Eiruvin 95a, b

Today we end Perek IX and move into Perek X, the last of Eiruvin.   At the start of 95a, we are treated to a wonderful examination of reasoning.  Rav and Shmuel are arguing.  The rabbis use that argument to better understand a related argument between Abaye and Rava.  From there, Rabbi Yosei and Rav Sheshet discuss implications of the argument.  And then more rabbis jump in.  The argument itself is not the conversation of note in this first Gemara of daf 95a.  Of concern is how the rabbis use the logic of others (and their own) to better understand the meanings of Mishnayot.  

We are reminded that we are only allowed to establish a eiruv to join courtyards with a person's knowledge if that eiruv is to that person's disadvantage.  If a person will benefit from the eiruv, it is not necessary that s/he knows about its establishment. 

In Perek X, we begin with a mishna regarding found tefilin outside of Shabbat boundaries on Shabbat.  The rabbis are interested in whether or not those tefilin should be carried back into the Shabbat boundaries.  So many different considerations: whether they should be left and covered, whether they are new (and possibly phoney) or used (and thus certainly holy), whether they should be carried two at a time while worn as usual - and when that should happen - as Shabbat may or may not be a day where we should wear tefilin, how far they can be carried (4 cubits) and thus how to hand them off from person to person until within the Shabbat boundaries, what to do when tefilin are outlawed, and on and on.  The mishna seems simple enough - carry them back, two at a time.  But the gemara is the opposite of simple...

Gemara reminds me of how I think, how many of my friends think.  We don't state a fact and move on.  We think a thought, and then question around and around, applying possible applications and different scenarios to the original thought.  That first thought might change over time due to the insights found.  Is this a "Jewish" way of thinking? or is this simply how people think?  Either way, the gemara is fabulous reading, even when it is discussing an issue that is 'boring' to me.  I read thoughts; very human, very familiar.