Daf yomi

Definition

Daf yomi is a method of studying the Talmud, where participants study one page (daf) of the Talmud each day, leading to the completion of the entire Talmud in approximately seven and a half years. This practice not only promotes regular engagement with the text but also fosters a sense of community among learners worldwide who are studying the same material at the same time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Daf yomi was established in 1923 by Rabbi Meir Shapiro at the First World Congress of Agudath Israel in Poland to encourage daily Talmud study.
2. There are 2,711 pages in the standard Talmud, making the completion cycle last roughly 2,711 days or about 7.5 years.
3. Daf yomi has grown significantly since its inception, with thousands of people worldwide participating in this daily study practice.
4. The completion of a full cycle is celebrated with a large public event known as a Siyum HaShas, attracting thousands of participants.
5. In addition to fostering individual study, daf yomi builds community among learners through organized classes and study groups across different locations.

Review Questions

• How does daf yomi promote engagement with the Talmud among Jewish learners?
  • Daf yomi encourages daily engagement with the Talmud by setting a consistent schedule where learners study one page each day. This structured approach helps individuals incorporate Talmud study into their daily routines and makes it accessible to those with varying levels of knowledge. Additionally, as many people around the world participate in this practice simultaneously, it fosters a sense of global community among learners who can discuss and share insights about the same text.
• Discuss the significance of community events such as Siyum HaShas within the daf yomi framework.
  • Siyum HaShas events mark the completion of a full cycle of daf yomi study and serve as significant communal gatherings for celebration and reflection. These events not only recognize individual achievements but also emphasize collective dedication to Talmud study within the Jewish community. They provide opportunities for participants to share their experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen their bonds over shared learning and spiritual growth.
• Evaluate how daf yomi contributes to Orthodox Judaism's emphasis on lifelong learning and adherence to Jewish law.
  • Daf yomi embodies Orthodox Judaism's commitment to lifelong learning by encouraging daily engagement with sacred texts like the Talmud, which is foundational for understanding Jewish law and ethics. By committing to studying a page each day, individuals deepen their knowledge and connection to Jewish teachings, promoting continuous growth in their spiritual lives. This practice not only reinforces adherence to Jewish law but also instills a sense of discipline and community among practitioners who share this journey together.

Related terms

Talmud: The central text of Rabbinic Judaism, consisting of the Mishnah and the Gemara, which elaborates on Jewish law, ethics, customs, and history.

Shas: An acronym for 'Shisha Sedarim' (the six orders), referring to the complete set of Talmudic texts that include both the Mishnah and the Gemara.

Chevruta: A traditional method of studying Jewish texts in pairs, allowing for discussion and debate, often used alongside or as part of daf yomi study.