Today we learn about the origin of many of the rituals still practiced in synagogues today. Imagine that; to conspire to formulate and defend and ultimately seal a set of religious practices that last for two thousand years.
We learn more about the priestly blessing - that all must stand still while it is recited, that the kohanim part their fingers very specifically (as proven in the Song of Songs reference to seeing the Divine Presence through lattice), that there is no speaking or leaving during those prayers so that all hear the voices of the kohanim.
We also learn about other parts of the additional part of the morning service on Shabbat. The Torah should not be undressed in front of the congregation as it takes too long; the person reading the Torah must be heard as must be the Aramaic translator (line by line each waits for the other to finish). When the haftara (from Psalms) is recited, that person must read at least a few lines of Torah out of respect for the holiest text. The maftir! And when the Torah is put away, it is paraded through the congregation, and others might follow the procession. A majority of the congregation must be present until the Torah is put away.
Our daf ends with words about blessings in general and in particular places. Specific blessings are required at different times, and each decision is verified through a proof-text. So exciting to learn about the birth of traditions that are still so meaningful and alive for me.
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