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)

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Eruvin 65 – Character

A classic statement of character:

R. Ila'i said: By three things may a person's character be determined: By his cup,(koso) by his purse (kiso) and by his anger (kaso); and some say: By his laughter (sachko) also.

The Hebrew alliteration works to hold this epigram together. But there is great truth there as well. How one handles drink, i.e. moderation or excess and attitude when constraints are lifted; how one deals with money especially charitable giving; how one relates to others even in anger; and the ability to laugh, even at one’s self; all tell us the truth about a person’s character.
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