Yoma 37 a, b

The rabbis elaborate on exactly what is said and done and in what order.  They begin with questioning why a priest would break the heifer's neck, sanctify his hands and feet and then atone for the sins of the community.  The Gemara also recalls Proverbs 7:10, "The memory of the righteous shall be for a blessing."  Solomon suggests that "When I mention the Righteous One of all worlds, you accord Him a blessing." This helps to explain why the priests atone to G-d at that particular time.

A new Mishnah describes the building and placement of the lottery box. It also tells us about where we should walk in deference to more respected rabbis.  The High Priest is to walk in the centre, while the deputy High Priest walks to his right.  To the left of the High Priest is the head of the patrilineal family. This is debated.  However, a note teaches us that according to halacha, the most respected of a group of three walks in the middle with the next most prominent to his right and the least prominent to his left.  We also learn that we be slightly behind and to the side of our teachers should we walk with them.

The Gemara discusses the two lots for the goat Azazel.  There is some confusion as the two lots: is one for G-d?  There are other possibilities as well.  The wood used for the lottery box is described as well.  We learn that different High Priests constructed ritual items.  For example, ben Katin made 12 spigots for the basin used to sanctify the hands and feet of the priests.  This way, numerous priests could sanctify themselves at the same time.  Finally we are told of the golden gifts of King Munbaz.

Queen Helene, King Munbaz's mother, is said to have converted to Judaism after having contact with Jews travelling through her home in northern Syria, Adiabene.  She gave many gifts to the Temple and supported the Jewish people with troops through the time that the Second Temple was destroyed.  In amud (b), some of her family's gifts are detailed.  This leads to a discussion of the proper time to recite the morning Shema: would it not be too early to recite the Shema when one sees the sun's brilliant reflection from the golden chandelier?

Queen Helene also donated a golden tablet upon which was written the sota statements.  The rabbis wonder whether it was permitted to write out verses of the Torah in this way.  In fact, the wonder whether we can even write out sections of the Torah in order to educate our children.  Some rabbis believe that this should be allowed and some believe that it is prohibited to understand the Torah as anything other than an entire document.  

I had not heard of Queen Helene before today's daf.  An image of her sarcophagus is included in the Koren notes.  I wonder what would inspire someone with power and money to convert - and to encourage her entourage to convert, as well. Was it a belief in the Jewish G-d? Or was it more complex than thatj perhaps respect for a rabbi, or love for a travelling scholar?  What was lacking in her original religious background?