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.

Sotah 17: תְּכֵלֶת דּוֹמֶה לַיָּם

jyungar April 15, 2023

For the source text click/tap here: Sotah 17

To download, click/tap here: PDF

The Gemara relates that in the merit of Avraham Avinu's declaration, "Im mi'Chut v'Ad Seroch Na'al" -- "I will not take from a thread to a sandal strap [and I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Avram rich']" (Bereishis 14:23), the Jewish people were rewarded with the Mitzvah of Techeles.

The Gemara asks what is unique about Techeles such that it was given as the reward for Avraham Avinu's statement. The Gemara answers with the words of Rebbi Meir who says that Techeles is unique because the color of Techeles "is similar to the sea, the sea is similar to the sky, and the sky is similar to the Kisei ha'Kavod," the throne of Hashem's glory.

We explore what is the significance of this comparison and where are we halachically with techies and the mystical significance of the color blue.

Tags36th
  • 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.​