם זִבְחוּ, כְּדֵי שֶׁתֹּאמַר ״אֶעֱשֶׂה רְצוֹנוֹ וְיַעֲשֶׂה רְצוֹנִי״. לֹא לִרְצוֹנִי אַתֶּם זוֹבְחִים, אֶלָּא לִרְצוֹנְכֶם אַתֶּם זוֹבְחִים, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״לִרְצֹנְכֶם תִּזְבָּחֻהוּ״.
I did not say to you: Sacrifice offerings to me, so that you will say: I will do His will, i.e., fulfill His needs, and He will do my will. You are not sacrificing to fulfill My will, i.e., My needs, but you are sacrificing to fulfill your will, i.e., your needs, in order to achieve atonement for your sins by observing My mitzvot, as it is stated: “And when you sacrifice an offering of peace offerings to the Lord, you shall sacrifice it so that you may be accepted” (Leviticus 19:5).
דָּבָר אַחֵר: ״לִרְצֹנְכֶם תִּזְבָּחֻהוּ״ – לִרְצוֹנְכֶם זִבְחוּ, לְדַעְתְּכֶם זִבְחוּ.
Alternatively, the verse: “And when you sacrifice an offering of peace offerings to the Lord, you shall sacrifice it so that you may be accepted [lirtzonkhem]” (Leviticus 19:5), can be interpreted differently: Sacrifice willingly [lirtzonkhem]; sacrifice intentionally.
כְּדִבְעָא מִינֵּיהּ שְׁמוּאֵל מֵרַב הוּנָא: מִנַּיִן לַמִּתְעַסֵּק בַּקֳּדָשִׁים שֶׁהוּא פָּסוּל? שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״וְשָׁחַט אֶת בֶּן הַבָּקָר״, שֶׁתְּהֵא שְׁחִיטָה לְשֵׁם בֶּן בָּקָר.
This is as Shmuel asked Rav Huna: From where is it derived with regard to one who acts unawares in the case of consecrated items, i.e., if one slaughtered an offering without intending to perform the act of slaughter at all, but rather appeared like one occupied with other matters, that the offering is disqualified? Rav Huna said to Shmuel: It is derived from a verse, as it is stated: “And he shall slaughter the young bull before the Lord” (Leviticus 1:5), teaching that the mitzva is not performed properly unless the slaughter is for the sake of a young bull, i.e., with the knowledge that he is performing an act of slaughter.
אָמַר לוֹ: זוֹ בְּיָדֵינוּ הוּא, לְעַכֵּב מִנַּיִן? תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״לִרְצֹנְכֶם תִּזְבָּחֻהוּ״ – לְדַעְתְּכֶם זִבְחוּ.
Shmuel said to Rav Huna: We have this as an established halakha already, that it is a mitzva to slaughter the offering for the sake of a bull, but from where is it derived that this requirement is indispensable? Rav Huna said to him that the verse states: “With your will you shall slaughter it” (Leviticus 19:5), i.e., sacrifice intentionally, in the form of a purposeful action.
הֲדַרַן עֲלָךְ הֲרֵי עָלַי עִשָּׂרוֹן, וּסְלִיקָא לַהּ מַסֶּכֶת מְנָחוֹת.
…Y
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It’s hard to believe it has been over two years. Daf yomi has changed my life in so many ways and has been sustaining during this global sea change. Each day means learning something new, digging a little deeper, adding another lens, seeing worlds with new eyes. Daf has also fostered new friendships and deepened childhood connections, as long time friends have unexpectedly become havruta.
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A beautiful world of Talmudic sages now fill my daily life with discussion and debate.
bringing alive our traditions and texts that has brought new meaning to my life.
I am a מגילת אסתר reader for women . the words in the Mishna of מסכת megillah 17a
הקורא את המגילה למפרע לא יצא were powerful to me.
I hope to have the zchut to complete the cycle for my 70th birthday.
Sheila Hauser
Jerusalem, Israel
I began learning with Rabbanit Michelle’s wonderful Talmud Skills class on Pesachim, which really enriched my Pesach seder, and I have been learning Daf Yomi off and on over the past year. Because I’m relatively new at this, there is a “chiddush” for me every time I learn, and the knowledge and insights of the group members add so much to my experience. I feel very lucky to be a part of this.
Julie Landau
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As Jewish educator and as a woman, I’m mindful that Talmud has been kept from women for many centuries. Now that we are privileged to learn, and learning is so accessible, it’s my intent to complete Daf Yomi. I am so excited to keep learning with my Hadran community.
Sue Parker Gerson
Denver, United States
Inspired by Hadran’s first Siyum ha Shas L’Nashim two years ago, I began daf yomi right after for the next cycle. As to this extraordinary journey together with Hadran..as TS Eliot wrote “We must not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we began and to know the place for the first time.
Susan Handelman
Jerusalem, Israel
I began my Daf Yomi journey on January 5, 2020. I had never learned Talmud before. Initially it struck me as a bunch of inane and arcane details with mind bending logic. I am now smitten. Rabbanit Farber brings the page to life and I am eager to learn with her every day!
Lori Stark
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I never thought I’d be able to do Daf Yomi till I saw the video of Hadran’s Siyum HaShas. Now, 2 years later, I’m about to participate in Siyum Seder Mo’ed with my Hadran community. It has been an incredible privilege to learn with Rabbanit Michelle and to get to know so many caring, talented and knowledgeable women. I look forward with great anticipation and excitement to learning Seder Nashim.
Caroline Ben-Ari
Karmiel, Israel
I started learning Daf Yomi inspired by תָּפַסְתָּ מְרוּבֶּה לֹא תָּפַסְתָּ, תָּפַסְתָּ מוּעָט תָּפַסְתָּ. I thought I’d start the first page, and then see. I was swept up into the enthusiasm of the Hadran Siyum, and from there the momentum kept building. Rabbanit Michelle’s shiur gives me an anchor, a connection to an incredible virtual community, and an energy to face whatever the day brings.
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בית שמש, Israel
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
It has been a pleasure keeping pace with this wonderful and scholarly group of women.
Janice Block
Beit Shemesh, Israel
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
I started Daf during the pandemic. I listened to a number of podcasts by various Rebbeim until one day, I discovered Rabbanit Farbers podcast. Subsequently I joined the Hadran family in Eruvin. Not the easiest place to begin, Rabbanit Farber made it all understandable and fun. The online live group has bonded together and have really become a supportive, encouraging family.
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I am grateful for the structure of the Daf Yomi. When I am freer to learn to my heart’s content, I learn other passages in addition. But even in times of difficulty, I always know that I can rely on the structure and social support of Daf Yomi learners all over the world.
I am also grateful for this forum. It is very helpful to learn with a group of enthusiastic and committed women.
Janice Block
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I went to day school in Toronto but really began to learn when I attended Brovenders back in the early 1980’s. Last year after talking to my sister who was learning Daf Yomi, inspired, I looked on the computer and the Hadran site came up. I have been listening to each days shiur in the morning as I work. I emphasis listening since I am not sitting with a Gamara. I listen while I work in my studio.
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I started learning Daf in Jan 2020 with Brachot b/c I had never seen the Jewish people united around something so positive, and I wanted to be a part of it. Also, I wanted to broaden my background in Torah Shebal Peh- Maayanot gave me a great gemara education, but I knew that I could hold a conversation in most parts of tanach but almost no TSB. I’m so thankful for Daf and have gained immensely.
Meira Shapiro
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It happened without intent (so am I yotzei?!) – I watched the women’s siyum live and was so moved by it that the next morning, I tuned in to Rabbanit Michelle’s shiur, and here I am, still learning every day, over 2 years later. Some days it all goes over my head, but others I grasp onto an idea or a story, and I ‘get it’ and that’s the best feeling in the world. So proud to be a Hadran learner.
Jeanne Yael Klempner
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I had never heard of Daf Yomi and after reading the book, The Weight of Ink, I explored more about it. I discovered that it was only 6 months before a whole new cycle started and I was determined to give it a try. I tried to get a friend to join me on the journey but after the first few weeks they all dropped it. I haven’t missed a day of reading and of listening to the podcast.
Anne Rubin
Elkins Park, 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
My family recently made Aliyah, because we believe the next chapter in the story of the Jewish people is being written here, and we want to be a part of it. Daf Yomi, on the other hand, connects me BACK, to those who wrote earlier chapters thousands of years ago. So, I feel like I’m living in the middle of this epic story. I’m learning how it all began, and looking ahead to see where it goes!
Tina Lamm
Jerusalem, Israel
Menachot 110
וְנִשְׁבָּעוֹת לַה׳ צְבָאוֹת״. הָלְכוּ לַאֲלֶכְּסַנְדְּרִיָּא שֶׁל מִצְרַיִם וּבָנוּ מִזְבֵּחַ וְהֶעֱלוּ עָלָיו לְשֵׁם שָׁמַיִם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא יִהְיֶה מִזְבֵּחַ לַה׳ בְּתוֹךְ אֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם״.
and swear to the Lord of hosts; one shall be called the city of destruction” (Isaiah 19:18). They went to Alexandria in Egypt and built an altar and sacrificed offerings upon it for the sake of Heaven, as it is stated in the following verse: “In that day shall there be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at its border, to the Lord” (Isaiah 19:19).
״עִיר הַהֶרֶס יֵאָמֵר לְאַחַת״, מַאי ״עִיר הַהֶרֶס יֵאָמֵר לְאֶחָת״? כְּדִמְתַרְגֵּם רַב יוֹסֵף: ״קַרְתָּא דְּבֵית שֶׁמֶשׁ דַּעֲתִיד לְמִיחֲרַב״, אִיתְאֲמַר דְּהִיא חֲדָא מִנְּהוֹן. וּמִמַּאי דְּ״עִיר הַהֶרֶס״ לִישָּׁנָא דְּשִׁימְשָׁא הִיא? דִּכְתִיב: ״הָאוֹמֵר לַחֶרֶס וְלֹא יִזְרָח״.
The verse states: “One shall be called the city of destruction” (Isaiah 19:18). The Gemara asks: What is the meaning of the verse: “One shall be called the city of destruction”? The Gemara answers: As Rav Yosef translates into Aramaic: Concerning the City of the Sun, which will be destroyed in the future, it will be said that it is one of them. And from where is it derived that in the phrase: “The city of destruction [heres],” the term heres is referring to the sun? As it is written: “Who commands the sun [ḥeres], and it does not rise; and seals up the stars” (Job 9:7).
״הָבִיאִי בָנַי מֵרָחוֹק וּבְנוֹתַי מִקְצֵה הָאָרֶץ״ – ״הָבִיאִי בָנַי מֵרָחוֹק״, אָמַר רַב הוּנָא: אֵלּוּ גָּלִיּוֹת שֶׁל בָּבֶל, שֶׁדַּעְתָּן מְיוּשֶּׁבֶת עֲלֵיהֶן כְּבָנִים. ״וּבְנוֹתַי מִקְצֵה הָאָרֶץ״ – אֵלּוּ גָּלִיּוֹת שֶׁל שְׁאָר אֲרָצוֹת, שֶׁאֵין דַּעְתָּן מְיוּשֶּׁבֶת עֲלֵיהֶן כְּבָנוֹת.
§ After mentioning the Jewish community in Egypt, the Gemara discusses Jewish communities in other locations. The verse states: “Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your seed from the east and gather you from the west; I will say to the north: Give up, and to the south: Keep not back, bring My sons from far, and My daughters from the end of the earth” (Isaiah 43:5–6). What is the meaning of “bring My sons from far”? Rav Huna says: These are the exiles of Babylonia, whose minds are calm, like sons, and who can therefore focus properly on Torah study and mitzvot. What is the meaning of “and My daughters from the end of the earth”? These are the exiles of other countries, whose minds are unsettled, like daughters.
אָמַר רַבִּי אַבָּא בַּר רַב יִצְחָק, אָמַר רַב חִסְדָּא, וְאָמְרִי לַהּ אָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה, אָמַר רַב: מִצּוֹר וְעַד קַרְטִיגְנֵי מַכִּירִין אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאֶת אֲבִיהֶם שֶׁבַּשָּׁמַיִם, וּמִצּוֹר כְּלַפֵּי מַעֲרָב וּמִקַּרְטִיגְנֵי כְּלַפֵּי מִזְרָח אֵין מַכִּירִין אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵל וְלֹא אֶת אֲבִיהֶן שֶׁבַּשָּׁמַיִם.
§ Rabbi Abba bar Rav Yitzḥak says that Rav Ḥisda says, and some say that Rav Yehuda says that Rav says: The gentiles living from Tyre to Carthage recognize the Jewish people, their religion, and their Father in Heaven. But those living to the west of Tyre and to the east of Carthage recognize neither the Jewish people nor their Father in Heaven.
אֵיתִיבֵיהּ רַב שִׁימִי בַּר חִיָּיא לְרַב: ״מִמִּזְרַח שֶׁמֶשׁ וְעַד מְבוֹאוֹ גָּדוֹל שְׁמִי בַּגּוֹיִם וּבְכׇל מָקוֹם מֻקְטָר מֻגָּשׁ לִשְׁמִי וּמִנְחָה טְהוֹרָה״. אֲמַר לֵיהּ: שִׁימִי אַתְּ?! דְּקָרוּ לֵיהּ אֱלָהָא דֵּאלָהָא.
Rav Shimi bar Ḥiyya raised an objection to the statement of Rav from the verse: “From the rising of the sun until it sets, My name is great among the nations; and in every place offerings are presented to My name, and a pure meal offering; for My name is great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 1:11). This indicates that God’s name is known across the entire world, even to the west of Tyre and the east of Carthage. Rav said to him: Shimi, is it you who is raising such an objection? The verse does not mean that they recognize God and worship him. Rather, it means that although they worship idols, they call Him the God of gods.
״בְּכׇל מָקוֹם מֻקְטָר מֻגָּשׁ לִשְׁמִי״ – בְּכׇל מָקוֹם סָלְקָא דַּעְתָּךְ? אָמַר רַבִּי שְׁמוּאֵל בַּר נַחְמָנִי אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹנָתָן: אֵלּוּ תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים הָעוֹסְקִים בַּתּוֹרָה בְּכׇל מָקוֹם, מַעֲלֶה אֲנִי עֲלֵיהֶן כְּאִילּוּ מַקְטִירִין וּמַגִּישִׁין לִשְׁמִי.
§ The verse states: “And in every place offerings are presented to My name, and a pure meal offering; for My name is great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts.” Does it enter your mind to say that it is permitted to sacrifice offerings in every place? Rather, Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥmani says that Rabbi Yonatan says: These are Torah scholars, who engage in Torah study in every place. God says: I ascribe them credit as though they burn and present offerings to My name.
״וּמִנְחָה טְהוֹרָה״ – זֶה הַלּוֹמֵד תּוֹרָה בְּטָהֳרָה, נוֹשֵׂא אִשָּׁה וְאַחַר כָּךְ לוֹמֵד תּוֹרָה.
Furthermore, when the verse states: “And a pure meal offering,” this is referring to one who studies Torah in purity, i.e., one who first marries a woman and afterward studies Torah. Since he is married, he is not disturbed by sinful thoughts.
״שִׁיר הַמַּעֲלוֹת הִנֵּה בָּרְכוּ אֶת ה׳ כׇּל עַבְדֵי ה׳ הָעֹמְדִים בְּבֵית ה׳ בַּלֵּילוֹת״, מַאי ״בַּלֵּילוֹת״? אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: אֵלּוּ תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים הָעוֹסְקִים בְּתוֹרָה בַּלַּיְלָה, מַעֲלֶה עֲלֵיהֶן הַכָּתוּב כְּאִילּוּ עֲסוּקִים בַּעֲבוֹדָה.
The Gemara cites another verse that praises Torah scholars. “A Song of Ascents, Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand in the House of the Lord at night” (Psalms 134:1). What is the meaning of “at night,” given that the Temple service is not performed at night and all the offerings must be sacrificed during the daytime? Rabbi Yoḥanan says: These are Torah scholars, who engage in Torah study at night. The verse ascribes them credit as though they engage in the Temple service.
״לְעוֹלָם זֹאת עַל יִשְׂרָאֵל״, אָמַר רַב גִּידֵּל אָמַר רַב: זֶה מִזְבֵּחַ בָּנוּי, וּמִיכָאֵל שַׂר הַגָּדוֹל עוֹמֵד וּמַקְרִיב עָלָיו קׇרְבָּן.
§ The Gemara cites another verse that is interpreted in a similar vein. King Solomon said to Hiram of Tyre: “Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, to dedicate it to Him, and to burn before Him incense of sweet spices, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Shabbatot, and on the New Moons, and on the Festivals of the Lord our God. This is an ordinance forever for Israel” (II Chronicles 2:3). Since the Temple was eventually destroyed, what did Solomon mean when he said that it is “an ordinance forever”? Rav Giddel says that Rav says: This is referring to the altar that remains built in Heaven even after the earthly Temple was destroyed, and the angel Michael, the great minister, stands and sacrifices an offering upon it.
וְרַבִּי יוֹחָנָן אָמַר: אֵלּוּ תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים הָעֲסוּקִין בְּהִלְכוֹת עֲבוֹדָה, מַעֲלֶה עֲלֵיהֶם הַכָּתוּב כְּאִילּוּ נִבְנָה מִקְדָּשׁ בִּימֵיהֶם.
And Rabbi Yoḥanan says that there is an alternative explanation of the verse: These are Torah scholars, who engage in studying the halakhot of the Temple service. The verse ascribes them credit as though the Temple was built in their days and they are serving in it.
אָמַר רֵישׁ לָקִישׁ: מַאי דִּכְתִיב ״זֹאת הַתּוֹרָה לָעֹלָה לַמִּנְחָה וְלַחַטָּאת וְלָאָשָׁם״ – כׇּל הָעוֹסֵק בַּתּוֹרָה כְּאִילּוּ הִקְרִיב עוֹלָה, מִנְחָה, חַטָּאת, וְאָשָׁם.
§ The Gemara cites similar interpretations of verses: Reish Lakish said: What is the meaning of that which is written: “This is the law [torah] of the burnt offering, of the meal offering, and of the sin offering, and of the guilt offering, and of the consecration offering, and of the sacrifice of peace offerings” (Leviticus 7:37)? This teaches that anyone who engages in Torah study is considered as though he sacrificed a burnt offering, a meal offering, a sin offering, and a guilt offering.
אָמַר רָבָא: הַאי ״לָעֹלָה לַמִּנְחָה״ – ״עֹלָה וּמִנְחָה״ מִיבְּעֵי לֵיהּ! אֶלָּא אָמַר רָבָא: כׇּל הָעוֹסֵק בַּתּוֹרָה אֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ לֹא עוֹלָה (וְלֹא חַטָּאת) וְלֹא מִנְחָה וְלֹא אָשָׁם.
Rava said an objection to this interpretation: This verse states: “Of the burnt offering, of the meal offering.” If the interpretation of Reish Lakish is correct, the verse should have written: “Burnt offering and meal offering.” Rather, Rava says that the correct interpretation of this verse is: Anyone who engages in Torah study need not bring a burnt offering, nor a sin offering, nor a meal offering, nor a guilt offering.
אָמַר רַבִּי יִצְחָק: מַאי דִּכְתִיב ״זֹאת תּוֹרַת הַחַטָּאת״ וְ״זֹאת תּוֹרַת הָאָשָׁם״? כׇּל הָעוֹסֵק בְּתוֹרַת חַטָּאת – כְּאִילּוּ הִקְרִיב חַטָּאת, וְכׇל הָעוֹסֵק בְּתוֹרַת אָשָׁם – כְּאִילּוּ הִקְרִיב אָשָׁם.
Rabbi Yitzḥak said: What is the meaning of that which is written: “This is the law of the sin offering” (Leviticus 6:18), and: “This is the law of the guilt offering” (Leviticus 7:1)? These verses teach that anyone who engages in studying the law of the sin offering is ascribed credit as though he sacrificed a sin offering, and anyone who engages in studying the law of a guilt offering is ascribed credit as though he sacrificed a guilt offering.
מַתְנִי׳ נֶאֱמַר בְּעוֹלַת בְּהֵמָה ״אִשֶּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ״, וּבְעוֹלַת עוֹף ״אִשֶּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ״, וּבְמִנְחָה ״אִשֶּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ״, לוֹמַר לְךָ: אֶחָד הַמַּרְבֶּה וְאֶחָד הַמַּמְעִיט, וּבִלְבַד שֶׁיְּכַוֵּין לִבּוֹ לַשָּׁמַיִם.
MISHNA: It is stated with regard to an animal burnt offering: “A fire offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (Leviticus 1:9), and with regard to a bird burnt offering: “A fire offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (Leviticus 1:17), and with regard to a meal offering: “A fire offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (Leviticus 2:2). The repetitive language employed concerning all of these different offerings is to say to you that one who brings a substantial offering and one who brings a meager offering have equal merit, provided that he directs his heart toward Heaven.
גְּמָ׳ אָמַר רַבִּי זֵירָא: מַאי קְרָאָה? ״מְתוּקָה שְׁנַת הָעֹבֵד אִם מְעַט וְאִם הַרְבֵּה יֹאכֵל״.
GEMARA: Rabbi Zeira said: What is the verse from which this principle is derived? “Sweet is the sleep of a laboring man, whether he consumes little or much”(Ecclesiastes 5:11).The verse is interpreted as referring to one who brings an offering, and teaches that one who brings a substantial offering and one who brings a meager offering can be equally assured that their offering will be accepted.
רַב אַדָּא בַּר אַהֲבָה אָמַר, מֵהָכָא: ״בִּרְבוֹת הַטּוֹבָה רַבּוּ אוֹכְלֶיהָ וּמַה כִּשְׁרוֹן לִבְעָלָיו״.
Rav Adda bar Ahava said that the source is from here: “When goods increase, those who consume them increase; and what advantage is there to the owner, except seeing them with his eyes?” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). One who brings a substantial offering, who thereby increases the number of priests who partake of it, does not have more merit than one who brings a meager offering. Rather, the offering that God desires is one where He recognizes, i.e., “seeing them with His eyes,” that its owner has the proper intent.
תַּנְיָא, אָמַר רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן עַזַּאי: בּוֹא וּרְאֵה מָה כְּתִיב בְּפָרָשַׁת קׇרְבָּנוֹת, שֶׁלֹּא נֶאֱמַר בָּהֶן לֹא ״אֵל״ וְלֹא ״אֱלֹהִים״, אֶלָּא ״ה׳״, שֶׁלֹּא לִיתֵּן פִּתְחוֹן פֶּה לְבַעַל דִּין לַחְלוֹק.
The Gemara addresses the expression “an aroma pleasing to the Lord” stated in the verses mentioned in the mishna. It is taught in a baraita that Rabbi Shimon ben Azzai says: Come and see what is written in the portion of offerings: As in these verses, the divine names El and Elohim are not stated, but only “the Lord.” This is so as not to give a claim to a litigant to argue. Only one name of God is used in conjunction with all the various offerings, to prevent heretics from claiming that different offerings are brought to different gods.
וְנֶאֱמַר בְּשׁוֹר הַגַּס ״אִשֶּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ״, וּבְעוֹף הַדַּק ״אִשֶּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ״, וּבְמִנְחָה ״אִשֶּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ״, לוֹמַר לְךָ: אֶחָד הַמַּרְבֶּה וְאֶחָד הַמַּמְעִיט, וּבִלְבַד שֶׁיְּכַוֵּין אֶת לִבּוֹ לַשָּׁמַיִם.
And it is stated with regard to a large bull offering: “A fire offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (Leviticus 1:9), and with regard to a small bird offering: “A fire offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (Leviticus 1:17), and with regard to a meal offering: “A fire offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (Leviticus 1:9). The repetitive language employed concerning all of these different offerings is to say to you that one who brings a substantial offering and one who brings a meager offering have equal merit, provided that he directs his heart toward Heaven.
וְשֶׁמָּא תֹּאמַר: לַאֲכִילָה הוּא צָרִיךְ, תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״אִם אֶרְעַב לֹא אֹמַר לָךְ כִּי לִי תֵבֵל וּמְלֹאָהּ״, וְנֶאֱמַר: ״כִּי לִי כׇל חַיְתוֹ יָעַר בְּהֵמוֹת בְּהַרְרֵי אָלֶף, יָדַעְתִּי כׇּל עוֹף הָרִים וְזִיז שָׂדַי עִמָּדִי״, ״הַאוֹכַל בְּשַׂר אַבִּירִים וְדַם עַתּוּדִים אֶשְׁתֶּה״.
And lest you say that God needs these offerings for consumption, in which case a larger offering would be preferable to a smaller one, the verse states: “If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is Mine, and everything within it” (Psalms 50:12). And it is stated: “For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains; and the wild beasts of the field are Mine” (Psalms 50:10–11). Similarly, it is stated in the following verse: “Do I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?” (Psalms 50:13).
לֹא אָמַרְתִּי אֲלֵיכֶם זִבְחוּ, כְּדֵי שֶׁתֹּאמַר ״אֶעֱשֶׂה רְצוֹנוֹ וְיַעֲשֶׂה רְצוֹנִי״. לֹא לִרְצוֹנִי אַתֶּם זוֹבְחִים, אֶלָּא לִרְצוֹנְכֶם אַתֶּם זוֹבְחִים, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״לִרְצֹנְכֶם תִּזְבָּחֻהוּ״.
I did not say to you: Sacrifice offerings to me, so that you will say: I will do His will, i.e., fulfill His needs, and He will do my will. You are not sacrificing to fulfill My will, i.e., My needs, but you are sacrificing to fulfill your will, i.e., your needs, in order to achieve atonement for your sins by observing My mitzvot, as it is stated: “And when you sacrifice an offering of peace offerings to the Lord, you shall sacrifice it so that you may be accepted” (Leviticus 19:5).
דָּבָר אַחֵר: ״לִרְצֹנְכֶם תִּזְבָּחֻהוּ״ – לִרְצוֹנְכֶם זִבְחוּ, לְדַעְתְּכֶם זִבְחוּ.
Alternatively, the verse: “And when you sacrifice an offering of peace offerings to the Lord, you shall sacrifice it so that you may be accepted [lirtzonkhem]” (Leviticus 19:5), can be interpreted differently: Sacrifice willingly [lirtzonkhem]; sacrifice intentionally.
כְּדִבְעָא מִינֵּיהּ שְׁמוּאֵל מֵרַב הוּנָא: מִנַּיִן לַמִּתְעַסֵּק בַּקֳּדָשִׁים שֶׁהוּא פָּסוּל? שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״וְשָׁחַט אֶת בֶּן הַבָּקָר״, שֶׁתְּהֵא שְׁחִיטָה לְשֵׁם בֶּן בָּקָר.
This is as Shmuel asked Rav Huna: From where is it derived with regard to one who acts unawares in the case of consecrated items, i.e., if one slaughtered an offering without intending to perform the act of slaughter at all, but rather appeared like one occupied with other matters, that the offering is disqualified? Rav Huna said to Shmuel: It is derived from a verse, as it is stated: “And he shall slaughter the young bull before the Lord” (Leviticus 1:5), teaching that the mitzva is not performed properly unless the slaughter is for the sake of a young bull, i.e., with the knowledge that he is performing an act of slaughter.
אָמַר לוֹ: זוֹ בְּיָדֵינוּ הוּא, לְעַכֵּב מִנַּיִן? תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״לִרְצֹנְכֶם תִּזְבָּחֻהוּ״ – לְדַעְתְּכֶם זִבְחוּ.
Shmuel said to Rav Huna: We have this as an established halakha already, that it is a mitzva to slaughter the offering for the sake of a bull, but from where is it derived that this requirement is indispensable? Rav Huna said to him that the verse states: “With your will you shall slaughter it” (Leviticus 19:5), i.e., sacrifice intentionally, in the form of a purposeful action.
הֲדַרַן עֲלָךְ הֲרֵי עָלַי עִשָּׂרוֹן, וּסְלִיקָא לַהּ מַסֶּכֶת מְנָחוֹת.
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