Today's Mishnah Yomi
Avodah Zarah 3:10 - 4:1
The Mishnah Yomi for Thursday, May 1, 2025 is Avodah Zarah 3:10 - 4:1
Mishnah 1
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Mishnayos Avodah Zarah Perek 3 Mishnah 10
עבודה זרה פרק ג׳ משנה י׳
How does one revoke the idolatrous status of an ashera? If a gentile trimmed dry wood or pruned green wood from the tree for his own benefit, or if he removed from it a stick, or a rod, or even a leaf, he has thereby revoked its idolatrous status, as he has proven that he no longer worships it. If a gentile shaved down the tree for its own sake, to improve its appearance, it remains prohibited to derive benefit from it. If he shaved it down not for its own sake, it is permitted.
כֵּיצַד מְבַטְּלָהּ. קִרְסֵם, וְזֵרַד, נָטַל מִמֶּנָּה מַקֵּל אוֹ שַׁרְבִיט, אֲפִלּוּ עָלֶה, הֲרֵי זוֹ בְטֵלָה. שְׁפָיָהּ לְצָרְכָּהּ, אֲסוּרָה. שֶׁלֹּא לְצָרְכָּהּ, מֻתֶּרֶת:
Bartenura
כיצד מבטלה. נכרי לאשרה:
קרסם. קסמים יבשים שבאילן נטלן לצרכו לשרוף:
וזרד.כרת ענפים לחים שבה:
שפאה. תרגום ואכות אותו טחון (דברים ט׳:כ״א), ושפית יתיה:
לצורכה. כדי ליפותה. ואין מבטל ע״ז אלא נכרי גדול ובן דעת שידע בטיב ע״ז ומשמשיה. ואפילו אם בטלה בעל כרחו הרי זו מבוטלת:
Mishnah 2
Mishnayos Avodah Zarah Perek 4 Mishnah 1
עבודה זרה פרק ד׳ משנה א׳
Rabbi Yishmael says: Three stones that are adjacent to each other at the side of Mercury [Markulis] are prohibited, as that idol was worshipped by tossing stones toward it, which then became part of the idol. But if there are only two stones, then they are permitted. And the Rabbis say: Those stones that are adjacent to Mercury and appear to have fallen from it are prohibited. But those stones that are not adjacent to it are permitted.
רַבִּי יִשְׁמָעֵאל אוֹמֵר, שָׁלשׁ אֲבָנִים זוֹ בְצַד זוֹ בְּצַד מַרְקוּלִיס, אֲסוּרוֹת. וּשְׁתַּיִם, מֻתָּרוֹת. וַחֲכָמִים אוֹמְרִים, שֶׁנִּרְאוֹת עִמּוֹ, אֲסוּרוֹת. וְשֶׁאֵין נִרְאוֹת עִמּוֹ, מֻתָּרוֹת:
Bartenura
רבי ישמעאל אומר. זו בצד זו – and all the more so, one on top of two which is the essence of Merkulis/Mercury/Hermes. [Merkulis is the name of idolatry that is called in their languages, Merkuris.]
בצד מרקוליס – at the side four cubits of Merkulis, meaning to say, that the stones are four cubits distant from Merkulis and it is known and that they did not fall from him, and on this, Rabbi Yishmael states that three stones are prohibited for Merkulis is not less than three stones and they make a small Merkulis at the side of a large Merkulis and a small one made at the side of a large one, they worship it with anything and we should not suspect that there will be one [stone] on top of two [stones]. But the Rabbis hold that we do not make a small Merkulis at the side of a large Merkulis. Therefore, it appears with it, meaning to say, next to it, for one can say that it fell from it. Whether two [stones] or three [stones], it is forbidden. If it is not seen with it, it is permitted. And the Halakha is according to the Sages.
רבי ישמעאל. זו בצד זו. וכל שכן אחת על גבי שתים, שזו עיקר מרקוליס. [מרקוליס שם ע״ז הנקרא בלשונם מערקוריס]:
בצד מרקוליס. בצד ארבע אמות של מרקוליס, כלומר שהאבנים רחוקות ארבע אמות מן המרקוליס וידוע דלאו מיניה נפל, ובהא קאמר רבי ישמעאל דשלש אבנים אסורות, שאין מרקוליס פחות משלש אבנים, ועושין מרקוליס קטן בצד מרקוליס גדול. וקטן הנעשה בצד גדול עבדי ליה בכל דהו ואין חוששין שיהיה אחת על גבי שתים. ורבנן סברי, אין עושין מרקוליס קטן בצד מרקוליס גדול, הלכך, נראות עמו כלומר סמוכות לו, דאיכא למימר דמיניה נפל, בין שתים בין שלש אסורים. אין נראות עמו, מותרות. והלכה כחכמים:
Mishnah Yomi FAQ
What is Mishnah Yomi?
Mishnah Yomi is a daily study program where participants study two mishnayot (individual teachings from the Mishnah) every day. By following this program, one can complete the entire Mishnah in about six years.
What is the Mishnah?
The Mishnah is the first major written collection of Jewish oral traditions, forming the basis of the Talmud. It dates back to around 200 CE and consists of teachings and discussions of Jewish law by various rabbis.
Who started the Mishnah Yomi program?
In 1934, the Kozoglover Gaon, Rav Aryeh Tzvi Frommer, who took over from Rav Meir Shapiro (the founder of Daf Yomi) as the head of Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin, initiated the Mishnah Yomi cycle, focusing on Seder Zeraim and Seder Taharos. After World War II, in 1947, Rav Yonah Sztencl, a disciple of Rav Frommer, expanded the program, advocating for a comprehensive study of Shishah Sidrei Mishnah. The idea of studying two Mishnayos daily gained the support of figures like Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer, the Tchebiner Rov, and the Gerer Rebbe, marking the formal inception of Mishnah Yomi.
How long does it take to complete the Mishnah with Mishnah Yomi?
Following the Mishnah Yomi program, one can complete the Mishnah in approximately six years.
Can anyone join Mishnah Yomi?
Yes, anyone interested in studying the Mishnah can start the Mishnah Yomi cycle. There’s no need for prior knowledge; beginners are welcome.
Do I need to know Hebrew to study Mishnah Yomi?
While the Mishnah is originally in Hebrew, there are numerous translations and commentaries available in various languages, making it accessible to anyone interested in studying.
Is there a specific time of day to study Mishnah Yomi?
There’s no designated time. Participants can choose a time that best fits their schedule.
Can I study Mishnah Yomi with a group?
Yes, many communities and synagogues organize group study sessions for Mishnah Yomi. Studying in a group can enhance understanding and foster camaraderie.
What if I miss a day?
If you miss a day, you can catch up by studying the missed mishnayot alongside the current day’s study or by dedicating some extra time until you’re back on track.
כיצד מבטלה – an idolater for a tree used for idolatrous purposes.
קרסם – dry chips that are on the tree, he took for his needs to burn.
ורד – cut moist branches tht are on it.
שפאה – it is the Aramaic translation of (Deuteronomy 9:21): “I broke it to bits and ground it thoroughly,” and you crushed it well.
לצורכה – in order to beautify it, and not to disannul idolatry but rather to worship idolatry as an adult and with knowledge for he knew the nature of idolatry and those who use it, and even if he disannulled it against his will, it is annulled.