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450-550Babylonian Talmud

 

Sayings of the rabbis in the tractates of the Babylonian Talmud (Pesachim, Chullin, Horayot). Babylonian Talmud was written between about 450 - 550 in present-day Iraq (formerly Babylonia). The rabbis discuss the presence of ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF) in different animals, its location, role, distal attachment area, and the possibility of damage. See our commentary at the link: 450-550BabylonianTalmud [Rus].

Quote 1.

[Heb]

Pesachim 22a4

(original source: sefaria.org)

Pesachim 22a5

(original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 2.

[Heb]

Pesachim 83b5

(original source: sefaria.org)

Pesachim 83b6

(original source: sefaria.org)

Pesachim 83b7

(original source: sefaria.org)

Pesachim 83b8

(original source: sefaria.org)

Pesachim 83b9

(original source: sefaria.org)

Pesachim 83b10

(original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 3.

[Heb]

Chullin 54b3

(original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 4.

[Heb]

Chullin 89b3

(original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 5.

[Heb]

Chullin 91a2

(original source: sefaria.org)

Chullin 91a12

(original source: sefaria.org)

Chullin 91a13

(original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 6.

[Heb]

Chullin 92b2

(original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 7.

Chullin 93b9

(original source: sefaria.org)

Chullin 93b10

(original source: sefaria.org)

Chullin 93b11

(original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 8.

[Heb]

Chullin 96a5

(original source: sefaria.org)

Chullin 96a11

(original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 9.

[Heb]

Chullin 96b2

(original source: sefaria.org)

Chullin 96b3

(original source: sefaria.org)

Chullin 96b4

(original source: sefaria.org)

Chullin 96b5

(original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 10.

[Heb]

Horayot 12a:16

(original source: sefaria.org)


Translation

Quote 1.

[Eng]

Passover Festivals 22a4

The Gemara rejects this: Rabbi Abbahu holds that when it was permitted by the Torah to derive benefit from an animal carcass, it, its fats, and its sinews, such as the sciatic nerve, were all permitted. Therefore, the sciatic nerve is included in this exception and one may benefit from it. The Gemara challenges: It works out well according to the one who said that sinews give flavor, meaning that they have the taste of meat and therefore have the legal status of meat of an animal carcass. However, according to the one who says that sinews do not give flavor and are not categorized as meat, what can be said? If they are not considered to be meat, why are they included in the exception made for an animal carcass? (original source: sefaria.org)

Passover Festivals 22a5

The Gemara answers: Whom did you hear that said that sinews do not give flavor? It is Rabbi Shimon, as it was taught in a baraita: With regard to one who eats the sciatic nerve from a non-kosher domesticated animal, Rabbi Yehuda deems him liable to receive two sets of lashes: One for eating the sciatic nerve and one for eating the meat of a non-kosher animal. And Rabbi Shimon exempts him entirely, since according to his opinion the prohibition to eat the sciatic nerve applies only to a kosher animal. In addition, one violates the prohibition of eating from a non-kosher animal only when it has the flavor of meat. (original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 2.

[Eng]

Passover Festivals 83b5

Granted, if you say they are meat, due to that they require burning; but if you say they are not meat, why do they require burning? One should simply discard them like other waste. Rav Ḥisda said: The mishna’s mention of sinews is necessary only for the sciatic nerve, in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Yehuda. (original source: sefaria.org)

Passover Festivals 83b6

As it was taught in a baraita that Rabbi Yehuda said: The prohibition to eat the sciatic nerve according to Torah law applies only to the sciatic nerve in one of the animal’s thighs, and not to both, and logic dictates that it is the right thigh. However, since there is no absolute proof that this is correct, the sciatic nerve must be removed from both sides. Although in theory the forbidden sciatic nerve may be discarded and the permitted one may be eaten, since there is uncertainty as to which one is permitted, neither of them may be eaten. Both must be burned. (original source: sefaria.org)

Passover Festivals 83b7

The Gemara asks: Shall we then conclude that Rabbi Yehuda was uncertain about which sciatic nerve is forbidden? The Sages were unsure whether Rabbi Yehuda was absolutely convinced that it is the sciatic nerve from the right side that is forbidden, or if he was saying that this would seem likely to be the case, but he was not certain. As, if it were clear to him that it is the sciatic nerve from the right thigh that is forbidden, the proper procedure would be different: The one that is permitted we should eat, and the one that is forbidden we should discard. Why should he require burning? (original source: sefaria.org)

Passover Festivals 83b8

Rav Ika bar Ḥinnana said, in response to this attempted proof: The mishna addresses a case where the two sciatic nerves were known, but in the end became mixed together. In other words, at first it was known which was the forbidden right nerve and which was the permitted left nerve. However, they were then mixed together and can no longer be identified. Therefore, due to the uncertainty, they must both be burned. (original source: sefaria.org)

Passover Festivals 83b9

Rav Ashi said: The mishna’s ruling that the sinews must be burned is necessary only with regard to the fat of the sciatic nerve, as it was taught in a baraita: The fat around the sciatic nerve is permitted according to Torah law, but the Jewish people are holy and treat it as forbidden. Since it is permitted according to Torah law, it has the status of meat and may not be simply discarded. However, since the Jewish people treat it as forbidden, they do not eat it even from the Paschal lamb. Therefore, it is left until after the time when the meat may be eaten and burned in accordance with the general halakha of leftover. (original source: sefaria.org)

Passover Festivals 83b10

Ravina said: This discussion pertains to the outer nerve, and it is in accordance with that which Rav Yehuda said that Shmuel said, as Rav Yehuda said that Shmuel said: There are two sinews in the sciatic nerve: The inner sinew that is next to the bone is forbidden according to Torah law, and one is liable to be flogged for eating it. The outer sinew that is next to the meat is forbidden by rabbinic law, and therefore one is not liable to be flogged for eating it. Since the outer sinew is permitted according to Torah law, it attains the status of leftover when it is not eaten. (original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 3.

[Eng]

Chullin 54b3

The Gemara addresses the matter itself: Rav Mattana says: This head of the femur that was completely dislocated renders the animal a tereifa. And Rava said: The animal is kosher, but if its sinew holding the bone in place is cut, it is a tereifa. The Gemara concludes: And the halakha is: Even if the sinew is cut, the animal is still kosher, unless the sinew decomposed, in which case the animal is a tereifa. (original source: sefaria.org)

REFERENCE: «I.—Trnsf. the sinews connecting the hip-bone with its socket. Ḥull. 54ᵇ איפסוק ניביה (some ed. איפסיק) its sinews are severed». [sefaria.org]


Quote 4.

[Heb]

Chullin 89b3

MISHNA: The prohibition of eating the sciatic nerve applies both in Eretz Yisrael and outside of Eretz Yisrael, in the presence of, i.e., the time of, the Temple and not in the presence of the Temple, and with regard to non-sacred animals and with regard to sacrificial animals. And it applies to domesticated animals and to undomesticated animals, to the thigh of the right leg and to the thigh of the left leg. But it does not apply to a bird, due to the fact that the verse makes reference to the sciatic nerve as being “upon the spoon of the thigh” (Genesis 32:33), and a bird has no spoon of the thigh. (original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 5.

[Eng]

Chullin 91a2

Ravina said: The mishna’s statement is necessary only with regard to the outer nerve, and it is in accordance with that which Rav Yehuda said that Shmuel said. As Rav Yehuda said that Shmuel said: There are two nerves included in the prohibition of the sciatic nerve. The inner nerve that is next to the bone is forbidden by Torah law, and one is liable to be flogged for eating it. The outer nerve that is next to the flesh is forbidden by rabbinic law, and therefore one is not liable to be flogged for eating it. In the case of a Paschal offering, since the outer nerve is permitted by Torah law, it assumes the status of leftover sacrificial meat when it is not eaten. (original source: sefaria.org)

Chullin 91a12

The Gemara asks: And what is the reason that Rabbi Yehuda holds that only the sciatic nerve of the right thigh is forbidden by Torah law? Rava said that it is because the verse states: “Therefore the children of Israel eat not the sciatic nerve that is upon the spoon of the thigh” (Genesis 32:33). The definite article indicates that this is referring to the most important thigh. (original source: sefaria.org)

Chullin 91a13

And the Rabbis, who hold that the sciatic nerves of both the right and left thighs are forbidden by Torah law, explain the definite article as teaching that the prohibition applies to the one whose prohibition spreads through the entire thigh, i.e., the inner nerve. This serves to exclude the outer nerve, which is not prohibited by Torah law. (original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 6.

[Heb]

Chullin 92b2

§ The mishna teaches (89b) that the prohibition of eating the sciatic nerve does not apply to a bird due to the fact that the verse is referring to the sciatic nerve as being “upon the spoon of the thigh” (Genesis 32:33), and a bird has no spoon of the thigh. The Gemara challenges: But we see that it does have a protrusion of flesh on its thigh. The Gemara answers: It has a protrusion, but that protrusion is not rounded. (original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 7.

[Eng]

Chullin 93b9

§ The Gemara returns to the prohibition of eating the sciatic nerve. Rav Yehuda says that Shmuel says: There are two nerves included in the prohibition of the sciatic nerve. The inner nerve, which is next to the bone, is forbidden by Torah law, and one is liable to be flogged for eating it. The outer nerve, which is next to the flesh, is forbidden by rabbinic law, and therefore one is not liable to be flogged for eating it. (original source: sefaria.org)

Chullin 93b10

The Gemara asks: But isn’t it taught in a baraita that the inner nerve, which is forbidden by Torah law, is next to the flesh? The Gemara answers: Rav Aḥa said that Rav Kahana said: The inner nerve is next to the bone, but it bores into the flesh as well. (original source: sefaria.org)

Chullin 93b11

The Gemara challenges: But isn’t it taught in a baraita: The outer nerve is next to the bone? The Gemara answers: Rav Yehuda said: This is referring to the spot where the butchers cut the leg open and reveal the nerve, and at that point in the leg the outer nerve is closest to the bone. (original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 8.

[Eng]

Chullin 96a5

MISHNA: One who removes the sciatic nerve must scrape away the flesh in the area surrounding the nerve to ensure that he will remove all of it. Rabbi Yehuda says: Scraping is not required; it is sufficient to excise it from the area above the rounded protrusion in order to thereby fulfill the mitzva of removal of the sciatic nerve. (original source: sefaria.org)

Chullin 96a11

§ The mishna teaches: One who eats an olive-bulk of the sciatic nerve incurs forty lashes. Shmuel says: The Torah prohibits only the part of the sciatic nerve that is on the rounded protrusion of flesh shaped like a spoon that is near the end of the femur. This is as it is stated in the verse: “Therefore the children of Israel eat not the sciatic nerve that is upon the spoon of the thigh” (Genesis 32:33). (original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 9.

[Eng]

Chullin 96b2

And according to Rabbi Yehuda, from where is it derived that one is liable for eating one olive-bulk of a larger sciatic nerve? He holds that it is derived from the phrase “that is upon the spoon of the thigh,” which indicates that even if one eats only the part of the sciatic nerve that is upon the spoon of the thigh, rather than the entire sciatic nerve, he is liable. (original source: sefaria.org)

Chullin 96b3

And how do the Rabbis interpret that phrase? That phrase is necessary to teach the halakha stated by Shmuel, as Shmuel said: The Torah prohibits only the part of the sciatic nerve that is on the rounded protrusion of flesh shaped like a spoon. And what does Rabbi Yehuda hold with regard to the halakha stated by Shmuel? He derives from the fact that it is written: “The spoon of the thigh,” that the sciatic nerve of the entire thigh is forbidden, not just the part that is on the rounded protrusion of flesh shaped like a spoon. (original source: sefaria.org)

Chullin 96b4

And how do the Rabbis interpret “the spoon of the thigh”? According to the Rabbis, this expression indicates that the prohibition of the sciatic nerve applies to the nerve that extends throughout the entire thigh, i.e., the inner nerve, which serves to exclude the outer nerve, which is not forbidden by Torah law; but in fact, only the part of the inner nerve that is on the protrusion of flesh shaped like a spoon is forbidden, not the entire inner nerve. (original source: sefaria.org)

Chullin 96b5

The Gemara objects: But this term “spoon” is required to exclude the sciatic nerve of a bird, which does not have a rounded protrusion on its thigh bone that can be described as the spoon of the thigh, as taught in the mishna (89b). The Gemara explains: There are two usages of the term “spoon” written in the verse, and therefore two separate halakhot can be derived from this term. (original source: sefaria.org)


Quote 10.

[Eng]

Decisions 12a:16

16. The Gemara asks: From where is this inferred? The Gemara answers: It is as Rava said with regard to the term “the thigh” in the verse: “The sciatic nerve that is on the hollow of the thigh” (Genesis 32:33); the reference is to the stronger of the thighs. Here too, where the verse states: “The anointed,” the reference is to the most distinguished of those anointed, i.e., the High Priest. (original source: sefaria.org)


External links

Babylonian Talmud. Pesachim (The William Davidson Edition). 450-550. [sefaria.org]

Babylonian Talmud. Chullin (The William Davidson Edition). 450-550. [sefaria.org]

Babylonian Talmud. Horayot (The William Davidson Edition). 450-550. [sefaria.org]

Babylonian Talmud. Tract. Pesachim (Passover). Trans. M.L. Rodkinson, Vol. 5. Boston: The Talmud Society, 1918. [archive.org]

Babylonian Talmud. Tract. Abuda zara and Horioth. Trans. M.L. Rodkinson Vol. 18. Boston: The Talmud Society, 1918. [archive.org]

Authors & Affiliations

Babylonian Talmud was written between about 450 - 550 in present-day Iraq (formerly Babylonia). [sefaria.org]

Keywords

ligamentum capitis femoris, ligamentum teres, ligament of head of femur, Bible, Torah, animals, damage, attachment, anatomy, role, synonym

                                                                     

NB! Fair practice / use: copied for the purposes of criticism, review, comment, research and private study in accordance with Copyright Laws of the US: 17 U.S.C. §107; Copyright Law of the EU: Dir. 2001/29/EC, art.5/3a,d; Copyright Law of the RU: ГК РФ ст.1274/1.1-2,7

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