Take One Daf Yomi

Today’s Talmud page, Sanhedrin 42, begins a lengthy discussion of the death penalty. Sister Helen Prejean, a notable opponent of capital punishment, joins us to discuss what it's like being with a person moments before his execution, and parse the differences between Jewish and Catholic approaches to the death penalty. Why did the rabbis rule that the place of execution must be far away from the court itself? Listen and find out.

Today’s Talmud pages, Sanhedrin 40 and 41, dive down into the life of the great Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai. Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin joins us to explain why we need to know so much about this sage's life, and what his example can teach us about living in an imperfect world. How can we find the language of divinity in the narrative of our lives? Listen and find out.

Rabbi David B'Shevkin, an expert in Jewish thought and author of "Synagogue, Sin and Failure in Jewish Thought," shares insights on the creation and fall of Adam. He discusses how this narrative reshapes our understanding of human morality, emphasizing that imperfection is inherent in creation. The conversation delves into the timing of Adam's sin and its implications, contrasting Jewish perspectives with those of other faiths. Listeners are invited to rethink the nature of failure and its role in the journey towards personal growth.

Today’s Talmud page, Sanhedrin 37, tells a moving story about the pious Rabbi Zeira, who prayed even for the hooligans in his neighborhood who tormented him. What can we learn from his example that is particularly pressing in our social media addled age of rage and despair? Listen and find out.

Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi is celebrated as a monumental figure, merging political wisdom with profound Torah knowledge. His legacy resonates strongly, echoing lessons from his poignant life and tragic death. Delve into the touching narratives that reveal the interplay of divine will and human efforts, illustrating the lasting impact of his contributions to both spiritual and secular realms.

Today’s Talmud page, Sanhedrin 35, discusses the Golden calf and the courts that enacted punishment afterwards. Why should even the perpetrators want a speedy trial? Listen and find out.

Today’s Talmud pages, Sanhedrin 33 and 34, have the Rabbis interrogating what to do when the results of a trial have been found to be flawed. How do we choose when a retrial is warranted? Listen and find out.

Today’s Talmud pages, Sanhedrin 31 and 32, see the Rabbis debating how to choose a trial location when the two litigants can not agree on a venue. What kind of insight can this give us into upholding the Constitution while conducting trials today? Listen and find out.

Today’s Talmud page, Sanhedrin 30, shows the rabbis discussing whether judges should discuss their personal opinions after a case is decided. Should we know what each individual judge things, or should their opinions remain anonymous? What is the line between transparency and oversharing? Listen and find out.

Today’s Talmud page, Sanhedrin 29, finds the rabbis advancing a defense of none other than the Snake. Was he truly guilty of any sin way back when in the Garden of Eden? Or was he merely giving Eve bad advice, and shouldn't be punished for her transgressions? And what does this question have to teach us about personal responsibility? Listen and find out.