Topics covered: Chapter 2, Misha 3, 4 If one sets aside more money than he needs to pay his annual half-shekel obligation, what should be done with the surplus? Is it consecrated, or is it his? Why do we get …

Topics covered: End Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Misha 1, 2 What were the half-shekel “premiums” used for in the Holy Temple? When towns and cities sent in their half-shekels to the Holy Temple, what would happen of the agent appointed …

Topics covered: Chapter 1, Mishna 4 The problematic relationship between Jews and Samaritans. Gentiles may contribute offerings in the Holy Temple. The premium on the holy half-shekel is paid to guard people from accidentally short-changing the Temple in matters of …

Topics covered: Chapter 1, Mishna 1, 2, 3 Rabbinic court might have put off their unsavory tasks from their proper time. Come Adar, the last month of the Torah year, procrastination ceases. This court had the power to declare land …

Topics covered: Chapter 10, Mishna 8, Chapter 1, Mishna 1 Matzah must be eaten by midnight to fulfill one’s obligation to eat matzah on Passover night. Spring is tax season, then as now! All contribute to the communal sacrifices and …

Topics covered: Chapter 10, Mishna 7, 8 The matzah afikoman must be the last thing we eat at Seder. What if that’s the only matzah we eat at Seder – did we fulfill our obligation? Sleeping interrupts the festive meal …

Topics covered: Chapter 10, Mishna 6, 7 The story of the treasure Joseph gathered for Pharaoh in Egypt, that was passed down through the centuries. God always welcomes the penitent. The modesty/humility of the Patriarchs, Moses, Joshua and David. Attribution …

Topics covered: Chapter 10, Mishna 6 What is the “Great Hallel” we recite at the Passover Seder and how does it does it differ from the regular Hallel? Why do the Sages go to extreme lengths to describe the difficulty …

Topics covered: Chapter 10, Mishna 5 What does Halleluyah really mean? Is it one word or two? How is it used in the Book of Psalms? The Hallel that we recite on Passover and other holidays, who instituted it? Which …