Talking Talmud

The list of the 7 prophetesses, and the sources that prove them to be such: Sarah, Miriam, Devorah, Avigayil, Chana, Huldah, Esther. With lots of little tidbits about what it means to be a prophet, and nuggets if information about the women. Including one amora's apparent ambivalence with at least a couple of these prophetesses.

On Mordechai... and his generation. On Esther... and why she is called both Esther and Hadassah. And what was her relationship with Mordechai? Also, the modesty of Rachel and her generosity with regard to her sister Leah, and the inheritance of that same trait. Plus, the justification of Yaakov's trickery before Lavan. And how that led to the modesty of Esther.

More explication of Megillat Esther, from the description of the king's feast, his guests from Persia and Medea (or the reverse, as the case may be). Plus, the decree against the Jews. Also, extensive discussion on the Vashti story, and why Ahashverosh was so angry with her. Plus, the sources for all the midrashim about how the beautiful Vashti became ugly.

Explicating the name "Ahashverosh," and connecting its owner to Nebuchadnezzar. Plus, the 127 provinces of his realm. Also, how do we calculate the 70 years of the Babylonian Exile? When is the starting point, and when did it end? Chronologies and kings' genealogies work it out.

More distinctions between "this" and "that," in this case, Shiloh vs. Jerusalem. Plus, exegesis of the Megillah text, beginning with, "It was in the days of Ahashverosh," and how much meaning can be ascribed to the wording of "vayehi."

On the Torah scrolls themselves - beginning with the scribal arts, and what it takes to make sure that writing is a holy book. Plus, the Targum. Also, the Gemara's presentation of the story of how the Torah was translated into Greek. Plus, 2 more mishnayot of "ein bein" distinctions.

5 mishnayot, comparing and contrasting and delineating... For a variety of unexpected topics, including oaths, bodily fluids, and scribal requirements for a Sefer Torah and more.

Establishing Purim as a holiday for the generations, and Esther as a book to be read. Plus, including the Book of Esther in the canon of Tanakh. Also, how to give matanot la-evyonim and mishloach manot. And some narrative to flesh out the expected generosity in the above. Also, the story of Rabbah and Rabbi Zeira's excess on Purim that lead to a miracle and a refusal to rely on a miracle thereafte...

Aligning Tiberias and Tzipori (and Ginosar) with other places named in the Bible (of course, debatable). One of the ways of proving the case was from eulogies for those who had enough renown to be mourned in both Israel and Babylonia. Plus, a note that Edom was used as a stand-in for Rome, and antipathy to Edom reflected Chazal's antipathy to Rome. Also, differences between Adar I and Adar II. And...

A new mishnah! What is considered a "large city"? [Including What's What on the "10 batlanim"] And how these days of gathering carry implications as joyous days (with regard to fasting and eulogies). Plus, several statements in the name of R. Abba (and R. Shmuel), on how we keep track of time. Also, the actions of R. Yehudah HaNasi... On Purim specifically, and the many actions that bring joy... a...

The Gemara notes: The women were part of the miracle of Purim, and are therefore obligated in reading the megillah. Also, speaking about the specific day on the given day. Plus, a question on intergenerational Gemara conversation. And reading the megillah at night and in the day. Also, questioning the mishnah's moving of the day megillah would be read. Plus, why we don't read megillah on Shabbat,...

Translations of the Torah into Aramaic, the vernacular of the time - the authoritative versions were ascribed to Onkelos (on Torah) and Yonatan ben Uziel (on Prophets). [Who's Who - for both of them] Also, the place of reading the megillah in comparison to other mitzvot, from learning Torah to caring for a "meit mitzvah" to welcoming a bride. Plus, the factor of publicizing a miracle.

Introducing... Megillah. What are the dates when Megillat Esther may be read - beyond the 14th (Purim) and 15th (Shushan Purim). Which brings us the categories of the cities, towns, walled cities, and villages. Plus, the linguistic analysis that allows for all those possible dates.

Closing the tractate with the joy of the 15th of Av, including the burial of Beitar, and the girls dancing in the vineyard, with the young men who seek them out - a little less selfless and judgemental than we might have thought. Plus, the dancing of the righteous, and the salvation wrought by God, for them.

The mourning practices of Tisha B'Av, a clear prescription for the experience of the day. Including not learning Torah. Plus, customs for Erev Tisha B'Av. And the impact of the mourning practices. Also, shifting to happy days - the 15th of Av and Yom Kippur, including why these days are considered joyous - some reasons as the essence of the given day, and the historical events affiliated with the...

The various historical events that took place, as accepted by tradition, on the 9th of Av, including some wrenching stories, including on the topic of intentional martyrdom.

Rosh Chodesh Tevet had no ma'amad service. Why would this day be exempt? What was to be expected on Rosh Chodesh? Plus, Hanukkah. How is it different from Nisan? Where does Hallel fit in? Plus, what happened on the 17th of Tammuz

Ma'amadot - and their Torah source. The cycle of groups coming from Jerusalem, Jericho, and locations throughout the Land of Israel. Plus, what is essential for the korban to happen? As connected to the songs that were sung in the Temple every day. Also, the connection between Creation and the ma'amadot, and the interaction between Avraham and God, at the brit bein ha-betarim. Also, reading korban...

The fourth and final chapter - including the historical fasts. Another very long mishnah, beginning with Birkat Kohanim, the mishmarot, ma'amadot, and more. With a Gemara dive into the Birkat Kohanim (which is at the beginning at the mishnah, but also shifts focus to Yom Kippur, which is also at the end of the mishnah).

R. Hanina Ben Dosa, pious miracle worker, appears here again. Plus, back to rain... When a rabbinic leader decrees a fast, and the outcomes are different. What accounts for that, and what kind of pleading with - or rebuke to - God brings the rain? Also, depictions of the heavens and the clouds as choosing what to do, where to go. Plus, the comparison of righteous people to a date palm and a cedar...

The charity collectors would hide from Elazar of Birta, because he would divest himself of everything, and they didn't want to let him go that far. Even when he was looking to buy a dowry for his daughter, and he only brings home some wheat - which multiplies exponentially. But he won't accept the goodness of that miracle either. Also, more miracles... which seems lesser, as compared to the natura...

More of Choni (or Honi) the Circle-Maker's story, including the rest of his life, and the inheritance (or presumed inheritance) as told with regard to his grandchildren. Which includes discussion of his righteousness, his scholarship, and his miracles, of course. A much more poignant sad story than we usually think of this figure. Which complicates matters for his grandchildren, as presumed heirs...

More narrative. Rabbi Beroka and Elijah the prophet - when they met, first in the marketplace... Plus, the significance of black shoes as non-Jewish attire. And the accomplishment of those who cheer people up, with comedy. Also, what events call for crying out? Including for Shabbat? Of course, it's a machloket how quickly the situation is considered dangerous.

The potential positive impact of the righteous. Beginning with Nachum Ish Gamzu, who was blind, and a 4-limb amputee, with boils, in a bed with its feet in water to keep away the ants, in a dilapidated building, no less. He knows the building won't fall on him. But when they take him out, it indeed falls on everything inside. But why did he suffer like this? The Gemara says he said - he brought it...

A daf of stories... Nakdimon, and trading in water, when no rain had fallen. In comparison and contrast to Choni ha-Me'agael. Also, a presentation of curses, which are then turned into blessing - Achiyah HaShiloni, in contrast to Balaam. His words - those of the Jewish prophet - are more welcome than those coming from the non-Jew. Plus, another "ugly rabbi" story - and the value of flexibility. Al...