We learn about Rabbi Yosef ben Yo'ezer's recollections about the teachings of putting one's hands on the head of a sacrificial animal. In his very old age, he argued that this was not required. The rabbis seem to understand that his capacity was compromised. However, this opens the question of how to understand the different arguments of different rabbis.
Commentary suggests that the Jewish people forgot over 3000 directions and instructions taught by Moshe. How could the Sages hold so many different interpretations when we were taught one version of G-d's words? The prophets and priests were expected to follow G-d's words as well, but Yehoshua, Shmuel, Pinches and Elazar all said that lo ba'shamayim hi, the Torah is not in Heaven (Devarim 30:12). Their suggestion is that since Mount Sinai, each generation is expected to have Sages who will consider what has come before them and act as new interpreters of Torah meaning. They are not actually communicating directly with G-d.
The daf continues to consider some of the people involved with these considerations. We are introduced to Achsah, a beautiful woman married to Caleb (whose ancestry is questioned). Spiritual references to "above and below" are mentioned, explained as this world and the world to come; spiritual knowledge and the waters in the desert.
At the end of our daf, a new Mishna that discusses the stringencies on sacrificial animals and on substitutes.
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