Take One Daf Yomi

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.
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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.
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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.
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On today’s page, Bekhorot 40, we discover that one of the Temple Mount's gates bore the name and image of Shushan, the Persian capital. The rabbis offer several explanations for this unusual tribute, each revealing a different way of understanding the past and our obligations to remember it. Should monuments celebrate our triumphs, remind us of our vulnerabilities, or warn us against repeating old mistakes? Listen and find out.
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On today’s page, Bekhorot 39, the rabbis distinguish between visible blemishes that disqualify an animal from sacrifice and hidden imperfections that may not. Liel considers what this distinction might teach us about the wounds and scars we all carry, even when we appear perfectly fine to the outside world. Can something—or someone—be imperfect and still be worthy of holiness? Listen and find out.
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