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Shabbat 67

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Summary

Today’s shiur is dedicated for a refuah shleima for Ilana Leah bat Esther and David Binyamin ben Duba Feige by Candace Plotsker-Herman.

The gemara continues to list incantations for various diseases or to protect from evil spirits. The mishna deals with carrying out objects that are used as segulot for protection. Rabbi Meir allows them and the rabbis forbid using them even on a weekday, as they are methods used by the Emorim, non Jews whose ways we are forbidden to follow. Abaye and Rava says that if they are used for medicinal purposes one is allowed to follow ways of non Jews. There is a debate whether or not some of these things are actually idol worship. Can we use any incantations or other methods mentioned in the gemara nowadays? Where does one draw the line between incantations and prayer?

Today’s daily daf tools:

Shabbat 67

לְאִשָּׁתָא תִּילְתָּא — לַיְיתֵי שִׁבְעָה סִילְוֵי מִשִּׁבְעָה דִּיקְלֵי, וְשִׁבְעָה צִיבֵי מִשִּׁבְעָה כְּשׁוּרֵי, וְשִׁבְעָה סִיכֵּי מִשִּׁבְעָה גְּשׁוּרֵי, וְשִׁבְעָה קִיטְמֵי מִשִּׁבְעָה תַּנּוּרֵי, וְשִׁבְעָה עַפְרֵי מִשִּׁבְעָה סֻנְרֵי, וְשִׁבְעָה כּוּפְרֵי מִשִּׁבְעָה אַרְבֵי, וְשִׁבְעָה בּוּנֵי כַּמּוֹנֵי, וְשִׁבְעָה בִּינֵי מִדִּיקְנָא דְכַלְבָּא סָבָא, וְלִצְיְירִינְהוּ בַּחֲלָלָא דְבֵי צַוְּארָא בְּנִירָא בַּרְקָא.

For tertian fever, which afflicts one every three days, let one bring seven thorns from seven palm trees, and seven slivers from seven beams, and seven pegs from seven bridges, and seven types of ashes from seven ovens, and seven types of dust from seven door sockets, the hole in which the hinge of the door revolves, and seven types of tar from seven boats, and seven cumin seeds, and seven hairs from the beard of an old dog, and let him bind it to the opening of the neckline of his garment with a thread made of hair.

אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: לְאִשָּׁתָא צְמִירְתָּא — לִישְׁקֹל סַכִּינָא דְּכוּלֵּהּ פַּרְזְלָא, וְלֵיזִיל לְהֵיכָא דְּאִיכָּא וַורְדִּינָא, וְלִיקְטַר בֵּיהּ נִירָא בַּרְקָא.

Rabbi Yoḥanan said: For healing a burning fever, let one take a knife that is made entirely of iron, including the handle, and let him go to a place where there is a bush and tie a string of hair to it.

יוֹמָא קַמָּא, לִיחְרוֹק בֵּיהּ פּוּרְתָּא וְלֵימָא: ״וַיֵּרָא מַלְאַךְ ה׳ אֵלָיו וְגוֹ׳״. לִמְחַר, לִיחְרוֹק בֵּיהּ פּוּרְתָּא וְלֵימָא: ״וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אָסֻרָה נָּא וְאֶרְאֶה״. לִמְחַר, לִיחְרוֹק בֵּיהּ פּוּרְתָּא וְלֵימָא: ״וַיַּרְא ה׳ כִּי סָר לִרְאוֹת וְגוֹ׳״.

On the first day, let him carve the bush a little, and recite: “And an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from within the bush and he looked and behold the bush was aflame in fire and the bush was not consumed” (Exodus 3:2). On the following day, let him carve the bush a little more and recite: “And Moses said: I will turn aside now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned” (Exodus 3:3). On the following day, let him carve the bush a little more and recite: “And the Lord saw that he turned aside to see and God called to him within the bush and said: Moses, Moses, and he said: Here I am” (Exodus 3:4).

אֲמַר לֵיהּ רַב אַחָא בְּרֵיהּ דְּרָבָא לְרַב אָשֵׁי, וְלֵימָא: ״וַיֹּאמֶר אַל תִּקְרַב הֲלֹם וְגוֹ׳״? אֶלָּא לְיוֹמָא קַמָּא, לֵימָא: ״וַיֵּרָא מַלְאַךְ ה׳ אֵלָיו וְגוֹ׳ וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה וְגוֹ׳״, וְלִמְחַר, לֵימָא: ״וַיַּרְא ה׳ כִּי סָר לִרְאוֹת״, וְלִמְחַר: ״וַיֹּאמֶר ה׳ אַל תִּקְרַב הֲלֹם״.

Rav Aḥa, son of Rava, said to Rav Ashi: And let him say: “And the Lord said: Do not come close, take off your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). This verse is more suited to be recited as an incantation to cure a fever. Rather, on the first day, let him recite the first two verses: “And an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from within the bush and he looked and behold the bush was aflame in fire and the bush was not consumed,” as well as, “And Moses said: I will turn aside now and see.” And on the following day, let him recite: “And the Lord saw that he turned aside to see.” And on the following day, let him recite: “And the Lord said: Do not come close, take off your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5).

וְכִי פָּסֵק לֵיהּ, לִיתַתֵּיהּ וְלִיפְסְקֵיהּ וְלֵימָא הָכִי: ״הַסְּנֶה הַסְּנֶה! לָאו מִשּׁוּם דִּגְבִיהַתְּ מִכׇּל אִילָנֵי אַשְׁרִי קוּדְשָׁא בְּרִיךְ הוּא שְׁכִינְתֵּיהּ עֲלָךְ, אֶלָּא מִשּׁוּם דְּמָיְיכַתְּ מִכׇּל אִילָנֵי אַשְׁרִי קוּדְשָׁא בְּרִיךְ הוּא שְׁכִינְתֵּיהּ עֲלָךְ. וְכִי הֵיכִי דַּחֲמִיתֵיהּ אִשָּׁתָא לַחֲנַנְיָה מִישָׁאֵל וַעֲזַרְיָה וַעֲרַקַת מִן קֳדָמוֹהִי, כֵּן תִּחְמֵינֵיהּ אִשָּׁתָא לִפְלוֹנִי בַּר פְּלוֹנִית וְתִיעְרוֹק מִן קֳדָמוֹהִי״.

And when he carves the bush, let him lower himself and cut it close to the ground, and recite as follows: The bush, the bush; not because you are higher than all trees did the Holy One, Blessed be He, rest His Divine Presence upon you. Rather, it is because you are lower than all trees did the Holy One, Blessed be He, rested His Divine Presence upon you. And just as the fire saw Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah and fled from before them, so too, let the fire of the fever see so-and-so, son of so-and-so, his mother, flee from before him.

לְסִימְטָא, לֵימָא הָכִי: ״בַּז, בַּזְיָיה, מַס, מַסְיָיא, כַּס, כַּסְיָיה, שִׁרְלַאי, וַאֲמַרְלַאי, אִלֵּין מַלְאֲכֵי דְּאִישְׁתְּלַחוּ מֵאַרְעָא דִסְדוֹם וּלְאַסָּאָה שְׁחִינָא כְּאִיבִין, בְּזָךְ, בַּזַיִךְ, בַּזְבְּזִיךְ, מַסְמְסִיךְ, כַּמּוֹן, כָּמִיךְ, עֵינִיךְ בִּיךְ, עֵינִיךְ בִּיךְ, אַתְרִיךְ בִּיךְ, זַרְעִיךְ כְּקָלוּט וּכְפִרְדָּה דְּלָא פָּרָה וְלָא רָבְיָא, כָּךְ לָא תִּפְרֵה וְלָא תִּרְבֵּה בְּגוּפֵיהּ דִּפְלוֹנִי בַּר פְּלוֹנִית״.

For healing boils, let him recite as follows: Baz, Bazya, Mas, Masya, Kas, Kasya, Sharlai, and Amarlai, these are the angels who were sent from the land of Sodom and this was all in order to heal painful boils. Bazakh, Bazikh, Bazbazikh, Masmasikh, Kamon, Kamikh, may your appearance remain with you, may your appearance remain with you, i.e., the boils should not grow redder. May your place remain with you, i.e., they should not spread, may your, the boils’, seed be like one who is barren and like a mule that is not fruitful and does not multiply, so too, do not increase and do not multiply in the body of so-and-so, son of so-and-so.

לְכִיפָּה, לֵימָא הָכִי: ״חֶרֶב שְׁלוּפָה וְקֶלַע נְטוּשָׁה לָא שְׁמֵיהּ יוֹכַב חוֹלִין מַכְאוֹבִין״.

For healing a wound, let him recite as follows: A drawn sword and a readied sling, its name shall not be ache, sickness, and pains.

לְשֵׁידָא, לֵימָא הָכִי: ״הֲוֵית דִּפְקִיק, דִּפְקִיק הֲוֵית, לִיט תְּבִיר וּמְשׁוּמָּת בַּר טִיט בַּר טָמֵא בַּר טִינָא, כְּשַׁמְגַּז מְרִיגַז וְאִיסְטְמַאי״.

To be saved from a demon, let him recite as follows: You were stopped up, stopped up you were. Cursed, broken, and excommunicated be the demon called bar Tit bar Tamei bar Tina as Shamgaz, Merigaz, and Istemai.

לְשֵׁידָא דְּבֵית הַכִּסֵּא, לֵימָא הָכִי: ״אַקַּרְקָפֵי דַאֲרִי וְאַאוֹסֵי דְגוּרַיְיתָא אַשְׁכַּחְתּוּן לְשֵׁידַאי בַּר שְׁרִיקָא פַּנְדָּא, בְּמֵישָׁרָא דְכַרָּתֵי חֲבַטְתֵּיהּ, בְּלוֹעָא דַחֲמָרָא חֲטַרְתֵּיהּ״.

To be saved from the demon of the bathroom, let him recite as follows: On the head of a lion and on the nose of a lioness we found the demon named bar Shirika Panda. With a bed of leeks I felled him, and with the jaw of the donkey I struck him.

וּבְנֵי מְלָכִים בְּזֹגִין. מַאן תַּנָּא? אָמַר רַבִּי אוֹשַׁעְיָא: רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן הִיא, דְּאָמַר: כׇּל יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּנֵי מְלָכִים הֵם. רָבָא אָמַר: בְּאָרִיג בִּכְסוּתוֹ, וְדִבְרֵי הַכֹּל.

We learned in the mishna that princes may go out with bells, and the same is true for anyone else. The Gemara asks: Who is the tanna who holds that all people of Israel are permitted to conduct themselves like princes with regard to going out with precious ornaments? Rabbi Oshaya said: It is Rabbi Shimon, who said: All of Israel are princes. Therefore, precious ornaments are suitable for every person of Israel. They will neither remove them to show to others nor will they remove them due to concern that people will think them pretentious. Rava said: The mishna is referring to a case where the bell is woven into his garment, obviating the concern lest he remove it, and the halakha in the mishna is in accordance with the statements of all tanna’im, not merely the statement of Rabbi Shimon.

מַתְנִי׳ יוֹצְאִין בְּבֵיצַת הַחַרְגּוֹל וּבְשֵׁן שׁוּעָל וּבְמַסְמֵר מִן הַצָּלוּב, מִשּׁוּם רְפוּאָה — דִּבְרֵי רַבִּי מֵאִיר. וַחֲכָמִים אוֹסְרִין אַף בַּחוֹל, מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

MISHNA: One may go out on Shabbat with a locust egg, and with a fox tooth, and with a nail from the crucified, for the purpose of healing; this is the statement of Rabbi Meir. The Rabbis prohibit using these remedies even during the week, due to the prohibition of following the ways of the Amorite. These are superstitious beliefs and the customs of gentiles from which one must distance oneself.

גְּמָ׳ יוֹצְאִין בְּבֵיצַת הַחַרְגּוֹל — דְּעָבְדִי לְשִׁיחְלָא. וּבְשֵׁן שֶׁל שׁוּעָל — דְּעָבְדִי לְשִׁינְתָּא. דְּחַיָּיא — לְמַאן דְּנָיֵים. דְּמִיתָא — לְמַאן דְּלָא נָיֵים. וּבְמַסְמֵר מִן הַצָּלוּב — דְּעָבְדִי לְזִירְפָּא.

GEMARA: We learned in the mishna that in Rabbi Meir’s opinion one may go out on Shabbat with a locust egg, and a fox tooth, and with a nail from the crucified as a talisman or a cure. The Gemara explains the nature of each: One may go out with a locust egg, as they use it as a talisman to cure an earache; and with a fox tooth, as they use it as a talisman for sleep; the tooth of a live fox for one who sleeps too much to wake him up, and the tooth of a dead fox for one who does not sleep. And one may go out with a nail from the crucified, as they use it as a talisman for curing infection.

מִשּׁוּם רְפוּאָה — דִּבְרֵי רַבִּי מֵאִיר.

We learned in the mishna that going out with those objects is permitted on Shabbat for the purpose of healing; this is the statement of Rabbi Meir.

אַבָּיֵי וְרָבָא דְּאָמְרִי תַּרְוַיְיהוּ: כׇּל דָּבָר שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם רְפוּאָה אֵין בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

With regard to the halakha in the mishna, the Gemara cites Abaye and Rava, who both said: Anything that contains an element of healing and seems to be effective does not contain an element of the prohibition against following the ways of the Amorite. There is no cause for suspicion of one who engages in their practice, gentile or Jew.

הָא אֵין בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם רְפוּאָה יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי? וְהָתַנְיָא: אִילָן שֶׁמַּשִּׁיר פֵּירוֹתָיו סוֹקְרוֹ וְצוֹבֵעַ אוֹתוֹ בְּסִיקְרָא וְטוֹעֲנוֹ בַּאֲבָנִים. בִּשְׁלָמָא טוֹעֲנוֹ בַּאֲבָנִים, כִּי הֵיכִי דְּלִיכְחוֹשׁ חֵילֵיהּ. אֶלָּא סוֹקְרוֹ בְּסִיקְרָא מַאי רְפוּאָה קָעָבֵיד?

The Gemara asks: Is that to say by inference that if it is does not contain an element of healing, it does contain an element of the prohibition against following the ways of the Amorite? Wasn’t it taught in a baraita: A tree that sheds its fruit prematurely, one paints it and colors it with red paint and loads it with stones? Granted, he is permitted to load it with stones because that action produces an actual benefit, i.e., he does that so that its strength will weaken. Sometimes a tree sheds its fruits prematurely due to excessive blossoming. Sustaining those blossoms taxes the tree, rendering it incapable of sustaining the fruits that grow from the blossoms. The stones were used to slightly weaken the tree when blossoming, thereby reducing the number of blossoms that the tree must nourish. However, painting it with red paint, what healing is he performing with that action?

כִּי הֵיכִי דְּלִיחְזְיוּהּ אִינָשֵׁי וְלִיבְעוֹ עֲלֵיהּ רַחֲמֵי. כִּדְתַנְיָא: ״וְטָמֵא טָמֵא יִקְרָא״. צָרִיךְ לְהוֹדִיעַ צַעֲרוֹ לְרַבִּים, וְרַבִּים יְבַקְּשׁוּ עָלָיו רַחֲמִים. אָמַר רָבִינָא: כְּמַאן תָּלֵינַן כּוּבְסֵי בְּדִיקְלָא — כִּי הַאי תַּנָּא.

The Gemara explains: He does so so that people will see the tree and pray for mercy for it. As it was taught in a baraita with regard to the verse: “And the leper in whom the plague is, his clothes shall be ripped and the hair of his head shall grow long and he will put a covering upon his upper lip and will cry: Impure, impure” (Leviticus 13:45). The leper publicizes the fact that he is ritually impure because he must announce his pain to the masses, and the masses will pray for mercy on his behalf. Ravina said: In accordance with whose opinion do we hang bunches of unripe dates on a palm tree that casts off its dates? According to that tanna who taught that one must publicize his pain to the masses.

תָּנֵי תַּנָּא בְּפֶרֶק אֱמוֹרָאֵי קַמֵּיהּ דְּרַבִּי חִיָּיא בַּר אָבִין. אֲמַר לֵיהּ: כּוּלְּהוּ אִית בְּהוּ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי, לְבַר מֵהָנֵי: מִי שֶׁיֵּשׁ לוֹ עֶצֶם בִּגְרוֹנוֹ מֵבִיא מֵאוֹתוֹ הַמִּין וּמַנִּיחַ לֵיהּ עַל קׇדְקֳדוֹ, וְלֵימָא הָכִי: ״חַד חַד נָחֵית בָּלַע, בָּלַע נָחֵית חַד חַד״, אֵין בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

The tanna recited the chapter of the Tosefta discussing the actions of the Amorites before Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Avin. Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Avin said to him: All those enumerated there contain an element of the prohibition against following the ways of the Amorite, except for these: One who has a bone in his throat brings a bone from the same species as the bone that is stuck in his throat, and places it on his skull, and says as follows: One by one descend and be swallowed, swallow and descend one by one. That does not contain an element of the prohibition against following the ways of the Amorite.

לְאִדְּרָא לֵימָא הָכִי: ״נִנְּעַצְתָּא כְּמַחַט, נִנְעַלְּתָא כִּתְרִיס, שַׁיָּיא שַׁיָּיא״.

For a fish bone stuck in the throat, let him say as follows: You are stuck like a needle, locked as a shutter, go down, go down.

הָאוֹמֵר ״גַּד גַּדִּי, וּסְנוּק לָא אַשְׁכִּי וּבוּשְׁכִּי״ — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי. רַבִּי יְהוּדָה אוֹמֵר: ״גַּד״ אֵינוֹ אֶלָּא לְשׁוֹן עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״הָעֹרְכִים לַגַּד שֻׁלְחָן״.

After some discussion of the ways of the Amorite, the Gemara cites additional statements from the Amorite chapter in the Tosefta and from other sources on this topic. One who says: My fortune be fortunate [gad gaddi] and be not weary by day or by night; that statement contains an element of the ways of the Amorite. Rabbi Yehuda says: That is more severe than the ways of the Amorite, as gad is nothing other than a term of idolatry, as it is stated: “And you that forsake the Lord, that forget My holy mountain, that prepare a table for Gad, and that offer mingled wine in full measure unto Meni” (Isaiah 65:11). Gad gaddi is a form of prayer to an idol.

הוּא בִּשְׁמָהּ וְהִיא בִּשְׁמוֹ — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

One who requests that he be called by his wife’s name and she be called by his name for good fortune, his request contains an element of the ways of the Amorite.

״דּוּנוּ דַּנַּי״ — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי. רַבִּי יְהוּדָה אוֹמֵר: אֵין ״דָּן״ אֶלָּא לְשׁוֹן עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״הַנִּשְׁבָּעִים בְּאַשְׁמַת שֹׁמְרוֹן וְאָמְרוּ חֵי אֱלֹהֶיךָ דָּן״.

One who says: Let my barrels be strengthened [donu danei], that contains an element of the ways of the Amorite. Rabbi Yehuda says: That is more severe than the ways of the Amorite, as Dan is nothing other than a term of idol worship, as it is stated: “They that swear by the sin of Samaria and say: As your god Dan lives” (Amos 8:14).

הָאוֹמֵר לְעוֹרֵב ״צְרַח״, וּלְעוֹרֶבְתָּא ״שְׁרִיקִי וְהַחֲזִירִי לִי זְנָבִיךְ לְטוֹבָה״ — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

One who hears a raven calling and is concerned about a bad omen and says to the raven: Scream, and says to the female raven: Whistle and turn your tail to me for the best; those statements contain an element of the ways of the Amorite.

הָאוֹמֵר ״שַׁחֲטוּ תַּרְנְגוֹל זֶה שֶׁקָּרָא עַרְבִית״ וְ״תַרְנְגוֹלֶת שֶׁקָּרְאָה גַּבְרִית״ — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

One who says: Slaughter this rooster that calls out in the evening and says: Slaughter this chicken that calls out like a male rooster; those statements contain an element of the ways of the Amorite.

״אֶשְׁתֶּה וְאוֹתִיר, אֶשְׁתֶּה וְאוֹתִיר״ — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

One who says: I will drink and leave over, I will drink and leave over, so that his wine will increase; that statement contains an element of the ways of the Amorite.

הַמְבַקַּעַת בֵּיצִים בַּכּוֹתֶל, וְהַטָּח בִּפְנֵי הָאֶפְרוֹחִים — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

One who cracks eggs on a wall and smears them in front of the chicks; that series of actions contains an element of the ways of the Amorite.

וְהַמֵּגִיס בִּפְנֵי אֶפְרוֹחִים — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

And one who stirs the pot in front of chicks as an auspicious practice so they do not die; that action contains an element of the ways of the Amorite.

הַמְרַקֶּדֶת, וְהַמּוֹנָה שִׁבְעִים וְאֶחָד אֶפְרוֹחִין בִּשְׁבִיל שֶׁלֹּא יָמוּתוּ — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

A woman who dances and counts the chicks until she reaches the number of seventy-one chicks, so they won’t die; her action contains an element of the ways of the Amorite.

הַמְרַקֶּדֶת לְכוּתָּח, וְהַמְשַׁתֶּקֶת לַעֲדָשִׁים, וְהַמְצַוַּוחַת לִגְרִיסִין — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

A woman who dances to ensure that the kutaḥ, a spice made from whey salt and bread, that she is preparing will be successful, and a woman who silences bystanders to ensure that the lentils will cook properly, and a woman who screams to ensure that the pearl barley will cook properly; all these contain an element of the ways of the Amorite.

הַמַּשְׁתֶּנֶת בִּפְנֵי קְדֵירָתָהּ בִּשְׁבִיל שֶׁתִּתְבַּשֵּׁל מְהֵרָה — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

A woman who urinates in front of her pot so it will cook quickly; that action contains an element of the ways of the Amorite.

אֲבָל נוֹתְנִין קֵיסָם שֶׁל תּוּת וְשִׁבְרֵי זְכוּכִית בִּקְדֵירָה בִּשְׁבִיל שֶׁתִּתְבַּשֵּׁל מְהֵרָה, וַחֲכָמִים אוֹסְרִין בְּשִׁבְרֵי זְכוּכִית מִפְּנֵי הַסַּכָּנָה.

But one may put a chip of mulberry wood and shards of glass in the pot so it will cook quickly, as doing so is effective and not merely superstition. And the Rabbis prohibit shards of glass not due to superstition; rather, due to the danger involved if the glass is not strained out completely.

תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: נוֹתְנִין בּוּל שֶׁל מֶלַח לְתוֹךְ הַנֵּר בִּשְׁבִיל שֶׁתָּאִיר וְתַדְלִיק. וְנוֹתְנִין טִיט וְחַרְסִית תַּחַת הַנֵּר בִּשְׁבִיל שֶׁתַּמְתִּין וְתַדְלִיק.

The Sages taught in the Tosefta: One may place a lump of salt into a candle so it will burn brightly; that is effective and not merely for good fortune, so there is no element of the ways of the Amorites involved. And similarly, one may put mud or clay under a candle so it will burn longer.

אָמַר רַב זוּטְרָא: הַאי מַאן דִּמְכַסֵּי שְׁרָגָא דְּמִשְׁחָא וּמְגַלֵּי נַפְטָא קָעָבַר מִשּׁוּם ״בַּל תַּשְׁחִית״.

Rav Zutra said: He who covers an oil lamp or who uncovers a kerosene lamp for no purpose violates the prohibition: Do not destroy, since by doing so the fuel burns more quickly.

״חַמְרָא וְחַיֵּי לְפוּם רַבָּנַן״ — אֵין בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי. מַעֲשֶׂה בְּרַבִּי עֲקִיבָא שֶׁעָשָׂה מִשְׁתֶּה לִבְנוֹ, וְעַל כׇּל כּוֹס וָכוֹס שֶׁהֵבִיא אָמַר: ״חַמְרָא וְחַיֵּי לְפוּם רַבָּנַן, חַיֵּי וְחַמְרָא לְפוּם רַבָּנַן וּלְפוּם תַּלְמִידֵיהוֹן״.

One who says while drinking: Wine and life to the mouth of the Sages, this does not fall into the category of the ways of the Amorite. There was an incident with Rabbi Akiva who made a banquet for his son, and over each and every cup he brought he said: Wine and life to the mouth of the Sages, wine and life to the mouth of the Sages and to the mouth of their students.



הדרן עלך במה אשה

מַתְנִי׳ כְּלָל גָּדוֹל אָמְרוּ בְּשַׁבָּת: כׇּל הַשּׁוֹכֵחַ עִיקַּר שַׁבָּת, וְעָשָׂה מְלָאכוֹת הַרְבֵּה בְּשַׁבָּתוֹת הַרְבֵּה — אֵינוֹ חַיָּיב אֶלָּא חַטָּאת אַחַת. הַיּוֹדֵעַ עִיקַּר שַׁבָּת, וְעָשָׂה מְלָאכוֹת הַרְבֵּה בְּשַׁבָּתוֹת הַרְבֵּה — חַיָּיב עַל כׇּל שַׁבָּת וְשַׁבָּת. הַיּוֹדֵעַ שֶׁהוּא שַׁבָּת, וְעָשָׂה מְלָאכוֹת הַרְבֵּה בְּשַׁבָּתוֹת הַרְבֵּה — חַיָּיב עַל כׇּל

MISHNA: The Sages stated a significant principle with regard to the halakhot of Shabbat: One who forgets the essence of Shabbat, i.e., one who is entirely ignorant of the mitzva of Shabbat according to Torah law, and performed numerous prohibited labors on multiple Shabbatot, is liable to bring only one sin-offering for all those labors when he becomes aware that those actions were prohibited. One who knows the essence of Shabbat but forgets which day is Shabbat, i.e., one who lost track of the days of the week, and performs numerous prohibited labors on multiple Shabbatot is liable to bring a sin-offering for each Shabbat when he becomes aware that he performed those actions on Shabbat. One who is aware that the day is Shabbat but temporarily forgot that certain labors were prohibited and performed numerous prohibited labors on multiple Shabbatot is liable to bring a sin-offering for each

Today’s daily daf tools:

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The Hadran Women’s Tapestry

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

Margo
I started my Talmud journey in 7th grade at Akiba Jewish Day School in Chicago. I started my Daf Yomi journey after hearing Erica Brown speak at the Hadran Siyum about marking the passage of time through Daf Yomi.

Carolyn
I started my Talmud journey post-college in NY with a few classes. I started my Daf Yomi journey after the Hadran Siyum, which inspired both my son and myself.

Carolyn Hochstadter and Margo Kossoff Shizgal
Carolyn Hochstadter and Margo Kossoff Shizgal

Merion Station,  USA

Beit Shemesh, Israel

I had tried to start after being inspired by the hadran siyum, but did not manage to stick to it. However, just before masechet taanit, our rav wrote a message to the shul WhatsApp encouraging people to start with masechet taanit, so I did! And this time, I’m hooked! I listen to the shiur every day , and am also trying to improve my skills.

Laura Major
Laura Major

Yad Binyamin, Israel

When I began the previous cycle, I promised myself that if I stuck with it, I would reward myself with a trip to Israel. Little did I know that the trip would involve attending the first ever women’s siyum and being inspired by so many learners. I am now over 2 years into my second cycle and being part of this large, diverse, fascinating learning family has enhanced my learning exponentially.

Shira Krebs
Shira Krebs

Minnesota, United States

I started learning daf yomi at the beginning of this cycle. As the pandemic evolved, it’s been so helpful to me to have this discipline every morning to listen to the daf podcast after I’ve read the daf; learning about the relationships between the rabbis and the ways they were constructing our Jewish religion after the destruction of the Temple. I’m grateful to be on this journey!

Mona Fishbane
Mona Fishbane

Teaneck NJ, United States

תמיד רציתי. למדתי גמרא בבית ספר בטורונטו קנדה. עליתי ארצה ולמדתי שזה לא מקובל. הופתעתי.
יצאתי לגימלאות לפני שנתיים וזה מאפשר את המחוייבות לדף יומי.
עבורי ההתמדה בלימוד מעגן אותי בקשר שלי ליהדות. אני תמיד מחפשת ותמיד. מוצאת מקור לקשר. ללימוד חדש ומחדש. קשר עם נשים לומדות מעמיק את החוויה ומשמעותית מאוד.

Vitti Kones
Vitti Kones

מיתר, ישראל

I started learning with rabbis. I needed to know more than the stories. My first teacher to show me “the way of the Talmud” as well as the stories was Samara Schwartz.
Michelle Farber started the new cycle 2 yrs ago and I jumped on for the ride.
I do not look back.

Jenifer Nech
Jenifer Nech

Houston, 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

Geri Goldstein got me started learning daf yomi when I was in Israel 2 years ago. It’s been a challenge and I’ve learned a lot though I’m sure I miss a lot. I quilt as I listen and I want to share what I’ve been working on.

Rebecca Stulberg
Rebecca Stulberg

Ottawa, Canada

At almost 70 I am just beginning my journey with Talmud and Hadran. I began not late, but right when I was called to learn. It is never too late to begin! The understanding patience of staff and participants with more experience and knowledge has been fabulous. The joy of learning never stops and for me. It is a new life, a new light, a new depth of love of The Holy One, Blessed be He.
Deborah Hoffman-Wade
Deborah Hoffman-Wade

Richmond, CA, United States

I learned Talmud as a student in Yeshivat Ramaz and felt at the time that Talmud wasn’t for me. After reading Ilana Kurshan’s book I was intrigued and after watching the great siyum in Yerushalayim it ignited the spark to begin this journey. It has been a transformative life experience for me as a wife, mother, Savta and member of Klal Yisrael.
Elana Storch
Elana Storch

Phoenix, Arizona, 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.

Leah Goldford
Leah Goldford

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

After reading the book, “ If All The Seas Were Ink “ by Ileana Kurshan I started studying Talmud. I searched and studied with several teachers until I found Michelle Farber. I have been studying with her for two years. I look forward every day to learn from her.

Janine Rubens
Janine Rubens

Virginia, United States

Retirement and Covid converged to provide me with the opportunity to commit to daily Talmud study in October 2020. I dove into the middle of Eruvin and continued to navigate Seder Moed, with Rabannit Michelle as my guide. I have developed more confidence in my learning as I completed each masechet and look forward to completing the Daf Yomi cycle so that I can begin again!

Rhona Fink
Rhona Fink

San Diego, United States

I began my journey two years ago at the beginning of this cycle of the daf yomi. It has been an incredible, challenging experience and has given me a new perspective of Torah Sh’baal Peh and the role it plays in our lives

linda kalish-marcus
linda kalish-marcus

Efrat, Israel

I started learning at the beginning of the cycle after a friend persuaded me that it would be right up my alley. I was lucky enough to learn at Rabbanit Michelle’s house before it started on zoom and it was quickly part of my daily routine. I find it so important to see for myself where halachot were derived, where stories were told and to get more insight into how the Rabbis interacted.

Deborah Dickson
Deborah Dickson

Ra’anana, Israel

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
Sue Parker Gerson

Denver, 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
Shira Eliaser

Skokie, IL, United States

I was inspired to start learning after attending the 2020 siyum in Binyanei Hauma. It has been a great experience for me. It’s amazing to see the origins of stories I’ve heard and rituals I’ve participated in my whole life. Even when I don’t understand the daf itself, I believe that the commitment to learning every day is valuable and has multiple benefits. And there will be another daf tomorrow!

Khaya Eisenberg
Khaya Eisenberg

Jerusalem, Israel

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.

Joanna Rom
Joanna Rom

Northwest Washington, 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
Diana Bloom

Tampa, United States

Shabbat 67

לְאִשָּׁתָא תִּילְתָּא — לַיְיתֵי שִׁבְעָה סִילְוֵי מִשִּׁבְעָה דִּיקְלֵי, וְשִׁבְעָה צִיבֵי מִשִּׁבְעָה כְּשׁוּרֵי, וְשִׁבְעָה סִיכֵּי מִשִּׁבְעָה גְּשׁוּרֵי, וְשִׁבְעָה קִיטְמֵי מִשִּׁבְעָה תַּנּוּרֵי, וְשִׁבְעָה עַפְרֵי מִשִּׁבְעָה סֻנְרֵי, וְשִׁבְעָה כּוּפְרֵי מִשִּׁבְעָה אַרְבֵי, וְשִׁבְעָה בּוּנֵי כַּמּוֹנֵי, וְשִׁבְעָה בִּינֵי מִדִּיקְנָא דְכַלְבָּא סָבָא, וְלִצְיְירִינְהוּ בַּחֲלָלָא דְבֵי צַוְּארָא בְּנִירָא בַּרְקָא.

For tertian fever, which afflicts one every three days, let one bring seven thorns from seven palm trees, and seven slivers from seven beams, and seven pegs from seven bridges, and seven types of ashes from seven ovens, and seven types of dust from seven door sockets, the hole in which the hinge of the door revolves, and seven types of tar from seven boats, and seven cumin seeds, and seven hairs from the beard of an old dog, and let him bind it to the opening of the neckline of his garment with a thread made of hair.

אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: לְאִשָּׁתָא צְמִירְתָּא — לִישְׁקֹל סַכִּינָא דְּכוּלֵּהּ פַּרְזְלָא, וְלֵיזִיל לְהֵיכָא דְּאִיכָּא וַורְדִּינָא, וְלִיקְטַר בֵּיהּ נִירָא בַּרְקָא.

Rabbi Yoḥanan said: For healing a burning fever, let one take a knife that is made entirely of iron, including the handle, and let him go to a place where there is a bush and tie a string of hair to it.

יוֹמָא קַמָּא, לִיחְרוֹק בֵּיהּ פּוּרְתָּא וְלֵימָא: ״וַיֵּרָא מַלְאַךְ ה׳ אֵלָיו וְגוֹ׳״. לִמְחַר, לִיחְרוֹק בֵּיהּ פּוּרְתָּא וְלֵימָא: ״וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אָסֻרָה נָּא וְאֶרְאֶה״. לִמְחַר, לִיחְרוֹק בֵּיהּ פּוּרְתָּא וְלֵימָא: ״וַיַּרְא ה׳ כִּי סָר לִרְאוֹת וְגוֹ׳״.

On the first day, let him carve the bush a little, and recite: “And an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from within the bush and he looked and behold the bush was aflame in fire and the bush was not consumed” (Exodus 3:2). On the following day, let him carve the bush a little more and recite: “And Moses said: I will turn aside now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned” (Exodus 3:3). On the following day, let him carve the bush a little more and recite: “And the Lord saw that he turned aside to see and God called to him within the bush and said: Moses, Moses, and he said: Here I am” (Exodus 3:4).

אֲמַר לֵיהּ רַב אַחָא בְּרֵיהּ דְּרָבָא לְרַב אָשֵׁי, וְלֵימָא: ״וַיֹּאמֶר אַל תִּקְרַב הֲלֹם וְגוֹ׳״? אֶלָּא לְיוֹמָא קַמָּא, לֵימָא: ״וַיֵּרָא מַלְאַךְ ה׳ אֵלָיו וְגוֹ׳ וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה וְגוֹ׳״, וְלִמְחַר, לֵימָא: ״וַיַּרְא ה׳ כִּי סָר לִרְאוֹת״, וְלִמְחַר: ״וַיֹּאמֶר ה׳ אַל תִּקְרַב הֲלֹם״.

Rav Aḥa, son of Rava, said to Rav Ashi: And let him say: “And the Lord said: Do not come close, take off your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). This verse is more suited to be recited as an incantation to cure a fever. Rather, on the first day, let him recite the first two verses: “And an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from within the bush and he looked and behold the bush was aflame in fire and the bush was not consumed,” as well as, “And Moses said: I will turn aside now and see.” And on the following day, let him recite: “And the Lord saw that he turned aside to see.” And on the following day, let him recite: “And the Lord said: Do not come close, take off your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5).

וְכִי פָּסֵק לֵיהּ, לִיתַתֵּיהּ וְלִיפְסְקֵיהּ וְלֵימָא הָכִי: ״הַסְּנֶה הַסְּנֶה! לָאו מִשּׁוּם דִּגְבִיהַתְּ מִכׇּל אִילָנֵי אַשְׁרִי קוּדְשָׁא בְּרִיךְ הוּא שְׁכִינְתֵּיהּ עֲלָךְ, אֶלָּא מִשּׁוּם דְּמָיְיכַתְּ מִכׇּל אִילָנֵי אַשְׁרִי קוּדְשָׁא בְּרִיךְ הוּא שְׁכִינְתֵּיהּ עֲלָךְ. וְכִי הֵיכִי דַּחֲמִיתֵיהּ אִשָּׁתָא לַחֲנַנְיָה מִישָׁאֵל וַעֲזַרְיָה וַעֲרַקַת מִן קֳדָמוֹהִי, כֵּן תִּחְמֵינֵיהּ אִשָּׁתָא לִפְלוֹנִי בַּר פְּלוֹנִית וְתִיעְרוֹק מִן קֳדָמוֹהִי״.

And when he carves the bush, let him lower himself and cut it close to the ground, and recite as follows: The bush, the bush; not because you are higher than all trees did the Holy One, Blessed be He, rest His Divine Presence upon you. Rather, it is because you are lower than all trees did the Holy One, Blessed be He, rested His Divine Presence upon you. And just as the fire saw Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah and fled from before them, so too, let the fire of the fever see so-and-so, son of so-and-so, his mother, flee from before him.

לְסִימְטָא, לֵימָא הָכִי: ״בַּז, בַּזְיָיה, מַס, מַסְיָיא, כַּס, כַּסְיָיה, שִׁרְלַאי, וַאֲמַרְלַאי, אִלֵּין מַלְאֲכֵי דְּאִישְׁתְּלַחוּ מֵאַרְעָא דִסְדוֹם וּלְאַסָּאָה שְׁחִינָא כְּאִיבִין, בְּזָךְ, בַּזַיִךְ, בַּזְבְּזִיךְ, מַסְמְסִיךְ, כַּמּוֹן, כָּמִיךְ, עֵינִיךְ בִּיךְ, עֵינִיךְ בִּיךְ, אַתְרִיךְ בִּיךְ, זַרְעִיךְ כְּקָלוּט וּכְפִרְדָּה דְּלָא פָּרָה וְלָא רָבְיָא, כָּךְ לָא תִּפְרֵה וְלָא תִּרְבֵּה בְּגוּפֵיהּ דִּפְלוֹנִי בַּר פְּלוֹנִית״.

For healing boils, let him recite as follows: Baz, Bazya, Mas, Masya, Kas, Kasya, Sharlai, and Amarlai, these are the angels who were sent from the land of Sodom and this was all in order to heal painful boils. Bazakh, Bazikh, Bazbazikh, Masmasikh, Kamon, Kamikh, may your appearance remain with you, may your appearance remain with you, i.e., the boils should not grow redder. May your place remain with you, i.e., they should not spread, may your, the boils’, seed be like one who is barren and like a mule that is not fruitful and does not multiply, so too, do not increase and do not multiply in the body of so-and-so, son of so-and-so.

לְכִיפָּה, לֵימָא הָכִי: ״חֶרֶב שְׁלוּפָה וְקֶלַע נְטוּשָׁה לָא שְׁמֵיהּ יוֹכַב חוֹלִין מַכְאוֹבִין״.

For healing a wound, let him recite as follows: A drawn sword and a readied sling, its name shall not be ache, sickness, and pains.

לְשֵׁידָא, לֵימָא הָכִי: ״הֲוֵית דִּפְקִיק, דִּפְקִיק הֲוֵית, לִיט תְּבִיר וּמְשׁוּמָּת בַּר טִיט בַּר טָמֵא בַּר טִינָא, כְּשַׁמְגַּז מְרִיגַז וְאִיסְטְמַאי״.

To be saved from a demon, let him recite as follows: You were stopped up, stopped up you were. Cursed, broken, and excommunicated be the demon called bar Tit bar Tamei bar Tina as Shamgaz, Merigaz, and Istemai.

לְשֵׁידָא דְּבֵית הַכִּסֵּא, לֵימָא הָכִי: ״אַקַּרְקָפֵי דַאֲרִי וְאַאוֹסֵי דְגוּרַיְיתָא אַשְׁכַּחְתּוּן לְשֵׁידַאי בַּר שְׁרִיקָא פַּנְדָּא, בְּמֵישָׁרָא דְכַרָּתֵי חֲבַטְתֵּיהּ, בְּלוֹעָא דַחֲמָרָא חֲטַרְתֵּיהּ״.

To be saved from the demon of the bathroom, let him recite as follows: On the head of a lion and on the nose of a lioness we found the demon named bar Shirika Panda. With a bed of leeks I felled him, and with the jaw of the donkey I struck him.

וּבְנֵי מְלָכִים בְּזֹגִין. מַאן תַּנָּא? אָמַר רַבִּי אוֹשַׁעְיָא: רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן הִיא, דְּאָמַר: כׇּל יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּנֵי מְלָכִים הֵם. רָבָא אָמַר: בְּאָרִיג בִּכְסוּתוֹ, וְדִבְרֵי הַכֹּל.

We learned in the mishna that princes may go out with bells, and the same is true for anyone else. The Gemara asks: Who is the tanna who holds that all people of Israel are permitted to conduct themselves like princes with regard to going out with precious ornaments? Rabbi Oshaya said: It is Rabbi Shimon, who said: All of Israel are princes. Therefore, precious ornaments are suitable for every person of Israel. They will neither remove them to show to others nor will they remove them due to concern that people will think them pretentious. Rava said: The mishna is referring to a case where the bell is woven into his garment, obviating the concern lest he remove it, and the halakha in the mishna is in accordance with the statements of all tanna’im, not merely the statement of Rabbi Shimon.

מַתְנִי׳ יוֹצְאִין בְּבֵיצַת הַחַרְגּוֹל וּבְשֵׁן שׁוּעָל וּבְמַסְמֵר מִן הַצָּלוּב, מִשּׁוּם רְפוּאָה — דִּבְרֵי רַבִּי מֵאִיר. וַחֲכָמִים אוֹסְרִין אַף בַּחוֹל, מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

MISHNA: One may go out on Shabbat with a locust egg, and with a fox tooth, and with a nail from the crucified, for the purpose of healing; this is the statement of Rabbi Meir. The Rabbis prohibit using these remedies even during the week, due to the prohibition of following the ways of the Amorite. These are superstitious beliefs and the customs of gentiles from which one must distance oneself.

גְּמָ׳ יוֹצְאִין בְּבֵיצַת הַחַרְגּוֹל — דְּעָבְדִי לְשִׁיחְלָא. וּבְשֵׁן שֶׁל שׁוּעָל — דְּעָבְדִי לְשִׁינְתָּא. דְּחַיָּיא — לְמַאן דְּנָיֵים. דְּמִיתָא — לְמַאן דְּלָא נָיֵים. וּבְמַסְמֵר מִן הַצָּלוּב — דְּעָבְדִי לְזִירְפָּא.

GEMARA: We learned in the mishna that in Rabbi Meir’s opinion one may go out on Shabbat with a locust egg, and a fox tooth, and with a nail from the crucified as a talisman or a cure. The Gemara explains the nature of each: One may go out with a locust egg, as they use it as a talisman to cure an earache; and with a fox tooth, as they use it as a talisman for sleep; the tooth of a live fox for one who sleeps too much to wake him up, and the tooth of a dead fox for one who does not sleep. And one may go out with a nail from the crucified, as they use it as a talisman for curing infection.

מִשּׁוּם רְפוּאָה — דִּבְרֵי רַבִּי מֵאִיר.

We learned in the mishna that going out with those objects is permitted on Shabbat for the purpose of healing; this is the statement of Rabbi Meir.

אַבָּיֵי וְרָבָא דְּאָמְרִי תַּרְוַיְיהוּ: כׇּל דָּבָר שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם רְפוּאָה אֵין בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

With regard to the halakha in the mishna, the Gemara cites Abaye and Rava, who both said: Anything that contains an element of healing and seems to be effective does not contain an element of the prohibition against following the ways of the Amorite. There is no cause for suspicion of one who engages in their practice, gentile or Jew.

הָא אֵין בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם רְפוּאָה יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי? וְהָתַנְיָא: אִילָן שֶׁמַּשִּׁיר פֵּירוֹתָיו סוֹקְרוֹ וְצוֹבֵעַ אוֹתוֹ בְּסִיקְרָא וְטוֹעֲנוֹ בַּאֲבָנִים. בִּשְׁלָמָא טוֹעֲנוֹ בַּאֲבָנִים, כִּי הֵיכִי דְּלִיכְחוֹשׁ חֵילֵיהּ. אֶלָּא סוֹקְרוֹ בְּסִיקְרָא מַאי רְפוּאָה קָעָבֵיד?

The Gemara asks: Is that to say by inference that if it is does not contain an element of healing, it does contain an element of the prohibition against following the ways of the Amorite? Wasn’t it taught in a baraita: A tree that sheds its fruit prematurely, one paints it and colors it with red paint and loads it with stones? Granted, he is permitted to load it with stones because that action produces an actual benefit, i.e., he does that so that its strength will weaken. Sometimes a tree sheds its fruits prematurely due to excessive blossoming. Sustaining those blossoms taxes the tree, rendering it incapable of sustaining the fruits that grow from the blossoms. The stones were used to slightly weaken the tree when blossoming, thereby reducing the number of blossoms that the tree must nourish. However, painting it with red paint, what healing is he performing with that action?

כִּי הֵיכִי דְּלִיחְזְיוּהּ אִינָשֵׁי וְלִיבְעוֹ עֲלֵיהּ רַחֲמֵי. כִּדְתַנְיָא: ״וְטָמֵא טָמֵא יִקְרָא״. צָרִיךְ לְהוֹדִיעַ צַעֲרוֹ לְרַבִּים, וְרַבִּים יְבַקְּשׁוּ עָלָיו רַחֲמִים. אָמַר רָבִינָא: כְּמַאן תָּלֵינַן כּוּבְסֵי בְּדִיקְלָא — כִּי הַאי תַּנָּא.

The Gemara explains: He does so so that people will see the tree and pray for mercy for it. As it was taught in a baraita with regard to the verse: “And the leper in whom the plague is, his clothes shall be ripped and the hair of his head shall grow long and he will put a covering upon his upper lip and will cry: Impure, impure” (Leviticus 13:45). The leper publicizes the fact that he is ritually impure because he must announce his pain to the masses, and the masses will pray for mercy on his behalf. Ravina said: In accordance with whose opinion do we hang bunches of unripe dates on a palm tree that casts off its dates? According to that tanna who taught that one must publicize his pain to the masses.

תָּנֵי תַּנָּא בְּפֶרֶק אֱמוֹרָאֵי קַמֵּיהּ דְּרַבִּי חִיָּיא בַּר אָבִין. אֲמַר לֵיהּ: כּוּלְּהוּ אִית בְּהוּ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי, לְבַר מֵהָנֵי: מִי שֶׁיֵּשׁ לוֹ עֶצֶם בִּגְרוֹנוֹ מֵבִיא מֵאוֹתוֹ הַמִּין וּמַנִּיחַ לֵיהּ עַל קׇדְקֳדוֹ, וְלֵימָא הָכִי: ״חַד חַד נָחֵית בָּלַע, בָּלַע נָחֵית חַד חַד״, אֵין בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

The tanna recited the chapter of the Tosefta discussing the actions of the Amorites before Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Avin. Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Avin said to him: All those enumerated there contain an element of the prohibition against following the ways of the Amorite, except for these: One who has a bone in his throat brings a bone from the same species as the bone that is stuck in his throat, and places it on his skull, and says as follows: One by one descend and be swallowed, swallow and descend one by one. That does not contain an element of the prohibition against following the ways of the Amorite.

לְאִדְּרָא לֵימָא הָכִי: ״נִנְּעַצְתָּא כְּמַחַט, נִנְעַלְּתָא כִּתְרִיס, שַׁיָּיא שַׁיָּיא״.

For a fish bone stuck in the throat, let him say as follows: You are stuck like a needle, locked as a shutter, go down, go down.

הָאוֹמֵר ״גַּד גַּדִּי, וּסְנוּק לָא אַשְׁכִּי וּבוּשְׁכִּי״ — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי. רַבִּי יְהוּדָה אוֹמֵר: ״גַּד״ אֵינוֹ אֶלָּא לְשׁוֹן עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״הָעֹרְכִים לַגַּד שֻׁלְחָן״.

After some discussion of the ways of the Amorite, the Gemara cites additional statements from the Amorite chapter in the Tosefta and from other sources on this topic. One who says: My fortune be fortunate [gad gaddi] and be not weary by day or by night; that statement contains an element of the ways of the Amorite. Rabbi Yehuda says: That is more severe than the ways of the Amorite, as gad is nothing other than a term of idolatry, as it is stated: “And you that forsake the Lord, that forget My holy mountain, that prepare a table for Gad, and that offer mingled wine in full measure unto Meni” (Isaiah 65:11). Gad gaddi is a form of prayer to an idol.

הוּא בִּשְׁמָהּ וְהִיא בִּשְׁמוֹ — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

One who requests that he be called by his wife’s name and she be called by his name for good fortune, his request contains an element of the ways of the Amorite.

״דּוּנוּ דַּנַּי״ — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי. רַבִּי יְהוּדָה אוֹמֵר: אֵין ״דָּן״ אֶלָּא לְשׁוֹן עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״הַנִּשְׁבָּעִים בְּאַשְׁמַת שֹׁמְרוֹן וְאָמְרוּ חֵי אֱלֹהֶיךָ דָּן״.

One who says: Let my barrels be strengthened [donu danei], that contains an element of the ways of the Amorite. Rabbi Yehuda says: That is more severe than the ways of the Amorite, as Dan is nothing other than a term of idol worship, as it is stated: “They that swear by the sin of Samaria and say: As your god Dan lives” (Amos 8:14).

הָאוֹמֵר לְעוֹרֵב ״צְרַח״, וּלְעוֹרֶבְתָּא ״שְׁרִיקִי וְהַחֲזִירִי לִי זְנָבִיךְ לְטוֹבָה״ — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

One who hears a raven calling and is concerned about a bad omen and says to the raven: Scream, and says to the female raven: Whistle and turn your tail to me for the best; those statements contain an element of the ways of the Amorite.

הָאוֹמֵר ״שַׁחֲטוּ תַּרְנְגוֹל זֶה שֶׁקָּרָא עַרְבִית״ וְ״תַרְנְגוֹלֶת שֶׁקָּרְאָה גַּבְרִית״ — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

One who says: Slaughter this rooster that calls out in the evening and says: Slaughter this chicken that calls out like a male rooster; those statements contain an element of the ways of the Amorite.

״אֶשְׁתֶּה וְאוֹתִיר, אֶשְׁתֶּה וְאוֹתִיר״ — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

One who says: I will drink and leave over, I will drink and leave over, so that his wine will increase; that statement contains an element of the ways of the Amorite.

הַמְבַקַּעַת בֵּיצִים בַּכּוֹתֶל, וְהַטָּח בִּפְנֵי הָאֶפְרוֹחִים — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

One who cracks eggs on a wall and smears them in front of the chicks; that series of actions contains an element of the ways of the Amorite.

וְהַמֵּגִיס בִּפְנֵי אֶפְרוֹחִים — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

And one who stirs the pot in front of chicks as an auspicious practice so they do not die; that action contains an element of the ways of the Amorite.

הַמְרַקֶּדֶת, וְהַמּוֹנָה שִׁבְעִים וְאֶחָד אֶפְרוֹחִין בִּשְׁבִיל שֶׁלֹּא יָמוּתוּ — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

A woman who dances and counts the chicks until she reaches the number of seventy-one chicks, so they won’t die; her action contains an element of the ways of the Amorite.

הַמְרַקֶּדֶת לְכוּתָּח, וְהַמְשַׁתֶּקֶת לַעֲדָשִׁים, וְהַמְצַוַּוחַת לִגְרִיסִין — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

A woman who dances to ensure that the kutaḥ, a spice made from whey salt and bread, that she is preparing will be successful, and a woman who silences bystanders to ensure that the lentils will cook properly, and a woman who screams to ensure that the pearl barley will cook properly; all these contain an element of the ways of the Amorite.

הַמַּשְׁתֶּנֶת בִּפְנֵי קְדֵירָתָהּ בִּשְׁבִיל שֶׁתִּתְבַּשֵּׁל מְהֵרָה — יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי.

A woman who urinates in front of her pot so it will cook quickly; that action contains an element of the ways of the Amorite.

אֲבָל נוֹתְנִין קֵיסָם שֶׁל תּוּת וְשִׁבְרֵי זְכוּכִית בִּקְדֵירָה בִּשְׁבִיל שֶׁתִּתְבַּשֵּׁל מְהֵרָה, וַחֲכָמִים אוֹסְרִין בְּשִׁבְרֵי זְכוּכִית מִפְּנֵי הַסַּכָּנָה.

But one may put a chip of mulberry wood and shards of glass in the pot so it will cook quickly, as doing so is effective and not merely superstition. And the Rabbis prohibit shards of glass not due to superstition; rather, due to the danger involved if the glass is not strained out completely.

תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: נוֹתְנִין בּוּל שֶׁל מֶלַח לְתוֹךְ הַנֵּר בִּשְׁבִיל שֶׁתָּאִיר וְתַדְלִיק. וְנוֹתְנִין טִיט וְחַרְסִית תַּחַת הַנֵּר בִּשְׁבִיל שֶׁתַּמְתִּין וְתַדְלִיק.

The Sages taught in the Tosefta: One may place a lump of salt into a candle so it will burn brightly; that is effective and not merely for good fortune, so there is no element of the ways of the Amorites involved. And similarly, one may put mud or clay under a candle so it will burn longer.

אָמַר רַב זוּטְרָא: הַאי מַאן דִּמְכַסֵּי שְׁרָגָא דְּמִשְׁחָא וּמְגַלֵּי נַפְטָא קָעָבַר מִשּׁוּם ״בַּל תַּשְׁחִית״.

Rav Zutra said: He who covers an oil lamp or who uncovers a kerosene lamp for no purpose violates the prohibition: Do not destroy, since by doing so the fuel burns more quickly.

״חַמְרָא וְחַיֵּי לְפוּם רַבָּנַן״ — אֵין בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי. מַעֲשֶׂה בְּרַבִּי עֲקִיבָא שֶׁעָשָׂה מִשְׁתֶּה לִבְנוֹ, וְעַל כׇּל כּוֹס וָכוֹס שֶׁהֵבִיא אָמַר: ״חַמְרָא וְחַיֵּי לְפוּם רַבָּנַן, חַיֵּי וְחַמְרָא לְפוּם רַבָּנַן וּלְפוּם תַּלְמִידֵיהוֹן״.

One who says while drinking: Wine and life to the mouth of the Sages, this does not fall into the category of the ways of the Amorite. There was an incident with Rabbi Akiva who made a banquet for his son, and over each and every cup he brought he said: Wine and life to the mouth of the Sages, wine and life to the mouth of the Sages and to the mouth of their students.

הדרן עלך במה אשה

מַתְנִי׳ כְּלָל גָּדוֹל אָמְרוּ בְּשַׁבָּת: כׇּל הַשּׁוֹכֵחַ עִיקַּר שַׁבָּת, וְעָשָׂה מְלָאכוֹת הַרְבֵּה בְּשַׁבָּתוֹת הַרְבֵּה — אֵינוֹ חַיָּיב אֶלָּא חַטָּאת אַחַת. הַיּוֹדֵעַ עִיקַּר שַׁבָּת, וְעָשָׂה מְלָאכוֹת הַרְבֵּה בְּשַׁבָּתוֹת הַרְבֵּה — חַיָּיב עַל כׇּל שַׁבָּת וְשַׁבָּת. הַיּוֹדֵעַ שֶׁהוּא שַׁבָּת, וְעָשָׂה מְלָאכוֹת הַרְבֵּה בְּשַׁבָּתוֹת הַרְבֵּה — חַיָּיב עַל כׇּל

MISHNA: The Sages stated a significant principle with regard to the halakhot of Shabbat: One who forgets the essence of Shabbat, i.e., one who is entirely ignorant of the mitzva of Shabbat according to Torah law, and performed numerous prohibited labors on multiple Shabbatot, is liable to bring only one sin-offering for all those labors when he becomes aware that those actions were prohibited. One who knows the essence of Shabbat but forgets which day is Shabbat, i.e., one who lost track of the days of the week, and performs numerous prohibited labors on multiple Shabbatot is liable to bring a sin-offering for each Shabbat when he becomes aware that he performed those actions on Shabbat. One who is aware that the day is Shabbat but temporarily forgot that certain labors were prohibited and performed numerous prohibited labors on multiple Shabbatot is liable to bring a sin-offering for each

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