Take One Daf Yomi

Today’s Talmud page, Sanhedrin 14, tells the story of Rabbi Yehuda ben Bava, a Talmudic superhero who sacrificed his own life to keep the Jewish tradition alive. What can we learn from his inspiring story? Listen and find out.

Today’s Talmud pages, Sanhedrin 12 and 13, remind us that the role of rabbis used to be very different than what most of might recognize today. Rabbi Diana Fersko joins us to talk about this historic shift, and about whether the expectations we have of modern-day rabbis are still realistic. So what, exactly, is it that a rabbi does all day? Listen and find out.

What happened to prophets in our modern world? Dive into the intriguing exploration of spiritual legacies left by the last prophets, with insights from the beloved sage Hillel. Discover the concept of Bas Kol, the 'daughter of a voice,' and learn how it signifies a shift to inner divine communication. This conversation encourages us to listen to our inner voice for personal growth and transformation.

Today’s Talmud page, Sanhedrin 9, informs us that those of us who rush to help someone do a mitzvah are rewarded themselves as well. Erica Pelman, the founder and director of Jewish unplanned pregnancy support network Shifra, joins us to talk about her organization's sacred work. How can we change the way we talk about abortions for the better? Listen and find out.

Today’s Talmud page, Sanhedrin 8, introduces us to one of the most popular idioms in contemporary Hebrew, teaching us that we should be as diligent when passing judgment involving a very small amount of money as we would've been with a much larger sum. Israeli broadcaster and Torah teacher Sivan Rahav-Meir joins us to shed light on the profound moral principle at play here. How can we become more cautious and righteous people by sweating the small stuff? Listen and find out.

Today’s Talmud page, Sanhedrin 7, argues that when people love each other, they can make do with very little physical space. Producer Josh Kross joins us to discuss how this rule applies to minuscule New York City apartments. Is a home made physically larger on account of joy? Listen and find out.

Delve into a gripping discussion about the essence of compromise in matters of justice. Can a decision be both divine and just if it isn’t clear-cut? Explore Talmudic insights that weigh the delicate balance between unwavering justice and the pursuit of peace. Discover how ancient wisdom can guide contemporary ethical dilemmas, showcasing diverse rabbinic perspectives on the importance of both principles. Is compromise truly heavenly, or does it undermine justice?

Explore the intricate emotional landscapes of Talmudic discussions, where accountability and ethical dilemmas come to the forefront. Delve into how the rabbinic understanding of justice challenges modern perceptions of the law. The contrast between historical and contemporary views of judges reveals the need for a more nuanced approach to judicial accountability. This thought-provoking journey invites listeners to reflect on the role of courts in society, merging ancient wisdom with present-day issues.

Today’s Talmud page, Sanhedrin 2, kicks off a brand new tractate, and a real page-turner at that. Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin joins us to explain what we may expect to find in tractate Sanhedrin, the ultimate meditation about living a life of consequence. What does the Talmud tell us about the World to Come? Listen and find out.

Today’s Talmud page, Bava Batra 176, brings us to the end of one of the Talmud's longest and most demanding tractates. Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin joins us to sum it all up. Why does this legalistic tractate contain a collection of wild stories about the Jewish Sinbad, and what do they teach us about coexistence? Listen and find out.