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Avodah Zarah 45
08.02.2025 | ח׳ באב תשפ״ה
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Masechet Avodah Zarah
Masechet Avodah Zarah is sponsored by the Talmud class of Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City, CA, in honor of the Hadran staff who make learning possible.
Avodah Zarah 45
מַתְנִי׳ הַגּוֹיִם הָעוֹבְדִים אֶת הֶהָרִים וְאֶת הַגְּבָעוֹת — הֵן מוּתָּרִין, וּמָה שֶׁעֲלֵיהֶן אֲסוּרִין, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״לֹא תַחְמֹד כֶּסֶף וְזָהָב עֲלֵיהֶם״.
MISHNA: With regard to the halakha in the case of the gentiles who worship the mountains and the hills, the mountains and hills are permitted, but what is upon them is forbidden. It is not prohibited to derive benefit from the mountains and hills themselves, and they can be used for planting, harvesting, and the like. But if gentiles coated them with gold or silver, it is prohibited to derive benefit from the coating, as it is stated: “The graven images of their gods shall you burn with fire; you shall not covet the silver or the gold that is on them, nor take it for yourself, lest you be snared by it; for it is an abomination to the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 7:25).
רַבִּי יוֹסֵי הַגְּלִילִי אוֹמֵר: ״אֱלֹהֵיהֶם עַל הֶהָרִים״ — וְלֹא הֶהָרִים אֱלֹהֵיהֶם, ״אֱלֹהֵיהֶם עַל הַגְּבָעוֹת״ — וְלֹא הַגְּבָעוֹת אֱלֹהֵיהֶם.
Rabbi Yosei HaGelili says with regard to the verse: “You shall destroy all the places where the nations that you are to dispossess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every leafy tree” (Deuteronomy 12:2): The mitzva to destroy objects of idol worship applies to “their gods, upon the high mountains,” but not to the mountains themselves that are their gods. Similarly it applies to “their gods…upon the hills,” but not to the hills themselves that are their gods.
וּמִפְּנֵי מָה אֲשֵׁירָה אֲסוּרָה? מִפְּנֵי שֶׁיֵּשׁ בָּהּ תְּפִיסַת יְדֵי אָדָם, וְכֹל שֶׁיֵּשׁ בָּהּ תְּפִיסַת יְדֵי אָדָם — אָסוּר.
The mishna asks: And for what reason, then, is an ashera forbidden? Doesn’t the verse also state: “And under every leafy tree,” which indicates that the mitzva to destroy objects of idol worship does not apply to the trees themselves? The mishna answers: It is because it is the product of human involvement and did not grow by itself, and the halakha is that anything that is the product of human involvement is forbidden.
אָמַר רַבִּי עֲקִיבָא: אֲנִי אוֹבִין וְאָדוּן לְפָנֶיךָ, כׇּל מָקוֹם שֶׁאַתָּה מוֹצֵא הַר גָּבוֹהַּ וְגִבְעָה נִשָּׂאָה וְעֵץ רַעֲנָן, דַּע שֶׁיֵּשׁ שָׁם עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה.
Rabbi Akiva says: I will explain and decide the matter before you. The verse does not indicate limitations to the halakhic definition of idols; rather, it is simply giving indicators of prevalent idolatrous practice: Everywhere that you find a high mountain, or an elevated hill, or a leafy tree, know that there is idol worship there.
גְּמָ׳ וְרַבִּי יוֹסֵי הַגְּלִילִי הַיְינוּ תַּנָּא קַמָּא! אָמַר רָמֵי בַּר חָמָא אָמַר רֵישׁ לָקִישׁ: צִפּוּי הַר כְּהַר אִיכָּא בֵּינַיְיהוּ, תַּנָּא קַמָּא סָבַר: צִפּוּי הַר אֵינוֹ כְּהַר וּמִיתְּסַר, וְרַבִּי יוֹסֵי הַגְּלִילִי סָבַר: צִפּוּי הַר הֲרֵי הוּא כְּהַר.
GEMARA: The Gemara asks: But isn’t the opinion of Rabbi Yosei HaGelili the same as that of the first tanna? Both of them indicate that what is on the mountain is forbidden, while the mountain itself is permitted. Rami bar Ḥama says that Reish Lakish says: The difference between them is the issue of whether the status of the coating of a mountain is like the status of the mountain itself. The first tanna holds that the status of the coating of a mountain is not like the mountain itself, and is therefore forbidden, and Rabbi Yosei HaGelili holds that the status of the coating of a mountain is like the mountain itself.
רַב שֵׁשֶׁת אָמַר: דְּכוּלֵּי עָלְמָא צִפּוּי הַר אֵינוֹ כְּהַר.
Rejecting this explanation, Rav Sheshet says: Everyone agrees that the status of the coating of a mountain is not like the mountain itself and is forbidden.
וְהָכָא בָּאִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ וּלְבַסּוֹף עֲבָדוֹ קָמִיפַּלְגִי, תַּנָּא קַמָּא סָבַר: אִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ וּלְבַסּוֹף עֲבָדוֹ — מוּתָּר, וְרַבִּי יוֹסֵי הַגְּלִילִי סָבַר: אִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ וּלְבַסּוֹף עֲבָדוֹ — אָסוּר.
And here, they disagree with regard to the status of a tree that one planted and only subsequently worshipped. The first tanna holds that a tree that one planted and subsequently worshipped is permitted, and Rabbi Yosei HaGelili holds that a tree that one planted and subsequently worshipped is forbidden.
מִמַּאי? מִדְּקָתָנֵי סֵיפָא: מִפְּנֵי מָה אֲשֵׁירָה אֲסוּרָה? מִפְּנֵי שֶׁיֵּשׁ בָּהּ תְּפִיסַת יְדֵי אָדָם, וְכֹל שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ תְּפִיסַת יְדֵי אָדָם אָסוּר. ״וְכֹל שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ תְּפִיסַת אָדָם״ לְאֵתוֹיֵי מַאי? לָאו לְאֵתוֹיֵי אִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ וּלְבַסּוֹף עֲבָדוֹ?
The Gemara asks: From where does Rav Sheshet infer that Rabbi Yosei HaGelili holds that such a tree is forbidden? It is from the fact that the mishna teaches in the last clause: For what reason is an ashera forbidden? It is because it is the product of human involvement and did not grow by itself, and the halakha is that anything that is the product of human involvement is forbidden. What is added by the generalization: And anything that is the product of human involvement is forbidden? Is it not added to include the case of a tree that one planted and subsequently worshipped?
וְאַף רַבִּי יוֹסֵי בְּרַבִּי יְהוּדָה סָבַר: אִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ וּלְבַסּוֹף עֲבָדוֹ — אָסוּר, דְּתַנְיָא: רַבִּי יוֹסֵי בְּרַבִּי יְהוּדָה אוֹמֵר, מִתּוֹךְ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״אֱלֹהֵיהֶם עַל הֶהָרִים״ — וְלֹא הֶהָרִים אֱלֹהֵיהֶם, ״אֱלֹהֵיהֶם עַל הַגְּבָעוֹת״ — וְלֹא גְּבָעוֹת אֱלֹהֵיהֶם, שׁוֹמֵעַ אֲנִי ״תַּחַת כׇּל עֵץ רַעֲנָן אֱלֹהֵיהֶם״ — וְלֹא רַעֲנָן אֱלֹהֵיהֶם?
The Gemara notes: And Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, also holds that a tree that one planted and subsequently worshipped is forbidden. As it is taught in a baraita with regard to the verse: “You shall destroy all the places where the nations that you are to dispossess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every leafy tree” (Deuteronomy 12:2): Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, says: From that which is stated in the verse: “You shall destroy…their gods, upon the high mountains,” from which the Sages derived: But not the mountains themselves that are their gods, and: “You shall destroy…their gods…upon the hills,” but not the hills themselves if they are their gods, I would derive from the next clause in the verse: “Their gods…under every leafy tree,” that the mitzva to destroy an object of idol worship does not apply to the leafy trees themselves that are their gods.
תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״וַאֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם תִּשְׂרְפוּן בָּאֵשׁ״.
Therefore, the next verse states: “And you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and burn their asherim with fire” (Deuteronomy 12:3). Even a tree that was worshipped only after it was planted is forbidden.
אֶלָּא ״תַּחַת כׇּל עֵץ רַעֲנָן״ לְמָה לִי? הָהוּא לְכִדְרַבִּי עֲקִיבָא הוּא דַּאֲתָא, דְּאָמַר רַבִּי עֲקִיבָא: אֲנִי אוֹבִין וְאָדוּן לְפָנֶיךָ, כׇּל מָקוֹם שֶׁאַתָּה מוֹצֵא הַר גָּבוֹהַּ וְגִבְעָה נִשָּׂאָה וְעֵץ רַעֲנָן, דַּע שֶׁיֵּשׁ שָׁם עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה.
Rather, if the trees themselves are forbidden, why do I need the phrase “under every leafy tree”? That phrase comes to teach a halakha in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Akiva; as Rabbi Akiva says: I will explain and decide the matter before you. Everywhere that you find a high mountain, or an elevated hill, or a leafy tree, know that there is idol worship there. From the fact that Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, does not derive from the phrase “under every leafy tree” that a tree that was planted and only subsequently worshipped is still permitted, it is apparent that he holds that such a tree is forbidden. This is consistent with the opinion that Rav Sheshet ascribes to Rabbi Yosei HaGelili.
וְרַבָּנַן, הַאי ״וַאֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם תִּשְׂרְפוּן בָּאֵשׁ״ מַאי עָבְדִי לֵיהּ? מִיבְּעֵי לֵיהּ לְאִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ מִתְּחִילָּה לְכָךְ.
The Gemara asks: And as for the Rabbis, who maintain that a tree that was planted and subsequently worshipped is permitted, what do they do with this verse: “And burn their asherim with fire”? The Gemara answers: This verse is necessary with regard to the halakha of a tree that was initially planted for that idolatrous practice, which must be destroyed and from which deriving benefit is prohibited.
וְרַבִּי יוֹסֵי בְּרַבִּי יְהוּדָה נָמֵי מִיבְּעֵי לֵיהּ לְהָכִי? הָכִי נָמֵי. אֶלָּא אִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ וּלְבַסּוֹף עֲבָדוֹ מְנָא לֵיהּ? נָפְקָא לֵיהּ מִ״וַּאֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם תְּגַדֵּעוּן״, אֵיזֶהוּ עֵץ שֶׁגִּידּוּעוֹ אָסוּר וְעִיקָּרוֹ מוּתָּר? הֱוֵי אוֹמֵר: אִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ וּלְבַסּוֹף עֲבָדוֹ.
The Gemara asks: But doesn’t Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, also require this phrase to teach this? The Gemara answers. Indeed, he does. Rather, from where does he derive that a tree that one planted and subsequently worshipped is forbidden? He derives it from the following verse: “But so shall you deal with them: You shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and hew down their asherim, and burn their graven images with fire” (Deuteronomy 7:5). Now, which is the tree whose trunk is forbidden but its root is permitted, as the verse instructs one to hew it down? You must say that it is referring to a tree that one planted and subsequently worshipped.
וְהָא ״וַאֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם תִּשְׂרְפוּן בָּאֵשׁ״ קָא נָסֵיב לַהּ תַּלְמוּדָא!
The Gemara asks how that verse can be the source of the ruling of Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, for deeming forbidden a tree that was planted and only subsequently worshipped. But doesn’t the baraita state that he adduces the derivation prohibiting worshipped ashera trees from the verse: “And you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and burn their asherim with fire”?
אִילּוּ לֹא נֶאֱמַר קָאָמַר: אִילּוּ לֹא נֶאֱמַר ״תִּשְׂרְפוּן בָּאֵשׁ״, הָיִיתִי אוֹמֵר ״אֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם תְּגַדֵּעוּן״ בְּאִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ מִתְּחִילָּה לְכָךְ, הַשְׁתָּא דִּכְתִיב ״וַאֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם תִּשְׂרְפוּן בָּאֵשׁ״, אִיַּיתַּר לֵיהּ ״וַאֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם תְּגַדֵּעוּן״ לְאִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ וּלְבַסּוֹף עֲבָדוֹ.
The Gemara answers: By deriving this halakha from the verse: “And burn their asherim with fire,” Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, is speaking utilizing the style of: If it were not stated. The Gemara explains: If the verse: “Burn their asherim with fire,” were not stated, I would have said that the verse: “And hew down their asherim,” is referring to a tree that was initially planted for idol worship. Now that it is written: “And burn their asherim with fire,” the verse: “And hew down their asherim,” is rendered superfluous and is consequently interpreted as referring to a tree that one planted and subsequently worshipped. Therefore, it is ultimately this latter verse that serves as the source for the implied ruling of Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, that it is prohibited to derive benefit from such a tree.
וְרַבָּנַן, הַאי ״וַאֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם תְּגַדֵּעוּן״ מַאי עָבְדִי לֵיהּ? לְכִדְרַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן לֵוִי, דְּאָמַר רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן לֵוִי: גִּידּוּעֵי עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה קוֹדְמִין לְכִיבּוּשׁ אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל, כִּיבּוּשׁ אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל קוֹדֵם לְבִיעוּר עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה.
The Gemara asks: And as for the Rabbis, what do they do with this verse: “And hew down their asherim”? The Gemara answers: This verse is written in order to teach a halakha in accordance with the statement of Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi; as Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi says: The felling of trees dedicated to idol worship precedes the conquering of all of Eretz Yisrael, and conquering Eretz Yisrael precedes the eradication of all the objects of idol worship.
דְּתָנֵי רַב יוֹסֵף: ״וְנִתַּצְתֶּם אֶת מִזְבְּחֹתָם״ וְהַנַּח, ״וְשִׁבַּרְתֶּם אֶת מַצֵּבֹתָם״ וְהַנַּח.
As Rav Yosef teaches a baraita: The verse states: “And you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and burn their asherim with fire.” Rav Yosef explains: “And you shall break down their altars,” and leave them, as the Torah does not prescribe that they be burned; “and dash in pieces their pillars” and leave them.
וְהַנַּח, סָלְקָא דַּעְתָּךְ? שְׂרֵיפָה בָּעֵי! אָמַר רַב הוּנָא: רְדוֹף, וְאַחַר כָּךְ שְׂרוֹף.
The Gemara asks: But does it enter your mind that the Torah is instructing one to leave them alone? Doesn’t an object of idol worship require burning, as it says at the end of the verse: “And burn their asherim with fire”? Rav Huna says: Pursue the enemy and then return to burn them. Meaning, first smash their objects of idol worship, then conquer the land, and then return to burn the smashed items.
וְרַבִּי יוֹסֵי בְּרַבִּי יְהוּדָה, הַאי סְבָרָא מְנָא לֵיהּ? נָפְקָא לֵיהּ מְ״אַבֵּד תְּאַבְּדוּן״ — ״אַבֵּד״, וְאַחַר כָּךְ ״תְּאַבֵּדוּן״.
The Gemara asks: And from where does Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, derive this opinion about the order of priorities in the process of conquering Eretz Yisrael? The Gemara answers: He derives it from the verse: “You shall destroy all the places where the nations that you are to dispossess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every leafy tree.” From the double-verb form of the directive “you shall destroy [abbed te’abedun]” he derives that there are two stages to the destruction of their gods: First destroy them [abbed], i.e., smash them; then go and conquer the land, and only afterward you shall destroy [te’abedun] them completely, i.e., burn or eradicate them.
וְרַבָּנַן? הָא מִיבְּעֵי לֵיהּ לְעוֹקֵר עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה, שֶׁצָּרִיךְ לְשָׁרֵשׁ אַחֲרֶיהָ.
The Gemara asks: And what do the Rabbis derive from the double verb? The Gemara answers: This double verb is necessary to teach that when one deracinates an object of idol worship, he needs to root out all traces of it.
וְרַבִּי יוֹסֵי בְּרַבִּי יְהוּדָה, לְשָׁרֵשׁ אַחֲרֶיהָ מְנָא לֵיהּ? נָפְקָא לֵיהּ מִ״וְּאִבַּדְתֶּם אֶת שְׁמָם מִן הַמָּקוֹם הַהוּא״.
The Gemara asks: And from where does Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, derive the obligation to root out all traces of idol worship? The Gemara answers: He derives it from the verse: “And you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and burn their asherim with fire; and you shall hew down the graven images of their gods; and you shall destroy their name out of that place” (Deuteronomy 12:3).
וְרַבָּנַן? הַהוּא לְכַנּוֹת לָהּ שֵׁם, דְּתַנְיָא: רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר אוֹמֵר: מִנַּיִן לְעוֹקֵר עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה שֶׁצָּרִיךְ לְשָׁרֵשׁ אַחֲרֶיהָ? תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״וְאִבַּדְתֶּם אֶת שְׁמָם״.
The Gemara asks: And what do the Rabbis derive from this verse? The Gemara answers: That verse teaches that it is a mitzva to give a derogatory nickname to an idol. As it is taught in a baraita that Rabbi Eliezer says: From where is it derived that when one deracinates an object of idol worship, he needs to root out all traces of it? The verse states: “And you shall destroy their name out of that place.”
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The Hadran Women’s Tapestry
Meet the diverse women learning Gemara at Hadran and hear their stories.
After reading the book, “ If All The Seas Were Ink “ by Ileana Kurshan I started studying Talmud. I searched and studied with several teachers until I found Michelle Farber. I have been studying with her for two years. I look forward every day to learn from her.
Janine Rubens
Virginia, United States
I learned Talmud as a student in Yeshivat Ramaz and felt at the time that Talmud wasn’t for me. After reading Ilana Kurshan’s book I was intrigued and after watching the great siyum in Yerushalayim it ignited the spark to begin this journey. It has been a transformative life experience for me as a wife, mother, Savta and member of Klal Yisrael.
Elana Storch
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Jill Shames
Jerusalem, Israel
I started learning at the start of this cycle, and quickly fell in love. It has become such an important part of my day, enriching every part of my life.
Naomi Niederhoffer
Toronto, Canada
I started learning after the siyum hashas for women and my daily learning has been a constant over the last two years. It grounded me during the chaos of Corona while providing me with a community of fellow learners. The Daf can be challenging but it’s filled with life’s lessons, struggles and hope for a better world. It’s not about the destination but rather about the journey. Thank you Hadran!
Dena Lehrman
אפרת, Israel
I learned Mishnayot more than twenty years ago and started with Gemara much later in life. Although I never managed to learn Daf Yomi consistently, I am learning since some years Gemara in depth and with much joy. Since last year I am studying at the International Halakha Scholars Program at the WIHL. I often listen to Rabbanit Farbers Gemara shiurim to understand better a specific sugyiah. I am grateful for the help and inspiration!
Shoshana Ruerup
Berlin, Germany
My husband learns Daf, my son learns Daf, my son-in-law learns Daf.
When I read about Hadran’s Siyyum HaShas 2 years ago, I thought- I can learn Daf too!
I had learned Gemara in Hillel HS in NJ, & I remembered loving it.
Rabbanit Michelle & Hadran have opened my eyes & expanding my learning so much in the past few years. We can now discuss Gemara as a family.
This was a life saver during Covid
Renee Braha
Brooklyn, NY, United States
I was inspired to start learning after attending the 2020 siyum in Binyanei Hauma. It has been a great experience for me. It’s amazing to see the origins of stories I’ve heard and rituals I’ve participated in my whole life. Even when I don’t understand the daf itself, I believe that the commitment to learning every day is valuable and has multiple benefits. And there will be another daf tomorrow!
Khaya Eisenberg
Jerusalem, Israel
I started learning Daf in Jan 2020 with Brachot b/c I had never seen the Jewish people united around something so positive, and I wanted to be a part of it. Also, I wanted to broaden my background in Torah Shebal Peh- Maayanot gave me a great gemara education, but I knew that I could hold a conversation in most parts of tanach but almost no TSB. I’m so thankful for Daf and have gained immensely.
Meira Shapiro
NJ, United States
Attending the Siyyum in Jerusalem 26 months ago inspired me to become part of this community of learners. So many aspects of Jewish life have been illuminated by what we have learned in Seder Moed. My day is not complete without daf Yomi. I am so grateful to Rabbanit Michelle and the Hadran Community.
Nancy Kolodny
Newton, United States
What a great experience to learn with Rabbanit Michelle Farber. I began with this cycle in January 2020 and have been comforted by the consistency and energy of this process throughout the isolation period of Covid. Week by week, I feel like I am exploring a treasure chest with sparkling gems and puzzling antiquities. The hunt is exhilarating.
Marian Frankston
Pennsylvania, United States
I started with Ze Kollel in Berlin, directed by Jeremy Borowitz for Hillel Deutschland. We read Masechet Megillah chapter 4 and each participant wrote his commentary on a Sugia that particularly impressed him. I wrote six poems about different Sugiot! Fascinated by the discussions on Talmud I continued to learn with Rabanit Michelle Farber and am currently taking part in the Tikun Olam course.
Yael Merlini
Berlin, Germany
I started learning Talmud with R’ Haramati in Yeshivah of Flatbush. But after a respite of 60 years, Rabbanit Michelle lit my fire – after attending the last three world siyumim in Miami Beach, Meadowlands and Boca Raton, and now that I’m retired, I decided – “I can do this!” It has been an incredible journey so far, and I look forward to learning Daf everyday – Mazal Tov to everyone!
Roslyn Jaffe
Florida, United States
I started learning Dec 2019 after reading “If all the Seas Were Ink”. I found
Daily daf sessions of Rabbanit Michelle in her house teaching, I then heard about the siyum and a new cycle starting wow I am in! Afternoon here in Sydney, my family and friends know this is my sacred time to hide away to live zoom and learn. Often it’s hard to absorb and relate then a gem shines touching my heart.
Dianne Kuchar
Dover Heights, Australia
I started learning Daf Yomi in January 2020 after watching my grandfather, Mayer Penstein z”l, finish shas with the previous cycle. My grandfather made learning so much fun was so proud that his grandchildren wanted to join him. I was also inspired by Ilana Kurshan’s book, If All the Seas Were Ink. Two years in, I can say that it has enriched my life in so many ways.
Leeza Hirt Wilner
New York, United States
In my Shana bet at Migdal Oz I attended the Hadran siyum hash”as. Witnessing so many women so passionate about their Torah learning and connection to God, I knew I had to begin with the coming cycle. My wedding (June 24) was two weeks before the siyum of mesechet yoma so I went a little ahead and was able to make a speech and siyum at my kiseh kallah on my wedding day!
Sharona Guggenheim Plumb
Givat Shmuel, Israel
I’ve been wanting to do Daf Yomi for years, but always wanted to start at the beginning and not in the middle of things. When the opportunity came in 2020, I decided: “this is now the time!” I’ve been posting my journey daily on social media, tracking my progress (#DafYomi); now it’s fully integrated into my daily routines. I’ve also inspired my partner to join, too!
Joséphine Altzman
Teaneck, United States
I began my journey with Rabbanit Michelle more than five years ago. My friend came up with a great idea for about 15 of us to learn the daf and one of us would summarize weekly what we learned.
It was fun but after 2-3 months people began to leave. I have continued. Since the cycle began Again I have joined the Teaneck women.. I find it most rewarding in so many ways. Thank you
Dena Heller
New Jersey, United States
Geri Goldstein got me started learning daf yomi when I was in Israel 2 years ago. It’s been a challenge and I’ve learned a lot though I’m sure I miss a lot. I quilt as I listen and I want to share what I’ve been working on.
Rebecca Stulberg
Ottawa, Canada
A beautiful world of Talmudic sages now fill my daily life with discussion and debate.
bringing alive our traditions and texts that has brought new meaning to my life.
I am a מגילת אסתר reader for women . the words in the Mishna of מסכת megillah 17a
הקורא את המגילה למפרע לא יצא were powerful to me.
I hope to have the zchut to complete the cycle for my 70th birthday.
Sheila Hauser
Jerusalem, Israel
Avodah Zarah 45
מַתְנִי׳ הַגּוֹיִם הָעוֹבְדִים אֶת הֶהָרִים וְאֶת הַגְּבָעוֹת — הֵן מוּתָּרִין, וּמָה שֶׁעֲלֵיהֶן אֲסוּרִין, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״לֹא תַחְמֹד כֶּסֶף וְזָהָב עֲלֵיהֶם״.
MISHNA: With regard to the halakha in the case of the gentiles who worship the mountains and the hills, the mountains and hills are permitted, but what is upon them is forbidden. It is not prohibited to derive benefit from the mountains and hills themselves, and they can be used for planting, harvesting, and the like. But if gentiles coated them with gold or silver, it is prohibited to derive benefit from the coating, as it is stated: “The graven images of their gods shall you burn with fire; you shall not covet the silver or the gold that is on them, nor take it for yourself, lest you be snared by it; for it is an abomination to the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 7:25).
רַבִּי יוֹסֵי הַגְּלִילִי אוֹמֵר: ״אֱלֹהֵיהֶם עַל הֶהָרִים״ — וְלֹא הֶהָרִים אֱלֹהֵיהֶם, ״אֱלֹהֵיהֶם עַל הַגְּבָעוֹת״ — וְלֹא הַגְּבָעוֹת אֱלֹהֵיהֶם.
Rabbi Yosei HaGelili says with regard to the verse: “You shall destroy all the places where the nations that you are to dispossess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every leafy tree” (Deuteronomy 12:2): The mitzva to destroy objects of idol worship applies to “their gods, upon the high mountains,” but not to the mountains themselves that are their gods. Similarly it applies to “their gods…upon the hills,” but not to the hills themselves that are their gods.
וּמִפְּנֵי מָה אֲשֵׁירָה אֲסוּרָה? מִפְּנֵי שֶׁיֵּשׁ בָּהּ תְּפִיסַת יְדֵי אָדָם, וְכֹל שֶׁיֵּשׁ בָּהּ תְּפִיסַת יְדֵי אָדָם — אָסוּר.
The mishna asks: And for what reason, then, is an ashera forbidden? Doesn’t the verse also state: “And under every leafy tree,” which indicates that the mitzva to destroy objects of idol worship does not apply to the trees themselves? The mishna answers: It is because it is the product of human involvement and did not grow by itself, and the halakha is that anything that is the product of human involvement is forbidden.
אָמַר רַבִּי עֲקִיבָא: אֲנִי אוֹבִין וְאָדוּן לְפָנֶיךָ, כׇּל מָקוֹם שֶׁאַתָּה מוֹצֵא הַר גָּבוֹהַּ וְגִבְעָה נִשָּׂאָה וְעֵץ רַעֲנָן, דַּע שֶׁיֵּשׁ שָׁם עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה.
Rabbi Akiva says: I will explain and decide the matter before you. The verse does not indicate limitations to the halakhic definition of idols; rather, it is simply giving indicators of prevalent idolatrous practice: Everywhere that you find a high mountain, or an elevated hill, or a leafy tree, know that there is idol worship there.
גְּמָ׳ וְרַבִּי יוֹסֵי הַגְּלִילִי הַיְינוּ תַּנָּא קַמָּא! אָמַר רָמֵי בַּר חָמָא אָמַר רֵישׁ לָקִישׁ: צִפּוּי הַר כְּהַר אִיכָּא בֵּינַיְיהוּ, תַּנָּא קַמָּא סָבַר: צִפּוּי הַר אֵינוֹ כְּהַר וּמִיתְּסַר, וְרַבִּי יוֹסֵי הַגְּלִילִי סָבַר: צִפּוּי הַר הֲרֵי הוּא כְּהַר.
GEMARA: The Gemara asks: But isn’t the opinion of Rabbi Yosei HaGelili the same as that of the first tanna? Both of them indicate that what is on the mountain is forbidden, while the mountain itself is permitted. Rami bar Ḥama says that Reish Lakish says: The difference between them is the issue of whether the status of the coating of a mountain is like the status of the mountain itself. The first tanna holds that the status of the coating of a mountain is not like the mountain itself, and is therefore forbidden, and Rabbi Yosei HaGelili holds that the status of the coating of a mountain is like the mountain itself.
רַב שֵׁשֶׁת אָמַר: דְּכוּלֵּי עָלְמָא צִפּוּי הַר אֵינוֹ כְּהַר.
Rejecting this explanation, Rav Sheshet says: Everyone agrees that the status of the coating of a mountain is not like the mountain itself and is forbidden.
וְהָכָא בָּאִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ וּלְבַסּוֹף עֲבָדוֹ קָמִיפַּלְגִי, תַּנָּא קַמָּא סָבַר: אִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ וּלְבַסּוֹף עֲבָדוֹ — מוּתָּר, וְרַבִּי יוֹסֵי הַגְּלִילִי סָבַר: אִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ וּלְבַסּוֹף עֲבָדוֹ — אָסוּר.
And here, they disagree with regard to the status of a tree that one planted and only subsequently worshipped. The first tanna holds that a tree that one planted and subsequently worshipped is permitted, and Rabbi Yosei HaGelili holds that a tree that one planted and subsequently worshipped is forbidden.
מִמַּאי? מִדְּקָתָנֵי סֵיפָא: מִפְּנֵי מָה אֲשֵׁירָה אֲסוּרָה? מִפְּנֵי שֶׁיֵּשׁ בָּהּ תְּפִיסַת יְדֵי אָדָם, וְכֹל שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ תְּפִיסַת יְדֵי אָדָם אָסוּר. ״וְכֹל שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ תְּפִיסַת אָדָם״ לְאֵתוֹיֵי מַאי? לָאו לְאֵתוֹיֵי אִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ וּלְבַסּוֹף עֲבָדוֹ?
The Gemara asks: From where does Rav Sheshet infer that Rabbi Yosei HaGelili holds that such a tree is forbidden? It is from the fact that the mishna teaches in the last clause: For what reason is an ashera forbidden? It is because it is the product of human involvement and did not grow by itself, and the halakha is that anything that is the product of human involvement is forbidden. What is added by the generalization: And anything that is the product of human involvement is forbidden? Is it not added to include the case of a tree that one planted and subsequently worshipped?
וְאַף רַבִּי יוֹסֵי בְּרַבִּי יְהוּדָה סָבַר: אִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ וּלְבַסּוֹף עֲבָדוֹ — אָסוּר, דְּתַנְיָא: רַבִּי יוֹסֵי בְּרַבִּי יְהוּדָה אוֹמֵר, מִתּוֹךְ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״אֱלֹהֵיהֶם עַל הֶהָרִים״ — וְלֹא הֶהָרִים אֱלֹהֵיהֶם, ״אֱלֹהֵיהֶם עַל הַגְּבָעוֹת״ — וְלֹא גְּבָעוֹת אֱלֹהֵיהֶם, שׁוֹמֵעַ אֲנִי ״תַּחַת כׇּל עֵץ רַעֲנָן אֱלֹהֵיהֶם״ — וְלֹא רַעֲנָן אֱלֹהֵיהֶם?
The Gemara notes: And Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, also holds that a tree that one planted and subsequently worshipped is forbidden. As it is taught in a baraita with regard to the verse: “You shall destroy all the places where the nations that you are to dispossess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every leafy tree” (Deuteronomy 12:2): Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, says: From that which is stated in the verse: “You shall destroy…their gods, upon the high mountains,” from which the Sages derived: But not the mountains themselves that are their gods, and: “You shall destroy…their gods…upon the hills,” but not the hills themselves if they are their gods, I would derive from the next clause in the verse: “Their gods…under every leafy tree,” that the mitzva to destroy an object of idol worship does not apply to the leafy trees themselves that are their gods.
תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״וַאֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם תִּשְׂרְפוּן בָּאֵשׁ״.
Therefore, the next verse states: “And you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and burn their asherim with fire” (Deuteronomy 12:3). Even a tree that was worshipped only after it was planted is forbidden.
אֶלָּא ״תַּחַת כׇּל עֵץ רַעֲנָן״ לְמָה לִי? הָהוּא לְכִדְרַבִּי עֲקִיבָא הוּא דַּאֲתָא, דְּאָמַר רַבִּי עֲקִיבָא: אֲנִי אוֹבִין וְאָדוּן לְפָנֶיךָ, כׇּל מָקוֹם שֶׁאַתָּה מוֹצֵא הַר גָּבוֹהַּ וְגִבְעָה נִשָּׂאָה וְעֵץ רַעֲנָן, דַּע שֶׁיֵּשׁ שָׁם עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה.
Rather, if the trees themselves are forbidden, why do I need the phrase “under every leafy tree”? That phrase comes to teach a halakha in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Akiva; as Rabbi Akiva says: I will explain and decide the matter before you. Everywhere that you find a high mountain, or an elevated hill, or a leafy tree, know that there is idol worship there. From the fact that Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, does not derive from the phrase “under every leafy tree” that a tree that was planted and only subsequently worshipped is still permitted, it is apparent that he holds that such a tree is forbidden. This is consistent with the opinion that Rav Sheshet ascribes to Rabbi Yosei HaGelili.
וְרַבָּנַן, הַאי ״וַאֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם תִּשְׂרְפוּן בָּאֵשׁ״ מַאי עָבְדִי לֵיהּ? מִיבְּעֵי לֵיהּ לְאִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ מִתְּחִילָּה לְכָךְ.
The Gemara asks: And as for the Rabbis, who maintain that a tree that was planted and subsequently worshipped is permitted, what do they do with this verse: “And burn their asherim with fire”? The Gemara answers: This verse is necessary with regard to the halakha of a tree that was initially planted for that idolatrous practice, which must be destroyed and from which deriving benefit is prohibited.
וְרַבִּי יוֹסֵי בְּרַבִּי יְהוּדָה נָמֵי מִיבְּעֵי לֵיהּ לְהָכִי? הָכִי נָמֵי. אֶלָּא אִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ וּלְבַסּוֹף עֲבָדוֹ מְנָא לֵיהּ? נָפְקָא לֵיהּ מִ״וַּאֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם תְּגַדֵּעוּן״, אֵיזֶהוּ עֵץ שֶׁגִּידּוּעוֹ אָסוּר וְעִיקָּרוֹ מוּתָּר? הֱוֵי אוֹמֵר: אִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ וּלְבַסּוֹף עֲבָדוֹ.
The Gemara asks: But doesn’t Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, also require this phrase to teach this? The Gemara answers. Indeed, he does. Rather, from where does he derive that a tree that one planted and subsequently worshipped is forbidden? He derives it from the following verse: “But so shall you deal with them: You shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and hew down their asherim, and burn their graven images with fire” (Deuteronomy 7:5). Now, which is the tree whose trunk is forbidden but its root is permitted, as the verse instructs one to hew it down? You must say that it is referring to a tree that one planted and subsequently worshipped.
וְהָא ״וַאֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם תִּשְׂרְפוּן בָּאֵשׁ״ קָא נָסֵיב לַהּ תַּלְמוּדָא!
The Gemara asks how that verse can be the source of the ruling of Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, for deeming forbidden a tree that was planted and only subsequently worshipped. But doesn’t the baraita state that he adduces the derivation prohibiting worshipped ashera trees from the verse: “And you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and burn their asherim with fire”?
אִילּוּ לֹא נֶאֱמַר קָאָמַר: אִילּוּ לֹא נֶאֱמַר ״תִּשְׂרְפוּן בָּאֵשׁ״, הָיִיתִי אוֹמֵר ״אֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם תְּגַדֵּעוּן״ בְּאִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ מִתְּחִילָּה לְכָךְ, הַשְׁתָּא דִּכְתִיב ״וַאֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם תִּשְׂרְפוּן בָּאֵשׁ״, אִיַּיתַּר לֵיהּ ״וַאֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם תְּגַדֵּעוּן״ לְאִילָן שֶׁנְּטָעוֹ וּלְבַסּוֹף עֲבָדוֹ.
The Gemara answers: By deriving this halakha from the verse: “And burn their asherim with fire,” Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, is speaking utilizing the style of: If it were not stated. The Gemara explains: If the verse: “Burn their asherim with fire,” were not stated, I would have said that the verse: “And hew down their asherim,” is referring to a tree that was initially planted for idol worship. Now that it is written: “And burn their asherim with fire,” the verse: “And hew down their asherim,” is rendered superfluous and is consequently interpreted as referring to a tree that one planted and subsequently worshipped. Therefore, it is ultimately this latter verse that serves as the source for the implied ruling of Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, that it is prohibited to derive benefit from such a tree.
וְרַבָּנַן, הַאי ״וַאֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם תְּגַדֵּעוּן״ מַאי עָבְדִי לֵיהּ? לְכִדְרַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן לֵוִי, דְּאָמַר רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן לֵוִי: גִּידּוּעֵי עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה קוֹדְמִין לְכִיבּוּשׁ אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל, כִּיבּוּשׁ אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל קוֹדֵם לְבִיעוּר עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה.
The Gemara asks: And as for the Rabbis, what do they do with this verse: “And hew down their asherim”? The Gemara answers: This verse is written in order to teach a halakha in accordance with the statement of Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi; as Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi says: The felling of trees dedicated to idol worship precedes the conquering of all of Eretz Yisrael, and conquering Eretz Yisrael precedes the eradication of all the objects of idol worship.
דְּתָנֵי רַב יוֹסֵף: ״וְנִתַּצְתֶּם אֶת מִזְבְּחֹתָם״ וְהַנַּח, ״וְשִׁבַּרְתֶּם אֶת מַצֵּבֹתָם״ וְהַנַּח.
As Rav Yosef teaches a baraita: The verse states: “And you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and burn their asherim with fire.” Rav Yosef explains: “And you shall break down their altars,” and leave them, as the Torah does not prescribe that they be burned; “and dash in pieces their pillars” and leave them.
וְהַנַּח, סָלְקָא דַּעְתָּךְ? שְׂרֵיפָה בָּעֵי! אָמַר רַב הוּנָא: רְדוֹף, וְאַחַר כָּךְ שְׂרוֹף.
The Gemara asks: But does it enter your mind that the Torah is instructing one to leave them alone? Doesn’t an object of idol worship require burning, as it says at the end of the verse: “And burn their asherim with fire”? Rav Huna says: Pursue the enemy and then return to burn them. Meaning, first smash their objects of idol worship, then conquer the land, and then return to burn the smashed items.
וְרַבִּי יוֹסֵי בְּרַבִּי יְהוּדָה, הַאי סְבָרָא מְנָא לֵיהּ? נָפְקָא לֵיהּ מְ״אַבֵּד תְּאַבְּדוּן״ — ״אַבֵּד״, וְאַחַר כָּךְ ״תְּאַבֵּדוּן״.
The Gemara asks: And from where does Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, derive this opinion about the order of priorities in the process of conquering Eretz Yisrael? The Gemara answers: He derives it from the verse: “You shall destroy all the places where the nations that you are to dispossess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every leafy tree.” From the double-verb form of the directive “you shall destroy [abbed te’abedun]” he derives that there are two stages to the destruction of their gods: First destroy them [abbed], i.e., smash them; then go and conquer the land, and only afterward you shall destroy [te’abedun] them completely, i.e., burn or eradicate them.
וְרַבָּנַן? הָא מִיבְּעֵי לֵיהּ לְעוֹקֵר עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה, שֶׁצָּרִיךְ לְשָׁרֵשׁ אַחֲרֶיהָ.
The Gemara asks: And what do the Rabbis derive from the double verb? The Gemara answers: This double verb is necessary to teach that when one deracinates an object of idol worship, he needs to root out all traces of it.
וְרַבִּי יוֹסֵי בְּרַבִּי יְהוּדָה, לְשָׁרֵשׁ אַחֲרֶיהָ מְנָא לֵיהּ? נָפְקָא לֵיהּ מִ״וְּאִבַּדְתֶּם אֶת שְׁמָם מִן הַמָּקוֹם הַהוּא״.
The Gemara asks: And from where does Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, derive the obligation to root out all traces of idol worship? The Gemara answers: He derives it from the verse: “And you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and burn their asherim with fire; and you shall hew down the graven images of their gods; and you shall destroy their name out of that place” (Deuteronomy 12:3).
וְרַבָּנַן? הַהוּא לְכַנּוֹת לָהּ שֵׁם, דְּתַנְיָא: רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר אוֹמֵר: מִנַּיִן לְעוֹקֵר עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה שֶׁצָּרִיךְ לְשָׁרֵשׁ אַחֲרֶיהָ? תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״וְאִבַּדְתֶּם אֶת שְׁמָם״.
The Gemara asks: And what do the Rabbis derive from this verse? The Gemara answers: That verse teaches that it is a mitzva to give a derogatory nickname to an idol. As it is taught in a baraita that Rabbi Eliezer says: From where is it derived that when one deracinates an object of idol worship, he needs to root out all traces of it? The verse states: “And you shall destroy their name out of that place.”
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