Talking Talmud

On the bird's "one siman" being severed, does it make a difference which of the esophagus or the trachea is cut? It's a machloket, whether "either one" is enough or one specific one needs to be cut. The Gemara provides a mnemonic to support 5 different arguments, half of which support the one view above and the other half the other view. Plus, the order of when the simanim themselves are examined in the context of shechitah, and then the order of cutting. Also, what if one of the simanim were cut to be 50/50 cut/not cut -- does that count as the majority being cut or not at all cut? But how can anyone be certain, to that degree of precision?

Chapter 2! A new mishnah... On slaughtering a "bird," where cutting one "siman" (windpipe or gullet) is sufficient for kosher shechitah, or an "animal" - that requires both simanim for kosher shechitah. Which leads to a discussion of partial completion of cutting, and how much must be cut to be considered as if it were cut in full for a kosher shechitah. Plus, sourcing "shechitah" in the Torah and the fact that it's done at the neck of the animal. Also, a "drasha" on how an animal's shechitah is kosher, how fish are killed, without a requirement for shechitah, why fowl only require the severing of one pipe, and more. Plus, the interpretations that shed light on the domesticated animals as compared to the non-domesticated animals, which seem to have lesser requirements.

Another 2 mishnayot: 1 - In the case of a girl who's to be sold to be a servant, if she is sold, then her father would not receive a fine in the event of her being raped or seduced, because it's a full sale. And vice versa. 2 - In the case of refusal, there's no halitzah, and vice versa. But there is a case of refusal, where a non-minor girl can refuse, and also would be eligible for halitzah. Also, the horn blasts calling for the coming Shabbat or festival, the terms are different for each, with details regarding Havdalah, as well, in its respective proximity to the day of the festival (before or after). (Note the holiday preceding Shabbat, as we just experienced with Shavuot and Shabbat)

2 small mishnayot: 1. On vessels of wood and metal, how they each have that which is stringent and that which is lenient, as compared to the other. 2. On bitter almonds and sweet almonds, how they each have that which is obligated in the one and exempt in the other, and vice versa. Note the two different kinds of almond trees. And note that roasting almonds counteracts the cyanide at its core. Also, on "Temed" - an fermented ersatz grape juice that is not initially eligible for purchase with ma'aser sheni money -- and it would invalidate a mikveh -- until it's truly fermented. Plus, orphan brothers who are exempt from tithing their animals, but need to separate them nonetheless.

2 tiny mishnayot: 1 - There is that which is problematic for kohanim - to do the Temple service (namely blemishes) - that are not a problem for levi'im (Levites), and vice versa, where Levites can only serve at certain ages of majority and not for life. 2 - There is that which is impure for earthenware vessels that is pure for all other vessels, and vice versa. The Gemara goes on to explain the details of these cases.