About this episode
What are the foods or activities that one should avoid before or after undergoing bloodletting? Remedies for other ailments are also suggested. Additionally, what are ten specific food items that someone who was ill should avoid, as they may cause the illness to return more aggressively? If one receives a haircut from an idol worshipper, what precautions can be taken to ensure that they are not harmed? A Jew may cut the hair of a non-Jew but must be cautious not to approach the area of the belorit —a section of hair that idol worshippers grow long and then cut and offer to their gods. Certain items belonging to idol worshippers are forbidden not only to eat but also to derive benefit from, as they may have been used in the service of idolatry. Examples include wine and wine-containing products. Rabbi Meir and the Sages disagree regarding various items—whether the prohibition applies only to consumption or also to benefit. Why are their cheeses prohibited for consumption, yet—according to the rabbis—still permitted for benefit? Rabbi Yishmael once asked Rabbi Yehoshua about this matter, but did not receive a complete answer. Wine from an idol worshipper is forbidden for both consumption and benefit. This ruling is derived from a verse that compares it to their sacrificial offerings. Their sacrifices are forbidden to benefit from, and this is derived from the status of a dead person. A corpse is likewise forbidden to derive benefit from, as it is compared to the case of the egla arufa , which is brought for atonement and thus shares a similar status to a sacrifice, which is forbidden to benefit from ( meila ). What does the Mishna teach us by stating that their vinegar is forbidden if it was in the idol worshipper's possession while it was still wine? A similar question is posed regarding a statement made about yayin mevushal —cooked wine.