Julian Ungar-Sargon

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Daf Ditty

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

Yazdgird Shahriyar Enthroned. 1341 Shahnama - Inju Dynasty, Shiraz - Ilkhanid Soldiers

Zevachim 18: הֲוָה קָאֵימְנָא קַמֵּיהּ דְּאִיזְגַּדַּר מַלְכָּא

jyungar October 2, 2025

For the source text click/tap here: Zevachim 18

To download, click/tap here: PDF

The Gemara quotes a baraita that teaches that although the bigdei kehuna are supposed to be fit properly for each individual kohen, nevertheless the Temple service is still valid if the garments were a little bit long and touched the floor, or if they were a little bit short and raised a bit from the floor, or for that matter, if they were a little bit worn out. (The Gemara also quotes the opinion of Rav, which is accepted as the halakha, that if they are too short the service is invalid, but if they were too long and the kohen shortened them by means of the belt on his uniform, then it would be valid.)

If, however, they were dirty or torn, then the service that was performed is invalid.

A wonderful story occurs when Rav Ashi says: Huna bar Natan said to me: Once, I was standing before Izgadar, kingof Persia, and my belt was raised above its appropriate height, and he lowered it into place and said to me:

“A kingdom of priests, and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6), is written about you; therefore, you should always look dignified. When I came before Ameimar and recounted this incident, he said to me: With regard to you, God’s promise to Israel:

“And kings shall be your foster fathers” (Isaiah 49:23), was fulfilled.

We explore the connection between

Talmudic Rabbis and Persian Kings: Rituals of Recognition, Power, and Self-Definition in Late Antiquity.

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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.​