Avodah Zarah 30: Wine, Beer, Snakes, and Intermarriage
Various types of wine, and when they are permitted -- mostly they are prohibited, but not necessarily so, for example, if something is prepared prior to the Jew ever appearing as a recipient of the wine, or ointment, or other derivative products. Plus, the distinction between a healing beverage and plain old regular beverage -- and whether they can be prepared on Shabbat. Plus, concerns about how making such beverages can go wrong. Also, the distinction between wine and beer - which is usually acceptable. And the concern about social mingling that can lead to intermarriage. Also, leaving liquid and beverages uncovered - and the risk of the snakes leaving venom in the water.
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16:58
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16:58
Avodah Zarah 29: At the Barbershop
On bloodletting - as a healing practice - and how the practice would dictate restrictions to one's diet for a time. Also, precautions that a Jew must take in a non-Jew's barber shop (or salon), beginning with watching the barber in the mirror. Including the question of how the mirror helps in a private domain. Plus, a story that illustrates the danger of a haircut in a private domain. Also, a new mishnah! With a list of the items from non-Jews that Jews are not permitted to use, from wine to Hadrianic earthenware to fish stew to cheese that is produced in a setting of idolatry (the Gemara explains these details later, of course).
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17:31
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17:31
Avodah Zarah 28: Shabbat Healing: Eyes and Ears and Mouth...
More on healing -- when the healer is an idolater or when the healing is done on Shabbat. With a focus on vinegar and its healing properties and when it is not permitted even for sipping on Shabbat. Also, a focus on a specific treatment of "raising one's ears" on Shabbat - a physical adjustment, which is permitted on Shabbat. Plus, stories of healing on Shabbat with actual medicine too.
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13:39
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13:39
Avodah Zarah 27: To Trust a Heretic
Circumcision that wasn't done for the sake of the mitzvah (or for God) was considered invalid. Of course, whether one needs that degree of intent is up for debate. Note also that non-Jew who happens to be circumcised isn't fulfilling the mitzvah of brit milah. Also, a new mishnah: medical or other health treatments by professionals who are non-Jews are largely prohibited, except for when they can sidestep those regulation -- but noting Rabbi Meir's harsher views in general regarding non-Jews, perhaps because of his lived experience. Note the distinction between monetary and personal treatments. Plus, the concern of Jew going to a non-Jewish barber in a private domain. Likewise, what happens when a Jew has business or medical dealings with a heretic - which is harshly cautioned against?
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22:07
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22:07
Avodah Zarah 26: Breaking Halakhah on Purpose - But Why?
A Jewish woman shouldn't deliver the child of a non-Jewish (pagan) woman, but the reverse is permitted. Plus, the question of being a wet nurse. Or what about being hired for these roles? Plus, some perspective on the negativity toward non-Jews. Also, a shift in focus to renegade or heretical Jews.
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