I am about 6 weeks into the daily Talmud readings, and am beginning to question why I am spending so much time reading about the order in which to say blessings and which foods are primary and secondary.

Today’s text is full of contradictions; some of it is lovely and inclusive and other parts are disconcerting.

I approached today’s reading convinced there wasn’t much there for me.

The text today delivers a lesson in measurement, with food as the unit of measure:

I was fascinated by this comment in the text today: “It is forbidden to eat prior to giving food to one’s animal.”

There are so many rules for what blessing to say for each food source and in what order.

Today’s reading continues to focus on food, the appropriate blessings and the intention behind our eating.

The text over the last few days has been focused on food and blessings.

Today’ theme is about food and blessings.

For me, today’s theme centers on humility.

I have a simple question: where were men praying 2,000 years ago that there were so many dangerous animals around– lions, snakes, scorpions and oxen?

Today’s reading questions the concept of free will that I was raised with: “Behold, like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, house of Israel.”

Today’s reading focuses on long-suffering, silent and obedient Hannah: “And Hannah spoke in her heart, only her lips moved and her voice could not be heard.”

I have been thinking about the Diaspora since I started my daily readings of the Talmud.

Today’s text returns to the themes of intention, attention and what is in one’s heart.

Rabbi Gamliel reappears in today’s reading and we are introduced to Rabbi Elaza, the bright young upstart.

Today’s reading includes a discussion of the plight of a child bride.

Today’s reading further explores the theme of intention and makes a distinction between intentionally missing a prayer and accidentally doing so.

The dialog on impurities continues, with consideration of distancing oneself from excrement and foul odors when one prays.