In this episode, we explore the seven-headed demonic malady "Mazik" in Abaye's study hall from a psychological and educational perspective, and how Rav Acha remedied the situation.
We also discuss the benefits of marrying young in terms of working on oneself and working on ones marriage.
Indexing: 6, 7
(Demons, mazik, Study Hall, marriage, education, chanoch lnaar, parenting)
In this episode, we explore the two statements about why it is unideal for an Eved Ivri to stay an Eved, having his ear pierces with an awl on the doorpost.
Indexing: 5
(Eved, slave, servant, eved ivri, Egypt, Mt. Sinai, Mitzrayim, Har Sinai)
In this episode, we elucidate the Jewish institution of slavery, shmitah violations, and war brides (yifas to'ar), utilizing Rambam, Rav Shamshon Raphael Hirsh, and contemporary psychology.
Indexing: 2, 3, 4 & 5.
(Shmitah, Avar Vshana, slavery, slaves, servitude, war bride, yifas toar, servants).
"A prisoner cannot extract himself from prison ( lit. house of restraint)"
In this episode, we compare the text about Ashmedia King of the Demons (Gittin 68a see 3 part analysis in previous episodes) with a famous story involving King David and a giant foe named Isbibnov (Sanhedrin 95a). Important messages are found about how we need support from others and how to deal with the "external evil inclination", problems from previous generations and temptations & challenges from the world around us.
(Isbibnov, King David, Dovid HaMelech, psychology, Shadow, Jung, denial, Freud, Bowen)
In this episode, we give an introduction to Maseches Kiddushin. We define what the word "Kodesh" means; how Maseches Kiddushin is a mirror-image of Maseches Gittin; and generate important messages for men acting properly in relationships and society.
#1 in indexing
(Kodesh, Kiddushin, Gittin, marriage, men, healthy masculinity).
In this episode we explore more of the relationship between men and women vis-à-vis boundaries and reasons for divorce.
We work to under stand what it means that the altar "sheds tears."
Hadran Alach Maseches Gittin
Indexing: 35
(Gittin, mizbeach, altar, temple, divorce, beis hamikdash)
Reish Lakish outsmarts his captors.
The seven royal families who destroyed Israel are a mirror image of the construction of Israel; the Roman's dismantling a microcosm of this.
Indexing: 34
(Reish Lakish, malachim, 7 sefiros, gladiators, cannibals)
The conclusion of the King Solomon vs. King Ashmedia saga. How to rid oneself of emotional (and intellectual) problems. Never try to harness Bad, even to do Good.
(Gittin, Ashmedia, Demons, King Shlomo King Solomon, Binayahu ben Yehoyada, Torah, Tanya, Shir HaShirim, Mishlei, Koheles, Kohelet, alcoholism, substance use, emotional issues)
In this episode, we continue our metaphorical understanding of Ashmedia and King Solomon's tête-à-tête and the quest for the Shamir creature, garnering crucial life lessons about how to grow emotionally and religiously.
(Gittin, Ashmedia, Demons, King Shlomo King Solomon, Binayahu ben Yehoyada, Torah, Tanya, Shir HaShirim, Mishlei, Koheles, Kohelet, alcoholism, substance use, emotional issues)
In this episode, we discuss the identity of Ashmedia "King of the Demons", how he relates to King Solomon, and the message for our lives.
(Gittin, Ashmedia, Demons, King Shlomo King Solomon, Binayahu ben Yehoyada, Torah, Tanya)
32 and 33 in indexing
We wrap up the last two aggados by going through the lives of the great rabbis within, appreciating why they were selected to make the statements and the historical context (but not 'culture of the times' approach).
Our old nemesis returns to bother two great rabbis.
Indexing: 20, 21, 29, 31.
In his episode we discuss why it is important to know whether the Torah was given at once; why we should care if there is quantitatively more Oral or Written Torah; why one cannot make the Oral Torah written and visa versa; and what it means that the Bris/Covenant of the Torah is actually on the Oral part of it.
Why are we not born circumcised? What is greater, bread or wheat?
Indexing: 29.
(torah sheh Baal peh, torah shebksav, bris, baal koreh).
In this episode we generate meaning based on why specific rabbis were involved in Jewish leadership at the time of the Churban (destruction of the Temple) or why they were the ones to describe the events, later in time.
We understand the decline of the Jewish people as specific key elements being removed, with those elements having been built up in the Chumash (5 Books of Moses), Sefer Shoftim, and Sefer Shmuel (Books of Judges and Samuel).
(Tisha B'av, 9 Av, Beis Hamikdash, Beit HaMikdash, Kamtza bar Kamtza, Cohen, Levi, Malchut Malchus, Yosef, Yehoshua, Temple).
In this episode we continue and then finish the tragic stories of the Destruction of the Second Temple (Churban Bayis Sheni).
We also analyze how and why Unkelos conjured up Titus, Bilam, and Yeshu.
Indexing: 20-27.
(Tisha B'av, The Three Weeks, Rome, Titus, Esav, Churban. Beis HaMikdash).
In this podcast, we finish the first series of stories about the destruction of Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) and the Beis Hamikdash (Temple).
Indexing: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24.
In this episode, we use the imfamous story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza to outline the definition of "baseless" hatred, as this is what Our Sages teach led to the destruction of the Jerusalem.
We also delve into the definiton of "humility" as the misuse of this by one sage contributed to the demolition of the Beis HaMikdash (Temple). This is a sought after attribute, though it can also be misused, and has a deeper meaning that leads us to understand ourselves in a better fashion.
Indexing: 19.
(9 Av, Tisha B'Av, Beis Hamikdash, Bit Hamikdash).
Who should we trust in the confusing state of Exile? How perfectly should we expect ourselves to act?
What is wrong with making vows ("as if build a forbidden altar"?)?
Why do we not trust the content found in dreams?
Who wants to get married more, men or women?
Indexing: 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.
Kamtza & Bar Kamtza Part 1. (Out of order, skipping ahead, will skip back).
In this episode I outline the dangers of supporting 'Machlokes' = divisive arguments. We explore practical advice about how to stop the destructive systemic problem of 'triangulation' by 'differentiation.'
I also explain why aggados and midrashim about death, mourning, and destruction are written in a less metaphorical, non-cryptic way.
Indexing: 19.
(Kamtza & Bar Kamtza; gittin; 9 Av; Tisha B'Av; ).
Gittin 36b 38b 42a (#s 10, 11, 12, 13) Hashem Loves Us Silently in Galus; Don't Ruin Wealth by Destroying Spirituality; Learn from Your Mistakes.
Four smaller Aggados are explored, each with its own special message. Our work in Exile is to keep up small doses of spirituality, maintain humility, and learn from our mistakes.
Indexing: 10, 11, 12, 13.
(Galut, Galus, mistakes)
Why is studying about the wind important? What does it have to do with Yonah's fainting? Why are these rabbis and their disputant mentioned again and in reference to this topic? A sombre story of how we never know what to expect, continuing the themes of Masechet Gittin.
Indexing: 9.