Daf Yomi with Rabbanit Dr. Tamara Spitz

This week we will delve into the prohibitions surrounding food prepared by non-Jews, such as bishul akum (cooked food), cheese, and wine, with concerns about intermarriage and idol worship influencing the enactments. We will also learn about Kashering utensils that have been used for forbidden foods. We will then begin the third chapter and discuss the difference between idols and statues of idola...

Daf 29–35 of Masechet Avoda Zara explore the permissibility of benefiting from various items associated with idol worship, particularly food and drink. The Gemara discusses detailed laws regarding wine touched or owned by non-Jews, vinegar, cheese, pottery, and leather flasks, explaining which cases are forbidden and which are permitted due to concerns of intermarriage or idolatry. For more info o...

This week we will focus on prohibitions related to benefiting from or facilitating idolatry through animals and commerce. We will learn whether a Jew may allow an idolater to care for his animal, concerned that the animal may be used for idolatrous purposes. The chapter then expands to broader economic interactions—such as renting property, teaching trades, and selling items—that might enable or s...

This week we will explore restrictions on transacting with idolaters around their festivals—including buying, selling, lending, or renting—to prevent benefiting their idolatrous worship, with differing views on whether prohibition applies only before or also during the festivals. We will also learn about the tragic death of Rabbi Chananya ben Tradyon. For more info or to visit the main shiur page...

This week we will begin Masechet Avoda Zara by discussing the future judgment of the nations of the world, where they attempt to justify themselves before God by claiming to have supported Torah study. Their claims are refuted, revealing that their motivations were self-serving, and the unique value of Torah and mitzvot—especially Shabbat—is emphasized. We will also explore the prohibition of enga...

This week, we will explore the significance of time and dates associated with idolatrous festivals. Due to concerns about strengthening idol worship, business dealings with idolaters before and during their holidays are prohibited. We will also learn of the special relationship Antoninus had with Rebbi. The Gemara also teaches about Unkelous, the famous convert. For more info or to visit the main...

We will delve deeper into  shevuat ha’pikadon (oath of collateral) , analyzing cases where a person denies receiving a deposit or loan and then falsely swears, including the number of claims and oaths required for liability. The Gemara distinguishes between monetary and non-monetary oaths, examines the role of multiple claimants and defendants, and discusses the precise language needed to create a...

This week we will continue discussing the laws of  shevuat ha’edut  (the oath regarding testimony), focusing on who is obligated, when one is liable, and which types of testimony are excluded—such as testimony by women, relatives, or invalid witnesses. The Gemara also explores  shevuat ha’pikadon  (an oath denying having received a deposit), including cases where the oath is made falsely and what...

This week, we will learn the concept of a vain oath and what a person would be liable for. The 4th chapter deals with an oath made by someone who may have information that can help a litigant in court. We will learn who can be made to swear and by whom, and if they lie, they are liable to bring a sacrifice. For more info or to visit the main shiur page please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://webyeshiva.org/cour...

This week we will continue to learn the various categories of oaths (shevuot), distinguishing between oaths regarding past or future actions and exploring liability for violating them, even unintentionally. The Gemara examines the interplay between oaths and other prohibitions, such as korbanot and mitzvot, and how an oath cannot override a pre-existing Torah obligation. For more info or to visit...

This week, we will explore key halakhic discussions related to  tumah  (impurity) and the Temple. The Gemara delves into the laws of entry to the  Azarah  (Temple courtyard) while in a state of impurity, the distinctions between various kinds of  tumah , and the obligations for  korbanot  (offerings) brought for transgressions, especially those involving uncertainty ( safek ). It also analyzes com...

This week the Gemara explores distinctions between intentional and unintentional oaths, oaths related to past versus future actions, and how liability is incurred depending on awareness and intent. It also delves into the Torah sources for these laws, linking them to broader concepts like atonement, sacrifices, and the precision of language in legal contexts. For more info or to visit the main shi...

Masechet Shvuot begins with an unusual feature: it doesn’t open with a direct definition of “shevuot” (oaths), but instead with a statement that lists different legal categories that the tractate will cover, including  tumah  (impurity),  bi’at mikdash  (entering the Temple in a state of impurity),  yediot hatumah  (knowledge of impurity), and various types of oaths ( shevuot ). The Mishna explain...

This week we will focus on the laws of  malkot  (lashes), detailing when a person receives lashes, how many, and for which transgressions. It explains how lashes are administered, the physical requirements of the transgressor, and how this punishment serves as  atonement —cleansing the sinner spiritually. The chapter ends with a powerful and uplifting aggadic passage where Rabbi Akiva and other sa...

This week we will explore the laws of  ir miklat  (cities of refuge), discussing who is eligible to flee there, how long they stay, and the symbolic role of the Kohen Gadol’s death in ending their exile. We will then begin the third chapter of Masechet Makot and learn who gets the punishment of lashes and why. For more info or to visit the main shiur page please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

This week we will begin Masechet Makkot by examining cases where false witnesses (eidim zomemim) are liable for punishment, including when their false testimony could not have possibly been true, and debates whether they receive the punishment they intended to inflict or not. In the second chapter, the Gemara explores distinctions between different types of murderers—intentional vs. unintentional—...

This week we will begin with discussions about King David’s sin with Batsheva and the consequences of his actions, followed by reflections on repentance and divine justice. The later pages focus on the downfall of the wicked kings of Israel and the rebellion of Korach, culminating in a broader conversation about false prophets, rebellious cities, and how the Torah guides dealing with internal thre...

This week we will discuss various aggadic and halachic topics, including the dangers of scoffing at Torah, the fate of different biblical figures in the World to Come, and stories about the downfall of wicked individuals like Nebuchadnezzar and Bilaam. The Gemara explores the tension between divine justice and mercy, illustrating how even great scholars can be led astray by arrogance or improper i...

This week we will discuss the Messianic era, the resurrection of the dead, and the rewards for the righteous. The Gemara describes the unique qualities of the Messiah, debates who will merit resurrection, and emphasizes the importance of Torah study and good deeds. The section also explores the nature of ultimate redemption, contrasting those who prepare for the future world with those who neglect...

This week we will discuss the rebellious elder (zaken mamre), parental dishonor, and the authority of the High Court. The Gemara examines judicial power, witness credibility, and those who lose their share in the World to Come. We will also explore the topics of resurrection, national revival through Ezekiel’s dry bones, and debates on the afterlife. For more info or to visit the main shiur page p...

This week we will discuss the distinctions between intentional and unintentional murder, cases of indirect killing, and the requirements for execution. We will explore specific transgressions warranting the death penalty, such as striking or cursing a parent, the rebellious son ( ben sorer u’moreh ), and certain sexual offenses, detailing the conditions under which punishment applies. The Gemara a...

This week we will discuss various cases of self-defense, capital punishment, and rebellious behavior. THe Gemara explores the concept of rodef (a pursuer), allowing lethal force to stop someone attempting murder or severe harm, and the laws regarding a ben sorer u’moreh (rebellious son), whose extreme disobedience and gluttony are seen as indicators of a dangerous future. For more info or to visit...

This week will begin learning about the rebellious son. We will learn what makes him rebellious and why he is punished even though he is a minor. For more info or to visit the main shiur page please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://webyeshiva.org/course/daf-yomi-one-week-at-a-time-sanhedrin/

This week we will learn about the prohibition of Idolatry, what actions are prohibited and what punishment one gets if he transgresses. We will learn the different types of worship for different pagan gods. For more info or to visit the main shiur page please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://webyeshiva.org/course/daf-yomi-one-week-at-a-time-sanhedrin/

This week we will continue learning about the other 3 types of capital punishment that the Sanhedrin was able to carry out. The Gemara teaches which sins were punished by which type of death. Each death was carried out as mercifully as possible. For more info or to visit the main shiur page please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://webyeshiva.org/course/daf-yomi-one-week-at-a-time-sanhedri...