Take One Daf Yomi

Today’s Daf Yomi page, Pesachim 54, tells us that so many of the things we adore, from rainbows to writing, were created at twilight on the first Shabbat eve. Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin returns to unveil the symbolic meaning of that magical first Shabbat, and what it can teach us about time and about injecting a bit of holiness into our very hectic calendars. Why did fire have to wait until after Shabbat to come into the world? Listen and find out. 

Today’s Daf Yomi page, Pesachim 53, urges us to support those committed to education, and promises heavenly rewards to anyone who does so. Writer and educator Malka Fleischmann joins us to evaluate how well we're doing living up to the Talmud's pro-educational teachings, and share some ways to make teachers and students alike feel more supported and appreciated. What's one easy and effortless way to usher in real education reform? Listen and find out.

Today’s Daf Yomi page, Pesachim 52, kicks things off with warning us against the temptation to excommunicate those who displease us. How, then, should we have arguments, especially about things that matter? Should the goal of every quarrel be convincing the other person you're right? And is being civil and polite always a good idea? Listen and find out.

Today’s Daf Yomi pages, Pesachim 50 and 51, regale us with stories of the world-to-come. What does this mysterious place look like? And do Jews really believe in it? Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm returns to shed some light on Olam Habah, and what Judaism instructs us to do to make this world look almost as perfect as the next. Why is waiting for heavenly rewards the coward's way out? Listen and find out.

Today’s Daf Yomi pages, Pesachim 48 and 49, kick things off by talking challah. Dr. Beth Ricanati, a physician who found great comfort and healing in baking the traditional bread, joins us to share her challah-baking routine, and her thoughts on the transformative power of yeast, dough, and water. Why is it important to speak aloud and state the names of loved ones when you bake? Listen and find out.

Today’s Daf Yomi page, Pesachim 47, asks a thorny question: What role might non-Jews play in Jewish celebrations and festivals? Rabbi Steven Philp, himself a Jew by choice, joins us to tell us about his own journey, and about hosting an annual seder for his family and his friends, most of whom aren't Jewish. How do their questions and perspective enrich the experience of celebrating Passover? Listen and find out.

Today’s Daf Yomi page, Pesachim 46, discusses going the distance. Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin returns to explain why some rituals can only be practiced communally, and why it's important not to stray too far from other Jews. What's so important about praying in a minyan? Listen and find out.

Today’s Daf Yomi page, Pesachim 45, talks about the prohibitions on leaven that is inedible. Which might cause distress to certain kinds of bakers: Shy Krug, a master of sourdough bread, joins us to explain the ancient and intricate process he considers his hobby, and why Passover presents a special challenge. What do you do with your beloved sourdough starter, which you feed and care for yearlong, when the time comes to eradicate that hametz? Listen and find out.

Today’s Daf Yomi pages, Pesachim 43 and 44, raise the question of what obligations and rights women have when it comes to Passover. Best-selling author Abby Pogrebin joins us to share her memories of the world's first all-women Feminist seder, presided over by such luminaries as Gloria Steineim and Bella Abzug. What has changed since that groundbreaking evening? Listen and find out.

Today’s Daf Yomi pages, Pesachim 41 and 42, tell us a funny story about a famous rabbi who misspoke and the hillarious misunderstanding that followed. Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin returns to teach us about the importance of weighing our words, learning from our mistakes, and listening intently. What lessons does the ancient story offer modern-day parents? Listen and find out.