Circumcision that wasn't done for the sake of the mitzvah (or for God) was considered invalid. Of course, whether one needs that degree of intent is up for debate. Note also that non-Jew who happens to be circumcised isn't fulfilling the mitzvah of brit milah. Also, a new mishnah: medical or other health treatments by professionals who are non-Jews are largely prohibited, except for when they can sidestep those regulation -- but noting Rabbi Meir's harsher views in general regarding non-Jews, perhaps because of his lived experience. Note the distinction between monetary and personal treatments. Plus, the concern of Jew going to a non-Jewish barber in a private domain. Likewise, what happens when a Jew has business or medical dealings with a heretic - which is harshly cautioned against?
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22:07
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22:07
Avodah Zarah 26: Breaking Halakhah on Purpose - But Why?
A Jewish woman shouldn't deliver the child of a non-Jewish (pagan) woman, but the reverse is permitted. Plus, the question of being a wet nurse. Or what about being hired for these roles? Plus, some perspective on the negativity toward non-Jews. Also, a shift in focus to renegade or heretical Jews.
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16:47
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16:47
Avodah Zarah 25: When the Sun Stood Still
On cows singing... and the sun standing still (how long is a key discussion), among other miracles from the Bible. Plus, the story of Nakdimon. Also, working off the mishnah, on seclusion - a Jewish woman is not allowed to seclude herself with a non-Jew. Nor should a Jewish man seclude himself with a non-Jew, with all kinds of complicated thinking regarding what happens if men met while traveling, and so on (to the extent of one's sword side, etc.).
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21:40
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21:40
Avodah Zarah 24: The Honorable Dama ben Netinah
More on the red heifer... and bestiality. Also, the purchase of precious stones Dama ben Netinah, an apparent idolater. Which seems to have been acceptable when it shouldn't have been. And then he is honored by having a red heifer to sell too. Also, the question of viability of animals bought from non-Jews for the sake of offerings. Plus, the question of the role of biblical figures, including Yitro, in providing offerings to the Children of Israel, after Egypt, and also later.
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15:33
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15:33
Avodah Zarah 23: What We Can Assume
More on the very difficult topic of bestiality. Beginning with the question of birds. Also, a study of the statuses of "lechathilah" and "bediavad" -- when someone acts in an ideal way or after the fact. With key implications for the assumptions that are made under these different statuses (for example, under what conditions one might make an assumption that rape took place or not). Also, the red heifer - with concerns about the possibility of a sodomized cow. With parallels to the sin-offering, and the role or concern of blemishes.
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