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Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
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Avraham Had it All Bava Basra 141 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-11-13 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud aleph presents a curious interpretation of the verse about Avraham in Bereishis (24:1): “And Avraham was old, well advanced in age; and the Lord had blessed Avraham with everything [bakkol]” (Genesis 24:1). Rabbi Yehuda explains that this blessing meant Avraham had a daughter, whom he named Bakkol. At first glance, this statement seems puzzling—would the Sages have us believe that the phrase “blessed wit …
Are Law and Ethics the Same? Bava Basra 140 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-11-12 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud aleph continues discussing special enactments and protections that the rabbis put in place to ensure that, although daughters do not inherit alongside their brothers, stipends and allowances are set aside from the estate to provide for them and assist with marriage expenses. The Mishna on the previous amud states: In the case of one who died and left behind both sons and daughters, when the estate is large, the sons inherit it, …
Till Debt do Us Part Bava Basra 139 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-11-11 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses a case of a woman who entered marriage with a prior debt. This Gemara brings to mind a modern phenomenon that can trouble some couples today: one spouse may be shocked to discover, post-marriage, that the other has accrued significant credit card debt. According to one study (Center for Marriage and Family, 2000; Schramm & Lee, 2003), debt brought into marriage is the number one conflict issue for newlyweds. …
One Day At A Time Bava Basra 138 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-11-10 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud aleph explores various situations in which someone is given property or a gift, and the recipient remains silent. Does this silence imply consent, or could it simply reflect a decision to defer dealing with it? In some cases, the opinion is that silence does not necessarily mean agreement, as the individual may be thinking, “Why should I worry about this now?” As the Gemara notes, some people may choose not to raise …
Promptly Admitting We Were Wrong Bava Basra 137 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-11-08 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes a despicable character type known as a rasha arum—a cunning wicked person—who exploits the law for morally questionable purposes. This type of person, the Gemara explains, is one who advises someone to sell property in line with the ruling of Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel, though not permitted to do so. The act is technically valid, but it deprives another designated party of their right to the property. …
Real, Real Estate Bava Basra 136 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-11-08 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis presents a well-known dispute between Rav Yochanan and Reish Lakish regarding the nature of property ownership. Specifically, they argue about whether a person who holds the rights to a property's produce, but does not own the land itself, is considered a landowner. This has various halachic implications, as certain obligations are triggered by land ownership:   Rabbi Yoḥanan holds that purchasing the rights to use …
The Echo Chamber of the Evil Inclination Bava Basra 135 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-11-07 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis addresses a case where a deceased person’s will was found tied to his thigh, a way to secure important documents in that era. In Maaseh Shem (Avos 33), this principle is applied to Esav’s angel wrestling Yaakov and striking his thigh (Bereishis 32:26), as if intending to destroy the document representing Esav’s sale of the birthright to Yaakov.   This interpretation is clever, but there are other pro …
Fill 'er Up with Premium Bava Basra 134 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-11-06 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph details the vast array of wisdom, Torah knowledge, and even scientific expertise mastered by a Torah scholar like Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai, the least among Hillel the Elder’s eighty students:   The Sages said about Rabban Yoḥanan ben Zakkai that he did not neglect Bible and Mishna, Talmud, halachos and aggados, minutiae of the Torah and minutiae of the scribes, hermeneutical principles for a fortiori inferen …
The Messiah is not Late; He is Right on Time Bava Basra 133 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-11-05 00:00:00

Our gemara on Amud Beis records a dialogue between Rav Illish and Rav. Rav made a mistaken ruling which Rav corrected. Rav Ilish was embarrassed and so To comfort him, Rav read the following verse about him: “I, the Lord, will hasten it in its time” (Isaiah 60:22), as if to say: It was due to Divine Providence that I was here to correct you before your mistaken ruling was implemented   This verse is classically interpreted by our …
Attachment, Consensus and Aggression Bava Basra 132 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-11-05 00:00:00

The Rashbam, at the beginning of Amud Aleph, discusses aspects of the kesuba (Jewish marriage contract) that make it different from other debts. It has limitations on lien enforcement and variations in collection power, partly reflecting a reality observed by the Rabbis in social patterns. Recognizing that women—due to lower earning potential and other economic disadvantages—might experience vulnerability after marriage, the Rabbis en …
The Heavy Burden of Judicial Discernment Bava Basra 131 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-11-03 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the idea that a judge must use his common sense and logic to determine the truth as best he can, knowing that it is impossible for any mortal to be absolutely certain:   A judge has only what his eyes see as the basis for his ruling. One must rule according to his own understanding.   This idea, however, not only frees a judge from responsibility for matters beyond his perception, but as is often the c …
Blind Faith? Bava Basra 130 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-11-01 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud beis provides principles for deriving halachic rulings from precedent and observed behaviors of authoritative sources and rabbis:   One may derive the halakha neither from a statement nor from an incident where one saw a ruling issued in a certain manner, unless the Sages explicitly tell him that it is the practical halacha. If he asked the Sages and they told him the practical halakha, he may go and act upon the ruling in …
In Depth Study, by Any Means Bava Basra 129 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-11-01 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses a conceptual difference between something that is gifted versus bequeathed:   If a person on his deathbed said: My property is given to you, and after you to so-and-so, and the first recipient was fit to inherit from him, the second gets nothing in place of the first. That is, he does not receive the property after the first one dies, as this formulation employed by the owner was not one of a gift, but a for …
Repentance or Return? Bava Basra 128 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-31 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses a situation in which a witness observed an event while mentally competent, then lost his sanity, and later returned to compos mentis. One might think that since there was a period when his thinking was compromised, even if he seems restored, perhaps some aspect of his memory or thought remains distorted. This could be compared to reassembling a complex piece of machinery and finding a few parts left over on the …
Alternate Halachic Universe Bava Basra 127 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-30 00:00:00

On our daf, we observe the great respect held for the concept of inheritance, particularly in regard to the firstborn. While generally, a person may stipulate whatever he pleases concerning his property, the restrictions are stricter regarding the firstborn’s inheritance. This is evident in the sugyos of the previous and upcoming dappim. For example, a father has the special power to identify his firstborn, waiving ordinary evidentiary requ …
A Spitting Image of the Father Bava Basra 126 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-29 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses a paranormal method used to determine whether a child is the firstborn of the mother or the father. This has significant halachic implications, as only the natural firstborn of the father inherits a double portion, regardless of the mother's previous birthing history (Shulchan Aruch 277:8).   It is taught as a tradition that the saliva of a father's firstborn can heal a specific ailment, whereas the saliva o …
How to Benefit in This World and the Next Bava Basra 125 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-28 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a halachic aspect of the inheritance process. Specifically, the double portion granted to a firstborn applies only to property that is in actual possession, as opposed to funds that are due, such as an unpaid loan. The Noam Elimelech (Sefer Shemos, Shemos 5) uses this concept to address an age-old theological question: why do some righteous individuals seem to suffer greatly in this world, while others prosper in …
God Himself Will Comfort Bava Basra 124 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-22 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the halachic principle that a firstborn inherits a double portion. The Imrei Shefer (Vayikra 10:12) uses this idea to address a textual and halachic question regarding the Torah’s description of Aharon’s remaining sons. The verse refers to Elazar and Isamar as “Aharon’s remaining sons,” which typically implies a smaller remnant of a larger group, as noted by the Taz (YD 43:7). Aharo …
Don’t Let Feelings “Into-Fear” Bava Basra 123 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-21 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud aleph recounts a story that illustrates the intense drama and intrigue surrounding Yaakov as he navigated the cunning deceit of his father-in-law, Lavan:   Yaakov and Rachel engaged in a significant exchange before their marriage. Yaakov proposed to Rachel, and she responded by warning him, “Yes, but my father is a deceitful person, and you cannot outwit him.” She explained that her father, Lavan, would never a …
Objects Are Closer Than They Appear Bava Basra 122 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-21 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud aleph explains that the tribes measured the value of land in Israel based on its proximity to Jerusalem. The closer the land was to Jerusalem, the more valuable it was considered. This seems logical—land closer to the center of spiritual life would naturally be more desirable.   However, this Gemara appears to contradict a fundamental Jewish ethic known as sechar halicha, the reward for the effort expended in perform …
Hitting Rock Bottom Bava Basra 121 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-20 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses one of the reasons why the 15th of Av became a traditional day of rejoicing, drawing from the experience of the Jews in the wilderness. After the sin of the spies, it was decreed that the entire generation would wander for 40 years and die out before entering the land of Israel. Eichah Rabbah (Pesicha) offers a poignant description of how the 15th of Av marked a turning point in their fate:   Rabbi Avin and …
Jews Should not Wine About Their Fate Bava Basra 120 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-20 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about Yocheved, Moshe’s mother, who was born “between the walls” during the transition into Egypt. According to one opinion, her birth completed the missing number in the census, allowing us to reach the 70 souls described in Bereishis 46:27, even though the actual count comes to 69.   The Maharal (Gevuros Hashem, Yayin Nesech) explores the significance of the number 70, as well as the fact …
Is Repentance a Precondition for Redemption Bava Basra 117 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-20 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses how the Land of Israel was allocated to the incoming generation of Jews as they completed their wandering of forty years:   Rabbi Yoshiya says: Eretz Yisrael was divided among those who left Egypt, as it is stated: “According to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit” (Numbers 26:55), which teaches that the Jewish people would inherit Eretz Yisrael according to the names of …
Repeated Trauma Bava Basra 116 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-20 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph, speaking from a strongly judgmental standpoint, reflects upon the possible implications of somebody who dies without having an heir, and what type of spiritual lacunae brought this situation about:   “God shall hear, and humble them, even He that is enthroned of old, Selah; those that have no exchange, and fear not God” (Psalms 55:20), Rabbi Yoḥanan and Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi each interpret the verse …
The In-“Tents”-ity of the Daughters of Zelophehad Bava Basra 119 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-19 20:49:32

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses how the daughters of Zelophehad received an additional portion of inheritance due to their father, Hepher, who was a firstborn. A firstborn is entitled to two portions of inheritance, but this leads to a halachic question: What type of property could Hepher claim when we have a tradition that a firstborn does not receive a double portion from assets that are not yet in possession? The land of Israel was an asset …
Honorary Member of the Tribe Bava Basra 118 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-19 20:48:45

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the phenomenon of ayin hara (the evil eye) and how the tribe of Yosef had a special immunity from it.   The Gemara explains: "We are of the descendants of Joseph, upon whom the evil eye had no dominion, as it is written: 'Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine by a fountain [alei ayin]' (Bereishis 49:22), and Rabbi Abbahu states a homiletic interpretation: Do not read it as alei ayin; rather, read it as …
Standing on Ceremony Bava Basra 115 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-16 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the primacy of the father in the line of inheritance:   This is the principle: Concerning anyone who precedes another with regard to inheritance, his descendants precede the other as well, and a father who inherits precedes all of his descendants.   The idea of primacy of the father in the line of inheritance also has metaphysical implications. Bais Yaakov (Vayeshev 39:3 and Vayechi 65:1) explains this …
Truth or Compassion Bava Basra 114 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-16 00:00:00

Listen To Your Messages Bava Basra 112 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-15 00:00:00

Our Gemara on this daf discusses the matter of the daughters of Zelophehad , who brought to Moshe an objection that they should also be allowed to inherit in the Land of Israel, on behalf of their father, who died without male progeny (Bamidbar 27:3-5):   Our father died in the wilderness. He was not one of the faction, Korah’s faction, which banded together against Hashem, but died for his own sin; and he has left no sons. Let not our …
Grieving the Loss of Our Dreams Bava Basra 111 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-14 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the fact that Miriam’s banishment was supposed to last for 14 days based on the following logic: If her father had but spit in her face, should she not hide in shame for seven days?” (Numbers 12:14). The Gemara then argues, in fact, Miriam experienced a more severe reprimand from the Divine Presence, therefore, she ought to have been ostracized for fourteen days. Yet, by dint of the fact that this di …
Throw Away Your OId Toys Bava Basra 113 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-13 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the finely nuanced meaning of the Hebrew word Yidbku (root=D-V-K) which means to be attached, and how this is used to understand an aspect of inheritance when described in the Torah (Bamidar 36:7,9). One of the prooftexts  used to support that this word means “attached” comes from an iconic verse in Bereishis (2:24), that describes the psychological process of romantic attachment:   Hence a …
Causation, Not Correlation Bava Basra 110 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-13 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud aleph offers advice on how to determine a suitable mate based on lineage:   Rava says: One who marries a woman needs to first examine her brothers so that he will know in advance what character his children will have, as it is stated: “And Aaron took Elisheva, the daughter of Amminadav, the sister of Nahshon” (Exodus 6:23). By inference from that which is stated: “The daughter of Amminadav,” do I no …
False Omens Bava Basra 109 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-11 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses the famous incident of the Pesel Micha, as described in Shoftim 17.  In those anarchic times, a fellow made a sanctuary and appointed his own priest.  From our Gemara’s exposition of the story, the man met a person named Levi, and took it as a sign that he was to be HIS Levite, that is, a man to serve as his Cohen in his fabricated temple.   Indeed we find in our tradition an idea that certai …
A Wealthy Bequest Bava Basra 108 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-11 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud beis uses a proof  text to teach that if a man has no children to inherit him, the closest next of kin, father, brothers, uncles etc inherit him. The Mikra Mefurash, quoted by Sefer Daf al Daf, raises a question from Avraham’s dialogue with God, where he expresses fear that without an heir, his servant will inherit all his wealth (Bereishis 15:3):   Avram said further, “Since You have granted me no offspri …
Small Minded Thinking Bava Basra 107 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-10 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud aleph uses a distinctive Hebrew word to describe taking off a piece of land and granting it to another inheritor, “Mekamtzin”, which we can translate as snipping off. The word has a different connotation than other apparent synonyms, such as “chatoch”, to cut, or “lachalok” to divide.  The Maharal (Netzach Yisrael 5) explains that the word kometz, means to take a small part of a larger w …
Letting Go of Control and Inviting God In Bava Basra 106 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-09 00:00:00

Our Gemara references the biblical process by which the different portions of the land Israel was allotted to the tribes via a lottery. There is this theological idea that using a lottery can somehow bring out divine intention and messages. Let us try to understand how this might work.    There are a number of times where a lottery is used by Biblical figures to tap into divine guidance.  For example, Yehoshua used it to help deter …
Contradictions, Truth and Insults Bava Basra 105 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-08 00:00:00

Continuing our study of the Gemara’s approach to contradictory statements, let us review the dispute between Ben Nanes and the Sages. If there is a discrepancy in the statements of a seller, where their first clause indicates approximation, and the second clause indicates specificity, or vice versa, Ben Nanes holds that we follow his last statement and the Sages hold that we choose the more conservative meaning within the contradiction. Tha …
How to Study Contradictions Bava Basra 104 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-07 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses how to resolve discrepancies in the statements of a seller, where the seller’s first clause indicates approximation, and the second clause indicates specificity, or vice versa. For example, if the seller says to the buyer: “I am selling you a plot of land of a certain size measured precisely with a rope more or less”, thereby attaching to the sale two contradictory stipulations. Or if the seller …
Playing the Field Bava Basra 103 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-06 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the verse that describes the Biblically mandated process of redeeming a field that one declared hekdesh (consecrating it for the Temple treasury). It is redeemed according to a standardized scale of fifty shekels of silver per an area fit to sow a ḥomer of barley.   Mei HaShiloach (Volume II, Leviticus, Bechukosai) wonders about the purpose of this process. Why would the Torah enshrine a process of the owner …
Buried Feelings Bava Basra 102 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-04 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph and Tosafos discuss the restrictions on disinterring and disturbing the dead.   There are various reasons offered for this prohibition. The Gemara later on (154a) implies that exposing the decomposed body to viewing eyes is disrespectful of the body, and the person who once occupied it. Gesher Chaim (26:10), based on a Yerushalmi, rules that even if the body is fully decomposed and so there is no rot, it is inherentl …
Spiritual Standstill Bava Basra 101 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-04 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tries to figure out how to properly allocate and position the number of graves described in the Mishna, and reconcile it within the stated dimensions of this space. One idea that was considered was that some bodies were buried standing up. The Gemara firmly rejects this as absurd, since this would be a disgraceful manner to lay a corpse. The Gemara declares:   This is like a burial of donkeys and is disrespectful. &nb …
King Sized Desires Bava Basra 100 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-03 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the right of a king to appropriate passageways through private property:   The Mishna teaches: A king’s thoroughfare has no maximum measure. The Gemara explains: This is because the halakha is that a king may breach (poretz) the fence of an individual in order to create a thoroughfare for himself, and none may protest his actions.   The Hebrew word for this domain expansion is “poretz” …
Seeing Ourselves Reflected in Others Bava Basra 99 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-02 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud aleph discusses contradictory verses regarding where the Cherubs on the Holy Ark faced, acting as a bellwether of God’s pleasure or disappointment with the Jewish nation:    How were the cherubs standing? Rabbi Yoḥanan and Rabbi Elazar disagree about this. One says: Their faces were turned one toward the other. And one says: Their faces were turned toward the House, i.e., the Sanctuary. The Gemara asks: But ac …
Why Do We Hate that Which We Used to Love? Bava Basra 98 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-01 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Alephs comments on the relational consequences of arrogance:   One who is haughty is not accepted even by the members of his household, as it is stated: “The haughty man abides not” (Habakkuk 2:5). What does the phrase “abides [yinveh] not” mean? It means that even in his abode [naveh], he is not accepted.   Pesach Einayim wonders: If so, why do we see women who are attracted to a man specifica …
Pressed Grapes Bava Basra 97 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-30 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses processes of wine production and sedimentation. According to some traditions, it was actually wine that was the forbidden fruit of theTree of Knowledge. Bereishis Rabbah (19:5) tells us that Chava squeezed a grape bunch and gave Adam to drink from it.   Note that the Midrash does not say, “gave him to eat from the grapes”, instead it says “squeezed the grapes and gave him to drink wine&rdqu …
In Vino Veritas Bava Basra 96 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-29 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a principle of Oenology, which has halachic and metaphysical implications:   דאמר רבא: כל חמרא דלא דרי על חד תלת מיא – לאו חמרא הוא   Rava said: Any wine that does not contain three parts water to one part pure wine is not regarded as wine, as it is excessively strong.   In those days, the original wine mixture was so potent, that when they actually dran …
It Doesn’t Grow on Trees, You Know! Or…Does It? Bava Basra 95 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-27 00:00:00

Our Gemara on this daf discussed wine that begins to become vinegary, and at what point does it lose its status of wine. In such a case, the blessing might revert from “Hagafen - He who creates the fruit of the vine” back to “Shehakol”, the universal blessing that one makes for foods that do not grow or have a specific status, drinks, meat, and other items.  Food items that have distinction or unique status tend to ge …
Don’t Invite a Heavenly Audit Bava Basra 94 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-27 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an interesting psychological and legal phenomenon. There are certain thresholds of defects or deficiencies in a purchased item which are tolerated, if not expected. Therefore, while one is not allowed to deliberately adulterate grains or beans, if a minor and typical amount of dirt, sediment or pebbles etc are found in the mixture, the buyer has no recourse. Furthermore, if he finds the product to have an amount …
The Cult of Self-Care Bava Basra 93 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-26 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an interesting protocol from Talmudic times:   עוד מנהג גדול היה בירושלים – מפה פרוסה על גבי הפתח; כל זמן שמפה פרוסה – אורחין נכנסין. נסתלקה המפה – אין האורחין נכנסין.   The baraisa continues: Another great custom that was followed in Jerusalem was that when one made a feast, there would be a clo …
Money Over Matter Bava Basra 92 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-25 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a case in which a buyer and seller are in dispute over if the purchased ox was sold for labor purposes or for slaughter. The difference being, that if it was found to be an unruly ox known to gore, the purchase would be deemed under false pretenses and be refunded. However, the seller maintains that he sold the ox under the presumption that it was for slaughter, thus the ox’s nature is irrelevant, and the p …
Exit Strategy Bava Basra 91 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-24 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses famine conditions that could allow a person to leave Eretz Yisroel:   תנו רבנן: אין יוצאין מארץ לחוץ לארץ, אלא אם כן עמדו סאתים בסלע. אמר רבי שמעון: אימתי – בזמן שאינו מוצא ליקח, אבל בזמן שמוצא ליקח – אפילו עמדה סאה בסלע, לא יצא.   The Sages taught: One may not leave Eretz Y …
Good Intentions Aren't Good Enough Bava Basra 90 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-23 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the different efforts of the Amoraim, Shmuel’s father and Shmuel himself to prevent hoarding, price manipulation and gouging in the marketplace. Interestingly, with good intentions, they employed opposite strategies. The Gemara also commented on whose intervention was more effective:   אבוה דשמואל מזבין להו לפירי בתרעא חרפא, כתרעא חרפא. שמואל בריה, מש …
Is it Possible to be Forgiven by God Without Repentance? Bava Basra 89 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-22 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the moral obligation to be absolutely scrupulous when it comes to honest weights and measures. This obligation and prohibition extends to the degree that one is not even allowed to have an accurate measures around the house, despite using them for other purposes, with no intention to defraud anybody:   A person may not keep in his house a measure that is too small or too large, even if it is used as a chambe …
The Truth that is in the Heart Bava Basra 88 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-20 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the extraordinary integrity of Rabbi Safrah. His standard of honesty was so high, that even if he only resolved in his mind to make a sale at a certain price, he would stick with his inner resolution, despite the buyer revealing that he would be willing to pay more. This kind of practice is considered one of many ways that a person “speaks the truth in his heart.”   The idea of “speaking t …
Looking for an Opening Bava Basra 87 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-20 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the practice of making sure that no significant amount of liquid is left behind in the seller’s vessel, to be scrupulously honest:   Anyone who sells wine, oil, or similar liquids is obligated, after he transfers the liquid into the buyer’s vessel, to drip for him three extra drops from the measure.    There is also an aggadic instance of three drops in the Talmud (Menachos 29a):  …
Getting Away with Murder Bava Basra 86 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-19 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the principle of Kim Ley Bederabbah Mineh. If one violates two prohibitions simultaneously, he is only liable for the more severe penalty of the two, but not both. For example:   If one stole a wallet on shabbos but did not lift the purse but instead dragged it on the ground, exiting the private domain and going into a public domain, he is exempt from financial penalty. The prohibition of performing labor o …
Internal and External Battles Bava Basra 85 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-18 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph continues discussing rules of acquisitions. An animal that can be acquired by pulling it into an area that is in his possession, but not by merely pulling it into an area that is not under his ownership. Panim Yafos (Matos) uses this Halacha to explain an anomalous feature of the spoils of war from the Biblical battle with Midyan (Bamidbar 31). In other Biblical wars, the soldiers were allowed to keep the booty, unless de …
See Evil Through Rose Colored Glasses Bava Basra 84 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-17 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses that during the day, the Sun appears white, while in the morning and evening it has a reddish hue. What are the suggested causes?   In the morning it becomes red as it passes over the site of the roses of the Garden of Eden, whose reflections give the light a red hue. In the evening the Sun turns red because it passes over the entrance of Gehenna, whose fires redden the light. And there are those who say th …
No Refunds Bava Basra 83 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-16 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses various forms of overcharging and undercharging, and thresholds that would invalidate the sale. The Chofetz Chaim in Laws of Rechilus (9) discusses conditions under which it would be permitted to alert a purchaser who might have been taken advantage of by an unscrupulous merchant. One of the key criteria is that the disparaging information should serve a constructive and concrete purpose. Therefore, it would neve …
How Dishonest is Dishonest? Bava Basra 82 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-15 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the conundrum of declaring bikkurim and reciting the appropriate ritual, even if those particular offerings may not actually be first fruits:   What is objectionable about reciting verses from the Torah even if they aren’t bikkurim? Rav Ashi said to him: The problem is due to the fact that this practice has the appearance of falsehood, because he issues a declaration before God that is possibly untrue …
Are We Responsible for Triggering Another Person’s Insecurities? Bava Basra 81 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-13 00:00:00

Our Gemara on amud beis reports that one sage rebuked another for asking him a question about a subject that he was not familiar with, as this causes unnecessary embarrassment. Rambam (Laws of Sales14:14) codifies this as a form of ona’as devarim hurtful speech. Magid Mishna (ibid) refers to our Gemara as the source. Sefer Chassidim (972) takes this moral sensitivity even further: If someone knows himself to be renowned as sharp-minded, he …
To Know, You Must Let Go Bava Basra 80 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-13 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the sale of pigeons produced from a dove coop: The buyer must leave the first pair of doves from the brood for the seller. The reason that an extra pair of doves must be left behind is to ensure that the first brood will not fly away. The Gemara also rules that the buyer must also leave a second pair from the brood of the children. The Gemara questions this logic: If the reason is that she is attached to her dau …
Doing What He Wants Bava Basra 79 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-12 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses a play on words from a verse (Numbers 21:30) to describe the fate of the sinner who denies that God will hold him accountable: ונשים עד־נפח אשר עד־מידבא  We have wrought desolation at Nophah, which is by Medva The name of this place, Medva, also is a pun indicating that God will eventually bring justice and “do as He pleases.” (“Ad De-Baiy”, in Aramaic means “w …
The Psychology of Intuition and Rashi Bava Basra 78 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-11 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes a certain saddle used for women, known as a Kumni, which presumably functioned in a manner that allowed a woman to ride side-saddle and more modestly.  This brings to mind the famous Rashi (Shemos 28:4) that describes the form of the Ephod. The Ephod was one of the garments that the high priest wore, composed of cloth and had the breastplate attached to it. Apparently, there is no explicit teaching about wh …
Money Can’t Buy Everything Bava Basra 77 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-10 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis rules that ein matbeya nikneh be-chalifin coinage cannot be acquired via chalifin (a legal symbol exchange of a minor object, that in Jewish law, affirms an agreement or acquisition of property or goods.) We can intuitively understand why this might be so. Money is symbolic, especially paper money, as it has no intrinsic worth. In ancient times, when a precious metal was used, there was some actual value to the coin, based …
The Oral Torah and Blank Spaces Bava Basra 76 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-09 00:00:00

There are certain conventions in the Talmud that are difficult for the new learner to comprehend. Frankly, they would be difficult for many seasoned lamdanim as well, but after years and years of seeing the same phrase being used, I suspect that some have ceased to become curious or troubled by it. Yet, I am unsure if they became particularly wiser as to what it means and how it works – just more accepting of it. One of the most troubling c …
Much Ado About Nothing Bava Basra 75 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-08 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph teaches us about the end times:   וְאָמַר רַבָּה אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: עָתִיד הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא לַעֲשׂוֹת סוּכָּה לַצַּדִּיקִים מֵעוֹרוֹ שֶׁל לִוְיָתָן,    And Rabba says that Rabbi Yoḥanan says: In the future, the Holy One, Blessed be He, will prepare a sukka for the righteous from the sk …
Unbreakable Love Bava Basra 74 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-06 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes the visions of Rabbah Bar Hanna. In one of them he sees Mount Sinai and scorpions were encircling it. He heard a Divine Voice saying: Woe is Me that I took an oath; and now that I took the oath, who will nullify it for me? When he reported this vision to the sages, they rebuked him: You should have said to God: Your oath is nullified. The Gemara explains: Rabba bar bar Ḥana did not nullify the oath because he …
Psychological and Spiritual Anchors Bava Basra 73 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-05 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph delineates the parts of a boat that are included, and those not included in a sale. One part is the anchor, in Hebrew the word is igun. The Mishna gives a proof text from what Na’ami told Rus and Arpah, to discourage them from a quixotic return with her. She says (Rus 1:13): הלהן תשברנה עד אשר יגדלו הלהן תעגנה לבלתי היות לאיש  [Even if I had children in old age] should …
Who Got Esau’s Goat? Bava Basra 72 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-05 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph continues the sugya of ayin yaffa, that certain sales and/or gifts are done with a generous spirit which implies that certain extras may be included in the sale or gift. As we have seen in other blogposts, the idea of a gift of being given generously with extras also applies to spiritual gifts. Siach Sarfei Kodesh (Erev Shabbos Kodesh) uses this principal to explain an unusual phrase in the Shabbos morning Amidah. We say: …
To Pray Like a Newborn Baby Bava Basra 71 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-04 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph continues the sugya of ayin yaffa, that certain sales and/or gifts are done with a generous spirit which implies that certain extras may be included in the sale or gift. As we have seen in other blogposts, the idea of a gift of being given generously with extras also applies to spiritual gifts.   Siach Sarfei Kodesh (Erev Shabbos Kodesh) uses this principal to explain an unusual phrase in the Shabbos morning Amidah. …
The Psychology and Ethics of Legal Loopholes Bava Basra 70 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-03 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes a legal loophole, that allows for something akin to charging interest, which is normally forbidden. It is the framework on which modern day heterei iskas are formulated. Without going into the legal technicalities, we must ask ourselves is it moral to take advantage of a loophole. But in order to answer that, we must ask ourselves what is the function of a loophole.   Law is confining and constricting. It do …
Law of Attraction Bava Basra 69 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-02 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis offers a proof text for the concept of field boundaries within a sale  from the biblical story of Avraham’s purchase of the Ma’aras Hamachpela cave from Efron (Bereishis 23:17). וַיָּ֣קׇם  שְׂדֵ֣ה עֶפְר֗וֹן אֲשֶׁר֙ בַּמַּכְפֵּלָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר לִפְנֵ֣י מַמְרֵ֑א הַשָּׂדֶה֙ וְהַמְּעָרָ֣ה אֲשֶׁר־בּ֔וֹ ו …
Beware of Heavenly Bureaucracy Bava Basra 68 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-09-01 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse in Iyov to prove the definition of a particular word known as “Shelachim”, which seems to be certain kinds of fields irrigated by water.   Who gives rain upon the earth and sends [sholeaḥ] waters upon the fields” (Job 5:10)   The Gemara (Ta’anis 10a) uses the same verse to draw a distinction between how the land of Israel is supported by rain versus other lands:   Ere …
The Old Work Ethic Bava Basra 67 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-08-30 00:00:00

Our Gemara on on Amud Aleph discusses circumstances, under which an act to  signify acquisition and legal title of one field that is being sold automatically enacts an acquisition of other fields within the sale as well.   If one sold another ten fields in ten different regions, all in a single bill of sale, once he takes possession of one of them, he has acquired them all; and the two cases seem to be analogous.    The Gemara …
Antidote for The King Size Human Ego Bava Basra 66 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-08-30 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a series of verses that describe the unfortunate and complex situation of Yonasan, who due to the deprivations of battle, was starving and took a taste from honey he had found in the forest. Unbeknownst to him, his father King Shaul, had decreed a Fast upon the troops so that they repent and merit divine assistance. Effectively, he had violated his command and was subject to the death penalty. King Shaul, under tre …
The Path to Torah Bava Basra 65 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-08-29 00:00:00

 In continuing the sugya of ayin yaffa, our daf discusses when a sale is made with a generous attitude, which has implications regarding if one sells passage rights to get to the property, even if it may inconvenience the seller. Regardless, all opinions hold that a gift, as opposed to a sale, is granted with a generous attitude.   The Torah is described by the scripture as an acquisition but also a gift (Mishle 4:2):   כי לקח …
Enforced Dignity Bava Basra 64 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-08-28 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis continued the discussion of several dappim regarding the dispute between Rabbi Akiva and the Rabbis over the attitude of the seller. Is he generous of spirit (ayin yaffa) or more parsimonious attitude, with halachic outcomes that indicate which extras get sold along with the property.   Recognizing this pattern of behavior and emotion, Meshech Chochmah (Behar) explains this as the intention of the verses that introduc …
Depths of Creativity Bava Basra 63 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-08-27 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses that for a seller to imply that he is including all the underground cisterns and tunnels, he must say “from the depths of the Earth to the Height of the sky.” The English words for these boundaries do not capture the theological and contextual meaning of these words in Hebrew. The Hebrew word for “height of the sky” is rakia, and the Hebrew word for “depths of the Earth” is Teh …
Silence is Olden Bava Basra Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-08-26 00:00:00

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph and Beis record halachic discussions and situations when the great Amora, Rav was presented with a challenge to his argument, it was met with silence on his part. Rashbam (“Umodeh”) notes that sometimes the silence is to be interpreted as tacit admission, and other times, it is interpreted as a response to a question that is lacking in sophistication. That is, when questioned by peers who are close to his leve …
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