Talking Talmud

More on tefillin, of course. The base of the box of the tefillin, the letter Shin on the tefillin, the black straps, among other details - are all "halakhah le-Moshe mi-Sinai" (not subject to dispute). Plus, a story about a few people who wore tefillin that did not follow the basic rules (blue wool instead of black leather, for example), and they were somehow not rebuked accepted. Also, the case of tefillin that tore. And the fact that their sanctity protects them from being used for anything else. Plus, measurements for the straps of tefillin. Also, what about God's tefillin? And the knot thereof? And what they contain?

More on mezuzot and the entrances that need a mezuzah. What about a sidepost that doesn't need a mezuzah? Plus, how the mezuzah goes up on the right side. Also, tefillin! 4 passages in 4 sections of the tefillin boxes. Plus, the lettering of tefillin, and how all letters must be present, and not connect (as script connects). Plus, the derivation of "totafot" as indicating the 4 segments of tefillin.

More laws on mezuzot, specifically placement of the mezuzah on the doorjamb - the Gemara's basic example is of a door on a pivot, not hinges, in contrast to modern day doors. Also, what was one to do if the entrance around the door itself couldn't take nails, etc., to affix the mezuzah? With creative solutions, depending on the material of the doorjamb. Plus, the doorposts need to be there for more than just supporting a portico or rooftop.

On the writing of a mezuzah - in terms of the scribe's method of holding the parchment, leaving space at the top and the bottom, and so on. Including shifts in the application of varying views with regard to the writing of the text itself. How was that dispute resolved? The Gemara introduces the determinant of Eliyahu the Prophet -- in the non-mezuzah example of the halitzah shoe, and when even that determining voice would be accepted as law and when it would not: namely, as guided by the widespread practice of the Jewish people. Also, the sanctity of tefillin, mezuzot, and Torah scrolls - can tefillin parchment be "demoted" to be a mezuzah? It would seem yes, except for the requirement that the mezuzah parchment needs scoring. Plus, not sitting on a bed (couch?) that as a Sefer Torah on it.

More from Rabbi Shimon Shezuri - with a question of untithed produce that was mixed with a greater portion of tithed produce. Rabbi Tarfon gives him a solution - and the Gemara suggests several other solutions Rabbi Tarfon could have made (though the Gemara also then explains why he didn't make them). Also, going back to the scribal requirements - when a tear requires replacement, with recognition of worn parchments (vellum), and how they were protected. Plus, the requirements of writing out the text for a mezuzah.