This month’s learning is sponsored by Adam, Carolyn, Michal, Josh, Benny, Izzy, Gali, Shim, Zoe, Zachy and Yehuda in loving memory of Judith Rosenfeld Hochstadter, Gittel bat Kreindel v’Binyamin BenZion on her second yahrzeit. “Her curiosity, humor, intellect and devout nature continues to inspire and hold us accountable. We miss her and think of her in all our pursuits, especially in our Hadran learning, where she would be glad to know that she didn’t have to boil more than 1 egg at a time!!”
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Summary
If one did not fulfill one’s mitzva of taking a lulav in the morning, for how long can it be done? If one started eating, should one stop eating and take the lulav? Is it possible to fulfill one’s obligation of Hallel if one doesn’t know the words by having someone else read it for him? What difference does it make if the person reciting it for him is a man, or a woman, a Canaanite slave or a minor? Raba brings all kinds of customs of Hillel from which it is possible to learn different laws of the recitation of Hillel. One who hears one recite a blessing, it is as if one answered amen/recited it by oneself. From where is this learned?
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This month’s learning is sponsored by Adam, Carolyn, Michal, Josh, Benny, Izzy, Gali, Shim, Zoe, Zachy and Yehuda in loving memory of Judith Rosenfeld Hochstadter, Gittel bat Kreindel v’Binyamin BenZion on her second yahrzeit. “Her curiosity, humor, intellect and devout nature continues to inspire and hold us accountable. We miss her and think of her in all our pursuits, especially in our Hadran learning, where she would be glad to know that she didn’t have to boil more than 1 egg at a time!!”
Sukkah 38
שְׁיָרֵי מִצְוָה מְעַכְּבִין אֶת הַפּוּרְעָנוּת. שֶׁהֲרֵי תְּנוּפָה שְׁיָרֵי מִצְוָה הִיא — וְעוֹצֶרֶת רוּחוֹת וּטְלָלִים רָעִים. וְאָמַר רָבָא: וְכֵן בְּלוּלָב. רַב אַחָא בַּר יַעֲקֹב מַמְטֵי לֵיהּ וּמַיְיתֵי לֵיהּ, אֲמַר: דֵּין גִּירָא בְּעֵינֵיהּ דְּסִטְנָא. וְלָאו מִלְּתָא הִיא, מִשּׁוּם דְּאָתֵי לְאִיגָּרוֹיֵי בֵּיהּ.
non-essential aspects of a mitzva avert calamity, as waving is a non-essential aspect of the mitzva, since even if one failed to wave the loaves he fulfilled his obligation, and nevertheless it halts harmful winds and dews. And Rava said: And likewise one should conduct himself the same way with a lulav, i.e., one should wave it to and fro and raise and lower it for the same reasons. When Rav Aḥa bar Ya’akov would move the lulav to and fro, he would say: This is an arrow in the eye of Satan, as despite his best efforts, the Jewish people continue to joyously fulfill mitzvot. The Gemara notes: That is not a proper manner of conduct, as it will induce Satan to come to incite him to sin. Gloating due to his victory over the evil inclination will lead Satan to redouble his efforts to corrupt him.
מַתְנִי׳ מִי שֶׁבָּא בַּדֶּרֶךְ וְלֹא הָיָה בְּיָדוֹ לוּלָב לִיטּוֹל — לִכְשֶׁיִּכָּנֵס לְבֵיתוֹ, יִטּוֹל עַל שֻׁלְחָנוֹ. לֹא נָטַל שַׁחֲרִית — יִטּוֹל בֵּין הָעַרְבַּיִם, שֶׁכׇּל הַיּוֹם כָּשֵׁר לְלוּלָב.
MISHNA: With regard to one who was coming along the way and did not have a lulav in his hand to take and fulfill the mitzva while traveling, when he enters his house to eat, he should take the lulav at his table. He interrupts his meal to fulfill the mitzva of lulav. If he did not take the lulav in the morning, he should take it in the afternoon, as the entire day is suited for fulfilling the mitzva of lulav.
גְּמָ׳ אָמְרַתְּ, נוֹטְלוֹ עַל שֻׁלְחָנוֹ; לְמֵימְרָא דְּמַפְסֵיק? וּרְמִינְהִי: אִם הִתְחִילוּ — אֵין מַפְסִיקִין! אָמַר רַב סָפְרָא: לָא קַשְׁיָא, הָא — דְּאִיכָּא שְׁהוּת בַּיּוֹם, הָא — דְּלֵיכָּא שְׁהוּת בַּיּוֹם.
GEMARA: The Gemara analyzes the mishna. On one hand, you said that if he did not take the lulav before the meal then he takes it at his table. That is to say that if remembers that he did not yet take the lulav, he interrupts his meal, takes the lulav, and then continues his meal. And the Gemara raises a contradiction from a mishna (Shabbat 9b): One may not begin to eat before he recites the afternoon prayer; however, if they started a meal, they need not interrupt the meal in order to pray. Rav Safra said: This is not difficult, as that mishna, where one need not interrupt his meal, is referring to a case where there is opportunity to pray later in the day; this mishna, where one must interrupt his meal, is referring to a case where there is no opportunity to take the lulav later in the day. In that case, one must fulfill the mitzva immediately.
אָמַר רָבָא: מַאי קוּשְׁיָא? דִּילְמָא הָא דְּאוֹרָיְיתָא, הָא דְּרַבָּנַן. אֶלָּא אָמַר רָבָא: אִי קַשְׁיָא — הָא קַשְׁיָא: לִכְשֶׁיִּכָּנֵס לְבֵיתוֹ — נוֹטְלוֹ עַל שֻׁלְחָנוֹ, אַלְמָא דְּמַפְסֵיק, וַהֲדַר תָּנֵי: לֹא נָטַל שַׁחֲרִית — יִטּוֹל בֵּין הָעַרְבַּיִם. אַלְמָא לָא מַפְסֵיק!
Rava said: What is the difficulty? The two cases are different, and there is no contradiction at all. Perhaps this mitzva of lulav is a mitzva by Torah law, and therefore one must interrupt his meal to take the lulav, while that mitzva to recite the afternoon prayer is a mitzva by rabbinic law, and therefore one need not interrupt his meal to pray. Rather, Rava said: If there is a difficulty, i.e., a contradiction, this is the difficulty: In the first clause in the mishna it says that when he enters his house to eat, he should take the lulav at his table. Apparently, one must interrupt his meal. And then in the latter clause of the mishna it is taught: If he did not take the lulav in the morning, he should take it in the afternoon. Apparently, he need not interrupt his meal.
אָמַר רַב סָפְרָא: לָא קַשְׁיָא, הָא — דְּאִיכָּא שְׁהוּת בַּיּוֹם, הָא — דְּלֵיכָּא שְׁהוּת בַּיּוֹם.
Resolving the contradiction, Rav Safra said: This is not difficult. This clause, where one need not interrupt his meal, is referring to a case where there is opportunity to take the lulav later in the day; that clause, where one must interrupt his meal, is referring to a case where there is no opportunity to take the lulav later in the day.
אָמַר רַבִּי זֵירָא: מַאי קוּשְׁיָא? דִּלְמָא: מִצְוָה לְאַפְסוֹקֵי, וְאִי לָא פְּסַיק — יִטּוֹל בֵּין הָעַרְבַּיִם, שֶׁכׇּל הַיּוֹם כָּשֵׁר לְלוּלָב. אֶלָּא אָמַר רַבִּי זֵירָא: לְעוֹלָם כִּדְאָמְרִינַן מֵעִיקָּרָא, וּדְקַשְׁיָא לָךְ הָא דְּאוֹרָיְיתָא הָא דְּרַבָּנַן — הָכָא בְּיוֹם טוֹב שֵׁנִי דְּרַבָּנַן עָסְקִינַן.
Rabbi Zeira said: What is the difficulty? There is no contradiction, as perhaps the mishna is teaching that there is a mitzva to interrupt one’s meal and take the lulav; but if he did not interrupt his meal he should take it in the afternoon, as the entire day is suited for fulfilling the mitzva of lulav. Rather, Rabbi Zeira said: Actually, the contradiction is as we said initially, between the ruling with regard to lulav and the ruling with regard to the afternoon prayer. And as to that which you found difficult, i.e., there is no contradiction at all, as this mitzva of lulav is a mitzva by Torah law and that mitzva to recite the afternoon prayer is a mitzva by rabbinic law, that is not difficult; as here, in the case of lulav, we are dealing with the second day of the Festival and beyond, during the intermediate days, when the mitzva of lulav is by rabbinic law. The contradiction is therefore between the rulings pertaining to two mitzvot by rabbinic law.
דַּיְקָא נָמֵי, מִדְּקָתָנֵי: מִי שֶׁבָּא בַּדֶּרֶךְ וְאֵין בְּיָדוֹ לוּלָב. דְּאִי סָלְקָא דַעְתָּךְ בְּיוֹם טוֹב רִאשׁוֹן — מִי שְׁרֵי?!
The language of the mishna is also precise and indicates that it is dealing with the intermediate days of the Festival from the fact that it teaches: One who was coming along the way and does not have a lulav in his hand. As, if it enters your mind to say that the mishna is referring to the first day of the Festival, is it permitted to travel a long distance on that day? Rather, it is referring to the intermediate days.
מַתְנִי׳ מִי שֶׁהָיָה עֶבֶד אוֹ אִשָּׁה אוֹ קָטָן מַקְרִין אוֹתוֹ — עוֹנֶה אַחֲרֵיהֶן מַה שֶּׁהֵן אוֹמְרִין, וְתָבֹא לוֹ מְאֵירָה. אִם הָיָה גָּדוֹל מַקְרֶא אוֹתוֹ, עוֹנֶה אַחֲרָיו ״הַלְלוּיָהּ״. מָקוֹם שֶׁנָּהֲגוּ לִכְפּוֹל — יִכְפּוֹל, לִפְשׁוֹט — יִפְשׁוֹט, לְבָרֵךְ — יְבָרֵךְ, הַכֹּל כְּמִנְהַג הַמְּדִינָה.
MISHNA: With regard to one for whom a Canaanite slave, a woman, or a minor was reciting hallel, he repeats after them what they are saying word for word. The mishna notes: And may a curse come to him for being so ignorant that he needs them to recite it for him. If an adult male was reciting hallel on his behalf, he need not repeat each word, as the adult male can fulfill the obligation to recite hallel on his behalf. Rather, he simply answers: Halleluya, to each phrase that is recited. In a place where they were accustomed to repeat certain verses, he, too, should repeat them. If the custom is to recite them plainly, without repetition, he should recite them plainly. In a place where the custom is to recite a blessing when reciting hallel, he should recite a blessing. Everything is in accordance with the local custom in these matters.
גְּמָ׳ תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: בֶּאֱמֶת אָמְרוּ בֵּן מְבָרֵךְ לְאָבִיו. וְעֶבֶד מְבָרֵךְ לְרַבּוֹ, וְאִשָּׁה מְבָרֶכֶת לְבַעְלָהּ, אֲבָל אָמְרוּ חֲכָמִים: תָּבֹא מְאֵירָה לְאָדָם שֶׁאִשְׁתּוֹ וּבָנָיו מְבָרְכִין לוֹ.
GEMARA: The Sages taught: Actually, they said that a son may recite a blessing on behalf of his father, and a slave may recite a blessing on behalf of his master, and a woman may recite a blessing on behalf of her husband, but the Sages said: May a curse come to a man who, due to his ignorance, requires his wife and children to recite a blessing on his behalf.
אָמַר רָבָא:
Rava said:
הִלְכְתָא גִּיבָּרָתָא אִיכָּא לְמִשְׁמַע מִמִּנְהֲגָא דְהַלֵּילָא. הוּא אוֹמֵר: ״הַלְלוּיָהּ״, וְהֵן אוֹמְרִים: ״הַלְלוּיָהּ״ — מִכָּאן שֶׁמִּצְוָה לַעֲנוֹת ״הַלְלוּיָהּ״.
Many significant halakhot can be learned from the custom of hallel based on the manner in which it was recited. In reciting hallel there are allusions to several halakhic matters and customs that the Sages instituted due to circumstances extant at the time. Although due to increased literacy and familiarity with the hallel liturgy the reasons no longer apply, these customs remain in practice. The prayer leader recites: “Halleluya” (Psalms 113:1), and the congregation recites: Halleluya, in response. From here is the source that there is a mitzva to respond: Halleluya.
הוּא אוֹמֵר: ״הַלָּלוּ עַבְדֵי ה׳״, וְהֵן אוֹמְרִין: ״הַלְלוּיָהּ״ — מִכָּאן שֶׁאִם הָיָה גָּדוֹל מַקְרֶא אוֹתוֹ, עוֹנֶה אַחֲרָיו ״הַלְלוּיָהּ״. הוּא אוֹמֵר: ״הוֹדוּ לַה׳״, וְהֵן אוֹמְרִים: ״הוֹדוּ לַה׳״ — מִכָּאן שֶׁמִּצְוָה לַעֲנוֹת רָאשֵׁי פְרָקִים. אִתְּמַר נָמֵי, אָמַר רַב חָנָן בַּר רָבָא: מִצְוָה לַעֲנוֹת רָאשֵׁי פְרָקִים.
Likewise, the prayer leader recites: “Give praise, servants of the Lord” (Psalms 113:1), and the congregation recites: Halleluya, in response. From here is the source of the halakha cited in the mishna that if an adult male was reciting hallel on his behalf, he answers: Halleluya. He recites: “Thank the Lord, for He is good” (Psalms 118:1), and they respond: “Thank the Lord, for He is good.” From here is the source that there is a mitzva to respond by reciting the beginnings of chapters. It was also stated that Rav Ḥanan bar Rava said: There is a mitzva to respond by reciting the beginnings of chapters.
הוּא אוֹמֵר: ״אָנָא ה׳ הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא״, וְהֵן אוֹמְרִים: ״אָנָּא ה׳ הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא״, — מִכָּאן שֶׁאִם הָיָה קָטָן מַקְרֶא אוֹתוֹ, עוֹנִין אַחֲרָיו מַה שֶׁהוּא אוֹמֵר.
Rava continued to cite the significant halakhot learned from hallel. The prayer leader recites: “Lord, please save us” (Psalms 118:25), and the congregation recites: “Lord, please save us,” in response. From here is the source of the halakha cited in the mishna that if a minor was reciting a portion that is not from the beginning of a chapter on one’s behalf, he recites after him precisely what he says.
הוּא אוֹמֵר: ״אָנָא ה׳ הַצְלִיחָה נָּא״ וְהֵן אוֹמְרִים: ״אָנָּא ה׳ הַצְלִיחָה נָּא״, מִכָּאן שֶׁאִם בָּא לִכְפּוֹל — כּוֹפֵל. הוּא אוֹמֵר: ״בָּרוּךְ הַבָּא״, וְהֵן אוֹמְרִים: ״בְּשֵׁם ה׳״ — מִכָּאן לְשׁוֹמֵעַ כְּעוֹנֶה.
The prayer leader recites: “Lord, please grant us success,” and the congregation recites in response: “Lord, please grant us success” (Psalms 118:25). From here is the source of the halakha that if one comes to repeat a particular verse in hallel twice, he may repeat it. The prayer leader recites: “Blessed is one who comes” (Psalms 118:26), and the congregation recites the rest of the verse: “In the name of the Lord” (Psalms 118:26), in response. From here is the source of the halakha that the halakhic status of one who hears a passage recited is equivalent to that of one who recites it, as the congregation fulfills its obligation even though it does not repeat the entire verse.
בְּעוֹ מִינֵּיהּ מֵרַבִּי חִיָּיא בַּר אַבָּא: שָׁמַע וְלֹא עָנָה, מַהוּ? אֲמַר לְהוּ: חַכִּימַיָּא וְסָפְרַיָּא וְרֵישֵׁי עַמָּא וְדָרָשַׁיָּא אָמְרוּ: שָׁמַע וְלֹא עָנָה — יָצָא.
Apropos this halakha, the Gemara relates that the Sages raised a dilemma before Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Abba: If one heard a passage recited and did not recite it himself, what is the halakha? Did he fulfill his obligation or not? He said to them that the Sages, and the schoolteachers, and the heads of the nation, and the homiletic interpreters said: One who heard a passage recited and did not recite it himself fulfilled his obligation.
אִתְּמַר נָמֵי, אָמַר רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן פַּזִּי אָמַר רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן לֵוִי מִשּׁוּם בַּר קַפָּרָא: מִנַּיִן לְשׁוֹמֵעַ כְּעוֹנֶה — דִּכְתִיב: ״אֶת (הַדְּבָרִים) אֲשֶׁר קָרָא (יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ)״. וְכִי יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ קְרָאָן? וַהֲלֹא שָׁפָן קְרָאָן, דִּכְתִיב: ״וַיִּקְרָאֵהוּ שָׁפָן (אֵת כׇּל הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה) לִפְנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ״. אֶלָּא, מִכָּאן לְשׁוֹמֵעַ כְּעוֹנֶה.
It was also stated that Rabbi Shimon ben Pazi said that Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said in the name of Bar Kappara: From where is it derived that the halakhic status of one who hears a passage recited is equivalent to that of one who recites it? It is as it is written: “All the words of the book which the king of Judea has read” (II Kings 22:16). And did King Josiah read them? Didn’t Shaphan read them, as it is written: “And Shaphan read it before the king” (II Kings 22:10)? Rather, from here it is derived that the halakhic status of one who hears a passage recited is equivalent to that of one who recites it, and it is as though Josiah read the words himself.
וְדִילְמָא בָּתַר דִּקְרָאנְהוּ שָׁפָן קְרָא יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ? אָמַר רַב אַחָא בַּר יַעֲקֹב: לָא סָלְקָא דַּעְתָּךְ, דִּכְתִיב: ״יַעַן רַךְ לְבָבְךָ וַתִּכָּנַע לִפְנֵי ה׳ בְּשׇׁמְעֲךָ (אֶת הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה)״ — ״בְּשׇׁמְעֲךָ״ וְלָא ״בְּקׇרְאֲךָ״.
The Gemara asks: And perhaps after Shaphan read them Josiah read them again? Rav Aḥa bar Ya’akov said: It should not enter your mind to say so, as it is written: “Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke in this place” (II Kings 22:19). The Gemara infers: “When you heard” is written in the verse, and not: When you read. In other words, immediately upon hearing Shaphan read the text, King Josiah sent for Huldah the prophetess, which shows that he humbled his heart. Clearly, the halakhic status of one who hears a passage recited is equivalent to that of one who recites it.
אָמַר רָבָא: לָא לֵימָא אִינִישׁ ״בָּרוּךְ הַבָּא״ וַהֲדַר ״בְּשֵׁם ה׳״, אֶלָּא ״בָּרוּךְ הַבָּא בְּשֵׁם ה׳״, בַּהֲדָדֵי. (אֲמַר לֵיהּ רַב סָפְרָא:
Apropos hallel, the Gemara cites additional halakhot. Rava said: Let a person not recite: “Blessed is one who comes,” and then, after pausing, recite: “In the name of the Lord.” Rather, let him recite without pause: “Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord.” Rav Safra said to Rava:
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I started learning on January 5, 2020. When I complete the 7+ year cycle I will be 70 years old. I had been intimidated by those who said that I needed to study Talmud in a traditional way with a chevruta, but I decided the learning was more important to me than the method. Thankful for Daf Yomi for Women helping me catch up when I fall behind, and also being able to celebrate with each Siyum!
Bakersfield, United States
I learned daf more off than on 40 years ago. At the beginning of the current cycle, I decided to commit to learning daf regularly. Having Rabanit Michelle available as a learning partner has been amazing. Sometimes I learn with Hadran, sometimes with my husband, and sometimes on my own. It’s been fun to be part of an extended learning community.
Honolulu, Hawaii, 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.
London, United Kingdom
I have joined the community of daf yomi learners at the start of this cycle. I have studied in different ways – by reading the page, translating the page, attending a local shiur and listening to Rabbanit Farber’s podcasts, depending on circumstances and where I was at the time. The reactions have been positive throughout – with no exception!
Guildford, United Kingdom
In early 2020, I began the process of a stem cell transplant. The required extreme isolation forced me to leave work and normal life but gave me time to delve into Jewish text study. I did not feel isolated. I began Daf Yomi at the start of this cycle, with family members joining me online from my hospital room. I’ve used my newly granted time to to engage, grow and connect through this learning.
Worcester, 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.
Ottawa, Canada
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.
מיתר, ישראל
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!
Highland Park, United States
I started learning at the beginning of this cycle more than 2 years ago, and I have not missed a day or a daf. It’s been challenging and enlightening and even mind-numbing at times, but the learning and the shared experience have all been worth it. If you are open to it, there’s no telling what might come into your life.
Phoenix, Arizona, 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.
Minneapolis, United States
I heard about the syium in January 2020 & I was excited to start learning then the pandemic started. Learning Daf became something to focus on but also something stressful. As the world changed around me & my family I had to adjust my expectations for myself & the world. Daf Yomi & the Hadran podcast has been something I look forward to every day. It gives me a moment of centering & Judaism daily.
Denver, United States
I started learning Dec 2019 after reading “If all the Seas Were Ink”. I found
Daily daf sessions of Rabbanit Michelle in her house teaching, I then heard about the siyum and a new cycle starting wow I am in! Afternoon here in Sydney, my family and friends know this is my sacred time to hide away to live zoom and learn. Often it’s hard to absorb and relate then a gem shines touching my heart.
Dover Heights, Australia
I started learning when my brother sent me the news clip of the celebration of the last Daf Yomi cycle. I was so floored to see so many women celebrating that I wanted to be a part of it. It has been an enriching experience studying a text in a language I don’t speak, using background knowledge that I don’t have. It is stretching my learning in unexpected ways, bringing me joy and satisfaction.
Warwick, Rhode Island, United States
New York, 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.
Jerusalem, Israel
In early January of 2020, I learned about Siyyum HaShas and Daf Yomi via Tablet Magazine’s brief daily podcast about the Daf. I found it compelling and fascinating. Soon I discovered Hadran; since then I have learned the Daf daily with Rabbanit Michelle Cohen Farber. The Daf has permeated my every hour, and has transformed and magnified my place within the Jewish Universe.
San Francisco, CA , 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
Efrat, Israel
When I was working and taking care of my children, learning was never on the list. Now that I have more time I have two different Gemora classes and the nach yomi as well as the mishna yomi daily.
Jerusalem, Israel
When the new cycle began, I thought, If not now, when? I’d just turned 72. I feel like a tourist on a tour bus passing astonishing scenery each day. Rabbanit Michelle is my beloved tour guide. When the cycle ends, I’ll be 80. I pray that I’ll have strength and mind to continue the journey to glimpse a little more. My grandchildren think having a daf-learning savta is cool!
Jerusalem, Israel
In my Shana bet at Migdal Oz I attended the Hadran siyum hash”as. Witnessing so many women so passionate about their Torah learning and connection to God, I knew I had to begin with the coming cycle. My wedding (June 24) was two weeks before the siyum of mesechet yoma so I went a little ahead and was able to make a speech and siyum at my kiseh kallah on my wedding day!
Givat Shmuel, Israel
Sukkah 38
שְׁיָרֵי מִצְוָה מְעַכְּבִין אֶת הַפּוּרְעָנוּת. שֶׁהֲרֵי תְּנוּפָה שְׁיָרֵי מִצְוָה הִיא — וְעוֹצֶרֶת רוּחוֹת וּטְלָלִים רָעִים. וְאָמַר רָבָא: וְכֵן בְּלוּלָב. רַב אַחָא בַּר יַעֲקֹב מַמְטֵי לֵיהּ וּמַיְיתֵי לֵיהּ, אֲמַר: דֵּין גִּירָא בְּעֵינֵיהּ דְּסִטְנָא. וְלָאו מִלְּתָא הִיא, מִשּׁוּם דְּאָתֵי לְאִיגָּרוֹיֵי בֵּיהּ.
non-essential aspects of a mitzva avert calamity, as waving is a non-essential aspect of the mitzva, since even if one failed to wave the loaves he fulfilled his obligation, and nevertheless it halts harmful winds and dews. And Rava said: And likewise one should conduct himself the same way with a lulav, i.e., one should wave it to and fro and raise and lower it for the same reasons. When Rav Aḥa bar Ya’akov would move the lulav to and fro, he would say: This is an arrow in the eye of Satan, as despite his best efforts, the Jewish people continue to joyously fulfill mitzvot. The Gemara notes: That is not a proper manner of conduct, as it will induce Satan to come to incite him to sin. Gloating due to his victory over the evil inclination will lead Satan to redouble his efforts to corrupt him.
מַתְנִי׳ מִי שֶׁבָּא בַּדֶּרֶךְ וְלֹא הָיָה בְּיָדוֹ לוּלָב לִיטּוֹל — לִכְשֶׁיִּכָּנֵס לְבֵיתוֹ, יִטּוֹל עַל שֻׁלְחָנוֹ. לֹא נָטַל שַׁחֲרִית — יִטּוֹל בֵּין הָעַרְבַּיִם, שֶׁכׇּל הַיּוֹם כָּשֵׁר לְלוּלָב.
MISHNA: With regard to one who was coming along the way and did not have a lulav in his hand to take and fulfill the mitzva while traveling, when he enters his house to eat, he should take the lulav at his table. He interrupts his meal to fulfill the mitzva of lulav. If he did not take the lulav in the morning, he should take it in the afternoon, as the entire day is suited for fulfilling the mitzva of lulav.
גְּמָ׳ אָמְרַתְּ, נוֹטְלוֹ עַל שֻׁלְחָנוֹ; לְמֵימְרָא דְּמַפְסֵיק? וּרְמִינְהִי: אִם הִתְחִילוּ — אֵין מַפְסִיקִין! אָמַר רַב סָפְרָא: לָא קַשְׁיָא, הָא — דְּאִיכָּא שְׁהוּת בַּיּוֹם, הָא — דְּלֵיכָּא שְׁהוּת בַּיּוֹם.
GEMARA: The Gemara analyzes the mishna. On one hand, you said that if he did not take the lulav before the meal then he takes it at his table. That is to say that if remembers that he did not yet take the lulav, he interrupts his meal, takes the lulav, and then continues his meal. And the Gemara raises a contradiction from a mishna (Shabbat 9b): One may not begin to eat before he recites the afternoon prayer; however, if they started a meal, they need not interrupt the meal in order to pray. Rav Safra said: This is not difficult, as that mishna, where one need not interrupt his meal, is referring to a case where there is opportunity to pray later in the day; this mishna, where one must interrupt his meal, is referring to a case where there is no opportunity to take the lulav later in the day. In that case, one must fulfill the mitzva immediately.
אָמַר רָבָא: מַאי קוּשְׁיָא? דִּילְמָא הָא דְּאוֹרָיְיתָא, הָא דְּרַבָּנַן. אֶלָּא אָמַר רָבָא: אִי קַשְׁיָא — הָא קַשְׁיָא: לִכְשֶׁיִּכָּנֵס לְבֵיתוֹ — נוֹטְלוֹ עַל שֻׁלְחָנוֹ, אַלְמָא דְּמַפְסֵיק, וַהֲדַר תָּנֵי: לֹא נָטַל שַׁחֲרִית — יִטּוֹל בֵּין הָעַרְבַּיִם. אַלְמָא לָא מַפְסֵיק!
Rava said: What is the difficulty? The two cases are different, and there is no contradiction at all. Perhaps this mitzva of lulav is a mitzva by Torah law, and therefore one must interrupt his meal to take the lulav, while that mitzva to recite the afternoon prayer is a mitzva by rabbinic law, and therefore one need not interrupt his meal to pray. Rather, Rava said: If there is a difficulty, i.e., a contradiction, this is the difficulty: In the first clause in the mishna it says that when he enters his house to eat, he should take the lulav at his table. Apparently, one must interrupt his meal. And then in the latter clause of the mishna it is taught: If he did not take the lulav in the morning, he should take it in the afternoon. Apparently, he need not interrupt his meal.
אָמַר רַב סָפְרָא: לָא קַשְׁיָא, הָא — דְּאִיכָּא שְׁהוּת בַּיּוֹם, הָא — דְּלֵיכָּא שְׁהוּת בַּיּוֹם.
Resolving the contradiction, Rav Safra said: This is not difficult. This clause, where one need not interrupt his meal, is referring to a case where there is opportunity to take the lulav later in the day; that clause, where one must interrupt his meal, is referring to a case where there is no opportunity to take the lulav later in the day.
אָמַר רַבִּי זֵירָא: מַאי קוּשְׁיָא? דִּלְמָא: מִצְוָה לְאַפְסוֹקֵי, וְאִי לָא פְּסַיק — יִטּוֹל בֵּין הָעַרְבַּיִם, שֶׁכׇּל הַיּוֹם כָּשֵׁר לְלוּלָב. אֶלָּא אָמַר רַבִּי זֵירָא: לְעוֹלָם כִּדְאָמְרִינַן מֵעִיקָּרָא, וּדְקַשְׁיָא לָךְ הָא דְּאוֹרָיְיתָא הָא דְּרַבָּנַן — הָכָא בְּיוֹם טוֹב שֵׁנִי דְּרַבָּנַן עָסְקִינַן.
Rabbi Zeira said: What is the difficulty? There is no contradiction, as perhaps the mishna is teaching that there is a mitzva to interrupt one’s meal and take the lulav; but if he did not interrupt his meal he should take it in the afternoon, as the entire day is suited for fulfilling the mitzva of lulav. Rather, Rabbi Zeira said: Actually, the contradiction is as we said initially, between the ruling with regard to lulav and the ruling with regard to the afternoon prayer. And as to that which you found difficult, i.e., there is no contradiction at all, as this mitzva of lulav is a mitzva by Torah law and that mitzva to recite the afternoon prayer is a mitzva by rabbinic law, that is not difficult; as here, in the case of lulav, we are dealing with the second day of the Festival and beyond, during the intermediate days, when the mitzva of lulav is by rabbinic law. The contradiction is therefore between the rulings pertaining to two mitzvot by rabbinic law.
דַּיְקָא נָמֵי, מִדְּקָתָנֵי: מִי שֶׁבָּא בַּדֶּרֶךְ וְאֵין בְּיָדוֹ לוּלָב. דְּאִי סָלְקָא דַעְתָּךְ בְּיוֹם טוֹב רִאשׁוֹן — מִי שְׁרֵי?!
The language of the mishna is also precise and indicates that it is dealing with the intermediate days of the Festival from the fact that it teaches: One who was coming along the way and does not have a lulav in his hand. As, if it enters your mind to say that the mishna is referring to the first day of the Festival, is it permitted to travel a long distance on that day? Rather, it is referring to the intermediate days.
מַתְנִי׳ מִי שֶׁהָיָה עֶבֶד אוֹ אִשָּׁה אוֹ קָטָן מַקְרִין אוֹתוֹ — עוֹנֶה אַחֲרֵיהֶן מַה שֶּׁהֵן אוֹמְרִין, וְתָבֹא לוֹ מְאֵירָה. אִם הָיָה גָּדוֹל מַקְרֶא אוֹתוֹ, עוֹנֶה אַחֲרָיו ״הַלְלוּיָהּ״. מָקוֹם שֶׁנָּהֲגוּ לִכְפּוֹל — יִכְפּוֹל, לִפְשׁוֹט — יִפְשׁוֹט, לְבָרֵךְ — יְבָרֵךְ, הַכֹּל כְּמִנְהַג הַמְּדִינָה.
MISHNA: With regard to one for whom a Canaanite slave, a woman, or a minor was reciting hallel, he repeats after them what they are saying word for word. The mishna notes: And may a curse come to him for being so ignorant that he needs them to recite it for him. If an adult male was reciting hallel on his behalf, he need not repeat each word, as the adult male can fulfill the obligation to recite hallel on his behalf. Rather, he simply answers: Halleluya, to each phrase that is recited. In a place where they were accustomed to repeat certain verses, he, too, should repeat them. If the custom is to recite them plainly, without repetition, he should recite them plainly. In a place where the custom is to recite a blessing when reciting hallel, he should recite a blessing. Everything is in accordance with the local custom in these matters.
גְּמָ׳ תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: בֶּאֱמֶת אָמְרוּ בֵּן מְבָרֵךְ לְאָבִיו. וְעֶבֶד מְבָרֵךְ לְרַבּוֹ, וְאִשָּׁה מְבָרֶכֶת לְבַעְלָהּ, אֲבָל אָמְרוּ חֲכָמִים: תָּבֹא מְאֵירָה לְאָדָם שֶׁאִשְׁתּוֹ וּבָנָיו מְבָרְכִין לוֹ.
GEMARA: The Sages taught: Actually, they said that a son may recite a blessing on behalf of his father, and a slave may recite a blessing on behalf of his master, and a woman may recite a blessing on behalf of her husband, but the Sages said: May a curse come to a man who, due to his ignorance, requires his wife and children to recite a blessing on his behalf.
אָמַר רָבָא:
Rava said:
הִלְכְתָא גִּיבָּרָתָא אִיכָּא לְמִשְׁמַע מִמִּנְהֲגָא דְהַלֵּילָא. הוּא אוֹמֵר: ״הַלְלוּיָהּ״, וְהֵן אוֹמְרִים: ״הַלְלוּיָהּ״ — מִכָּאן שֶׁמִּצְוָה לַעֲנוֹת ״הַלְלוּיָהּ״.
Many significant halakhot can be learned from the custom of hallel based on the manner in which it was recited. In reciting hallel there are allusions to several halakhic matters and customs that the Sages instituted due to circumstances extant at the time. Although due to increased literacy and familiarity with the hallel liturgy the reasons no longer apply, these customs remain in practice. The prayer leader recites: “Halleluya” (Psalms 113:1), and the congregation recites: Halleluya, in response. From here is the source that there is a mitzva to respond: Halleluya.
הוּא אוֹמֵר: ״הַלָּלוּ עַבְדֵי ה׳״, וְהֵן אוֹמְרִין: ״הַלְלוּיָהּ״ — מִכָּאן שֶׁאִם הָיָה גָּדוֹל מַקְרֶא אוֹתוֹ, עוֹנֶה אַחֲרָיו ״הַלְלוּיָהּ״. הוּא אוֹמֵר: ״הוֹדוּ לַה׳״, וְהֵן אוֹמְרִים: ״הוֹדוּ לַה׳״ — מִכָּאן שֶׁמִּצְוָה לַעֲנוֹת רָאשֵׁי פְרָקִים. אִתְּמַר נָמֵי, אָמַר רַב חָנָן בַּר רָבָא: מִצְוָה לַעֲנוֹת רָאשֵׁי פְרָקִים.
Likewise, the prayer leader recites: “Give praise, servants of the Lord” (Psalms 113:1), and the congregation recites: Halleluya, in response. From here is the source of the halakha cited in the mishna that if an adult male was reciting hallel on his behalf, he answers: Halleluya. He recites: “Thank the Lord, for He is good” (Psalms 118:1), and they respond: “Thank the Lord, for He is good.” From here is the source that there is a mitzva to respond by reciting the beginnings of chapters. It was also stated that Rav Ḥanan bar Rava said: There is a mitzva to respond by reciting the beginnings of chapters.
הוּא אוֹמֵר: ״אָנָא ה׳ הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא״, וְהֵן אוֹמְרִים: ״אָנָּא ה׳ הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא״, — מִכָּאן שֶׁאִם הָיָה קָטָן מַקְרֶא אוֹתוֹ, עוֹנִין אַחֲרָיו מַה שֶׁהוּא אוֹמֵר.
Rava continued to cite the significant halakhot learned from hallel. The prayer leader recites: “Lord, please save us” (Psalms 118:25), and the congregation recites: “Lord, please save us,” in response. From here is the source of the halakha cited in the mishna that if a minor was reciting a portion that is not from the beginning of a chapter on one’s behalf, he recites after him precisely what he says.
הוּא אוֹמֵר: ״אָנָא ה׳ הַצְלִיחָה נָּא״ וְהֵן אוֹמְרִים: ״אָנָּא ה׳ הַצְלִיחָה נָּא״, מִכָּאן שֶׁאִם בָּא לִכְפּוֹל — כּוֹפֵל. הוּא אוֹמֵר: ״בָּרוּךְ הַבָּא״, וְהֵן אוֹמְרִים: ״בְּשֵׁם ה׳״ — מִכָּאן לְשׁוֹמֵעַ כְּעוֹנֶה.
The prayer leader recites: “Lord, please grant us success,” and the congregation recites in response: “Lord, please grant us success” (Psalms 118:25). From here is the source of the halakha that if one comes to repeat a particular verse in hallel twice, he may repeat it. The prayer leader recites: “Blessed is one who comes” (Psalms 118:26), and the congregation recites the rest of the verse: “In the name of the Lord” (Psalms 118:26), in response. From here is the source of the halakha that the halakhic status of one who hears a passage recited is equivalent to that of one who recites it, as the congregation fulfills its obligation even though it does not repeat the entire verse.
בְּעוֹ מִינֵּיהּ מֵרַבִּי חִיָּיא בַּר אַבָּא: שָׁמַע וְלֹא עָנָה, מַהוּ? אֲמַר לְהוּ: חַכִּימַיָּא וְסָפְרַיָּא וְרֵישֵׁי עַמָּא וְדָרָשַׁיָּא אָמְרוּ: שָׁמַע וְלֹא עָנָה — יָצָא.
Apropos this halakha, the Gemara relates that the Sages raised a dilemma before Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Abba: If one heard a passage recited and did not recite it himself, what is the halakha? Did he fulfill his obligation or not? He said to them that the Sages, and the schoolteachers, and the heads of the nation, and the homiletic interpreters said: One who heard a passage recited and did not recite it himself fulfilled his obligation.
אִתְּמַר נָמֵי, אָמַר רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן פַּזִּי אָמַר רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן לֵוִי מִשּׁוּם בַּר קַפָּרָא: מִנַּיִן לְשׁוֹמֵעַ כְּעוֹנֶה — דִּכְתִיב: ״אֶת (הַדְּבָרִים) אֲשֶׁר קָרָא (יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ)״. וְכִי יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ קְרָאָן? וַהֲלֹא שָׁפָן קְרָאָן, דִּכְתִיב: ״וַיִּקְרָאֵהוּ שָׁפָן (אֵת כׇּל הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה) לִפְנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ״. אֶלָּא, מִכָּאן לְשׁוֹמֵעַ כְּעוֹנֶה.
It was also stated that Rabbi Shimon ben Pazi said that Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said in the name of Bar Kappara: From where is it derived that the halakhic status of one who hears a passage recited is equivalent to that of one who recites it? It is as it is written: “All the words of the book which the king of Judea has read” (II Kings 22:16). And did King Josiah read them? Didn’t Shaphan read them, as it is written: “And Shaphan read it before the king” (II Kings 22:10)? Rather, from here it is derived that the halakhic status of one who hears a passage recited is equivalent to that of one who recites it, and it is as though Josiah read the words himself.
וְדִילְמָא בָּתַר דִּקְרָאנְהוּ שָׁפָן קְרָא יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ? אָמַר רַב אַחָא בַּר יַעֲקֹב: לָא סָלְקָא דַּעְתָּךְ, דִּכְתִיב: ״יַעַן רַךְ לְבָבְךָ וַתִּכָּנַע לִפְנֵי ה׳ בְּשׇׁמְעֲךָ (אֶת הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה)״ — ״בְּשׇׁמְעֲךָ״ וְלָא ״בְּקׇרְאֲךָ״.
The Gemara asks: And perhaps after Shaphan read them Josiah read them again? Rav Aḥa bar Ya’akov said: It should not enter your mind to say so, as it is written: “Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke in this place” (II Kings 22:19). The Gemara infers: “When you heard” is written in the verse, and not: When you read. In other words, immediately upon hearing Shaphan read the text, King Josiah sent for Huldah the prophetess, which shows that he humbled his heart. Clearly, the halakhic status of one who hears a passage recited is equivalent to that of one who recites it.
אָמַר רָבָא: לָא לֵימָא אִינִישׁ ״בָּרוּךְ הַבָּא״ וַהֲדַר ״בְּשֵׁם ה׳״, אֶלָּא ״בָּרוּךְ הַבָּא בְּשֵׁם ה׳״, בַּהֲדָדֵי. (אֲמַר לֵיהּ רַב סָפְרָא:
Apropos hallel, the Gemara cites additional halakhot. Rava said: Let a person not recite: “Blessed is one who comes,” and then, after pausing, recite: “In the name of the Lord.” Rather, let him recite without pause: “Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord.” Rav Safra said to Rava:
