Take One Daf Yomi Zevachim 56 and 57 - Vineyards and Backrooms
Nov 10, 2025
In this engaging discussion, historian Dr. Tevi Troy, a former government official, explores the cunning tactics of the wise men of Yavneh who secretly rebuilt the Sanhedrin. He draws interesting parallels to the East Wing of the White House, highlighting how figures like Kissinger and Clinton maneuvered political subterfuge. Dr. Troy reflects on the timeless nature of political secrecy and its implications for leadership, weaving ancient wisdom with modern political practices.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Rebuilding Authority Through Disguise
- The sages in Yavneh reconstituted the Sanhedrin but disguised it as a yeshiva to avoid Roman detection.
- Changing seating and form let them preserve authority while appearing harmless.
East Wing As A Secrecy Hub
- Tevi Troy recounts Cold War and Clinton-era secret meetings routed through the East Wing to hide attendees.
- These operational details show how physical spaces enabled political secrecy in the White House.
Code Names And Quiet Exits
- Tevi Troy shares anecdotes about Dick Morris being given a code name 'Charlie' and Scaramucci exiting via the East Wing to avoid attention.
- These stories illustrate recurring patterns of hiding sensitive personnel movements in presidencies.
