Julian Ungar-Sargon

  • Home
  • Theological Essays
  • Healing Essays
  • Podcast
  • Poetry
  • Daf Ditty
  • Deep Dive Ditty
  • Videos
  • Publications
  • Military Service
  • Dominican University
  • Home
  • Theological Essays
  • Healing Essays
  • Podcast
  • Poetry
  • Daf Ditty
  • Deep Dive Ditty
  • Videos
  • Publications
  • Military Service
  • Dominican University
Julian Ungar-Sargon copy 3.jpg

Daf Ditty

A wide-ranging commentary on the daily page of Talmud.

The circumcision of Isaac. The Regensburg Pentateuch, 1305, Israel Museum, Jerusalem.

Yevamot 70: Hemophilia

jyungar May 16, 2022

For the source text click/tap here: Yevamot 70

To download, click/tap here: PDF

According to our daf,  the source for the halakha that an arel cannot eat terumah is the word parallels between terumah and the Passover sacrifice where it is clearly stated that an arel cannot participate (see Shmot 12:48).

Rashi explains that the arel being discussed by the Mishnah is someone who does not undergo circumcision because he had brothers who died after they had a brit milah.

In such a case we rule that the person should not be circumcised lest he suffer the same fate as his brothers.

Rabbeinu Tam argues that such a person is, essentially, free from the obligation of circumcision, and therefore cannot be considered an arel. 

We explore this early reference to bleeding disorders, the Halacha of circumcision and the cultural history of hemophilia (especially the Royal family).

Tags25th
  • Daf Ditty
  • Older
  • Newer

Julian Ungar-Sargon

This is Julian Ungar-Sargon's personal website. It contains poems, essays, and podcasts for the spiritual seeker and interdisciplinary aficionado.​