עבודה זרה - Avodah Zarah

Tractate Avodah Zarah ~ Which Version Do You Use?

On the censored versions of the Talmud. And why you shouldn’t use one.

Avodah Zarah 3b ~ Heliotherapy

Sunlight is the best disinfectant. Sometimes.

Avodah Zarah 8 ~ 2,000 Pages Done!

Pagination in the Talmud. And the number 2,000 in the Bible.

Avodah Zarah 10b ~ Gangrene and Ulcers

The Jew-hating Roman Emperor and when to amputate a foot.

Avodah Zarah 12b ~ Vinegar, Leeches and Rav Huna

Rav Huna's treatment is supported in the medical literature.

Avodah Zarah 17b ~ What Gender is that Bee?

Rashi vs. Tosafot on the size of a bee.

Avodah Zarah 24a ~ Maternal Imprinting

To produce a red heifer all you need is a red cup and some mating cattle.

Avodah Zarah 27a ~ Circumcision and Hemophilia A

How the Talmud accommodated those with a clotting disorder.

Avodah Zarah 28b ~ Ear Candling

The stupid - and fun side - of a silly way to clean your ears.

Avodah Zarah 31b ~ Drinking Snake Venom

Why it’s actually a safe (but stupid) thing to do. And why snakes suck.

Avodah Zarah 39a ~ Do Swordfish have Scales?

Actually they do. So they are kosher.

Avodah Zarah 51a ~ The Neck of a Grasshopper

Rabbi Yehuda’s anatomy lesson, and why it’s best not to sacrifice a grasshopper to an idol.