Talking Talmud

More on Rabbi Hanina ben Teradyon - his trial and interrogation about why he engaged in Torah study. Plus, his daughter who ended up sentenced to a brothel, and why his wife and daughter were punished on account of him. Yet, they all accepted the judgements as deserved, which raises theological questions about reward and punishment. Plus, those who worked alongside Rome and those who defied them, and the difference in their deaths (Rabbi Yossi ben Kismah and Rabbi Haninah ben Teradyon) - including the piety of Rabbi Haninah ben Teradyon, burned with the Torah scroll. With inquiries to him from his daughter, his students, and the Roman executioner. Also, recognition of Beruriah, and her mission for Rabbi Meir to go get her sister out of the brothel. Plus, the question of the "incident with Beruriah."

Jesus! Literally. An appearance in some versions of the Talmud, but not all, as these passages were excised by the Jews -- in this case, as the known teacher of a student who has an encounter with Rabbi Eliezer -- which becomes relevant as he tries to figure out why he suffered arrest for heresy by the Romans. Also, the story of Hanina ben Teradyon (more than a Who's Who) - the passage that recounts what happened to him when he was arrested by the Romans and then killed by them.

Selling horses to idolaters: Because the horse can be used for labor that isn't subject to violation of Jewish law. Also, a new mishnah prohibiting the sale of wild animals that might cause public injury -- with exceptions when the animal wasn't a risk, for whatever reason. Plus, a prohibition against building structures that would house idolatry, though other building may be acceptable.

Another "previous page" mishnah! In a place where they had the practice to sell "small" domesticated animals - sheep and goats - to non-Jews, they were permitted to do so. And in places where they didn't have the practice - they were not allowed to. But large livestock was not permitted in either place. Though some allowed the sale in the event of some damage to the large animals. Plus, the concern of these work-animals working on Shabbat. Also, a Jew cannot keep their own large animals in the stable of a non-Jew's inn, because of concerns of bestiality - an uncomfortable concern to be sure. Also, the question of selling a cow via a broker vs. selling directly (which seems like it should be prohibited). To what extent must the Jew be conscientious about selling things to non-Jews who might use those same things in ways that are objectionable in Judaism (eg - animals that would work the land during a sabbatical year). With many permutations that seem to depend on the seller's clear assumptions about the buyer.

Another mishnah placed on the previous daf: Commercial prohibitions when attempting business with idolaters - but specifically all year long, and not just at the time of their festivals. Among the prohibited items to sell to these non-Jews is a white rooster - though if sold among other roosters, and with a clipped toe (so not perfect for sacrifice), then they may be sold. Plus, the question of selling a damaged white rooster to one who asks for it. Does that mean the non-Jews don't want to make this offering, or are they putting one over on the seller? Also, a much longer, more detailed tractate of Avodah Zarah in Abraham's time (Note: of the 400 chapters mentioned - "400" is generally understood in the Gemara as being the language of exaggeration).