Take One Daf Yomi

On today’s page, Bekhorot 47, Rabbi Yochanan and Reish Lakish debate whether a man who converts to Judaism after having children gets a fresh start when it comes to the laws of the firstborn. Their disagreement leads Liel to a larger reflection on conversion, rebirth, and the choices that define Jewish life. What if being Jewish isn't simply something we're born into, but something we choose anew every single day? Listen and find out.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s page, Bekhorot 46, the rabbis begin a new chapter by asking who exactly qualifies as a firstborn, discovering that the answer depends on whether we're talking about redemption or inheritance. Liel turns to modern research on birth order to explore whether firstborn children really have the advantages we so often attribute to them. Is there something inherently special about being born first, or is it all a matter of family circumstances? Listen and find out.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s pages, Bekhorot 44 and 45, the rabbis debate the proportions of Moses, whom they describe as an astonishing ten cubits tall. Their discussion takes us from Talmudic geometry to the Maharal of Prague, who offers a very different way of understanding Moses's imposing stature. How should we measure the greatness of those who came before us—and how might we grow taller ourselves? Listen and find out.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s pages, Bekhorot 42 and 43, the rabbis discuss physical blemishes that disqualify priests from serving in the Temple, including some surprisingly specific descriptions of misshapen heads. Liel explores the reasoning behind these seemingly harsh restrictions and discovers a remarkable teaching about how familiarity changes the way we see others. Can getting to know someone help us look beyond their physical differences? Listen and find out.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s page, Bekhorot 41, the rabbis examine which blemishes disqualify a firstborn animal from sacrifice, focusing on three particular conditions: old age, illness, and foul odor. A single verse from Leviticus, with three repetitions of the word “from,” becomes the foundation for an elaborate exercise in Talmudic logic. How much wisdom can the rabbis extract from three tiny words? Listen and find out.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices