Topics Covered:
We shared an insight from Parshas Reeh (Deut. 14:6-8) how from at least one logical inference, Moses could not (and would not) have written the Torah himself. E.G. how could he have possibly known that there were exactly 4 four-legged creatures (and not 5) that show one sign of being a kosher species. Was he a Zoologist? Did he travel to Australia? This suggests only a divine source for the Torah. The Talmud Eruvin on page 8 discusses a number of breaches in walls and what the purpose of the Koreh (beam) that is placed to form a wall such as for an alleyway or courtyard. There seems to be a debate as to whether this beam is for the purpose of Heker (symbolic) or an actual Mechitza (physical wall). This has interesting ramifications such as what makes for a “kosher,” Mechitza in a house of worship. Succah 51a-b was the address for a Tikun Gadel made to Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. A Women’s Court in form of a balcony was erected to prevent intermingling of the sexes. Seems that a physical partition is necessary, not just a symbolic one. The Walls of Jericho and the curse uttered over rebuilding these walls was indicative of the taint of paganism and idolatry being anathema to Israel’s conquering and settling the land. Story of Rabbi Yannai, a scholar and judge (Bava Batra 60) concerning a wall and a tree that the sage had hovering into the public domain was the subject of a similar inquiry put forth by a neighbor. His response showed the consistency with which the sages acted. Ended with another story about Eliyahu Hanavi and kindness involving the Matteh Ephraim.