Take One Daf Yomi Zevachim 63 and 64 - Flipping the Bird
Nov 17, 2025
Join Josh Cross, an executive producer and bird-cooking expert, as he delves into ancient rituals of bird preparation from the Talmud. He discusses how physically handling birds transforms our perception of food and respect. Josh shares a heartfelt family Thanksgiving story about tearing apart a turkey, linking it to the traditions of sacrifice. The conversation highlights the importance of skill and using every part of the bird, fostering a deeper connection to what we consume.
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Ritual's Raw Physicality
- The Talmud details Melika: priests killed birds by stretching the neck and using a thumbnail.
- That raw description highlights how ritual exposes the physical reality behind ritual food.
Thanksgiving Turkey Tearing Story
- Josh Cross recounts his wife's shock at his mother tearing apart a turkey with her bare hands at Thanksgiving.
- His mother said using hands felt like direct service to the bird and simply worked better amid commotion.
Why Hands Beat Knives For Some
- Josh describes walking in to find his mother deftly removing dark meat with her hands to escape the commotion.
- She said it let her participate directly and get the job done most effectively.
