Pesachim 72 The Underdog Principle Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-01 07:12:51

Sometimes commandments are understood as local and specific, while at other times the rabbis interpret them as global and beyond the specific scenario described.  How are we to understand when to be specific, when to generalize, and what is the scope of any particular commandment? The Gemara near the end of Amud Beis discusses the various mitzvos involved in sexual relation in marriage, aside from having children. וְהָאָמַר רָבָ …

Pesachim 73 Ancient and Modern Ideas About Kollel Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-02 09:02:37

Is learning in Kollel a new idea and a product of relative wealth, or does it come from a venerable tradition?  When I say Kollel, I do not mean the concept of living in deprivation in order to study Torah, as that is a given.  If a person wants to become a scholar in any field, especially those having to do with more spiritual endeavors, hardship is practically a requirement.  Instead, a mean the social convention of kollel, where …

Pesachim 74 Secrets of Extraordinary People Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-03 09:58:30

The Mishna on top of amud aleph quotes a story about Rabban Gamliel’s slave, Tavi.  Tavi was a remarkable person who achieved notoriety and is mentioned many times throughout Mishna and Aggada.  Here are some highlights about his life: Rabban Gamliel referred to him as a Talmid Chacham (Mishna Succah 2:1). Tavi wore Tefillin (Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael 13:9:6) When Tavi died, Rabban Gamliel sat shiva for him, against convention (M …

Pesachim 75 To Even Love the Sinner Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-04 01:07:02

What is the relationship between us and a sinner?  We may be disgusted by perversity or evil, but should we hate the sinner? The Gemara on amud aleph says that we must choose a form of capital punishment that minimizes the suffering, paradoxically quoting the directive to love thy neighbor. This paradox regarding loving the sinner is beautifully expressed by the Rambam in Laws of the Murderer and Preservation of Life (13:14) The enemy mentio …

Pesachim 76 No One is Special and Everyone is Needed Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-05 10:08:51

No One is Special and Everyone is Needed  Adrienne Maree Brown Can G-d reject the entire Jewish people, especially when they have sinned greatly? The Mishna at the end of Amud Beis lists several sacrifices that are brought even when the congregation is ritually impure. The common denominator is that any obligatory public sacrifice overrides the normal prohibitions of conducting the service in impurity. The Paschal Sacrifice is compared to th …

Pesachim 77 Hitting Rock Bottom Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-05 10:19:03

When we hit rock bottom, is this the end of the line? Or is it the beginning of our climbing back up? There is a saying in the Recovery Community that, “Rock bottom just means there’s nowhere to go except up”, and that “The valley will teach you lessons the mountain top never can.” The Gemara on top of amud alpeh tells us that the same exemption allowing sacrifices when the majority of the congregation is impure appl …

Pesachim 78 You Can Cover it, But You Can't Hide from it Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-07 02:53:08

The Gemara on amud aleph discusses the function of the Tzitz, the gold headplate worn by the Cohen Gadol. Let us focus on this unusual artifact and how the Ishbitzer (Mei HaShiloach II, Shemos, Tetzaveh 9) interprets its position in the verse and on the body.  The verses in Shemos (28:42-46) juxtapose the description of the Tzitz’s form and function to the Cohen’s pants.  The Tzitz represents the highest part of the Cohen Go …

Pesachim 79 The Power of Smell on Memory Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-08 07:06:38

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the aspect of the burning of parts of the Sacrifices as providing a pleasant scent to G-d. What, in fact, does a Korban represent to G-d?  

The Torah often uses the phrase Reyach Nichoach, “A Pleasant Scent” in explaining what Hashem derives from the offering.  On the one hand, the reference to the term smell would seem to be the Torah’s way of distancing G-d from nee …

Pesachim 80 Diversity within Community Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-08 23:58:26

Diversity within Community What is the role of different ethnicities within Judaism?  Is it merely a coincidence of history that Jews who lived in different cultures and climates developed different characteristics and customs?  Are a Yekke’s timeliness and fastidiousness merely because they are like Germans?  Are Litvaks austere, stony, intellectual and skeptical and Galitzianers emotional and warm due to random causes? Our …

Pesachim 81 Mercy Vs. the Letter of the Law Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-10 05:37:31

The Gemara on top of amud Beis tells us a rule that we do not use a kal v’chomer inference to derive a new Halakha from a halakha l’moshe misinai. That is a purely oral tradition with no source in the scripture cannot be used as a source to make additional derivations via kal v’chomer, and according to many commentaries, any of the 13 hermeneutical principles.  We should ask, what is the reason for this position? Especially …

Pesachim 82 Should Your Embarrassment Stop Me From Enjoying Life? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-11 09:27:25

  When is it proper to enjoy your hard earned, or maybe not so hard earned wealth, and when should a person hold back off on ostentatious displays?  I am not referring to the obvious value in living modestly.  Instead, I am referring to a legitimate celebration such as wedding.  On the one hand, why not make a giant seudas mitzvah and invite as many family and friends to share this blessed moment?  On the other hand, perh …

Daf 83 Curiosity: The Antidote to Anger Psychology of the

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-12 09:38:40

The Torah is rich with parables and models for human behavior. The best part is not the successes of its heroes, but rather their challenges and stumblings. Our Gemara on the top of amud aleph references a disputation between Aharon, Moshe, Elazar and Isamar.  After the death of Nadav and Avihu, there was a sacrifice that remained to be eaten.  Moshe was angry that the sacrifice was not consumed, and feared that this would be another ma …

Pesachim 84 Who, Me? Passive Aggressive? What Did I Do? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-12 09:55:02

The Gemara on amud aleph relates the famous principle that a prohibition which is transgressed without an action usually does not incur the punishment of malkus, lashes. For example in our Gemara, leaving the Paschal sacrifice uneaten until the morning, while being a violation of the scriptural ordinance, does not incur lashes because it is violated passively.  What is the reason that there is less punishment when the transgression is passiv …

Pesachim 85 Beyond the Iron Curtain Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-14 07:40:38

  Why does Hashem not hear our prayers?  If He is omnipotent, why can He not do us a “small” favor. Perhaps cure my neighbor of cancer, or send me a winning lottery ticket.  To quote Tevye, “Would it spoil some vast eternal plan, if I were a wealthy man?”  Let’s find out. The Gemara after the Mishna on Amud beis notes that according to Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi, “Even a barrier of iron does no …

Pesachim 86 Prove Your Love Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-15 05:27:56

When is a “no” real, and when is it really an invitation to prove our love? Gemara amud beis provides ethical advice on how to be a good guest: “Anything your host says to you, you should do, except for an inappropriate request, such as if he says to leave.” Be’er Mayyim Chayyim (Shemos 10:1) understands this directive metaphysically.  Meaning, that G-d is the host, and that one is not obligated to “leave& …

Pesachim 87 Sexual Abstinence: Worth the Wait? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-16 00:18:28

We live in a society that does not encourage delay of gratification.  Why should we wait for anything?  How does being sexually abstinent prior to marriage provide any benefit other than being frustrated?   The Gemara on amud aleph quotes a verse in Psalms (114:12) which by way of derash equates behaving modesty and remaining chaste until marriage to building the Temple. ״מְחֻטָּבוֹת תַּבְנִית הֵיכָל …

Pesachim 88 Feeling at Home Inside Yourself Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-17 02:49:37

What does it mean to be comfortable with yourself? People strive to become confident, lacking in undue shame, to feel complete and calm.    The Gemara on Amud aleph discusses verse and prophecies that refer to Messianic times: אֶלָּא, לֹא כְּאַבְרָהָם שֶׁכָּתוּב בּוֹ ״הַר״, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״אֲשֶׁר יֵאָמֵר הַיּוֹם בְּהַר ה׳ יֵרָאֶה״, וְלֹא כּ …

Pesachim 89 How to Motivate Children Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-18 01:19:42

  Are prizes a good method to motivate children?  In other words, what is superior? Is intrinsic motivation, that is, finding what a person is naturally drawn toward and amplifying effective?  Or, is extrinsic motivation more powerful such as financial incentives.   The Mishna on amud aleph and the Gemara relate a story about a man who wanted to motivate his children to be zealous in their performance of the Pesach mitzva …

Pesachim 90 Kasparov, Deep Blue and Rav Chaim Kanievsky Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-19 11:48:25

Can a robot ever replace a rabbi? Can a Watson-style AI know enough halakha to render psakim? One day soon we will be confronted with such a situation. Let’s study a recent man vs machine situation: The Gemara on amud aleph quotes a pasuk found in Shemos (12:4)  אִם יִמְעַט הַבַּיִת מִהְיוֹת מִשֶּׂה And if the household be too little for a lamb There is a fabulous story about Rav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlit& …

Pesachim 91 Changing Times but Unchanging Principles Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-19 11:58:41

Of what is the purpose of the Jewish exile? Are we just misbehaving children sent by G-d into a epic millennial time-out?  Is there something of deeper meaning and purpose? The Gemara on amud aleph quotes a verse from Zephaniah (3:13): שְׁאֵרִ֨ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל לֹֽא־יַעֲשׂ֤וּ עַוְלָה֙ וְלֹא־יְדַבְּר֣וּ כָזָ֔ב וְלֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֥א בְּפִיהֶ֖ם לְשׁ֣וֹן …

Pesachim 92 The Walking Dead Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-20 23:48:36

What makes a person alive? Is life something that either is, or isn’t? Or, Are some people more alive than others? If so, how is it determined? In the Mishna on Amud Aleph, Hillel uses a melitza to back up a rabbinic decree. Hillel holds that a convert who converted on Passover eve cannot partake from the Paschal sacrifice and instead must undergo the same purification rituals as one who comes in contact with a corpse. That is, to be sprink …

Pesachim 93 Hindsight is 2020, or is that 2021? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-21 23:21:27

When is it time to cut your losses and bail out?  We see warning signs of social and political unrest, huge gaps between rich and poor, increased anti-semitic rhetoric and propoganda, as well as all many of the fascist tropes such as, “Stay in your homes for your own safety”.  Oy, when the government starts telling that they are worried about our safety and want us to “shelter in place”, this is the time to get w …

Pesachim 94 Reality is a Persistent Illusion Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-22 23:52:16

fQuote Credit: Albert Einstein What makes something true?  Is there such a thing as objective facts, or is everything subject to context that reality itself is impossible to be separated from the internal phenomenon of the observer?  For example, sound or a color are collection of waves along a certain frequency.  Not only is it impossible to know how another organism or alien would see or hear, it is even impossible to know if two …

Pesachim 95 Don’t Be Lonely All By Yourself Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-23 23:19:40

Should one give up a happy family time such as a Seder Night in order to keep someone company who is alone in a hospital?  Is the spiritual sacrifice worth it? The Gemara on Amud Aleph states a surprising ruling. Although one may bring a Paschal sacrifice by himself if there is no other option, the importance of bringing it together with another person even allows another to purposely render himself ritually impure in order to legally allow …

Pesachim 96 PDRP Public Displays of Religious Piety Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-25 00:00:00

Recently, because of COVID, people have brought into question the custom of kissing the Mezuzah.  What is the significance of this custom? My father, who was a Talmid of Rav Hutner, ZT’L, was not big into PDRP, Public Displays of Religious Piety, and so he would not kiss the mezuzah amongst other practices.  He would say, the chovos halevavos, duties of the heart, are more important than a tangible act.  Fair enough, but what …

Pesachim 97 It Ain't Over Until It’s Over Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-26 12:24:05

The Gemara on amud aleph mentions the concept of Ta’un Linah, which is that certain sacrifices such as a the Korban Pesach require staying overnight in Yerushalayim.  What does this represent?   Be’er Mayyim Chayyim (Bereishis 32:14) discusses this phenomenon. He notes that Yaakov Avinu stayed overnight after his prayer and draws a parallel to the similar obligation by sacrifices. I think this tells us something important ab …

Pesachim 98 Discipline Is Not A Restriction But Rather An Aid To Freedom Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-26 12:33:56

Quote Source: Wayne Thiebaud How does one achieve spiritual connection? Is it via expansive ecstatic joy? Or is it through limitation and abnegation? The Gemara on amud beis discusses the problem of אין מביאים קדשים לבית הפסול which means we are not to allow situations that would artificially limit the amount of time a particular sacrifice is to be consumed. That is for example, a Bechor first born sacrifice that is usually …

Pesachim 99 Being Poor is an Emotional State Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-02-28 03:20:25

Who is really wealthy? This has been the classic question for humanity throughout time as we chase physical pleasures and benefits to stave off our existential fear of our irrelevance and impending death. The Mishna on Amud beis informs us that even the poorest person on Passover eve should conduct himself as if he were from the wealthy class. That is he should drink and eat while leaning as if he were royalty, even though in a material sense he …

Pesachim 100 Infidelity and the Road to Recovery Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-01 00:00:00

Can A marriage recover after infidelity? Few betrayals equals a betrayal of a spouse who committed sexual infidelity. Often, aside from the obvious feeling of betrayal, there is a sense of victimization, humiliation, gaslighting, and self-recrimination that make it difficult to recover. The Gemara on amud aleph quotes the verse in Esther (7:8) הֲגַם לִכְבּוֹשׁ אֶת הַמַּלְכָּה עִמִּי בַּבָּיִת״ Will he …

Pesachim 101 Head In The Skies, Feet Firmly On The Ground Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-02 00:00:00

Why does Judaism constantly involve physical celebrations eating, drinking, gold, silver, weddings and every other kind of festive occasion? Why not just go onto some mountaintop and meditate? The Gemara on amud aleph Discusses Shmuel‘s principle of אֵין קִידּוּשׁ אֶלָּא בִּמְקוֹם סְעוּדָה There is no valid kiddush except in the place of one’s Shabbas meal. The Gemara then sites an incident as a pro …

Pesachim 102 Two For The Price Of One? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-03 00:00:00

In what ways does mindfulness relate to Jewish observance and practice? I believe the idea that a person be fully aware of what he or she is doing and appreciate it is central to Jewish practice and observance, and is the epitome of kavannah. The Gemara discusses the principle אין עושים מצות חבילות חבילות we do not double up and bundle mitzvos together and perform them at the same time. Therefore, if one was in a meal that …

Pesachim 103 Why Must There Be Evil And Suffering In The World? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-04 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud beis provides the text for the Havdalah blessing which includes giving thanks for not only the distinction between holy and profane, but also include distinction between lightness and darkness. Clearly, the havdalah blessing isn’t merely a farewell to Shabbos. Rather, it is a meditation about the importance of distinctions, and even the importance of things we would consider undesirable. Let us give some thought to the id …

Pesachim 104 Fountain of Youth Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-05 12:05:40

Pesachim 104 What is the secret to long life? Everyone wants to know the answer to that. Our sages had their own ideas about what gives a person merit so that he or she may achieve the blessings of long life. On amud beis, a particular assurance of blessings for long life is given for reciting the following formula in the closing of havdalah (important: we don’t follow this nusach halakhically.) תָּנָא מִשְּׁמֵיהּ דְּר …

Pesachim 105 Second Chance Sacrament Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-05 12:19:18

Sometimes the halakha tells you all you need to know and you should not bother overthinking it. Many veterans parents of teenagers went through stormy Friday nights where their child slept through or maybe even stormed out of the seudah.  It’s scary and it hurts when your child rejects an important family ritual. Don’t take it personally. Let it go. He or she will wake up hungry the next day. Don’t carry the fight over. Jus …

Pesachim 107 Talent is a Gift Character is a Choice Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-05 12:44:41

Talent is a gift, but character is a choice ― John C. Maxwell How do you work with the most irritating person in the world, Who knows all your tricks, and is as bad as you and is as good as you? Yes, I’m talking about yourself. All of us have a wellspring of talents and deficits, sensitivities and weaknesses. How do we use what we have and not lie to ourselves? Our Gemara on amud Beis and Tosafos (“Dilma”) Discuss the concept …

Pesachim 106 Early Warning System Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-07 00:00:00

Often, we ignore our own internal warning signs. A small tightening of our gut, a feeling like something is a bit off, maybe even literally, a pain in the neck or a headache. We have these sensations while agreeing to doing something we don’t really want to do, or perhaps we are in the process of making a self-destructive choice out of anger or frustration that we are turning inward. It is a skill of a mature individual to be mindful enough …

Pesachim 108 Women’s Status - and Women of Status Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-09 00:00:00

You don’t have to be a brilliant sociologist to note that women’s status has changed dramatically in the last hundred years, throughout the world.  The subject of the status of women in Torah thought and society is emotionally and psychologically complex, and anxiety provoking.  There are those who try to shut down discussion about these matters because of fear of heresy.  There are others who engage in gaslighting and …

Pesachim 109 What Comes First? Torah Study or Your Family? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-10 00:00:00

There are often situations in family life that the needs of consistency and dedication to Torah study clash with the needs and welfare of our children.  It is often not easy to know what comes first, because on the one hand, every family matter is urgent, and on the other hand if every matter is urgent, Torah Mah Tehei Aleha, the Torah, what will be of her?”  Any decent human being who also is dedicated to Torah intense study grap …

Pesachim 110 OCD and Superstitious Sugyos Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-11 00:00:00

Much as we would like to ignore it, it is in our nature to be superstitious.  You will say, “Not me, I don’t believe in any of this stuff.”  Really?  I will prove you wrong with this thought experiment, but brace yourself, trigger warning here: Think of a dear loved one. Now hold that image and imagine them being murdered. There is no good word to describe the ickyness and dread of that feeling.  This proves, …

Pesachim 111 The Devil Made Me Do It Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-12 10:35:06

Do demons exist? If so, what are they? Our Gemara here mentions them in a variety of scenarios that show them to be living creatures, who live and die, need space and otherwise share the earth with the rest of humanity. It is well-known that the Rambam did not believe in demons, see for example commentary on the Mishna (Avoda Zara 4:7) where he lists belief in demons amongst the defective and degenerate ideas that come from idolatry. Whenever a h …

Pesachim 112 Second Marriages How to Succeed Psychology & the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-12 10:45:07

Are Second Marriages More Likely to End in Divorce? What factors can help predict long term stability in second marriages? Our Gemara at the end of amud aleph advises against a divorced man from marrying a divorced woman, the Gemara warns: There are four minds in the bed during intimacy. Each person thinks about his current and former spouse. What does the research say about second marriages? In general, there are consistent indications that seco …

Pesachim 115 Curiosity and Childhood Academic Success Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-12 12:46:35

 Why is curiosity important? It is important because it creates an anticipation and a need that wants to be satisfied. When children are properly curious, they remain motivated and open to find out about and study things intrinsically for its own sake. Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses removing the table during the Seder to cause the children to wonder and ask questions. The Rabbis understood well that promoting curiosity is the best way for …

Pesachim 113 Staying Together For The Children? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-14 00:00:00

Is it better to stay in a loveless marriage in order to provide stability for your children? Our Gemara on amud Beis alludes to the ethical pros and cons of someone forced to continue in a marriage either due to needs of the children, or financial pressures of an unaffordable divorce settlement.   There are people who feel compelled to stay in a marriage for the sake of the children, and sometimes even due to financial reasons. While to …

Pesachim 114 What is Kavannah Intention in Mitzvos? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-15 00:00:00

Our Gemara discusses the halakhic requirements of intention, kavannah, when performing mitzvos.  However, regardless of the halakhic requirement, we can all understand that there is value in being mindful and having full intention when performing a mitzvah. The question is, what is that intention?  The simple idea would be to have intention that one is performing the mitzvah as per G-d‘s commandment. Furthermore, there are mystica …

Pesachim 116 What is Worse? Spiritual or Physical Bondage? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-17 00:00:00

What destroys the human spirit more, spiritual bondage or physical bondage? It is possible to have every benefit and every luxury and still feel utterly miserable, empty and void. This is torture. On the other hand, it is also possible to be wise and fulfilled, yet suffer under incredible oppression. Our Gemara records an argument between Rav and Shmuel as to what aspect of our suffering is recalled in the Exodus story. The Mishna tells us that t …

Pesachim 117 Joyful or Somber? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-18 00:00:00

Pesachim 117 Is being joyful important to religion? There is no question about it, that Judaism has plenty of bitter and dark descriptions of worship and devotion. In our Gemara on Amud Aleph teaches us that a student must be filled with trepidation when he studies under his master. The Talmud (Berachos 30a) stresses the somber requirements in prayer and service. Yet, joy is considered essential in worship and divine connection. The Talmud states …

Pesachim 118 Planetary Catastrophe Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-19 10:59:33

Are predictions of global warming, economic catastrophe and doom to be taken seriously or ignored? Can we expect G-d to take care of us no matter what?  Numerous statements on this daf refer to the concept that G-d’s providence assures that every creature is sustained. This expresses a trust in the well-being of planet earth and its inhabitants which runs against the current political rhetoric. Yet, should we not be concerned? The famo …

Pesachim 119 Take Your Children to Work Day Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-19 11:58:14

Why are there so many aspects of the Torah non-explicit and require rabbinic interpretation?  Is this due to our inadequacy to understand and transmit the truths of the Torah or is it by design? The Gemara on amud aleph discusses the concept of Hashem taking pride in his sons winning against him. Moshe somehow “convinces” Hashem to relent from destroying the Jewish people after the sin of the Golden Calf. This idiom is also used …

Pesachim 120 What Is Healthy Sleep? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-21 00:00:00

What is the physiological function of sleep and is there such thing as “good sleep” and “bad sleep״? The Gemara on amud beis relates to is an incident when Rabbah was dozing off and his student Abaye attempted to get his attention. The Gemara notes that dozing is distinct from sleeping. When dozing, one can answer when called, be reminded and confirm certain details but not engage in thoughtful discussion. When asleep, a person …

Pesachim 121 Overvalued Beliefs Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-22 00:00:00

Everyone has passions and strong opinions about something. Even many so-called pacifists who espouse a “let-and-let-live” attitude can ironically respond with aggression toward those who do not share their “peaceful” philosophy. How do you know when your passions represent your best instincts, and when they are just distorted and overrated? Our Gemara on Amud Aleph mentions a rabbinic decree regarding the sacrificial meats …

Shekalim 2 I Hope We Are The Good Guys Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-23 00:00:00

How is it possible for people to be so evil and so good at the same time. Right now, as you read this, throughout the world the vilest, most sadistic, most depraved acts are being performed. Yes, at the same time, incredible acts of altruism, charity, love and self-sacrifice are being performed. It is hard to digest the pure evil and pure goodness that encompasses the capacities and activities of the human animal. Our Gemara on amud beis Similarl …

Shekalim 3 He Must Call Out, “I am Unclean” Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-24 00:00:00

When suffering, misery or sin inevitably occurs, what is the best attitude to take toward it?  Should we just forget about it and hope for a positive future, or does it require reflection before we move on? Our Gemara on amud aleph teaches us the source for marking graves to know how to avoid becoming tamey (impure) comes from the verse about the Metzora Leper, who is required to call out, “I am Tamey, I am Tamey”. There are othe …

Shekalim 4 The Mind is Not a Vessel But A Fire to Be Kindled Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-25 00:00:00

The Mind is Not a Vessel But A Fire to Be Kindled Plutarch Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us that Hashem showed Moshe a fiery image of the coin used for the half-shekel donations.  What was so difficult for Moshe to comprehend that he required an image to be shown to him?  The Gemara in Menachos (29a) notes that there were three matters that Moshe could not understand and Hashem had to illustrate them to him, by pointing with his own fin …

Shekalim 5 Twisted Pshat Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-26 11:14:52

  The Gemara asks, what services in the Temple did the extra Kolbons fund? It is a dispute amongst the Tannaim: לְאֵיכָן הָיוּ הַקּוֹלָּבּוֹנוֹת נוֹפְלִין. רִבִּי מֵאִיר אוֹמֵר. לַשְּׁקָלִים. רִבִּי לָזָֽר אוֹמֵר. לִנְדָבָה. רִבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן הַשְּׁזוּרִי אוֹמֵר. רִיקּוּעֵי זָהָב וְצִיפּוּי …

Shekalim 6 Reparations and Atonement Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-26 11:23:54

The Gemara on amud aleph describes a series of historical situations that explain the function and choice of particular coinage or sum used in the half shekel contribution, that are reminiscent of the sin of the Golden Calf, not waiting for Moshe to descend from Mount Sinai, and the plot against Yosef.  One of the age-old questions is what function of justice is it for descendants,  hundred generations later to still suffer from and pay …

Shekalim 7 Soul Searching Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-26 11:39:43

Our Gemara Tells us that when one teaches Torah from a deceased sage, his lips still move in the grave. The implication is that in some way he is still living. What does that really mean? On a simple level, we can say that a person’s greatest immortality is their ideas. If we are discussing their ideas then it is as if they’re alive because their effects remain in this world. However, there’s a deeper way to understand this as w …

Shekalim 8 Healthy Glow Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-29 00:00:00

The Gemara describes two Amoraim whose faces shined to the point that others noticed it. What is this glowing quality that certain saintly people seem to have? It is a subjective sense that appears to be universally experienced by all humans who encounter the rare, saintly individual. Artwork through the centuries depict saintly individuals with some kind of glowing halo of light around their heads. We might argue that the Christian depictions of …

Shekalim 9 Diamonds are Coal that Stuck to their Job Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-30 00:00:00

Title Quote: Malcolm Forbes  The Gemara on Amud Beis quotes the famous beraisa of Rabbi Pinchas Ben Yair, which the Mesilas Yesharim used as the basis for the Sefer. The Mesilas Yesharim describes each middah in the beraisa and what are the steps to develop it: [וְכֵן הָיָה רִבִּי פִינְחָס בֶּן יָאִיר אוֹמֵר. זְרִיזוּת מְבִיאָה לִידֵי נְקִיּוּת. נְקִיּוּת מְב …

Shekalim 10 Off-Ramp from the Highway of Sin Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-31 00:00:00

Our Gemara mentions the ramp that was built for the Yom Kippur ScapeGoat and its attendant to be walked out. The Mishna Yoma (6:4) explains that certain boorish, perhaps superstitious folk would harass the attendant and the goat to leave quickly in order that their sins be removed quickly.  The ramp was made to protect the Goat and its attendant from the common folk who would try to rush them out by pulling on the goat’s hair.  It …

Shekalim 11 Conspicuous Construction Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-01 00:00:00

The Mishna and Gemara discuss that the Sons of the Cohanim Gedolim (presumably a phrase including their supporters and family) would pay from their own money to construct a new ramp for the procession of the Red Heifer. This was a rare occasion that perhaps a High Priest did once in an entire career, though Shimon HaTzaddik who had a long career, actually oversaw two Red Heifer rituals and paid for a brand new ramp for each one.  The Gemara …

Shekalim 12 Those Who Help Themselves Help G-d Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-02 11:34:41

Our Gemara discusses the requirement that an olah sacrifice must be a male animal and a sin offering must be a female animal. What is the reason for this? Rambam in his Guide for the Perplexed (III:46) offers practical reason: The greater the sin, the less dignified and worthy is the sacrifice. The male animal is more valuable (it can be used for burdens in the field and can sire offspring. Therefore the male animal is set aside for the Olah, whi …

Shekalim 13 People Talking Without Listening Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-02 12:07:15

The Gemara Tells of two incidents where there was such a drought that no new growing barley could be found for the Korban Omer. Each time, there was only one person who knew where to find fresh sprouting barley. Unfortunately, the person was mute and could only make motions with his hands. In each instance it was the Sage Pesachya, (who is otherwise known as Mordechai), who was able to decipher the hand motions and know where the barley was to be …

Shekalim 14 When Your Children Do Not Turn Out As You Expected Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-02 12:34:18

Our Gemara tells us the tragic story about Nehunya who was the official well digger for the Temple. He had a special intuition to know where to dig for water and what rocks contain access underground aquifers. Yet, in a bizarre twist of fate, his own son died of thirst. The Gemara says this shows us that G-d can be exacting upon those who are most pious. That is, G-d may be patient and wait for others to repent because he knows they need time, bu …

Shekalim 15 Emotionally Intelligent Giving Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-05 00:00:00

The eclipse of the Ego does not happen much more often than an Eclipse of the Sun, as they are equally matched in their grandiosity. Our Gemara details a number of situations that underscore the importance of using wisdom when one performs a good deed. They quote a verse in Psalms (41:2) “Fortunate is one who considers the poor.” אַ֭שְׁרֵי מַשְׂכִּ֣יל אֶל־דָּ֑ל  Notably, NOT one who GIVES to the poor, …

Shekalim 16 It’s Black and White Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-06 00:00:00

Our Gemara tells us that the Torah was originally written with black fire engraved in white fire. Rashi Deuteronomy (33:2) brings a similar teaching. What is the meaning of this? The Maharal (Tiferes Yisroel 20) from what I can figure out seems to be saying that there are two kinds of potentialities in Torah. One is the active manifestation of G-d in his kindness and allowing things to exist through his power. This is how Avraham, who was known f …

Shekalim 17 Deus Ex Machina Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-07 00:00:00

The Gemara tells us the tragic story of the final days of the Bais HaMikdash. When King Yehoyachin Realized that it was inevitable that Nebuchadnezzar would capture the temple, he took the keys of the Temple, climbed up to the roof, and called out to G-d, ”Master of the Universe, in the past we were faithful to You and Your keys were handed over to us. Now that we are not faithful, Your keys are handed over to You.” There is a dispute …

Shekalim 18 Spiritual Antenna Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-09 09:56:36

  Our Gemara tells us that there were 10 additional menorahs and 10 additional tables made by Shlomo HaMelech in the Bais HaMikdash. There is a dispute as to whether or not they actually were used, that is kosher for being used, or they were merely ornamental. Why bother to make these additional sacred objects? And what is the meaning of the dispute? Rabbenu Bechaye (Shemos 25:10) does not answer this directly though he does point out a prob …

Shekalim 19 Don’t Surround Yourself with Yes Men Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-09 09:58:02

Our Gemara tells about the pushka set up by Yehoyada the Cohen to collect funds for the renovation of the Beis HaMikdash in his times. This story is told over in Melachim II:12 and Divrei HaYamim II:24. The king at that time was Yehoash, and he has a very interesting story, with important lessons to be learned. He became king at a young age after being hidden in the Beis HaMikdash for six years (see Divrei HaYamim II:22:12, according to the Midra …

Shekalim 20 Glatt Kosher Hypocrisy Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-09 10:25:54

Our Gemara discusses various situations of meat and food whose chain of custody was broken, and thus we are unsure whether it is kosher. One such case discussed is when a kite bird swooped down and grabbed a piece of meat, and then brought it back. The question being, can we assume it is the same piece of meat, or another? This is similar to the situation described in Melachim (I:17:6) that ravens brought food to Eliyahu HaNavi while he was on th …

Shekalim 21 The Space in Between Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-11 06:20:31

Our Gemara tells us that the two paroches partition curtains between the Holy of Holies and the Sanctuary were replaced every year.  Why was it replaced?  I would assume because the blood of sacrifices were sprinkled on it during the Yom Kippur Avodah and also in the ritual of the Public Sin offering (See Mishna Zevachim 5:1).  These curtains were costly textiles made of spun gold and precious threads, as well as having intricate d …

Shekalim 22 Consistency Versus Passion Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-12 04:45:25

Our Gemara discusses the famous dictum תָּדִיר וְשֶׁאֵינוֹ תָּדִיר — תָּדִיר קוֹדֵם when a frequent practice and an infrequent practice coincide, the frequent practice takes precedence over the infrequent practice. This is learned out from a verse regarding the Tamid offering that precedes the Musaf offerings (Zevachim 89a).  A similar principle is stated that the more holy choice takes precedence …

Daf Yoma 2 If So, There is No End to Your Fears Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-13 00:00:00

Our Mishna discusses a dispute between the Sages and Rabbi Yehuda. Since the Cohen must be ritually pure in order to perform the Yom Kippur service, they would appoint a backup Cohen, lest he become ritually impure.. However, Rabbi Yehuda also required them to appoint a backup wife, presumably for each Cohen, because the Cohen who performed the service needed to be married. To this concern, the Rabbis retorted, “If so there is no end to wha …

Yoma 3 The Bedroom and the Holy of Holies Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-14 00:00:00

The Gemara at the end of amud beis discusses the preparation required in order to enter in the Holy of Holies. The principal requirement is six days of separation, however ultimately it is mandated at seven days.  I heard a lovely idea from Rabbi Avrohom Blumenkrantz ZT”L. The seven days of preparation that the Cohen engages in to prepare for entry into the Holy of Holies is paralleled by the seven days of preparation that a couple hav …

Yoma 4 What’s in a Name? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-15 00:00:00

Our Gemara tells us that it is proper etiquette to call out to a person before speaking with him or her. We see from the fact that many verses begin with, “G-d called to Moses and said to him“, this implies that before one speaks, one should engage the person, get their attention, and see if they are interested in what you have to say. Maharsha here states that one should call by name explicitly. Mizrachi (VaYikra 1:1) implies the nam …

Yoma 5 You Cannot Learn Character on the Job Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-16 09:25:46

Our Gemara on amud aleph quotes the verse that describes the inauguration and succession plan of the Cohen Gadol.  Rashi on this verse (Vayikra 16:32) quotes a Sifra that states that the verse indicates that we appoint the Cohen’s son to be his successor so long as he follows in his father’s footsteps. Let us discuss the ethics of succession in Judaism: In secular philosophy, there is no legal or moral right for any leader to app …

Yoma Daf 6 Sexual Satisfaction vs. Psychological Security

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-16 09:58:26

The Gemara on Amud Aleph questions why the Cohen Godol should be sequestered from his wife seven days before the Yom Kippur service? The Gemara answers that since there is only one Cohen Godol (and one back-up), we worry his wife might show signs of having become niddah right after intercourse. There would then be concern that perhaps she was niddah during intercourse. When such a situation occurs and there was sexual relations, there is an impur …

Yoma 7 Is it Permitted to Criticize Your Spouse? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-18 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses the idiom, הֱוֵי פִּקֵּחַ וּשְׁתוֹק Be shrewd and keep silent. Here it is used in reference to a public sacrifice that would be kosher if brought while impure, given there is no other substitute. Since it is a fait accompli, and technically it is kosher, there is no value in the Cohen sharing information about the sacrifice. Why cause unnecessary despair? This terminology is used in another exam …

Yoma 8 Be Wary of Spiritual Shortcuts Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-19 00:00:00

This Daf discusses a number of topics that I would like to tie together thematically with a derash.  First, the sanctity of Tefilin is discussed and the requirement to be aware of them at all times while wearing them.  Second, we discussed the odd case of somebody who wrote G-d’s name on his body. The Gemara deals with the technical issue of how he may undress in front of G-d’s name (Tosafos), or possibly the fear of it bei …

Yoma 9 Proper and Improper Seduction Politically Incorrect Psychology & the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-20 08:43:34

The Gemara on amud beis heavily criticizes the sexually provocative behavior of the women during the Second Temple: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, indicates a tall woman walking alongside a short one so that the tall woman would stand out. And walk with outstretched necks, indicates that they would walk with upright stature and carry themselves in an immodest way. And wanton eyes, indicates that they would fill their eyes with blue ey …

Yoma 10 Some Things We Will Never Know Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-21 00:00:00

The Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that the Persians who rebuilt the Temple would eventually suffer a demise.  They question why it should be fair, that those who did the good deed of rebuilding the Temple should suffer a destruction.  The Gemara Offers two answers:  Such is the decree from G-d, seeming to say that some things in the world are a mystery and we cannot question them.  Or indeed, the Persians also destroyed synag …

Yoma 11 A Kalter Litvak Rationalist Undergoes a Conversion Psychology & the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-22 00:00:00

The Gemara tells us the requirement of checking a mezuzah: The mezuza belonging to an individual is examined twice every seven years to determine whether it was stolen or became disqualified. And in order to avoid excessive burden on the community, the mezuza belonging to the public is examined twice in a fifty-year Jubilee period. I would like to tell you a story from my personal life, actually two stories, about Mezuzos. Many people have the cu …

Yoma 12 Avoiding Relationship Gridlock Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-23 10:10:20

Our Gemara discusses the problem of what happens when a new Cohin Godol is nominated due to an invalidation of the prior Cohen Godol.  When the original Cohen Godol recovers from whatever it is that invalidated him, he is restored the office. What do we do with the second appointee? The Gemara says that we cannot demote him back to ordinary service because that would be a diminution of holiness. However, he cannot remain and share the office …

Yoma 13 Letting Go, and Letting Get Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-23 10:20:42

Our Gemara discusses certain kinds of conditional divorces which are not valid: If a man says to his wife: This is your bill of divorce on condition that you will not drink wine for all the days of my life and your life, that is not severance. The bill of divorce in the Torah is called a bill of severance, meaning that for the document to be valid all connections between the husband and wife must be severed. If there is a provision in the documen …

Yoma 15 Does True Evil Exist Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-25 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discussed the directive that one should always turn toward the right side. This is a pervasive value statement which comes up in numerous halachos. The right side is treated as more important. Pele Yoetz under the entry for “Yamin” lists several halakhic procedures that should be done right side first. The right shoe should be placed on first, and the right side of a garment should be put on first, especially E …

Yoma 16 Kosher but Still Repulsive Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-26 00:00:00

Our Gemara tells us that there was a chamber in the Temple where invalidated stones from the altar were stored. These were stones that were removed from the altar as a result of having been contaminated through idolatrous worship by gentile kings during the time of the Hasmoneans. Tosafos Yom Tov (Middos 1:1) questions how this is a proper rationale for demolishing part of the altar. The actual halakha is that something attached to the ground can …

Yoma 17 The “Right” Way to Do Things Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-27 00:00:00

Our Gemara again discusses the preference of right over left. On Daf 15 we investigated this concept metaphysically. I just wanted to add some more thoughts on this matter:   What happens when we want to know what the weather is? Do we look out the window, or do we look at an app on our phone? What about if you want to know what time sunset is in order to pray? Do we look out the window or do we look at the Myzmanim app our phone? The point …

Yoma 18 She Is Not Your Object Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-28 00:00:00

Our Gemara records a seemingly bizarre practice of Rav and Rav Nachman:  When they would travel to a foreign city without their wives, they would seek a temporary wife, so as to save them from temptation. Needless to say, this Gemara runs against modern sensibilities.  But not just for the moderns, Ben Yeyohada also cannot accept this Gemara literally as stated. He finds it repugnant that anyone, let alone rabbis, could behave in such a …

Yoma 19 Cold Feet and Insomnia Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-29 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis Records a practice of helping the Cohen Godol stay awake by placing his feet on the cold marble floor. Indeed, there is a scientific basis for this idea.  A paper published in the Journal Nature (1999)  https://www.nature.com/articles/43366.epdf?sharing_token=CfJJi5x59F3F2Zdd5qZuctRgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0McdLoGBqBWDxzYnDuZ89VSsOd_gDIC6yu7SbDYXsM9a63iLB7KHJyKS_Os-MtnAFZReWxUmFpT8xd8_HyFdpoMYMXGDBhQMfwABn_AKxbPCfBP2kwn …

Yoma 20 No Atheists in the Foxholes of Life Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-30 11:16:38

The Sages taught: Three sounds travel from the end of the world to its other end, and these are: The sound of the sphere of the sun, and the sound of the bustle of the crowds of Rome, and the sound of the soul at the moment that it leaves the body, which should be audible throughout the world. And some say: Even the sound of a woman giving birth. What are we discussing? Based on Kli Yakkar (Bereishis 32:25) and Yismach Moshe (Bo 19:1) the Gemara …

Yoma 21 Amen, and A-Women! Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-30 11:31:46

Our Gemara lists a number of miracles that occurred in the Beis HaMikdash, including that a pregnant woman never miscarried as a result of smelling the cooking sacrificial meats and craving them, as well as that the Coeh Gadol never had a nocturnal seminal emission on Yom Kippur night. What was the exact miracle regarding the pregnant women not miscarrying?  Some quote in the name of Rashi that the women would feel cravings for the meat, not …

Yoma 22 Healthy Control Instinct Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-02 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that originally they had a race up the ramp of the mizbeach to determine which Cohen got to do the Terumas HaDeshen (removal of the ashes). Since the competition led to falling and injury, the rabbis held a lottery instead. After the rabbis instituted the lottery, the Gemara reported that there was a drop in interest (it was an early morning non-glamorous service), and so they had to add more services to the &ldq …

Yoma 23 Instant Couples Counseling in a Pasuk Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-03 00:00:00

Our Gemara discusses the prohibition of revenge and grudge bearing: ⁦What is revenge and what is bearing a grudge? Revenge is illustrated by the following example: One said to his fellow: “Lend me your sickle”, and he said: “No”. The next day he, the one who had refused to lend the sickle, said to the other person: “Lend me your ax.” If he said to him: “I will not lend to you, just as you did not lend t …

Yoma 24 Help for those who Hate Davening Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-04 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse in Psalms (55:15) אֲשֶׁ֣ר יַ֭חְדָּו נַמְתִּ֣יק ס֑וֹד בְּבֵ֥ית אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים נְהַלֵּ֥ךְ בְּרָֽגֶשׁ׃ sweet was our fellowship; we walked together in God’s house. Based on this verse, Ben Ish Chai (בן איש חי הלכות השנה א, מקץ), instructs one to pause a moment before entering a shul.  During this moment he should me …

Yoma 25 Holy Smokes! Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-05 00:00:00

Our Gemara mentions that the ketores incense is a segulah for becoming wealthy. Even today, there are those who read the ketores from parchment so as to come as close as possible to fulfilling this mitzvah (Kaf HaChayyim 17:18). What is special about the ketores?  The Zohar (II:218b) explains a number of spiritual benefits that the Ketores bestows: One who smells the burning incense as it ascends experiences a great clarity of purpose and jo …

Yoma 26 Facilitating Learning Instead of Forcing Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-06 00:00:00

Our Gemara discusses certain tribes who were noted by the verses for Torah teaching and halakhic acumen.  Issachar and Zevulun are labeled by cited verses for their ability in Torah teaching and halakha.  The Gemara also considers the Tribe of Judah based on a verse, and then rejects it.   Apropos this passage in Deuteronomy, Rava said: You do not find a young Torah scholar who gives halakhic instruction unless he comes from t …

Yoma 27 The Gift of Service Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-07 11:01:29

  Our Gemara cites a verse in Bamidbar (18:7): וְאַתָּ֣ה וּבָנֶ֣יךָ אִ֠תְּךָ תִּשְׁמְר֨וּ אֶת־כְּהֻנַּתְכֶ֜ם לְכָל־דְּבַ֧ר הַמִּזְבֵּ֛חַ וּלְמִבֵּ֥ית לַפָּרֹ֖כֶת וַעֲבַדְתֶּ֑ם עֲבֹדַ֣ת מַתָּנָ֗ה אֶתֵּן֙ אֶת־כְּהֻנַּתְכֶ֔ם וְהַזָּ֥ר הַקָּרֵ֖ב יוּמָֽת׃ (ס) &n …

Yoma 28 Help for Procrastinators Coming Soon Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-07 11:16:18

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses learning from Avraham’s trait of Zerizus (see Rashi). The term zerizus does not easily translate into English because it represents a certain mindset that is less prevalent in current culture. The words that most closely fit are assiduous and zealous, but they aren’t perfect. Those words imply dedication and consistency which is within zerizus, but does not include quickness. On the other hand, the te …

Yoma 29 When the Addictive Behavior IS the Addiction Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-09 00:00:00

Our Gemara on the top of Amud Aleph states a powerful idea: Thoughts of transgression are worse than transgression itself, הִרְהוּרֵי עֲבֵירָה קָשׁוּ מֵעֲבֵירָה Of course, literally and logically sin in action, is much worse. Is it worse to brood for 10 years about killing someone than actually killing someone? Obviously not. So what did our Sages intend? Let us try to understand this from a psychological perspec …

Yoma 30 COVID: Psychological, Social and Actual Contagions Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-10 00:00:00

Our Gemara mentions an interesting social fear, that of being called a Kerus Shafecha.  What is a Kerus Shafecha?  Kerus shafecha literally means a cut pipe, a deformation or injury to the urethra or male organ, often stemming from a botched Bris Milah that leads to a dysfunction in the ability to properly urinate and ejaculate.  In fact, this deformity would invalidate the person as a marriage partner, and also it was believed med …

Yoma 31 A Different Kind of Lesson for the Day of Judgment Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-11 00:00:00

Two small psychological observations from two different points discussed in the Gemara. On Amud Beis the Gemara explains that they used a linen sheet as a mechitza between the Cohen Godol and the crowd, to cover him while he changed clothes for the service. The Gemara asks why specifically a sheet of linen? The Gemara answer that since the Yom Kippur avodah was with linen clothes, unlike all year round, they also used a linen sheet. It’s no …

Yoma 32 God is Found in the Mysteries Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-12 00:00:00

Our Gemara quotes a verse in Yirmiyahu 46:20 as a prooftext that the word קרץ means to kill. עֶגְלָ֥ה יְפֵֽה־פִיָּ֖ה מִצְרָ֑יִם קֶ֥רֶץ מִצָּפ֖וֹן בָּ֥א בָֽא׃ ⁦Egypt is a handsome heifer— A killer from the north is coming, coming! The basic meaning of the verse is that though the Kingdom of Egypt was successful and secure as a fat calf, it will meet its match in a deadly enemy fr …

Yoma 33 Shell-Shocked by Sin Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-13 00:00:00

Our Gemara mentions the halakhic principle of We Do Not Pass Over a Mitzvah אין מעביריו על המצוות. That is, once we are engaged in one mitzvah or even get in touch with the process, we are not allowed to pass it over and go to another mitzvah. There is a Beautiful chassidish peshat in this articulated by the Tiferes Shlomo (See Shemini, and Vaeschanan, Shabbos Shuva). The word “to pass over“ in Hebrew מעביר Bear …

Yoma 34 The Road to Nowhere is Paved with Vague Intentions Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-14 10:32:18

Our Gemara on Amud Beis references the famous machlokes of Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Shimon regarding an unintentional act. If one performs an activity whose primary intent is permitted but along with it may come a forbidden act, according to Rabbi Yehuda it is forbidden and according to Rabbi Shimon it is permitted.  Our Gemara discussed the case of a hot iron bar placed in the Mikvah to warm it for the Cohen Godol. The primary intention is si …

Yoma 35 Sexual Harassment and Irresistible Urges Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-14 10:53:26

Our Gemara on Amud Beis uses the story of Yosef’s resisting the seduction by Potiphar’s wife as a role model and proof for moral  behavior: ⁦They said about Joseph the righteous: Each and every day, the wife of Potiphar seduced him with words. In addition, the clothes that she wore to entice him in the morning, she did not wear to entice him in the evening. The clothes that she wore to entice him in the evening, she did not wea …

Yoma 36 Asking for Too Much from God? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-16 00:00:00

Our Gemara records a machlokes between Rabbi Meir and the Rabbanan regarding the words and order of the viduy confession. Rabbi Meir follows the order of the verse used by Moshe, Avon, Pesha and Chata’a.  The Rabbis cannot accept that because logically, the confession should go in order of severity: Chet (unintentional), Avon (intentional) and Pesha (Rebellious).  If so, why indeed did Moshe use a different order?  It was to …

Yoma 37 Get a Handle on Leadership and Parenting Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-17 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph recounts that King Munbaz contributed the funds required to make the handles of all the Yom Kippur vessels of gold. Ben Yeyohada offers a meaning as to why King Munbaz chose that particular donation and enhancement.  He says the King is to the Jewish people like the handle of a vessel.  He facilitates and actualizes the potential of the vessel. I think this is a beautiful idea that every leader, and really every …

Yoma 38 Suicide and Halakhic Forgeries Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-18 00:00:00

Our Gemara tells us the story of Nicanor and the gates that he brought from Alexandria in honor of the Bais HaMikdash: For Nicanor, miracles were performed to his doors. The Sages taught in the Tosefta: What miracles occurred for his doors? They said: When Nicanor went to bring copper doors for the eastern gate of the Temple from Alexandria in Egypt, famous for its craftsmanship, on his return voyage by ship, a storm arose in the sea and threaten …

Yoma 39 Addiction, Emotional Occlusion and Timtum Halev Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-19 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a teaching from Rabbi Yishmael:   Sin obstructs and clogs the heart of the sinner. On a simple level, the Gemara is noting that the momentum of sinful behaviors makes a person more callous and less sensitive to wrongdoing and morals in general.  Presumably, this is the Timtum halev that the rabbis meant. A clogging of the heart and a contraction of open-heartedness and sensitivity. Arvei Nachal (Bere …

Yoma 40 Reach for the Positive Even If You Still Sin Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-20 00:00:00

Our Gemara quotes the verse in VaYikra (16:10), ״יׇעֳמַד חַי לִפְנֵי ה׳ לְכַפֵּר עָלָיו״, “The goat on which the lot came up for Azazel shall be stood alive before the Lord, to make atonement over him, to send him away for Azazel into the wilderness.” The Gemara learns from there that Scapegoat must remain alive until after its counterpart has its blood sprinkled in the sanctuary. The Shem Mishmuel ( …

Yoma 41 Healthy Guilt vs. Toxic Despair Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-21 10:32:40

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the ritual where the crimson thread was tied between the horns of the scapegoat, and another crimson thread was tied around the neck of the goat that was to be slaughtered. Once the goat was slaughtered, the crimson thread was hung from the entrance to the sanctuary. If the jews were forgiven, while the goat was being thrown off the cliff, miraculously the red thread hanging by the entrance to the sanctuary would …

Yoma 42 Fault by Default Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-21 10:56:10

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph Compares the death of a righteous person to the ritual and forgiveness achieved by the scapegoat. What is the connection between the scapegoat and the death of a righteous person? Tzidkas HaTzaddik (92) explains it in the following thought provoking manner: A person may have a Powerful but temporary spiritual awakening, where he or she feels an arousal and awareness of spiritual connection that is beyond the usual. Even t …

Yoma 43 Holy Cow! Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-23 00:00:00

The Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that a woman may perform one aspect of the Parah Adumah ritual, the gathering of the ashes.  It is not usually the case that women are involved in Temple service (although this was not technically a service in the fullest sense) so I thought it might be interesting to consider what is different about Parah Adumah. There is a Midrashic teaching to explain the reason for the Parah Adumah.  It is partially …

Yoma 44 A Different Kind of L’shon Hora Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-24 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph teaches us that the incense achieves atonement for L’shon Hara, slander. Let something that is done in secret, i.e., the incense, which is burned in seclusion within the Sanctuary, come and effect atonement for an act done in secret, i.e., slander, which is generally said in private. Ramah in Toras HaOlah III:7 says a number of chiddushim in regard to this Gemara: The incense is brought in seclusion, meaning that no …

Yoma 45 Unity and Success Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-25 00:00:00

Our Gemara references a series of pesukim that describe the two to five fires set aside on the mizbeach. The Shevet HaMusar (24) sees in these verses of joint fires burning steadily, day and night, a symbolic reference to the love, passion and unity that should exist between husband and wife. I will share some select quotes, that speak for themselves: The main principle is that all depends on whether a man and a woman will be in one heart, with a …

Yoma 46 Flour Power Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-26 00:00:00

The Gemara uses an idiom that is found only once in Shas: מַאן הַאי דְּלָא חָיֵישׁ לְקִמְחֵיהּ Which literally means, who is the one who does not care to sift his flour properly. The metaphor refers to one who is not careful in his studies to make fine distinctions. Mi Hashiloach Avos 3:17 vol I uses this metaphor to say a different peshat in the classic Mishna in Avos. The Mishna famously states: אִם …

Yoma 47 Hair-Tight Alibi Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-27 00:00:00

  Our Gemara tells us about the extensive care and modesty of a woman named Kimchis.  She said, “In all my days, the beams of my house never saw the braids of my hair.”  The Gemara considers this as a possible reason for how she merited to have seven sons, each of whom had an opportunity to serve as Cohen Godol. Aside from the obvious lesson and inspiration regarding this woman’s modesty, there are a number of poi …

Yoma 48 Metempsychosis: The Way Forward is the Way Back Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-28 12:09:16

  Our Gemara used a word “Tefufos” to refer to the manner in which the ketores was gathered in the Cohen’s fist. Tefufos means full to the point of penetration between his fingers but not bursting out. Rashi provides the etymology for this word from a Mishna in Avos 2:6 אַף הוּא רָאָה גֻלְגֹּלֶת אַחַת שֶׁצָּפָה עַל פְּנֵי הַמַּיִם. אָמַר לָהּ, עַל דַּאֲט …

Yoma 49 So Long, And Thanks For All The Mitzvos Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-28 12:19:12

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph records an interesting statement from Rabbi Chanina: אָמַר רַבִּי חֲנִינָא: בֹּא וּרְאֵה שְׁאֵלַת הָרִאשׁוֹנִים. Rabbi Ḥanina said to his students in excitement: Come and see that Sages from a later generation were able to ask a difficult question on par with the question of the earlier generations. Even I, Rabbi Ḥanina, asked this same question, which was posed by my …

Yoma 50 Zero Minus Zero Is Still Zero Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-30 00:00:00

Tosafos (50a, “Par He’elam) raises an interesting linguistic question.   Why is a sin offering for the regular transgression committed by the congregation referred to as singular, ”Par” “bullock“, but throughout rabbinic literature, the sacrifice for inadvertent idolatry is referred to in the plural as, “Seiri” “ The goats of idolatry”.  Tosafos attempts to answer but rais …

Yoma 51 Heiron Curtain Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-05-31 00:00:00

The Mishna on Amud Beis quotes a verse that describes the (Paroches) separation between the sanctuary and the Holy of Holies. The verse is reminiscent of a similar verse in Bereishis that describes the firmament that separates between the upper waters and lower waters. Numerous commentaries noted the similarities of the verses from the Mishkan and the creation verses in Bereishis, and see mystical implications. The Shalah (Torah Shebikhtav, Terum …

Yoma 52 Do Away With The Middleman Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-01 00:00:00

The Gemara on Amud Aleph says: חֲבִיבִין יִשְׂרָאֵל שֶׁלֹּא הִצְרִיכָן הַכָּתוּב לְשָׁלִיחַ. The Jewish people are beloved by God, as the Torah did not require them to make use of an agent, e.g., an angel, to intercede on their behalf. Instead, God hears the nation’s prayers directly. Consequently, the High Priest, who represents the people on Yom Kippur, need not approach in a roundabo …

Yoma 53 Balanced Prayer & Balanced Personality Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-02 00:00:00

The Gemara on Amud Beis tells us : The High Priest recites a brief prayer in the outer chamber. The Gemara asks: What does he pray? Rava bar Rav Adda and Ravin bar Rav Adda both said in the name of Rav that this was his prayer: May it be your will, Lord our God, that this year shall be rainy and hot. The Gemara immediately expresses surprise at this request: Is heat a good matter? Why should he request that the year be hot? Rather, say and emend …

Yoma 54 Sex, Savages and Cellphones Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-03 00:00:00

The Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us a fascinating practice from the Temple era: ⁦How is this so? The staves of the Aron protruded and stuck out against the curtain toward the outside, and appeared like the two breasts of a woman pushing against her clothes. As it is stated: “My beloved is to me like a bundle of myrrh, that lies between my breasts” (Song of Songs 1:13). For this reason the Ark of the Covenant, where the Divine Presence …

Yoma 55 The Thin Red Line Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-04 13:31:02

  Our Gemara discusses the sprinkling of the blood in front of the cover of the aron and quotes a verse רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן אָמַר, אָמַר קְרָא: ״וְלִפְנֵי הַכַּפּוֹרֶת יַזֶּה״,  Rabbi Yoḥanan said that the reason is that the verse states: “And he shall sprinkle it with his finger upon the Ark cover, and before the Ark cover he shall sprinkle” (Leviticus 16:14). The Gema …

Yoma 56 Rebound Relationship with God Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-04 14:05:35

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse and idea about God’s presence even during our most impure states: ״הַשּׁוֹכֵן אִתָּם בְּתוֹךְ טוּמְאֹתָם״, אֲפִילּוּ בִּשְׁעַת שֶׁהֵן טְמֵאִים — שְׁכִינָה עִמָּהֶם. “That dwells with them in the midst of their impurity, (VaYikra 16:16)” this teaches that even when the Jewish people are impure, the Div …

Yoma 57 Depression is the Mother of Invention Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-06 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph records a jibe from Rav Yirmiya regarding the Babylonian scholars: “Foolish Babylonians! Since you live in a dark climate, you offer teachings which are unclear and dim.” There is an intuitive truth to the idea that climate and environment affect mood and function. There is a form of depression, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which seems to be brought on in the dark winter months as a result of los …

Yoma 58 Vice Versa, and Verses About Vice Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-07 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud Beis discusses the principle of אין מעבירין על מצות we do not pass over a mitzvah.  This matter has many halackhic implications as how one must behave if he enters into contact with one mitzvah opportunity, despite wanting to stop and do another, even greater mitzvah.  An excellent summary of the halachos can be found in Chayye Odom 68.  However, today I would like to discuss an opposite concept, …

Yoma 59 Bricks and Martyr Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-08 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references a verse (Shemos 24:10) that describes the vision the Elders had at Sinai. There is a cryptic phrase, which I’ll do my best to translate: וַיִּרְא֕וּ אֵ֖ת אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְתַ֣חַת רַגְלָ֗יו כְּמַעֲשֵׂה֙ לִבְנַ֣ת הַסַּפִּ֔יר וּכְעֶ֥צֶם הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם לָטֹֽהַר׃ ⁦and they saw the God of Israel …

Yoma 60 Cloak and Gagger Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-09 00:00:00

Our Gemara tells us that though the Cohen Godol wore בגדי לבן on Yom Kippur for services related to the Holy of Holies, which were really the same as the Cohen Hedyot. they would not be recycled for Cohen hedyot use during the year.  On the topic of Bigdei Lavan, we find that one time in history a non-cohen wore the white priestly clothes and performed the service in the inner sanctuary. Moshe served as Cohen Godol during the seven in …

Yoma 61 Permanently Broken? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-10 00:00:00

Our gemara on Amud Beis mentions a concept of Tzarich, V’eyn Lo Takana.  That is sometimes a Mishna or Beraisa may note that a certain action is required, yet there is no way that it can be made up.  The obligation stands with no ability to fulfill it. There are times in life where we must face the consequences of deeds that cannot be undone.   It is understandable that a person can feel crushed because of what he or she …

Yoma 62 Evil Twin Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-11 12:59:51

Our Gemara and Mishna on Amud Aleph tells that the two goats, the one for the scape and the one for the inner sacrifice should be the same size, the same appearance and bought at the same time for the same price.  What can we find in this symbolism? Peri Tzaddik (Shushan Purim 2) offers an insightful explanation. The two goats, on the outside are indistinguishable, yet on the inside one of them represents absolute and abject sin, while the o …

Yoma 63 Ich Bin Ein Berliner Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-11 13:09:21

Our Gemara on amud beis mentions an opinion of a Tannah, Chanan the Egyptian.  This unusual name actually belongs to two different Tannaim.  This one, our Gemara’s Chanan the Egyptian, has only one teaching mentioned in Shas, having to do with the blood of the goat, should the scapegoat die.   In any case, the name is of interest.  What Jew takes on the name, “the Egyptian?”  Was he a convert?  …

Yoma 64 It is Easy to Turn a Mitzvah into an Aveirah Psychology & the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-13 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a scenario where it is necessary to slaughter an animal to feed an ill person on Yom Kippur. In this scenario, the Gemara assumes there is no other meat available, and thus the mother goat of the scapegoat needs to be slaughtered for this purpose. This then raises the problem of the scapegoat being מחוסר זמן invalid due to a time dependent disqualification. In this case the prohibition of slaughtering th …

Yoma 65 Spirituality Must Align With Reality Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-14 00:00:00

The Gemara on Amud Beis relates a machlokes about the year long window that is allowed for the seller to buy back his home in a walled city. Is the year a solar year, that is 365 plus days that it takes for the Sun to be in the exact same position? Or is it a Jewish Lunar year, that is, the same day and month the following year, leap month included? In truth, the Jewish calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar inputs; specifically, t …

Yoma 67 Cosmic String Theory Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-15 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us an interesting discussion between Rabbi Eliezer and a “wise woman”: A wise woman asked Rabbi Eliezer: Since all bore equal responsibility for the incident of the Golden Calf, due to what factor were their deaths not equal? Some of the people were killed by the sword of Moses and the Levites, some were killed in a plague, and others were struck with an intestinal illness. He said to her: There is no wis …

Yoma 67 Basket Case Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-16 00:00:00

The Gemara on Amud Aleph explains the practice of offering water and food to the appointee who walks the scapegoat to the cliff through the wilderness. At each and every booth people there say to him: Here is food; here is water, if you need it. It was taught: No man who escorted the goat ever needed this food and water. However, they would offer it to him anyway, because one who has bread in his basket is not similar to one who does not have bre …

Yoma 68 You Can't be in Two Places at Once Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-17 00:00:00

Our Gemara and Mishna on Amud Beis (Yoma 68b) teaches us a lesson about self-determination: One who sees the High Priest reading the Torah does not see the bull and goat that are burned; and one who sees the bull and goat that are burned does not see the High Priest reading the Torah. The Mishna explains: And this is not due to the fact that one is not permitted to see both, but because there was a significant distance between them, and the perfo …

Yoma 69 Freud Where Prohibited Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-18 10:21:03

Our Gemara on Amud Beis relates the famous story of the Men of the Great Assembly who prayed for the elimination of the desire for sinful sexual behavior. Upon capturing and disabling this agent, they noticed the following unwanted side effect: Instead of killing the evil inclination they imprisoned it for three days. At that time, people searched for a fresh egg throughout all of Eretz Yisrael and could not find one. (Since the inclination to re …

Yoma 70 Safe Landing Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-18 10:32:03

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the Mishna which states: And the High Priest would make a feast and holiday for his loved ones and his friends when he emerged in peace from the Sanctuary. We must ask, what indeed was this feast and Yom Tov all about? Was he truly and simply happy to have emerged safely? If we were to accept that, why is it worthy enough for the Mishna to mention it? We know that there is a standing principle that one offers thank …

Yoma 72 Living Torah Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-21 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us about the structure of the Holy Ark: Bezalel made three nested arks: A middle one made of wood, whose height was nine handbreadths; an inner one made of gold, whose height was eight handbreadths; and an outer one of gold, whose height was ten handbreadths and a bit. We might ask, how is this paying honor to the Holy Ark to have wood in the center.  Does it not seem a bit cheap?  Would you buy your wife a …

Not all thatYoma 71 is Permissible is Advisable Psychology & the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-21 00:00:00

The Gemara on Amud Beis tells us a story about a Cohen Godol, who upon successfully and safely emerging from the Holy of Holies, had an encounter with Shmaya and Avtalyon, the rabbinic leaders of the generation: The Sages taught in a baraisa: There was an incident involving one High Priest who exited the Holy Temple and everyone followed him. When they saw Shemaya and Avtalyon, the heads of the Sanhedrin, walking along, in deference to them they …

Yoma 73 Halakhic Sex Education Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-22 00:00:00

The Mishna on Amud Beis states: אָסוּר בַּאֲכִילָה וּבִשְׁתִיָּה וּבִרְחִיצָה וּבְסִיכָה וּבִנְעִילַת הַסַּנְדָּל, וּבְתַשְׁמִישׁ הַמִּטָּה. וְהַמֶּלֶךְ וְהַכַּלָּה יִרְחֲצוּ אֶת פְּנֵיהֶם, וְהַחַיָּה תִּנְעוֹל אֶת הַסַּנְדָּל, דִּבְרֵי רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶ …

Yoma 74 Does God Send Us Tests? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-23 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis references the verses about the Manna, and how the Jews were tested by God (Deuteronomy 8:2-3)  זָכַרְתָּ֣ אֶת־כׇּל־הַדֶּ֗רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֨ר הוֹלִֽיכְךָ֜ יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ זֶ֛ה אַרְבָּעִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר לְמַ֨עַן עַנֹּֽתְךָ֜ לְנַסֹּֽתְךָ֗ לָדַ֜עַת אֶת־אֲשֶׁ֧ר בּ …

I Don’t Want to Ever See You Again...Never! Psychology of the Daf 75

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-24 00:00:00

The Gemara on Amud Aleph stated a well known psychoanalytic principle, which is a key factor in psychotherapeutic treatment, based on a verse in Mishley: ⁦The Gemara explains another verse in Proverbs: “If there is worry in a man’s heart, let him quash it [yashḥena]” (Proverbs 12:25). Rabbi Ami and Rabbi Asi dispute the verse’s meaning. The simple peshat as is evidenced from the context of the verse which you can look …

Yoma 76 Common Sense Birth Control Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-25 10:30:52

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph records an interesting hypothetical vignette imagined about a typical family man during the 40 years that the Jews wandered in the wilderness: So too, in the case of the Jewish people, someone who had four or five children would be worried and say: Perhaps the manna will not fall tomorrow and we will all die of starvation. Consequently, everyone directed their hearts to their Father in heaven every day. The manna that fel …

Yoma 77 Stick Up for your Spouse and Family Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-25 10:48:15

The Gemara on Amud Aleph relates a story about how the Angel Gabriel was unique in his advocating on behalf of the Jewish people. Because of this, Gabriel was restored to a former position of honor. Mesilas Yeshanim (19) speaks about this:  ⁦Our sages of blessed memory already expounded on the verse: "I have come because of your words" (Daniel 10:12) - "that Gavriel was not allowed to re-enter behind the heavenly curtain until he had plead …

Yoma 80 Does the Torah Change? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-27 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states: Rabbi Elazar said: One who unwittingly eats forbidden fat even today must write down the exact measure that he ate, lest another court come in the future and increase the measure. The Gemara appears to be saying that the Rabbis of a future Sanhedrin would have the ability to change the halakha, based on how they will interpret matters. Indeed, Rashi says as much explicitly: …Perhaps the Temple will be rebui …

Yoma 78 Let Children be Children Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-27 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us some of the wisdom that Abaye’s mother taught him about child development: ⁦Abaye said: My mother told me: A child’s growth requires hot water and oil for smearing. When he grows a little, he must eat egg with kutaḥa, a pickled dip made with milk. When he grows a little more, he must have vessels to break, since he will enjoy breaking them. This is like Rabba who bought cracked ceramic vessels for …

Yoma 79 Don’t Get HANGRY Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-28 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph notes that Rabban Gamliel and Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai conducted themselves with extra legal stringency in not eating anything out of the Succah. Yet notably the Gemara reports that Rav Zaddok was lenient in this as well as a variety of other matters related to eating. There are a number of interesting, and possibly related facts: These Tannaim were from the generation of the Churban, of which it is said in Bava Metzia …

Yoma 81 Healthy Body, Healthy Soul Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-06-30 00:00:00

Gemara on Amud Beis tells us from a derasha, that one who eats on the day before Yom Kippur is given credit as if he fasted for two days, instead of one.  Rashi explains that by eating with the intent to prepare yourself to properly fast the next day, your eating today counts like fasting. From here we see a wonderful Torah principle, that the intention of our good actions can bring merit even in mundane tasks. Thus, eating on erev Yom Kippu …

Yoma 82 How Much Does a Fetus Know? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-01 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis contrasts two situations where a pregnant woman became endangered due to cravings on Yom Kippur.  Because of the severity of Yom Kippur, the rabbis attempted to calm the fetus, whom they believed was the source of the cravings.  They said to the woman, “Today is Yom Kippur”, hoping the fetus will be reminded of how important a day it was, and restore itself without eating.  In the case where the …

Yoma 83 Can’t You Just Get Over It? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-02 09:49:08

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse from Mishle (14:10), “The heart knows the soul’s bitterness” as a support for the idea that even when the expert physicians do not consider a condition life-threatening, if the person himself does, we treat it as valid. The simple meaning from the Gemara is that we should not judge another person’s pain. Many experiences of mental illness such as trauma, depression, anxiety and the li …

Yoma 84 Proprietary Information and Public Health Policy Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-02 10:10:13

There is a Gemara on Amud Aleph which describes Rabbi Yochanan acting in a seemingly improper manner that is difficult to understand. ⁦Rabbi Yoḥanan suffered from the illness Tzefidna, which first affects the teeth and gums and then the intestines. He went to a certain gentile matron [matronita] who was a well-known healer. She prepared a medicine for him on Thursday and Friday. He said to her: What shall I do on Shabbos, when I cannot come t …

Yoma 85 Having Children and Quality of Life Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-04 00:00:00

The Gemara on Amud Aleph Mentions that we save a life, and even prolong a life, despite it being temporary, as the person is going to die anyhow. Aside from the obvious moral lesson here, that every moment of life is sacred, there is an interesting lomdishe discussion found in the Gur Aryeh (Bereshis 4:24).  Rashi quotes a Midrash Tanchuma that after Lemech’s wives had a boy and a girl, fulfilling the commandment to be fruitful and mul …

Yoma 86 Betrayals: When Will You Finally Forgive Me? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-05 00:00:00

The Gemara on Amud Beis states: ⁦Rabbi Eliezer ben Ya’akov says, If one confesses in subsequent years, all the more so is he praiseworthy, as he remembers his earlier sins and is thereby humbled, as it is stated: “For I know my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me” (Psalms 51:5).” This principle is used by our Gemara in reference to obtaining and maintaining God’s forgiveness. However, in my experience, thi …

Yoma 87 Forgiveness and Piety Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-06 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states an interesting practice of Rav Zeira : ⁦It is related that when Rabbi Zeira had a complaint against a person who insulted him, he would pace back and forth before him and present himself, so that the person could come and appease him. Rabbi Zeira made himself available so that it would be easy for the other person to apologize to him. It should be noted that this practice must be taking place AFTER Rav Zeira form …

Yoma 88 The Source of Life Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-07 20:05:48

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph certainly qualifies as one of the more surprising Gemaras in Shas.  Given the intense rhetoric regarding wasting seed in the Gemara, such as Niddah (13a), Kesubos 46a, and Avodah Zara 20b one should see nothing positive in a seminal emission.  Indeed, even this Gemara is ambivalent, noting that one should first worry about surviving the year.  Only after surviving the year, is it possible to see positive po …

Succah 2 Head in the Sky Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-08 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a dispute between Rabbah and Rav Zeira as to why a Succah whose schach is higher than 20 amos is not kosher.  Rabbah says: In a sukka up to twenty cubits high, even without a concerted effort, a person is aware that he is residing in a sukka. His eye catches sight of the roofing. However, in a sukka that is more than twenty cubits high, a person is not aware that he is residing in a sukka because his eye doe …

Succah 3 Is a Marriage Partner Bashert According to the Rambam? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-09 10:36:57

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references a verse regarding which people are exempt from certain forms of military service including someone who just built a home or got married: Deuteronomy (20:5-7) וְדִבְּר֣וּ הַשֹּֽׁטְרִים֮ אֶל־הָעָ֣ם לֵאמֹר֒ מִֽי־הָאִ֞ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר בָּנָ֤ה בַֽיִת־חָדָשׁ֙ וְלֹ֣א חֲנָכ֔וֹ יֵלֵ֖ךְ וְיָשֹׁ֣ב לְבֵית֑וֹ …

Succah 4 Why Do We Hate The People We Loved? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-09 10:55:36

  Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse (Shemos 25:22) that becomes the inspiration from one of my favorite sayings in the Gemara. וְנוֹעַדְתִּ֣י לְךָ֮ שָׁם֒ וְדִבַּרְתִּ֨י אִתְּךָ֜ מֵעַ֣ל הַכַּפֹּ֗רֶת מִבֵּין֙ שְׁנֵ֣י הַכְּרֻבִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־אֲר֣וֹן הָעֵדֻ֑ת אֵ֣ת כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֧ר אֲצַוֶּ֛ה אוֹתְך …

Succah 5 We Cannot Help But Be Human Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-11 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the Cherubim as two human child forms. There is something odd about the entire concept of having Cherubim in the holy of Holies. One of the most taboo objects in the Torah are graven images. In fact, the Rambam in the beginning of the Laws of Idolatry lists no less than 49 negative prohibitions and two positive Commandments regarding idolatry. How then can we account for graven images in what is arguably the holi …

Succah 6 New Understandings of the Oral Torah Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-12 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the derivation and dispute between Rabbi Shimon and the Sages about the walls of the Succah. In one iteration of the discussion, there was an idea that the three verses that mention the word Succah account for three walls of the Succah. Then there is an oral tradition from Sinai about an additional wall - but the dispute between Rabbi Shimon and the Sages was about whether the tradition is to subtract a wall to t …

Succah 7 Marriage Counseling from The House of Hillel Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-13 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis records a dispute between the House of Shammai and the House of Hillel regarding if one can fulfill the mitzvah of Succah (properly) if his head and most of his body is in the Succah, but his table is in the house. Beis Shammai holds that the rabbis forbade this set up, as it could lead too easily to being drawn to eating in the house. (See Tosafos Yom Tov Mishna Succah 2:7 for a discussion of what Beis Shammai would hold …

Succah 8 What Kind Of Jew Are You? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-14 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses a rule of thumb that a person’s body occupies one cubit. This phrase is understood metaphysically by Rav Tzadok HaCohen (Kometz Mincha 1:81). There is a phrase called, “The four cubits of halakha”, which Rav Tzaddok explains to be referring to the four dimensions of Torah: Peshat, Remez, Derash and Sod. These are not easy to translate, but suffice it to say that they represent increasingly esoteric …

Succah 9 Talking in Shul and Passive Aggressiveness Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-15 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph Speaks of the manner in which the wood of the Succah becomes set aside and holy for the mitzvah, and cannot be used for any other purpose during the holiday. There is a powerful Shalah (עשרת הדברות, מסכת סוכה, נר מצוה כ) Who relates experiences he had from his own Rebbe, which he ties into the teachings of this gemara: The Shalah starts out with a reminder of the importance of not speaking idle wo …

Succah 10 Is There Enough Room for Your Chumros? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-16 10:39:53

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us that decorations in the Succah do not invalidate height requirements but they do invalidate width requirements. That is, the minimum height of a Succah is 10 tefachim, and even if some of that is used up by decorations that is not reducing the space. However, the minimum width is seven tefachim, and decorations will reduce that space. The commentaries try to understand what is the technical difference between heig …

Succah 11 Finding God on the Inside and the Outside Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-16 10:51:50

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes the famous dispute between Rabbi Eliezer and Rabbi Akiva about the meaning of the Scripture’s  description of Succos: As it is taught in a baraisa that the verse states: “I made the children of Israel to reside in sukkos ”; these booths were clouds of glory, this is the statement of Rabbi Eliezer. Rabbi Akiva says: They established for themselves actual sukkos. The Peri Tzaddik (Succos 13) won …

Succah 13 Soul Mate, or Sole Mate? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-19 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses the following phrase to explain why a naturally Occurring bundle of reeds is still kosher for schach even though, in general, bundles are not kosher for schach: אֶגֶד בִּידֵי שָׁמַיִם לָא שְׁמֵיהּ אֶגֶד Binding at the hand of Heaven is not considered a binding The Sod Yesharim (Succah 1, and Succah 15) interprets this phrase allegorically. The Zohar (I:85b) famously tells us that a …

Succah 12 You Would be Miserable if You Had Everything You Wanted Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-19 00:00:00

The Gemara on Amud Aleph states: ⁦Rabbi Yoḥanan said that the verse states: “You shall prepare for you the festival of Sukkos for seven days as you gather from your threshing floor and from your winepress” (Deuteronomy 16:13), and the Sages interpreted that it is with regard to the waste of the threshing floor and of the winepress that the verse is speaking. One uses grain stalks and vines for roofing the sukka, materials that are …

Succah 14 Pitching Your Story to Yourself and Others Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-20 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph once discussing the pitchfork, which in Hebrew is עתר, notes that the Biblical language used to describe Yitschok’s prayers that his wife become pregnant was ויעתר. The Gemara compares the prayers of a Tzaddik to a pitchfork in that it can completely overturn the nature of his fate as a pitchfork tosses the grain on the threshing floor. The Ben Ish Chai (Benayahu) uses word play to show how literally fate is …

Succah 15 Intelligent Design Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-21 00:00:00

The Gemara and Mishna on this Daf discuss the concept of תעשה ולא מן העשוי, which is the requirement that the Schach for the Succah be placed on the Succah with intention as a shade or cover, and not just automatically end up on top. Say you had a vine that grew on top of your Succah frame, even if you cut the vine so it no longer was attached to the ground, it still would not be valid as Schach. However, a small action such as shif …

Succah 16 Succah in Search of Man Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes another invalid scenario of תעשה ולא מן העשוי: If there was a large pile of hay in a field and then one hollowed out a living space, “igloo style” inside the pile, it would not be kosher as a Succah. Even though the material is all kosher and the size is correct, since he hollowed out the internal space, the roofing Schach only came into being inadvertently. Noam Elimelech (Bereishis Va …

Succah 17 Spiritual Bent Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-23 10:51:05

Our Gemara discusses the various spaces that can be accounted for within the schach, that are legally kosher but not actual Schach. They are: under 3 tefachim of blank space (lavood), under four tefachim of space used by material that ordinarily is not kosher for Schach, and up to four amos contiguous from any wall of material not ordinarily kosher for Schach. The Gemara describes the latter as “Dofan Akuma”, a bent wall. That is, leg …

Succah 18 Shrimps and Bullies Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-23 11:00:29

Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses non-kosher fish and various physical signs. Two of them that are most famously known as they are explicitly mentioned in the pasuk, are not having fins or scales. The Shalah (של״ה, תורה שבכתב, ויקרא, דרך חיים שמיני ה) offers an explanation for why these species are not kosher. Most are familiar with the obvious concept that the non-kosher beasts and birds are predators as opposed to th …

Succah 19 Gender Profiling Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-25 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis mentions a structure known as כילת חתנים, literally the canopy bed of the grooms. Bach ( או״ח שטו:ו) describes this structure as a temporary and only made in honor of the chosson. This concept of a canopy for the Chosson is elaborated upon by Ben Yehoyada Pesachim 86b. A man must make a home for his wife so that she becomes attached to him. I know it’s unpopular and not PC to discuss male and female …

Succah 20 Sins of the Fathers Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-26 00:00:00

The Gemara on Amud Aleph uses an interesting phrase, הריני כפרת משכבו let me be an atonement for his resting place. Rashi (here and Kiddushin 31b) explains that the suffering of a son or Talmid could somehow achieve a penance or forgiveness for the father or master. Indeed the halakha is (Ramban Shaar Hagemul 41, Kiddushin 31b, Shulkhan Arukh YD 240:9) that one says this phrase about a deceased father or mother when repeating Torah …

Succah 21 A Sage Lacking in Common Sense Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-27 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis states : שֶׁאֲפִילּוּ שִׂיחַת תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים צְרִיכָה לִימּוּד Even the conversation of Torah scholars requires analysis. The Rogotchover (צפנת פענח בשלח יג) discusses this concept and which kind of Talmid Chacham we are referring to, in a surprising way. He first begins with quoting the famous dispute between Shimon HaAmsoni and Rabbi Akiva about wh …

Succah 22 God Will Help, But You Gotta do the Work Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-28 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a dispute about one of the rules about the Schach, regarding a situation where the roofing is very thick. Shulkhan Arukh advises halakha lemaase that the covering should be open enough that one should see the stars, of course still keeping to the requirement that there be more shade than sun. Mishna Berura (636:6) Records an opinion that if the roof is so thick that rain would not even come inside, it is too clos …

Succah 23 Flash of Insight Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-29 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the halakhic requirement that a Succah must be a temporary dwelling. The commentary of Bas Ayin (Succah 11) written by Rabbi Dov Me-Abritch (1760-1840) offers a symbolic interpretation of this halakha, similar in style to what we have been studying the past few daf. The temporary nature of the Succah reminds us that even when we reach spiritual heights they are difficult to hold onto, and necessarily temporary. …

Succah 24 Divorce: Writing A New Life Chapter Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-30 09:18:18

Our Gemara mentions a number of special and technical requirements for a Get, a Jewish divorcement bill. Unlike marriage, it can be only accomplished through a written document and the document must spell out the “סיפור דברים” The verbal description of what is occurring. Likkutei Halakhos (פריה ורביה אישות א:ב) sees symbolic and metaphysical significance in these legal requirements. In order to break the marr …

Succah 25 Sex Education Begins Way Before the Wedding Day Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-30 09:31:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the concept of עוסק המצוה פטור מין המצוה one who is involved in a mitzvah is exempted from another mitzvah. One matter that comes up is that a groom, who on the night of his wedding is involved in the mitzvah of consummation of the marriage, and therefore is also exempt from the obligation to recite the Shema. There is a need for a special scriptural exemption for the groom because unlike ot …

Succah 26 Laziness: Causes and Cures Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-01 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse in Mishle (6:9): עַד־מָתַ֖י עָצֵ֥ל ׀ תִּשְׁכָּ֑ב מָ֝תַ֗י תָּק֥וּם מִשְּׁנָתֶֽךָ׃ ⁦How long will you lie there, oh lazyone;  When will you wake from your sleep? Let us take this time to discuss psychological ideas about laziness and its cure. There is such a thing as bad character. However, psychology, unlike mussar, looks to unders …

Succah 27 Intellectual Laziness Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-02 00:00:00

Our Gemara continued discussing the middah of laziness, it’s negative and infrequently positive qualities. I was particularly struck by something the Orchos Tzaddikim (16) mentions. In categorizing various forms of laziness he mentions intellectual laziness: ⁦Not only does the lazy man fail to attain knowledge of the Torah, since he does not occupy himself with the Torah as he should, but due to his laziness, false notions enter his heart …

Succah 28 Rashi Says, He Doesnt Know but is that True? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai knew every branch of wisdom, including the conversation of ministering angels; the conversation of demons, and the conversation of palm trees. So, what exactly are these branches of wisdom? Rashi says here regarding the conversation of ministering angels; the conversation of demons, and the conversation of palm trees , “I do not know what it is.”  However, other sag …

Succah 29 Torah Eclipses Science? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-04 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states:  ⁦When the sun is eclipsed it is a bad omen for the entire world. The Gemara tells a parable. To what is this matter comparable? It is comparable to a king of flesh and blood who prepared a feast for his servants and placed a lantern [panas] before them to illuminate the hall. He became angry at them and said to his servant: Take the lantern from before them and seat them in darkness. How can we make sense …

Succah 30 Stolen Spirituality Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-05 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph rules that one is not allowed to use a stolen Lulav and esrog. The Mei HaShiloach (Likkutei Shas II: Succah) notes that though a stolen Lulav cannot be used, a stolen Succah can be used, because land really cannot halakhically be stolen, as it cannot be lifted up or taken anywhere. He then notes a parallel rule regarding using a Lulav on shabbos, which is not allowed, unlike a Succah which is.  Of course, the nuts an …

Succah 31 The Law of Return Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-06 10:18:59

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us of a sad and frustrating interlude where the servants of the Exilarch stole an elderly lady’s wood and made it into Schach. She was demanding justice be served, and truthfully according to the letter of the Torah law the actual stolen object must be returned. Financial payment is insufficient, so long as the object is unchanged and available. This is true even if one built an entire house and the one main s …

Succah 32 The Ways of the Torah are Ways of Peace Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-06 10:31:53

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses how we derive which species is the correct one for the mitzvah of Lulav: And say the verse is referring to oleander, which has both characteristics. Abaye said: It is written with regard to the Torah: “Its ways are ways of pleasantness” (Proverbs 3:17), and that is not the case with the oleander tree, because it is a poisonous plant and its sharp, thorn-like leaves pierce the hand of one holding it. …

Succah 33 Personal Responsibility Is Eternal Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-08 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph explains, regarding the commandment to cover the blood of a slaughtered bird or wild animal: ⁦With regard to one who slaughtered a non-domesticated animal or a bird and is obligated to cover the blood, if he covered the blood and it was then uncovered, he is exempt from the obligation to cover it a second time. However, if the wind blew dust and covered the blood and no person was involved, he is obligated to cover it. …

Succah 34 How to Enjoy Torah Study Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-09 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states: Rabbi Abbahu said that the Holy One, Blessed be He, said: I said that the Jewish people should be before Me as a plant placed by great waters, and what is that plant? It is a willow. And they set themselves as a tzaftzafa of the mountains. Ben Yehoyada interprets this allegorically to be referring to the study of Torah. Hashem wanted the Jews to be sustained by pure Torah study alone, much as the Willow is fully s …

Succah 35 I-Thou and the High Holidays Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-10 00:00:00

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us in regard to identifying that the verse is referring to an Esrog: GEMARA: The Sages taught that the verse states: “Fruit of a beautiful tree,” meaning, a tree that the taste of its tree trunk and the taste of its fruit are alike. What tree is that? You must say it is the esrog tree. There is a beautiful Zohar (I:220b) on this which interprets the function of the triad of Yamim Tovim in Tishrei: …

Succah 36 Break the Mold Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-11 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us a halakha that if an Esrog is grown in a mold and shaped to appear like a different entity, and it is no longer shaped like an esrog, it is unfit. Rav Moshe Avigdor Amiel 1882-1946) in his Derashos El Ami ( דרשות אל עמי שלש רגלים דיני אתרג ) sees a symbolic significance in this halacha. The most beautiful Esrog is the non-conventional lumpy one, not the perfectly smooth and round one. Fu …

Succah 37 Cut Out for Heresy Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-12 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the ritual motions for shaking the four species: ⁦Rabbi Yoḥanan said: He moves them to and fro to dedicate them to He Whom the four directions are His. He raises and lowers them to He Whom the heavens and earth are His. In the West, Eretz Yisrael, they taught it as follows. Rabbi Ḥama bar Ukva said that Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Ḥanina, said: He moves them to and fro in order to request a halt to harmful …

Overconfidence Bias Vs. Shlom Bayis Vs. Shlom Bayis Psychology of the Daf Yomi Succah 38

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-13 11:10:17

Our Gemara on Amud Beis rells us about King Yoshiyahu’s repentance that was aroused after hearing the words of rebuke in the Torah, which can be found in II Kings 22). Chovos Halevavos (Gate III, Avodas Elokim:10) discussed the virtue of humility, which Yoshiyahu displayed, and allowed him to take the rebuke fully to heart. Let us study the virtue of humility from a psychological perspective. According to researchers  Hendijani & S …

Succah 39 Each Jew Has The Ability To Create New Torah Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-13 11:20:30

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses an interesting idiom to refer to a Torah sage. He was called a “Moshe”, as a term of endearment. The obvious meaning is that every sage is like his own Moses. This idea is taken to the fullest extent in mystical writings. The Benei Yissachar ( בני יששכר תמוז-אב ג-יב ) says that when each Jewish person contemplates Torah, he becomes a spark of Moshe Rabbenu’s neshama. Even more drama …

Succah 40 Denial and Mindfulness Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-15 00:00:00

The Gemara on Amud Beis describes the downfall of a person who is not mindful of the laws prohibiting commerce with produce of the Sabbatical year: A person who engages in commerce with Sabbatical-Year produce is ultimately punished with the loss of his wealth to the point that he is forced to sell his movable property and his vessels, as it is stated: “In this year of Jubilee you shall return every man unto his possession” (Leviticus …

Succah 41 Recovery Hinges On Working WITH Your Instincts Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-16 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the concept of remembering Zion, that is remembering and awaiting a time that it can be rebuilt and we return to our homeland and autonomous rule. Obviously, there has been some restoration with the modern state of Israel, however we must concede that due to our  national political and religious failings, the coming of a prophet who would lead to the rebuilding of the Temple and a world wide religious awake …

Succah 42 He Who Denies His Heritage Has No Heritage Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes the two verses a young child should be taught to say, as soon as he is able to speak. The Shema and Torah Tziva Lanu Moshe. Ben Yehoyada raises the question as to why both verses are necessary and why not the first verse in Bereishis? The Shema is obvious because it’s a credo of a Jew, declaring belief in one God who is unified. However, the verse Torah Tziva etc certainly requires some analysis. I will of …

Succah 43 Noble Lies, COVID and the Rabbis Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-18 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us why we do not take the Lulav on Shabbos ⁦Apropos the prohibition against taking a lulav on Shabbat, the Gemara asks: Why is this prohibited? After all, taking the lulav is merely moving the object and is prohibited due to the rabbinic prohibition of set-aside. Since the mitzva to take the lulav is a mitzva by Torah law, let it override this relatively minor Shabbat prohibition. Rabba said: This prohibition is a …

Succah 44 Emptiness That Can Only Be Filled by Nothing Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-19 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud beis describes the practice of beating the aravos on Hoshana Rabbah as a custom stemming from the times of the prophets. What is a custom of the prophets ? They had the power to make takkanos decrees obligating observance, so why decide to make something a custom? It seems to occupy a place that is not a mitzvah, even rabbinically, and this is why no blessing is recited. However, the deeper question is if it is worthwhile why n …

Succah 45 Afterplay Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-20 11:04:49

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the value of Isru Chag, the day after the Yom Tov is completed. In fact, it states that feasting on Isru Chag is akin to building an altar and sacrificing on it.  There is a pattern in Judaism of savoring an experience and extending it. We find this represented in a Melave Malka after shabbos, or perhaps even the seven days of Sheva Berachos following a wedding celebration. In fact, it is a halakha to eat mo …

Succah 46 Learn to Listen and Listen to Learn Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-20 11:15:04

The Gemara at the end of Amud Aleph going into Amud Beis tells us an important truism about Torah and spiritual attainment: Rabbi Zeira said, and some say that it was Rabbi Ḥanina bar Pappa who said: Come and see that the attribute of flesh and blood is unlike the attribute of the Holy One, Blessed be He. The attribute of flesh and blood is that an empty vessel ⁦holds that which is placed within it, while a full vessel does not hold it. Howev …

Succah 47 Chair and Chair Alike Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-22 00:00:00

The Gemara on this daf discusses the Yom Tov of Shemini Azereth, which unlike the last day of Pesach, is considered its own Yom Tov, requiring a new Shecheyanu. The Midrash calculates the number of bullocks brought on all the prior days of Succos to add up to 70, corresponding to the archetypal seventy nations. The last bullock brought on Shemini Azereth, which is a single bull, corresponds to the Jewish nation. The Gemara (Succah 55b) explains t …

Succah 48 The Secret to Happiness Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-23 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes the mitzvah of rejoicing on Shemini Azereth. The Peri Tzaddik (Chag Succos 43) explains the unique mitzvah of joy on this holiday over others: The other holidays mention joy, but with some qualifying Language such as “Rejoice before Hashem” (VaYikra 23:40), or “Rejoice on your holiday” (Deuteronomy 16:14). However, for Shemini Azereth, it states “You will be only happy” (ibid …

Succah 49 Secrets of Torah Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-24 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis says that words of Torah are to be hidden. What does that mean, why should Torah be hidden? To the contrary, Moshe says to Yehoshua (Bamidbar 11:29): וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה הַֽמְקַנֵּ֥א אַתָּ֖ה לִ֑י וּמִ֨י יִתֵּ֜ן כׇּל־עַ֤ם יְהֹוָה֙ נְבִיאִ֔ים כִּי־יִתֵּ֧ן יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־רוּח֖וֹ עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃ ⁦But Mose …

Succah 50 It is Hard to Treat Daily Mitzvos with the Respect they Deserve Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-25 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a verse in Malachi (1:8) that is, in my opinion, one of the most morally challenging statements in Tanach.  Malachi states in the name of God: וְכִֽי־תַגִּישׁ֨וּן עִוֵּ֤ר לִזְבֹּ֙חַ֙ אֵ֣ין רָ֔ע וְכִ֥י תַגִּ֛ישׁוּ פִּסֵּ֥חַ וְחֹלֶ֖ה אֵ֣ין רָ֑ע?! הַקְרִיבֵ֨הוּ נָ֜א לְפֶחָתֶ֗ךָ הֲיִרְצְךָ …

Succah 51 Obsessive Rules and Games of Cat and Mouse Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-26 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us about the challenges the rabbinic administrators had in maintaining decorum during the Simchas Beis Hashoeyva.  After all, it is human nature to become more loose and indiscriminate during festive times  (see Be'er Mayim Chaim, Deuteronomy 16:18:11): The Sages taught in the Tosefta: Initially, women would stand on the inside of the Women’s Courtyard, closer to the Sanctuary to the west, and the men …

Succah 52 Inner Demon or Inner Child? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-27 10:25:37

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about the fate of the wicked and the righteous at the end of days. It is one of my all-time favorite psychological Gemaras: ⁦In the future, at the end of days, God will bring the evil inclination and slaughter it in the presence of the righteous and in the presence of the wicked. For the righteous the evil inclination appears to them as a high mountain, and for the wicked it appears to them as a mere strand of …

Succah 53 Shidduch Dance Festival Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-27 10:35:22

Our Gemara on Amud Beis references the famous kal v’chomer about shlom bayis, which is used as a halakhic rationale in various instances to be extra lenient and accommodating regarding marital harmony.  Since on Daf 51 we mentioned the twice yearly custom of the Shidduch dance as described in Mishna Ta’anis (4:8), I will discuss it in some more depth here. There were no days as joyous for the Jewish people as the fifteenth of Av …

Succah 54 Is On Time Good Enough? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-29 00:00:00

Our Gemara on the top of Amud Beis tells us about the third shift of the paschal sacrifice, and that it was a “light shift”, in that it was completed even before Hallel reached “Ahavti”. The Gemara in Pesachim 65a fills us in on more details: The Paschal Sacrifice was brought in the Bais HaMikdash via three shifts, by halakhic mandate. That is, the entire population of Jews who came to bring the sacrifice would be divided …

Succah 55 Whistleblowers and Troublemakers Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-29 17:46:46

Our Gemara on Amud Beis notes the irony that whilst the Jewish people had a standing center of worship, they were praying for the welfare of the entire world. Even so, their enemies destroyed this powerful beacon of Godly benefit to the entire world. ⁦Rabbi Yoḥanan said: Woe unto the nations of the world that lost something and do not know what they lost. When the Temple was standing, the seventy bulls sacrificed on the altar during the festi …

Succah 56 The OG OTD Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-31 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells about the fate of one Mishmar of cohanim, known as Bilga. The entire group of Cohanim was shunned due to the actions of one daughter, whom we might call the Original OTD Kid. She ran off with a gentile soldier, and upon the Greek occupation of the Temple Mount, she kicked the altar with her sandal, and said , “Lukos, Lukos (Greek for wolf, wolf), until when will you consume the property of the Jewish people, an …

Beitzah 2 Hurry Up and Wait Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-01 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 3 Count Yourself In Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-03 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 4 Eggs-xaggerated Prohibitions Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-03 11:21:39

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 5 We Had a Good Few Days Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-03 11:34:24

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 6 Verbal Archeology Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-05 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 8 Why Did the Chicken NOT Cross the Road Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-06 00:00:00

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

2021-09-06 00:00:00

  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 …

Beitzah 10 Alive and Unpredictable Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-09 00:00:00

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

2021-09-09 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 11 Every Jew Has One Special Mitzvah Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-10 11:56:17

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 …

Beitzah 12 Don’t Blow Off Shabbos Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-10 11:57:47

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 13 Happily Ever After? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-12 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 14 Blind Faith Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-13 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 15 Having Your Cake Lekovod Yom Tov, and Eating it Too Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-14 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 17 The Danger of Lying to Yourself Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-15 00:00:00

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

2021-09-15 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 18 A Drop in the Bucket of Teshuva Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-17 10:57:06

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 …

Beitzah 19 The End is the Beginning Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-17 15:49:03

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 20 Same Old Story? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-19 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 22 In the Dark About Modesty Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-20 00:00:00

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

2021-09-20 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 24 The Song of Torah Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-23 00:00:00

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

2021-09-23 00:00:00

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 …

Nothing Should be Udderly Forbidden Psychology of the Daf Yomi Beitzah 25

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-24 13:46:15

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 …

In the Dark About This One Psychology of the Daf Yomi Beitzah 26

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-24 13:53:39

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 …

Beitzah 27 Blather, Rinse, Repeat Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-26 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 31 Calling a Spade, a Spade Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-09-27 00:00:00

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

2021-09-27 00:00:00

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

2021-09-27 00:00:00

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

2021-09-27 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 32 Rules of Power in Marriage Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-01 12:04:29

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us: There are three whose lives are not lives, and they are as follows: One who looks to the table of others for his sustenance; and one whose wife rules over him; and one whose body is ruled by suffering.  Ben Yehoyada says the main issue of concern regarding “letting one’s wife rule over him”, is relying on your wife for financial support. There is support for his interpretation because the G …

Beitzah 33 An Absorbent Jew Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-01 12:05:13

The  Gemara on Amud Beis uses a common rabbinic term for one who is liable for whipping when violating a biblical injunction, with witnesses and a warning: סוֹפֵג אֶת הָאַרְבָּעִים , which literally means “absorbs the 40 whiplashes”. I am curious about this interesting term to “absorb” the lashes.  Etymologically, the word, סופג absorb is a verb form of the noun ספוג which is a spong …

Beitzah 34 Completely Faithful Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-03 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 35 A Nagging Problem in Marriage Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-04 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 36 The Crushing Price of Indecision Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-05 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 37 The Full Benefits Package Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-06 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 38 Ridicule or Rejoicing? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-07 00:00:00

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 …

Beitzah 39 All’s Well that Ends Well? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-08 11:39:38

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 …

Beitzah 40 Absent Mindedness and Relationships Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-08 11:53:43

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 …

Hashanah 2 Get Off Your Phone and Go Outside Psychology of the Daf Yomi Rosh

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-10 00:00:00

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph and Beis discuss the concept of וְיוֹם אֶחָד בַּשָּׁנָה חָשׁוּב שָׁנָה one day of the year counts as a whole year. For example, the year for counting the reign of kings begins in Nissan. Thus, a king who was coronated on the last day of Adar, will already be starting his second year the next day, on day One Nissan. However, the phrase יוֹם אֶחָד בַּשָּׁנָה חָש …

Rosh Hashanah 3 Weapon of Mass Reproduction Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-11 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about the death of Aharon and its effects: ⁦“And when the Canaanite, the king of Arad, who dwelt in the South, heard tell that Israel came by the way of Atharim; and he fought against Israel” (Numbers 21:1). What report did he hear? He heard that Aaron had died, and that the clouds of glory had withdrawn from the Jewish people, and he thought that he had been granted permission to wage war against t …

Hashanah 4 Is Altruism “All-True”? Psychology of the Daf Yomi Rosh

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-12 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph leads with a well known dictum: If one gives charity, saying: I give this sela for charity in order that my children may live, or: I give it in order that through it I may merit life in the World-to-Come, he is still considered a full-fledged righteous person.  The Gemara also draws a distinction between a Gentile and A Jew: ⁦This only applies to a Jewish person. Because even if his condition is not fulfilled, he w …

Hashanah 5 Gift and Make Up Psychology of the Daf Yomi Rosh

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-13 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the concept that regular sacrifices, be they sin-offerings or voluntary offerings, are under the category of asking God for acceptance or appeasement, unlike a first-born sacrifice, which is inherent and pre-dedicated. There is a subtle difference in language between Rashi and Tosafos, which I believe speaks of a philosophical disagreement. Rashi explains the idea of sacrifices to achieve appeasement or acceptanc …

Rosh Hashanah 6 An Offering He Can’t Refuse Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-14 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us: ״וְעָשִׂיתָ״ — אַזְהָרָה לְבֵית דִּין שֶׁיְּעַשּׂוּךְ. לְמָה לִי? מִ״יַּקְרִיב אוֹתוֹ״ נָפְקָא, דְּתַנְיָא: ״יַקְרִיב אוֹתוֹ״ — מְלַמֵּד שֶׁכּוֹפִין אוֹתוֹ. יָכוֹל בְּעַל כׇּרְחוֹ — תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״לִרְצוֹנוֹ״, הָ …

Rosh Hashanah 7 Root for a Cause Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-15 09:37:18

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that there is an obligation to make sure that Pesach falls out during the spring. Since the Jewish calendar follows the lunar months, a Jewish year is approximately 354 days. In order to keep the Jewish year aligned with seasons, there must be 7 leap years in every 19 Jewish years, adding on a second month of Adar. Elsewhere in Psychology of the Daf (Yoma 65) we discussed the significance of the Jewish Calendar a …

Rosh Hashanah 8 Limbo and Anxiety Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-15 09:59:00

There are two interesting Gemaras on this daf that I think illuminate each other. At the top of Amud Beis it states: It is written: “Blow a shofar at the New Moon, at the covered time for our Festival day” (Psalms 81:4). Which is the Festival day ⁦on which the moon is covered, i.e., hidden? You must say that this is Rosh HaShana, which is the only Festival that occurs at the beginning of a month, when the moon cannot be seen.  …

Rosh Hashanah 9 Liberty But Not Libertarianism Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-16 00:00:00

Our Gemara quotes the verse that describes the Jubilee year (VaYikra 25:10) וְקִדַּשְׁתֶּ֗ם אֵ֣ת שְׁנַ֤ת הַחֲמִשִּׁים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּקְרָאתֶ֥ם דְּר֛וֹר בָּאָ֖רֶץ לְכׇל־יֹשְׁבֶ֑יהָ יוֹבֵ֥ל הִוא֙ תִּהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֔ם וְשַׁבְתֶּ֗ם אִ֚ישׁ אֶל־אֲחֻזָּת֔וֹ וְאִ֥ישׁ אֶל־מִשְׁפַּחְתּ֖וֹ …

Rosh Hashanah 11 Creative License Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-18 00:00:00

Does your soul consent to being born?  Does some part of you choose to enter into a particular body and form of existence at a particular time?  If we do say that is true, then it makes the world seem a lot more fair. We see a person who appears to have physical deformities or illness and rightfully notice suffering in this world.  But, what if the person’s soul CHOSE to occupy that body at that time, for some reason that the …

Rosh Hashanah 10 Tree-sonous Actions Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-18 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis references the famous rabbinic dispute about whether the world was created in Tishrei or in Nissan.  Of course, many have asked how can there be a dispute about a historical fact, and we shall shortly discuss some answers offered by Rishonim and mystics, and their deeper meanings. Before I do that, I feel compelled to point out how the question itself only comes from a linear western idea that the history portrayed in …

Rosh Hashanah 12 Who by Fire, and Who by Water? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-20 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that the fate of the Generation of the Flood came about in response to their behavior: They sinned with boiling heat, and they were punished with boiling heat; and they were punished with the boiling heat of scalding waters. What was the sin of boiling heat?  Presumably the sin of lust, as is implied from Sanhedrin (108b).  Tzidkas HaTzaddik ( צדקת הצדיק ק״ז:א׳ ) makes a point that if you …

Rosh Hashanah 13 Not as Easy as Pi Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-21 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about one sage that rebukes another for questioning the determinations and measures of the Sages. He says:  Rabbi Zeira said to him: Do I not always tell you that you must not take yourself out of the bounds of the halakha? All the measures of the Sages are like this; they are precise and exact. For example, one who immerses himself in a ritual bath containing forty se’a of water is rendered pure, but …

Rosh Hashanah 14 Renewal Vs. Constancy Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-22 12:40:22

Our Gemara on Amud Beis notes ways in which the Esrog tree is comparable to a fruit tree but also comparable to vegetables, and the implications for laws of tithing. Sod Yesharim (Succos 48) offers a mystical interpretation of this phenomenon.  The Esrog Tree represents a hybrid of qualities. A fruit tree has an advantage in that it is semi permanent and does not wither from season to season, unlike vegetables. Yet vegetables have a quality …

Rosh Hashanah 15 Bruised and Desecrated Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-22 12:48:02

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that the Esrog tree is so sensitive, that following the Shemitta year, and having all the people traveling through the orchard and touching the tree to Pick its fruit, it will not produce fruit again until the third year after Shemitta. Mei HaShiloach ( מי שילוח, ליקוטי ש״ס, ראש השנה טו ) comments on this that the Esrog which is destined to be held in the human hand for a mitzvah is …

Rosh Hashanah 16 Don’t Blow Opportunities for Repentance Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-24 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph and Beis asks why we blow shofar both before Musaf, and then during Musaf, when clearly the fulfillment of the Mitzvah only requires one set of blows? The Gemara offers an odd-sounding reason: In order to confuse Satan.  I would say we are the ones that are confused, not Satan. In fact, it’s hard to believe that after all these years, Satan falls for the same trick, like Charlie Brown forever trying to punt the …

Rosh Hashanah 17 Tephiliphobia Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-25 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discussed a unique problem with those who do not wear tefilin: ⁦There is a category of sin called “sin with the body - Poshei Yisrael Begufan” that has an additional deleterious effects beyond the actual sin, and the punishments and judgements can be more severe. The Gemara tells us for Jews the “sin with the body” is “the skull that does not wear tefillin” and since Gentiles are also …

Rosh Hashanah 18 Can Torah Study Alone Perfect Character? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-26 00:00:00

The Gemara on Amud Aleph speaks about an unusually powerful benefit of Torah study.  It can serve as a merit and protection and obtain forgiveness for sins beyond mere repentance. How does this work? Nefesh HaChayyim (Shaar Dalet) explains in great detail the value of Torah study and why this works.  The goal of every mitzvah is to attach to Hashem, and the goal of repentance is to repair any breaks in the attachment.  Therefore, i …

Rosh Hashanah 19 Mommy Issues Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-27 00:00:00

The Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us a historical incident when the government issued a decree forbidding Jews from Torah study, Shabbos and Bris Milah. The rabbis consulted with a certain matron [matronisa] whom all the prominent men of Rome would visit regularly, thinking that she would know how to annul the decree.  She said to them as follows: Come and cry out [hafgginu] at night in the streets and markets. They went and cried out at night, …

Rosh Hashanah 20 Seeing is Beloving Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-28 00:00:00

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 …

Rosh Hashanah 21 Mends Justifying the Means Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-29 11:53:53

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 …

Rosh Hashanah 22 Gambling with Addictive Behaviors Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-29 12:18:30

  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 23 Blues Moon Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-10-31 00:00:00

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 …

Rosh Hashanah 24 Image Problems Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-01 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis uses the following verse (Exodus 20:19) to teach us that it is forbidden to make an image of a human, even if not for idolatrous intent: לֹא תַעֲשׂוּן אִתִּי״ — לֹא תַּעֲשׂוּן אוֹתִי. You shall not make with Me [iti]”, This can be read as: You shall not make Me [oti] The derasha is a play on words, which comes to mean do not make images of Me, God. Since Man is made in God& …

Rosh Hashanah 25 Blind Faith or Mind Faith? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-02 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us a story where Rabban Gamliel and Rabbi Yehoshua had a dispute about when to calculate the new moon, which would affect when to celebrate Yom Kippur.  In order that no one be misled by Rabbi Yehoshua, Rabban Gamliel the Nasi, ordered that Rabbi Yehoshua travel to him on the day that would have been his Yom Kippur, with his staff and money.  The idea was to make a public repudiation of his opinion. The id …

Rosh Hashanah 26 Idolatry or Idle in the Bedroom Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-03 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph clarifies that though we have the principle, אֵין קָטֵיגוֹר נַעֲשָׂה סָנֵיגוֹר a prosecutor cannot become an advocate, that only applies to the Holy of Holies.  That is, the Cohen Godol does not wear Gold as it is reminiscent of the sin of the Golden Calf.  However, that restriction only applies to services that are performed in the innermost intimate and holy space, not outside. By …

Rosh Hashanah 27 Hear Ye, HERE Ye Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-04 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph suggests that though ordinarily we say that one cannot hear two voices at the same time, when the sounds or subject matter are dear to the listener, apparently one can maintain focus and hear the distinct sounds.  Thus, with regard to the reading of Hallel and the Scroll of Esther, even ten people may read simultaneously.   This idea strikes me as important in human relations and even in relation to ourselv …

Rosh Hashanah 28 Bi-Polar Disorder in Halakha Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-05 10:47:09

The Gemara on Amud Aleph describes an individual who is sometimes sane and sometimes insane. When he is in his sane phase, he has the halakhic status of a regular person, when he is out of his mind, he has the status of a shoteh, that is a person exempt from mitzvos. This works both ways. If he is not in a sane status he is exempt from mitzvos but also doesn’t fulfill them. So if he ate matzah seder night in an insane state and then calmed …

Rosh Hashanah 29 Prayer and Symbolic Actions Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-05 11:06:03

The Mishna on Amud Aleph makes the following observations about the Miraculous battle with Amalek as well as the copper snake that miraculously healed the Jews in the wilderness: And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed” (Exodus 17:11). It may be asked: Did the hands of Moses make war when he raised them or break war when he lowered them? Rather, the verse comes …

Rosh Hashanah 30 No is Yes Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-07 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses the verse in Yirmiyahu (30:17) as a proof text to the idea that one should remember the Beis HaMikdash: ⁦For I will restore health to you, and I will heal you of your wounds, said the Lord; because they have called you an outcast: She is Zion, there is none who care for her.” This verse teaches by inference that Jerusalem requires caring through acts of commemoration. There is a lovely Midrash Eichah Rabbah ( …

Rosh Hashanah 31 Marriage Check Up Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-08 00:00:00

I once saw a dentist whose tagline was, “If you ignore your teeth, don’t worry, they will go away and stop bothering you.“ I think the same might be said about relationships.
The Gemara on Amud Aleph describes a process by which the Shekhina gradually withdrew from the Jewish people, as a result of their sins.
⁦The Gemara elaborates. The Divine Presence traveled ten journeys, as derived from verses. The ten journey …

Rosh Hashanah 32 Any Kind of Attention is Better than Apathy Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-09 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph explains that certain verses are not mentioned in Musaf because they are too harsh, though they express valid ideas of Kingship on Rosh Hashanah:
גְּמָ׳ מַלְכִיּוֹת, כְּגוֹן: ״חַי אָנִי נְאֻם ה׳ [אֱלֹהִים] אִם לֹא בְּיָד חֲזָקָה וּבִזְרוֹעַ נְטוּיָה וּבְחֵמָה שְׁפוּכָה אֶמְלוֹךְ עֲלֵיכֶם״, וְא …

Rosh Hashanah 33 Hitting Rock Bottom: The Shattering of Rationalizations Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-10 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud beis tells us that a source for understanding what the Teruah blow of the Shofar sounds like comes from Sisera’s mother’s wailing:
אָמַר אַבָּיֵי: בְּהָא וַדַּאי פְּלִיגִי, דִּכְתִיב: ״יוֹם תְּרוּעָה יִהְיֶה לָכֶם״, וּמְתַרְגְּמִינַן: ״יוֹם יַבָּבָא יְהֵא לְכוֹן״. וּכְתִיב בְּאִימֵּ …

Rosh Hashanah 34 Chazaras Hashatz or Chazaras HaShas? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-11 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis explains that the purpose of Chazaras HaShatz, the reader’s repetition of Shemoneh Esre was in order to allow those who were not literate to fulfill the mitzvah by listening.  Of course, we must imagine in a time before the printing press, how much more expensive it must have been to have a copy of a siddur, let alone the time to master reading and/or memorizing prayer.  
Today we are going to di …

Rosh Hashanah 35 Prayerability Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-12 10:34:41

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that one should prepare and organize his prayers (Shemoneh Esre). Though strictly speaking, this was referring to periodic prayers such as Yamim Tovim and also when they didn’t have easy access to siddurim, the point is well taken that in regard to quality of prayer, preparation is key. I would like to make a few comments about preparing for prayer while we are on the topic. Prayer requires focus and concen …

Taanis 2 Rain of Terror Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-12 10:49:34

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph mentions that the prayer of Mashiv Haruach is Referred to as invoking the might of rain, because rain comes with might, “gevurah״ in Hebrew. What are they really saying?  The simple explanation is based on Ramban (Bereishis 7:17-18) that the Hebrew word “gevurah” connotes a flooding, overwhelming strength or presence. Thus the word Gibor in l’shon kodesh doesn’t translate as in modern H …

Taanis 3 Dew Not Blame God for Evil Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-14 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis mentions the idea that unlike rainfall, the dew is not a periodic manifestation, therefore it is not something we need a special prayer for. Rashi additionally explains, dew is essential daily for sustaining the world, so Hashem does not hold it back.  Tosafos (“Veiylu”) observed that since God never holds back dew, this explains the change in language used to describe the fulfillment of Gideon’s con …

Taanis 4 Rabbis and Personality Disorders Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-15 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us the following about young Talmidei Chachamim: Regarding a Torah scholar who grows angry, it can be presumed that it is his Torah study that contributes to his high standards and over-sensitivity. Therefore, he must be given the benefit of the doubt. (This translation incorporates Rashi’s commentary.) Not all demanding and difficult people have Obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), nor are all sa …

Taanis 5 Rachav Souled Out Jericho Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-16 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis declares: הָכִי אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן יַעֲקֹב אָבִינוּ לֹא מֵת Rabbi Yoḥanan said as follows: Our patriarch Jacob did not die. The Gemara then follows with an odd comment regarding the famous harlot turncoat, Rachav, who lived in the wall of Jericho, and assisted the Jewish conquerors (Yehoshua 2).  ⁦Rabbi Yitzḥak said: Anyone who says: Rahab Rahab, immediately experi …

Taanis 6 Praying on Emotions in Relationships Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-17 00:00:00

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that the Hebrew word Malkosh, a necessary rain for the crops to grow, hints at one of its deeper purposes. Mal-Kosh, “it circumcises the stubborn heart of the Jewish people”. An uncircumcised heart is used in Scripture as a metaphor for some type of blockage or defense against attachment to God and His service. As in, Devarim (10:16) וּמַלְתֶּ֕ם אֵ֖ת עׇרְלַ֣ת לְבַבְ …

Taanos 7 Fuelish Ideas About Torah and Miztvos

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-18 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse in Mishle (6:23) כִּ֤י נֵ֣ר מִ֭צְוָה וְת֣וֹרָה א֑וֹר וְדֶ֥רֶךְ חַ֝יִּ֗ים תּוֹכְח֥וֹת מוּסָֽר׃ ⁦For the commandment is a lamp, The teaching is a light, And the way to life is the rebuke that disciplines. In order to understand this metaphor properly, it is important to know biblical Hebrew. A ner is not a candle. Candles were not …

How to Talk to Yourself About the Latest Shocking Story of Sexual Abuse

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-19 08:13:50

I am writing about recent troubling sexual abuse allegations about a beloved and famous Jewish children's author.  There are newspaper articles quoting women who came forward claiming they were sexually abused and molested by him as young teenagers.  I don't want you to look up his name because I don't want to be the cause of you finding out more information about a person whose guilt has not been halakhically verified. It is not my pla …

Taanis 8 Into-Me-See Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-19 10:05:08

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph says  רָבָא אָמַר אִם רָאִיתָ תַּלְמִיד שֶׁתַּלְמוּדוֹ קָשֶׁה עָלָיו כַּבַּרְזֶל בִּשְׁבִיל רַבּוֹ שֶׁאֵינוֹ מַסְבִּיר לוֹ פָּנִים שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר וְהוּא לֹא פָנִים קִלְקַל ⁦Rava said: If you see a student whose studies are as difficult for him as iron, this is due to his teache …

Taanis 9 Student of History Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-19 10:07:57

The Gemara on Amud Aleph related to us a number of conversations that Rabbi Yochanan had with Reish Lakish’s precocious and learned young son. The boy’s mother eventually becomes alarmed and cuts the relationship short, as she fears her son will suffer the same fate as his father. As described in Bava Metzia 84a, Rabbi Yochanan was responsible for Reish Lakish’s death, due to Reish Lakish having offended him. The power of Rabbi …

Taanis 11 High Standards for Empathy Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-19 10:34:24

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us: ⁦A person should share in the distress of the community. As we found with Moshe, who joined the suffering of the Jewish people during the war with Amalek. As it states: וִידֵ֤י מֹשֶׁה֙ כְּבֵדִ֔ים וַיִּקְחוּ־אֶ֛בֶן וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ תַחְתָּ֖יו וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב עָלֶ֑יהָ וְאַהֲרֹ֨ן וְח֜וּר תָּֽמְכ֣וּ בְיָ …

Taanis 10 Why Do We Pray? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-21 00:00:00

Our Mishna on Amud Aleph tells us that the process of fasting for rain begins in stages, with less severe fasts and only “individuals” praying. If the drought continues to Rosh Chodesh Kislev, it is perceived as more of a crisis, and public fasts and prayers are instituted, still not of the severest kind. If the rain still does not come the process continues with an escalation of the abstentions and supplications.  What is most n …

Taanis 12 Not so Fast Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-23 00:00:00

The Gemara on amud Beis tells us that though one should fast for a troubling dream, even on Shabbos, he still needs additional forgiveness for fasting on Shabbos. Therefore, he must fast an additional fast in order to obtain forgiveness for having fasted on Shabbos. What does this mean and how can we understand the idea of deliberately doing something in order to achieve forgiveness, and then needing forgiveness for the act itself? Tzidkas Hatzad …

Taanis 13 Look Attractive, Not Attracting Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-24 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses various leniencies we grant to a young woman of marriageable age who is also an Aveila. At first the Gemara considers that she is allowed to bathe, but ultimately concludes she may use makeup and style her hair. It is important to note that the sages had a healthy respect for the natural patterns of behavior and life. I recently heard a Shiur from a rav lambasting the girls’ seminary credo of “Look at …

Taanis 14 Tear It All Up Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-25 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us about the quality of prayer that Moshe and Aharon had in comparison to Yehoshua. Moshe and Aharon “fell on their faces”, while Yehoshua tore his clothes. Rashi explains that some people are able to have their prayers answered merely by falling on their face in prayer like Moshe and Aharon did, while others need to also rend their clothes like Yehoshua did.  Torah Temimah (Bamidbar 14:5) elaborates …

Taanis 15 No Atheists in Foxholes Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-26 09:59:39

In our Gemara and Mishna on Amud Aleph tells us whom we should choose to lead the prayers during a drought: The congregation appoints an elder, who is experienced in leading prayer, to descend before the ark as communal prayer leader. And this prayer leader must have children and must have an empty house, i.e., he must be poor, so that his heart will be fully concentrated on the prayer for the needs of his community. The Shalah שלה עשרת ה …

Taanis 16 Nothing Personal...But Actually It IS Personal Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-26 10:29:12

Our Gemara on the top of Amud Aleph makes the following observation about human nature: it is less embarrassing to voluntarily shame oneself than when another shames you. In our Gemara’s scenario, because the goal is to induce public reflection and repentance, the strategy is to have others place ashes on the Nasi’s head to maximize his shame, as representative of the community. This principle is used elsewhere in Shas, sometimes to m …

Taanis 18 Successful at Failure Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-26 11:14:10

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us the evil Turyanus who taunted Papus and Lulyanus, saying “Why doesn’t your God save you like he saved Chananya, Mishael and Azariah in the time of Nebuchadnezzer?” They replied, Chananya, Mishael and Azariah were fully righteous and furthermore, Nebuchadnezzer was a legitimate king, worthy of witnessing such a miracle. Despite being a cruel despot, there is no question that Nebuchadnezzar was a m …

Taanis 17 A Prayer Connoisseur Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-28 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph mentions two forms of prayer, צעקה cries, and תפילה prayer. These terms are difficult to translate and actually Devarim Rabbah (2) mentions ten different forms of prayer, and I’ll do my best to translate them with their etymological roots: שַׁוְעָה, צְעָקָה, נְאָקָה, רִנָּה, פְּגִיעָה, בִּצּוּר, קְרִיאָה, נִפּוּל, וּפִלּוּל, וְתַחֲנ …

Taanis 19 Child’s Pray Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-30 00:00:00

 Our Gemara on Amud Aleph records Shimon ben Shetach’s bemused reaction to the famous Choni HaMeagel’s antics in prayer.  We are all familiar with Choni’s petulant demands of God during a drought, refusing to leave a circle he drew until God made it rain, according to his specific requirements.  Shimon ben Shetach said,  שָׁלַח לוֹ שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן שָׁטַח: אִלְמָלֵא חוֹנ …

Taanis 20 Flexibility is Fundamental for Mental Health Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-01 00:00:00

Our Gemara in Amud Aleph extols the virtue of flexibility: A person should always be soft like a reed, and he should not be stiff like a cedar. What does psychology have to say about this important quality? According to researcher Todd Kashdan: “Psychological flexibility spans a wide range of human abilities to: recognize and adapt to various situational demands; shift mindsets or behavioral repertoires when these strategies compromise pers …

Taanis 21 Earner-Learner or Full-Time Kollel? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-02 00:00:00

Our Gemara on this daf relates two incidents about people who work for a living, which actually represent contradictory ideas.  On Amud Aleph we learned of two sages, Rabbi Yochanan and Ilfa. They both were in extreme poverty, and at a crisis point, pondered leaving torah study in order to engage in business. Ilfa decides to leave, while Rabbi Yochanan continues to engage in Torah study, obviously with great sacrifice. Years later, we find o …

Taanis 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-03 10:12:17

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the importance of not inflicting excessive fasting and suffering, despite the importance of repentance and abstention when circumstances call for it: ⁦Rabbi Yosei says: An individual is not permitted to afflict himself by fasting, lest he become too weak to work and be beholden to other people, and those people may not have mercy on him. Rav Yehuda said that Rav said: What is the reason of Rabbi Yosei? It is as …

Taanis 23 Sleeper Story Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-03 10:38:28

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us the story of Choni Hameagel, who fell asleep for seventy years. We find this story with small differences in the Yerushalmi and Midrash Tehilim on Psalm 126. In those versions, it is actually the grandson of Choni. Another distinction in these other versions is that Choni (or his grandson) went into a cave, and we will note more about this later on.  The motif of a person falling asleep for numerous years is …

Taanis 24 (W)Holy Cruel Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-05 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us of some unusually difficult behaviors committed by the sage, Rabbi Yosei from Yokrat. ⁦Rav Ashi said to him: And didn’t the Master sit before and frequent the study hall of Rabbi Yosei from Yokrat? Rabbi Yosei bar Avin said to him: Yes. Rav Ashi said to him: And what is the reason that the Master left him and came here? Rabbi Yosei bar Avin said to him: He is a man who has no mercy on his own son, and no …

Taanis 25 Shame is Worse than Starvation Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-06 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph Tell us the story of the great Sage Rav Chanina ben Dosa and his wife. Despite having the documented ability to perform outright miracles and provide sustenance for everybody else, he and his wife lived in total poverty and deprivation. In one interesting Interlude, we see his wife making a fake cooking fire on erev Shabbos to make it look like she was cooking food. The Gemara tells us that she was embarrassed to look as …

Taanis 26 Rush Hour Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-07 00:00:00

Our Gemara Right at the beginning of Amud Aleph tells us that though it usually is preferable to recite the Hallel on a “Satisfied soul and full stomach“, a different rule was made for the people of Mehoza. Ordinarily, if there is a public fast due to a drought and the rains fall before midday, the fast is suspended, people go home to eat and celebrate, and then go back and say the Hallel Thanksgiving prayer. But since the people of M …

Taanis 27 Birth Trauma and Cry Babies Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-08 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis Tells us that one of the reasons why on Sunday the Cohanim from the Mishmar would not fast is because it is actually the third day since the creation of man. That is, if man was created on Friday, Sunday is the third day. There is a rabbinic tradition that pain and illness is much worse on the third day. Therefore, Sundays are not a good day to fast.  There’s a fascinating point here, that being created itself I …

Taanis 28 Old Habit Die Hard, Especially When You Still Sometimes Need Them Psychology & Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-09 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes a number of wiley exploits that Jews have done throughout the ages to evade persecution and still fulfill mitzvos. It is important to understand that deep within our culture is a mistrust of government and authority. We have spent millennia outwitting and evading hostile governmental forces. There are even halachic allowances made to sometimes permit oaths and other kinds of chicanery to avoid submitting to unfa …

Taanis 29 A Date Which Will Live in Infamy Psychology & the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-10 10:15:04

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that the fact that the Jews cried and complained about the land of Israel during the sin of the spies caused that day to be, forevermore, a day of mourning. As FDR said, “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy.”  That day, was of course Tisha B’Av. ⁦And it is further written: “And all the congregation lifted up their voice and cried and the people wept that night” (Numbers 14:1). Ra …

Taanis 30 Celebrating Diversity Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-10 10:35:28

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tell us that One reason that the 15th of Av was a holiday is that it was the day in which the Jewish people, subsequent to the generation of the wilderness, were permitted to intermarry from one tribe  to another. Why is this considered such a holiday? Shall we say that the restoration of a certain type of liberty over whom you marry is really such a cause for celebration? There aren’t enough eligible mates with …

Taanis 31 Marrying “L’shem Shamayim” Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-12 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about the semi-annual Shidduch festival that happened on the 15th of Av and Yom Kippur. The young maidens would each promote their particular strength and virtue. The beautiful women would extoll the virtue of being attractive. say? Women with yichus would say, “Set your eyes toward family, and the children of a wife from a distinguished family will inherit her lineage.”  But the Gemara wonders, …

Megillah 2 United We Stand Divided We Fall Psychology & the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-13 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis uses a phrase, שְׁלֹשָׁה עָשָׂר זְמַן קְהִילָּה לַכֹּל הִיא. The thirteenth of Adar is a time of assembly for all, as the verse indicates, it was on that day that the Jews assembled to fight their enemies, and the main miracle was performed on that day. Consequently, there is no need for a special scriptural derivation to include it as a day that is fit for reading the Megilla. The Li …

Megillah 3 Logic Versus Intuition Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-14 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a certain kind of intuition, whereby there is a sense of foreboding without any known reason. Therefore, even though Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi did not actually see the vision that Daniel was seeing of a fearsome angelic being in real time, they were still in a state of uncanny dread. The Gemara explains that though they did not see the vision, their “mazal” saw it. Rashi translates this as their …

Megillah 5 Two Heads are Better than One Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-15 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us about an interchange between a master and a student. Rabbi Abba bar Zavda, had to correct his master, Rabbi Elazar about a particular recollection of an incident that affected the halachic analysis. Rabbi Elazar’s humble response was to quote Koheles (4:9), “Two are better than one”.  He wanted to reassure his student that he welcomed the correction and feedback. Reishis Chokhma (Shaar Haked …

Megillah 4 Do Not Cause Despair Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-15 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us a reason why the Megillah is not read on Shabbos: ⁦Rav Yosef said that there is another reason the Megilla is not read on Shabbos: Because the eyes of the poor are raised to the reading of the Megilla. The poor await the day on which the Megilla is read, because on that day gifts are distributed to the poor. If the Megilla is read on Shabbos, it will not be possible to distribute gifts to the poor, who will be d …

Megillah 6 Torah in a Different Arena Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-17 11:47:43

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us of a prophecy that the coliseums and theaters used for idolatrous purposes will one day be used to teach Torah in public. Aside from the accuracy of this prediction, as we have seen Siyumim and other Torah gatherings taking place in Madison Square Garden as well as virtual media outlets, what is the significance of this prediction? That is, why does it matter? Would it not be enough to know that Torah will be pro …

Megillah 7 Healthy Narcissism Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-17 11:56:54

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that Esther requested of the Sages, that the Holiday of Purim be established for posterity. Rashi here adds: “For a holiday, and to read the Megilla to be a remembrance of my name.” One might ask, what is legitimate about the second part of her request? Isn’t it self-aggrandizing? Part of me thinks, Esther was doomed in a marriage to a Gentile, and she realized that as a Jew, she may be complete …

Megillah 8 The Torah is Open Source Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-19 00:00:00

Our Mishna on Amud Beis tells us that Sifrei Torah, theoretically, can be written in any language. Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel disagreed, and only allowed Sifrei Torah to be written in Greek, and of course Hebrew. He granted a special status to the Greek language on account of the verse (Bereishis 9:27), which implies a special affinity between the Greek nation and the Jewish nation: יַ֤פְתְּ אֱלֹקים֙ לְיֶ֔פֶת וְיִשְׁ …

Megillah 9 Easy Does It Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-20 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells uses an oft quoted principle, מַעֲלִין בַּקּוֹדֶשׁ וְלֹא מוֹרִידִין One elevates to a higher level in matters of sanctity and one does not downgrade. Today I will share with you a unique application of this principle, as described by Sefer HaYashar. Since he will be saying quite a chiddush, it’s worth taking a moment to discuss Sefer HaYashar’s provenance. Although there …

Megillah 10 Veiled Interpretations Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-21 00:00:00

  Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us a clever derash on the verse that describes Yehuda meeting up with the Zonah, who actually was Tamar in disguise. Tamar still wanted to bear children for Yehuda’s family line, and since Yehuda was delaying offering a levirate marriage with Shelah, she took matters into her own hands. The verse (Bereishis 38:15) states: וַיִּרְאֶ֣הָ יְהוּדָ֔ה וַֽיַּחְשְׁבֶ֖הָ לְז …

Megillah 11 Satan Laughing with Delight Psychology & the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-22 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis uses an evocative phrase, “the Satan danced between them.” In our Gemara it is used to refer to what transpired subsequent to Achashveirosh assuming the Jewish prophecy of return had not been fulfilled. He celebrated and used the utensils from the Beis Hamikdash. The Gemara tells us, Satan came and danced between them, and vashti was killed. It is an interesting choice of words, “Satan danced”. It c …

Megillah 12 They Deserve Each Other Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-23 00:00:00

Our Gemara on the bottom of Amud Aleph through Beis uses an interesting phrase to tell us that neither Acheshveurosh, nor Vashti, were innocent. In other words, they deserved each other. The phrase is: אִיהוּ בְּקָרֵי וְאִתְּתֵיהּ בְּבוּצִינֵי Which roughly translates as he is with pumpkins and she is with zucchini. The Gemara quotes it as a common saying amongst people. What does that phrase really mean, not …

Megillah 13 Mindfulness and Consequences Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-24 09:58:18

  Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us the familiar story of how Rachel and Yaakov planned to prevent him from being swindled by Lavan. They anticipated that Lavan would force Rachel to secretly let him switch her for Leah at the wedding, so they had secret signs. But, as with many plans, it didn’t quite go as they imagined. At the last minute, Rachel had a change of heart and couldn’t allow her sister to be publicly humiliated and r …

Megillah 14 Last Resort Therapy Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-24 10:43:48

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph observes: ⁦The verse states: “And the king removed his ring from his hand” (Esther 3:10). Rabbi Abba bar Kahana said: The removal of Ahasuerus’s ring for the sealing of Haman’s decree was more effective than the forty-eight prophets and the seven prophetesses who prophesied on behalf of the Jewish people. As, they were all unable to return the Jewish people to the right way, but the removal of Ah …

Megillah 15 Did Haman Have Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-26 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis, based on a verse in the Megillah, tells us that Haman felt no satisfaction in all his wealth and success so long as Mordechai remained defiant and would not bow. This is a common psychological distortion and error that people make. Despite having many successes, they can harp on one particular lacking or failure and blow it up beyond proportion. This can be done internally so as to magnify one’s failures and minimiz …

Megillah 16 Confirmation Bias Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-27 00:00:00

Our Gemara tells us that how Haman reacted when Ahasuerus ordered him to fulfill his idea of the proper way to honor one who the king desires to glorify by parading him around on the king’s horse while wearing the royal garments: “And do so to Mordecai the Jew who sits at the king’s gate, let nothing fail of all that you have spoken” (Esther 6:10). The Gemara explains that when Ahasuerus said to Haman: “And do so to …

Megillah 17 Exile Produces Growth Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-28 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that the events of the years of Yaakov’s life were not recorded explicitly until he arrived in Egypt. Meaning to say, by the other forefathers, their ages are noted at various life events, such as marriages or birthing children. It really is remarkable in its absence as compared to the other Avos. For example (Bereishis 25:20) tells us how old Yitschok was when he married Rivkah. Or Bereishis (21:5) tells u …

Megillah 18 Praising God: How, and Why? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-29 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph warns of using excessive praise of G-d during prayers:
⁦Rabba bar bar Ḥana said that Rabbi Yoḥanan said: With regard to one who excessively declares the praises of the Holy One, Blessed be He, his fate is to be uprooted from the world, as it appears as if he had exhausted all of God’s praises. As it is stated: “Shall it be told to Him when I speak? If a man says it, he would be swallowed up” …

Megillah 19 Motivations for Change Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-30 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph Mentions different parts of the Megillah that we are required to begin reciting, in order to fulfill the obligation of reading megillah:
Beginning from where must a person read the Megilla in order to fulfill his obligation? Rabbi Meir says: He must read all of it. Rabbi Yehuda says: He need read only from “There was a certain Jew” (Esther 2:5). Rabbi Yosei says: From “After these things” (Es …

Megillah 21 Wherever You Go, that’s Where I Will Be Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-31 11:16:28

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us : ⁦From where is it derived that the teacher should not sit on a couch and teach his disciple while he is sitting on the ground? It is as it is stated: “But as for you, stand here with Me,” (Deuteronomy 5:26–27)  which indicates that the teacher and his disciples should be in the same position. What a wonderful source for the idea that a rebbe should also show a degree of respect for his …

Megillah 20 Affirmative Action Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-31 11:31:21

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph records a dispute between Rabbi Meir and Rabbi Yehuda if one can fulfill the “recitation” of Shema merely by thinking the words. Rabbi Yehuda in the name of Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah says, no, as the operative word in the Shema is, after all, to listen. Thus, one must say the words loudly enough to hear them. Rabbi Meir holds since the Shema credo indicates that “these words shall be on your heart”, …

Megillah 22 What She Says Rings True Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-02 00:00:00

Rashi (“Roshei Chadashim”) on this daf and other Rishonim refer to the custom that women do not work on Rosh Chodesh. The origin of this custom stems from Pirke DeRabbi Eliezer (45) which notes a discrepancy in the verses of Shemos 32:2 and 3. Aharon suggests that they take the gold earrings from their wives, children and sons but the verse reports what happened, it states only “their rings”, implying that only the men off …

Megillah 23 It Goes Without Saying, But I’ll Say It Anyway Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-03 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us the source for the requirement of 10 men to create a minyan, which ultimately comes from the 12 Meraglim who were referred to as an עדה רעה an evil congregation. If you subtract the two virtuous spies, that being Calev and Yehoshua, you are left with ten. There is a fascinating pattern that emerges. Often significant halachos of positive and meaningful import are learned out from less than ideal circumstance …

Megillah 24 I Don’t Feel Like Thinking, But I Think Like I Feel Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-04 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the rabbinic apprehension of the Maaseh Merkava, the “Heavenly Chariot” described in Yechezkel’s vision. Though they are unable to see it with their eyes, they are able to comprehend it with their heart.  Rav Gershon Henoch Leiner (1839-1890), a third rebbe in the Ishbitzer dynasty, writes about this idea in Shaar Haemunah Veyesod Hachasidus (24). He maintains that despite that people like …

Megillah 25 Control, Delete Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-05 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the famous verse in Devarim (10:12): “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you other than to fear the Lord your God” The Gemara comments: Rabbi Ḥanina said: Everything is in the hands of Heaven, except for fear of Heaven. The fact that God asks man only for one thing, to fear Him, indicates that it is the only thing that is in man’s ability to do. In other words, many of our envir …

Megillah 26 Holy Objectives Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-06 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the difference between objects utilized FOR a mitzvah versus objects that are utilized in service of something that has an intrinsic holiness. For example, a Lulav or a Succah is an object used for a mitzvah, however a mantle for a Sefer Torah, Aron Kodesh, or a tefilin bag is an object of the holy, Tashmishe Kedusha.  That is, it serves an object that has Kedusha or holiness. The objects of the holy cannot …

Megillah 27 Names and Dignity Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-07 10:56:17

Our Gemara on Amud Beis lists practices that different Rabbis attributed as the cause of their longevity, among them Rabbi Zakkai: Rabbi Zakkai was once asked by his disciples: In the merit of which virtue were you blessed with longevity? He said to them: In all my days, I never urinated within four cubits of a place that had been used for prayer. Nor did I ever call my fellow by a nickname. And I never neglected the mitzva of sanctifying the day …

Megillah 28 Never go to Bed in a Fight? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-07 11:06:30

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us of a pious practice of Rabbi Nehunya and Mar Zutra: ⁦Rabbi Neḥunya also said: Nor did I ever allow the resentment caused by my fellow’s curse to go up with me upon my bed. This is referring to conduct such as that of Mar Zutra. When he would go to bed at night, he would first say: I forgive anyone who has hurt me. There is a practice amongst married couples who have a rule not to go to sleep in a fight. …

Megillah 29 Joy and Levity, not Solemnity Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-09 00:00:00

Our Gemara in Amud Aleph tells us: One interrupts his Torah study to carry out the dead for burial and to escort a bride to her wedding. However, the Gemara naturally wonders how many people are required to give these events their appropriate due respect?  Should an entire Bais Medrash empty out in order to celebrate a wedding or a funeral? The Gemara qualifies this ruling: In what case is this statement said? Only where there are not suffic …

Megillah 30 Rebuke? Not So Fast Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-10 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes Ezra’s response to the dire spiritual situation of his time. As detailed in Ezra chapter 9, intermarriage and assimilation was rampant. The verses indicate that Ezra’s prayers began only mincha time, while earlier in the day he was involved with gathering the people together for introspection. Our Gemara uses this as a defense for the position that on a public fast day there would be no time for the r …

Megillah 31 Pride Drives God and People Away Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-11 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us an incredible theological idea: 
Rabbi Yoḥanan said: Wherever you find a reference in the Bible to the might of the Holy One, Blessed be He, you also find a reference to His humility adjacent to it. Evidence of this fact is written in the Torah, repeated in the Prophets, and stated a third time in the Writings.  
The Gemara goes on to quote a beautiful selection of verses that typify …

Megillah 32 Hearing Voices Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-12 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the permissibility to listen to a bas kol, a heavenly voice, and that it is not considered divination:
And Rabbi Shefatya said that Rabbi Yoḥanan said: If one was deliberating about whether to do a certain action, and a Divine Voice indicated what he should do, from where is it derived that one may make use of a Divine Voice and rely upon it? As it is stated: “And your ears shall hear a word behind …

Moed Kattan 2 Baal Field Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-13 00:00:00

Our Gemara discusses the difference between two kinds of fields, the Beis Hashalachim and the Beis HaBaal.  The Beis Hashalachim relies on irrigation, while the Beis HaBaal relies on rain water.  The Gemara delves into the etymology of the term Beis HaBaal and how it connotes an established field that maintains itself.  A verse is quoted in from Yeshayahu (62:5)
כִּֽי־יִבְעַ֤ל בָּחוּר֙ בְּתוּלָ֔ …

Moed Kattan 3 Miracles Sometimes Need Consensus Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-14 11:25:52

Our Gemara discusses the idea that Shemitta today is only rabbinic and not Biblically required. The source for this comes from a Gemara Arachin (32b) which rules that Yovel (and Shemitta) only apply when all the shevatim occupy Eretz Yisrael.  Although this is derived from a verse, we should reflect on what could be the reason behind this exemption. On the surface, there is value to the Shemitta and Yovel cycle so long as Jews live in Israel …

Moed Kattan 4 Delay of Gratification Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-14 11:41:05

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a Mishna (Peah 7:5) that discusses a dispute between Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Meir regarding the permissibility of thinning out the vines from the part of the vineyard set aside for the poor: ⁦One who is thinning out vines, just as he may thin out in that which belongs to him, so too he may thin out in that which belongs to the poor, these are the words of Rabbi Judah. Rabbi Meir says: in that which belongs to him, …

Moed Kattan 5 Keep Our Borders Safe Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-16 00:00:00

Moed Kattan 5 Our Gemara on Amud Aleph mentions the importance of maintaining safe roads so that it is done even on chol HaMoed. If it is not done and someone is injured the Gemara says that should anyone be injured as a result of negligence in this regard, it is tantamount to murder. According to Tosafos, the Gemara’s proof text is from Devarim 22:8, that requires a person to make sure their home is safe. כִּ֤י תִבְנֶה֙ בַּ …

Kattan 6 The Heart of the Matter Psychology of the Daf Yomi Moed

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-17 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph in a discussion about keeping records and histories of gravesites, said that one must ask the local elder or Talmid Chacham for information. The Gemara says we see from here that it is incumbent upon a rabbinic scholar to take responsibility for matters pertaining to the city and community. Some additional scriptural supports for this idea comes from the verses that discuss the Egla Arufa ritual performed when an unidenti …

Moed Kattan 7 Is Your Spouse Your Best Friend? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-18 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses what in what situations a Cohen would inspect a metzora on chol Hamoed. The deciding factor is will it result in an improvement of his situation instead of a worsening. When a metzora is declared definitely afflicted with Tzoraas by the Cohen, he must leave the Jewish camp and be in isolation, however he is still permitted to engage in marital relations. Once he is declared by the Cohen that he is healed, he then …

Moed Kattan 8 Remarriage to an Ex-Spouse Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-19 00:00:00

The Mishna on Amud Beis states: We do not marry a woman on the intermediate days of a Festival, not virgins and not widows, and we do not perform levirate marriage with a sister-in-law, if his brother died childless, because it is a joyous occasion for him (and we do not mix rejoicings, that is Yom Tom and Marriage; each one needs its distinct experience.) However, one may remarry his divorced wife on the intermediate days of a Festival, as this …

Moed Kattan 9 It’s Not About the Logic; It’s About the Feeling Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-20 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses various forms of Women’s cosmetics and beauty practices both in the light of what is permitted on Chol Hamoed as well as a number of anecdotes regarding ways in which rabbi’s wives and daughters beautified themselves. It is obvious from this Gemara and its extensive details, that the rabbis were cognizant, respectful and downright supportive of the natural human patterns whereby women, single and marr …

Moed Kattan 10 Double Trouble Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-21 10:48:12

Our Gemara quotes Rav Huna, who makes an interesting curse against someone whom he saw violating chol Hamoed  רַב הוּנָא שַׁמְעֵיהּ לְהָהוּא גַּבְרָא דְּקָא מְנַקַּר רִיחְיָא בְּחוּלָּא דְמוֹעֲדָא אֲמַר מַאן הַאי אִיתַּחִיל גּוּפֵיהּ דְּקָא מַחֵיל חוּלָּא דְּמוֹעֲדָא  ⁦The Gemara relates that Rav H …

Moed Kattan 11 Torah and Science: Something Fishy is Going On Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-21 11:01:25

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us: Rav said: Adda the fisherman told me that a fish that has sat for some time and is close to spoiling is at its best. Tosafos here objects, as many of us might, fish close to spoiling is dangerous to eat and far from at its best! Tosafos answers, perhaps this aspect of nature has changed, as we see that many of the medicines discussed in the Gemara are also no longer effective. The idea that certain physiological …

Moed Kattan 12 Fear of Getting What You Want Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-23 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses situations where an Odom Chashuv, that is a dignified scholar, must take certain stringencies upon himself over the regular folk. Throughout Shas this term is used to signify a person of some status that confers an additional level of responsibility. There is an interesting Gemara in Kiddushin which uses the term Odom Choshuv in a different light. The Maharal uses this as a springboard for a discussion about the …

Moed Kattan 13 The Sins of the Fathers Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-24 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses situations where if a father violated a prohibition of Chol Hamoed, and is fined by the rabbis by being forbidden to get benefit, are the sons who inherit the father also subject to that penalty? We must first ponder, why should the sons be held accountable for their father’s misdeeds? Rashi offers a simple explanation: If the father were still alive, his possessions would be subject to the penalty, and th …

Moed Kattan 14 Release from Hard Labor Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-01-25 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that an infant born with a lot of hair may cut it on Chol HaMoed. This is because it is analogous to the person released from prison who also is allowed to get a haircut since he had no ability to do so before Yom Tov. The Gemara rhetorically asks, who could be more imprisoned than a child in the womb? That is, of course he is not free to get a haircut in utero.   This Gemara provides a peshat for a difficul …

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