Gittin 31: Estimating Teruma; Checking Produce; Winds

When people set aside tithes, they were permitted to hold those tithes for some time before bringing them to the Leviim at certain times over the course of the year.  The produce that was set aside could not be consumed, though - it had to actually exist.  We learn in today's daf that the rabbis permitted teruma to be measured by eye.  One-sixtieth of one's crop could be set aside without measuring.  This seems very unusual compared with the general stringencies of our rabbis regarding measurable items.  

The rabbis are concerned that the produce set aside should not go bad.   Similarly, they are concerned that wine may become sour.  The rabbis designate certain times of year where produce should be checked; other times of year when wine should be checked. 

We also learn about the winds.  The rabbis seem to believe that there are four winds: the north, south, west and east winds.  The east wind seems to hold great power, both figuratively and practically speaking.  At the end of today's daf the rabbis discuss wind, heat, and the effects of these elements on people and upon objects.