Topics covered: Chapter 2, Mishna 1 Continuing our search for the Torah source of the principle that any food/animal specifically prohibited for eating is also prohibited for benefit unless the Torah further specifies otherwise. The ox that gores. The …

  Topics covered: Chapter 2, Mishna 1 As long as “someone” is permitted to eat chametz, leaven, a Jew is also permitted to benefit from it. The someone is a kohen, a priest. What does benefit include? From where is …

  Topics covered: Chapter 1, Mishna 5 Concluding our discussion of this mishna with the law of a tamei (ritually impure) needle found inside a consecrated animal brought to Jerusalem so that it could be offered on the altar. Its …

  Topics covered: Chapter 1, Mishna 5 A lost vessel found in Jerusalem can be assumed to be tahor, ritually pure even though a mishna held that vessels found near the mikveh, ritual bath might be assumed to be tamei …

  Topics covered: Chapter 1, Mishna 5 The Sages argue whether a chain of transmission of tumah, ritual impurity, from creeping thing to vessel to liquid implies that tumah can also pass from creeping thing to liquid to vessel. To …

Topics covered: Chapter 1, Mishna 5 In trying to ascertain whether liquids can become tamei, ritually impure, by Torah law or Rabbinic decree, the Talmud brings verses from the prophet Haggai (2:11-14), when he quizzed the priests who were about …

  Topics covered: Chapter 1, Mishna 5 Can liquids become tamei, ritually impure, according to Torah law as opposed to Rabbinic decree? In analyzing this question, Rabbi Elazar brings a statement of Yosei ben Yo’ezer leader of Tzereida, whose wisdom …

  Topics covered: Chapter 1, Mishna 5 Did Rabbi Meir arrive at the proper inference with respect to mixing pure/impure leaven of consecrated foods for burning on the eve of Passover from the statements of Rabbis Chanina and Akiva regarding …

Topics covered: Chapter 1, Mishna 5 What is tumah, ritual impurity? How does to relate to tahara, ritual purity, and kedusha, holiness? How is tumah a acquired? How is it transmitted? What are its degrees? What are the consequences of …