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Shabbat 144

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Summary

Today’s daf is sponsored by Deborah Aschheim Weiss in memory of her beloved mother, Edith Aschheim z”l on her  37th yartzeit. She loved yiddishkeit and learning despite the limitations on her childhood Jewish education due to WWII. And by Aviva Drazin in memory of Rabbi Joshua Shmidman z”l on his 15th Yahrzeit. His ways were דרכי נועם, and he led, taught and inspired his Kehila in Montreal with a love of Torah, Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael. יהי זכרו ברוך.  And by Lesley Nadel for Don Nadel, her husband, best friend and chavruta to wish him a very happy birthday and many more happy and healthy years.

Does Rabbi Yehuda really hold that if one had no particular intent regarding pomegranates or mulberries, then they would be treated as if you planned to juice it and liquids seeping out of it would be forbidden?  The question comes from a mishna regarding whether or not there is a difference between humans and animal regarding the need for intent for the breast milk to come out in order for it to be considered a liquid to create susceptibility to impurity, there is a claim that the rabbis make regarding a basket of olives and grapes and there it seems that if one had no intention for using it for liquids or solid, it would be considered designated for solids. The gemara provides two possible answers. From where does Raba know that the rabbis agree with Rabbi Yehuda about other fruits that are not meant for juicing – that one is allowed to drink liquids that seep out of it? A braita is brought to prove it and in that braita the family of Menashia is mentioned who often made pomegranate juice and the law was decided based on their practice. How could be make a law based on a unique practice? The gemara attempts to answer that question. If one squeezes onto a solid, it is allowed as it is considered a solid, but if one squeezes onto a liquid, it is considered a liquid. The gemara questions this.

 

Shabbat 144

שֶׁלֹּא לְרָצוֹן, שֶׁדַּם מַגֵּפָתָהּ טָהוֹר?! אָמַר לָהֶן: מַחְמִיר אֲנִי בֶּחָלָב מִבַּדָּם, שֶׁהַחוֹלֵב לִרְפוּאָה — טָמֵא, וְהַמַּקִּיז לִרְפוּאָה — טָהוֹר. אָמְרוּ לוֹ: סַלֵּי זֵיתִים וַעֲנָבִים יוֹכִיחוּ, שֶׁהַמַּשְׁקִין הַיּוֹצְאִין מֵהֶן לְרָצוֹן — טְמֵאִין, שֶׁלֹּא לְרָצוֹן — טְהוֹרִים.

if it was expressed unintentionally, as the blood of its wound is ritually pure, meaning that it does not render food susceptible to ritual impurity. Rabbi Akiva said to them: I am more stringent with regard to milk than with regard to blood, as if one milks an animal for medicinal purposes, the milk renders food susceptible to ritual impurity, and if one lets blood for medicinal purposes, the status of the blood is not that of a liquid and is ritually pure, in the sense that it does not render food susceptible to ritual impurity. They said to him: The case of baskets of olives and grapes will prove that there is a difference between liquids that emerge of his own volition and those that do not, as liquid that seeps from them volitionally renders food susceptible to ritual impurity. However, liquid that seeps from them unvolitionally is ritually pure, i.e., it does not render food susceptible to ritual impurity. Apparently, liquid renders food susceptible to ritual impurity only if it emerged of its own volition.

מַאי לָאו ״לְרָצוֹן״ — דְּנִיחָא לֵיהּ, ״שֶׁלֹּא לְרָצוֹן״ — בִּסְתָמָא. וּמָה זֵיתִים וַעֲנָבִים דִּבְנֵי סְחִיטָה נִינְהוּ, שֶׁלֹּא לְרָצוֹן — וְלֹא כְלוּם, תּוּתִים וְרִמּוֹנִים, דְּלָאו בְּנֵי סְחִיטָה נִינְהוּ, לֹא כׇּל שֶׁכֵּן?

The Gemara analyzes the terms of that mishna: What, is it not true that the term volitionally is referring to a situation where one is pleased with the emergence of liquids, and the term unvolitionally is referring to an indeterminate situation, where he expressed no preference? This leads to a conclusion with regard to our original topic of discussion. Just as in the case of olives and grapes, which are primarily designated for squeezing in order to extract oil and wine respectively, if liquid leaked from them unvolitionally, in the sense that one did not intend for the liquid to emerge, it has no significance and does not render food susceptible to ritual impurity; in the case of mulberries and pomegranates, which are not typically designated for squeezing, is it not all the more so that liquid that seeps from them unvolitionally does not render food susceptible to ritual impurity?

לֹא: ״לְרָצוֹן״ — בִּסְתָמָא, ״שֶׁלֹּא לְרָצוֹן״ — דְּגַלִּי אַדַּעְתֵּיהּ, דְּאָמַר: ״לָא נִיחָא לִי״. וְאִיבָּעֵית אֵימָא: שָׁאנֵי סַלֵּי זֵיתִים וַעֲנָבִים, כֵּיוָן דִּלְאִיבּוּד קָיְימִי, מֵעִיקָּרָא אַפְקוֹרֵי מַפְקַר לְהוּ.

The Gemara refutes this argument: No, the term volitionally is referring even to a situation where one’s preference is indeterminate, and the term unvolitionally is referring to a situation where one revealed his mind-set explicitly and said: I am not pleased if liquid emerges. And if you wish, say instead that baskets of olives and grapes are different; since the liquid that leaks from them stands to be lost, one renounces it from the outset. No proof can be cited from this mishna. Generally speaking, however, the legal status of liquids that are not designated to be lost from the outset is that of liquids, even if one did not express pleasure with their emergence.

אַשְׁכְּחַן רַבִּי יְהוּדָה דְּמוֹדֵי לְרַבָּנַן בְּזֵיתִים וּבַעֲנָבִים. רַבָּנַן דְּמוֹדוּ לֵיהּ לְרַבִּי יְהוּדָה בִּשְׁאָר פֵּירוֹת מְנָלַן? דְּתַנְיָא: סוֹחֲטִין

We have found in the baraita cited above that Rabbi Yehuda conceded to the Rabbis with regard to olives and grapes, that liquid that seeps from them on its own on Shabbat, both volitionally and unvolitionally, is prohibited during Shabbat. From where do we conclude that the Rabbis concede to Rabbi Yehuda with regard to other fruits and distinguish between fruits designated for eating and those designated for juicing? As it was taught in a baraita: One may squeeze

בִּפְגָעִין וּבִפְרִישִׁין וּבְעוּזְרָדִין, אֲבָל לֹא בְּרִמּוֹנִים, וְשֶׁל בֵּית מְנַשְּׁיָא בַּר מְנַחֵם הָיוּ סוֹחֲטִין בְּרִמּוֹנִים.

plums and quinces and crab apples. However, one may not squeeze pomegranates, because they are typically squeezed for their juice, as people from the house of Menashya bar Menaḥem would squeeze pomegranates during the week. Apparently, the Rabbis concede to Rabbi Yehuda with regard to fruits other than pomegranates and mulberries.

וּמִמַּאי דְּרַבָּנַן הִיא, דִּילְמָא רַבִּי יְהוּדָה הִיא?! וְתֶהֱוֵי נָמֵי רַבִּי יְהוּדָה, אֵימַר דְּשָׁמְעַתְּ לֵיהּ לְרַבִּי יְהוּדָה יָצְאוּ מֵעַצְמָן, סוֹחֲטִין לְכַתְּחִילָּה מִי שָׁמְעַתְּ לֵיהּ?! אֶלָּא מַאי אִית לָךְ לְמֵימַר: כֵּיוָן דְּלָאו בְּנֵי סְחִיטָה נִינְהוּ — אֲפִילּוּ לְכַתְּחִילָּה. אֲפִילּוּ תֵּימָא רַבָּנַן, כֵּיוָן דְּלָאו בְּנֵי סְחִיטָה נִינְהוּ — אֲפִילּוּ לְכַתְּחִילָּה, שְׁמַע מִינַּהּ רַבָּנַן הִיא. שְׁמַע מִינַּהּ.

The Gemara objects: And from where is it ascertained that this baraita is in accordance with the opinion of the Rabbis? Perhaps it is in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Yehuda. The Gemara answers: And let this baraita also be the opinion of Rabbi Yehuda: Say that you heard that according to Rabbi Yehuda, juice that seeped out on its own is permitted; did you hear that squeezing it is permitted ab initio? Rather, what have you to say? Since they are not fruits that are generally designated for squeezing, it is permitted to squeeze them even ab initio. That being the case, even if you say the baraita is in accordance with the opinion of the Rabbis, the same reasoning applies: Since they are not generally designated for squeezing, it is permitted to squeeze them even ab initio. Even the Rabbis would permit squeezing fruits such as plums, quinces, and crab apples. Since the baraita does not permit squeezing pomegranates, learn from it that the baraita is in accordance with the opinion of the Rabbis. The Gemara concludes: Indeed, learn from it.

שֶׁל בֵּית מְנַשְּׁיָא בַּר מְנַחֵם הָיוּ סוֹחֲטִין בְּרִמּוֹנִים. אָמַר רַב נַחְמָן: הֲלָכָה כְּשֶׁל בֵּית מְנַשְּׁיָא בַּר מְנַחֵם.

It was taught in the baraita cited above that people from the house of Menashya bar Menaḥem would squeeze pomegranates on weekdays. This indicates that it is typical for people to squeeze pomegranates, and therefore it is prohibited to do so on Shabbat. Rav Naḥman said: The halakha is in accordance with the practice of the people from the house of Menashya bar Menaḥem. In other words, squeezing pomegranates is considered typical, and therefore it is prohibited on Shabbat.

אֲמַר לֵיהּ רָבָא לְרַב נַחְמָן: מְנַשְּׁיָא בֶּן מְנַחֵם תַּנָּא הוּא?! וְכִי תֵּימָא הֲלָכָה כִּי הַאי תַּנָּא דְּסָבַר לַהּ כְּשֶׁל מְנַשְּׁיָא בֶּן מְנַחֵם, וּמִשּׁוּם דְּסָבַר כִּמְנַשְּׁיָא בֶּן מְנַחֵם הֲלָכָה כְּמוֹתוֹ? מְנַשְּׁיָא בֶּן מְנַחֵם הָוֵי רוּבָּא דְּעָלְמָא?

Rava said to Rav Naḥman: Is Menashya ben Menaḥem a tanna that you say the halakha is in accordance with his opinion? And if you say that Rav Naḥman meant that the halakha is in accordance with this tanna, who held in accordance with the practice of the people from the house of Menashya ben Menaḥem, there is still room to ask: Does it make sense that because he held in accordance with the practice of the people from the house of Menashya ben Menaḥem, the halakha is in accordance with his opinion? Does Menashya ben Menaḥem constitute the majority of the world? Since most people do not squeeze pomegranates, the practice of the people from the house of Menashya ben Menaḥem should be irrelevant relative to the typical practice of others.

אִין, דִּתְנַן: הַמְקַיֵּים קוֹצִים בַּכֶּרֶם, רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר אוֹמֵר: קִדֵּשׁ, וַחֲכָמִים אוֹמְרִים: אֵינוֹ מְקַדֵּשׁ אֶלָּא דָּבָר שֶׁכָּמוֹהוּ מְקַיְּימִין. וְאָמַר רַבִּי חֲנִינָא: מַאי טַעְמָא דְּרַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר — שֶׁכֵּן בַּעֲרַבְיָא מְקַיְּימִין קוֹצֵי שָׂדוֹת לִגְמַלֵּיהֶם.

Rav Naḥman answered: Yes, in cases of this kind, halakhic rulings are based even on practices that are not universal, as we learned in a mishna that addresses the prohibition of diverse kinds, particularly forbidden food crops in a vineyard. With regard to one who maintains thorns in a vineyard, Rabbi Eliezer says: He rendered the crops a forbidden mixture of food crops in a vineyard. And the Rabbis say: Only a crop that people typically maintain renders a vineyard forbidden. And Rabbi Ḥanina said: What is the reason for the opinion of Rabbi Eliezer? Because in Arabia they maintain the thorns of the fields to feed them to their camels. There, thorns are treated as a bona fide crop. According to this opinion, since thorns are maintained in one place, they are considered to be significant everywhere. The same reasoning applies to the issue of juicing pomegranates.

מִידֵּי אִירְיָא? דַּעֲרַבְיָא אַתְרָא, הָכָא — בָּטְלָה דַּעְתּוֹ אֵצֶל כׇּל אָדָם!

The Gemara rejects this answer: Is this comparable? Arabia is a place, and a custom practiced in an entire country is significant. Here, with regard to the practice of the house of Menashya bar Menaḥem, who was an individual, his opinion is rendered irrelevant by the opinions of all other men.

אֶלָּא הַיְינוּ טַעְמָא, כִּדְרַב חִסְדָּא. דְּאָמַר רַב חִסְדָּא: תְּרָדִין שֶׁסְּחָטָן וּנְתָנָן בְּמִקְוֶה — פּוֹסְלִין אֶת הַמִּקְוֶה בְּשִׁינּוּי מַרְאֶה. וְהָא לָאו בְּנֵי סְחִיטָה נִינְהוּ? אֶלָּא מַאי אִית לָךְ לְמֵימַר — כֵּיוָן דְּאַחְשְׁבִינְהוּ, הָווּ לְהוּ מַשְׁקֶה, הָכָא נָמֵי: כֵּיוָן דְּאַחְשְׁבִינְהוּ, הָווּ לְהוּ מַשְׁקֶה.

Rather, this is the reason for Rav Naḥman’s statement: It is in accordance with the opinion of Rav Ḥisda, as Rav Ḥisda said: In the case of beets that one squeezed and then placed their juice in a ritual bath, the juice invalidates the ritual bath if it causes a change of appearance. Any liquid that causes the water of a ritual bath to change color invalidates the ritual bath. Rav Ḥisda elaborated: Aren’t beets typically not designated for squeezing? Rather, what have you to say? Since he ascribed it significance, it is considered a liquid. Here, too, with regard to pomegranates, since he ascribed it significance, it is considered a liquid. Even if one person ascribes significance to a liquid, it assumes for him the status of a liquid and is prohibited on Shabbat.

רַב פָּפָּא אָמַר: מִשּׁוּם דְּהָוֵי דָּבָר שֶׁאֵין עוֹשִׂין מִמֶּנּוּ מִקְוֶה לְכַתְּחִילָּה, וְכׇל דָּבָר שֶׁאֵין עוֹשִׂין מִמֶּנּוּ מִקְוֶה לְכַתְּחִילָּה — פּוֹסֵל אֶת הַמִּקְוֶה בְּשִׁינּוּי מַרְאֶה.

Rav Pappa said that the reason Rav Ḥisda ruled that beet juice invalidates the ritual bath is because it is something with which one may not make a ritual bath ab initio, and there is a principle: Anything with which one may not make a ritual bath ab initio, i.e., anything other than water, snow, or ice, invalidates the ritual bath if it causes a change of appearance, even if it does not have the legal status of a liquid.

תְּנַן הָתָם: נָפַל לְתוֹכוֹ יַיִן אוֹ חוֹמֶץ וּמוֹחַל, וְשִׁינָּה מַרְאָיו — פָּסוּל. מַאן תַּנָּא דְּמוֹחַל מַשְׁקֶה הוּא? אָמַר אַבָּיֵי: רַבִּי יַעֲקֹב הִיא. דְּתַנְיָא, רַבִּי יַעֲקֹב אוֹמֵר: מוֹחַל הֲרֵי הוּא כְּמַשְׁקֶה. וּמַה טַּעַם אָמְרוּ מוֹחַל הַיּוֹצֵא בַּתְּחִלָּה טָהוֹר — לְפִי שֶׁאֵינוֹ רוֹצֶה בְּקִיּוּמוֹ.

We learned in a mishna there, in tractate Mikvaot: If wine or vinegar or olive discharge, i.e., the liquid that comes from olives but is not oil, fell into a ritual bath and changed its appearance, the ritual bath is invalid. The Gemara asks: Who is the tanna who holds that olive discharge is considered liquid? Abaye said: It is Rabbi Ya’akov, as it was taught in a baraita that Rabbi Ya’akov says: The legal status of olive discharge is like that of a liquid. And what is the reason the Sages said that olive discharge that emerges at the outset, before one begins to press the olives for their oil, is ritually pure, meaning that it does not render food susceptible to ritual impurity? It is not because the olive discharge is not considered a liquid but because he does not want its existence; the owner would prefer that the olive discharge not yet emerge and instead emerge together with and mix with the oil.

רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן אוֹמֵר: מוֹחַל אֵינוֹ כְּמַשְׁקֶה. וּמַה טַּעַם אָמְרוּ מוֹחַל הַיּוֹצֵא מֵעִיקּוּל בֵּית הַבַּד טָמֵא — לְפִי שֶׁאִי אֶפְשָׁר לוֹ בְּלֹא צִיחְצוּחֵי שֶׁמֶן.

Rabbi Shimon says: The legal status of olive discharge is not like that of a liquid. And what is the reason the Sages said that the olive sap that emerges from the bale of the olive press after the olives were pressed is capable of rendering foods susceptible to become ritually impure? Because it is impossible that it will not contain drops of oil that come with it from the olives.

מַאי בֵּינַיְיהוּ? אִיכָּא בֵּינַיְיהוּ דְּאָתֵי בָּתַר אִיצְצָתָא. רָבָא אָמַר: מִשּׁוּם דְּהָוֵי דָּבָר שֶׁאֵין עוֹשִׂין הֵימֶנּוּ מִקְוֶה, וּפוֹסֵל אֶת הַמִּקְוֶה בְּשִׁינּוּי מַרְאֶה.

The Gemara asks: What is the practical difference between them? They both agree that olive discharge that emerges at the outset is incapable of rendering food susceptible to ritual impurity and that olive discharge that emerges from the bale of the olive press is capable of rendering food susceptible to ritual impurity. The Gemara answers: There is a practical difference between them with regard to olive discharge that comes after extensive pressing; according to Rabbi Ya’akov, it is considered a liquid and renders food susceptible to ritual impurity, and according to Rabbi Shimon, it is not a liquid and does not render food susceptible to ritual impurity. Rava said: The reason that olive discharge invalidates a ritual bath is not because it is a liquid, but rather, because it is something with which one may not make a ritual bath ab initio, and it therefore invalidates a ritual bath if it causes a change of appearance.

אָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר שְׁמוּאֵל: סוֹחֵט אָדָם אֶשְׁכּוֹל שֶׁל עֲנָבִים לְתוֹךְ הַקְּדֵרָה, אֲבָל לֹא לְתוֹךְ הַקְּעָרָה. אָמַר רַב חִסְדָּא: מִדִּבְרֵי רַבֵּינוּ נִלְמַד: חוֹלֵב אָדָם עֵז לְתוֹךְ הַקְּדֵרָה, אֲבָל לֹא לְתוֹךְ הַקְּעָרָה. אַלְמָא קָסָבַר מַשְׁקֶה הַבָּא לְאוֹכֶל — אוֹכֶל הוּא.

Rav Yehuda said that Shmuel said: A person may squeeze a cluster of grapes on Shabbat into a pot with food in it, and it is not considered squeezing a liquid but rather adding one food to another; however, he may not squeeze the liquid into an empty bowl. Rav Ḥisda said: From the statement of our Rabbi, Shmuel, we learn that one may milk a goat into a pot of food on Shabbat, because it is not considered to be the manner of squeezing that is prohibited as a subcategory of the labor of threshing; however, one may not do so into an empty bowl. The Gemara deduces: Apparently, he holds that liquid that comes into food is not considered liquid, but rather, it is food.

מֵתִיב רָמֵי בַּר חָמָא: זָב שֶׁחוֹלֵב אֶת הָעֵז — הֶחָלָב טָמֵא. וְאִי אָמְרַתְּ מַשְׁקֶה הַבָּא לָאוֹכָלִין אוֹכֶל הוּא, בְּמַאי אִיתַּכְשַׁר?

Rami bar Ḥama raised an objection from the following mishna: In the case of a zav who milks a goat, the milk is ritually impure whether or not the zav actually touched it, as a zav renders items ritually impure simply by moving them, or being moved by them, even without direct contact. And if you say that liquid that comes directly into food is food and not liquid, in the case of one who milked directly into a pot of food, the milk should be considered food. The halakha is that food cannot become ritually impure unless it is rendered susceptible to ritual impurity through contact with a liquid. With what liquid was this milk rendered susceptible to ritual impurity?

כִּדְאָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: בְּטִיפָּה הַמְלוּכְלֶכֶת עַל פִּי הַדַּד, הָכָא נָמֵי: בְּטִיפָּה הַמְלוּכְלֶכֶת עַל פִּי הַדַּד.

The Gemara answers: As Rabbi Yoḥanan said in a different context, that a particular statement is referring to the first drop, which is smeared on the top of the teat in order to moisten it and facilitate nursing or milking, here too, it is rendered susceptible to ritual impurity by means of the drop which is smeared on the top of the teat. This drop was not intended to fall into the pot of food and is therefore considered a liquid and renders the food susceptible to ritual impurity.

מֵתִיב רָבִינָא: טְמֵא מֵת שֶׁסָּחַט זֵיתִים וַעֲנָבִים,

Ravina raised an objection based on what we learned in another mishna: In the case of one who is ritually impure with impurity imparted by a corpse who squeezed olives or grapes

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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
Roslyn Jaffe

Florida, United States

My first Talmud class experience was a weekly group in 1971 studying Taanit. In 2007 I resumed Talmud study with a weekly group I continue learning with. January 2020, I was inspired to try learning Daf Yomi. A friend introduced me to Daf Yomi for Women and Rabbanit Michelle Farber, I have kept with this program and look forward, G- willing, to complete the entire Shas with Hadran.
Lorri Lewis
Lorri Lewis

Palo Alto, CA, United States

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Susan Fisher
Susan Fisher

Raanana, Israel

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
Anne Rubin

Elkins Park, United States

I attended the Siyum so that I could tell my granddaughter that I had been there. Then I decided to listen on Spotify and after the siyum of Brachot, Covid and zoom began. It gave structure to my day. I learn with people from all over the world who are now my friends – yet most of us have never met. I can’t imagine life without it. Thank you Rabbanit Michelle.

Emma Rinberg
Emma Rinberg

Raanana, 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
Joanna Rom

Northwest Washington, United States

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
Joséphine Altzman

Teaneck, 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
Khaya Eisenberg

Jerusalem, Israel

I was exposed to Talmud in high school, but I was truly inspired after my daughter and I decided to attend the Women’s Siyum Shas in 2020. We knew that this was a historic moment. We were blown away, overcome with emotion at the euphoria of the revolution. Right then, I knew I would continue. My commitment deepened with the every-morning Virtual Beit Midrash on Zoom with R. Michelle.

Adina Hagege
Adina Hagege

Zichron Yaakov, 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
Silke Goldberg

Guildford, United Kingdom

After experiences over the years of asking to join gemara shiurim for men and either being refused by the maggid shiur or being the only women there, sometimes behind a mechitza, I found out about Hadran sometime during the tail end of Masechet Shabbat, I think. Life has been much better since then.

Madeline Cohen
Madeline Cohen

London, United Kingdom

I started to listen to Michelle’s podcasts four years ago. The minute I started I was hooked. I’m so excited to learn the entire Talmud, and think I will continue always. I chose the quote “while a woman is engaged in conversation she also holds the spindle”. (Megillah 14b). It reminds me of all of the amazing women I learn with every day who multi-task, think ahead and accomplish so much.

Julie Mendelsohn
Julie Mendelsohn

Zichron Yakov, 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
Elisheva Brauner

Jerusalem, Israel

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
Dena Heller

New Jersey, 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
Harriet Hartman

Tzur Hadassah, Israel

When we heard that R. Michelle was starting daf yomi, my 11-year-old suggested that I go. Little did she know that she would lose me every morning from then on. I remember standing at the Farbers’ door, almost too shy to enter. After that first class, I said that I would come the next day but couldn’t commit to more. A decade later, I still look forward to learning from R. Michelle every morning.

Ruth Leah Kahan
Ruth Leah Kahan

Ra’anana, Israel

My Daf journey began in August 2012 after participating in the Siyum Hashas where I was blessed as an “enabler” of others.  Galvanized into my own learning I recited the Hadran on Shas in January 2020 with Rabbanit Michelle. That Siyum was a highlight in my life.  Now, on round two, Daf has become my spiritual anchor to which I attribute manifold blessings.

Rina Goldberg
Rina Goldberg

Englewood NJ, United States

I saw an elderly man at the shul kiddush in early March 2020, celebrating the siyyum of masechet brachot which he had been learning with a young yeshiva student. I thought, if he can do it, I can do it! I began to learn masechet Shabbat the next day, Making up masechet brachot myself, which I had missed. I haven’t missed a day since, thanks to the ease of listening to Hadran’s podcast!
Judith Shapiro
Judith Shapiro

Minnesota, United States

When I was working and taking care of my children, learning was never on the list. Now that I have more time I have two different Gemora classes and the nach yomi as well as the mishna yomi daily.

Shoshana Shinnar
Shoshana Shinnar

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
Denise Neapolitan

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Shabbat 144

שֶׁלֹּא לְרָצוֹן, שֶׁדַּם מַגֵּפָתָהּ טָהוֹר?! אָמַר לָהֶן: מַחְמִיר אֲנִי בֶּחָלָב מִבַּדָּם, שֶׁהַחוֹלֵב לִרְפוּאָה — טָמֵא, וְהַמַּקִּיז לִרְפוּאָה — טָהוֹר. אָמְרוּ לוֹ: סַלֵּי זֵיתִים וַעֲנָבִים יוֹכִיחוּ, שֶׁהַמַּשְׁקִין הַיּוֹצְאִין מֵהֶן לְרָצוֹן — טְמֵאִין, שֶׁלֹּא לְרָצוֹן — טְהוֹרִים.

if it was expressed unintentionally, as the blood of its wound is ritually pure, meaning that it does not render food susceptible to ritual impurity. Rabbi Akiva said to them: I am more stringent with regard to milk than with regard to blood, as if one milks an animal for medicinal purposes, the milk renders food susceptible to ritual impurity, and if one lets blood for medicinal purposes, the status of the blood is not that of a liquid and is ritually pure, in the sense that it does not render food susceptible to ritual impurity. They said to him: The case of baskets of olives and grapes will prove that there is a difference between liquids that emerge of his own volition and those that do not, as liquid that seeps from them volitionally renders food susceptible to ritual impurity. However, liquid that seeps from them unvolitionally is ritually pure, i.e., it does not render food susceptible to ritual impurity. Apparently, liquid renders food susceptible to ritual impurity only if it emerged of its own volition.

מַאי לָאו ״לְרָצוֹן״ — דְּנִיחָא לֵיהּ, ״שֶׁלֹּא לְרָצוֹן״ — בִּסְתָמָא. וּמָה זֵיתִים וַעֲנָבִים דִּבְנֵי סְחִיטָה נִינְהוּ, שֶׁלֹּא לְרָצוֹן — וְלֹא כְלוּם, תּוּתִים וְרִמּוֹנִים, דְּלָאו בְּנֵי סְחִיטָה נִינְהוּ, לֹא כׇּל שֶׁכֵּן?

The Gemara analyzes the terms of that mishna: What, is it not true that the term volitionally is referring to a situation where one is pleased with the emergence of liquids, and the term unvolitionally is referring to an indeterminate situation, where he expressed no preference? This leads to a conclusion with regard to our original topic of discussion. Just as in the case of olives and grapes, which are primarily designated for squeezing in order to extract oil and wine respectively, if liquid leaked from them unvolitionally, in the sense that one did not intend for the liquid to emerge, it has no significance and does not render food susceptible to ritual impurity; in the case of mulberries and pomegranates, which are not typically designated for squeezing, is it not all the more so that liquid that seeps from them unvolitionally does not render food susceptible to ritual impurity?

לֹא: ״לְרָצוֹן״ — בִּסְתָמָא, ״שֶׁלֹּא לְרָצוֹן״ — דְּגַלִּי אַדַּעְתֵּיהּ, דְּאָמַר: ״לָא נִיחָא לִי״. וְאִיבָּעֵית אֵימָא: שָׁאנֵי סַלֵּי זֵיתִים וַעֲנָבִים, כֵּיוָן דִּלְאִיבּוּד קָיְימִי, מֵעִיקָּרָא אַפְקוֹרֵי מַפְקַר לְהוּ.

The Gemara refutes this argument: No, the term volitionally is referring even to a situation where one’s preference is indeterminate, and the term unvolitionally is referring to a situation where one revealed his mind-set explicitly and said: I am not pleased if liquid emerges. And if you wish, say instead that baskets of olives and grapes are different; since the liquid that leaks from them stands to be lost, one renounces it from the outset. No proof can be cited from this mishna. Generally speaking, however, the legal status of liquids that are not designated to be lost from the outset is that of liquids, even if one did not express pleasure with their emergence.

אַשְׁכְּחַן רַבִּי יְהוּדָה דְּמוֹדֵי לְרַבָּנַן בְּזֵיתִים וּבַעֲנָבִים. רַבָּנַן דְּמוֹדוּ לֵיהּ לְרַבִּי יְהוּדָה בִּשְׁאָר פֵּירוֹת מְנָלַן? דְּתַנְיָא: סוֹחֲטִין

We have found in the baraita cited above that Rabbi Yehuda conceded to the Rabbis with regard to olives and grapes, that liquid that seeps from them on its own on Shabbat, both volitionally and unvolitionally, is prohibited during Shabbat. From where do we conclude that the Rabbis concede to Rabbi Yehuda with regard to other fruits and distinguish between fruits designated for eating and those designated for juicing? As it was taught in a baraita: One may squeeze

בִּפְגָעִין וּבִפְרִישִׁין וּבְעוּזְרָדִין, אֲבָל לֹא בְּרִמּוֹנִים, וְשֶׁל בֵּית מְנַשְּׁיָא בַּר מְנַחֵם הָיוּ סוֹחֲטִין בְּרִמּוֹנִים.

plums and quinces and crab apples. However, one may not squeeze pomegranates, because they are typically squeezed for their juice, as people from the house of Menashya bar Menaḥem would squeeze pomegranates during the week. Apparently, the Rabbis concede to Rabbi Yehuda with regard to fruits other than pomegranates and mulberries.

וּמִמַּאי דְּרַבָּנַן הִיא, דִּילְמָא רַבִּי יְהוּדָה הִיא?! וְתֶהֱוֵי נָמֵי רַבִּי יְהוּדָה, אֵימַר דְּשָׁמְעַתְּ לֵיהּ לְרַבִּי יְהוּדָה יָצְאוּ מֵעַצְמָן, סוֹחֲטִין לְכַתְּחִילָּה מִי שָׁמְעַתְּ לֵיהּ?! אֶלָּא מַאי אִית לָךְ לְמֵימַר: כֵּיוָן דְּלָאו בְּנֵי סְחִיטָה נִינְהוּ — אֲפִילּוּ לְכַתְּחִילָּה. אֲפִילּוּ תֵּימָא רַבָּנַן, כֵּיוָן דְּלָאו בְּנֵי סְחִיטָה נִינְהוּ — אֲפִילּוּ לְכַתְּחִילָּה, שְׁמַע מִינַּהּ רַבָּנַן הִיא. שְׁמַע מִינַּהּ.

The Gemara objects: And from where is it ascertained that this baraita is in accordance with the opinion of the Rabbis? Perhaps it is in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Yehuda. The Gemara answers: And let this baraita also be the opinion of Rabbi Yehuda: Say that you heard that according to Rabbi Yehuda, juice that seeped out on its own is permitted; did you hear that squeezing it is permitted ab initio? Rather, what have you to say? Since they are not fruits that are generally designated for squeezing, it is permitted to squeeze them even ab initio. That being the case, even if you say the baraita is in accordance with the opinion of the Rabbis, the same reasoning applies: Since they are not generally designated for squeezing, it is permitted to squeeze them even ab initio. Even the Rabbis would permit squeezing fruits such as plums, quinces, and crab apples. Since the baraita does not permit squeezing pomegranates, learn from it that the baraita is in accordance with the opinion of the Rabbis. The Gemara concludes: Indeed, learn from it.

שֶׁל בֵּית מְנַשְּׁיָא בַּר מְנַחֵם הָיוּ סוֹחֲטִין בְּרִמּוֹנִים. אָמַר רַב נַחְמָן: הֲלָכָה כְּשֶׁל בֵּית מְנַשְּׁיָא בַּר מְנַחֵם.

It was taught in the baraita cited above that people from the house of Menashya bar Menaḥem would squeeze pomegranates on weekdays. This indicates that it is typical for people to squeeze pomegranates, and therefore it is prohibited to do so on Shabbat. Rav Naḥman said: The halakha is in accordance with the practice of the people from the house of Menashya bar Menaḥem. In other words, squeezing pomegranates is considered typical, and therefore it is prohibited on Shabbat.

אֲמַר לֵיהּ רָבָא לְרַב נַחְמָן: מְנַשְּׁיָא בֶּן מְנַחֵם תַּנָּא הוּא?! וְכִי תֵּימָא הֲלָכָה כִּי הַאי תַּנָּא דְּסָבַר לַהּ כְּשֶׁל מְנַשְּׁיָא בֶּן מְנַחֵם, וּמִשּׁוּם דְּסָבַר כִּמְנַשְּׁיָא בֶּן מְנַחֵם הֲלָכָה כְּמוֹתוֹ? מְנַשְּׁיָא בֶּן מְנַחֵם הָוֵי רוּבָּא דְּעָלְמָא?

Rava said to Rav Naḥman: Is Menashya ben Menaḥem a tanna that you say the halakha is in accordance with his opinion? And if you say that Rav Naḥman meant that the halakha is in accordance with this tanna, who held in accordance with the practice of the people from the house of Menashya ben Menaḥem, there is still room to ask: Does it make sense that because he held in accordance with the practice of the people from the house of Menashya ben Menaḥem, the halakha is in accordance with his opinion? Does Menashya ben Menaḥem constitute the majority of the world? Since most people do not squeeze pomegranates, the practice of the people from the house of Menashya ben Menaḥem should be irrelevant relative to the typical practice of others.

אִין, דִּתְנַן: הַמְקַיֵּים קוֹצִים בַּכֶּרֶם, רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר אוֹמֵר: קִדֵּשׁ, וַחֲכָמִים אוֹמְרִים: אֵינוֹ מְקַדֵּשׁ אֶלָּא דָּבָר שֶׁכָּמוֹהוּ מְקַיְּימִין. וְאָמַר רַבִּי חֲנִינָא: מַאי טַעְמָא דְּרַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר — שֶׁכֵּן בַּעֲרַבְיָא מְקַיְּימִין קוֹצֵי שָׂדוֹת לִגְמַלֵּיהֶם.

Rav Naḥman answered: Yes, in cases of this kind, halakhic rulings are based even on practices that are not universal, as we learned in a mishna that addresses the prohibition of diverse kinds, particularly forbidden food crops in a vineyard. With regard to one who maintains thorns in a vineyard, Rabbi Eliezer says: He rendered the crops a forbidden mixture of food crops in a vineyard. And the Rabbis say: Only a crop that people typically maintain renders a vineyard forbidden. And Rabbi Ḥanina said: What is the reason for the opinion of Rabbi Eliezer? Because in Arabia they maintain the thorns of the fields to feed them to their camels. There, thorns are treated as a bona fide crop. According to this opinion, since thorns are maintained in one place, they are considered to be significant everywhere. The same reasoning applies to the issue of juicing pomegranates.

מִידֵּי אִירְיָא? דַּעֲרַבְיָא אַתְרָא, הָכָא — בָּטְלָה דַּעְתּוֹ אֵצֶל כׇּל אָדָם!

The Gemara rejects this answer: Is this comparable? Arabia is a place, and a custom practiced in an entire country is significant. Here, with regard to the practice of the house of Menashya bar Menaḥem, who was an individual, his opinion is rendered irrelevant by the opinions of all other men.

אֶלָּא הַיְינוּ טַעְמָא, כִּדְרַב חִסְדָּא. דְּאָמַר רַב חִסְדָּא: תְּרָדִין שֶׁסְּחָטָן וּנְתָנָן בְּמִקְוֶה — פּוֹסְלִין אֶת הַמִּקְוֶה בְּשִׁינּוּי מַרְאֶה. וְהָא לָאו בְּנֵי סְחִיטָה נִינְהוּ? אֶלָּא מַאי אִית לָךְ לְמֵימַר — כֵּיוָן דְּאַחְשְׁבִינְהוּ, הָווּ לְהוּ מַשְׁקֶה, הָכָא נָמֵי: כֵּיוָן דְּאַחְשְׁבִינְהוּ, הָווּ לְהוּ מַשְׁקֶה.

Rather, this is the reason for Rav Naḥman’s statement: It is in accordance with the opinion of Rav Ḥisda, as Rav Ḥisda said: In the case of beets that one squeezed and then placed their juice in a ritual bath, the juice invalidates the ritual bath if it causes a change of appearance. Any liquid that causes the water of a ritual bath to change color invalidates the ritual bath. Rav Ḥisda elaborated: Aren’t beets typically not designated for squeezing? Rather, what have you to say? Since he ascribed it significance, it is considered a liquid. Here, too, with regard to pomegranates, since he ascribed it significance, it is considered a liquid. Even if one person ascribes significance to a liquid, it assumes for him the status of a liquid and is prohibited on Shabbat.

רַב פָּפָּא אָמַר: מִשּׁוּם דְּהָוֵי דָּבָר שֶׁאֵין עוֹשִׂין מִמֶּנּוּ מִקְוֶה לְכַתְּחִילָּה, וְכׇל דָּבָר שֶׁאֵין עוֹשִׂין מִמֶּנּוּ מִקְוֶה לְכַתְּחִילָּה — פּוֹסֵל אֶת הַמִּקְוֶה בְּשִׁינּוּי מַרְאֶה.

Rav Pappa said that the reason Rav Ḥisda ruled that beet juice invalidates the ritual bath is because it is something with which one may not make a ritual bath ab initio, and there is a principle: Anything with which one may not make a ritual bath ab initio, i.e., anything other than water, snow, or ice, invalidates the ritual bath if it causes a change of appearance, even if it does not have the legal status of a liquid.

תְּנַן הָתָם: נָפַל לְתוֹכוֹ יַיִן אוֹ חוֹמֶץ וּמוֹחַל, וְשִׁינָּה מַרְאָיו — פָּסוּל. מַאן תַּנָּא דְּמוֹחַל מַשְׁקֶה הוּא? אָמַר אַבָּיֵי: רַבִּי יַעֲקֹב הִיא. דְּתַנְיָא, רַבִּי יַעֲקֹב אוֹמֵר: מוֹחַל הֲרֵי הוּא כְּמַשְׁקֶה. וּמַה טַּעַם אָמְרוּ מוֹחַל הַיּוֹצֵא בַּתְּחִלָּה טָהוֹר — לְפִי שֶׁאֵינוֹ רוֹצֶה בְּקִיּוּמוֹ.

We learned in a mishna there, in tractate Mikvaot: If wine or vinegar or olive discharge, i.e., the liquid that comes from olives but is not oil, fell into a ritual bath and changed its appearance, the ritual bath is invalid. The Gemara asks: Who is the tanna who holds that olive discharge is considered liquid? Abaye said: It is Rabbi Ya’akov, as it was taught in a baraita that Rabbi Ya’akov says: The legal status of olive discharge is like that of a liquid. And what is the reason the Sages said that olive discharge that emerges at the outset, before one begins to press the olives for their oil, is ritually pure, meaning that it does not render food susceptible to ritual impurity? It is not because the olive discharge is not considered a liquid but because he does not want its existence; the owner would prefer that the olive discharge not yet emerge and instead emerge together with and mix with the oil.

רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן אוֹמֵר: מוֹחַל אֵינוֹ כְּמַשְׁקֶה. וּמַה טַּעַם אָמְרוּ מוֹחַל הַיּוֹצֵא מֵעִיקּוּל בֵּית הַבַּד טָמֵא — לְפִי שֶׁאִי אֶפְשָׁר לוֹ בְּלֹא צִיחְצוּחֵי שֶׁמֶן.

Rabbi Shimon says: The legal status of olive discharge is not like that of a liquid. And what is the reason the Sages said that the olive sap that emerges from the bale of the olive press after the olives were pressed is capable of rendering foods susceptible to become ritually impure? Because it is impossible that it will not contain drops of oil that come with it from the olives.

מַאי בֵּינַיְיהוּ? אִיכָּא בֵּינַיְיהוּ דְּאָתֵי בָּתַר אִיצְצָתָא. רָבָא אָמַר: מִשּׁוּם דְּהָוֵי דָּבָר שֶׁאֵין עוֹשִׂין הֵימֶנּוּ מִקְוֶה, וּפוֹסֵל אֶת הַמִּקְוֶה בְּשִׁינּוּי מַרְאֶה.

The Gemara asks: What is the practical difference between them? They both agree that olive discharge that emerges at the outset is incapable of rendering food susceptible to ritual impurity and that olive discharge that emerges from the bale of the olive press is capable of rendering food susceptible to ritual impurity. The Gemara answers: There is a practical difference between them with regard to olive discharge that comes after extensive pressing; according to Rabbi Ya’akov, it is considered a liquid and renders food susceptible to ritual impurity, and according to Rabbi Shimon, it is not a liquid and does not render food susceptible to ritual impurity. Rava said: The reason that olive discharge invalidates a ritual bath is not because it is a liquid, but rather, because it is something with which one may not make a ritual bath ab initio, and it therefore invalidates a ritual bath if it causes a change of appearance.

אָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר שְׁמוּאֵל: סוֹחֵט אָדָם אֶשְׁכּוֹל שֶׁל עֲנָבִים לְתוֹךְ הַקְּדֵרָה, אֲבָל לֹא לְתוֹךְ הַקְּעָרָה. אָמַר רַב חִסְדָּא: מִדִּבְרֵי רַבֵּינוּ נִלְמַד: חוֹלֵב אָדָם עֵז לְתוֹךְ הַקְּדֵרָה, אֲבָל לֹא לְתוֹךְ הַקְּעָרָה. אַלְמָא קָסָבַר מַשְׁקֶה הַבָּא לְאוֹכֶל — אוֹכֶל הוּא.

Rav Yehuda said that Shmuel said: A person may squeeze a cluster of grapes on Shabbat into a pot with food in it, and it is not considered squeezing a liquid but rather adding one food to another; however, he may not squeeze the liquid into an empty bowl. Rav Ḥisda said: From the statement of our Rabbi, Shmuel, we learn that one may milk a goat into a pot of food on Shabbat, because it is not considered to be the manner of squeezing that is prohibited as a subcategory of the labor of threshing; however, one may not do so into an empty bowl. The Gemara deduces: Apparently, he holds that liquid that comes into food is not considered liquid, but rather, it is food.

מֵתִיב רָמֵי בַּר חָמָא: זָב שֶׁחוֹלֵב אֶת הָעֵז — הֶחָלָב טָמֵא. וְאִי אָמְרַתְּ מַשְׁקֶה הַבָּא לָאוֹכָלִין אוֹכֶל הוּא, בְּמַאי אִיתַּכְשַׁר?

Rami bar Ḥama raised an objection from the following mishna: In the case of a zav who milks a goat, the milk is ritually impure whether or not the zav actually touched it, as a zav renders items ritually impure simply by moving them, or being moved by them, even without direct contact. And if you say that liquid that comes directly into food is food and not liquid, in the case of one who milked directly into a pot of food, the milk should be considered food. The halakha is that food cannot become ritually impure unless it is rendered susceptible to ritual impurity through contact with a liquid. With what liquid was this milk rendered susceptible to ritual impurity?

כִּדְאָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: בְּטִיפָּה הַמְלוּכְלֶכֶת עַל פִּי הַדַּד, הָכָא נָמֵי: בְּטִיפָּה הַמְלוּכְלֶכֶת עַל פִּי הַדַּד.

The Gemara answers: As Rabbi Yoḥanan said in a different context, that a particular statement is referring to the first drop, which is smeared on the top of the teat in order to moisten it and facilitate nursing or milking, here too, it is rendered susceptible to ritual impurity by means of the drop which is smeared on the top of the teat. This drop was not intended to fall into the pot of food and is therefore considered a liquid and renders the food susceptible to ritual impurity.

מֵתִיב רָבִינָא: טְמֵא מֵת שֶׁסָּחַט זֵיתִים וַעֲנָבִים,

Ravina raised an objection based on what we learned in another mishna: In the case of one who is ritually impure with impurity imparted by a corpse who squeezed olives or grapes

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