REBI YISHMAEL'S BERAISA (Prayer: Offerings/Korbanot #9)

In this episode of the Prayer Podcast, Rabbi Wolbe discusses Rabbi Yishmael’s 13 Principles, the final part of the korbanot section in morning prayers, found in the Sifra’s introduction. These principles, a B'raisa (external Talmudic teaching), fulfill the daily Talmud study obligation and connect to Hashem’s name and 13 attributes of mercy. They provide a framework for deriving Torah laws without altering them, addressing modern issues like Shabbat elevator use. Key themes include:

• Purpose in Prayer: Reciting the principles fulfills Talmud study, complementing Torah and Mishnah, and transforms us by engaging with Hashem’s name (Zohar), paralleling the 13 attributes of mercy (1:07–5:01).
• Significance of 13: The number 13 is central (e.g., 13 rivers in Eden, 13 “baruch” in prayers, “echad” and “ahava” equaling 13), symbolizing divine unity and love, aligning with the principles’ role in Torah interpretation (5:01–6:59).
• Torah’s Immutability: Rabbis cannot create laws; the principles apply Torah to new contexts (e.g., electricity) without change, preserving divine prescription (6:59–8:33).
• Personalizing Torah: Study makes Torah “mine,” as per Rebbe Nachman and the Talmud’s “in your hand” question, enabling a Gan Eden-like life now (8:33–12:18).
• Key Principles Explained:
• Kal vachomer: Logical inference from less to more stringent cases (e.g., Miriam’s seven-day exile, Numbers 12:14) (14:23–17:05).
• Gezerah shavah: Rule application via identical wording, requiring tradition (e.g., “b’mo’ado” for Pesach and Tamid on Shabbat) (18:19–20:52).
• Binyan av: Extending rules to similar cases (e.g., food preparation on all festivals, two-witness requirement) (20:52–23:51).
• Call to Action: Read the weekly parsha (Bereshit, Noach) to enrich life, as Torah is a guide for personal growth (23:51–24:12).

The episode concludes with anticipation for the next topic, Kaddish, and a blessing for a great week.
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This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg

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This episode (Ep. #39) of the Prayer Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!



Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on October 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on October 22, 2025
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