We are learning about the Mitzvah of reciting the Keriat Shema and the discussion and debate regarding if one fulfills one’s obligation if one does not hear the words one is reciting.
There are two main opinions that are given. That of Rabbi Yehuda and that of Rabbi Yossei. Rabbi Yehuda is lenient, but Rabbi Yossei is strict.
The Gemara takes the idea of hearing one step further. It discusses the issue of taking tithes. One must recite a blessing when one does so. Since a deaf person cannot hear when reciting the blessing, will such a person be permitted to take tithes? Again – the debate is discussed between Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Yossei. (At the very least – we don’t know who has made such a statement – but it seems that it must be one of these rabbis.)
The Gemara goes into a further discussion regarding the Mitzvah to read the Megillah. Three such people may not read the Megillah so that others can fulfill their obligation. These are the deaf-mute, the imbecile and the minor. Bur Rabbi Yehuda allows the minor to. We must return back to our understanding of the issue of being able to hear in order to fulfill these particular Mitzvot. But after all – at least the minor can hear. Perhaps he may also read it in order to exempt others of their obligation?
Once again Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Yossei are mentioned as the rabbis involved in this argument.
The Gemara takes us on a back and forth argument and discussion hoping to resolve the issue of fulfilling these various Mitzvot under unusual circumstances i.e. not hearing what one is saying and fulfilling them when one is not yet obligated in Mitzvot (the age of 13.)
What about Bentsching? This is the Mitzvah to bless God after having eaten a meal that includes bread. This is known as Birkat HaMazon and it is a direct Mitzvah from the Torah. What is the Halachah is one simply thinks the words in his heart? Has he fulfilled his obligation?
We then begin the second point of the Mishnah – reciting Keriat Shema but not paying attention to pronouncing one’s words correctly. Does one fulfill one’s obligation to recite the Keriat Shema then? Another fascinating debate which relates back to the issues of hearing and of pronouncing one’s words. No doubt, Chazal were concerned that when we engage ourselves in Mitzvot – things should take on some sort of active effort – and not just “what’s in one’s heart”.
The Gemara brings in a little Agadata – some story line – or at least an insight into something not related directly to Halachah. This relates to the issue of a verse that King Solomon taught in the book of Proverbs. He speaks about three things that are never satisfied – the grave, the womb of a woman who has never given birth (and the earth which is never sated through the water content that rains upon it.) But what has the grave got to do with the womb?!
