Talking Talmud

An introduction to Hullin, including the meaning of the term and the likely original title of the tractate. Also, details of how to manage ritual slaughter (for any kind of slaughter, including non-consecrated meat). And the first mishnah! Everyone is eligible to do this slaughtering -- except for the usual 3 (deaf-mute, cognitively impaired, or a minor). Though, if they did it, and under supervision, and the slaughtering is done correctly, then it would be kosher too, at least after the fact. But does "everybody" always mean this distinction between the ideal situation and after the fact? With parallels to elsewhere in the halakhah that disprove that idea.

The Gemara picks up on yesterday's mention of King Hizkiyahu, one of the few truly righteous kings of Israel, and how he not only was a good example among Israel, but also for the neighboring nations. Plus, the Mediterranean region from Tyre to Carthage (likely) were said to have known God, though the rest of the world may not have. Also, the recognition of Torah study as of supreme value, especially once the Jewish people were in exile, beginning in Babylonia. Also, a final mishnah! With a profound understanding that one's pure intent is what determines the value of the offering, and whether its "aroma is pleasing to God," and not how large or expensive it is. Plus, the hunt for the source of this idea.

A new mishnah! One who makes a vow to bring an offering must do so in the Temple in Jerusalem (as compared to local personal offerings)... and also as compared to the replica of the Temple in Egypt: Beit Honio (or the Temple of Onias). And Honio was the descendent of Simon HaTzadik. [Who's Who: Simon HaTzadik] [What's What: The Temple of Onias] The historical context is essential here, in the era on the path to the downfall of the Second Temple... Note that the phrasing of one's vow will make the difference as to whether one could bring the offering in Beit Honio at all, though it obviously ought to be offered in Jerusalem. Plus, a baraita that delves into the question of where the Temple of Onias went wrong - namely, was it really a seat of idol worship? And who was "Honio"? Why did he agree to dress like a woman? And what was the state of the Jewish people in this era?

More on the collection horns - and why there were 6 of them. Plus, the case of an animal that has been dedicated as an offering and then it becomes blemished before it is sacrificed - perhaps he could replace the 1 animal with 2 others (and what if then those 2 are blemished too?). Could a different kind of animal be swapped? Of course, each unusual case is a matter of dispute. With a deep dive into the possibility of replacing the blemished offering with something that might have been perceived as lesser than the original - to the extent that Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi did not accept those replacement possibilities to begin with. And another mishnah: what happens when there is confusion regarding which offering has already been consecrated. Starting with the larger one (of two). Or the middle one (of three). And defaulting to the most generous option.

2 mishnayot! 1 - A wine libation may be brought on its own, but what about oil? And what if one makes a vow to do so in an unspecified amount? Or if one isn't sure what the vow was? What are the minimum amounts that would cover the vow? Also, consideration is paid to which days have the most required offerings brought. And what really happened -- in contrast to a boundary-pushing question? 2 - On fulfilling the vows for a certain kind of offering, rather than the animal itself, such as an "olah," burnt-offering. The mishnah stipulates that that means one should bring a sheep. Of course, if one isn't sure what one vowed, the list of what must be brought gets long and complicated, to cover the bases. Plus, all kinds of misspeaking or misremembering what the vow might have been, and how to fulfill it. Also, the 6 collection horns for donated funds in the Temple - and why those 6 specifically.