daf bit: Makkot 20

The mishna teaches: one who makes a baldness on his head or cuts the corners of his beard is liable to flogging. It goes on to discuss multiple penalties (if you make several bald spots you are flogged for them separately). The g'mara, in typical fashion, asks: how big is "a baldness"? There are several opinions: R. Huna says enough to show the bare scalp. R. Yehudah says in the name of R. Eleazar b. Shimon: the size of a bean. Tanna'im [mishna-era teachers] are cited for both positions, and a third tanna says removing two hairs counts (or, some say, the size of a lentil). (20a mishna, 20b g'mara)

The lentils in my pantry are bigger than the space occupied by two adjacent hairs on my head, by the way. Not that I'm planning to remove any of the latter.

When I shared this at minyan this morning, somebody asked me what kind of lentil. I suggested a research path for him but I don't think he'll bite.

grocery surprise

Recently I was surprised to find edamame for sale in a local grocery store. Score! This seems like a food that would be easy to take to work for lunch.

Tonight I opened a bag to find that it contained sub-bags. Boo for the packaging waste! But still, edamame... yum.

Then I pulled one out and saw the packaging. I don't know whether to be amused or disturbed. I do know that it is likely to affect just how I take this to work. :-)

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