Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
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You Can Take the Boy Out of Midian But You Can’t Take Midian Out of the Boy Kiddushin 75 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 27th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a dispute regarding how long it takes for a convert to be seen by the community as a regular member of the tribe, which has halakhic implications in terms of how many generations would be allowed to marry a mamzer. If the community thought of the convert as purely Jewish, it would be maris ayin (the appearance of sin), as a full member of the tribe may not marry a mamzer. Some say it takes until people no longer …
Book Review: Modern Man in Search of a Soul by Carl Gustav Jung
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 28th, 2019
Carl Gustav Jung was originally a student of Freud, but it was in matters of religion and spirituality that he began to differ, and eventually broke away from his teacher and mentor. Jung was keenly interested in religion and spiritual process and how they related to his empirical studies of psychology. Jung’s Analytical Psychology provides a superb foundation for developing a religion-friendly psychological approach. Like Freu …
The Sins of the Fathers Eruvin 80 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 28th, 2020
The Sins of the Fathers אֲמַר לֵיהּ רַבִּי זֵירָא לְרַבִּי יַעֲקֹב (בְּרֵיהּ) דְּבַת יַעֲקֹב Rashi: בריה דבת יעקב - אביו לא היה הגון לפיכך לא הזכירו: Rashi tells us that this Amora was called “Yaakov Son of the Daughter of Yaakov” because his father was not fitting to mention. We cannot know what crimes his father committed but it is inspiri …
Rosh Hashanah 20 Seeing is Beloving Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 28th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph asks, if you say that the Adar immediately preceding Nisan is always 29 days, why should they desecrate Shabbos for witnesses to travel, as the court can calculate the time of the New Moon without witnesses? The Gemara answers: Because it is a mitzvah to sanctify the New Moon on the basis of the testimony of witnesses who actually saw the new moon and not rely on calculations or established practices,מִצְוָה לְק …
Hair Splitting Discussion Nedarim 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 28th, 2022
What is the significance of the Nazir not cutting his hair? We can understand that the Nazir’s abstaining from cutting his hair is to shun vanity, as is described later on in the mesechta 9b. The Rama in Toras Haolah (III:71) explains further that the Nazir is required to abstain from three aspects: He must not drink wine, he must not become impure and he must not cut his hair. Each of these abstentions relate to a different kind of h …
The Torah Speaks in the Vernacular Nedarim 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 28th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an exegetical principle, דִּבְּרָה תוֹרָה כִלְשׁוֹן בְּנֵי אָדָם The Torah speaks in the language of men. That is to say, sometimes there can be extra verbiage if it adds to poetic value or is part of how people use idioms. This is an obvious point, as in order for the Torah to be comprehensible and even objectively pleasant, it must use phrases that are generally u …
How to Benefit in This World and the Next Bava Basra 125 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 28th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a halachic aspect of the inheritance process. Specifically, the double portion granted to a firstborn applies only to property that is in actual possession, as opposed to funds that are due, such as an unpaid loan. The Noam Elimelech (Sefer Shemos, Shemos 5) uses this concept to address an age-old theological question: why do some righteous individuals seem to suffer greatly in this world, while others prosper in …
Half-Baked Arguments Eruvin 81 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 29th, 2020
Half-Baked Arguments וּפְרוּסָה מַאי טַעְמָא לָא? אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹסֵי בֶּן שָׁאוּל אָמַר רַבִּי: מִשּׁוּם אֵיבָה. The Gemara analyzes Rabbi Yehoshua’s position itself: And with regard to a broken loaf of bread, what is the reason that it may not be used for an eiruv? Rabbi Yosei ben Shaul said that Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi said: The reason is due to potential enmity bet …
Rosh Hashanah 22 Gambling with Addictive Behaviors Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 29th, 2021
The Mishna on Amud Aleph tells us: MISHNA: The following are unfit to give testimony, as they are considered thieves and robbers: One who plays with dice [kubbiyya] or other games of chance for money; and those who lend money with interest; and those who race pigeons and place wagers on the outcome; The Gemara Sanhedrin (24b) offers reasons for why a career gambler is unfit as a witness, one of them is that he is not engaged in socially re …
Rosh Hashanah 21 Mends Justifying the Means Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 29th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an important psychological and halakhic principle: נמצא אתה מכשילן לעתיד לבא If you take a certain action now, you will cause them to stumble in the future. This reasoning applied to the case of the 40 pairs of witnesses who came to testify about sighting the new Moon. Even though technically we allow them to violate the techum boundary for this mitzvah, Rabbi Akiva detained them since …
Filling the Empty Space Kiddushin 77 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 29th, 2023
This daf delves into the intricate matter of the invalidation of Challalah to marry a cohen. A challalah is a woman who either descends from a forbidden priestly marriage, such as when a Cohen marries a divorcee, or a woman who engages in such a prohibited union, like a widow who marries a Cohen Gadol. As a result, she becomes a challalah, rendering her ineligible to partake of Terumah and preventing her from marrying another Cohen in the event o …
A Spitting Image of the Father Bava Basra 126 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 29th, 2024
Our Gemara on amud beis discusses a paranormal method used to determine whether a child is the firstborn of the mother or the father. This has significant halachic implications, as only the natural firstborn of the father inherits a double portion, regardless of the mother's previous birthing history (Shulchan Aruch 277:8). It is taught as a tradition that the saliva of a father's firstborn can heal a specific ailment, whereas the saliva o …
Have a Heart! Eruvin 57 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 2nd, 2020
מַתְנִי׳ אֵין מוֹדְדִין אֶלָּא בְּחֶבֶל שֶׁל חֲמִשִּׁים אַמָּה, לֹא פָּחוֹת וְלֹא יוֹתֵר. וְלֹא יִמְדּוֹד אֶלָּא כְּנֶגֶד לִבּוֹ. MISHNA: One may measure a Shabbat limit only with a rope fifty cubits long, no less and no more, as will be explained in the Gemara. And one may measure the limit only at the level of one’s heart, …
Yin and Yang Eruvin 56 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 2nd, 2020
אָמַר שְׁמוּאֵל: אֵין תְּקוּפַת נִיסָן נוֹפֶלֶת אֶלָּא בְּאַרְבָּעָה רִבְעֵי הַיּוֹם, אוֹ בִּתְחִלַּת הַיּוֹם אוֹ בִּתְחִלַּת הַלַּיְלָה, אוֹ בַּחֲצִי הַיּוֹם אוֹ בַּחֲצִי הַלַּיְלָה. On the topic of the previous discussion with regard to calculating the directions of the world based …
Wherever You Go, That's where You'll Be Eruvin 55 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 2nd, 2020
רָבָא אָמַר: ״לֹא בַשָּׁמַיִם הִיא״ — לֹא תִּמָּצֵא בְּמִי שֶׁמַּגְבִּיהַּ דַּעְתּוֹ עָלֶיהָ כַּשָּׁמַיִם, וְלֹא תִּמָּצֵא בְּמִי שֶׁמַּרְחִיב דַּעְתּוֹ עָלֶיהָ כַּיָּם. Expounding the verse differently, Rava said: “It is not in heaven” means that Torah is not to be found in som …
Be a Patient Teacher Eruvin 54 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 2nd, 2020
רַבִּי פְּרִידָא הֲוָה לֵיהּ הָהוּא תַּלְמִידָא דַּהֲוָה תָּנֵי לֵיהּ אַרְבַּע מְאָה זִימְנֵי וְגָמַר. יוֹמָא חַד בַּעְיוּהּ לְמִלְּתָא דְמִצְוָה. תְּנָא לֵיהּ וְלָא גְּמַר. Having discussed the importance of reviewing one’s Torah study, the Gemara relates that Rabbi Perida had a certain …
Without Safety There is No Intimacy Kesuvos 88 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 2nd, 2022
What are some of the psychological functions of the kesuba? We saw earlier in Psychology of the Daf (Kesuvos 82) that financial security is important for the woman to feel safe in the marriage. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph considers that a special allowance is made for a widow in that she can collect payment of her kesuba from her husband’s possessions even if he is not present. Or as discussed on 84a, the ability of the widow to collect …
Religion Without Resentment Kiddushin 50 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 2nd, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses that when someone prefers to bring an offering, if he wants to reneg, the Jewish court compels him to fulfill his pledge. However, since the verse (Vayikra 1:3) implies that it is brought with his will and intention, we force him until he verbalizes that he is “agreeing” and “wants” to bring the sacrifice. This is an interesting psychological domain of religious worship. On the one hand, …
Seeing Ourselves Reflected in Others Bava Basra 99 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 2nd, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud aleph discusses contradictory verses regarding where the Cherubs on the Holy Ark faced, acting as a bellwether of God’s pleasure or disappointment with the Jewish nation: How were the cherubs standing? Rabbi Yoḥanan and Rabbi Elazar disagree about this. One says: Their faces were turned one toward the other. And one says: Their faces were turned toward the House, i.e., the Sanctuary. The Gemara asks: But ac …
The Rambam Diet Eruvin 83 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 30th, 2020
The Rambam Diet דכתיב והעומר עשירית האיפה הוא מכאן אמרו שבעה רבעים קמח ועוד חייבת בחלה שהן ששה של ירושלמית שהן חמשה של ציפורי The Gemara responds: The Torah states that the manna, the dough of the wilderness, was “an omer a head” (Exodus 16:16). A later verse elaborates on that measure, as it is written: “And an omer is the tenth part of an …
Don’t Rush a Child to Grow Up Eruvin 82 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 30th, 2020
Eruvin 82 ותנן נמי גבי סוכה כי האי גוונא קטן שאין צריך לאמו חייב בסוכה And we also learned a similar halakha in a mishna with regard to a sukka: A child who does not need his mother is obligated in the mitzvah of sukkah by rabbinical law, so that he will be trained in the observance of mitzvot. והוינן בה ואיזהו קטן שאין צריך לאמו אמרי דבי רבי ינאי כל שנ …
The Silent Treatment Nedarim 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 30th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes various oaths people make, apparently in anger to forswear social contact with another person. Silent Treatment is a human behavior that has been used throughout history to express discontent and shun others. Let us study this phenomenon. According to researchers Agarwal and Prakash (“Psychological Costs and Benefits of Using Silent Treatment”, Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Science Vol …
The Power of Repair Kiddushin 78 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 30th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis references the principle that only kings from the Davidic lineage were granted the privilege of sitting in the courtyard of the Temple. Most rishonim hold that this is a Torah law (halakha Lemoshe Misinai, see Rashi Sanhedrin 101b), and no other prominent figure is granted this same privilege. The simple explanation is that a divinely ordained monarchy symbolizes God's glory on Earth and, as such, deserves a similar degree …
Alternate Halachic Universe Bava Basra 127 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 30th, 2024
On our daf, we observe the great respect held for the concept of inheritance, particularly in regard to the firstborn. While generally, a person may stipulate whatever he pleases concerning his property, the restrictions are stricter regarding the firstborn’s inheritance. This is evident in the sugyos of the previous and upcoming dappim. For example, a father has the special power to identify his firstborn, waiving ordinary evidentiary requ …
Rosh Hashanah 23 Blues Moon Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 31st, 2021
Our Gemara and Mishna on Amud Beis tells us that the superfluous pairs of witnesses for the new moon were still asked questions about what they observed in order that they not feel unappreciated, and they came for no reason. The Gemara uses the phrase כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא יֵצְאוּ בְּפַחֵי נֶפֶשׁ, that the witnesses should not leave disappointed. How do we translate פחי נפש? From the context of several Gemaras, fo …
Completely Human and Incomplete Nedarim 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 31st, 2022
Honest acceptance of a limitation brings a person closer to transcending the limitation than stubbornly denying that there is one. On a psychological level this is because we cannot work and grow to the fullest extent if we defensively deny the problem. On a spiritual level, when we take things as far as we can, and then we give it over to God, He will close the gaps for us. But if we just keep thinking, “I’m f …
Maternal and Paternal Attachment Kiddushin 79 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 31st, 2023
In our Gemara on Amud Beis, there's an intriguing phrase used to describe young children's attachment to their mother: כרוכים אחריה, which I would translate as "wrapped up with her and following behind her." Rashi here employs a word that literally translates as attached, נדבקין. The Gemara in Shabbos (141b) uses a different idiom to describe paternal attachment: געגועים, which translates as "pinings or longings" and is li …
Repentance or Return? Bava Basra 128 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 31st, 2024
Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses a situation in which a witness observed an event while mentally competent, then lost his sanity, and later returned to compos mentis. One might think that since there was a period when his thinking was compromised, even if he seems restored, perhaps some aspect of his memory or thought remains distorted. This could be compared to reassembling a complex piece of machinery and finding a few parts left over on the …
Beitzah 34 Completely Faithful Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 3rd, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis considers oneg shabbos, the delight of shabbos to be an essential factor even so far as making unprocessed produce considered complete and obligated in maaser, when ordinarily it would be considered exempt. The Shita Mekubetzes explains that the gravitas of shabbos itself, and that you are choosing to enjoy it on shabbos, somehow makes the produce complete even if not actually fully processed. This corresponds well w …
Emotional Amnesty Kesuvos 89 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 3rd, 2022
Our Gemara on amud aleph mentions the institution of Prosbol. Since this year many have written prosbols on erev Rosh Hashanah, I thought reflect on this remarkable takanna. In a magnificent utopia blend between capitalism and socialism, the Torah accepts fair trade and commerce but also places certain limits to protect people from sinking into irrevocable poverty. The Torah asks that creditors forgive debts at the end of the Shemitta …
Knowledge Versus Wisdom Kiddushin 51 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 3rd, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an interlude where a sage, named Bar Ahina, explained to Rava how a certain law is derived from a verse. Apparently, this Bar Ahina had a knack for noticing scriptural derivations as we see in a different Gemara (Sotah 39b) that once again, Bar Ahina helps Rava understand a scriptural derivation. Akeidas Yitschok (65:1) uses this relationship as an object lesson from the dictum, “Who is a wise man? O …
King Sized Desires Bava Basra 100 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 3rd, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the right of a king to appropriate passageways through private property: The Mishna teaches: A king’s thoroughfare has no maximum measure. The Gemara explains: This is because the halakha is that a king may breach (poretz) the fence of an individual in order to create a thoroughfare for himself, and none may protest his actions. The Hebrew word for this domain expansion is “poretz” …
Beitzah 35 A Nagging Problem in Marriage Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 4th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the halakhic status of water dripping into a house from a leaky roof, and if it is permitted to put a pot underneath it to collect the drippings. You sort of can imagine this man’s wife begging him to get the roof fixed before Yom Tov, and him procrastinating. While we are on the subject of leaky roofs and nagging, let us take a look at what Mishley has to say about this: משלי כ״ז:טו דֶּ֣לֶף …
Blessings in de Skies Kesuvos 91 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 4th, 2022
How do you assign value to something that is priceless? As the saying goes though, the best things in life are free. As we discussed in yesterday’s daf, the kesubas benin dichrin is a circumvention of Torah inheritance law designed to encourage the father of the bride to give generous dowries. We also discussed that they only allowed the Kesubas Benin Dichrin clause to be activated when there would be at least one dinar left from the estate …
Inherited Difficulties Kesuvos 90 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 4th, 2022
Inheritances are serious business and no parents want their children to squabble about their yerusha. Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the institution of Kesubas Benin Dichrin, which is a rabbinic enactment designed to protect the mother’s familial assets. The rabbis established a rule that the woman’s kesuba and accompanying Nedunya (dowry) shall go to her sons, and not any step brothers should the husband remarry. There …
Memory vs. Analytical Skills Kiddushin 52 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 4th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us an interesting story about Rabbi Yehuda’s reaction to Rabbi Meir’s students: The Sages taught: After the death of Rabbi Meir, Rabbi Yehuda said to his students: Do not let the students of Rabbi Meir enter here into our house of study, because they are vexatious [kanteranim]. And they do not come to study Torah, but rather they come to overwhelm me with halakhos. Sumakhos, a student of Rabbi Meir, pushe …
Buried Feelings Bava Basra 102 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 4th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph and Tosafos discuss the restrictions on disinterring and disturbing the dead. There are various reasons offered for this prohibition. The Gemara later on (154a) implies that exposing the decomposed body to viewing eyes is disrespectful of the body, and the person who once occupied it. Gesher Chaim (26:10), based on a Yerushalmi, rules that even if the body is fully decomposed and so there is no rot, it is inherentl …
Spiritual Standstill Bava Basra 101 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 4th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tries to figure out how to properly allocate and position the number of graves described in the Mishna, and reconcile it within the stated dimensions of this space. One idea that was considered was that some bodies were buried standing up. The Gemara firmly rejects this as absurd, since this would be a disgraceful manner to lay a corpse. The Gemara declares: This is like a burial of donkeys and is disrespectful. &nb …
Beitzah 36 The Crushing Price of Indecision Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us an interesting halakhic story about Abaye and his Rebbe Rabbah: The Gemara relates: Abaye’s millhouse once developed a leak on Shabbat. Abaye was concerned about the potential damage to the millstones, which were made partly of clay and which would become ruined from the leaking water, and he did not have enough buckets to catch all the water without emptying and refilling them. But the water was unfit fo …
Great People and Great Errors Kiddushin 63 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the injunction from Devarim (23:16): לֹא־תַסְגִּ֥יר עֶ֖בֶד אֶל־אֲדֹנָ֑יו אֲשֶׁר־יִנָּצֵ֥ל אֵלֶ֖יךָ מֵעִ֥ם אֲדֹנָֽיו "You shall not turn over to the master a slave who seeks refuge with you from that master." Although our Gemara darshens this verse differently, halakhically speaking, this verse is interpreted as a prohibition against returning a …
Proto-Torah Observance by the Ancients Kiddushin 62 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis rules that conversion to Judaism requires a Bais Din of three Jewish judges. Conversion without this criterion is not valid. The Gemara (Sotah 12b) tells us that when the daughter of Pharaoh went to the Nile to bathe, she also wanted to cleanse herself of her family's idolatrous practices. We can either understand this to be how she merited to be the adoptive mother of Moshe, or she intuited that a holy destiny awaited her …
Beyond Forgiveness: The Power of Repentance Kiddushin 61 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2023
Our Gemara on amud beis raises various proofs to Rabbi Meir's position that legal conditions for them to be binding must have both the positive and negative clause enumerated. Thus, one must state, "If you do X, then I will grant Y." The Gemara raises a question from the verse where God instructs Cain (Bereishis 4:7): הֲל֤וֹא אִם־תֵּיטִיב֙ שְׂאֵ֔ת וְאִם֙ לֹ֣א תֵיטִ֔יב לַפֶּ֖תַח חַטָּ֣א …
Complementarity and Stability in Relationships Kiddushin 60 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses a metaphor to explain a structured legal process, likening it to a row of interleaved bricks. Rashi explains that in a wall of bricks, the second row is staggered so that the end points of each brick in the first row come out in the middle of bricks in the second row. This arrangement enhances stability. Otherwise, if a first brick on the wall's edge becomes loose, it could lead to the entire vertical row of first br …
Effort versus Trust in God Kiddushin 59 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the halakhic and moral injunctions against jumping the line and grabbing an item that another person resolved to acquire. A person who does so is labeled as wicked. Tosafos raises a contradiction based on a teaching in Bava Metzi’a (10a), where we learn that if someone sees a presumably ownerless object and falls upon it to acquire it, while another actually grabs it with his hands and acquires it. The hal …
The Tiniest Unquantified Amount of Spirituality Kiddushin 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2023
Our Gemara on amud beis discusses the dictum of Shmuel, which states that in order to release the obligation of Terumah from produce (which is forbidden to eat prior to taking off the Terumah, known as Tevel), even setting aside one grain of wheat for Terumah is sufficient. (Although the Rabbis required 1/60-1/40 as an appropriate gift to the Cohen.) The idea that a small grain of sanctification can accomplish so much becomes a launching point fo …
With Privilege Comes Responsibility Kiddushin 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2023
In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, Rabbi Akiva's renowned derasha asserts that when the Torah adds ״את״ (es) to the commandment ״אֶת ה׳ אֱלֹהֶיךָ תִּירָא״, it obligates us to fear Torah sages as we fear God. The statement of Rabbi Akiva is that “Es”, comes to add an obligation to fear Torah sages as one fears God. Translating "es" into English is challenging, but it signifies an association, even when it seems obv …
Mixed Motives Kiddushin 56 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2023
Our Gemara in Amud Beis uses a derash to derive that mixed species in the vineyard are forbidden to benefit from. בְּכִלְאֵי הַכֶּרֶם מְנָלַן? אָמַר חִזְקִיָּה: אָמַר קְרָא: ״פֶּן תִּקְדַּשׁ״ – פֶּן תּוּקַד אֵשׁ. From where do we derive that one is prohibited from deriving benefit from diverse kinds in a vineyard? Ḥizkiyya said: The verse states: “You s …
Extralegal and Legal Actions and Intentions Kiddushin 55 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis considers the moral and halakhic dilemma of what to do if by violating a minor prohibition, one can accomplish a great merit. Our Gemara discusses the case of an animal found in Yerushalayim, which is assumed to have been dedicated for a sacrifice. Since it is of unknown designation, it cannot be brought as is on the altar, as each sacrifice has different procedures. Redeeming a non-blemished animal is forbidden, but the t …
Avoiding Obsessing Over Mitzvos Kiddushin 54 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2023
In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, we encounter a compelling argument regarding the use of Temple vestments by a Cohen for personal purposes. The Gemara boldly states: "שֶׁלֹּא נִיתְּנָה תּוֹרָה לְמַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁרֵת." "The Torah was not given to the ministering angels." That is to say, since it would be impossible to calculate the precise moment when the service was finished, expecting the Cohen to immediatel …
Don't Hog a Mitzvah Kiddushin 53 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that the modest Cohanim would not enter the fray to grab a portion of the Lechem Hapanim, despite it being a mitzvah to eat. On a practical halakhic level, this teaching is used as a source and reminder that it does not bring honor to a mitzvah if you fight over it, as we can see in Baer Heytev OC 53:27. However, is this teaching so clear-cut? The Gemara (Yoma 39a) provides more detail to the story: In the times …
Unnatural Responses to Natural Temptations Kiddushin 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that if one successfully overcomes a particular temptation to sin, they will merit miraculous salvation. Ben Yehoyada explains that this is "Middah K'neged Middah," a measure for measure response from God. In other words, if we, as individuals, choose to forgo immediate gratification of our natural desires and drives for a higher spiritual purpose, God reciprocates by suspending natural laws and granting u …
Unburdened Kiddushin 31 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph recounts the famous story of Dama Ben Nesina, serving as an object lesson for the extent to which one should go to honor one's parents. The rabbis visited Dama to purchase precious gems for the Cohen Gadol's breastplate. Unfortunately, the key to the chest containing the gems was safely tucked under his sleeping father's head. Despite being offered an exorbitant sum, Dama refused to wake his father, apparently believing t …
Unqualified Love Eruvin 58 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 6th, 2020
תַּנְיָא, אָמַר רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן חֲנַנְיָא: אֵין לְךָ שֶׁיָּפֶה לִמְדִידָה יוֹתֵר מִשַּׁלְשְׁלָאוֹת שֶׁל בַּרְזֶל, אֲבָל מַה נַּעֲשֶׂה שֶׁהֲרֵי אָמְרָה תּוֹרָה: ״וּבְיָדוֹ חֶבֶל מִדָּה״. It was taught in a baraita that Rabbi Yehoshua ben Ḥananya said: You have not …
Beitzah 37 The Full Benefits Package Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 6th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis draws a distinction between an animal shared by two individuals and a barrel of wine. Each partner may take a portion of the contents of the barrel up to his limit of the techum boundary without being bound by his partner’s techum boundary. Yet partners in an animal cannot do so, and each is bound by the other’s limit. What is the reason for this distinction? The Gemara explains that a live animal cannot be div …
Grievous Grievances Kesuvos 92 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 6th, 2022
We know the Jews in the wilderness complained quite a bit. Did they have justification for doing so? Our Gemara on Amud describes a scenario where Reuven sold a field to Shimon with a stipulation that he will bear no responsibility if a prior creditor comes with a lien on the field and repossesses it. If that occurs, there is a question as to whether Reuven could offer claims in the court case as co-defendant, since essentially he is not a Baal D …
Playing the Field Bava Basra 103 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 6th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the verse that describes the Biblically mandated process of redeeming a field that one declared hekdesh (consecrating it for the Temple treasury). It is redeemed according to a standardized scale of fifty shekels of silver per an area fit to sow a ḥomer of barley. Mei HaShiloach (Volume II, Leviticus, Bechukosai) wonders about the purpose of this process. Why would the Torah enshrine a process of the owner …
Studies in Futility Eruvin 59 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 7th, 2020
אֲמַר לֵיהּ רַב נַחְמָן: מַאי טַעְמָא? אִילֵּימָא מִשּׁוּם דִּשְׁכִיחִי גַּבֵּי הַרְמָנָא, מַדְכְּרִי אַהֲדָדֵי — כּוּלְּהוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל נָמֵי בְּצַפְרָא דְּשַׁבְּתָא שְׁכִיחִי גַּבֵּי הֲדָדֵי. אֶלָּא אָמַר רַב נַחְמָן: כְּגוֹן דִּיס …
Beitzah 38 Ridicule or Rejoicing? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 7th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph and Beis tells us of an incident where When Rabbi Abba ascended from Babylonia to Eretz Yisrael, he said: May it be God’s will that I say a statement of halakha that will be accepted by my listeners in Eretz Yisrael, so that I will not be put to shame. In the end, his statements were ridiculed as not being analytically sound. The Chasam Sofer says Rabbi Abba’s prayer was not granted, as it was with …
Shuda Be The Right Choice Kesuvos 94 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 7th, 2022
How useful is intuition according to Torah philosophy? Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a dispute about two property deeds of sale both with the same date. In such situations where the law is in gridlock, that is there is no reasonable way to resolve a litigation, the Beis Din responds in various ways, depending on factors that we will not discuss in depth right now. The judges may declare that the assets in question be divided equally, which o …
Even God Says Please Kesuvos 93 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 7th, 2022
Since God can do anything but also gives humans free will to make moral choices, we may surmise that He chooses to let us choose. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses acquisition of real estate by walking along the borders of the property. There is a discussion amongst the Rishonim (see Rashi and Tosafos) about the precise nature of this demonstration of ownership. Regardless, there is a Biblical precedent in Hashem’s invitation to Avraham to …
How to Study Contradictions Bava Basra 104 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 7th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses how to resolve discrepancies in the statements of a seller, where the seller’s first clause indicates approximation, and the second clause indicates specificity, or vice versa. For example, if the seller says to the buyer: “I am selling you a plot of land of a certain size measured precisely with a rope more or less”, thereby attaching to the sale two contradictory stipulations. Or if the seller …
The Anthropology of Pre-Literate Cultures and it's Relation to Mishna Eruvin 60 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 8th, 2020
Eruvin 60 אֲמַר לֵיהּ אַבָּיֵי לְרַב יוֹסֵף: הָא דְּרַבִּי יִצְחָק, גְּמָרָא אוֹ סְבָרָא? אֲמַר לֵיהּ: מַאי נָפְקָא לַן מִינַּהּ? אֲמַר לֵיהּ: גְּמָרָא גְּמוֹר, זְמוֹרְתָּא תְּהֵא?! Abaye said to Rav Yosef: Is that ruling of Rabbi Yitzḥak based on oral tradition or his own logic? Rav Yosef said to him: What …
Beitzah 40 Absent Mindedness and Relationships Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 8th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a particular sage, Rav Chana bar Chanilai who was so involved in his studies, that Rav Huna told him his meat was more prone to being under the ban of unknown meat because he would not pay attention to where it was placed and therefore may have been switched with Non Kosher meat. In essence, with all due kavod, Rav Chana bar Chanilai was being called absent-minded. The absent-minded processor archetype is indeed …
Beitzah 39 All’s Well that Ends Well? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 8th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the wells made for the people from Babylonia who would use them when ascending to Israel for the festivals. These wells are discussed as well in Mishna Nedarim 5:5 and Gemara Bava Kama 50a. The Gemara over there in Bava Kama tells us an interesting story about a sage who was famous for maintaining and digging these wells as a public service: Having mentioned the deeds of Neḥunya, the Gemara relates that the …
Contradictions, Truth and Insults Bava Basra 105 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 8th, 2024
Continuing our study of the Gemara’s approach to contradictory statements, let us review the dispute between Ben Nanes and the Sages. If there is a discrepancy in the statements of a seller, where their first clause indicates approximation, and the second clause indicates specificity, or vice versa, Ben Nanes holds that we follow his last statement and the Sages hold that we choose the more conservative meaning within the contradiction. Tha …
Do not be a Perfectionist in your Studies Eruvin 67 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 9th, 2020
רַב חִסְדָּא וְרַב שֵׁשֶׁת כִּי פָּגְעִי בַּהֲדֵי הֲדָדֵי — רַב חִסְדָּא מִרַתְעָן שִׂיפְווֹתֵיהּ מִמַּתְנְיָיתָא דְּרַב שֵׁשֶׁת, וְרַב שֵׁשֶׁת מִרְתַע כּוּלֵּיהּ גּוּפֵיהּ מִפִּלְפּוּלֵיהּ דְּרַב חִסְדָּא. The Gemara relates that when Rav Ḥisda and …
Analytic Learners vs. Dynamic Learners Eruvin 66 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 9th, 2020
Eruvin 66 תָּהֵי בַּהּ רַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר. Rabbi Elazar wondered at Rabbi Yoḥanan’s ruling that the Sages had acted well when they rented the gentile’s property on Shabbat and then they renounced their rights to that one, so that at least it would be permitted to use the courtyard. Tosafos Kesuvos 2b וכל אמורא היה תופס לשונו כמו מגדף בה ר' אבהו (סנהדרין ג: …
If you only pray when you’re in trouble, you’re in trouble Eruvin 65 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 9th, 2020
אָמַר רַב חִיָּיא בַּר אָשֵׁי אָמַר רַב: כֹּל שֶׁאֵין דַּעְתּוֹ מְיוּשֶּׁבֶת עָלָיו אַל יִתְפַּלֵּל, מִשּׁוּם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״בְּצָר אַל יוֹרֶה״. רַבִּי חֲנִינָא בְּיוֹמָא דְּרָתַח לָא מְצַלֵּי, אָמַר: ״בְּצָר אַל יוֹרֶה״ כְּתִיב. מָר עוּקְבָא …
Non-Toxic Intoxication Eruvin 64 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 9th, 2020
אָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר שְׁמוּאֵל: שָׁתָה רְבִיעִית יַיִן — אַל יוֹרֶה. אָמַר רַב נַחְמָן: לָא מְעַלְּיָא הָא שְׁמַעְתָּא, דְּהָא אֲנָא כֹּל כַּמָּה דְּלָא שָׁתֵינָא רְבִיעֵתָא דְּחַמְרָא — לָא צִילָא דַּעְתַּאי. However, Rav Naḥman did not give his a …
Intimacy is not just Sexuality Eruvin 63 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 9th, 2020
אָמַר רַב בְּרוֹנָא אָמַר רַב: כׇּל הַיָּשֵׁן בְּקִילְעָא שֶׁאִישׁ וְאִשְׁתּוֹ שְׁרוּיִין בָּהּ, — עָלָיו הַכָּתוּב אוֹמֵר: ״נְשֵׁי עַמִּי תְּגָרְשׁוּן מִבֵּית תַּעֲנוּגֶיהָ״. With regard to the neglect of the commandment of procreation, Rav Beruna said that Rav said: Whoever sleeps in …
Make Intentional Space for Holiness in Your Life Eruvin 62 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 9th, 2020
וְאָמַר רַבִּי חִיָּיא בַּר אַבָּא אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: בֶּן נֹחַ נֶהֱרָג עַל פָּחוֹת מִשָּׁוֶה פְּרוּטָה, וְלֹא נִיתָּן לְהִשָּׁבוֹן. And Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Abba said that Rabbi Yoḥanan said: A Noahide, i.e., a gentile who stole is executed for his crime, according to the laws applying to Noahides, even if he stole less t …
Home Team Advantage Myth or Reality? Eruvin 61 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 9th, 2020
כִּי אֲתָא רַב דִּימִי אָמַר: טַטְרוֹגֵי מְטַטְרְגִי לְהוּ בְּנֵי גָדֵר לִבְנֵי חַמָּתָן, וּמַאי ״הִתִּיר״ — הִתְקִין. The Gemara relates that when Rav Dimi came from Eretz Yisrael to Babylonia, he said: This ruling was issued not due to their respective Shabbat limits, but rather because the residents of Geder would assault [metatreg] …
Independence versus Interdependence Kesuvos 96 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 9th, 2022
Even though it is not good to be a burden on others, in close relationships, being able to receive kindness and service is a part of the relationship. People want to feel needed and want to have the opportunity to give to those whom they love or regard. Sometimes, resistance to love and intimacy hides behind false piety. It can be a kindness to also accept, not just to give. Our Gemara on amud aleph tells us: אָמַר ר …
Forced Interpretation Kesuvos 95 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 9th, 2022
When coerced, especially those in fear, may lie or be evasive. It is not because they are inherently dishonest people. Rather, the typical human response to fearful aggression is passive aggression. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses situations where certain legal transactions, though done in a manner that would ordinarily indicate sufficient intent, are rendered non-binding if the rabbis believed that the wife was under emotional coercion …
Hitting Bottom Kesuvos 85 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 9th, 2022
Humans constantly bargain with forces of nature and truths that aren’t really interested or responsive to our bids. A colleague of mine, Dr. Norman Blumenthal has famously remarked, “People do not come to me for change. Instead they are (falsely) hoping that I can help them find a trick to alleviate the difficulties without having to change a darn thing.” Our Gemara on Amud Aleph described the act of rowing as “mimlach mel …
Putting the Jew in Jewelry Kesuvos 63 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 9th, 2022
On this daf we hear about the great sacrifices that Rochel made to support her husband the famous Rabbi Akiva in his study of Torah. As the well-known story goes, Rabbi Akiva was unlettered and unlearned but Rochel saw great character and potential in him. She married him even though her wealthy father disowned her and she endured 24 years of poverty while her husband studied Torah abroad. When she finally sees her husband she throws herself at h …
Letting Go of Control and Inviting God In Bava Basra 106 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 9th, 2024
Our Gemara references the biblical process by which the different portions of the land Israel was allotted to the tribes via a lottery. There is this theological idea that using a lottery can somehow bring out divine intention and messages. Let us try to understand how this might work. There are a number of times where a lottery is used by Biblical figures to tap into divine guidance. For example, Yehoshua used it to help deter …
Martyr Matters Eruvin 32 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 10th, 2020
Eruvin 32 בְּמַאי קָמִיפַּלְגִי? רַבִּי סָבַר: נִיחָא לֵיהּ לְחָבֵר דְּלֶעֱבֵיד הוּא אִיסּוּרָא קַלִּילָא וְלָא לֶיעֱבֵד עַם הָאָרֶץ אִיסּוּרָא רַבָּה. וְרַבָּן שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל סָבַר: נִיחָא לֵיהּ לְחָבֵר דְּלֶיעֱבֵד עַם הָאָרֶץ אִיסּו …
Beitzah 12 Don’t Blow Off Shabbos Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 10th, 2021
On Daf 43 of Succos we discussed some of the factors behind the strange practice of not blowing shofar on Rosh Hashana, and that the official reason of lest one carry seems to be only a surface level explanation. Further in support that the official reason of fear of carrying is not sufficient, The Yismach Moshe (Emor 14) cites our Gemara where it is suggested that Bais Shammai could hold that carrying in a public domain is forbidden …
Beitzah 11 Every Jew Has One Special Mitzvah Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 10th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that we cannot assume that a dove will return to its coop if it does not have a line of sight, even if it is within 50 amos. Thus, even a close-by coop that was around the corner, would not attract the Dove back to its nest. The language of this Gemara is too redolent of derash to be ignored. The Ishbitzer (Beis Yaakov Vayechi 26), citing this Gemara, compares the dove to a Tzaddik, and says that a Tzaddik …
Nipping Quarrels in the Bud Kiddushin 28 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 10th, 2023
In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, there's a crucial warning regarding the consequences of labeling a fellow Jew a "Rasha" (evil person): הָהוּא שַׁמּוֹתֵי מְשַׁמְּתִינַן לֵיהּ! דְּתַנְיָא: הַקּוֹרֵא לַחֲבֵירוֹ…. ״רָשָׁע״ – יוֹרֵד עִמּוֹ לְחַיָּיו! One who calls another a "wicked person" allows the insulted person to harass them in all aspects of l …
Money Can’t Buy Everything Bava Basra 77 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 10th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis rules that ein matbeya nikneh be-chalifin coinage cannot be acquired via chalifin (a legal symbol exchange of a minor object, that in Jewish law, affirms an agreement or acquisition of property or goods.) We can intuitively understand why this might be so. Money is symbolic, especially paper money, as it has no intrinsic worth. In ancient times, when a precious metal was used, there was some actual value to the coin, based …
The Principle of Opposites Enantiodromia Eruvin 33 & 34 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 11th, 2020
רְשׁוּת הַיָּחִיד עוֹלָה עַד לָרָקִיעַ, וְכִי הֵיכִי דְּסָלְקָא לְעֵיל, הָכִי נָמֵי דְּנָחֲתָא לְתַחַת. וְאֶלָּא דְּקָאֵי בִּרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּים. it is obvious, for the private domain ascends to the sky, and just as it ascends upward, so too, it descends downward to the bottom of the pit, even if it is more than ten hand …
Grandiose Charity Kesuvos 67 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 11th, 2022
When is it permitted to have ulterior motives along with a mitzvah? Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the tragic ending of Nakdimon Ben Gurion who was immensely wealthy, but became impoverished. The Gemara wonders what could he gave done to suffer such a fate when he gave abundantly to tzeddakah? One answer given is that he did the mitzvah in order to aggrandize himself. Maharsha asks, did we not learn in Rosh Hashanah (4 …
Going Against the Tide Kiddushin 29 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 11th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph enumerates various obligations upon a father toward his son, including teaching him to swim. Rav Elyashiv (Divrei Aggadah, Devarim 14:9) asks, "Why did the rabbis specifically choose swimming when there must be many other hazards and skills to learn? Why not Mathematics to avoid being cheated or Self-defense in case of bandits?" Rav Elyashiv suggests that the Gemara chose swimming because of a double entendre. He explains …
The Psychology of Intuition and Rashi Bava Basra 78 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 11th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes a certain saddle used for women, known as a Kumni, which presumably functioned in a manner that allowed a woman to ride side-saddle and more modestly. This brings to mind the famous Rashi (Shemos 28:4) that describes the form of the Ephod. The Ephod was one of the garments that the high priest wore, composed of cloth and had the breastplate attached to it. Apparently, there is no explicit teaching about wh …
Beitzah 13 Happily Ever After? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 12th, 2021
The Gemara on Amud Beis tells us that Rav’s and Rav Chiyya’s wife would prepare cups of peeled barley grains for their husbands. The Gemara cites this as a proof that such an amount is not considered too large as to be processing the food for later instead of impromptu eating on the spot. When it is impromptu, certain leniencies apply in regard to preparing food for Yom Tov, as well as leniencies in tithing. Since Rav Chiyya was …
God’s Long Hand for the Handicapped Kesuvos 68 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 12th, 2022
Sometimes it’s frustrating when you encounter a beggar who claims to be suffering from various mishaps illnesses and misfortunes, but you wonder if he or she might be faking. It is a Torah violation to turn down a beggar (Devarim 15:7, Shulkhan Arukh YD 247:1), yet sometimes your gut tells you, “This is a scam”. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the situation of the beggar who fakes his illness in order to inspire more generosi …
Reading Between the Lines Kiddushin 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 12th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the number of letters in the Torah and reports that the letter vav in the word גחון (Vayikra 11:42) is the midpoint of the Torah in terms of letters, and דרש דרש is the midpoint in terms of words (Vayikra 10:16). Since the word גחון has an even number of letters, the Gemara naturally inquires whether the letter vav belongs to the first half or the second half. Unable to resolve the question, the Ge …
Doing What He Wants Bava Basra 79 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 12th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses a play on words from a verse (Numbers 21:30) to describe the fate of the sinner who denies that God will hold him accountable: ונשים עד־נפח אשר עד־מידבא We have wrought desolation at Nophah, which is by Medva The name of this place, Medva, also is a pun indicating that God will eventually bring justice and “do as He pleases.” (“Ad De-Baiy”, in Aramaic means “w …
Loyalty Binds Eruvin 35 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 13th, 2020
מַתְנִי׳ נִתְגַּלְגֵּל חוּץ לַתְּחוּם, נָפַל עָלָיו גַּל אוֹ נִשְׂרַף, תְּרוּמָה וְנִטְמֵאת מִבְּעוֹד יוֹם — אֵינוֹ עֵירוּב. מִשֶּׁחָשֵׁיכָה — הֲרֵי זֶה עֵירוּב. MISHNA: If one’s eiruv rolled beyond the Shabbat limit, and he no longer has access to his eiruv since he may not go beyond his …
Beitzah 14 Blind Faith Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 13th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that Rav Sheshes was able to tell from the sound the pestle made, which substance was being grinded and the manner in which the pestle was being held. An additional factor not mentioned in this Gemara is that Rav Sheshes was blind (Berachos 58a), and so like many persons with some disabled sense, we may surmise that another sense takes over and compensates. Rav Sheshes’ hearing was stronger to augment …
Reading the Torah that is in Between the Lines Kesuvos 69 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 13th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph relates that Rav recorded a halakhic question in a letter of greeting, by inserting it between the lines or margins. Some commentaries explain that he did this because he wanted to limit the degree of permanence vested in the halakhic note, as he was reluctant to write down Oral Torah. (See Rashi and Maharam Schiff.) From early childhood, we are taught that the Torah comes in two forms: The Written Torah and t …
Are We Responsible for Triggering Another Person’s Insecurities? Bava Basra 81 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 13th, 2024
Our Gemara on amud beis reports that one sage rebuked another for asking him a question about a subject that he was not familiar with, as this causes unnecessary embarrassment. Rambam (Laws of Sales14:14) codifies this as a form of ona’as devarim hurtful speech. Magid Mishna (ibid) refers to our Gemara as the source. Sefer Chassidim (972) takes this moral sensitivity even further: If someone knows himself to be renowned as sharp-minded, he …
To Know, You Must Let Go Bava Basra 80 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 13th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the sale of pigeons produced from a dove coop: The buyer must leave the first pair of doves from the brood for the seller. The reason that an extra pair of doves must be left behind is to ensure that the first brood will not fly away. The Gemara also rules that the buyer must also leave a second pair from the brood of the children. The Gemara questions this logic: If the reason is that she is attached to her dau …
Spouse, Friend or Teacher? Eruvin 36 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 14th, 2020
רַבִּי יְהוּדָה אוֹמֵר אִם הָיָה אֶחָד מֵהֶן וְכוּ׳. וְרַבָּנַן — זִימְנִין דְּנִיחָא לֵיהּ בְּחַבְרֵיהּ טְפֵי מֵרַבֵּיהּ. We learned in the mishna that Rabbi Yehuda says: If one of the Sages was his teacher, he may go only to his teacher, as we can assume that this was his original intention. The Gemara asks: And what is the reaso …
Beitzah 15 Having Your Cake Lekovod Yom Tov, and Eating it Too Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 14th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis records a dispute between Rabbi Eliezer and Rabbi Yehoshua about the correct manner in which to celebrate Yom Tov: As it is taught in a baraita that Rabbi Eliezer says: A person has no way of fulfilling the mitzva of a Festival correctly apart from either eating and drinking, thereby fulfilling the mitzva of joy in a completely physical manner, or sitting and studying Torah, thereby emphasizing only the spiritual; and t …
Dying for Reassurance Kesuvos 70 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 14th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the principal of Mitzvah Lekayyem Divrei Hames, it is a mitzvah to follow he instructions and fulfill the wishes of the deceased. What is the reason for this principle? We might consider that it is for practical reasons, in order to effectuate the legal transfer of assets without complex kinyanim or contracts, since a person who is about to die may not have the time or tools to execute a proper will and te …
Things Are Not What They “Seam” Kiddushin 32 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 14th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us an interesting story about Rav Huna, who wanted to test his son and see how patient and respectful he could be, even when provoked. Rav Huna tore silk garments in front of his son to see if he would get angry. The Gemara asks a number of questions regarding the propriety of this challenge, but we will focus on one particular question and answer. The Gemara asks how it is permitted to tear a garment. Is this not a …
Tephiliphobia
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 15th, 2019
I have noticed a sociological psychological phenomenon amongst a segment of religious clients. Certain otherwise observant people do not lay tefillin. From anecdotal evidence, it occurs with greater frequency than other lapses. Individuals who otherwise observe kashrus, shabbos (even not using smartphones) still seem to have difficulty with tefillin. Logically, it is perplexing because tefillin as a mitzvah can be performed in approxi …
Turning Yourself Inside Out Psychology of the Daf Eruvin 37
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 15th, 2020
Eruvin 37 הָא וַדַּאי אִיפְּכָא תַּנְיָא, דְּקָתָנֵי סֵיפָא: וּמוֹדֶה רַבִּי יוֹסֵי בְּאוֹמֵר ״מַעֲשֵׂר שֶׁיֵּשׁ לִי בְּתוֹךְ בֵּיתִי יְהֵא מְחוּלָּל עַל סֶלַע חֲדָשָׁה שֶׁתַּעֲלֶה בְּיָדִי מִן הַכִּיס״ — שֶׁחִילֵּל. מִדְּקָאָמַר הָכָא שֶׁחִיל …
Beitzah 17 The Danger of Lying to Yourself Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 15th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us that there is a distinction and potential stringency in regard to someone who employs a trick to cook from one day of Yom Tov to the other versus one who intentionally cooks. If one cooks a number of items on day one of Yom Tov rationalizing that it is all for day one, knowing full well that he really is cooking for day two, the food is forbidden. Yet, despite this, the Gemara considers that if one intentionally v …
Beitzah 16 Give Someone’s Heart a Head’s Up Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 15th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph weighs the ethics of whether one is obligated to inform another of a gift that is being given: One who gives a gift to his friend need not inform him that he has given it to him, and he need not concern himself that the recipient might not realize who gave it to him. As it is stated: “And Moses did not know that the skin of his face was radiant” (Exodus 34:29); Moses received this gift unawares. The Gemara rai …
Self Deprecatory Comments Kesuvos 71 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 15th, 2022
There are times that the people we love say self-deprecating and critical remarks: “I am such an idiot”. What is the respectful thing to do? On the one hand, people do not like to be corrected and also want to be validated. On the other hand, it is risky to be quiet because the person may feel insulted, thinking, “So you agree that I am a fool.” And then, of course, sometimes the person really did somethi …
Giving Pregnant Women Their Due Kiddushin 34 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 15th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph questions the Mishna’s declaration of a general rule regarding women not being obligated in time-bound mitzvos: וּכְלָלָא הוּא? הֲרֵי מַצָּה, שִׂמְחָה, הַקְהֵל, דְּמִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה שֶׁהַזְּמַן גְּרָמָא, וְנָשִׁים חַיָּיבוֹת! וְתוּ: וַהֲרֵי תַּלְמוּד תּוֹרָה, פְּרִיָּה וּרְבִיָּה, …
The Beginning of Wisdom Kiddushin 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 15th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us why Rabbi Yochanan would stand up and honor a gentile, elderly person: רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן הֲוָה קָאֵי מִקַּמֵּי סָבֵי דְאַרְמָאֵי. אָמַר: כַּמָּה הַרְפַּתְקֵי עֲדוֹ עֲלַיְיהוּ דְּהָנֵי. רָבָא מֵיקָם לָא קָאֵי, הִידּוּר עָבֵד לְהוּ. Rabbi Yoḥanan himself would stand before Aramean, i. …
How Dishonest is Dishonest? Bava Basra 82 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 15th, 2024
Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the conundrum of declaring bikkurim and reciting the appropriate ritual, even if those particular offerings may not actually be first fruits: What is objectionable about reciting verses from the Torah even if they aren’t bikkurim? Rav Ashi said to him: The problem is due to the fact that this practice has the appearance of falsehood, because he issues a declaration before God that is possibly untrue …
Moments of Transition Daf Eruvin 38 Psychology of the
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 16th, 2020
Shemos 16:5 But on the sixth day, when they apportion what they have brought in, it shall prove to be double the amount they gather each day.” אגרא דכלה בשלח ל״ח או יאמר המשך הפסוקים. על פי מ"ש חכמי האמת וספרי המוסר בנידון התשובה, שיראה האדם להרהר בתשובה לעתותי ערב בזמן מנחה קודם שיחזור היום לנרתיקו, שאז יהיה …
A Chinuch Lacking in Promise Kesuvos 73 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 16th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the situation of a man marrying a woman and then discovering that she had many oaths which has an impact on their personal life. This may invalidate the marriage, as he can say, אי אפשי באשה נדרנית I did not want to marry a woman who is a serial oath maker. Aside from the basic burden of being liable for too many restrictions, Maor Vashemesh (Matos 8) suggests a more characterological p …
Immersed in a State of Fear Kesuvos 72 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 16th, 2022
Our Gemara and Mishna on Amud Aleph discusses certain breaches in the marriage that forfeits the woman’s right to her kesuba. One of these breaches are if the woman falsely pretended to not be a niddah, when in fact she was, leading to them having relations during a forbidden time. This phenomenon happens more often than people would like to believe. I have no statistics, but having the privilege of working with couples for 28 y …
No Refunds Bava Basra 83 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 16th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses various forms of overcharging and undercharging, and thresholds that would invalidate the sale. The Chofetz Chaim in Laws of Rechilus (9) discusses conditions under which it would be permitted to alert a purchaser who might have been taken advantage of by an unscrupulous merchant. One of the key criteria is that the disparaging information should serve a constructive and concrete purpose. Therefore, it would neve …
Bringing the House Down Eruvin 39 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 17th, 2020
אִי צוּרְבָּא מֵרַבָּנַן הוּא, אָמְרִינַן: שְׁמַעְתָּא מְשַׁכְתֵּיהּ. וְאִי עַם הָאָרֶץ הוּא, אָמְרִינַן: חַמְרָא אִירְכַס לֵיהּ. The Gemara explains: If he is a Torah scholar [tzurva merabbanan], we, the observers, would say: Perhaps his study pulled him, i.e., he was engrossed in his study and was not paying attention to where he …
Beitzah 19 The End is the Beginning Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 17th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us of a dispute between Rabbi Shimon and Rabbi Elazar, his son. When the verse (Devarim 16:16) describes the obligation of making a pilgrimage on the festival, the Gemara also reads an implied reference to the prohibition of delaying a pledged sacrifice (which is actually described in 23:22.) When the verse repeats Succos, after stating Pesach and Shavous, it is understood as redundant since the previous verses …
Beitzah 18 A Drop in the Bucket of Teshuva Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 17th, 2021
Our Gemara discusses the concept of Hashaka. Hashaka, which etymologically is related to both kissing (neshika) and drinking (lehaskos), is the idea that two containers of liquid can join globally as one item. That is to say, if you had water that was impure inside a vessel, if you submerged the vessel in a Mikvah just to the rim, where the water in the vessel and the water in the Mikvah are momentarily joined, the water now becomes part of the M …
The Importance of Honesty in Maintaining Civilization Kesuvos 74 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 17th, 2022
Our Gemara at the end of Amud Beis tells us that Rabbi Yehuda holds that an oath made in public cannot be annulled . His proof is from the Gibeonites, who fooled Yehoshua into thinking they were foreigners and refugees from a distant land, leading them to make an oath and treaty with them (see Yehoshua chapter 9). Even though it was done under false pretenses, at least according to Rabbi Yehuda, the main reason why Yehoshua honored the oath is th …
If You Believe That You Can Damage, Then Believe That You Can Fix Kiddushin 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 17th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the halakhic significance of female facial hair if it is considered like a beard. The matter is relevant regarding whether the laws of leprosy of the beard will apply to this area or the laws of skin leprosy, which have different criteria. The Gemara seems to consider the possibility that even though the verse explicitly includes female facial hair as part of the beard leprosy (Vayikra 13:29, "A man or woman who …
See Evil Through Rose Colored Glasses Bava Basra 84 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 17th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses that during the day, the Sun appears white, while in the morning and evening it has a reddish hue. What are the suggested causes? In the morning it becomes red as it passes over the site of the roses of the Garden of Eden, whose reflections give the light a red hue. In the evening the Sun turns red because it passes over the entrance of Gehenna, whose fires redden the light. And there are those who say th …
Haley's Comet and the Telescope Eruvin 42 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 18th, 2020
The Gemara quotes the machlokes Rabban Gamliel and Rabbi Elazar ben Azarya versus Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Yehoshua. This machlokes also was enacted in regard to a voyage that all four of them took together as reported in the Mishna 4:1 משנה עירובין ד׳:א׳ מִי שֶׁהוֹצִיאוּהוּ גוֹיִם אוֹ רוּחַ רָעָה, אֵין לוֹ אֶלָּא אַרְבַּע אַמּוֹת. הֶחֱזִירוּהוּ …
Staying Together for the Children Eruvin 41 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 18th, 2020
Eruvin 41 שְׁלֹשָׁה אֵין רוֹאִין פְּנֵי גֵיהִנָּם, אֵלּוּ הֵן: דִּקְדּוּקֵי עֲנִיּוּת, וְחוֹלֵי מֵעַיִין, וְהָרְשׁוּת. וְיֵשׁ אוֹמְרִים: אַף מִי שֶׁיֵּשׁ לוֹ אִשָּׁה רָעָה. The Gemara cites a related teaching: Three classes of people do not see the face of Gehenna, because the suffering that they bear in this wor …
Be an "Absorbent" Jew Eruvin 40 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 18th, 2020
לִבְרוֹךְ עֲלֵיהּ וְלַנְּחֵיהּ — הַמְבָרֵךְ צָרִיךְ שֶׁיִּטְעוֹם! לִיתְּבֵיהּ לְיָנוֹקָא — לֵית הִלְכְתָא כְּרַב אַחָא, דִּילְמָא אָתֵי לְמִסְרַךְ. And if you say that he should recite the blessing over a cup of wine and leave it and drink it only after the conclusion of Yom Kippur, this too is difficult …
One-Sided Unconditional Love Kiddushin 36 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 18th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph delves into the intricate relationship between God and the Jewish people, particularly when the latter stray from their divine path: תַנְיָא: ״בָּנִים אַתֶּם לַה׳ אֱלֹהֵיכֶם״, בִּזְמַן שֶׁאַתֶּם נוֹהֲגִים מִנְהַג בָּנִים – אַתֶּם קְרוּיִם בָּנִים, אֵין אַתֶּם נוֹהֲגִים מִנְהַג בָּנִים &nd …
Internal and External Battles Bava Basra 85 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 18th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph continues discussing rules of acquisitions. An animal that can be acquired by pulling it into an area that is in his possession, but not by merely pulling it into an area that is not under his ownership. Panim Yafos (Matos) uses this Halacha to explain an anomalous feature of the spoils of war from the Biblical battle with Midyan (Bamidbar 31). In other Biblical wars, the soldiers were allowed to keep the booty, unless de …
Beitzah 20 Same Old Story? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 19th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us a story about Hillel the elder who was confronted by the zealous students of Shammai on his way to bring an Olah sacrifice on Yom Tov. Now according to Hillel, one may bring an Olah sacrifice on Yom Tov, but according to Shammai at this point in the Gemara, one may only bring a Shelamim sacrifice. Unlike the Olah, a Sehlamim has meat that can be eaten and hence it is ochel nefesh, permitted food preparation on Yo …
Anti-Hero Kesuvos 75 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 19th, 2022
How far does loyalty go? Can you be married to a scoundrel but still see the good in him or her? Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a feminine tendency to make peace with, and even appreciate the qualities of a husband, in spite of him not appearing objectively to be a good catch. אַבָּיֵי אָמַר: דְּשׁוּמְשְׁמָנָא גַּבְרָא כּוּרְסְיַהּ בֵּי חָרָאתָא רָמֵי לַהּ. Abaye sai …
Pour on the Effort Kiddushin 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 19th, 2023
In our Gemara on Amud Beis, the discussion centers around whether the Jewish people in the wilderness were obligated to provide accompanying wine libations for their sacrifices, was required in the Temple. This inquiry seems to touch upon practicality, specifically the extent of effort the Torah expected from the Jews to procure wine for these libations in the harsh wilderness conditions. Indeed, though the Torah explicitly mentions that the Jews …
Getting Away with Murder Bava Basra 86 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 19th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the principle of Kim Ley Bederabbah Mineh. If one violates two prohibitions simultaneously, he is only liable for the more severe penalty of the two, but not both. For example: If one stole a wallet on shabbos but did not lift the purse but instead dragged it on the ground, exiting the private domain and going into a public domain, he is exempt from financial penalty. The prohibition of performing labor o …
Reality, What a Strange Concept Eruvin 24 Psychology of the Daf Rabbi Simcha Feuerman LCSW-R, DHL
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 1st, 2020
וַאֲמַר לֵיהּ רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: רַבִּי, שָׁנִיתָה לָנוּ: סַנְדָּל שֶׁנִּפְסְקָה אַחַת מֵאׇזְנָיו וְתִיקְּנָהּ — טָמֵא מִדְרָס. Rabbi Yoḥanan his student said to him: Master, you taught us that with regard to a sandal that became ritually impure by impurity imparted by the treading of a zav, and one of its ears, i.e., straps, bro …
Dirty Secrets Eruvin 23 Psychology of the Daf Rabbi Simcha Feuerman LCSW-R, DHL
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 1st, 2020
אָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה, דְּאָמַר קְרָא: ״אֹרֶךְ הֶחָצֵר מֵאָה בָאַמָּה וְרֹחַב חֲמִשִּׁים בַּחֲמִשִּׁים״. אָמְרָה תּוֹרָה: טוֹל חֲמִשִּׁים, וְסַבֵּב חֲמִשִּׁים. The Gemara answers: Rav Yehuda said: This is learned from the verse that stated: “The length of the courtyard shall be a hundred cubits, and the br …
Beitzah 2 Hurry Up and Wait Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 1st, 2021
Our Gemara on this Daf discusses the prohibition known in Lomdus as Hakhana De-Rabbah, that is the unique prohibition of passive preparation that Rabbah derives from the verses describing the preparation for Sabbath and the Manna in Shemos 16. Essentially, according to Rabbah, something prepared on a non-weekday for a holiday, such as on Yom Tov for shabbos the next day, or Shabbos for Yom Tov the next day, is forbidden. This applies even t …
Do Not Rush Development Kesuvos 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 1st, 2022
It is an important psychological principle that once a developmental window closes, it is much harder to re-open it. For example, there is an optimum time for toilet training, when the 2-3 year old shows interest in mastery over his or her body. If parents encourage this collaboratively, the child will enjoy meeting one of the first challenges in life — to renunciate instincts in favor of social status and competency. If t …
Self Sacrifice vs Self Preservation Kiddushin 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 1st, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph delves into the profound measures one must undertake to demonstrate respect and dignity towards their own slave: The passage continues: This means that there shall not be a situation in which you eat fine bread and he eats inferior bread [kibbar], bread from coarse flour mixed with bran, which is low quality. There shall not be a situation in which you drink aged wine and he drinks inferior new wine. There shall not be a …
Why Can’t You Just Move On? Kiddushin 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 1st, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph addresses the exemption of a minor from capital punishment, even when they are the offender in an adultery case. Tosafos pose the question of why there should even be a debate, since minors are generally exempt from punishments. Tosafos in Arakhin (3a, "Limutei") suggest another line of thought, contemplating whether even a minor should be executed due to "Kalon," which can be translated as "disgrace." What precedent do T …
Beware of Heavenly Bureaucracy Bava Basra 68 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 1st, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse in Iyov to prove the definition of a particular word known as “Shelachim”, which seems to be certain kinds of fields irrigated by water. Who gives rain upon the earth and sends [sholeaḥ] waters upon the fields” (Job 5:10) The Gemara (Ta’anis 10a) uses the same verse to draw a distinction between how the land of Israel is supported by rain versus other lands: Ere …
Beitzah 22 In the Dark About Modesty Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 20th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph asks whether it is permitted to extinguish a lamp on Yom Tov in order to have marital relations. What is the reason that it is considered important to extinguish the lamp before engaging in marital relations? It is considered to be improper and immodest to engage in sexual intercourse where the private parts of the body can be seen. This is codified in Shulkhan Arukh EH 25:5 and OH 240. This prohibition natura …
Beitzah 21 As the Crow Flies Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 20th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph records an interesting idiom used by Rav Huna in response to a question he did not want to answer. He told the person, “Look, a raven flies in the sky.” Rashi tells us that it was meant to distract the petitioner, presumably in the hopes that he would leave him alone as he was exhausted at that time from giving shiur and Torah study. Rabbenu Chananel explains that it was actually a criticism, suggesting …
Mum’s the Word Kesuvos 76 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 20th, 2022
As religions go, Judaism tends to be practical and avoids extreme asceticism, at least for the uninitiated. Even though marriage is not only about physical and sexual gratification, Judaism does not ignore the basic sensual and physical needs necessary to form and maintain a loving bond. Amud Beis discusses marrying and then later discovering a deal breaking blemish. While we are on this topic, Akeidas Yitschok (Chayei Sarah 16) asks a seri …
Adjustment Period Kiddushin 38 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 20th, 2023
The Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses how, on the day of Moses' passing, the Manna ceased, but the Jewish people continued to be sustained by the leftover Manna until the 16th of Nissan. Similarly, the Gemara mentions that the dough-cakes the Jews took from Egypt tasted like the Manna. Is the Gemara merely recounting historical events, or does it hold a deeper significance? Shem Mishmuel, in Shelach 10, offers an explanation that goes beyond histori …
The Truth that is in the Heart Bava Basra 88 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 20th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the extraordinary integrity of Rabbi Safrah. His standard of honesty was so high, that even if he only resolved in his mind to make a sale at a certain price, he would stick with his inner resolution, despite the buyer revealing that he would be willing to pay more. This kind of practice is considered one of many ways that a person “speaks the truth in his heart.” The idea of “speaking t …
Looking for an Opening Bava Basra 87 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 20th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the practice of making sure that no significant amount of liquid is left behind in the seller’s vessel, to be scrupulously honest: Anyone who sells wine, oil, or similar liquids is obligated, after he transfers the liquid into the buyer’s vessel, to drip for him three extra drops from the measure. There is also an aggadic instance of three drops in the Talmud (Menachos 29a): …
Joseph the Demon Eruvin 43 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 21st, 2020
תָּא שְׁמַע: הָנֵי שָׁב שְׁמַעְתָּא דְּאִיתְאַמְרָן בְּצַפְרָא בְּשַׁבְּתָא קַמֵּיהּ דְּרַב חִסְדָּא בְּסוּרָא, בַּהֲדֵי פַּנְיָא בְּשַׁבְּתָא קַמֵּיהּ דְּרָבָא בְּפוּמְבְּדִיתָא. The Gemara cites another proof: Come and hear a resolution from the incident involving the seven teachings that …
Beauty May be More than Skin Deep, But he Gets Under My Skin Kesuvos 77 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 21st, 2022
As we saw in Psychology of the Daf Kesuvos 75, the Gemara identifies a feminine quality of being able to find a husband attractive and even noble, despite glaring external and personal flaws. Yet it also is important to realize that this does not happen in a vacuum; she may be looking to find his good side but he also must endeavor to bring it out (see the Ben Yehoyada we quoted.) Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the Mishna that describes ce …
Your Special Mitzvah Kiddushin 39 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 21st, 2023
Our Mishna on Amud Beis presents a cryptic concept, highlighting the potential power of just one mitzvah: Anyone who performs one mitzvah has goodness bestowed upon him, his life is lengthened, and he inherits the land, i.e., life in the World-to-Come. And anyone who does not perform one mitzvah does not have goodness bestowed upon him, his life is not lengthened, and he does not inherit the land of the World-to-Come. The Gemara goes on to explai …
The Ends Justify the Means Eruvin 44 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 22nd, 2020
אִם הָיָה בְּתוֹךְ הַתְּחוּם — כְּאִילּוּ לֹא יָצָא. כׇּל הַיּוֹצְאִים לְהַצִּיל — חוֹזְרִין לִמְקוֹמָן. If he was within his original limit, it is considered as if he had not left his limit, and he may return to his original location. The Sages formulated a principle: All who go out to battle and save lives may return to their original locat …
States of Doubt and Transition Kesuvos 78 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 22nd, 2022
In psychology of the Daf (Kesuvos 70) we discussed the importance of liminal states. Whenever a person is in transition from one state to another, it is symbolic of rebirth. Psychologically speaking, many people regress or reactivate past traumas and attachment patterns when they pass from one life stage to another, such as a graduation or marriage. Rashi on Amud Aleph (Eimar) uses cryptic language to describe a woman when she is betrothed (arusa …
Spiritual Dusting Off Before Shabbos Kiddushin 41 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 22nd, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses how great rabbis would personally tend to Shabbos preparations, even tasks that might be considered menial, to honor the sanctity of Shabbos: Rav Yosef said: It is more fitting that the mitzvah be performed by the person himself than by means of his agent. For example, there is a story of Rav Safra, who would singe the head of an animal on Shabbos eve himself to prepare it for consumption on Shabbos. Similarly, …
Is it Possible to be Forgiven by God Without Repentance? Bava Basra 89 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 22nd, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the moral obligation to be absolutely scrupulous when it comes to honest weights and measures. This obligation and prohibition extends to the degree that one is not even allowed to have an accurate measures around the house, despite using them for other purposes, with no intention to defraud anybody: A person may not keep in his house a measure that is too small or too large, even if it is used as a chambe …
We are Our Own Worst Enemy Eruvin 45 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 23rd, 2020
פַּעַם אַחַת הִכִּירוּ בָּהֶן אוֹיְבִים וְרָדְפוּ אַחֲרֵיהֶם, וְנִכְנְסוּ לִיטּוֹל כְּלֵי זֵיינָן, וְנִכְנְסוּ אוֹיְבִים אַחֲרֵיהֶן. דָּחֲקוּ זֶה אֶת זֶה, וְהָרְגוּ זֶה אֶת זֶה יוֹתֵר מִמַּה שֶּׁהָרְגוּ אוֹיְבִים. בְּאוֹתָהּ שָׁעָה הִתְקִ …
Beitzah 24 The Song of Torah Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 23rd, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses an interesting idiom. Abaye tells Rav Yosef, in response to his asking of what practical significance is his question, “Gemara Gemor, Zamorta Tehey? Shall the Gemara be as a song?” Meaning, even when there is no practical difference, understanding the Gemara in its depth is important, as it is not merely a song. Pri Tzaddik (VaYikra 6:1) notes that they used to study in sing song in order to promote memor …
Beitzah 23 Rebel Without a Pause Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 23rd, 2021
Our Gemara records that the rabbis were unhappy with Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah who did not rebuke his neighbor for allowing his cow to wear a strap between its horns on Shabbos, as they considered it forbidden. The Chiddushei Chasam Sofer Chulin 142a uses this Gemara to explain another Gemara in Chagigah 3a: The sages asked whose turn it was this Shabbos to teach halakha to the masses. When they heard it was Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah’s …
Charitable Investments, Trust! Kesuvos 80 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 23rd, 2022
Our Gemara engages in a complex legal discussion involving situations where a person provides an unsolicited service of value to another. Say, for example, you enter into another person’s field and plow and plant it. While he did not ask for this, the owner will receive some benefit for this, and therefore the halacha is that he must pay for the service nonetheless. The amount is subject to adjustment though, and depends o …
A Token of Appreciation Kesuvos 79 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 23rd, 2022
It is important to show gratitude. Sometimes gratitude does not involve much effort or expenditure, so long as it is sincere. Our Mishna on Amud Beis teaches us: הַמּוֹצִיא הוֹצָאוֹת עַל נִכְסֵי אִשְׁתּוֹ הוֹצִיא הַרְבֵּה וְאָכַל קִימְעָא קִימְעָא וְאָכַל הַרְבֵּה מַה שֶּׁהוֹצִיא הוֹצִיא וּמַה שֶּׁאָכַל אָכַל ה …
Good Intentions Aren't Good Enough Bava Basra 90 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 23rd, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the different efforts of the Amoraim, Shmuel’s father and Shmuel himself to prevent hoarding, price manipulation and gouging in the marketplace. Interestingly, with good intentions, they employed opposite strategies. The Gemara also commented on whose intervention was more effective: אבוה דשמואל מזבין להו לפירי בתרעא חרפא, כתרעא חרפא. שמואל בריה, מש …
Lest the Children Forget about Eiruv Eruvin 46 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 24th, 2020
וְלֹא אָמְרוּ לְעָרֵב חֲצֵירוֹת, אֶלָּא כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא לְשַׁכֵּחַ תּוֹרַת עֵירוּב מִן הַתִּינוֹקוֹת. And they said to establish an eiruv for courtyards only after all the inhabitants of the city merge their alleyways and become like the inhabitants of a single courtyard, so that the law of eiruv should not be forgotten by the children, who may not be awa …
In the Dark About This One Psychology of the Daf Yomi Beitzah 26
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 24th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis refers to an Amora who they considered to have an unreliable memory and confused the Mishnayos and beraisos he quoted. It is interesting that he was regarded with some degree of deference as a sage, despite this major shortcoming. There is no explanation in the commentaries aside from brief statements by Rashi and Shita Mekubetzes who seem to confirm that he was a respected Sage who confused his teachings, and was oddly to …
Nothing Should be Udderly Forbidden Psychology of the Daf Yomi Beitzah 25
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 24th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis mentions the famous Yalta, who was Rav Nachman’s wife and the Nasi’s daughter (see Rashi Gittin 67a). Although ordinarily it’s forbidden to travel on a litter on Yom Tov because it is too conspicuous and resembles weekday activity, they permitted Yalta to be carried this way. She was given this dispensation possibly because she was engaged in community service or that in this regard she had the status of …
Whose Orders Are We Following? Kiddushin 42 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 24th, 2023
In our Gemara, we've been discussing the concept of agency, "shelichut." Several important principles have emerged: It is more honorable to perform a mitzvah oneself rather than appointing an agent, even if the mitzvah could technically be carried out by someone else. The concept of "Letikune Shidarticha" suggests that if an agent performs an action that clearly contradicts the appointer's intent, the agency is not valid for that particular ac …
Exit Strategy Bava Basra 91 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 24th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses famine conditions that could allow a person to leave Eretz Yisroel: תנו רבנן: אין יוצאין מארץ לחוץ לארץ, אלא אם כן עמדו סאתים בסלע. אמר רבי שמעון: אימתי – בזמן שאינו מוצא ליקח, אבל בזמן שמוצא ליקח – אפילו עמדה סאה בסלע, לא יצא. The Sages taught: One may not leave Eretz Y …
×‘×¢× ×™×Ÿ סוד ×”×›×¨×•×‘×™× ×•×¡×•×“ הזיווג
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 25th, 2016
×‘×¢× ×™×Ÿ סוד ×”×›×¨×•×‘×™× ×•×¡×•×“ הזיווג שמחה פוירמן 718 793 1376 simchafeuerman@gmail.com כתוב בעשרת הדברות (שמות ×›:ד): ×´×œÖ¹Ö£Ö½× ×ªÖ½Ö·×¢Ö²×©×‚Ö¶Ö¨×”Ö¾×œÖ°×šÖ¸Ö¥Ö£ פֶ֣֙סֶל֙ ×€ ×•Ö°×›Ö¸×œÖ¾×ªÖ¼Ö°×ž×•Ö¼× Ö¸Ö¡Ö”×” ×ֲש×ֶ֤֣ר בַּש×ָּמַ֣֙יִ×Ö™ ×€ מִמַּ֡֔עַל וַֽ×ֲש×ֶ֥ר֩ בָּ×ָ֖֨רֶץ מִתַָּ֑֜חַת וַ×ֲש×ֶ֥֣ר ×‘Ö¼Ö·×žÖ¼Ö·Ö …
Gemara as Literature Eruvin 48 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 25th, 2020
Eruvin 48 כִּי אֲתָא לְקַמֵּיהּ דְּרַב פָּפָּא, אֲמַר לֵיהּ: אִי דָּיְיקִינַן כּוּלֵּא הַאי, לָא הֲוֵי תָּנֵינַן. When Rav Mesharshiya’s son came before Rav Pappa, the latter said to him: Were we to be so precise, we would not be able to learn anything at all, as we would be too busy answering such questions. פלא יועץ ערך גרסא גירסא - א …
Wedding Night Trauma Eruvin 47 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 25th, 2020
In this section we will discuss and an unusual custom that, according to some, was enacted in order to forestall wedding night trauma. Imagine if one year the Moschiach came and Elijah the prophet announced that this year the Mitzvah on Seder night is to have a Ham on Rye. Even the most devout believer would probably choke while trying to perform the Mitzvah. This is what wedding night trauma is for some couples who have spent their …
Taking Trauma Personally Kesuvos 82 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 25th, 2022
Who wants to get married more, a man or a woman? Elsewhere in Psychology of the Daf (Yevamos 107) we discussed social research on gender attitudes toward marriage and various rabbinic assumptions. Today we will look at a different angle of willingness versus reluctance to marry. Our Gemara on Amud Beis reports at first they would write the kesuba, but set aside the funds instead of having the husband’s entire estate subject to a lien. …
Don’t Fight, Get Divorced Kesuvos 81 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 25th, 2022
There are times where ambiguity and uncertainty is more painful than direct confrontation, even if the confrontation is objectively more damaging than the pending-but-not-certain-to-be-realized event. Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an interesting psychological phenomenon, but to understand it in context we need to learn the sugya for a bit. If a man does Yibum he inherits the kesuba from his deceased brother which becomes re-activated fo …
Repentance: The Ball is in your Court Kiddushin 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 25th, 2023
In previous dappim, we learned that except in unusual circumstances, "אין שליח לדבר עבירה" (there is no agency when it comes to sin). That is to say, the one who carries out the act is fully liable since, as the Gemara says, "Whom does one obey, the master or the student?" In other words, God's law takes precedence, and there can never be an assignment of agency that contradicts God's command. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a …
Money Over Matter Bava Basra 92 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 25th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a case in which a buyer and seller are in dispute over if the purchased ox was sold for labor purposes or for slaughter. The difference being, that if it was found to be an unruly ox known to gore, the purchase would be deemed under false pretenses and be refunded. However, the seller maintains that he sold the ox under the presumption that it was for slaughter, thus the ox’s nature is irrelevant, and the p …
Beitzah 27 Blather, Rinse, Repeat Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 26th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells of a Shaalah asked of Rava close to Yom Tov evening while he was already washing his hair for the holiday. It’s important to note the emotional availability and patience the rabbis had for pressing, last minute questions. Of course, many readers are familiar with the famous incident in Gemara Shabbos (31a) where two pranksters made a wager to see if they could make Hillel lose his patience. Hillel too was prepa …
Not So Respectful Discourse Kiddushin 44 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 26th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph relates a scene that occurred in the Beis Midrash where Reish Lakish was screaming like a "cruchia" bird, and no one paid attention to his halakhic argument. What was this "cruchia" bird? Some translate it as a crane, which apparently makes a very loud cawing sound. However, Rashi here identifies it as an Agur. Elsewhere, an Agur bird is identified with a parrot (see Radak Yirmiyahu 8:7. Radak himself learns that "cruchia …
The Cult of Self-Care Bava Basra 93 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 26th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an interesting protocol from Talmudic times: עוד מנהג גדול היה בירושלים – מפה פרוסה על גבי הפתח; כל זמן שמפה פרוסה – אורחין נכנסין. נסתלקה המפה – אין האורחין נכנסין. The baraisa continues: Another great custom that was followed in Jerusalem was that when one made a feast, there would be a clo …
Multi-Tasking: The Real Deal Eruvin 50 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 27th, 2020
אַמַּאי? לֵימָא: כׇּל שֶׁאֵינוֹ בְּזֶה אַחַר זֶה — אֲפִילּוּ בְּבַת אַחַת אֵינוֹ! According to Rabba’s opinion, the question arises: Why should the produce be rendered fit for consumption? Let us say and apply his principle: Anything that cannot be accomplished sequentially; even simultaneously it cannot be accomplished. Since one may not designate two tenths seq …
Making Meaning out of Trauma Eruvin 49 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 27th, 2020
וּכְגוֹן זֶה כּוֹפִין עַל מִדַּת סְדוֹם. In a case such as this, one compels another to refrain from behavior characteristic of Sodom. We force a person to waive his legal rights in order to prevent him from acting in a manner characteristic of the wicked city of Sodom. If one denies another use of his possessions, even though he would incur no loss or damage by granting use of his property, his conduct is …
Beitzah 31 Calling a Spade, a Spade Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 27th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis uses interesting and graphic terminology to describe the two sides of an axe, and its halakhic implications: It is taught in the mishna that even when it is permitted to chop wood on a Festival, one may not do so with an axe. Rav Ḥinnana bar Shelemya said in the name of Rav: They taught this prohibition only with regard to a case where one chops with its female side, i.e., the broad side of the axe, as was normally done. …
Beitzah 30 The Unintentional Sins of Rebuke Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 27th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph makes a statement about times when it is better not to argue with people who seem to insist they are correct, and will not be receptive to guidance, despite them being erroneous and sinful: Leave the Jews alone; it is better that they be unwitting sinners and not be intentional sinners. When it comes to family members who do what we believe is wrong, it is so hard to keep quiet and take the long game. It is embarrassing a …
Beitzah 29 Power Sift Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 27th, 2021
The Gemara relates that Rav Ashi’s wife was once sifting flour onto a table on Yom Tov, rather than into a bowl in the usual manner. Rav Ashi said: This one of ours, my wife, is the daughter of Rami bar Ḥama, and Rami bar Ḥama is a master of good deeds who is meticulous in his performance of mitzvos. Had my wife not observed this practice in her father’s house, she would not have acted in this manner. Therefore, one can learn the …
Beitzah 28 My Body, God’s Choice Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 27th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis mentions two prohibitions: Bluris, which was a hairstyle that left the hair in the middle while cutting the sides, perhaps looked like a Mohawk, and was offered as a dedication to a pagan deity (See Rambam Laws of Idolatry 11:1). By extension, rabbinic literature refers to Bluris as any gentile style haircut which is at times forbidden if truly a prohibited gentile custom, and at times frowned upon as too secular, ev …
Compliance is not the Same as Agreement Kiddushin 45 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 27th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a scenario where a daughter who is a minor accepts marriage in front of her father but without his explicit consent. The Gemara discusses what to make of his silence: is it assent or seething anger? This highlights an important aspect of human nature – a person can feel so trapped in a situation that he will externally comply while internally boiling with anger. As parents and educators, when we find oursel …
It Doesn’t Grow on Trees, You Know! Or…Does It? Bava Basra 95 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 27th, 2024
Our Gemara on this daf discussed wine that begins to become vinegary, and at what point does it lose its status of wine. In such a case, the blessing might revert from “Hagafen - He who creates the fruit of the vine” back to “Shehakol”, the universal blessing that one makes for foods that do not grow or have a specific status, drinks, meat, and other items. Food items that have distinction or unique status tend to ge …
Don’t Invite a Heavenly Audit Bava Basra 94 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 27th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an interesting psychological and legal phenomenon. There are certain thresholds of defects or deficiencies in a purchased item which are tolerated, if not expected. Therefore, while one is not allowed to deliberately adulterate grains or beans, if a minor and typical amount of dirt, sediment or pebbles etc are found in the mixture, the buyer has no recourse. Furthermore, if he finds the product to have an amount …
Public Vs Public Confession Kesuvos 84 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 28th, 2022
Does repentance halakhically depend on a verbal itemization in confession, or is it sufficient to simply confess that one has sinned? This is subject to a debate in Yoma (86b) between Rabbi Yehuda ben Bava and Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Akiva holds that it is sufficient to confess sin in general, without specifying each trespass. Our Gemara on Amud Beis states a general rule regarding halakha and Rabbi Akiva. The halakha is in accordance with Rabbi …
A Cucumber in Hand is Worth Two in the Bush Kesuvos 83 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 28th, 2022
What is more motivating? A cheap reward that comes quickly or a significant reward that takes much longer to obtain? Our Gemara on Amud Beis references an adage, “בוצינא טב מקרא”. Rashi translates botzina as a small gourd and Kara as a large gourd. The idea is the same as, “A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.” That is, a person would prefer a small gourd, which he can eat right now, instead of waitin …
A Historical Footnote on the Disputes of Shammai and Hillel Kiddushin 46 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 28th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the rule that a woman cannot be betrothed by allowing her to keep money she had previously borrowed. This is because the marriage bond needs to be effectuated via a transfer of a tangible object. The loan is not tangible, and even if the money was not spent and thus still tangible, the transfer of money to her domain occurred as a loan, and not an exchange for marriage. A second rule discussed is that if a woman …
How to Get Paid Faster Kiddushin 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 29th, 2023
Our Gemara on amud Aleph and Beis discusses how we view the obligation to pay a worker’s wages, and how it would affect a betrothal that was done via an agreement for the groom to perform a task as the exchange of an object of value: תַנְיָא: ״עֲשֵׂה לִי שִׁירִים נְזָמִים וְטַבָּעוֹת, וְאֶקַּדֵּשׁ אֲנִי לָךְ״, כֵּיוָן שֶׁעֲשָׂאָן – מְקוּדֶּשׁ …
Spiritual Food Kiddushin 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 29th, 2023
This daf continues the halakhic discussion of betrothal using money forgiven from a loan. As we explained on Daf 46, a woman cannot be betrothed by allowing her to keep money she had previously borrowed. This is because the marriage bond needs to be effectuated via a transfer of a tangible object. The loan is not tangible, and even if the money was not spent and thus still tangible, the transfer of money to her domain occurred as a loan, and not …
In Vino Veritas Bava Basra 96 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 29th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a principle of Oenology, which has halachic and metaphysical implications: דאמר רבא: כל חמרא דלא דרי על חד תלת מיא – לאו חמרא הוא Rava said: Any wine that does not contain three parts water to one part pure wine is not regarded as wine, as it is excessively strong. In those days, the original wine mixture was so potent, that when they actually dran …
Don’t Suppress Feminine Instinct Kesuvos 59 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 2nd, 2022
Elsewhere in Psychology of the Daf (Moed Kattan 9, Ta’anis 13, and Yevamos 34) we discussed the importance of beauty. It is a natural feminine instinct to want to appear attractive, and like any instinct, the Torah approach is to respect it and work with it without overindulgence or excessive asceticism. (See Rambam Deos, chapters 1-2.) Our Gemara on Amud Beis brings up this idea as well, however I think it may be misinterpreted by o …
Law of Attraction Bava Basra 69 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 2nd, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis offers a proof text for the concept of field boundaries within a sale from the biblical story of Avraham’s purchase of the Ma’aras Hamachpela cave from Efron (Bereishis 23:17). וַיָּ֣קׇם שְׂדֵ֣ה עֶפְר֗וֹן אֲשֶׁר֙ בַּמַּכְפֵּלָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר לִפְנֵ֣י מַמְרֵ֑א הַשָּׂדֶה֙ וְהַמְּעָרָ֣ה אֲשֶׁר־בּ֔וֹ ו …
Throwing a Desk at the Rebbe
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 30th, 2017
Throwing a Desk at the Rebbe Hesped for my father, Rabbi Dr. Chaim Feuerman ZT'L (Reprinted from the Jewish Press) On Tuesday evening, September 19, 2017, 29 Elul 5777 Rabbi Dr. Chaim Feuerman finished giving his two classes at Yeshiva University, said “I need to take a few minutes to rest”, and then stopped breathing. The petira of this giant of a man, on Erev Rosh Hashana has many connotations. One of the most meaningful …
Doing by NOT Doing Eruvin 52 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 30th, 2020
Eruvin 52 The Gemara quotes the verse in Isaiah 58:13 אִם־תָּשִׁ֤יב מִשַּׁבָּת֙ רַגְלֶ֔ךָ עֲשׂ֥וֹת חֲפָצֶ֖יךָ בְּי֣וֹם קָדְשִׁ֑י וְקָרָ֨אתָ לַשַּׁבָּ֜ת עֹ֗נֶג לִקְד֤וֹשׁ יְהוָה֙ מְכֻבָּ֔ד וְכִבַּדְתּוֹ֙ מֵעֲשׂ֣וֹת דְּרָכֶ֔יךָ מִמְּצ֥וֹא חֶפְצְךָ֖ וְדַבֵּ֥ר ד …
Honest to God Kesuvos 87 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 30th, 2022
When a person rationalizes his sins, the personal dishonesty might causes additional distortion beyond the original sins, with even more toxic effects. Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse (Devarim 19:15) that is used to describe the powers and limitations of a singe witness versus a pair: לֹֽא־יָקוּם֩ עֵ֨ד אֶחָ֜ד בְּאִ֗ישׁ לְכׇל־עָוֺן֙ וּלְכׇל־חַטָּ֔את בְּכׇל־חֵ֖טְא …
Honest Intentions and Responsible Actions Kesuvos 86 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 30th, 2022
Are honest intentions the same as honesty? If a person fully commits to something but later is unable to fulfill his pledge due to an unforeseen and legitimate change in circumstance, is that considered dishonest? Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the idea of perias baal chov mitzvah, that there is a specific Torah directive to repay a loan. But what is the scriptural source? Rashi uses the derasha found in Bava Metzi’a (49a): …
Pressed Grapes Bava Basra 97 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 30th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses processes of wine production and sedimentation. According to some traditions, it was actually wine that was the forbidden fruit of theTree of Knowledge. Bereishis Rabbah (19:5) tells us that Chava squeezed a grape bunch and gave Adam to drink from it. Note that the Midrash does not say, “gave him to eat from the grapes”, instead it says “squeezed the grapes and gave him to drink wine&rdqu …
Choice Theory Eruvin 25 Psychology of the Daf Rabbi Simcha Feuerman LCSW-R, DHL
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 3rd, 2020
Eruvin 25 אֲמַר לֵיהּ רַב פַּפִּי: מִשּׁוּם דְּאַתּוּ מִמּוּלָאֵי אָמְרִיתוּ מִילֵּי מוּלְיָיאתָא. הָנָךְ מְחִיצוֹת, לְגַוַּאי — עֲבִידָן, לְבָרַאי — לָא עֲבִידָן. Rav Pappi said to him: Because you come from truncated [mula’ei] people, as Rav Beivai’s family traced their lineage to the house of E …
Beitzah 5 We Had a Good Few Days Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 3rd, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the idea that once a matter is forbidden by a rabbinic vote, it requires a vote to lift the prohibition, even If the original reason no longer applies. Rav Yosef derives it from the verses that require celibacy from the Jewish people prior to the giving of the Torah. Even though it was clearly a temporary ban, in order to focus and prepare for this spiritual event, the verse later seemed to require an additional …
Beitzah 4 Eggs-xaggerated Prohibitions Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 3rd, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that sometimes even the language of the Mishna can be an exaggeration to emphasize a point. In our Gemara one Tanna, to emphasize the permissibility of an egg, declared that even the shells are permitted to eat! The Gemara (Tamid 29a) actually catalogues instances where the Torah, the prophets and the Mishna chose to use exaggerated expressions. Today, we are going to look at one exaggeration from the Zohar, that …
Beitzah 3 Count Yourself In Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 3rd, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the concept that certain items are not nullified even when mixed with large quantities. The standard Torah rule is that a majority of a permitted substance nullifies a minority of a forbidden substance, if they become mixed together. (If there is a transfer of taste in the mixture, then additional amounts are required to the point that the taste of the forbidden substance is no longer detectable, which is e …
Lav at First Sight Kiddushin 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 3rd, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis initiates the discussion on the laws of Eishes Yefas Toar, a woman taken captive during war, and the permissibility of marrying her. Given the intense and primal urges that often emerge during the heat of battle, the Torah, rather than tolerating rampant sexual violence in wartime, outlines specific conditions under which a captive woman may be taken as a wife. The Sages taught: Concerning a captive, the verse states: "And …
The Psychology and Ethics of Legal Loopholes Bava Basra 70 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 3rd, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes a legal loophole, that allows for something akin to charging interest, which is normally forbidden. It is the framework on which modern day heterei iskas are formulated. Without going into the legal technicalities, we must ask ourselves is it moral to take advantage of a loophole. But in order to answer that, we must ask ourselves what is the function of a loophole. Law is confining and constricting. It do …
A Holy Family is a Healthy Family Eruvin 27 Rabbi Simcha Feuerman LCSW-R, DHL
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 4th, 2020
וּכְלָלָא הוּא דְּכׇל מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה שֶׁהַזְּמַן גְּרָמָא נָשִׁים פְּטוּרוֹת? הֲרֵי מַצָּה שִׂמְחָה וְהַקְהֵל, דְּמִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה שֶׁהַזְּמַן גְּרָמָא הוּא, וְנָשִׁים חַיָּיבוֹת. Is it a general principle that women are exempt from all time-bound, positive commandments without exception? B …
Easy Does It Eruvin 26 Psychology of the Daf Rabbi Simcha Feuerman LCSW-R, DHL
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 4th, 2020
וִישַׁעְיָהוּ מַאי בָּעֵי הָתָם? אָמַר רַבָּה בַּר בַּר חָנָה אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: מְלַמֵּד שֶׁחָלָה חִזְקִיָּה, וְהָלַךְ יְשַׁעְיָהוּ וְהוֹשִׁיב יְשִׁיבָה עַל פִּתְחוֹ. The Gemara asks about the Biblical narrative cited above: What did Isaiah need to do there in the middle court, i.e., why wa …
Enmeshment: Momma’s Boys and Daddy’s Girls Kesuvos 60 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 4th, 2022
Our Gemara mentions a problematic pattern of behavior that can, according to the Gemara, even affect a woman’s likelihood of conceiving: Redufa leylech el beis aviha, When there is contention in the marriage and the woman tends to return back to her father’s home.There is a normal human pattern for young women to connect to and seek guidance from their mothers, as we saw by Rivkah (Bereishis 24:28): וַתָּ֙רׇץ֙ הַֽנ …
Misery Loves Company Kiddushin 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 4th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph teaches us that, although a Jewish slave often has the option to choose to continue his servitude after undergoing the ritual of having his ear pierced, there are certain situations where he will not be allowed to remain a slave under any circumstances. This is because the verse states, "I love my master" (Shemos 21:5), implying a state of relative equivalence and harmony between master and servant. Thus, the Gemara rules …
To Pray Like a Newborn Baby Bava Basra 71 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 4th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph continues the sugya of ayin yaffa, that certain sales and/or gifts are done with a generous spirit which implies that certain extras may be included in the sale or gift. As we have seen in other blogposts, the idea of a gift of being given generously with extras also applies to spiritual gifts. Siach Sarfei Kodesh (Erev Shabbos Kodesh) uses this principal to explain an unusual phrase in the Shabbos morning Amidah. …
Beitzah 6 Verbal Archeology Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 5th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that If one died on the first day of a Festival, gentiles should attend to his burial. Now the Gemara mentions an interesting phrase to refer to gentiles, “amemim”, literally nations. This is an usual phrase and not frequently used. Usually “Akum” or “Nuchri” is used. Is there any significance to this particular language? Linguistically, the term “Amemim” means &ldq …
Can Eliyahu Hanavi Come and Visit? Kesuvos 61 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 5th, 2022
A fixture of Jewish lore is Giluy Eliyahu, that is a revelation of Eliyahu the Prophet. What is this experience and how does it compare to prophecy and Ruach Hakodesh? Is it something that can still be experienced today? The Gemara (Sotah 48b) speaks of a cessation of the ability to experience prophecy and ruach Hakodesh in successive generations but notably never ruled out a final mode of divine revelation, the bas kol. (Elsewhere in Psychology …
The Messenger is the Message Kiddushin 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 5th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis delves into a recurring question throughout Shas concerning the status of the Cohanim's service in the Temple: When they offer sacrifices, are they acting as our representatives or as agents of God? The Gemara concludes that the Cohanim are indeed acting as agents of God, carrying out His directives (while, of course, one of those directives is to offer sacrifices on our behalf). Bas Ayin (Emor 23) expands on the role of a …
Psychological and Spiritual Anchors Bava Basra 73 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 5th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph delineates the parts of a boat that are included, and those not included in a sale. One part is the anchor, in Hebrew the word is igun. The Mishna gives a proof text from what Na’ami told Rus and Arpah, to discourage them from a quixotic return with her. She says (Rus 1:13): הלהן תשברנה עד אשר יגדלו הלהן תעגנה לבלתי היות לאיש [Even if I had children in old age] should …
Who Got Esau’s Goat? Bava Basra 72 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 5th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph continues the sugya of ayin yaffa, that certain sales and/or gifts are done with a generous spirit which implies that certain extras may be included in the sale or gift. As we have seen in other blogposts, the idea of a gift of being given generously with extras also applies to spiritual gifts. Siach Sarfei Kodesh (Erev Shabbos Kodesh) uses this principal to explain an unusual phrase in the Shabbos morning Amidah. We say: …
Herbal Fertility Potion Eruvin 28 Psychology of the Daf Rabbi Simcha Feuerman LCSW-R, DHL
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 6th, 2020
וּבְגוּדְגְּדָנִיּוֹת מִי מְעָרְבִין? וְהָתַנְיָא: גּוּדְגְּדָנִיּוֹת — מְרוּבֵּי בָנִים יֹאכֵלוּ, חֲשׂוּכֵי בָנִים לֹא יֹאכֵלוּ. וְאִם הוּקְשׁוּ לְזֶרַע — אַף מְרוּבֵּי בָּנִים לֹא יֹאכֵלוּ! The Gemara asks: But may one establish an eiruv with sweet clover? Was …
Beitzah 8 Why Did the Chicken NOT Cross the Road Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 6th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis mentions a concept discussed numerous times in the Gemara and in poskim, aseh docheh lo taaseh, that a positive command in the Torah generally overrides a negative prohibition. For example, a linen four cornered cloak can have wool Tzitizs attached to it, even those this is shaatnez. The sugya in the beginning of Yevamos discusses the sources in depth, but what is the actual meaning behind this order of operations? On a lo …
Beitzah 7 Temptation, Fear and Attachment Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 6th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph through Beis tells us that though technically a hen can lay an unfertilized egg at any time, we assume the rooster׳s presence would keep the hen waiting and desirous of the rooster. Hence she will wait to lay her eggs after she has a chance to mate with the rooster. The Gemara discusses the exact circumstances of the rooster’s presence, such as being able to hear the rooster's crow. In Hilchos Yichud, there …
Don’t Come Home Late Kesuvos 62 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 6th, 2022
How important is it to keep your word, even about the small things? I believe that trust, not just the literal kind, but the deep emotional kind, is built on consistent and reliable connection. If you say you’ll be home by a certain time, or will complete a certain task, keep your word. If you can’t, send an update. Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells as tragic story of a righteous man who was unable to keep his word, which highlights the d …
Trauma Response Kiddushin 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 6th, 2023
In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, we explore a question regarding the status of a Canaanite slave who sustains injuries inflicted by his master. If these injuries affect an organ such as an eye, tooth, or other limb, the slave is automatically freed. However, the Gemara delves into a nuanced discussion regarding whether an injury to the slave's ear or eye caused by the master making a loud and frightening noise is considered a direct injury, which wou …
Unbreakable Love Bava Basra 74 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 6th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes the visions of Rabbah Bar Hanna. In one of them he sees Mount Sinai and scorpions were encircling it. He heard a Divine Voice saying: Woe is Me that I took an oath; and now that I took the oath, who will nullify it for me? When he reported this vision to the sages, they rebuked him: You should have said to God: Your oath is nullified. The Gemara explains: Rabba bar bar Ḥana did not nullify the oath because he …
Being Realistic about Ability & Mood Eruvin 29 Psychology & the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 7th, 2020
אָמַר רָבָא: הֲרֵינִי כְּבֶן עַזַּאי בְּשׁוּקֵי טְבֶרְיָא. אֲמַר לֵיהּ הָהוּא מֵרַבָּנַן לְרָבָא: תַּפּוּחִים בְּכַמָּה? אֲמַר לֵיהּ: וְכִי מְעָרְבִין בְּתַפּוּחִים? Rava once said when he was in an especially good mood: Behold, I am like the intellectually sharp ben Azzai, who would regularly expound …
Attuned Relationships Kiddushin 25 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 7th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph, we encounter an incident involving a group of elders from the city of Nezonya who declined to attend a Shiur (lecture) by Rav Chisda: סָבֵי דְנָזוֹנְיָא לָא אֲתוֹ לְפִירְקֵיהּ דְּרַב חִסְדָּא, אֲמַר לֵיהּ לְרַב הַמְנוּנָא: זִיל צַנְּעִינְהוּ. אֲזַל אֲמַר לְהוּ: מַאי טַעְמָא לָא אֲתוֹ רַבָּנ …
Don't be Small-Minded about Giants Eruvin 30 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 8th, 2020
וּמִי אָמַר רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן אֶלְעָזָר הָכִי? וְהָתַנְיָא, רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן אֶלְעָזָר אוֹמֵר: עוֹג מֶלֶךְ הַבָּשָׁן — פִּיתְחוֹ כִּמְלוֹאוֹ! The Gemara raises a difficulty with the aforementioned baraita: Did Rabbi Shimon ben Elazar really say this? Wasn’t it taught in another baraita pertaini …
Suffering in Silent Desperation Kesuvos 64 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 8th, 2022
While conventional wisdom holds that men suffer from sexual deprivation more than women, the Talmudic perspective is more nuanced. The Gemara on Amud Beis tells us: אֲמַר לֵיהּ רַבִּי חִיָּיא בַּר יוֹסֵף לִשְׁמוּאֵל: מָה בֵּין מוֹרֵד לְמוֹרֶדֶת? אֲמַר לֵיהּ: צֵא וּלְמַד מִשּׁוּק שֶׁל זוֹנוֹת, מִי שׂוֹכֵר אֶת מִי? דָּבָר …
When Will You Trust Me Again? Kiddushin 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 8th, 2023
In our Gemara on Amud Beis, we delve into the intricate process of "Gilgul Shevua," a unique legal procedure. When a defendant is obligated to make an oath to defend their claim, the plaintiff has the opportunity to levy additional accusations, compelling the defendant to take oaths on those matters as well. Remarkably, this applies even when the subsequent accusations lack substantial legal basis, drawing inspiration from the repetition of "Amen …
Pinpoint Analysis Kiddushin 26 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 8th, 2023
In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, a discussion arises regarding the concept of "kinyan agav karka," which pertains to the acquisition of movable property through the acquisition of land. The question at hand is whether the movable property must physically be present on the parcel of land being acquired: אִיבַּעְיָא לְהוּ: בָּעֵינַן צְבוּרִים, אוֹ לָא? אָמַר רַב יוֹסֵף: תָּא שְׁמַע: רַב …
Much Ado About Nothing Bava Basra 75 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 8th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph teaches us about the end times: וְאָמַר רַבָּה אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: עָתִיד הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא לַעֲשׂוֹת סוּכָּה לַצַּדִּיקִים מֵעוֹרוֹ שֶׁל לִוְיָתָן, And Rabba says that Rabbi Yoḥanan says: In the future, the Holy One, Blessed be He, will prepare a sukka for the righteous from the sk …
The Real Reason for the Mitzvos Eruvin 31 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 9th, 2020
Eruvin 31 דְּכוּלֵּי עָלְמָא מִצְוֹת לָאו לֵיהָנוֹת נִיתְּנוּ The Gemara answers that Rava could have said to you: If they hold that one may establish an eiruv only for the sake of a mitzva, all would agree that the eiruv may be placed on a grave because mitzvot were not given for benefit. for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Eruvin 31 The Maharal in Tiferes Yisrael beginn …
Beitzah 10 Alive and Unpredictable Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 9th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis Discusses assumptions to make about the states of various items. For example if one set aside $100 of tithes, but then came back and found $200. Shall he assume this is a totally new $200 and it’s not sacred, or shall he assume that $100 is still from the tithe? And a similar question came up regarding live animals, such as if one designated three doves for slaughter and use on Yom Tov, and he came back and found onl …
Beitzah 9 Yom Tov Depression Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 9th, 2021
Our Gemara discussed various leniencies that can be enacted in order to maintain a feeling of joy on Yom Tov, such as making sure certain foods are available. This got me wondering about people who find it challenging to enjoy Yom Tov. The Shalah (Aseret HaDibrot Shabbos Ner Mitzva) quotes a Kol Bo that discusses a state of being called “Yiush Simchas Yom Tov”, giving up on the the joy of Yom Tov. There are people who expe …
Mixed Motives Kesuvos 66 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 9th, 2022
There are times where we must do distasteful things. The overall good or needs of the moment may override certain moral or ethical sensitivities. What should be your mindset so the experience is less corrupting? Mei HaShiloach (Lech Lecha 7) darshens our Gemara to elaborate on this theme. Avraham finds himself in a position where he was victorious in the war to win back his nephew, Lot. He is offered the spoils yet declines to take them because ( …
Loosening Up Kesuvos 65 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 9th, 2022
I want to address a sensitive topic regarding sexual challenges that can affect couples of all ages, especially but not exclusively, the newly married. A person may have a degree of misplaced piety and be overly scrupulous about sexuality, or just plain feel uncomfortable with sexual feelings and sensuality. Sometimes, being overscrupulous in the area of intimacy and halakha can be the result of naiveté and/or anxiety. After all, if a reli …
The Oral Torah and Blank Spaces Bava Basra 76 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 9th, 2024
There are certain conventions in the Talmud that are difficult for the new learner to comprehend. Frankly, they would be difficult for many seasoned lamdanim as well, but after years and years of seeing the same phrase being used, I suspect that some have ceased to become curious or troubled by it. Yet, I am unsure if they became particularly wiser as to what it means and how it works – just more accepting of it. One of the most troubling c …