י״ד בתשרי ה׳תש״פ (October 13, 2019)

Massekhet Tamid: Introduction to the Tractate

Massekhet Tamid describes the order and details of the daily Temple service. It was redacted shortly after the destruction of the Temple and includes particulars of the Temple service reported by Sages who were firsthand witnesses to these procedures. Included are descriptions of the priest’s preparations for the daily service, their watches and daily assignments, and the first rites performed each morning in the Temple.

A unique feature of this tractate is that it contains almost no disputes between Sages or exegetical derivations. It is also presented as a descriptive narrative, a retelling of events, rather than instructions on mitzvot, prohibitions, and how to behave in a particular area of halakha.