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.

Pliny The Elder Roman Scholar

Menachot 42: וּבְיִשְׂרָאֵל צָרִיךְ לְבָרֵךְ

jyungar February 22, 2026

For the source text click/tap here: Menachot 42

To download, click/tap here: PDF

Rav Ḥinnana the son of Rava from Pashronya taught: A Sefer Torah, Tefillin and Mezuzot that were written by a min (heretic), kuti, goy, eved (non-Jewish slaves), ishah (women), katan (minors) and Yisrael meshummad (apostate) are invalid, based on the passage in Sefer Devarim (6:8-9) that connects laying tefillin and writing mezuzot. This passage is understood to teach that only those obligated in laying tefillin can be involved with writing them.

The Ritva explains that this teaching is applied to tefillin and mezuzot about which the passage is speaking, as well as Sefer Torah which has a higher level of sanctity.

We continue our exploration of the techeiles dye.

Tags72nd
  • 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.​