The Daf Meets the Prophets

Yoma 48 - Right Versus Left

A wise man uses his strengths and talents, while a fool attempts tasks he is ill suited for.

Yoma 47 - God Gives Us Strength

God both created us with the skills we need to confront our challenges, and stands beside us as we confront them.

Yoma 46 - The Everlasting Menorah

The everlasting flame of the Menorah is an enduring symbol of the Jewish people.  

Yoma 45 - Fire Builds and Destroys

The Talmud discusses the commandment to keep a continuous flame burning on the altar.  The prophets teach us the meaning of fire as a symbol of both suffering and purification.

Yoma 44 - The Value of Gold

The Talmud speaks of different qualities of gold, and mentions the story of the Queen of Sheba and her gifts of gold to King Solomon.  We learn a timeless lesson from the words of the Queen.

Yoma 43 - Practice What You Preach

Only one who is righteous himself can be a genuine leader and bring others back to the right path.

Yoma 42 - No Free Deals

Sacrifices cost money. When it comes to worshipping God, you must be willing to pay the price.

Yoma 41 - Red Turns to White

The Talmud echoes the idea expressed by Isaiah.  Red represents blood, as corruption leads ultimately to violence.  But if we are honest with ourselves and God, we can wash the blood away and turn red to white.

Yoma 40 - God is Drawing Lots

The concept of drawing lots teaches us that once we do all our efforts, that  which is out of our control is in God's hands.  The prophet Ezekiel teaches us that it is not a magical or idolatrous power that makes these decisions, but God Himself.

Yoma 39 - Support the Wronged

Rava defines the words of Isaiah, support those who are wronged, not those who perpetrate it