Take One Daf Yomi

On today’s pages, Zevachim 112 and 113, the Talmud examines why and how sacred service shifted from firstborns to priests and from private altars to a single Temple. Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin joins us to explain how this transformation reflects Judaism’s move from individual devotion to national religious life. What does it take for sacred service to change shape as a people becomes a nation? Listen and find out.

On today’s pages, Zevachim 110 and 111, the rabbis debate whether libations were offered during Israel’s years wandering in the wilderness. Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin joins us to show how this technical disagreement reflects two radically different ways of understanding Torah itself. Is sacred law fixed from the outset, or does it unfold through history and experience? Listen and find out.

On today’s page, Zevachim 109, the Talmud models how precision dissolves contradiction. We highlight an animated explainer from the YouTube channel of Joshua Waxman — watch it here. But before we get to the explainer, we stop to examine the explainer itself, with Professor Waxman joining us to discuss AI experimentation, its limits, and why human judgment still matters. What happens when clarity comes not from new answers, but from better questions? Listen and find out. You can visit Professor Waxman's website: girsology.com For the previous version of the explainer referenced in the episode, you can go here.

On today’s page, Zevachim 108, a pigeon’s head, a pinch of salt, and an olive-sized requirement spark a surprisingly elegant debate. Is sameness defined by substance, by function, or by obligation? As the rabbis slow everything down and refuse to rush to judgment, they remind us that clarity often comes from sharper questions, not cleaner answers. What does it mean to let a dilemma stand? Listen and find out.

On today’s page, Zevachim 107, the Gemara asks if the land of Israel keeps its holiness even without the Temple. Our discussion includes a visit to the National Library of Israel, home to the Rambam’s handwritten manuscripts. How does sanctity persist when the world changes? Listen and find out. To support Tablet and make a tax-deductible donation, click here.