Julian Ungar-Sargon

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Daf Ditty

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

Kiddushin 39: הֵיכָן אֲרִיכוּת יָמָיו

jyungar September 21, 2023

For the source text click/tap here: Kiddushin 39

To download, click/tap here: PDF

Mishna

Whoever performs one mitzvah is rewarded with good, his life is lengthened and he inherits the world. And whoever does not perform one mitzvah is not rewarded with good, his life is not lengthened and he does not inherit the world.

Rewards for a Mitzvah

The Gemora cites a Mishna which seems to contradict this one: The following matters allow one to enjoy their fruits in this world and the principle remains for him to enjoy in the World to Come.

These matters are: honoring one’s father and mother, acts of kindness, receiving visitors, facilitating peace between his fellow men, and the study of Torah is equivalent to all those mentioned.

The Gemora asks: What happened with Acher? Some say that he saw an incident similar to that of Rabbi Yaakov (and he concluded that there is no reward for good deeds). Others say that he saw the tongue of Chutzpis the spokesman (for Rabban Gamliel) as it was being dragged by “another thing” (a pig; after the Romans ripped it out).

We explore the notion of theodicy in the talmud and reward and punishment.

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Julian Ungar-Sargon

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