Learn a Masechet
Take a personalized, self-paced trip through Talmud study by choosing a masechet (tractate) that matches your interests and available time.
How to Choose a Masechet
The Talmud Bavli (Babylonian Talmud) contains 37 masechtot (tractates). Each covers a range of topics from the legal to the philosophical. The Talmud is not arranged in a linear fashion, so you will always be entering mid-conversation, no matter where you start. That’s great, because it means you can join the conversation whenever and wherever you want. (Note: the masechet lessons are drawn from our Daf Yomi archive.)
Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right masechet for you to learn now. Then check our suggestions below.
Topics
If there is a specific topic in Jewish law or thought that you want to get more insight on, try a masechet that focuses on that topic.
Style
Do you prefer the familiar – or the esoteric? Thought-provoking stories – or intricate details of mitzva observance? Pick a masechet that matches your intellectual inclinations.
Length
If you want to complete a masechet for a particular occasion, check that the masechet length fits with your learning schedule.
Complexity
The Talmud’s shortest masechet (Horayot) is also one of its most complicated! Choose a masechet with accurate expectations as to its level of challenge.
Masechet Recommendations
See Hadran’s suggestions for entire masechtot or specific chapters based on your intellectual style or topics of interest.
24 Dapim
19 Dapim
11 Dapim
10 Dapim
23 Dapim
9 Dapim
23 Dapim
10 Dapim
10 Dapim
23 Dapim
20 Dapim
10 Dapim
16 Dapim
23 Dapim
17 Dapim
19 Dapim
33 Dapim
118 Dapim
17 Dapim
10 Dapim
6 Dapim
177 Dapim
118 Dapim
118 Dapim
7 Dapim
6 Dapim
11 Dapim
7 Dapim
8 Dapim
28 Dapim
74 Dapim
178 Dapim
118 Dapim
118 Dapim
39 Dapim
47 Dapim
63 Dapim
27 Dapim
104 Dapim
89 Dapim
Questions & Answers
How do I start learning a masechet on the Hadran site?
Just click “Start Now” within the main page for any masechet. You will be prompted to register as a Hadran user (it’s free!). After you register, you will be able to track your progress in the masechet by marking the dapim and lessons you have completed. You can also set personalized notifications to remind you to learn at set times.
If you just want to browse through masechtot or look up specific dapim, you can do so without registering as a user.
I’ve never really learned Gemara before. Which masechet should I learn?
In the Masechet Recommendations section above, you can choose the “For Beginners” tag to see our suggestions on masechet selections for those new to Gemara study. These selections typically deal with familiar topics (e.g. blessings, holidays) and/or are less complex from a logical standpoint.
If you are new to Talmud study, you might want to take a Hadran course to give you more background, context and skills. You can start with our “The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Gemara” series, which introduces the context and background of the Talmud – or one of our Basic Gemara Tools courses, which give you foundational Gemara skills through the process of learning a selected Talmudic text.
How in-depth should I learn a masechet?
That’s up to you! Some people will want to learn several dapim a day, whereas others can spend months on just one daf!
Each lesson you will find here was originally prepared as a Daf Yomi class, and so it will take about 45 minutes to cover each daf. If you want to delve deeper, you can check out the Beyond the Daf resources associated with the masechet you are learning.
When can I make a siyum on a masechet?
A siyum is a celebratory gathering customarily made when one completes the study of a masechet. It usually involves recital of the special Hadran text and Kaddish, sharing of divrei Torah and a festive meal. For more details, see the What is a Siyum page.
How can I set myself up for success in learning a masechet?
Consistency is the key to success in studying Talmud. We recommend you set aside time for your learning project. It can be a short time or a long time, daily or weekly – the key is that it is a set time that works with your routine.
No less important to your success is choosing a masechet that you are excited about learning! That way you will be motivated to stick to your learning schedule.
You can use Hadran’s notification settings to remind you about your learning schedule and goals. Keep track of your progress by marking off dapim and lessons as you complete them.
Are these Talmud study resources really all free of charge?
Yes! We believe that Talmud should be accessible to those who desire to learn it.
Most of our resources are developed with the help of contributions from Hadran students, so we do appreciate when learners support Hadran’s efforts.
I listened to the whole of Berakhot during the summer (1-3 lessons/ Dafim a day) while working in the garden and learned a lot from it
Jael
Thank you again for your teachings and dedication, learning from a woman is fundamental!
Hannah S.
I initially dove into Masechet Eruvin and followed your advice to study daily even without complete comprehension, and the efforts are paying off… Thank you for your leadership, your teaching, and your dedication.
Rhona F
You cannot understand the depth of my appreciation for you and your teaching
Emma R
Todah rabah as always to you (Rabbanit Michelle Farber). I appreciated your summary of the masechet and of the way we learn… It is about grasping some of the concepts that we can take into our lives. I would only add that the more we study, the more we develop a new way of thinking about both halacha and the world. I am also sometimes taken aback at the remarkable increase in my understanding thanks to the discipline of learning. And without sounding like a broken record, as I think I mention this every time I write to you, a huge todah rabah to all of the other teachers who provide those additional resources, like Gefet, Daf MiSheLaHen, etc.
Elisheva G.
Our job is to look deeply. Listen closely. And help bring things back into order, not just for ourselves, but for all who come after us. Thank you to the sages who have come before me – for letting me listen in to their learning each morning. And thank you, Rabbanit Michelle, for creating seats at a table I never imagined I’d be invited to. Because of you, I could pull up a chair and say, I belong here too.
Fally K
