Tuesday, 19 February 2019

Chullin 84: Rabbi Yochanan's Wisdom, Slaughter on Shabbat

After discussing the many differences between water and blood, the rabbis turn to the wisdom of Rabbi Yochanan.  He teaches a number of different life lessons including

  • if we wish to become wealthy, we should raise small livestock
  • it is healthier to drink a cup of water from witches than a cup of lukewarm water -- but boiled water is fine
  • if one wishes to lose his father's inheritance, he should wear white linen, drink from expensive glass, and eat separate from the labourers with oxen - all of these things will become ruined and his money will be lost
Rabbi Avira interpreted Psalms (112:5) in the name of Rabbi Ami or Rabbi Asi: "Good is the man who is gracious and lends, who orders his affairs with justice".  This means that a person should eat and drink less than what is within his means.  He should dress according to his means.  Finally, he should honour his wife and children more than what is within his means.  This is because they are dependent on him just as he is dependent upon "the One Who spoke and the world was created".

Our daf ends with a discussion about slaughter on Shabbat.  This should only be done if it is required to help one who is ill.  But should the blood left behind be covered on Shabbat?  No, say the rabbis, it should be left.  The rabbis begin to discuss these questions as they might apply to Festivals.

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