Welcome to the Hundred and Sixty Ninth episode of Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Danny Nevins looks at Masechet Eruvin Daf 14.
Welcome to the realm of rabbinic geometry. Our sages use a form of Π to describe the ratio of the circumference and diameter of a circle in discussing the possibility of a rounded transom used to demarcate the entrance to an Eruv. Perhaps the rabbis know Ptolemy, but they cite the book of Kings to prove the rule. What is the role of science in rabbinic literature? The daf ends with a famous statement: “Go see what the people do.” What is the force of popular practice in Talmudic discourse?
Rabbi Danny Nevins is the dean of the JTS Division of Religious Leadership, which includes the Rabbinical School and H.L. Miller Cantorial School, as well as the Center for Pastoral Education. In addition to teaching at JTS, he serves as a member of the Rabbinical Assembly’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, and has written responsa on various subjects in topics related to bioethics, disability, sexuality and technology. Prior to working at JTS, he served as rabbi of Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills, MI.
The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead.
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