Table of Contents
Author's Note xiii
Introduction: One Day Wiser 1
A Note on the Talmud 17
I The Order of Festivals
Yoma-Alone in Jerusalem 23
Sukkah / Beitzah-Temporary Homes 39
Rosh Hashanah-The Book of Life 51
Taanit-Two by Two 61
Megillah-Who Knows? 69
Moed Katan-Trapdoor Days 79
Hagigah-Torah from the Heavens 91
II The Order of Women
Yevamot-Lentils in My Pot 101
Ketubot-I Am a Jewish Man 111
Nedarim / Nazir-Ascetic Aesthetics 129
Sotah-A Still Unravished Bride 136
Gittin-Writing Divorce 144
Kidushin-Toward a Theory of Romantic Love 152
III The Order of Damages
Eava Kama / Bava Metzia / Bava Batra-Suspended in a Miracle 161
Sanhedrim-Another Lifetime 178
Makkot / Shevuot-Sarah Ivreinu 191
Avodah Zarah / Horayot-Frost at Midnight 197
IV The Order of Holiness
Zevahim / Menahot / Hullin-Holy Eating 209
Bechorot / Erchin / Temurah / Keritot / Meilah / Tamid / Middot / Kinnim-Poets & Gatekeepers 215
V The Order of Purity
Nipdah-A Folded Notebook 225
VI The Order of Seeds
Berachot-Writing About Prayer Is Easier Than Praying 237
VII The Order of Festivals (Again)
Shabbat / Eruvin-A Pregnant Pause 255
Pesachim-Take Two 272
Shekalim-Weaving the Talmudic Tapestry 286
Yoma-Encore 290
Acknowledgments 295
Notes 297