daf bit: Gittin 55

The mishna teaches (in the name of Rabbi Yochanan ben Gudgada): if a beam which was wrongfully appropriated is built into a palace, restitution for it may be made in money. (Other commentary says this applies to any building, not just a palace.) Beit Shammai says that the building must be demolished and the beam returned, while Beit Hillel says the owner of the beam can only claim its actual cost. The rabbis follow Hillel. (55a)

(Eminent domain, anyone?)

This case surprises me for one reason: in the case of theft (the torah talks about livestock) the thief must make restitution and pay an additional amount. I don't see any commentary here on what "wrongfully" means; it could also mean accidentally, but would seem to include theft too. So why is there no penalty in that case, according to Beit Hillel? Is it covered elsewhere?

signal amplication: Dafcast.net

Dafcast.net is producing a new adaptation of the talmud as a podcast. I just listened to tomorrow's daf, which is all stories (so pretty accessible), and I'm looking forward to more of this. The project is young, so if you're interested in helping, they'll be happy to have you. They're looking for translators, scriptwriters, performers, and probably other folks too. I can't help with translation, but I've signed up to try my hand at adaptation/scriptwriting.

This is even enough to get me to learn about setting up podcasts. :-) (I listened to this one on my computer; I assume I can automate a feed once the production rate picks up.)

[Pittsburgh] food discovery

Lately the Jewish Chronicle has had ads from Giant Eagle pitching their kosher deli (in the store at Center and Negley in Shadyside). Last week they advertised a special on rotisserie chickens. Drool. It's been years since I've had that, because Kosher Mart doesn't do them in their prepared-foods section. So tonight after work I headed over to check them out. The chicken was very tasty and tender, and I picked up some side dishes for later use. I'll definitely be back.

Small-world moment: the friendly and helpful person who took care of me is happyingreen's husband. :-)