May 14, 2024 · 01:31:17
Do Not Say "Water Water:" Ben Zoma in the Mystical Orchard, Respecting Dogs, IVF in the Talmud, & Immaculate ConceptionThis class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Emor, 6 Iyar, 5784, May 14, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. One of the most perplexing and mysterious tales in the Talmud relates the story of four sages who entered the mystical orchard of Kabbalah. They were Ben Azzai, Ben Zoma, Acher, and Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Akiva said to them: When you arrive at the stones of pure marble, say not, “Water, water!” The results were tragic: Ben Azzai cast a look and died; Ben Zoma looked and became demented; and Acher became a heretic. Rabbi Akiva came out in peace. The Talmud then continues, immediately after the story: Ben Zoma was asked: Is it permitted to castrate a dog? He replied with a verse of our portion, Emor: “[Any animal whose testicles were] squashed, crushed, pulled out, or severed, you shall not offer up to the Lord, and in your land, you shall not do so.” Meaning, you are not allowed to sterilize any animal. Then they asked him about having intimate relations without blood, and how a woman can become pregnant by artificial insemination. What is the meaning of this enigmatic tale? Why did Rabbi Akiva warn of “water water?” Why did Ben Zoma lose his mind? Why did they ask him about sterilizing a dog, and about having relations without blood? This class explores the history of psychological, emotional, religious and sp