TalmuDigest

For the week ending 12 April 2014 / 12 Nisan 5774

Beitzah 14 - 20

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
Become a Supporter Library Library
  • Grinding salt and spices on Yom Tov
  • Separating food from shells
  • Sending gifts of food, clothes and other items
  • The eiruv tavshilin when Shabbat follows Yom Tov
  • The balance between Torah study and Simchat Yom Tov
  • Two approaches to preparing for Shabbat
  • What happens when one forgets to make an eiruv tavshilin
  • Prayer text when Shabbat and Yom Tov coincide
  • Baking and cooking on Yom Tov for the next day
  • What the eiruv tavshilin food must consist of
  • Tevilah (immersion in mikveh) of man, vessels or water on Shabbat or Yom Tov
  • Does ignorance of one law indicate ignorance of another
  • Which sacrifices can be offered on Yom Tov
  • When does one transgress the ban on delaying the offering of a sacrifice
  • Semicha (placing hands on animal) on sacrifice offered on Yom Tov
  • The conflict between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai regarding semicha

Two Approaches to Remembering Shabbat

The Sages Hillel and Shammai agreed that a Jew should have an awareness of Shabbat throughout the week. They interpreted the Torah command to “Remember the Shabbat” as including referring to the days of the week by their relationship to Shabbat – Yom Rishon (first day after Shabbat) rather than Sunday.

This consensus is explained by Ramban in his commentary on Torah (Shmot 20:8) while noting the difference between these two Sages in regard to preparing food for Shabbat which is mentioned in our gemara.

All of Shammai’s days were dedicated to the food with which he would honor Shabbat. If he found an animal which seemed like a good source for meat for Shabbat he would purchase it. If he subsequently came across an even better animal he would consume the first one and put aside the second one for Shabbat. In this manner he would each day be on the lookout for Shabbat preparation. Hillel, on the other hand, had complete confidence that Heaven would provide him before Shabbat with what he required. He lived by the faith of King David’s words (Tehillim 68:20): “Blessed is G-d Who provides us with our needs day by day.”

What the Sages Say

“One who gives a gift of food to a child should let his mother know. (So that the parents should be aware that he has an affection for them and thereby increase friendship among Jews. – Rashi)”

  • Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel - Beitzah 16a

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

« Back to TalmuDigest

Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.