No community start suggestion yet.
Why does Rav Yehuda require fathers to teach sons a skilled trade rather than just business, claiming that failing to do so is like teaching theft? The shiur challenges Rashi (רש"י)'s security-based explanation by noting that trades face market risks too. It develops a deeper yesod about self-reliance versus dependency that distinguishes skilled labor from business ventures.
This shiur examines a fundamental Gemara (גמרא) in Kiddushin discussing a father's obligation regarding his son's livelihood. The Gemara presents a debate between the Mishna and Rav Yehuda about parental responsibilities. The Mishna states that a father must teach his son parnasah (a means of livelihood), while Rav Yehuda declares that one who doesn't teach his son an umes (skilled trade) is as if teaching him listus (theft/banditry). The shiur explores Rashi (רש"י)'s explanation of this distinction: the Mishna permits teaching business - setting up the son in commerce, selling commodities, or establishing him in business ventures. However, Rav Yehuda specifically requires teaching an umes - a skilled trade such as shoemaking, barbering, or mechanics. Rashi's reasoning is that business ventures can fail, leaving the person without means and potentially leading to theft, while skilled trades provide more security. The shiur raises critical questions about this reasoning: Why should trades always be considered secure when markets can crash in any field? A diamond cleaver faces unemployment if the diamond market crashes, and a car mechanic becomes obsolete with technological changes to electric vehicles. The shiur also questions the Gemara's strong language of 'as if teaching him to steal' - examining where this concept originates and why such forceful terminology is employed. The analysis suggests deeper philosophical questions about the nature of economic security, parental responsibility, and the relationship between livelihood and moral behavior. The Gemara's continuation about animals and their natural suited professions provides additional insights into the fundamental difference between business acumen and skilled craftsmanship.
Kiddushin 29a
Looking for the full transcript?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
Dedicate a Shiur in Aggadita
L'ilui nishmas a loved one. In honor of a simcha or yahrzeit. As a zechus for a refuah sheleimah. Your dedication helps carry Rabbi Zweig's Torah to learners around the world.
How long must Hashem tolerate the Jewish people's rebellious behavior? A Midrash compares this to the halachic question of carrying a child holding muktze on Shabbos. The analysis reveals that rejecting Eretz Yisrael represents a deeper spiritual corruption than individual acts of avoda zara.
What did Dovid mean when he reduced the 613 mitzvos to twelve principles? The Gemara reveals that mitzvos have two dimensions: fulfilling the obligation and achieving personal completion (hashlomah). Dovid identified twelve core principles that encapsulate the essential character development aspect of all mitzvos.
Why does the Torah write 'Bereishis bara Elokim' in a way that could grammatically suggest someone created God? The ambiguity is intentional, revealing that Israel (called 'reishis') participates in making God King through accepting His sovereignty. This partnership explains why we become God's 'mother' in the Gemara's reading of Shir HaShirim - we crown Him through 'na'aseh v'nishma.'
What does the Midrash mean by calling the Jewish people 'daughters of waves' - daughters of the outstanding patriarchs? The shiur develops a yesod distinguishing 'ben' (independent choice) from 'bas' (inherited patterns), revealing two types of teshuvah. Jews should return to Hashem instinctively through inherited spiritual patterns, not just through conscious deliberation.
