Category Archives: Talmud

Making Passover: By the Story or by the Book?

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Sicha, Continuing the Conversation

Some people learn best from stories; some prefer the rule book:  “I can’t keep a list of rules in my head.  Tell me the story and I’ll figure out what to do.”  Or, “spare me the story and just tell … Continue reading →

Posted in Passover, Talmud | 3 Comments

The Angels’ Point of View

Posted on February 1, 2011 by Sicha, Continuing the Conversation

Two ministering angels accompany a man on Shabbat eve as he comes home from the synagogue—one good angel and one bad.  And when he returns to the house and finds the lamp lit, the table arranged and the bed made … Continue reading →

Posted in Angels, Shabbat, Talmud | 2 Comments

Sickbed and Sinai

Posted on December 7, 2010 by Sicha, Continuing the Conversation

The Talmud offers the following advice:  “One who visits the sick should not sit on the bed or sit on a chair (if the sick one lies on a pallet on the floor).  Rather, the visitor should wrap himself reverently and … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Talmud | 1 Comment

Commanded Community or Virtuous Volunteer?

Posted on November 16, 2010 by Sicha, Continuing the Conversation

Honor your father and your mother, said the sages, is the most difficult commandment, the most difficult mitzvah, of all.  How shall I know when I have fulfilled it?  It has no fixed form or span of time.  It is … Continue reading →

Posted in Talmud | 2 Comments

Facing and Losing Face

Posted on October 29, 2010 by Sicha, Continuing the Conversation

An old hobbled woman a beggar in the street was drinking tea in a paved courtyard in the shade of the oak. It was wondrous to me how she could break free from the terrors of a cursed fate to … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Talmud | Leave a comment