Why Does Every Tractate Start on Page 2?
Talmud tractates always begin on daf bet (page 2), not daf alef (page 1). This practice originates from early printing customs: the title page of each tractate was counted as page 1. Therefore, the first page of actual Talmudic text became page 2.
Over time, symbolic explanations emerged:
- Some say page 1 represents reverence for God (Yirat Hashem), reminding us that awe and humility must precede learning.
- Others interpret it as a reminder that there is always more Torah to learn—page 1 is what we have yet to study.
The Decorative Frame at the Start of a Tractate
The first word of every tractate is highlighted with a decorative border. In most tractates, this ornamentation is made up of aesthetic designs like flowers. But there are a few exceptions—namely, Sotah, Bava Kama, Bava Batra, and Avodah Zarah. In these cases, the decoration includes serpents.
Why snakes? Some suggest it’s symbolic: these tractates deal with sin, damage, and idolatry, and the snake represents the original sin and the introduction of harm into the world.
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