Rabbi Nagel explains the dispute over whether Moses received a small cup or a large hin measure in the Temple.
The episode is a review of Talmudic tractate Menachos page 88, delivered in a solo educational format by Rabbi Yaakov Nagel. It begins with a machlokes between Rebbe Yudah and Ramir regarding the order of liquid measures in the Temple, exploring whether they were listed from smallest to largest or vice versa. Rebbe Eichner's interpretation is introduced, suggesting the difference lies in overages when measuring from the bottom up versus top down. The debate centers on what measure was given to Moshe Rabbeinu: a revi'it cup or a hin measure. Reb Shimon's view that there was no hin measure is discussed, with the Gemara noting one exception for the anointing oil in the Tabernacle, which miraculously never depleted and remains hidden. The episode then examines the practical applications of specific measures: the revi'it for metzorah and nazir, chatzi log for sota and todah, and log for menachos. A question arises about why an anointed revi'it measure was needed for metzorah outside the Temple, answered by linking it to the chavitin offering. Similarly, the chatzi log's use is tied to the menorah's nightly oil. The discussion shifts to the Temple menorah, addressing how it was cleaned if it went out, with opinions on refilling oil and its construction. Debates include whether the menorah could tilt down or had removable parts for cleaning, and whether it was part of a solid gold kikar. The episode concludes with a detail that even the soot-blackened tips of the menorah had to be pure gold, not an alloy.
