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.

Right Arm of a Child Roman (Artist) 1st century BCE-4th century CE bronze

Zevachim 24: הוֹאִיל וְלֹא נֶאֶמְרָה יָד בְּקַבָּלָה – קִיבֵּל בִּשְׂמֹאל כָּשֵׁר

jyungar October 8, 2025

For the source text click/tap here: Zevachim 24

To download, click/tap here: PDF

Rabbah bar bar Chanah quotes Rabbi Yochanan saying that anytime the verse uses the term “finger” and “Kohen,” it must be done with the right hand. The Gemora first assumes that both terms must be present to require the right, as the verse about the chatas uses both – and the Kohen will take from the chatas blood with his finger – and we learn that verse from the verse about a metzora, which explicitly refers to the right finger.

The Gemora challenges this, since kemitzah – scooping the minchah only mentions “Kohen,” yet the Mishna states that if a Kohen did it with his left hand it is invalid. Therefore, Rava says that Rabbi Yochanan means any verse that uses either term implies the right.

We explore handedness in Halacha and mythology of antiquity.

Tags67th
  • 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.​