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Rosh Hashanah 33

11.11.2021 | ז׳ בכסלו תשפ״ב

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11.10.2021 | ו׳ בכסלו תשפ״ב

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11.10.2021 | ו׳ בכסלו תשפ״ב

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Today’s daf is sponsored by Judy Tychman Shapiro in loving memory of her father, Albert Tychman and her mother-in-law, Margaret Shapiro in the hopes that “the efforts at Torah learning and Tzedaka by their children and grandchildren are helping to raise up their neshamot.”

Today’s daf is also sponsored by Lesley Glassberg Nadel in loving memory of her sister Ruth Lewis – Rachel bat Berel haLevi. May her memory be blessed.

One is not allowed to do something that is forbidden on Yom Tov in order to blow the shofar, even if it is only a rabbinic prohibition. Children are not prevented from blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah to practice. From this statement, it is possible to derive that women would be prevented as they are not obligated to blow the shofar as it is a time-bound commandment. However, this contradicts a braita which says one can also not prevent them from practicing. Resolution of the contradiction: This is a matter of controversy between Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Shimon and Rabbi Yossi regarding women and smicha, leaning on the animal before slaughtering for a sacrifice – Rabbi Yehuda does not permit, but Rabbi Yosi and Rabbi Shimon do. The debate related to all time-bound positive commandments that women are exempt from. If they can fulfill the mitzva, can they also make a blessing? This is a source of debate among the rishonim. Why nowadays is it viewed as if it’s an obligation on women as well, even though it seems clear here they are not obligated? Are kids not prevented from blowing, but also not encouraged? A different source says we encourage them to practice. How is this resolved? The Gemara derives other laws from the Mishna relating to intent by shofar blowing and then raises questions from the derivation. How many shofar blasts are necessary? How long are the blasts? What is the sound of the tru’a – is there a dispute whether it is three wails or three moans? Why do you use the shofar? And why should a teki’a be blown before and after each tru’a?

Rosh Hashanah 33

וְאֵין חוֹתְכִין אוֹתוֹ, בֵּין בְּדָבָר שֶׁהוּא מִשּׁוּם שְׁבוּת וּבֵין בְּדָבָר שֶׁהוּא מִשּׁוּם לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה. מִשּׁוּם שְׁבוּת — מַגָּלָא. לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה — סַכִּינָא.

§ The mishna stated: One may not cut the shofar if it needs to be prepared, neither with an object that is prohibited due to a rabbinic decree nor with an object that may not be used due to a Torah prohibition. The Gemara explains: An example of an object prohibited due to a rabbinic decree is a sickle, which is not ordinarily used for preparing a shofar; an example of an object that may not be used due to a prohibition by Torah law is a knife.

הַשְׁתָּא מִשּׁוּם שְׁבוּת אָמְרַתְּ לָא — לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה מִיבַּעְיָא? זוֹ וְאֵין צָרִיךְ לוֹמַר זוֹ קָתָנֵי.

The Gemara asks: Now that you have said that to sound the shofar one may not perform an action that is prohibited due to rabbinic law, is it necessary to say that one may not perform an action that violates a prohibition by Torah law? The Gemara answers: The mishna teaches employing the style: This, and it is unnecessary to say that.

אֲבָל אִם רָצָה לִיתֵּן לְתוֹכוֹ מַיִם אוֹ יַיִן — יִתֵּן. מַיִם אוֹ יַיִן — אֵין, מֵי רַגְלַיִם — לָא.

§ The mishna continues. However, if one wishes to place water or wine into the shofar on Rosh HaShana, so that it should emit a clear sound, he may place it. The Gemara infers: Water or wine, yes, one may insert these substances into a shofar. However, urine, whose acidity is good for the shofar, no.

מַתְנִיתִין מַנִּי — אַבָּא שָׁאוּל הִיא. דְּתַנְיָא, אַבָּא שָׁאוּל אוֹמֵר: מַיִם אוֹ יַיִן — מוּתָּר, כְּדֵי לְצַחְצְחוֹ. מֵי רַגְלַיִם — אָסוּר, מִפְּנֵי הַכָּבוֹד.

The Gemara asks: Who is the tanna of the mishna? The Gemara answers: It is Abba Shaul, as it is taught in a baraita that Abba Shaul says: With regard to water or wine, one is permitted to pour these liquids into a shofar on Rosh HaShana in order to make its sound clear. However, with regard to urine, one is prohibited to do so due to the respect that must be shown to the shofar. Although urine is beneficial, it is disrespectful to place it in a shofar, which serves for a mitzva.

אֵין מְעַכְּבִין אֶת הַתִּינוֹקוֹת מִלִּתְקוֹעַ. הָא נָשִׁים — מְעַכְּבִין, וְהָתַנְיָא: אֵין מְעַכְּבִין לֹא אֶת הַנָּשִׁים וְלֹא אֶת הַתִּינוֹקוֹת מִלִּתְקוֹעַ בְּיוֹם טוֹב! אֲמַר אַבָּיֵי, לָא קַשְׁיָא: הָא רַבִּי יְהוּדָה, הָא רַבִּי יוֹסֵי וְרַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן.

§ The mishna further teaches: One need not prevent children from sounding the shofar on Rosh HaShana. The Gemara infers: If women wish to sound the shofar, one indeed prevents them from doing so. The Gemara asks: Isn’t it taught in a baraita that one does not prevent women or children from sounding the shofar on a Festival? The Gemara answers that Abaye said: This is not difficult: This mishna is in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Yehuda, while that baraita is in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Yosei and Rabbi Shimon.

דְּתַנְיָא: ״דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל״. בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל סוֹמְכִין, וְאֵין בְּנוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל סוֹמְכוֹת, דִּבְרֵי רַבִּי יְהוּדָה. רַבִּי יוֹסֵי וְרַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן אוֹמְרִים: נָשִׁים סוֹמְכוֹת — רְשׁוּת.

As it is taught in a baraita: “Speak to the children of Israel…and he shall place his hands upon the head of the burnt-offering” (Leviticus 1:2–4). The phrase “children of Israel” literally means sons of Israel, and this teaches that the sons of Israel place their hands upon offerings, but the daughters of Israel do not place their hands upon offerings; this is the statement of Rabbi Yehuda. Rabbi Yosei and Rabbi Shimon say: It is optional for women to place their hands on the head of an offering before it is slaughtered, although they are not obligated to do so. Apparently, according to the opinion of Rabbi Yosei and Rabbi Shimon, if a woman wishes to perform any mitzva that is not obligatory for her, she is permitted to do so. Here too, one does not prevent a woman from sounding the shofar.

אֲבָל מִתְעַסְּקִין בָּהֶם עַד שֶׁיִּלְמְדוּ. אָמַר רַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר: אֲפִילּוּ בְּשַׁבָּת. תַּנְיָא נָמֵי הָכִי: מִתְעַסְּקִין בָּהֶן עַד שֶׁיִּלְמְדוּ, אֲפִילּוּ בְּשַׁבָּת. וְאֵין מְעַכְּבִין הַתִּינוֹקוֹת מִלִּתְקוֹעַ בְּשַׁבָּת, וְאֵין צָרִיךְ לוֹמַר בְּיוֹם טוֹב.

§ The mishna further states: Rather, one occupies himself with them, encouraging and instructing children, until they learn how to sound it properly. Rabbi Elazar said: This applies even when Rosh HaShana occurs on Shabbat. This is also taught in a baraita: One occupies himself with children until they learn to sound the shofar properly, even on Shabbat. And one does not prevent the children from sounding the shofar on Shabbat, and needless to say one does not prevent them on the festival of Rosh HaShana that occurs on a weekday.

הָא גוּפָא קַשְׁיָא, אָמְרַתְּ: מִתְעַסְּקִין בָּהֶן עַד שֶׁיִּלְמְדוּ, וַאֲפִילּוּ בְּשַׁבָּת — אַלְמָא לְכַתְּחִלָּה אָמְרִינַן תִּקְעוּ. וַהֲדַר תָּנָא: אֵין מְעַכְּבִין — עִכּוּבָא הוּא דְּלָא מְעַכְּבִין, הָא לְכַתְּחִלָּה לָא אָמְרִינַן תִּקְעוּ!

The Gemara asks: This matter itself is difficult, i.e., there is an internal contradiction in the baraita. You said that one occupies himself with the children until they learn how to sound the shofar, and this applies even on Shabbat. Apparently, we say to them ab initio: Sound the shofar. And then the baraita taught: One does not prevent them from sounding the shofar, which indicates that although one does not prevent them from sounding it, we do not say ab initio: Sound it.

לָא קַשְׁיָא: כָּאן

The Gemara explains: This is not difficult. Here,

בְּקָטָן שֶׁהִגִּיעַ לְחִינּוּךְ, כָּאן בְּקָטָן שֶׁלֹּא הִגִּיעַ לְחִינּוּךְ.

in the first clause, the baraita is dealing with a minor who has reached the age of training in mitzvot. This child is taught to sound the shofar, as one is obligated to teach him the proper way to perform mitzvot. However, here, in the second clause, the baraita is dealing with a minor who has not yet reached the age of training. Although one need not prevent this child from sounding the shofar, one does not encourage him to do so.

וְהַמִּתְעַסֵּק לֹא יָצָא. הָא תּוֹקֵעַ לָשִׁיר — יָצָא. לֵימָא מְסַיַּיע לֵיהּ לְרָבָא, דְּאָמַר רָבָא: הַתּוֹקֵעַ לָשִׁיר — יָצָא. דִּלְמָא תּוֹקֵעַ לָשִׁיר — נָמֵי מִתְעַסֵּק קָרֵי לֵיהּ.

§ The mishna taught: One who acts unawares while sounding the shofar, without any intention to produce a sound, has not fulfilled his obligation. The Gemara infers: One who sounds a shofar for music, even if he has no intention to perform the mitzva, has fulfilled his obligation. The Gemara asks: Let us say that the mishna supports the opinion of Rava, as Rava said: One who sounds a shofar for music has fulfilled his obligation. The Gemara rejects this suggestion. There is no clear proof from here, as perhaps one who sounds a shofar for music is also called one who acts unawares. It is possible that the tanna of the mishna includes in this category anyone who sounds the shofar without a clear intention to fulfill the mitzva.

וְהַשּׁוֹמֵעַ מִן הַמִּתְעַסֵּק — לֹא יָצָא. אֲבָל הַשּׁוֹמֵעַ מִן הַמַּשְׁמִיעַ לְעַצְמוֹ, מַאי? יָצָא. לֵימָא תֶּיהְוֵי תְּיוּבְתֵּיהּ דְּרַבִּי זֵירָא, דְּאָמַר לֵיהּ רַבִּי זֵירָא לְשַׁמָּעֵיהּ: אִיכַּוַּון וּתְקַע לִי!

§ The mishna continues. And one who hears the shofar blasts from one who acts unawares has not fulfilled his obligation. The Gemara asks: However, one who hears the shofar blasts from one who is sounding the shofar for himself, without intention of sounding it for others, what is the halakha? The mishna apparently indicates that he has fulfilled his obligation. Let us say that this is a conclusive refutation of the opinion of Rabbi Zeira, as Rabbi Zeira said to his attendant: Have the intention to sound the shofar on my behalf and sound it for me. This statement indicates that one must have the intention to enable the one who hears it to fulfill his obligation.

דִּלְמָא אַיְּידֵי דִּתְנָא רֵישָׁא מִתְעַסֵּק, תְּנָא סֵיפָא נָמֵי מִתְעַסֵּק.

The Gemara rejects this argument. Perhaps one can explain that since the first clause of the mishna taught the halakha with regard to one who acts unawares, the latter clause also taught the halakha with regard to one who acts unawares. If so, no inference may be drawn from here to the case of one who sounds the shofar for himself, with no intention of doing so for others.

מַתְנִי׳ סֵדֶר תְּקִיעוֹת: שָׁלֹשׁ שֶׁל שָׁלֹשׁ שָׁלֹשׁ. שִׁיעוּר תְּקִיעָה כְּשָׁלֹשׁ תְּרוּעוֹת, שִׁיעוּר תְּרוּעָה כְּשָׁלֹשׁ יְבָבוֹת. תָּקַע בָּרִאשׁוֹנָה וּמָשַׁךְ בַּשְּׁנִיָּה כִּשְׁתַּיִם — אֵין בְּיָדוֹ אֶלָּא אַחַת.

MISHNA: The order of the blasts is three sets of three blasts each, which are: Tekia, terua, and tekia. The length of a tekia is equal to the length of three teruot, and the length of a terua is equal to the length of three whimpers. If one sounded the first tekia of the initial series of tekia, terua, tekia, and then extended the second tekia of that series to the length of two tekiot, so that it should count as both the second tekia of the first set and the first tekia of the second set, he has in his hand the fulfillment of only one tekia, and he must begin the second set with a new tekia.

מִי שֶׁבֵּירַךְ וְאַחַר כָּךְ נִתְמַנָּה לוֹ שׁוֹפָר — תּוֹקֵעַ וּמֵרִיעַ וְתוֹקֵעַ שָׁלֹשׁ פְּעָמִים.

With regard to one who recited the blessings of the additional prayer, and only afterward a shofar became available to him, he sounds a tekia, sounds a terua, and sounds a tekia, an order he repeats three times.

כְּשֵׁם שֶׁשְּׁלִיחַ צִבּוּר חַיָּיב, כָּךְ כׇּל יָחִיד וְיָחִיד חַיָּיב. רַבָּן גַּמְלִיאֵל אוֹמֵר: שְׁלִיחַ צִבּוּר מוֹצִיא אֶת הָרַבִּים יְדֵי חוֹבָתָן.

Just as the prayer leader is obligated in the prayer of Rosh HaShana, so too, each and every individual is obligated in these prayers. Rabban Gamliel disagrees and says: Individuals are not obligated, as the prayer leader fulfills the obligation on behalf of the many.

גְּמָ׳ וְהָתַנְיָא: שִׁיעוּר תְּקִיעָה כִּתְרוּעָה! אָמַר אַבָּיֵי: תַּנָּא דִּידַן קָא חָשֵׁיב תְּקִיעָה דְּכוּלְּהוּ בָּבֵי וּתְרוּעוֹת דְּכוּלְּהוּ בָּבֵי. תַּנָּא בָּרָא קָא חָשֵׁיב חַד בָּבָא וְתוּ לָא.

GEMARA: The Gemara raises a difficulty. Although the mishna taught that the length of a tekia is equal to the length of three teruot, isn’t it taught in a baraita that the length of a single tekia is equal to the length of an entire terua, which is comprised of several shorter sounds? Abaye said: There is no difficulty. The tanna of our mishna counts the tekia of all the sets of blasts and the teruot of all the sets. He means that the length of the three tekiot is equal to the length of the three teruot. Conversely, the tanna of the baraita counts the first tekia of only one set, and no more, and therefore he simply states that the length of one tekia is equal to the length of one terua.

שִׁיעוּר תְּרוּעָה כִּשְׁלֹשׁ יְבָבוֹת. וְהָתַנְיָא: שִׁיעוּר תְּרוּעָה כִּשְׁלֹשָׁה שְׁבָרִים!

§ The mishna continues. The length of a terua is equal to the length of three whimpers. The Gemara asks: Isn’t it taught in a baraita that the length of a terua is equal to the length of three shevarim, i.e., broken blasts, which presumably are longer than whimpers?

אָמַר אַבָּיֵי: בְּהָא וַדַּאי פְּלִיגִי, דִּכְתִיב: ״יוֹם תְּרוּעָה יִהְיֶה לָכֶם״, וּמְתַרְגְּמִינַן: ״יוֹם יַבָּבָא יְהֵא לְכוֹן״. וּכְתִיב בְּאִימֵּיהּ דְּסִיסְרָא: ״בְּעַד הַחַלּוֹן נִשְׁקְפָה וַתְּיַבֵּב אֵם סִיסְרָא״. מָר סָבַר גַּנּוֹחֵי גַּנַּח. וּמָר סָבַר יַלּוֹלֵי יַלֵּיל.

Abaye said: In this matter, the tanna’im certainly disagree. Although the first baraita can be reconciled with the mishna, this second baraita clearly reflects a dispute. As it is written: “It is a day of sounding [terua] the shofar to you” (Numbers 29:1), and we translate this verse in Aramaic as: It is a day of yevava to you. And to define a yevava, the Gemara quotes a verse that is written about the mother of Sisera: “Through the window she looked forth and wailed [vateyabev], the mother of Sisera” (Judges 5:28). One Sage, the tanna of the baraita, holds that this means moanings, broken sighs, as in the blasts called shevarim. And one Sage, the tanna of the mishna, holds that it means whimpers, as in the short blasts called teruot.

תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: מִנַּיִן שֶׁבְּשׁוֹפָר? תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״וְהַעֲבַרְתָּ שׁוֹפַר תְּרוּעָה״.

§ The Sages taught in a baraita: From where is it derived that the soundings of Rosh HaShana must be performed with a shofar? The verse states: “Then you shall make proclamation with the blast of the shofar on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement you shall make proclamation with the shofar throughout all your land” (Leviticus 25:9).

אֵין לִי אֶלָּא בַּיּוֹבֵל, בְּרֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה מִנַּיִן? תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״בַּחֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִי״, שֶׁאֵין תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר ״בַּחֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִי״, וּמָה תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר ״בַּחֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִי״ — שֶׁיִּהְיוּ כׇּל תְּרוּעוֹת שֶׁל חֹדֶשׁ שְׁבִיעִי זֶה כָּזֶה.

From this I have derived the halakha only with regard to Yom Kippur of the Jubilee Year. From where do I derive that the soundings of Rosh HaShana must also be with a shofar? The verse states: “Of the seventh month.” Since there is no need for the verse to state: “Of the seventh month,” as it already states: “On the Day of Atonement,” what is the meaning when the verse states: “Of the seventh month”? This comes to teach that all the obligatory soundings of the seventh month must be similar to one another.

וּמִנַּיִן שֶׁפְּשׁוּטָה לְפָנֶיהָ — תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״וְהַעֲבַרְתָּ שׁוֹפַר תְּרוּעָה״. וּמִנַּיִן שֶׁפְּשׁוּטָה לְאַחֲרֶיהָ — תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״תַּעֲבִירוּ שׁוֹפָר״.

This verse states: “The blast [terua] of the shofar,” indicating that one must sound a terua. The Gemara asks: And from where is it derived that the terua sound is preceded by a straight blast, i.e., a tekia? The verse states: “Then you shall make proclamation with the blast of the shofar [shofar terua]” (Leviticus 25:9), indicating that the terua must be preceded by the basic sound of a shofar, i.e., by the straight blast of a tekia. And from where is it derived that the terua sound is followed by a straight blast? The same verse states again: “You shall make proclamation with the shofar,” which indicates that there must be another tekia after the terua.

וְאֵין לִי אֶלָּא בַּיּוֹבֵל, בְּרֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה מִנַּיִן? תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״בַּחֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִי״.

The baraita continues. From this I have derived the halakha only that these tekia blasts before and after the terua must be sounded on Yom Kippur of the Jubilee Year. From where do I derive that they must be sounded on Rosh HaShana as well? The verse states: “Of the seventh month.”

11.10.2021 | ו׳ בכסלו תשפ״ב

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I am a Reform rabbi and took Talmud courses in rabbinical school, but I knew there was so much more to learn. It felt inauthentic to serve as a rabbi without having read the entire Talmud, so when the opportunity arose to start Daf Yomi in 2020, I dove in! Thanks to Hadran, Daf Yomi has enriched my understanding of rabbinic Judaism and deepened my love of Jewish text & tradition. Todah rabbah!

Rabbi Nicki Greninger

California, United States

After being so inspired by the siyum shas two years ago, I began tentatively learning daf yomi, like Rabbanut Michelle kept saying – taking one daf at a time. I’m still taking it one daf at a time, one masechet at a time, but I’m loving it and am still so inspired by Rabbanit Michelle and the Hadran community, and yes – I am proud to be finishing Seder Mo’ed.

Caroline Graham-Ofstein

Bet Shemesh, Israel

Years ago, I attended the local Siyum HaShas with my high school class. It was inspiring! Through that cycle and the next one, I studied masekhtot on my own and then did “daf yomi practice.” The amazing Hadran Siyum HaShas event firmed my resolve to “really do” Daf Yomi this time. It has become a family goal. We’ve supported each other through challenges, and now we’re at the Siyum of Seder Moed!

Elisheva Brauner

Jerusalem, Israel

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

Denise Neapolitan

Cambridge, United Kingdom

I decided to learn one masechet, Brachot, but quickly fell in love and never stopped! It has been great, everyone is always asking how it’s going and chering me on, and my students are always making sure I did the day’s daf.

Yafit Fishbach

Memphis, Tennessee, United States

I began Daf Yomi with the last cycle. I was inspired by the Hadran Siyum in Yerushalayim to continue with this cycle. I have learned Daf Yomi with Rabanit Michelle in over 25 countries on 6 continents ( missing Australia)

Barbara Goldschlag

Silver Spring, MD, United States

I began to learn this cycle of Daf Yomi after my husband passed away 2 1/2 years ago. It seemed a good way to connect to him. Even though I don’t know whether he would have encouraged women learning Gemara, it would have opened wonderful conversations. It also gives me more depth for understanding my frum children and grandchildren. Thank you Hadran and Rabbanit Michelle Farber!!

Harriet Hartman

Tzur Hadassah, Israel

It’s hard to believe it has been over two years. Daf yomi has changed my life in so many ways and has been sustaining during this global sea change. Each day means learning something new, digging a little deeper, adding another lens, seeing worlds with new eyes. Daf has also fostered new friendships and deepened childhood connections, as long time friends have unexpectedly become havruta.

Joanna Rom

Northwest Washington, 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 have joined the community of daf yomi learners at the start of this cycle. I have studied in different ways – by reading the page, translating the page, attending a local shiur and listening to Rabbanit Farber’s podcasts, depending on circumstances and where I was at the time. The reactions have been positive throughout – with no exception!

Silke Goldberg

Guildford, United Kingdom

In January 2020, my chevruta suggested that we “up our game. Let’s do Daf Yomi” – and she sent me the Hadran link. I lost my job (and went freelance), there was a pandemic, and I am still opening the podcast with my breakfast coffee, or after Shabbat with popcorn. My Aramaic is improving. I will need a new bookcase, though.

Rhondda May

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

I had never heard of Daf Yomi and after reading the book, The Weight of Ink, I explored more about it. I discovered that it was only 6 months before a whole new cycle started and I was determined to give it a try. I tried to get a friend to join me on the journey but after the first few weeks they all dropped it. I haven’t missed a day of reading and of listening to the podcast.

Anne Rubin

Elkins Park, United States

I started my journey on the day I realized that the Siyum was happening in Yerushalayim and I was missing out. What? I told myself. How could I have not known about this? How can I have missed out on this opportunity? I decided that moment, I would start Daf Yomi and Nach Yomi the very next day. I am so grateful to Hadran. I am changed forever because I learn Gemara with women. Thank you.

Linda Brownstein

Mitspe, Israel

I started my Daf Yomi journey at the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic.

Karena Perry

Los Angeles, United States

I am a Reform rabbi and took Talmud courses in rabbinical school, but I knew there was so much more to learn. It felt inauthentic to serve as a rabbi without having read the entire Talmud, so when the opportunity arose to start Daf Yomi in 2020, I dove in! Thanks to Hadran, Daf Yomi has enriched my understanding of rabbinic Judaism and deepened my love of Jewish text & tradition. Todah rabbah!

Rabbi Nicki Greninger

California, United States

I was moved to tears by the Hadran Siyyum HaShas. I have learned Torah all my life, but never connected to learning Gemara on a regular basis until then. Seeing the sheer joy Talmud Torah at the siyyum, I felt compelled to be part of it, and I haven’t missed a day!
It’s not always easy, but it is so worthwhile, and it has strengthened my love of learning. It is part of my life now.

Michelle Lewis

Beit Shemesh, Israel

After reading the book, “ If All The Seas Were Ink “ by Ileana Kurshan I started studying Talmud. I searched and studied with several teachers until I found Michelle Farber. I have been studying with her for two years. I look forward every day to learn from her.

Janine Rubens

Virginia, United States

“I got my job through the NY Times” was an ad campaign when I was growing up. I can headline “I got my daily Daf shiur and Hadran through the NY Times”. I read the January 4, 2020 feature on Reb. Michelle Farber and Hadran and I have been participating ever since. Thanks NY Times & Hadran!

Deborah Aschheim

New York, United States

When I began the previous cycle, I promised myself that if I stuck with it, I would reward myself with a trip to Israel. Little did I know that the trip would involve attending the first ever women’s siyum and being inspired by so many learners. I am now over 2 years into my second cycle and being part of this large, diverse, fascinating learning family has enhanced my learning exponentially.

Shira Krebs

Minnesota, United States

The start of my journey is not so exceptional. I was between jobs and wanted to be sure to get out every day (this was before corona). Well, I was hooked after about a month and from then on only looked for work-from-home jobs so I could continue learning the Daf. Daf has been a constant in my life, though hurricanes, death, illness/injury, weddings. My new friends are Rav, Shmuel, Ruth, Joanna.

Judi Felber

Raanana, Israel