Menachos Daf 67 - מנחות דף סז - March 19, 2026

This episode of Daf with Shaul C. Greenwald explores Daf 67 of Mesechtas Menachos, focusing on the intricate halachic discussions surrounding the mitzvah of challah, particularly when the dough is owned by a non-Jew (Goy) or convert (Ger) at the time of key actions like mixing flour and water (gilgal) or smoothing grain (meruach). The Gemara examines whether the mitzvah of challah applies when the dough was formed while still owned by a non-Jew, drawing from a Mishnah about a convert who mixed dough after becoming Jewish. The discussion centers on a debate between Tannaim—Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Yisrael/Rabbi Shimon—on whether actions performed by a non-Jew (like meruach or gilgal) can render the dough subject to challah. Rav initially has a doubt (suffolk) about the halachic outcome, but ultimately concludes that both meruach and gilgal performed by a non-Jew can be considered part of the mitzvah, especially when the dough is later acquired by a Jew. The episode also delves into the broader context of why rabbinic authorities instituted a 'xerah' (a legal fiction) to prevent circumvention of truma and challah obligations, particularly in cases where wealthy individuals might avoid these mitzvot through a heter mechira (sale to a non-Jew). The discussion concludes with a detailed explanation of the ritual process of preparing the Minchas Chavitin, including the separation of the kometz and the timing of the Omer offering on the second day of Pesach.