Daily Daf Differently: Masechet Shabbat

Shabbat, Daf 157

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 11:00:04 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Fifty Sixith episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Solomon Mowshowitz looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 157.

Why aren’t you allowed to even touch certain things on Shabbat? Does precedent operate in Jewish Law? Is Shabbat a Queen, or a Bride? How do you celebrate completing a Tractate? Join me for this final daf of Shabbat!

Solomon Mowshowitz is a past Chair of the National Havurah Committee. A molecular biologist by trade, Mosh is officially retired, but still teaches a course in Immunology. at Columbia University.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 156

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 11:00:02 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Fifty Fifth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Solomon Mowshowitz looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 156.

Is Astrology bunk? If you have to do something on Shabbat that would ordinarily be forbidden, is there a special way to go about it? Why do Jews wear yarmulkes? Let’s learn this daf and find out!

Solomon Mowshowitz is a past Chair of the National Havurah Committee. A molecular biologist by trade, Mosh is officially retired, but still teaches a course in Immunology. at Columbia University.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 155

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 11:00:08 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Fifty Fourth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 155. Shalom. Today we will continue our discussion of the ethical obligations to care for animals imposed upon us humans – specifically feeding them, before we worry about our own food.

This week, our study is led by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 154

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 11:00:05 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Fifty Third episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 154. Shalom. Today will discuss a rabbi’s unusual name and consider the obligations of stewardship we humans have toward other animals.

This week, our study is led by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 153

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 11:00:01 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Fifty Second episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 153. Today we conclude the chapter we’ve been studying with a little more material on death, and begin a new chapter on how an observant Jew would both protect his/her property rights as Shabbat begins, while at the same time refraining from doing commerce on the holy day.

This week, our study is led by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 152

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 11:00:56 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Fifty First episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 152. Continuing our focus on the end of life, we consider the legends about hibbut hakever, the agony of the grave, and eschatological tales of what happens after death – including the soul’s need for comfort, and the cosmic tennis match that avenging angels play with your soul.

This week, our study is led by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 151

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 11:00:43 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Fiftieth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 151. As Tractate Shabbat closes, our focus turns to the end: the end of the 25-hour Shabbat and the end of life, as we reflect on how to handle dead bodies and aging people.

This week, our study is led by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 150

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 11:00:58 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Forty Ninth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 150. Shalom. Is a thought a deed? Is intending to do an act the same as doing it? Today we’ll think about the theory of intention and action.

This week, our study is led by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 149

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 11:00:54 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Forty Eighth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 149. Shalom. Today we’ll discuss appropriate Shabbat reading material, and the ethical meaning of summoning divine punishment upon others – even if they deserve it.

This week, our study is led by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 148

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 11:00:10 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Forty Seventh episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Scott Perlo looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 148.

In this episode we ask what kinds of healing and medical care are prohibited and permitted on Shabbat?

Rabbi Scott Perlo is the Associate Director for Jewish Programming at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue in Washington, D.C.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 147

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 11:00:07 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Forty Sixith episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Scott Perlo looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 147.

Todays podcast includes a scintillating discussion about the prohibitions against laundry.

Rabbi Scott Perlo is the Associate Director for Jewish Programming at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue in Washington, D.C.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 146

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 11:00:02 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Forty Fifth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Scott Perlo looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 146.

Today we focus on a discussion about what constitutes ‘making a vessel’ when getting at wine and canned goods.

Rabbi Scott Perlo is the Associate Director for Jewish Programming at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue in Washington, D.C.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 145

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 11:00:01 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Forty Fourth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Scott Perlo looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 145. Today we digress from our discussion of the prohibition of squeezing to show how a little bit of knowledge can lead to ugly consequences.

Rabbi Scott Perlo is the Associate Director for Jewish Programming at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue in Washington, D.C.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 144

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 11:00:58 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Forty Third episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Scott Perlo looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 144. We continue the discussion from daf 143, exploring how a person can demonstrate the intended use of fruits and vegetables – whether to drink their juice, or to add flavor to food.

Rabbi Scott Perlo is the Associate Director for Jewish Programming at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue in Washington, D.C.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 143

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 11:00:55 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Forty Second episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Scott Perlo looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 143. On daf 143, we talk about how an object’s intended purpose can change its status under Shabbat law.

Rabbi Scott Perlo is the Associate Director for Jewish Programming at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue in Washington, D.C.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 142

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 11:00:52 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Forty First episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Scott Perlo looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 142. In today’s episode, we consider a discussion of muqtzeh – why there are objects which shouldn’t be handled on Shabbat, and what to do if they absolutely need to be moved.

Rabbi Scott Perlo is the Associate Director for Jewish Programming at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue in Washington, D.C.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 141

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 11:00:52 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Fourtieth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Martin S. Cohen looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 141. Today we consider embracing Shabbat observance on the micro level.

Martin S. Cohen is the rabbi of the Shelter Rock Jewish Center in Roslyn, New York, and served as senior editor of The Observant Life, published by the Rabbinical Assembly in 2012.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 140

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 11:00:48 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Thirty Ninth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Martin S. Cohen looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 140. This episode deals with the role of the rabbi in the community: first among equals or someone apart from the congregation?

Martin S. Cohen is the rabbi of the Shelter Rock Jewish Center in Roslyn, New York, and served as senior editor of The Observant Life, published by the Rabbinical Assembly in 2012.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 139

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 11:00:44 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Thirty Eighth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Martin S. Cohen looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 139. Today we ask about the ultimate cause of Jewish suffering.

Martin S. Cohen is the rabbi of the Shelter Rock Jewish Center in Roslyn, New York, and served as senior editor of The Observant Life, published by the Rabbinical Assembly in 2012.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 138

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 11:00:39 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Thirty Seventh episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Martin S. Cohen looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 138. Today’s daf includes an interesting discussion regarding the question of whether the Torah will ever be forgotten by the Jewish people.

Martin S. Cohen is the rabbi of the Shelter Rock Jewish Center in Roslyn, New York, and served as senior editor of The Observant Life, published by the Rabbinical Assembly in 2012.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 137

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 11:00:36 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Thirty Sixith episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Martin S. Cohen looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 137. This episode deals with the question of when the laws of the Torah may be set aside for the sake of preserving an individual’s health in the context of a discussion about the proper time to circumcise a newborn boy.

Martin S. Cohen is the rabbi of the Shelter Rock Jewish Center in Roslyn, New York, and served as senior editor of The Observant Life, published by the Rabbinical Assembly in 2012.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 136

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 11:00:32 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Thirty Fifth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Martin S. Cohen looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 136. Today, we look at the rabbinical model for thinking about the question of when life fully begins.

Martin S. Cohen is the rabbi of the Shelter Rock Jewish Center in Roslyn, New York, and served as senior editor of The Observant Life, published by the Rabbinical Assembly in 2012.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 135

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 11:00:30 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Thirty Fourth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Martin S. Cohen looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 135. In this episode, we look at how the specific way the halakhah deals with conflicting obligations can serve as a reasonable model for the resolution of other kinds of conflicts as well.

Martin S. Cohen is the rabbi of the Shelter Rock Jewish Center in Roslyn, New York, and served as senior editor of The Observant Life, published by the Rabbinical Assembly in 2012.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 134

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 11:00:59 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Thirty Third episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Marci Jacobs Aronchick looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 134. “From the mouths of babes…” or in this case, mothers. On our Daf, we see how folk wisdom handed down from mother to child and real life experience impact our halakhic decision-making.

Rabbi Marci Jacobs Aronchick is the Education Director of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City. Prior to coming to the Ansche Chesed community, she served for five years as the Assistant Rabbi at Temple Emunah, in Lexington, MA. A lover of Rabbinic Literature since the first time she explored a page of Talmud in college, Marci relishes opportunities to bring her passion for the Gemara to her students, whether one-on-one, in the classroom, or now, through Daily Daf Differently.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 133

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 11:00:18 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Thirty Second episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Marci Jacobs Aronchick looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 133. Today we discuss the role of kavanah – intentionality – in culpability. Is “But I didn’t mean to do it!” really a valid excuse?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 132

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 11:00:05 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Thirty First episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Marci Jacobs Aronchick looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 132. The discussion on this Daf asks us to consider what we do when our obligations for potentially contradictory mitzvoth intersect. How do we decide which mitzvah takes precedence? And in what ways, overall, do we look at our system of mitzvoth and decide to prefer some over others?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 131

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 11:00:03 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Thirtieth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Marci Jacobs Aronchick looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 131. The discussion of machshirei mitzvah – the items and preparations we undertake in order to do certain Mitzvot – reminds us that our Jewish behaviors don’t exist in a vacuum. Our observance of Mitzvot and our participation in Jewish ritual and behaviors give our lives texture – and ideally, they are not separate from the everyday aspects of our experience.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 130

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 11:00:15 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Twenty Ninth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Marci Jacobs Aronchick looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 130. The Talmud’s exploration of the rules of Brit Milah on Shabbat opens us up to what it means to be a part of community that lives by normative behaviors – and how we respond to differing practices.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 129

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 11:00:13 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Twenty Eighth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Marci Jacobs Aronchick looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 129. In this episode, we explore the principle of safek n’fashot l’hakeil – our leniency in cases where a life might be in danger. When faced with decision between preserving someone’s life (even only potentially) and preserving Shabbat, we choose to preserve life.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 128

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 11:00:10 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Twenty Seventh episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Marci Jacobs Aronchick looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 128. Through the Talmud’s discussion of the flexibility of Shabbat – how many things we might consider forbidden are actually permitted – we are reminded of our responsibility to treat that flexibility with respect, tailoring our behavior to suit Shabbat.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 127

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 11:00:22 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Twenty Sixith episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Adina Lewittes looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 127. This page in Massechet Shabbat tries to understand some of the Sages concerns about exerting ourselves physically on Shabbat. It then shares some beautiful teachings about the importance of the mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim, the welcoming of guests, and of judging one another favorably, giving people the benefit of the doubt.

Rabbi Adina Lewittes is the founder of Sha’ar Communities in Bergen County, New Jersey, a groundbreaking suburban network of small, inclusive, and accessible Jewish communities connected by a broad vision of Jewish renaissance. An entrepreneur in her rabbinate, Rabbi Lewittes earlier founded Congregation Kol HaNeshamah in Englewood, New Jersey, and served as the first female Assistant Dean of the Rabbinical School at JTS during which time she participated in the rethinking and restructuring of the program’s curriculum.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 126

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 11:00:20 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Twenty Fifth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Adina Lewittes looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 126. This page in Massechet Shabbat teaches us an important principle about the relative weight of proof-texts, showing that one which refers to the actual practice of the sages is more authoritative than one which resorts to legal theory. It also teaches us about the Rabbis’ emphasis upon the economy of words, seeing any repetition or superfluous word as an opportunity, no, an obligation, to interpret.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 125

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 11:00:18 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Twenty Fourth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Adina Lewittes looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 125. This page in Massechet Shabbat shows us the compassionate spirit of Jewish law in that it’s not based upon the lives and means of the majority of the community, but is informed by the lives and means, or lack thereof, of those who live at the margins of community. It also teaches us of the powerful role of mental intent in establishing halachah.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 124

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 11:00:14 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Twenty Third episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Adina Lewittes looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 124. This page in Massechet Shabbat illustrates once again how some sages considered such factors as financial loss when making decisions around Shabbat or Festival observance, reminding us of how halacha never operates in a vacuum. It also contains two fascinating stories: one that teaches us about the ethics of choosing a halachik authority, and one that offers a glimpse into the mundane realities of the life of a Talmudic sage.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 123

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 11:00:10 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Twenty Second episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Adina Lewittes looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 123. This page in Massechet Shabbat describes two fascinating aspects of the development and growth of Jewish law over the ages. One indicates the different priorities and values poskim, those who decide Jewish law, factor into their decisions; and another recounts the history of how Jewish law, in this case Shabbat law, evolved. The implications for our own times are noted.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 122

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 11:00:08 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Twenty First episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Adina Lewittes looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 122. This page in Massechet Shabbat deals with the permissibility of a Jew benefiting from work a non-Jew does for themselves on Shabbat. It then opens a new chapter of Massechet Shabbat that returns to the topic of muktzeh, things we are not permitted to move or use on Shabbat. The discussion concludes with a powerful insight into the spiritual, indeed existential, essence of Shabbat itself.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 121

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 11:00:43 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Twentieth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Adina Lewittes looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 121. This page in Massechet Shabbat tackles the question of whether there are any circumstances in which we may direct a non-Jew to work on our behalf on Shabbat. The page continues with a discussion of the permissibility of killing dangerous and threatening animals on Shabbat. The slippery but fascinating issues of intention and appearances make their way into the ancient Rabbis deliberations.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 120

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 04 Jul 2020 11:00:23 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Nineteenth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Justin David looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 120. Why are we only permitted to indirectly put out a fire on Shabbat, whereas we are permitted to extinguish a candle if it bothers a sick person on Shabbat? Perhaps the answer has less to do with Shabbat and more to do with the symbolic role of our actions in the face of what we cannot control.

Justin David is Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Israel in Northampton, MA, where boardmeetings have been canceled when Dylan plays in town. For the past three years, hehas served as Rabbi-in-Residence of Camp Yofi, a program for families with childrenon the autism spectrum at Ramah Darom.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 119

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 11:00:04 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Eighteenth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Justin David looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 119. Is there a deeper theological meaning to the sensual enjoyment of Shabbat? For those of us who revel in Oneg Shabbat, this daf gives us a moment to think more deeply about the spiritual foundations of the very earthy celebration of Shabbat.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 118

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 11:00:04 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Seventeenth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Justin David looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 118. Perhaps there is nothing more holy than a day in which we experience an intimation of relief from all suffering. But to do that, we first have to imagine that we suffer.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 117

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 11:00:05 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Sixteenth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Justin David looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 117. What is more “holy,” fulfilling halakhah as a dictate from heaven, or satisfying human needs through pragmatic wisdom and ingenuity? Some of the most compelling Talmudic thinking meets at the nexus between the two. On this daf, we see heavenly holiness and pragmatic holiness come together around a seemingly arcane circumstance.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 116

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 11:00:05 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Fifteenth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Justin David looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 116. Who is the “Other?” And how do we engage the “Other” in our midst?The rabbis grapple with this question as this daf turns to the reality of “minim,”heretics, or, more accurately, Hebrew Christians who shared daily life and muchmore with the Sages of the Talmud.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 115

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 11:00:05 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Fourteenth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Justin David looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 115. What makes a text holy? And what is it about holiness that would compel the Rabbis to have us risk transgressing the boundaries of Shabbat, not to mention harm and injury, to save holy books on Shabbat?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 114

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 11:00:18 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Thirteenth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Justin David looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 114. This daf takes up the theme of Jewish spiritual leadership in a consideration of the talmid chacham (scholar). On this daf, the Rabbis explore what makes a scholar not only a great teacher, but a leader of the community. As always, the answers yield more questions that are alive in many of our communities.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 113

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 12:00:59 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Twelvth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Joshua Cahan looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 113. The Rabbis try to guide us in making Shabbat different from the weekdays and in making Shabbat the pinnacle of our week.

Rabbi Joshua Cahan received his Ph.D. in Rabbinic Literature from the Jewish Theological Seminary. He teaches rabbinics at the Schechter High School of Westchester. Previously he was the founder and director of the Northwoods Kollel Talmud program at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Director of the Jewish Theological Seminary’s Beit Midrash study center. In 2009 Rabbi Cahan published Yedid Nefesh, a traditional, egalitarian bencher (book of sabbath songs & blessings) with commentary.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 112

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Eleventh episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Joshua Cahan looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 112. A knotty puzzle: Wherein we try to piece together how the Rabbis delineate the prohibition on tying knots on Shabbat.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 111

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 12:00:01 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Tenth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Joshua Cahan looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 111. How important is my intention when asking whether I have violated Shabbat? Am I responsible for all effects of my actions or only the ones that I intended and wanted to make happen?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 110

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 12:00:01 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Ninth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Joshua Cahan looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 110. Meet the ultimate enforcer of Halakha: the Rabbinic Snake.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 109

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 12:00:02 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Eighth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Joshua Cahan looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 109. The ban on healing on Shabbat is both well-established and porous as a sieve. Why do the Rabbis have such a hard time getting this straight?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 108

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 12:00:02 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Seventh episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Joshua Cahan looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 108. Rav shows up in Babylonia with a fancy new degree, ready to take over. Shmuel wants to put the interloper in his place. But Rav doesn’t take this challenge lying down.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 107

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 12:00:03 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Sixith episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Joshua Cahan looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 107. The Talmud shows a strong inclination to define the forbidden labors of shabbat using abstract concepts. But they find that sometimes a category can be as slippery as a fish.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 106

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 20 Jun 2020 12:00:03 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Fifth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Adam Kligfeld looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 106. Within this page of Talmud we have the laws of how to react, substantively, to the death of a brother or a member of our group of friends. And we have an expansive discussion on the laws of trapping on Shabbat. For small animals, for fish, and for birds, how trapped does an animal have to be in order for it to be considered fully trapped? Within both of these topics are wonderful ideas about how to approach our own lives more meaningfully, and how to approach debate and argumentation within the Jewish world with a greater sense of what is truly important.

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld is the Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth Am in Los Angeles, CA. He is in his 4^th year in this position, after serving 9 years as the rabbi of Congregation Eitz Chaim in Monroe, NY. One of his favorite roles as a rabbi is studying and learning original text with his community, specifically during his weekly Humash with Rashi class, a version of which he has been teaching for over twelve years.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 105

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 12:00:04 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Fourth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Adam Kligfeld looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 105. Within this page of Talmud we have examples of numerous types of rabbinic argumentation, all centered around how much of a particular act or mlakha (labor) one must do in order to become fully liable for having violated Shabbat. Both on the surface of, and buried deep within, this technically complicated page are beautiful teachings about how each rabbi, and Jew, should/must find pathways to interpret the Torah in personally meaningful ways, and also about the praise due to the אדם כשר, the “kosher” or fit person—one whose life is devoted to acts of kindness, empathy and righteousness.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 104: Joshua to Joshua to Jocelyn

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 12:00:04 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Third episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Barry Dov Katz looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 104. We’ve been discussing Shabbat rules, specifically those related to the prohibition on writing two letters or more on Shabbat. Here, the Gemara offers several playful methods for imparting important messages and interpreting the Torah based on letters.

Barry Dov Katz is the rabbi of the Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale in the Bronx. He is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary and serves an adjunct faculty member at JTS mentoring rabbinical students.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 103: Ktav Tam-A Meditation on Perfection

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 12:00:05 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and Second episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Barry Dov Katz looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 103. Over the last few days, we explored the Shabbat prohibitions of transferring objects from one domain to another and building. Today we look at writing, another category of prohibited work. Among other questions, the Mishna and Gemara want to know how much writing is enough to make someone liable. We focus on the breakout section where the Gemara discusses the laws of safrut, holy calligraphy.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 102: “Eats Shoots and Leaves” Meets The Laws of Shabbat

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 12:00:06 +0000

Welcome to the Hundred and First episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Barry Dov Katz looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 102. The Mishna and Gemara explore the question of how much “building” do you need to do in order to be liable for breaking Shabbat. A tentative definition offered by the Mishna offers a window into what is intoxicating yet frustrating about Talmud study: It’s all about how you punctuate and looking for clues about ultimate meaning in the smallest details of a close reading.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 101: Moshe- You Did Speak Well!?

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 12:00:06 +0000

Welcome to the Hundredth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Barry Dov Katz looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 101. Our daf continues a discussion about transferring objects from one domain to another. The specific question is the status of transferring from one ship to another. Along the way, Rav Safra suggests that Rava misunderstood the Mishna. Rav Safra expresses his dissenting opinion in a beautiful and telling manner.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 100: Out Of The Mist Of Complexity Emerges Clarity

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 12:00:07 +0000

Welcome to the Ninety Nineth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Barry Dov Katz looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 100. The gemara continues with a discussion of the laws of hotzaah, transferring from between public and private domains on Shabbat. Here in our chapter, the specific focus is in how throwing something might or might not be different than other kinds of transfer. We will look at the specific case of someone who throws something into a crevice in a wall and a disagreement between Rabbi Meir and the other sages on the limits of expanding categories.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 99

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 12:00:07 +0000

Welcome to the Ninety Eighth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Steve Kane looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 99. Shabbat 99a-b begins with a midrashic comment on the difference between a wise hearted woman and a woman whose heart inspires wisdom. The rest of the page continues the discussion of transferring objects from one domain to another. Here we try to define why the gemarrah is so concerned with the concept of well-defined boundaries.

Rabbi Steven Kane is the spiritual leader of Congregation Sons of Israel. Rabbi Kane was ordained at JTS and holds a Master’s Degree in Judaic Studies and a Bachelor of Hebrew Literature degree from the University of Judaism as well as a BA from Washington University in St. Louis.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 98

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 12:00:07 +0000

Welcome to the Ninety Seventh episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Steve Kane looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 98. Shabbat 98a-b contains a discussion about carrying an object four amot in a covered public domain and the boards found in the wagons that were used in the construction of the Tabernacle in the dessert. Since these details are not mentioned in the Torah, why does the gemarrah discuss them so specifically here? Finally, why is the tent of the Tabernacle then compared to a woman walking in the marketplace?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 97

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 12:00:45 +0000

Welcome to the Ninety Sixth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Steve Kane looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 97. The discussion on Shabbat 97a-b centers on the dispute between R. Akiva and the Sages regarding an object thrown on Shabbat from one private domain to another private domain, through a public domain. We examine here the question of whether the air above the ground is considered a part of that ground or not-and the implications for the relationship between the earth and the air above it.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 96

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 12:00:46 +0000

Welcome to the Ninety Fifth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Steve Kane looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 96. This episode ends chapter ten and begins chapter eleven of Masechet Shabbat. The new chapter discusses the legality of throwing an object from one domain to another on Shabbat. The end of the page discusses a fascinating midrash on the identity of the person put to death for violating Shabbat by gathering wood in Numbers chapter 15.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 95

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 12:00:47 +0000

Welcome to the Ninety Fourth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Steve Kane looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 95. On Shabbat 95 the concept of what toladot, derivatives, of the 39 main categories of work is discussed relating to personal grooming of women on Shabbat. The page concludes with a discussion about plants in flowerpots and whether or not they are considered the same as those in the ground and their relationship to the concept of tamei and tahor—purities and impurities.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 94

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:00:47 +0000

Welcome to the Ninety Third episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Steve Kane looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 94. Shabbat 94 continues the discussion of the prohibition of carrying on Shabbat. In this case the question of moving a dead body is discussed, along with the important principle that, “human dignity is so important that it can suspend a prohibition of the Torah.”

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 93

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 12:00:47 +0000

Welcome to the Ninety Second episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Steve Kane looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 93. Today’s episode is a discussion about responsibility for our acts. When we act alone, we are clearly responsible. What is the level of our responsibility when we act along with others?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 92

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 12:00:48 +0000

Welcome to the Ninety First episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jill Jacobs looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 92. Today we focus on what is “normal?” The rabbis debate whether the boundaries of usual practice are consistent across place and time, or determined by particular circumstances.

Rabbi Jill Jacobs is the Executive Director of Rabbis for Human Rights-North America. She is the author of There Shall Be No Needy: Pursuing Social Justice through Jewish Law and Tradition and Where Justice Dwells: A Hands-On Guide to Doing Social Justice in Your Jewish Community.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

A Very Different Daily Daf “The Daf”

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 12:00:48 +0000

Welcome to the Nintieth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky takes a very different take then usual.

Today we’ll talk not about a specific page of the Talmud but about the shape of the Talmudic page and how it came to look this way. After beginning in oral transmission and then to transmission in manuscript, the Talmud began to be printed in the late 15th century, first in Spain and then Italy. The Soncino family gave us the distinctive format with the Gemara text in the center of the page, with Rashi’s 11th century commentary on the inner margin, explaining the flow of the Talmud’s argumentation and that of the Tosafot (“additions”) on the outer margin, carrying forward the texts dialectics with further sharp questions and answers. Over the years, further study aids were added to the margins, helping us students find relevant Bible verses and parallel Talmudic passages.

If you’d like to see images of Talmudic manuscripts, please check out this website, from the Hebrew University.

To see a folio of Bomberg Talmud, 1520, click here

For a folio of the Soncino Talmud, 1483, click here

To check out the familiar page of the Romm “Shas Vilna”, click here.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat Daf 90 and 91

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 12:00:49 +0000

Welcome to the Eighty Nineth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jill Jacobs looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 90. On Day 90 and 91, we move from the lofty vision of Matan Torah to the mundane details of the quantities of materials that one may carry from the public to the private domain on Shabbat. Through this lesson, the rabbis instruct us on balancing spirit and law in Shabbat practice.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 89

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 12:00:49 +0000

Welcome to the Eighty Eighth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jill Jacobs looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 89. This episode focuses on the angels objecting to human beings taking the Torah back to earth, where surely it will be tainted. But this is a necessary condition of the Torah coming to life.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 88

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:00:50 +0000

Welcome to the Eighty Seventh episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jill Jacobs looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 88. Continuing from yesterday’s topic, today the rabbis imagine the moment of Matan Torah as a moment when the supernatural happens, and when life and death sit in the balance.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 87

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 12:00:50 +0000

Welcome to the Eighty Sixth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jill Jacobs looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 87. Today we focus on the moment of Matan Torah (revelation), which represents the ultimate human-divine encounter. In this moment, God transfers some of the responsibility of the world to humanity.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 86

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 31 May 2020 12:00:51 +0000

Welcome to the Eighty Fifth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jill Jacobs looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 86. Today’s daf asks “When is a person ready to receive Torah?” According to the rabbis, one needs to be ready both spiritually and physically. And that leads to some fascinating speculation about sex and reproduction.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 85

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 30 May 2020 12:00:51 +0000

Welcome to the Eighty Fourth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Harry Pell looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 85. This episode continues with the theme of planting multiple species in a small garden, and in the process reminds us why the Talmud is more of an educational experience than a series of bottom line answers.

Rabbi Harry Pell is Schechter Westchester’s rabbi-in-residence, as well as a teacher of Talmud and chair of the Judaic Studies department in the High School. His favorite teaching opportunity comes annually when he is privileged to travel and learn with the senior class in Poland and Israel. Rabbi Pell also serves as a reserve chaplain in the United States Navy and is working on a long term doctorate in Talmud and rabbinics.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 84

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 29 May 2020 12:08:52 +0000

Welcome to the Eighty Third episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Harry Pell looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 84. Masechet Shabbat, Daf 84 opens with the challenge of planting multiple species in a small garden, and ends by implicitly raising the question of how best to analyze the purpose of any given Midrash.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 83

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 28 May 2020 12:00:52 +0000

Welcome to the Eighty Second episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Harry Pell looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 83. Masechet Shabbat, Daf 83 is chock full of great Talmudic material, form the question of whether a disassembled idol still imparts impurity, to the question of how we know that ocean-going ships do not impart impurity, to the reason you should never miss an opportunity to study in the Beit HaMidrash.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 82

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 27 May 2020 12:00:52 +0000

Welcome to the Eighty First episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Harry Pell looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 82. Masechet Shabbat, Daf 82 shares best practices for conduct in the bathroom, which I have taken the liberty of cross-checking with a medical doctor. It also gives us the chance to bid farewell to one perek, and welcome another.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 81

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 26 May 2020 12:00:52 +0000

Welcome to the Eightieth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Harry Pell looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 81. Masechet Shabbat, Daf 81 is a tale of stones, of latrines, and of Kavod HaBriyot — human dignity, all in the context of Shabbat.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 80

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 25 May 2020 12:00:53 +0000

Welcome to the Seventy Nineth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Harry Pell looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 80. Daf 80 begins with a discussion of carrying on Shabbat, but winds up teaching lessons about the cosmetic uses of lime, and an even more important lesson about personal responsibility.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 79

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 24 May 2020 12:00:54 +0000

Welcome to the Seventy Eighth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Harry Pell looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 79. In this episode, we focus on a page that asks the question whether Tefilin be written only on Klaf, or also on Duchsustus? The question is answered elegantly, in part by citing the principle — Ma’alin B’kodesh, V’ayn Moridin.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 78

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 23 May 2020 12:00:54 +0000

Welcome to the Seventy Seventh episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Hoffman looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 78. In this episode, we explore the question of when is a piece of paper is not really a piece of paper, abd we have further adventures in the laws of carrying.

Rabbi David Hoffman is an assistant professor of Talmud and Rabbinic Culture and serves as scholar-in-residence in the Development Department of The Jewish Theological Seminary.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 77: Jeremiah and the Kings of Israel

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 22 May 2020 12:00:54 +0000

Welcome to the Seventy Sixth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Hoffman looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 77. In today’s episode, we try to make sense of the prohibition of “carrying”.

Rabbi David Hoffman is an assistant professor of Talmud and Rabbinic Culture and serves as scholar-in-residence in the Development Department of The Jewish Theological Seminary.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 76: Hadran Alakh

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 21 May 2020 12:00:55 +0000

Welcome to the Seventy Fifth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Hoffman looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 76. Today we will focus on thoughts about the language we use upon concluding a chapter of Talmud.

Rabbi David Hoffman is an assistant professor of Talmud and Rabbinic Culture and serves as scholar-in-residence in the Development Department of The Jewish Theological Seminary.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 75: Davening on Helios

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 20 May 2020 12:00:56 +0000

Welcome to the Seventy Fourth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Hoffman looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 75. Today we look at to what extent the rabbis were citizens of the larger Roman cultural world, focusing on one small case study.

Rabbi David Hoffman is an assistant professor of Talmud and Rabbinic Culture and serves as scholar-in-residence in the Development Department of The Jewish Theological Seminary.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 74: Murky Categories As Opportunities For Thoughtful Religious Thinking

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 19 May 2020 12:00:56 +0000

Welcome to the Seventy Third episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Hoffman looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 74. In this episode we consider the permitted and prohibited types of selection on Shabbat and the melacha of borer.

Rabbi David Hoffman is an assistant professor of Talmud and Rabbinic Culture and serves as scholar-in-residence in the Development Department of The Jewish Theological Seminary.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 73: Counting with the Romans!

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 18 May 2020 12:00:57 +0000

Welcome to the Seventy Second episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Hoffman looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 73. In this episode we look at one small example of how rabbinic Judaism was influenced by its Roman context.

Rabbi David Hoffman is an assistant professor of Talmud and Rabbinic Culture and serves as scholar-in-residence in the Development Department of The Jewish Theological Seminary.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 72: Is Idolatry Permissible?

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 17 May 2020 12:00:57 +0000

Welcome to the Seventy First episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Hoffman looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 72. In this episode we explore a fascinating Rashi that complicates modern conversations of the role of the “acceptance of the commandments” as a requisite for conversion.

Rabbi David Hoffman is an assistant professor of Talmud and Rabbinic Culture and serves as scholar-in-residence in the Development Department of The Jewish Theological Seminary.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 71

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 16 May 2020 12:00:58 +0000

Welcome to the Seventieth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Shai Cherry looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 71. On today’s daf, the gemara offers further permutations of combining different kinds of transgressions from the mishna and asking about the consequences. We conclude our study by asking again if the function of sacrifices is educational, psychological, or theological/cosmic.

Rabbi Shai Cherry, Ph.D, is the founder and director of Shaar Hamayim: A Jewish Learning Center in Solana Beach, California. Shai wrote Torah through Time: Understanding Bible Commentary from the Rabbinic Period to Modern Times and is the featured lecturer for The Great Courses’ “Introduction to Judaism.”

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 70

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 15 May 2020 12:00:58 +0000

Welcome to the Sixty Nineth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Shai Cherry looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 70. Today we consider what happens when you’re lost in the dessert and lose track of time. When and how do you celebrate Shabbat? And, what happens when you combine transgressions? Do you also combine punishments?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 69

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 14 May 2020 12:00:59 +0000

Welcome to the Sixty Eighth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Shai Cherry looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 69. On today’s daf, we look at three different descriptions of what it means to transgress “b’shogeg.” How much knowledge must an offender have before he is guilty of crimes with the most serious consequence of caret (extirpation)?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 68

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 13 May 2020 12:00:59 +0000

Welcome to the Sixty Seventh episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Shai Cherry looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 68. We begin a new chapter today which focuses on what one knows and what one knew in determining the consequences of Shabbat violations. At stake here is the very function of sacrifices: are they to right the transgressor, or do they have a more cosmic/theological function to right the world/God?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 67

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 12 May 2020 12:00:59 +0000

Welcome to the Sixty Sixth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Shai Cherry looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 67. Shabbat 67 continues with therapies for all that ails you, from boils to bathroom demons. Along the way, the gemara allows for those practices that might actually have some benefit, even if those same customs are practiced by non-Jews. The chapter ends with a l’chayim, a nod to those things which enhance life.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 66

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 11 May 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Sixty Fifth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Shai Cherry looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 66. Shabbat 66 begins with a continuation of those things that one can go out with on Shabbat. One of the things it allows is knots for boys. A discussion then ensues of ancient incantations to restore health and a hint as to the origins of using the mother’s name for a misheberach.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 65

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 10 May 2020 12:00:01 +0000

Welcome to the Sixty Fourth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Shai Cherry looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 65. In this episode, the Talmud discusses those things that one may go out with on Shabbat without fear that they’ll be carried in such a way that would violate Shabbat. Along the way, we see how later generations become stricter in their interpretation of the law. We also see how legal fictions develop around rabbinic law in order to safeguard biblical law.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 64

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 09 May 2020 12:00:02 +0000

Welcome to the Sixty Third episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 64. The first half of today’s page is concerned mostly with very specific rules of ritual purity as applied to different sorts of garments. It then turns to a homiletic exposition of Moses’ war against Midian (Numbers 31) and the sexual temptations those enemy women posed. Later the page ruminates on the Talmuds’ general marital advice that wives should try to be attractive to their husbands, and considers that such wise advice means that the Sages would also have to issue lenient rulings permitting women to wear more adornments in public, and thus relax some restrictions against carrying.

This week, our study is led by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 63

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 08 May 2020 12:00:02 +0000

Welcome to the Sixty Second episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 63. Today’s page is a mostly aggadic (homiletical) discussion, envisioning war and peace in messianic times, ethical guidance of how to be a good student of Torah, and a reflection on how to read Torah both literally and figuratively.

This week, our study is led by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 62

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 07 May 2020 12:00:03 +0000

Welcome to the Sixty First episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 62. Today’s page focuses on gender categories, and whether women and men are subject to comparable rules on Shabbat clothing. We will also learn the surprising reason why the Talmud thinks one should not wear tefillin into the bathroom.

This week, our study is led by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 61

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 06 May 2020 12:00:03 +0000

Welcome to the Sixtieth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 61. Today we review an extremely picayune rule – whether you should put on your right shoe or left shoe first – and the Talmud’s own humorous jibes at itself over this obsessive rule-making. We’ll also consider some magical practices: the writing and carrying of amulets, and what makes for a certified magical healer.

This week, our study is led by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 60

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 05 May 2020 12:00:04 +0000

Welcome to the Fifty Nineth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 60. Today we will discuss the prohibition against wearing sandals held together with nails on Shabbat. The Talmud offers a somewhat farfetched explanation for this law, referring it to a fatal stampede that happened on one ancient Shabbat. But we propose a much more likely explanation for this rule, coming from an extremely unlikely authority – the Christian church father Origen.

This week, our study is led by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 59

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 04 May 2020 12:00:04 +0000

Welcome to the Fifty Eighth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 59. Today we will focus on the Talmud’s allusions to sages both famous and those you’ve never heard of, including a rabbi who is described here as the chief of the academy, but who has transmitted almost no teachings at all to subsequent generations.

This week, our study is led by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 58

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 03 May 2020 12:00:05 +0000

Welcome to the Fifty Seventh episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 58. On today’s page we state the principle that on Shabbat one should not wear any item that might plausibly have to be carried in public – either to show it off or to protect it, should it break. We also review whether items can change their halakhic categories simply thanks to their owners’ mental assessments of their purpose.

This week, our study is lead by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 57

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 02 May 2020 12:00:05 +0000

Welcome to the Fifty Sixth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Rosenn looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 57. We’re still looking at hotza’ah, and today’s daf shifts the focus from animals to people. We get a lesson in hairnets, head bangles, and other kinds of ancient Near Eastern jewelry, including the famous Jerusalem of gold.

Rabbi David Rosenn is the Chief Operating Officer at the New Israel Fund. A graduate of JTS, David is also is the founder of AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 56

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 01 May 2020 12:00:05 +0000

Welcome to the Fifty Fifth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Rosenn looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 56. In today’s daf, we’ll look at the connections between sin and death, and hear the sages of the Talmud defend some of the Bible’s greatest sinners. We’ll also see that the Talmud has some surprisingly modern views about the doctrine of reward and punishment.

Rabbi David Rosenn is the Chief Operating Officer at the New Israel Fund. A graduate of JTS, David is also is the founder of AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 55

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 12:00:06 +0000

Welcome to the Fifty Fourth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Rosenn looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 55. Today we follow the Talmud as it uses a discussion about shabbat laws as a launching pad for a teaching about a completely different topic: the responsibility we all have for speaking out against wrongdoing, even if we think that speaking out will do no good.

Rabbi David Rosenn is the Chief Operating Officer at the New Israel Fund. A graduate of JTS, David is also is the founder of AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 54

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 12:00:06 +0000

Welcome to the Fifty Third episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Rosenn looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 54. Today we’ll look at what happens when two factors in the laws of shabbat clash. Specifically, does our obligation to prevent the suffering of animals allow us to create a situation that may lead human beings to violate Shabbat?

Rabbi David Rosenn is the Chief Operating Officer at the New Israel Fund. A graduate of JTS, David is also is the founder of AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 53

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 12:00:07 +0000

Welcome to the Fifty Second episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Rosenn looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 53. Daf 53 of tractate Shabbat considers how an animal’s suffering factors into what it is allowed to carry on Shabbat. We also have the rabbis reacting to a story about a man who nursed his child.

Rabbi David Rosenn is the Chief Operating Officer at the New Israel Fund. A graduate of JTS, David is also is the founder of AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 52

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 12:00:07 +0000

Welcome to the Fifty First episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Rosenn looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 52. Today’s daf looks at the issues surrounding the commandment that not only people, but also animals should have a day of rest on Shabbat.

Rabbi David Rosenn is the Chief Operating Officer at the New Israel Fund. A graduate of JTS, David is also is the founder of AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 51

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 12:00:07 +0000

Welcome to the Fiftieth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Rosenn looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 51. In today’s episode, we look at the rules that surround the covering and uncovering of food once Shabbat has begun.

Rabbi David Rosenn is the Chief Operating Officer at the New Israel Fund. A graduate of JTS, David is also is the founder of AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 50

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 12:00:08 +0000

Welcome to the Forty Nineth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Emma Kippley-Ogman looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 50. Today we investigate how frame of mind can be a category of action and what that means for sitting in chairs and taking a bath.

Rabbi Emma Kippley-Ogman is Assistant Rabbi at Beth Jacob Congregation in Mendota Heights, MN.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 49

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 12:00:10 +0000

Welcome to the Forty Eighth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Emma Kippley-Ogman looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 49. Riffing on feathers, Elisha the Winged One’s tefillin become doves and our mitzvot become our wings of safety and freedom in this episode.

Rabbi Emma Kippley-Ogman is Assistant Rabbi at Beth Jacob Congregation in Mendota Heights, MN.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 48

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 12:00:11 +0000

Welcome to the Forty Seventh episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Emma Kippley-Ogman looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 48. Focusing on handkerchiefs and feathers, today we enter the world of chapter four — the material culture of keeping things warm on Shabbat.

Rabbi Emma Kippley-Ogman is Assistant Rabbi at Beth Jacob Congregation in Mendota Heights, MN.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 47

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 12:00:12 +0000

Welcome to the Forty Sixth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Emma Kippley-Ogman looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 47. In our discussion of muktze so far, we’ve focused on the objects to be (or not to be) carried. Today, we learn how the nature of an object is affected by the identity of the person who will carry it.

Rabbi Emma Kippley-Ogman is Assistant Rabbi at Beth Jacob Congregation in Mendota Heights, MN.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 46

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 12:00:12 +0000

Welcome to the Forty Fifth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Emma Kippley-Ogman looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 46. Jewish communities have always encompassed a wide range of ritual practice. Today’s daf invites us to wonder how we behave when we are guests and hosts, holding respect for others as a higher value than consistency.

Rabbi Emma Kippley-Ogman is Assistant Rabbi at Beth Jacob Congregation in Mendota Heights, MN.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 45

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 12:00:12 +0000

Welcome to the Forty Fourth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Emma Kippley-Ogman looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 45. Rabbinic discourse requires that we engage in conversation with those who disagree. Through disagreements about muktze, in this episode we consider how we learn from and represent the perspectives of others.

Rabbi Emma Kippley-Ogman is Assistant Rabbi at Beth Jacob Congregation in Mendota Heights, MN.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 44

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 12:00:13 +0000

Welcome to the Forty Third episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Emma Kippley-Ogman looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 44. Today’s daf introduces us to the theme of the rest of the chapter — muktze, the objects we might set aside for Shabbat. We learn some of the particulars of carrying, and how muktze invites us to reflect on the objects in our lives.

Rabbi Emma Kippley-Ogman is Assistant Rabbi at Beth Jacob Congregation in Mendota Heights, MN.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 43

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 12:00:13 +0000

Welcome to the Forty Second episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Ben Kramer looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 43. The Talmud often explores the parameters of the law by addressing cases where two different values come into conflict. Today we look at the case of death on Shabbat and see how the rabbis tried to navigate the competing values of Kavod haShabbat (Respecting Shabbat) and Kavod HaMeit (Respecting the deceased).

Rabbi Ben Kramer works as a congregational rabbi and an artisan blacksmith (you can see his work at rabbiBLACKSMITH.com or at facebook.com/rabbiBlackSmith). He has an MA in Talmud from the JTS Graduate School and is currently on his second Daf Yomi cycle.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 42

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 12:00:14 +0000

Welcome to the Forty First episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Ben Kramer looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 42. Today’s episode looks at Rav Chisda, and the fact that he decides the law based on his extensive knowledge of the egg-laying habits of hens, demonstrating the importance of scientific knowledge for those who seek to decide matters of Jewish law.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat Daf 41

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 12:00:14 +0000

Welcome to the Fortieth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Ben Kramer looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 41. In this episode we ask the question “Is making aliyah forbidden?” Rav Yehudah says yes! And wait until you see what we can learn from him by watching him take a bath!

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 40

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 12:00:14 +0000

Welcome to the Thirty Nineth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Ben Kramer looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 40. Today we focus on three halakhic (legal) concepts that answer three important questions: Yad Soledet Bo (or, How Hot is Hot?), Ki’l’achar YadKli Sheni.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 39

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 12:00:14 +0000

Welcome to the Thirty Eighth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Ben Kramer looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 39. Today’s episode is a discussion about mediating disputes, the danger of making inferences, and how, when it comes to the law, the stam (the Talmud’s anonymous voice) is more interested in discussions than decisions.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 38

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 12:00:14 +0000

Welcome to the Thirty Seventh episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Ben Kramer looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 38. Today we are continuing the discussion of the prohibition of bishul b’shabbat (cooking on Shabbat) and how the legal consideration of intentionality can open the door to leniency as well as deception.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 37

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 12:00:15 +0000

Welcome to the Thirty Sixth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Ben Kramer looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 37. In this episode, we explore issues surrounding the prohibition of bishul b’shabbat (cooking on Shabbat) and try to understand why the Talmud doesn’t always find it necessary to decide the law.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 36

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 11 Apr 2020 12:00:15 +0000

Welcome to the Thirty Fifth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Brad Hirschfield looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 36. This episode addresses the confusions created by the destruction of the Second Temple, and the Sages reassurance that in fact, both clarity and K’dushah can both be retained in a post-Temple world.

Rabbi Brad Hirschfield serves as President of Clal – The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, and is the author most recently of You Don’t Have To Be Wrong For Me To Be Right: Finding Faith Without Fanacticism. A public ethicist and media commentator, he writes regularly for both the WashingtonPost.com and FOXNews.com.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 35

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 12:00:15 +0000

Welcome to the Thirty Fourth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Brad Hirschfield looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 35. Explored today, is the tension between the need for specific and fixed boundaries in time, and the value of blurring those boundaries, as ways of making Shabbat more meaningful.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 34

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 12:00:15 +0000

Welcome to the Thirty Third episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Brad Hirschfield looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 34. In today’s podcast, we explore the importance of not simply observing Shabbat, but of preparing for Shabbat, and what that suggests about at least one understanding of what Shabbat is all about.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 33

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 12:00:56 +0000

Welcome to the Thirty Second episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Brad Hirschfield looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 33. Today we explore the temptation, and ultimate failure, of explaining human suffering by means of simple calculations of reward and punishment.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 32

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 12:00:56 +0000

Welcome to the Thirty First episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Brad Hirschfield looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 32. On today’s daf, we explore why people die unexpected deaths, and how different Sages cope with the challenge of finding meaning in what they often experience as a dangerous and threatening world.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 31

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 12:00:55 +0000

Welcome to the Thirtieth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Brad Hirschfield looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 31. Today’s episode filnds us in the midst of classic stories about Hillel, Shammai, and their respective attitudes to prospective converts, when we discover a theory of education based on the primacy of relationships.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 30

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 12:00:55 +0000

Welcome to the Twenty Nineth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Brad Hirschfield looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 30. In this episode we focus on what defines purposeful activity, at least with respect to Shabbat, and what is the reason we light Shabbat candles?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 29

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 12:00:31 +0000

Welcome to the Twenty Eighth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Michael Pitkowsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 29. The rabbis of the Talmud weren’t concerned about walking on eggshells, but eggshells were very important to them. I bet that you can’t wait to learn why they spent so much time talking about them.

Rabbi Michael Pitkowsky is the Rabbinics Curriculum Coordinator at the Academy for Jewish Religion and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Michael lives in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx with his wife and two children and is a member of CSAIR. He can be found blogging at menachemmendel.net/blog and on Twitter @mpitkowsky.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 28

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 12:00:31 +0000

Welcome to the Twenty Seventh episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Michael Pitkowsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 28. From tents to tefillin, today’s daf takes us on a journey from being enveloped by impurity to being wrapped up in God’s word.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 27

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 12:00:31 +0000

Welcome to the Twenty Sixth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Michael Pitkowsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 27. The Talmud includes some fairly harsh comments that were stated by some rabbis about their colleagues. Were they really BFF’s or did they really mean it?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 26

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 12:00:30 +0000

Welcome to the Twenty Fifth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Michael Pitkowsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 26. The Talmud includes some fairly harsh comments that were stated by some rabbis about their colleagues. Were they really BFF’s or did they really mean it?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 25

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 12:00:30 +0000

Welcome to the Twenty Fourth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Michael Pitkowsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 25. What does burning tar and the blessing over Shabbat candles have in common? Actually, a lot. Come and learn the connection between burning tar and Shabbat candles.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 24

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 12:00:30 +0000

Welcome to the Twenty Third episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Michael Pitkowsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 24. When was the last time that you read the Haftorah at mincha on Shabbat afternoon? Well, somebody in the Talmud thought that you should and find out what happened to their opinion.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 23

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 12:00:29 +0000

Welcome to the Twenty Second episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Michael Pitkowsky looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 23. Do the rabbi of the Talmud really speak for God? Learn how the seemingly simple blessing recited over the Hanukkah candles is actually not so simple.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 22

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 12:00:52 +0000

Welcome to the Twenty First episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 22. Is the mitzvah of Chanukkah to light the candles or simply to place the Chanukkiah in our window? A lesson from the Chassidic text Kedushat Levi suggests that these two possibilities reflect different spiritual moments in a Jew’s life.

Rabbi Abby Sosland is the Morah Ruchanit (Spiritual Advisor) for the high school at Solomon Schechter Westchester, where she teaches Talmud, Bible, Philosophy and Prayer. Her chapter “Crime and Punishment” — about the laws of capital punishment and incarceration— appears in The Observant Life: The Wisdom of Conservative Judaism for Contemporary Jews (Martin Cohen and Michael Katz, Rabbinical Assembly, 2012). She runs a free High Holiday service at Town and Village Synagogue in downtown Manhattan.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 21

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 12:00:51 +0000

Welcome to the Twentieth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 21. In the middle of the Talmud’s discussion on wicks and waxes, Chanukkah appears! The debate between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai about the number of candles to light reflects a centuries-long debate on the role of the Temple in Jewish life. How long should our mourning of its destruction continue?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 20

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 12:00:50 +0000

Welcome to the Nineteenth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 20. “Bameh Madlikin?” With what may we kindle Shabbat lights? This famous Mishnah, read in traditional shuls on Friday nights, bespeaks a key element of Shabbat, and it reminds us that throughout Jewish life, the details matter.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 19

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 12:00:50 +0000

Welcome to the Eighteenth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 19. The Amoraim (the rabbis of the Gemara) explain an earlier text (a Braita) about a non-Jewish messenger delivering a letter on Shabbat. In the process, they show us how sacred the older texts are to them and they model for us a reverence for their masters.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 18

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 12:00:48 +0000

Welcome to the Seventeenth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 18. What are the issues regarding passive work on Shabbat? The Torah says “so that your ox and your donkey can rest (Shabbat 23:13).” Does this apply to my crockpot, as well?

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 17

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 12:00:20 +0000

Welcome to the Sixteenth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 17. Learning about Hillel and Shammai as we continue through the “18 Decrees” from Daf 13b, we see that Shammai didn’t always get his way through intellectual debate!

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 16

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 12:00:18 +0000

Welcome to the Fifteenth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Shabbat Daf 16. “Its insides are like its outsides.” As we compare the law regarding tumah (impurity) of glass vessels to the laws of pottery and metal vessels, we learn an important lesson about the human vessel as well.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Shabbat, Daf 15

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 12:00:15 +0000

Welcome to the fourteenth episode of Daily Daf Differently. We hope you will join us as we go through the process of learning the daily Talmud page led by a group of master Rabbis and teachers who will take a look at the “Daf Yomi” through a liberal lens.

This week, our study is lead by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Daily Daf Differently: Masechet Shabbat, Daf 14

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 12:00:15 +0000

Welcome to the thirteenth episode of Daily Daf Differently. We hope you will join us as we go through the process of learning the daily Talmud page led by a group of master Rabbis and teachers who will take a look at the “Daf Yomi” through a liberal lens.

This week, our study is lead by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Daily Daf Differently: Masechet Shabbat, Daf 13

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 12:00:14 +0000

Welcome to the twelfth episode of Daily Daf Differently. We hope you will join us as we go through the process of learning the daily Talmud page led by a group of master Rabbis and teachers who will take a look at the “Daf Yomi” through a liberal lens.

This week, our study is lead by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Daily Daf Differently: Masechet Shabbat, Daf 12

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 12:00:14 +0000

Welcome to the eleventh episode of Daily Daf Differently. We hope you will join us as we go through the process of learning the daily Talmud page led by a group of master Rabbis and teachers who will take a look at the “Daf Yomi” through a liberal lens.

This week, our study is lead by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Daily Daf Differently: Masechet Shabbat, Daf 11

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:00:13 +0000

Welcome to the tenth episode of Daily Daf Differently. We hope you will join us as we go through the process of learning the daily Talmud page led by a group of master Rabbis and teachers who will take a look at the “Daf Yomi” through a liberal lens.

This week, our study is lead by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Daily Daf Differently: Masechet Shabbat, Daf 10

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 12:00:12 +0000

Welcome to the ninth episode of Daily Daf Differently. We hope you will join us as we go through the process of learning the daily Talmud page led by a group of master Rabbis and teachers who will take a look at the “Daf Yomi” through a liberal lens.

This week, our study is lead by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Daily Daf Differently: Masechet Shabbat, Daf 9

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 12:00:12 +0000

Welcome to the eighth episode of Daily Daf Differently. We hope you will join us as we go through the process of learning the daily Talmud page led by a group of master Rabbis and teachers who will take a look at the “Daf Yomi” through a liberal lens.

This week, our study is lead by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Daily Daf Differently: Masechet Shabbat, Daf 8

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 12:00:11 +0000

Welcome to the seventh episode of Daily Daf Differently. We hope you will join us as we go through the process of learning the daily Talmud page led by a group of master Rabbis and teachers who will take a look at the “Daf Yomi” through a liberal lens.

This week, our study is lead by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Daily Daf Differently: Masechet Shabbat, Daf 7

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 12:00:11 +0000

Welcome to the sixth episode of Daily Daf Differently. We hope you will join us as we go through the process of learning the daily Talmud page led by a group of master Rabbis and teachers who will take a look at the “Daf Yomi” through a liberal lens.

This week, our study is lead by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Daily Daf Differently: Masechet Shabbat, Daf 6

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 12:00:10 +0000

Welcome to the fifth episode of Daily Daf Differently. We hope you will join us as we go through the process of learning the daily Talmud page led by a group of master Rabbis and teachers who will take a look at the “Daf Yomi” through a liberal lens.

This week, our study is lead by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Daily Daf Differently: Masechet Shabbat, Daf 5

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:00:10 +0000

Welcome to the fourth episode of Daily Daf Differently. We hope you will join us as we go through the process of learning the daily Talmud page led by a group of master Rabbis and teachers who will take a look at the “Daf Yomi” through a liberal lens.

We begin our podcast at the start of Masechet Shababat.

This week, our study is lead by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Daily Daf Differently: Masechet Shabbat, Daf 4

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 12:00:09 +0000

Welcome to the third episode of Daily Daf Differently. We hope you will join us as we go through the process of learning the daily Talmud page led by a group of master Rabbis and teachers who will take a look at the “Daf Yomi” through a liberal lens.

We begin our podcast at the start of Masechet Shababat.

This week, our study is lead by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Daily Daf Differently: Masechet Shabbat, Daf 3

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 12:00:08 +0000

Welcome to the second episode of Daily Daf Differently. We hope you will join us as we go through the process of learning the daily Talmud page led by a group of master Rabbis and teachers who will take a look at the “Daf Yomi” through a liberal lens.

We begin our podcast at the start of Masechet Shababat.

This week, our study is lead by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.

Daily Daf Differently: Masechet Shabbat, Daf 2

druskay@jcastnetwork.org (JCast Network) — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 12:00:29 +0000

Welcome to the first episode of Daily Daf Differently. We hope you will join us as we go through the process of learning the daily Talmud page led by a group of master Rabbis and teachers who will take a look at the “Daf Yomi” through a liberal lens.

We begin our podcast at the start of Masechet Shababat.

This week, our study is lead by Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City.

The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.