Take One Daf Yomi

Today’s Talmud pages, Sanhedrin 101 and 102, kick things off with a strange warning: whoever reads a verse from the Song of Songs and renders it in the form of a secular song introduces evil into the world. Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin joins us to explain this quizzical yet profoundly important statement. What precious advice about love and marriage were the rabbis giving us with this prohibition? Listen and find out.

Today’s Talmud page, Sanhedrin 100, brings us a fiery story involving laser eyes, an arrogant student, and a strange and sudden death. What can it each us about the scientific method? And what warning does it carry for those who think they've got the world all figured out? Listen and find out.

Today’s Talmud page, Sanhedrin 99, makes a startling claim: When the Messiah comes, very little about life as we know it would change. What is this anti-climactic bit of theology teach us about personal responsibility? Listen and find out

Today’s Talmud page, Sanhedrin 98, tells us a striking story about the coming of the Messiah. Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin joins us to explain what the Messiah meant when he assured a wise rabbi he was coming that very day. How may we each work to bring about the Messiah's speedy arrival? Listen and find out

Dive into fascinating discussions on the nature of true wisdom and righteousness in politics. Discover how political leaders can misjudge their own importance, illustrated through figures like Richard Nixon. Explore the relationship between Talmudic insights and contemporary governance, revealing the often-overlooked strengths of the common citizen. The conversation is filled with historical anecdotes and humor, showcasing the pitfalls of elitism and the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom.

Today’s Talmud pages, Sanhedrin 94 and 95, the rabbis advise us that meeting truly means prayer. Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin joins us to unpack this gorgeous idea and explain what it has to teach us about building community. Why do we only really meet someone when we become deeply invested in their wellbeing? Listen and find out.

Today’s Talmud page, Sanhedrin 93, insists that our worse enemies are actually secretly our most valuable life partners. How can that be true? And what surprisingly timely lesson can we learn from the incense burnt by the ancient priests? Listen and find out.

Today’s Talmud page, Sanhedrin 92, commands us never to demean ourselves, even when in great and mortal danger. How did Mordechai, whose bravery we just celebrated this Purim, embody this ideal? And what does it have to teach us about leadership? Listen and find out.

Today’s Talmud page, Sanhedrin 91, recounts the adventures of a master debater named Geviha ben Pesisa. Tevi Troy, our very own Presidentischer Rav, joins us to explain what this ancient sage can teach modern day politicians. Why is debate prep so important? Listen and find out.

Today’s Talmud pages, Sanhedrin 89 and 90, give us a startling dialogue between Isaac and Ishmael about the nature of faith, pain, and sacrifice. Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin joins us to explain why this conversation is still relevant today, when the enemies of the Jewish people bring up the same ancient allegations to justify their hatred. What does true sacrifice look like? Listen and find out.