Pesachim 62 a, b

Today's daf extends the conversation regarding who is permitted to eat of the Paschal sacrifice.  They are particularly focused on those who are not circumcized, either because they are in the process of conversion or because they are Jews who are not yet circumcized.   Of note is the concern for those who might benefit from the atonement acquired through the sprinkling of blood and the eating of the lamb.  The rabbis seem to want to ensure that people are able to atone thoughtfully .

Of greater interest to me is the anecdote regarding Rabbi Simlai who approached Rabbi Yochanan and asked to be taught the hidden Book of Genealogy.  When asked where he was from, Rabbi Simlai answered Lod and Neharde'a.  Rabbi Yochanan attempted to refuse the request based on the low level of learning in those places.  However, Rabbi Simlai asked a question related to our mishna, and Rabbi Yochanan is impressed.  He offers to teach Rabbi Simlai, who then demands to be taught the Book of Genealogy in three months.  To indicate the impossibility of his request, Rabbi Yochanan mentions Berurya, who once learned 300 halachot from 300 rabbis in only one day.  Even a person of her genius took over three years to learn the Book of Genealogies.

I believe that this is the second reference to Berurya in the daf yomi ordering of the masechtot.  Steinsaltz tells us in his notes that she was married to Rabbi Meir and was the daughter of Rabbi Chanina ben Teradyon, one of the ten martyrs.  Berurya was known for her many exceptional qualities: her memory, her quick mind, her charisma, her modesty, her compassion.  She was thought to be a genius and the Talmud records her disagreements with rabbis leading to halachot in accordance with her arguments.

Why would one woman stand out in this way?  How was she able to master the texts and enter the world of male learning to better her skill?  I am certain that I will come across much more regarding Berurya.  The fact that she was used to demonstrate unusual genius is compelling; however, once the rabbis recognized that a woman was capable of this level of learning, how could they justify closing off Talmudic learning to all women?

The Book of Genealogy is said to be a list of families and their status regarding ritual impurity.  In fact, it listed the details regarding impurities.  This was so upsetting to many prominent families, who insisted that the book be hidden away.  After that time, every seven years the lists would be reviewed by the priests, and families would be told of their impurities privately.  Apparently it was extremely difficult to learn because it held many, many detailed lists of names.

Again we learn that our traditions were shaped by the desires of the wealthy and powerful.  Certainly there is a stream of thought within these texts that is advocating for the rights of those who are disadvantaged.   However, much of what I am learning is based on the maintenance of the powerful through interpretation and practice.  Pretty disappointing, but perhaps not terribly surprising, as even our Sages were human beings, plagued with the same vulnerabilities as the rest of us.