Search

Yoma 10

Want to dedicate learning? Get started here:

English
עברית
podcast placeholder

0:00
0:00




podcast placeholder

0:00
0:00




Summary

Today’s daf is sponsored by Ellen Golub in loving memory of her aunt, Lottie Cohen, on her seventh yahrzeit. “Auntie Lottie spoke a beautiful Yiddish and was a woman of extraordinary patience, love, and generosity of spirit. Yehi zichrona li’vracha.” And by Yoni Bock to his partner Ron Kaplan on achieving a half-century milestone. “From never having studied a page of Talmud to taking time to tackle daf yomi daily, you are an inspiration. Happy birthday! Ad meah v’esrim.” And for a refuah shleima for  Noach Avraham ben Batya Shana.

How do we know the Persians came from Yefet? The gemara brings lists of names in Genesis Chapter 10 and explains what they are referring to. Will the Persians fall into the hands of the Romans or the reverse? Is the Lishkat Parhedrin obligated in a mezuza or not? Rabbi Yehuda and the rabbis disagree. They also have the same a similar debate regarding a mezuza on a sukka but their opinions there contradict their opinions here. How is that contradiction resolved?

Today’s daily daf tools:

Yoma 10

אַף עַל גַּב דְּ״יַפְתְּ אֱלֹהִים לְיֶפֶת״ — אֵין הַשְּׁכִינָה שׁוֹרָה אֶלָּא בְּאׇהֳלֵי שֵׁם.

The Gemara explains: Although God will enlarge Japheth, referring to the Persians, who descended from Japheth and who assisted in constructing the Second Temple, the Divine Presence rests only in the tents of Shem, in the First Temple, which was built by King Solomon without the patronage of a foreign power.

וּפָרְסָאֵי מְנָא לַן דְּמִיֶּפֶת קָאָתוּ, דִּכְתִיב: ״בְּנֵי יֶפֶת גּוֹמֶר וּמָגוֹג וּמָדַי וְיָוָן וְתוּבָל וּמֶשֶׁךְ וְתִירָס״. גּוֹמֶר — זֶה גֶּרְמַמְיָא, מָגוֹג — זוֹ קַנְדִּיָּא, מָדַי — זוֹ מַקֵדוֹנְיָא, יָוָן — כְּמַשְׁמָעוֹ, תּוּבָל — זֶה בֵּית אוּנַיְיקִי, מֶשֶׁךְ — זוֹ מוּסְיָא, תִּירָס, פְּלִיגִי בַּהּ רַבִּי סִימַאי וְרַבָּנַן, וְאָמְרִי לַהּ רַבִּי סִימוֹן וְרַבָּנַן, חַד אָמַר: זוֹ בֵּית תְּרַיְיקִי, וְחַד אָמַר: זוֹ פָּרַס. תָּנֵי רַב יוֹסֵף: תִּירָס — זוֹ פָּרַס.

§ The Gemara asks: From where do we derive that the Persians descend from Japheth? The Gemara answers: As it is written: “The sons of Japheth were Gomer and Magog and Madai and Javan and Tuval and Meshech and Tiras (Genesis 10:2). The Gemara explains: Gomer, that is Germamya; Magog, that is Kandiya; Madai, that is Macedonia; Javan, in accordance with its plain meaning, Greece; Tuval, that is the nation called Beit Unaiki; Meshech, that is Musya. With regard to Tiras, Rabbi Simai and the Rabbis disagree, and some say the dispute is between Rabbi Simon and the Rabbis: One said: That is Beit Teraiki, and one said: That is Persia. According to that approach, Persia is listed among the descendants of Japheth. Rav Yosef taught: Tiras is Persia.

״סַבְתָּה וְרַעְמָה וְסַבְתְּכָא״, תָּנֵי רַב יוֹסֵף: סַקִּיסְתָּן גַּוָּיְיתָא וְסַקִּיסְתָּן בָּרַיְיתָא, בֵּין חֲדָא לַחֲדָא מְאָה פַּרְסֵי, וְהֶיקֵּפַהּ אַלְפָּא פַּרְסֵי.

The list of nations continues: “And Sabtah and Raamah and Sabteca” (Genesis 10:7). Rav Yosef taught: These are the inner Sakistan and the outer Sakistan. Between one and the other there was a distance of one hundred parasangs, and the circumference of the land was one thousand parasangs.

״וַתְּהִי רֵאשִׁית מַמְלַכְתּוֹ בָּבֶל וְאֶרֶךְ וְאַכַּד וְכַלְנֵה״, בָּבֶל — כְּמַשְׁמְעָה, אֶרֶךְ — זֶה אוֹרִיכוּת, וְאַכַּד — זֶה בַּשְׁכַּר, כַּלְנֵה — זֶה נוּפַר נִינְפִי.

The Gemara continues interpreting the verses. It is stated: “And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar” (Genesis 10:10). Babel in accordance with its plain meaning, Babylonia; Erech, that is the city known then as Orikhut; and Accad, that is the place known then as Baskar; Calneh, that is Nofer Ninefi.

״מִן הָאָרֶץ הָהִיא יָצָא אַשּׁוּר״, תָּנֵי רַב יוֹסֵף: אַשּׁוּר — זֶה סִילַק. ״וַיִּבֶן אֶת נִינְוֵה וְאֶת רְחוֹבוֹת עִיר וְאֶת כָּלַח״, נִינְוֵה — כְּמַשְׁמָעוֹ, רְחוֹבוֹת עִיר — זוֹ פְּרָת דְּמֵישָׁן, כָּלַח — זוֹ פְּרָת דְּבוֹרְסִיף. ״וְאֶת רֶסֶן בֵּין נִינְוֵה וּבֵין כָּלַח הִיא הָעִיר הַגְּדוֹלָה״, רֶסֶן — זֶה אַקְטִיסְפוֹן. ״הִיא הָעִיר הַגְּדוֹלָה״ — אֵינִי יוֹדֵעַ אִם נִינְוֵה הָעִיר הַגְּדוֹלָה, אִם רֶסֶן הָעִיר הַגְּדוֹלָה. כְּשֶׁהוּא אוֹמֵר ״וְנִינְוֵה הָיְתָה עִיר גְּדוֹלָה לֵאלֹהִים מַהֲלַךְ שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים״, הֱוֵי אוֹמֵר: נִינְוֵה הִיא הָעִיר הַגְּדוֹלָה.

The Torah continues: “Out of that land went forth Asshur (Genesis 10:11). Rav Yosef taught: Asshur, that is Silek, meaning that is the region where the town Silkiya was built. “And built Nineveh and Rehoboth-ir and Calah” (Genesis 10:11). Nineveh, in accordance with its plain meaning; Rehovoth-ir, that is the town later known as Perat of Meishan; Calah, that is Perat of Bursif. “And Resen between Nineveh and Calah, it is the great city” (Genesis 10:12). Resen, that is the town later known as Akteisfon. It is the great city; I do not know whether this means that Nineveh is the great city, or whether it means that Resen is the great city. When it says: “And Nineveh was a great city of God, a three-day journey across” (Jonah 3:3), you must say that Nineveh is the great city.

״וְשָׁם אֲחִימַן שֵׁשַׁי וְתַלְמַי יְלִידֵי הָעֲנָק״, תָּנָא: אֲחִימַן — מְיוּמָּן שֶׁבָּאַחִים, שֵׁשַׁי — שֶׁמֵּשִׂים אֶת הָאָרֶץ כִּשְׁחִיתוֹת, תַּלְמַי — שֶׁמֵּשִׂים אֶת הָאָרֶץ תְּלָמִים תְּלָמִים. דָּבָר אַחֵר: אֲחִימַן בָּנָה עֲנָת, שֵׁשַׁי בָּנָה אָלוּשׁ, תַּלְמַי בָּנָה תַּלְבּוּשׁ. ״יְלִידֵי הָעֲנָק״ — שֶׁמַּעֲנִיקִין הַחַמָּה בְּקוֹמָתָן.

The Gemara continues to discuss the interpretation of names in the Bible. The Torah says: “And there were Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak” (Numbers 13:22). It was taught: Ahiman was so called because he was the greatest and most skillful [meyuman] of his brothers. Ahiman is a contraction of brother [aḥ] and right [yamin], which is the skilled hand. Sheshai was so called because he renders the ground like pits [sheḥitot] with his strides. Talmai was so called because he renders the ground filled with furrows [telamim] with his strides. Alternatively: Ahiman built the city of Anat; Sheshai built the town Alush; Talmai built the city of Talbush. The children of Anak is referring to the fact that it appears that the sun is a necklace [shema’anikin] around their necks because of their height.

אָמַר רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן לֵוִי אָמַר רַבִּי: עֲתִידָה רוֹמִי שֶׁתִּפּוֹל בְּיַד פָּרַס, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״לָכֵן שִׁמְעוּ עֲצַת ה׳ אֲשֶׁר יָעַץ (עַל) אֱדוֹם וּמַחְשְׁבוֹתָיו אֲשֶׁר חָשַׁב (עַל) יוֹשְׁבֵי תֵימָן אִם לֹא יִסְחָבוּם צְעִירֵי הַצֹּאן אִם לֹא יַשִּׁים עֲלֵיהֶם נְוֵהֶם״.

§ Apropos the opinion that Tiras is Persia, the Gemara addresses a related matter. Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said that Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi said: Rome is destined to fall into the hands of Persia, as it is stated: “Now hear the plan that the Lord has devised for Edom, and the thoughts He has considered for the residents of Teiman. Surely the youngest of the flock will drag them away, surely their habitation will be appalled due to them” (Jeremiah 49:20).

מַתְקֵיף לַהּ רַבָּה בַּר עוּלָּא: מַאי מַשְׁמַע דְּהַאי ״צְעִירֵי הַצֹּאן״ פָּרַס הוּא — דִּכְתִיב: ״הָאַיִל אֲשֶׁר רָאִיתָ בַּעַל הַקְּרָנָיִם (הוּא) מַלְכֵי מָדַי וּפָרָס״. וְאֵימָא יָוָן, דִּכְתִיב: ״וְהַצָּפִיר הַשָּׂעִיר מֶלֶךְ יָוָן״!

Rabba bar Ulla strongly objected to this. From where may it be inferred that this phrase: Youngest of the flock, is Persia? It is as it is written: “The ram that you saw sporting two horns are the kings of Media and Persia” (Daniel 8:20), and the ram is a member of the flock mentioned in the verse. Still, how is that proof? And say that youngest of the flock refers to Greece, who will overthrow Rome, as it is written: “The goat is the king of Greece” (Daniel 8:21). The goat, too, could be characterized as a member of the flock.

כִּי סְלֵיק רַב חֲבִיבָא בַּר סוֹרְמַקִי, אַמְרַהּ קַמֵּיהּ דְּהָהוּא מֵרַבָּנַן, אֲמַר לֵיהּ: מַאן דְּלָא יָדַע פָּרוֹשֵׁי קְרָאֵי מוֹתֵיב תְּיוּבְתָּא לְרַבִּי?! מַאי ״צְעִירֵי הַצֹּאן״ — זוּטְרָא דַּאֲחוֹהִי. דְּתָנֵי רַב יוֹסֵף: תִּירָס — זֶה פָּרַס.

When Rav Ḥaviva bar Surmakei ascended from Babylonia to Eretz Yisrael, he stated this difficulty before a certain one of the Sages. That Sage said to him: One who does not know how to interpret verses is so arrogant that he raises an objection to the opinion of the great Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi? Indeed, Rabba bar Ulla misunderstood the basis of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi’s interpretation. What is the meaning of the phrase: The youngest of the flock? It means the youngest of the brothers, a reference to Persia, as Rav Yosef taught: Tiras, the youngest of Japheth’s sons, that is Persia.

אָמַר רַבָּה בַּר בַּר חָנָה אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן מִשּׁוּם רַבִּי יְהוּדָה בְּרַבִּי אִלְעַאי: עֲתִידָה רוֹמִי שֶׁתִּפּוֹל בְּיַד פָּרַס, קַל וָחוֹמֶר: וּמָה מִקְדָּשׁ רִאשׁוֹן שֶׁבְּנָאוּהוּ בְּנֵי שֵׁם וְהֶחְרִיבוּהוּ כַּשְׂדִּיִּים — נָפְלוּ כַּשְׂדִּיִּים בְּיַד פָּרְסִיִּים. מִקְדָּשׁ שֵׁנִי שֶׁבְּנָאוּהוּ פָּרְסִיִּים וְהֶחְרִיבוּהוּ רוֹמִיִּים — אֵינוֹ דִּין שֶׁיִּפְּלוּ רוֹמִיִּים בְּיַד פָּרְסִיִּים?

Similarly, Rabba bar bar Ḥana said that Rabbi Yoḥanan said in the name of Rabbi Yehuda, son of Rabbi Elai: Rome is destined to fall into the hands of Persia. This is derived by means of an a fortiori inference: Just as the First Temple, that the descendants of Shem built it and the Chaldeans destroyed it, and in turn the Chaldeans, ruled by Belshazzar, fell to Persians, ruled by Darius the Mede and his son-in-law Cyrus the Persian; the Second Temple, that the Persians built it and the Romans destroyed it, is it not right that the Romans will fall into the hands of the Persians?

אָמַר רַב: עֲתִידָה פָּרַס שֶׁתִּפּוֹל בְּיַד רוֹמִי. אֲמַרוּ לֵיהּ רַב כָּהֲנָא וְרַב אַסִּי לְרַב: בָּנוֹיֵי בְּיַד סָתוֹרֵי?! אֲמַר לְהוּ: אִין, גְּזֵירַת מֶלֶךְ הִיא. אִיכָּא דְאָמְרִי, אֲמַר (לֵיהּ): אִינְהוּ נָמֵי הָא קָא סָתְרִי בֵּי כְנִישְׁתָּא.

In contrast, Rav said: Persia is destined to fall into the hands of Rome. Rav Kahana and Rav Asi, Rav’s students, said to Rav: The builders will fall into the hands of the destroyers? Is that justice? He said to them: Although it seems unjust, yes, that is the King’s decree. Some say that he said this to them: They, too, are destroyers of synagogues, and they are no better than the Romans.

תַּנְיָא נָמֵי הָכִי: עֲתִידָה פָּרַס שֶׁתִּפּוֹל בְּיַד רוֹמִי, חֲדָא — דְּסָתְרִי בֵּי כְנִישְׁתָּא, וְעוֹד: גְּזֵירַת מֶלֶךְ הוּא שֶׁיִּפְּלוּ בּוֹנִין בְּיַד סוֹתְרִין. דְּאָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר רַב: אֵין בֶּן דָּוִד בָּא עַד שֶׁתִּפְשׁוֹט מַלְכוּת רוֹמִי הָרְשָׁעָה בְּכׇל הָעוֹלָם כּוּלּוֹ תִּשְׁעָה חֳדָשִׁים, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״לָכֵן יִתְּנֵם עַד עֵת יוֹלֵדָה יָלָדָה וְיֶתֶר אֶחָיו יְשׁוּבוּן עַל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל״.

That was also taught in a baraita: Persia is destined to fall into the hands of Rome. One reason is that they destroyed synagogues. And furthermore, it is the King’s decree that the builders will fall into the hands of the destroyers, as Rav Yehuda said that Rav said: The son of David will come only when the wicked kingdom of Rome spreads its dominance throughout the world for nine months, as it is stated: “Therefore He will give them up until she who is to bear has borne; then the remnants of his brethren will return with the children of Israel (Micah 5:2). The duration of Rome’s rule over the world will be the duration of a pregnancy, nine months.

תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: כׇּל הַלְּשָׁכוֹת שֶׁהָיוּ בְּמִקְדָּשׁ לֹא הָיוּ לָהֶן מְזוּזָה, חוּץ מִלִּשְׁכַּת פַּרְהֶדְרִין, שֶׁהָיָה בָּהּ בֵּית דִּירָה לְכֹהֵן גָּדוֹל.

§ The Gemara resumes the discussion of the High Priest’s relocation to the Parhedrin chamber. The Rabbis taught: None of the chambers in the Temple had a mezuza except for the Chamber of Parhedrin, in which there was a place of residence of the High Priest. Only residences in which one sleeps require a mezuza, and the only chamber in the Temple that fits that description was the Parhedrin chamber.

אָמַר רַבִּי יְהוּדָה: וַהֲלֹא כַּמָּה לְשָׁכוֹת הָיוּ בְּמִקְדָּשׁ שֶׁהָיָה לָהֶן בֵּית דִּירָה, וְלֹא הָיָה לָהֶן מְזוּזָה? אֶלָּא לִשְׁכַּת פַּרְהֶדְרִין גְּזֵירָה הָיְתָה.

Rabbi Yehuda said: That is not the reason; after all, weren’t there several chambers in the Temple in which there was a place of residence designated for priests to sit and sleep, and yet they did not have a mezuza? Rather, the mezuza in the Chamber of Parhedrin was there because there was a rabbinic decree.

מַאי טַעְמָא דְּרַבִּי יְהוּדָה? אָמַר (רָבָא): קָסָבַר רַבִּי יְהוּדָה: כׇּל בַּיִת שֶׁאֵינוֹ עָשׂוּי לִימוֹת הַחַמָּה וְלִימוֹת הַגְּשָׁמִים — אֵינוֹ בַּיִת. אֵיתִיבֵיהּ אַבָּיֵי, וְהָכְתִיב: ״וְהִכֵּיתִי (אֶת) בֵּית הַחוֹרֶף עַל בֵּית הַקָּיִץ״! אֲמַר לֵיהּ: ״בֵּית חוֹרֶף״ וּ״בֵית קַיִץ״ אִיקְּרִי, ״בַּיִת״ סְתָמָא לָא אִיקְּרִי.

The Gemara asks: What is the reason for the opinion of Rabbi Yehuda that there was no fundamental obligation to affix a mezuza in the Parhedrin chamber, and that one was affixed there due to a decree? Rava said that Rabbi Yehuda holds: The legal status of any house that is not designated for residence both for the summer and for the rainy season is not that of a house and therefore does not require a mezuza. Abaye raised an objection to his opinion from a verse. How could you suggest that the legal status of a residence occupied for only part of the year is not that of a house? Isn’t it written: “I will strike the winter-house with the summer-house” (Amos 3:15)? Apparently, even a residence occupied only half the year is a house. Rava said to him: A residence occupied only part of the year may be called the winter-house or the summer-house. It is not called a house unmodified. A house is a structure used year round.

אֵיתִיבֵיהּ אַבָּיֵי: סוּכַּת הֶחָג בֶּחָג, רַבִּי יְהוּדָה מְחַיֵּיב וַחֲכָמִים פּוֹטְרִין. וְתָנֵי עֲלַהּ: רַבִּי יְהוּדָה מְחַיֵּיב בְּעֵירוּב וּבִמְזוּזָה וּבְמַעֲשֵׂר!

Abaye raised a different objection to the opinion of Rava, from a mishna: If one brought produce from the field into the sukka that he constructed for the festival of Sukkot on the festival of Sukkot, Rabbi Yehuda obligates him to tithe the produce and the Rabbis exempt him from tithing the produce. And it was taught concerning the mishna: Rabbi Yehuda obligates the owner of that sukka to include the sukka in the joining of courtyards, like any of the houses in the courtyard; and in the mitzva of affixing a mezuza in the sukka; and in separating tithes from produce brought into the sukka. One is obligated to tithe his produce only when its processing has been completed. When he brings the produce into the house, he is obligated to tithe it. Rabbi Yehuda holds that the legal status of a sukka, in which one resides for a mere seven days, is that of a house in terms of the mitzva of mezuza.

וְכִי תֵּימָא מִדְּרַבָּנַן, בִּשְׁלָמָא עֵירוּב וּמְזוּזָה אִיכָּא לְמֵימַר מִדְּרַבָּנַן, אֶלָּא מַעֲשֵׂר, מִי אִיכָּא לְמֵימַר מִדְּרַבָּנַן?

And if you say that Rabbi Yehuda rules that by rabbinic law the status of the sukka is like that of a house, but that by Torah law his opinion is consistent with Rava’s opinion, granted, with regard to the joining of courtyards and mezuza, it is possible to say that the obligation is by rabbinic law; however, with regard to tithes, is it possible to say that according to Rabbi Yehuda the obligation is by rabbinic law?

דִּילְמָא אָתֵי לְאַפְרוֹשֵׁי מִן הַחִיּוּב עַל הַפְּטוּר וּמִן הַפְּטוּר עַל הַחִיּוּב.

In that case, there is the concern lest one come to separate tithes from the obligated produce to fulfill the obligation for the exempt produce, or from the exempt produce to fulfill the obligation for the obligated produce. Produce that one is obligated to tithe by rabbinic law has the status of exempt produce by Torah law. Since it is difficult to distinguish between produce that one is obligated to tithe by Torah law and produce that one is obligated to tithe by rabbinic law, one might seek to fulfill his obligation by separating tithes from one for the other. In both cases, both the produce designated as a tithe and the produce for which it was tithed would retain the status of untithed produce. Therefore, Rabbi Yehuda could not have said that a sukka is considered a house by rabbinic law.

אֶלָּא אָמַר אַבָּיֵי: בְּשִׁבְעָה — דְּכוּלֵּי עָלְמָא לָא פְּלִיגִי דְּמִיחַיְּיבָא. כִּי פְּלִיגִי בִּשְׁאָר יְמוֹת הַשָּׁנָה. רַבָּנַן סָבְרִי: גָּזְרִינַן שְׁאָר יְמוֹת הַשָּׁנָה אַטּוּ שִׁבְעָה, וְרַבִּי יְהוּדָה סָבַר: לָא גָּזְרִינַן.

Rather, Abaye said: The dispute with regard to the mezuza in the Parhedrin chamber must be explained differently. During the seven days that the High Priest lives in the Parhedrin chamber during his sequestering, everyone agrees that the chamber is obligated in the mitzva to affix a mezuza there. When they disagree is with regard to the rest of the days of the year, when no one resides there. The Rabbis hold: We issue a decree and require that a mezuza be affixed during the rest of the year due to those seven days that the High Priest lives there; and Rabbi Yehuda holds: We do not issue that decree, and there is no obligation to affix a mezuza to the chamber the rest of the year.

אֲמַר לֵיהּ רָבָא: וְהָא סוּכַּת הֶחָג בֶּחָג קָתָנֵי?

Rava said to him: But isn’t it taught in the mishna cited above: The sukka that he constructed for the festival of Sukkot on the festival of Sukkot? Apparently, contrary to the opinion of Abaye, the dispute is whether or not there is an obligation to affix a mezuza to the sukka during the Festival itself. If, as Abaye said, the tanna’im agree that there is an obligation to affix a mezuza during the festival of Sukkot even though it is used for only a brief period, on what basis do the Rabbis rule that there is no obligation even on the Festival itself?

אֶלָּא אָמַר רָבָא: בִּשְׁאָר יְמוֹת הַשָּׁנָה כּוּלֵּי עָלְמָא לָא פְּלִיגִי דִּפְטוּרָה. כִּי פְּלִיגִי בְּשִׁבְעָה. וְסוּכָּה טַעְמָא לְחוּד, וְלִשְׁכָּה טַעְמָא לְחוּד.

Rather, Rava said: During the rest of the days of the year, everyone agrees that the Parhedrin chamber is exempt from the obligation to affix a mezuza there. When they disagree is with regard to the seven days that the High Priest lives there, and with regard to a sukka during the Festival. And in order to resolve the contradiction between the opinions about the obligation of the chamber and of the sukka, the Gemara asserts: With regard to the sukka the reason is discrete, and with regard to the chamber the reason is discrete.

סוּכָּה טַעְמָא לְחוּד — רַבִּי יְהוּדָה לְטַעְמֵיהּ, דְּאָמַר: סוּכָּה דִּירַת קֶבַע בָּעֵינַן, וּמִיחַיְּיבָא בִּמְזוּזָה. וְרַבָּנַן לְטַעְמַיְיהוּ, דְּאָמְרִי: סוּכָּה דִּירַת עֲרַאי בָּעֵינַן, וְלָא מִיחַיְּיבָא בִּמְזוּזָה.

The Gemara explains: With regard to sukka, the reason is discrete. Rabbi Yehuda conforms to his standard line of reasoning, as he said: In order to fulfill the mitzva of sukka, we require a well-built permanent residence. A permanent residence is obligated in the mitzva of mezuza. The Rabbis conform to their standard line of reasoning, as they say: In order to fulfill the mitzva of sukka, we require a temporary residence, not a full-fledged house. A temporary residence is not obligated in the mitzva of mezuza.

וְלִשְׁכָּה טַעְמָא לְחוּד, רַבָּנַן סָבְרִי: דִּירָה בְּעַל כׇּרְחָהּ שְׁמָהּ דִּירָה. וְרַבִּי יְהוּדָה סָבַר: דִּירָה בְּעַל כׇּרְחָהּ לֹא שְׁמָהּ דִּירָה, וּמִדְּרַבָּנַן הוּא דְּתַקִּינוּ לַהּ, שֶׁלֹּא יֹאמְרוּ: כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל חָבוּשׁ בְּבֵית הָאֲסוּרִין.

And similarly, with regard to the chamber, the reason is discrete. The Rabbis hold: A residence in which one resides involuntarily is nevertheless considered a residence. Although the High Priest resides in the Parhedrin chamber due to a mitzva and not of his own volition, its legal status is that of a residence and a mezuza must be affixed. And Rabbi Yehuda holds: A residence in which one resides involuntarily is not considered a residence. Therefore, there should be no obligation to affix a mezuza in the Parhedrin chamber, just as there is no obligation to do so in the other Temple chambers in which priests reside. However, the Sages instituted this obligation by rabbinic law so that people will not say: The High Priest is imprisoned in jail, as only in substandard residences that appear unfit for residence is there no obligation to affix a mezuza.

מַאן תְּנָא לְהָא דְּתָנוּ רַבָּנַן:

Who is the tanna who taught the following baraita? As the Sages taught:

Today’s daily daf tools:

Delve Deeper

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

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

New to Talmud?

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

The Hadran Women’s Tapestry

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

I started learning 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

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

Studying has changed my life view on הלכה and יהדות and time. It has taught me bonudaries of the human nature and honesty of our sages in their discourse to try and build a nation of caring people .

Goldie Gilad
Goldie Gilad

Kfar Saba, Israel

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

Naomi Niederhoffer
Naomi Niederhoffer

Toronto, Canada

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
Susan Handelman

Jerusalem, Israel

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

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.

Patti Evans
Patti Evans

Phoenix, Arizona, 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
Tina Lamm

Jerusalem, Israel

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

Mamaroneck, NY, United States

Jill Shames
Jill Shames

Jerusalem, Israel

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

A Gemara shiur previous to the Hadran Siyum, was the impetus to attend it.It was highly inspirational and I was smitten. The message for me was התלמוד בידינו. I had decided along with my Chahsmonaim group to to do the daf and take it one daf at time- without any expectations at all. There has been a wealth of information, insights and halachik ideas. It is truly exercise of the mind, heart & Soul

Phyllis Hecht.jpeg
Phyllis Hecht

Hashmonaim, Israel

I’ve been learning since January 2020, and in June I started drawing a phrase from each daf. Sometimes it’s easy (e.g. plants), sometimes it’s very hard (e.g. korbanot), and sometimes it’s loads of fun (e.g. bird racing) to find something to draw. I upload my pictures from each masechet to #DafYomiArt. I am enjoying every step of the journey.

Gila Loike
Gila Loike

Ashdod, Israel

My Daf journey began in August 2012 after participating in the Siyum Hashas where I was blessed as an “enabler” of others.  Galvanized into my own learning I recited the Hadran on Shas in January 2020 with Rabbanit Michelle. That Siyum was a highlight in my life.  Now, on round two, Daf has become my spiritual anchor to which I attribute manifold blessings.

Rina Goldberg
Rina Goldberg

Englewood NJ, United States

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!

Wendy Dickstein
Wendy Dickstein

Jerusalem, Israel

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 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-Photo
Julie Landau

Karmiel, Israel

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 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.

Medinah Korn
Medinah Korn

בית שמש, Israel

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

Denise Neapolitan
Denise Neapolitan

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Yoma 10

אַף עַל גַּב דְּ״יַפְתְּ אֱלֹהִים לְיֶפֶת״ — אֵין הַשְּׁכִינָה שׁוֹרָה אֶלָּא בְּאׇהֳלֵי שֵׁם.

The Gemara explains: Although God will enlarge Japheth, referring to the Persians, who descended from Japheth and who assisted in constructing the Second Temple, the Divine Presence rests only in the tents of Shem, in the First Temple, which was built by King Solomon without the patronage of a foreign power.

וּפָרְסָאֵי מְנָא לַן דְּמִיֶּפֶת קָאָתוּ, דִּכְתִיב: ״בְּנֵי יֶפֶת גּוֹמֶר וּמָגוֹג וּמָדַי וְיָוָן וְתוּבָל וּמֶשֶׁךְ וְתִירָס״. גּוֹמֶר — זֶה גֶּרְמַמְיָא, מָגוֹג — זוֹ קַנְדִּיָּא, מָדַי — זוֹ מַקֵדוֹנְיָא, יָוָן — כְּמַשְׁמָעוֹ, תּוּבָל — זֶה בֵּית אוּנַיְיקִי, מֶשֶׁךְ — זוֹ מוּסְיָא, תִּירָס, פְּלִיגִי בַּהּ רַבִּי סִימַאי וְרַבָּנַן, וְאָמְרִי לַהּ רַבִּי סִימוֹן וְרַבָּנַן, חַד אָמַר: זוֹ בֵּית תְּרַיְיקִי, וְחַד אָמַר: זוֹ פָּרַס. תָּנֵי רַב יוֹסֵף: תִּירָס — זוֹ פָּרַס.

§ The Gemara asks: From where do we derive that the Persians descend from Japheth? The Gemara answers: As it is written: “The sons of Japheth were Gomer and Magog and Madai and Javan and Tuval and Meshech and Tiras (Genesis 10:2). The Gemara explains: Gomer, that is Germamya; Magog, that is Kandiya; Madai, that is Macedonia; Javan, in accordance with its plain meaning, Greece; Tuval, that is the nation called Beit Unaiki; Meshech, that is Musya. With regard to Tiras, Rabbi Simai and the Rabbis disagree, and some say the dispute is between Rabbi Simon and the Rabbis: One said: That is Beit Teraiki, and one said: That is Persia. According to that approach, Persia is listed among the descendants of Japheth. Rav Yosef taught: Tiras is Persia.

״סַבְתָּה וְרַעְמָה וְסַבְתְּכָא״, תָּנֵי רַב יוֹסֵף: סַקִּיסְתָּן גַּוָּיְיתָא וְסַקִּיסְתָּן בָּרַיְיתָא, בֵּין חֲדָא לַחֲדָא מְאָה פַּרְסֵי, וְהֶיקֵּפַהּ אַלְפָּא פַּרְסֵי.

The list of nations continues: “And Sabtah and Raamah and Sabteca” (Genesis 10:7). Rav Yosef taught: These are the inner Sakistan and the outer Sakistan. Between one and the other there was a distance of one hundred parasangs, and the circumference of the land was one thousand parasangs.

״וַתְּהִי רֵאשִׁית מַמְלַכְתּוֹ בָּבֶל וְאֶרֶךְ וְאַכַּד וְכַלְנֵה״, בָּבֶל — כְּמַשְׁמְעָה, אֶרֶךְ — זֶה אוֹרִיכוּת, וְאַכַּד — זֶה בַּשְׁכַּר, כַּלְנֵה — זֶה נוּפַר נִינְפִי.

The Gemara continues interpreting the verses. It is stated: “And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar” (Genesis 10:10). Babel in accordance with its plain meaning, Babylonia; Erech, that is the city known then as Orikhut; and Accad, that is the place known then as Baskar; Calneh, that is Nofer Ninefi.

״מִן הָאָרֶץ הָהִיא יָצָא אַשּׁוּר״, תָּנֵי רַב יוֹסֵף: אַשּׁוּר — זֶה סִילַק. ״וַיִּבֶן אֶת נִינְוֵה וְאֶת רְחוֹבוֹת עִיר וְאֶת כָּלַח״, נִינְוֵה — כְּמַשְׁמָעוֹ, רְחוֹבוֹת עִיר — זוֹ פְּרָת דְּמֵישָׁן, כָּלַח — זוֹ פְּרָת דְּבוֹרְסִיף. ״וְאֶת רֶסֶן בֵּין נִינְוֵה וּבֵין כָּלַח הִיא הָעִיר הַגְּדוֹלָה״, רֶסֶן — זֶה אַקְטִיסְפוֹן. ״הִיא הָעִיר הַגְּדוֹלָה״ — אֵינִי יוֹדֵעַ אִם נִינְוֵה הָעִיר הַגְּדוֹלָה, אִם רֶסֶן הָעִיר הַגְּדוֹלָה. כְּשֶׁהוּא אוֹמֵר ״וְנִינְוֵה הָיְתָה עִיר גְּדוֹלָה לֵאלֹהִים מַהֲלַךְ שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים״, הֱוֵי אוֹמֵר: נִינְוֵה הִיא הָעִיר הַגְּדוֹלָה.

The Torah continues: “Out of that land went forth Asshur (Genesis 10:11). Rav Yosef taught: Asshur, that is Silek, meaning that is the region where the town Silkiya was built. “And built Nineveh and Rehoboth-ir and Calah” (Genesis 10:11). Nineveh, in accordance with its plain meaning; Rehovoth-ir, that is the town later known as Perat of Meishan; Calah, that is Perat of Bursif. “And Resen between Nineveh and Calah, it is the great city” (Genesis 10:12). Resen, that is the town later known as Akteisfon. It is the great city; I do not know whether this means that Nineveh is the great city, or whether it means that Resen is the great city. When it says: “And Nineveh was a great city of God, a three-day journey across” (Jonah 3:3), you must say that Nineveh is the great city.

״וְשָׁם אֲחִימַן שֵׁשַׁי וְתַלְמַי יְלִידֵי הָעֲנָק״, תָּנָא: אֲחִימַן — מְיוּמָּן שֶׁבָּאַחִים, שֵׁשַׁי — שֶׁמֵּשִׂים אֶת הָאָרֶץ כִּשְׁחִיתוֹת, תַּלְמַי — שֶׁמֵּשִׂים אֶת הָאָרֶץ תְּלָמִים תְּלָמִים. דָּבָר אַחֵר: אֲחִימַן בָּנָה עֲנָת, שֵׁשַׁי בָּנָה אָלוּשׁ, תַּלְמַי בָּנָה תַּלְבּוּשׁ. ״יְלִידֵי הָעֲנָק״ — שֶׁמַּעֲנִיקִין הַחַמָּה בְּקוֹמָתָן.

The Gemara continues to discuss the interpretation of names in the Bible. The Torah says: “And there were Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak” (Numbers 13:22). It was taught: Ahiman was so called because he was the greatest and most skillful [meyuman] of his brothers. Ahiman is a contraction of brother [aḥ] and right [yamin], which is the skilled hand. Sheshai was so called because he renders the ground like pits [sheḥitot] with his strides. Talmai was so called because he renders the ground filled with furrows [telamim] with his strides. Alternatively: Ahiman built the city of Anat; Sheshai built the town Alush; Talmai built the city of Talbush. The children of Anak is referring to the fact that it appears that the sun is a necklace [shema’anikin] around their necks because of their height.

אָמַר רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן לֵוִי אָמַר רַבִּי: עֲתִידָה רוֹמִי שֶׁתִּפּוֹל בְּיַד פָּרַס, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״לָכֵן שִׁמְעוּ עֲצַת ה׳ אֲשֶׁר יָעַץ (עַל) אֱדוֹם וּמַחְשְׁבוֹתָיו אֲשֶׁר חָשַׁב (עַל) יוֹשְׁבֵי תֵימָן אִם לֹא יִסְחָבוּם צְעִירֵי הַצֹּאן אִם לֹא יַשִּׁים עֲלֵיהֶם נְוֵהֶם״.

§ Apropos the opinion that Tiras is Persia, the Gemara addresses a related matter. Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said that Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi said: Rome is destined to fall into the hands of Persia, as it is stated: “Now hear the plan that the Lord has devised for Edom, and the thoughts He has considered for the residents of Teiman. Surely the youngest of the flock will drag them away, surely their habitation will be appalled due to them” (Jeremiah 49:20).

מַתְקֵיף לַהּ רַבָּה בַּר עוּלָּא: מַאי מַשְׁמַע דְּהַאי ״צְעִירֵי הַצֹּאן״ פָּרַס הוּא — דִּכְתִיב: ״הָאַיִל אֲשֶׁר רָאִיתָ בַּעַל הַקְּרָנָיִם (הוּא) מַלְכֵי מָדַי וּפָרָס״. וְאֵימָא יָוָן, דִּכְתִיב: ״וְהַצָּפִיר הַשָּׂעִיר מֶלֶךְ יָוָן״!

Rabba bar Ulla strongly objected to this. From where may it be inferred that this phrase: Youngest of the flock, is Persia? It is as it is written: “The ram that you saw sporting two horns are the kings of Media and Persia” (Daniel 8:20), and the ram is a member of the flock mentioned in the verse. Still, how is that proof? And say that youngest of the flock refers to Greece, who will overthrow Rome, as it is written: “The goat is the king of Greece” (Daniel 8:21). The goat, too, could be characterized as a member of the flock.

כִּי סְלֵיק רַב חֲבִיבָא בַּר סוֹרְמַקִי, אַמְרַהּ קַמֵּיהּ דְּהָהוּא מֵרַבָּנַן, אֲמַר לֵיהּ: מַאן דְּלָא יָדַע פָּרוֹשֵׁי קְרָאֵי מוֹתֵיב תְּיוּבְתָּא לְרַבִּי?! מַאי ״צְעִירֵי הַצֹּאן״ — זוּטְרָא דַּאֲחוֹהִי. דְּתָנֵי רַב יוֹסֵף: תִּירָס — זֶה פָּרַס.

When Rav Ḥaviva bar Surmakei ascended from Babylonia to Eretz Yisrael, he stated this difficulty before a certain one of the Sages. That Sage said to him: One who does not know how to interpret verses is so arrogant that he raises an objection to the opinion of the great Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi? Indeed, Rabba bar Ulla misunderstood the basis of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi’s interpretation. What is the meaning of the phrase: The youngest of the flock? It means the youngest of the brothers, a reference to Persia, as Rav Yosef taught: Tiras, the youngest of Japheth’s sons, that is Persia.

אָמַר רַבָּה בַּר בַּר חָנָה אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן מִשּׁוּם רַבִּי יְהוּדָה בְּרַבִּי אִלְעַאי: עֲתִידָה רוֹמִי שֶׁתִּפּוֹל בְּיַד פָּרַס, קַל וָחוֹמֶר: וּמָה מִקְדָּשׁ רִאשׁוֹן שֶׁבְּנָאוּהוּ בְּנֵי שֵׁם וְהֶחְרִיבוּהוּ כַּשְׂדִּיִּים — נָפְלוּ כַּשְׂדִּיִּים בְּיַד פָּרְסִיִּים. מִקְדָּשׁ שֵׁנִי שֶׁבְּנָאוּהוּ פָּרְסִיִּים וְהֶחְרִיבוּהוּ רוֹמִיִּים — אֵינוֹ דִּין שֶׁיִּפְּלוּ רוֹמִיִּים בְּיַד פָּרְסִיִּים?

Similarly, Rabba bar bar Ḥana said that Rabbi Yoḥanan said in the name of Rabbi Yehuda, son of Rabbi Elai: Rome is destined to fall into the hands of Persia. This is derived by means of an a fortiori inference: Just as the First Temple, that the descendants of Shem built it and the Chaldeans destroyed it, and in turn the Chaldeans, ruled by Belshazzar, fell to Persians, ruled by Darius the Mede and his son-in-law Cyrus the Persian; the Second Temple, that the Persians built it and the Romans destroyed it, is it not right that the Romans will fall into the hands of the Persians?

אָמַר רַב: עֲתִידָה פָּרַס שֶׁתִּפּוֹל בְּיַד רוֹמִי. אֲמַרוּ לֵיהּ רַב כָּהֲנָא וְרַב אַסִּי לְרַב: בָּנוֹיֵי בְּיַד סָתוֹרֵי?! אֲמַר לְהוּ: אִין, גְּזֵירַת מֶלֶךְ הִיא. אִיכָּא דְאָמְרִי, אֲמַר (לֵיהּ): אִינְהוּ נָמֵי הָא קָא סָתְרִי בֵּי כְנִישְׁתָּא.

In contrast, Rav said: Persia is destined to fall into the hands of Rome. Rav Kahana and Rav Asi, Rav’s students, said to Rav: The builders will fall into the hands of the destroyers? Is that justice? He said to them: Although it seems unjust, yes, that is the King’s decree. Some say that he said this to them: They, too, are destroyers of synagogues, and they are no better than the Romans.

תַּנְיָא נָמֵי הָכִי: עֲתִידָה פָּרַס שֶׁתִּפּוֹל בְּיַד רוֹמִי, חֲדָא — דְּסָתְרִי בֵּי כְנִישְׁתָּא, וְעוֹד: גְּזֵירַת מֶלֶךְ הוּא שֶׁיִּפְּלוּ בּוֹנִין בְּיַד סוֹתְרִין. דְּאָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר רַב: אֵין בֶּן דָּוִד בָּא עַד שֶׁתִּפְשׁוֹט מַלְכוּת רוֹמִי הָרְשָׁעָה בְּכׇל הָעוֹלָם כּוּלּוֹ תִּשְׁעָה חֳדָשִׁים, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״לָכֵן יִתְּנֵם עַד עֵת יוֹלֵדָה יָלָדָה וְיֶתֶר אֶחָיו יְשׁוּבוּן עַל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל״.

That was also taught in a baraita: Persia is destined to fall into the hands of Rome. One reason is that they destroyed synagogues. And furthermore, it is the King’s decree that the builders will fall into the hands of the destroyers, as Rav Yehuda said that Rav said: The son of David will come only when the wicked kingdom of Rome spreads its dominance throughout the world for nine months, as it is stated: “Therefore He will give them up until she who is to bear has borne; then the remnants of his brethren will return with the children of Israel (Micah 5:2). The duration of Rome’s rule over the world will be the duration of a pregnancy, nine months.

תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: כׇּל הַלְּשָׁכוֹת שֶׁהָיוּ בְּמִקְדָּשׁ לֹא הָיוּ לָהֶן מְזוּזָה, חוּץ מִלִּשְׁכַּת פַּרְהֶדְרִין, שֶׁהָיָה בָּהּ בֵּית דִּירָה לְכֹהֵן גָּדוֹל.

§ The Gemara resumes the discussion of the High Priest’s relocation to the Parhedrin chamber. The Rabbis taught: None of the chambers in the Temple had a mezuza except for the Chamber of Parhedrin, in which there was a place of residence of the High Priest. Only residences in which one sleeps require a mezuza, and the only chamber in the Temple that fits that description was the Parhedrin chamber.

אָמַר רַבִּי יְהוּדָה: וַהֲלֹא כַּמָּה לְשָׁכוֹת הָיוּ בְּמִקְדָּשׁ שֶׁהָיָה לָהֶן בֵּית דִּירָה, וְלֹא הָיָה לָהֶן מְזוּזָה? אֶלָּא לִשְׁכַּת פַּרְהֶדְרִין גְּזֵירָה הָיְתָה.

Rabbi Yehuda said: That is not the reason; after all, weren’t there several chambers in the Temple in which there was a place of residence designated for priests to sit and sleep, and yet they did not have a mezuza? Rather, the mezuza in the Chamber of Parhedrin was there because there was a rabbinic decree.

מַאי טַעְמָא דְּרַבִּי יְהוּדָה? אָמַר (רָבָא): קָסָבַר רַבִּי יְהוּדָה: כׇּל בַּיִת שֶׁאֵינוֹ עָשׂוּי לִימוֹת הַחַמָּה וְלִימוֹת הַגְּשָׁמִים — אֵינוֹ בַּיִת. אֵיתִיבֵיהּ אַבָּיֵי, וְהָכְתִיב: ״וְהִכֵּיתִי (אֶת) בֵּית הַחוֹרֶף עַל בֵּית הַקָּיִץ״! אֲמַר לֵיהּ: ״בֵּית חוֹרֶף״ וּ״בֵית קַיִץ״ אִיקְּרִי, ״בַּיִת״ סְתָמָא לָא אִיקְּרִי.

The Gemara asks: What is the reason for the opinion of Rabbi Yehuda that there was no fundamental obligation to affix a mezuza in the Parhedrin chamber, and that one was affixed there due to a decree? Rava said that Rabbi Yehuda holds: The legal status of any house that is not designated for residence both for the summer and for the rainy season is not that of a house and therefore does not require a mezuza. Abaye raised an objection to his opinion from a verse. How could you suggest that the legal status of a residence occupied for only part of the year is not that of a house? Isn’t it written: “I will strike the winter-house with the summer-house” (Amos 3:15)? Apparently, even a residence occupied only half the year is a house. Rava said to him: A residence occupied only part of the year may be called the winter-house or the summer-house. It is not called a house unmodified. A house is a structure used year round.

אֵיתִיבֵיהּ אַבָּיֵי: סוּכַּת הֶחָג בֶּחָג, רַבִּי יְהוּדָה מְחַיֵּיב וַחֲכָמִים פּוֹטְרִין. וְתָנֵי עֲלַהּ: רַבִּי יְהוּדָה מְחַיֵּיב בְּעֵירוּב וּבִמְזוּזָה וּבְמַעֲשֵׂר!

Abaye raised a different objection to the opinion of Rava, from a mishna: If one brought produce from the field into the sukka that he constructed for the festival of Sukkot on the festival of Sukkot, Rabbi Yehuda obligates him to tithe the produce and the Rabbis exempt him from tithing the produce. And it was taught concerning the mishna: Rabbi Yehuda obligates the owner of that sukka to include the sukka in the joining of courtyards, like any of the houses in the courtyard; and in the mitzva of affixing a mezuza in the sukka; and in separating tithes from produce brought into the sukka. One is obligated to tithe his produce only when its processing has been completed. When he brings the produce into the house, he is obligated to tithe it. Rabbi Yehuda holds that the legal status of a sukka, in which one resides for a mere seven days, is that of a house in terms of the mitzva of mezuza.

וְכִי תֵּימָא מִדְּרַבָּנַן, בִּשְׁלָמָא עֵירוּב וּמְזוּזָה אִיכָּא לְמֵימַר מִדְּרַבָּנַן, אֶלָּא מַעֲשֵׂר, מִי אִיכָּא לְמֵימַר מִדְּרַבָּנַן?

And if you say that Rabbi Yehuda rules that by rabbinic law the status of the sukka is like that of a house, but that by Torah law his opinion is consistent with Rava’s opinion, granted, with regard to the joining of courtyards and mezuza, it is possible to say that the obligation is by rabbinic law; however, with regard to tithes, is it possible to say that according to Rabbi Yehuda the obligation is by rabbinic law?

דִּילְמָא אָתֵי לְאַפְרוֹשֵׁי מִן הַחִיּוּב עַל הַפְּטוּר וּמִן הַפְּטוּר עַל הַחִיּוּב.

In that case, there is the concern lest one come to separate tithes from the obligated produce to fulfill the obligation for the exempt produce, or from the exempt produce to fulfill the obligation for the obligated produce. Produce that one is obligated to tithe by rabbinic law has the status of exempt produce by Torah law. Since it is difficult to distinguish between produce that one is obligated to tithe by Torah law and produce that one is obligated to tithe by rabbinic law, one might seek to fulfill his obligation by separating tithes from one for the other. In both cases, both the produce designated as a tithe and the produce for which it was tithed would retain the status of untithed produce. Therefore, Rabbi Yehuda could not have said that a sukka is considered a house by rabbinic law.

אֶלָּא אָמַר אַבָּיֵי: בְּשִׁבְעָה — דְּכוּלֵּי עָלְמָא לָא פְּלִיגִי דְּמִיחַיְּיבָא. כִּי פְּלִיגִי בִּשְׁאָר יְמוֹת הַשָּׁנָה. רַבָּנַן סָבְרִי: גָּזְרִינַן שְׁאָר יְמוֹת הַשָּׁנָה אַטּוּ שִׁבְעָה, וְרַבִּי יְהוּדָה סָבַר: לָא גָּזְרִינַן.

Rather, Abaye said: The dispute with regard to the mezuza in the Parhedrin chamber must be explained differently. During the seven days that the High Priest lives in the Parhedrin chamber during his sequestering, everyone agrees that the chamber is obligated in the mitzva to affix a mezuza there. When they disagree is with regard to the rest of the days of the year, when no one resides there. The Rabbis hold: We issue a decree and require that a mezuza be affixed during the rest of the year due to those seven days that the High Priest lives there; and Rabbi Yehuda holds: We do not issue that decree, and there is no obligation to affix a mezuza to the chamber the rest of the year.

אֲמַר לֵיהּ רָבָא: וְהָא סוּכַּת הֶחָג בֶּחָג קָתָנֵי?

Rava said to him: But isn’t it taught in the mishna cited above: The sukka that he constructed for the festival of Sukkot on the festival of Sukkot? Apparently, contrary to the opinion of Abaye, the dispute is whether or not there is an obligation to affix a mezuza to the sukka during the Festival itself. If, as Abaye said, the tanna’im agree that there is an obligation to affix a mezuza during the festival of Sukkot even though it is used for only a brief period, on what basis do the Rabbis rule that there is no obligation even on the Festival itself?

אֶלָּא אָמַר רָבָא: בִּשְׁאָר יְמוֹת הַשָּׁנָה כּוּלֵּי עָלְמָא לָא פְּלִיגִי דִּפְטוּרָה. כִּי פְּלִיגִי בְּשִׁבְעָה. וְסוּכָּה טַעְמָא לְחוּד, וְלִשְׁכָּה טַעְמָא לְחוּד.

Rather, Rava said: During the rest of the days of the year, everyone agrees that the Parhedrin chamber is exempt from the obligation to affix a mezuza there. When they disagree is with regard to the seven days that the High Priest lives there, and with regard to a sukka during the Festival. And in order to resolve the contradiction between the opinions about the obligation of the chamber and of the sukka, the Gemara asserts: With regard to the sukka the reason is discrete, and with regard to the chamber the reason is discrete.

סוּכָּה טַעְמָא לְחוּד — רַבִּי יְהוּדָה לְטַעְמֵיהּ, דְּאָמַר: סוּכָּה דִּירַת קֶבַע בָּעֵינַן, וּמִיחַיְּיבָא בִּמְזוּזָה. וְרַבָּנַן לְטַעְמַיְיהוּ, דְּאָמְרִי: סוּכָּה דִּירַת עֲרַאי בָּעֵינַן, וְלָא מִיחַיְּיבָא בִּמְזוּזָה.

The Gemara explains: With regard to sukka, the reason is discrete. Rabbi Yehuda conforms to his standard line of reasoning, as he said: In order to fulfill the mitzva of sukka, we require a well-built permanent residence. A permanent residence is obligated in the mitzva of mezuza. The Rabbis conform to their standard line of reasoning, as they say: In order to fulfill the mitzva of sukka, we require a temporary residence, not a full-fledged house. A temporary residence is not obligated in the mitzva of mezuza.

וְלִשְׁכָּה טַעְמָא לְחוּד, רַבָּנַן סָבְרִי: דִּירָה בְּעַל כׇּרְחָהּ שְׁמָהּ דִּירָה. וְרַבִּי יְהוּדָה סָבַר: דִּירָה בְּעַל כׇּרְחָהּ לֹא שְׁמָהּ דִּירָה, וּמִדְּרַבָּנַן הוּא דְּתַקִּינוּ לַהּ, שֶׁלֹּא יֹאמְרוּ: כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל חָבוּשׁ בְּבֵית הָאֲסוּרִין.

And similarly, with regard to the chamber, the reason is discrete. The Rabbis hold: A residence in which one resides involuntarily is nevertheless considered a residence. Although the High Priest resides in the Parhedrin chamber due to a mitzva and not of his own volition, its legal status is that of a residence and a mezuza must be affixed. And Rabbi Yehuda holds: A residence in which one resides involuntarily is not considered a residence. Therefore, there should be no obligation to affix a mezuza in the Parhedrin chamber, just as there is no obligation to do so in the other Temple chambers in which priests reside. However, the Sages instituted this obligation by rabbinic law so that people will not say: The High Priest is imprisoned in jail, as only in substandard residences that appear unfit for residence is there no obligation to affix a mezuza.

מַאן תְּנָא לְהָא דְּתָנוּ רַבָּנַן:

Who is the tanna who taught the following baraita? As the Sages taught:

Want to follow content and continue where you left off?

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

Clear all items from this list?

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

Cancel
Yes, clear all

Are you sure you want to delete this item?

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

Cancel
Yes, delete