What is Talmud Tweets?

What is Talmud Tweets? A short, personal take on a page of Talmud - every day!

For several years now, I have been following the tradition of "Daf Yomi" - reading a set page of Talmud daily. With the start of a new 7 1/2 year cycle, I thought I would share a taste of what the Talmud offers, with a bit of personal commentary included. The idea is not to give a scholarly explanation. Rather, it is for those new to Talmud to give a little taste - a tweet, as it were - of the richness of this text and dialogue it contains. The Talmud is a window into a style of thinking as well as the world as it changed over the centuries of its compilation.

These are not literal "tweets" - I don't limit myself to 140 characters. Rather, these are intended to be short, quick takes - focusing in on one part of a much richer discussion. Hopefully, I will pique your interest. As Hillel says: "Go and study it!" (Shabbat 31a)

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Shabbat 34 - Shalom Bayit: A Houshold at Peace

A long discussion about the exact time and length of twilight. Important as the designation, intermediary time which begins Shabbat.

The Mishnah has the man of the household ask questions at this moment to insure that Shabbat preparations are completed and then orders the Shabbat candles to be lit.

Sexist, yes. No surprise there.

But this is: Rabbah son of R. Huna said: "they must be said with sweet reasonableness, so that they may be accepted from him."

Shabbat should enter with joy. Much preparation to insure that there is a freedom to celebrate. But not just physical preparation but emotional as well. there should be an ease, sweetness, between a couple. How do we know?

"And thou shalt know that thy tent is in peace" (Job 5:24)
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