Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R The Daf Yomi through a Psychological Lens.
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Showing Results 240 - 280 (1803 total)
Check Engine Light Kiddushin 71 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 23rd, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the protocol for reading the Tetragrammaton. Although it is spelled with the letters Yud, Heh, Vav, etc., it is pronounced as Ado--nai. The Yud-Heh, etc., name in Hebrew implies an intrinsic existence that makes itself. The Ado—nai name in Hebrew refers to God as a master or Lord. The duality between the pronunciation, and the word that is seen on the page, represents a fundamental duality and tension in t …
The Lomdishe Sex Abuse Mistakes Eruvin 76 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 23rd, 2020
Lomdus vs. Reality רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן אָמַר כִּי דַּיָּינֵי דְקֵיסָרִי, וְאָמְרִי לַהּ כְּרַבָּנַן דְקֵיסָרִי, דְּאָמְרִי: עִיגּוּלָא מִגּוֹ רִיבּוּעָא — רִיבְעָא, רִיבּוּעָא מִגּוֹ עִיגּוּלָא — פַּלְגָא. The Gemara answers: Rabbi Yoḥanan spoke in accordance with the opinion of …
An Empty Vessel Makes a Loud Noise Eruvin 75 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 23rd, 2020
An Empty Vessel Makes a Loud Noise סְתָם גּוֹי, אִי אִיתָא דְּאוֹגַר — מִיפְעָא פָּעֵי. The Gemara answers: This is not so, as a typical gentile, if he had rented out his domain, he would chatter about it, and everyone would know. If he has not talked about it, everyone will assume that he did not rent out his domain. This is an unusual statement, made about 3 times in shas. How is this princi …
God Himself Will Comfort Bava Basra 124 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 22nd, 2024
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 …
The Ego Defense of Projection Kiddushin 70 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 22nd, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states an aphorism from Shmuel, which also has halakhic ramifications as it might cause us to doubt somebody's lineage: "If one habitually claims that others are flawed, he disqualifies himself with his own flaw. The flaw he accuses them of having, is in fact, the one that HE has." This psychological and spiritual process is one of the ego defenses that Freud identified. Briefly, an ego defense is an unconscious psycholog …
Rosh Hashanah 15 Bruised and Desecrated Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 22nd, 2021
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 14 Renewal Vs. Constancy Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 22nd, 2021
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 …
Slave Lives Matter Eruvin 74 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 22nd, 2020
Eruvin 74 וְאַיְבוּת בַּר אִיהִי סָבַר: מְקוֹם פִּיתָּא גָּרֵים. וּשְׁמוּאֵל לְטַעְמֵיהּ דְּאָמַר: מָקוֹם לִינָה גָּרֵים. And Ivut bar Ihi holds that the place where a person eats his bread determines his place of residence. Therefore, he did not consider the synagogue a residence, as the attendant would eat elsewhere, and Ivut bar Ihi thought that Shmu …
Don’t Let Feelings “Into-Fear” Bava Basra 123 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 21st, 2024
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
October 21st, 2024
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 …
Rosh Hashanah 13 Not as Easy as Pi Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 21st, 2021
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 …
Daniel's Gambles Eruvin 73 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 21st, 2020
Talmud Eruvin 73 דניאל ב:מט וְדָנִיֵּאל֙ בְּעָ֣א מִן־מַלְכָּ֔א וּמַנִּ֗י עַ֤ל עֲבִֽידְתָּא֙ דִּ֚י מְדִינַ֣ת בָּבֶ֔ל לְשַׁדְרַ֥ךְ מֵישַׁ֖ךְ וַעֲבֵ֣ד נְג֑וֹ וְדָנִיֵּ֖אל בִּתְרַ֥ע מַלְכָּֽא׃ (פ) At Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to administer the p …
Hitting Rock Bottom Bava Basra 121 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 20th, 2024
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
October 20th, 2024
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
October 20th, 2024
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
October 20th, 2024
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 …
Balanced Spiritual Diet Kiddushin 69 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 20th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that the Bais HaMikdash is the highest spot in the land of Israel, and Israel is the highest land in the world. The Maharal (Be’er Hagolah 6) explains that this height is not referring to a physical height but rather a balance point. Maharal explains that a circle actually has no top or bottom, and since the earth is round, it's absurd to discuss a highest point. Rather, just as the top of a slope represent …
What Makes a Jew Jewish? Kiddushin 68 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 20th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the status of a child born from a Gentile father and Jewish mother. The child is not a halakhic mamzer but is seen to be of inferior lineage and cannot marry into the priestly families. This would seem to be contradicted by the following verse in Vayikra (24:10): וַיֵּצֵא֙ בֶּן־אִשָׁ֣ה יִשְׂרְאֵלִ֔ית וְהוּא֙ בֶּן־אִ֣ישׁ מִצְרִ֔י בְּת֖ …
Rosh Hashanah 12 Who by Fire, and Who by Water? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 20th, 2021
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 …
BUT...Did You Ask Daas Torah?? Eruvin 72 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 20th, 2020
וְלִיפְלְגִי בִּמְסִיפָס לְהוֹדִיעֲךָ כֹּחָן דְּבֵית שַׁמַּאי! כֹּחַ דְּהֶיתֵּרָא עָדִיף. The Gemara asks: If they disagreed in both cases, let them disagree in the baraita about a mesifas, and thereby inform you of the strength of Beit Shammai. They are stringent and require a separate contribution to the eiruv for each and every group, even in the case of a me …
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
October 1st, 2024
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 …
Is “Marrying Up” Good For You? Kiddushin 49 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 1st, 2023
Our Gemara on Daf 48 begins a discussion about a scenario where a woman was betrothed with a specific sum of money or another positive condition, and it turns out that she was given more money, an object of greater value, or a superior condition was met: מַתְנִיָּא: "הִתְקַדְּשִׁי לִי בְּכוֹס זֶה שֶׁל יַיִן" וְנִמְצָא שֶׁל דְּבַשׁ, "שֶׁל דְּבַשׁ" וְנִמְצָא שֶׁ …
Beitzah 33 An Absorbent Jew Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 1st, 2021
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 32 Rules of Power in Marriage Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 1st, 2021
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 …
Honest Debate?? Eruvin 51 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 1st, 2020
לָא הִיא, לָא תְּנָא לֵיהּ כְּרַבִּי יוֹסֵי, אֶלָּא כִּי הֵיכִי דְּלִיקַבֵּל לַהּ מִינֵּיהּ, מִשּׁוּם דְּרַבִּי יוֹסֵי נִימּוּקוֹ עִמּוֹ. The Gemara comments: But it is not so; that is not the opinion of Rabbi Yosei. Rabba only taught it as if it is in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Yosei so that Rav Yosef would accept …
What is the POINT, really? Eruvin 53 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 1st, 2020
מַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: לִבָּן שֶׁל רִאשׁוֹנִים כְּפִתְחוֹ שֶׁל אוּלָם, וְשֶׁל אַחֲרוֹנִים כְּפִתְחוֹ שֶׁל הֵיכָל, וְאָנוּ — כִּמְלֹא נֶקֶב מַחַט סִידְקִית. Similarly, Rabbi Yoḥanan said: The hearts, i.e., the wisdom, of the early Sages were like the doorway to the Entrance Hall of the Temple, which was twen …
מילי דהספידא על אבי ומורי זכר צדיק לברכה
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 1st, 2017
מילי דהספידא על אבי ומורי זכר צדיק לברכה מאת: הרב שמחה פוירמן ביום שלישי, כ״ט אלול תשע״ז הרב חיים יהושע בן אברהם פוירמן סים מלהגיד שיעורו האחרון בישיבה אוניברסיטי, מכון לחינוך ״עזריאלי״. אמר לאחד ממשרתיו, ״חכה לי, שצריך אני לנוח קצת״, ואז יצאה …
The In-“Tents”-ity of the Daughters of Zelophehad Bava Basra 119 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 19th, 2024
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
October 19th, 2024
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 …
Universal Matzah Kiddushin 67 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 19th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the status of an Egyptian, who may not intermarry with a Jew, even if converted, until the third generation post-conversion. As the verses (Devarim 23:8) state: לֹֽא־תְתַעֵ֣ב אֲדֹמִ֔י כִּ֥י אָחִ֖יךָ ה֑וּא לֹא־תְתַעֵ֣ב מִצְרִ֔י כִּי־גֵ֖ר הָיִ֥יתָ בְאַרְצֽוֹ׃ You shall not abhor an Edomite, for such is your kin. You shall not ab …
Self-Deception and the Slippery Slope Kiddushin 66 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 18th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us an interesting story about King Yannai, a Hasmonean Jewish king: An incident occurred with King Yannai, who went to the region of Koḥalit in the desert and conquered sixty cities there. And upon his return, he rejoiced with great happiness over his victory. He subsequently summoned all the Sages of the Jewish people and said to them: Our ancestors, in their poverty, would eat salty foods when they were busy wit …
Rosh Hashanah 11 Creative License Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 18th, 2021
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
October 18th, 2021
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 …
Choral Reef Eruvin 71 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 18th, 2020
תַּנְיָא, רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר בֶּן תַּדַּאי אוֹמֵר: אֶחָד זֶה וְאֶחָד זֶה צְרִיכִין לְעָרֵב. וַאֲפִילּוּ לָזֶה בְּיַיִן וְלָזֶה בְּיַיִן? It was taught in a baraita: Rabbi Eliezer ben Taddai says: In both this case, of wine and wine, and that case, of wine and oil, they must establish an eiruv. The Gemara expresses wonder: Did h …
Heir Conditioner Eruvin 70 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 18th, 2020
אוֹ דִּלְמָא: יוֹרֵשׁ כַּרְעֵיהּ דַּאֲבוּהּ הוּא? Or perhaps an heir is like his father’s foot, i.e., he is considered an extension of his father and substitutes for him in all regards, which means that just as his father could have renounced his rights, so can he. Yismach Moshe Pinchas 10 יפקוד ה' וגו' איש על העדה וגו' (במדבר כז טז). במדרש (במ"ר פכ"א …
Nothing and Everything Kiddushin 65 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 17th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses an interesting idiom to describe Rav Yehuda's uncertainty about a halakha: "אִין וְלָא וְרַפְיָא בִּידֵיהּ" "Yes and no, and the matter was weak in his hands." The idiom indicates a sense of flux, yes, no, back and forth. The choice of the Aramaic word "אין" "Iyn," which means "Yes," instead of the Aramaic word "Hen," which also means "yes," may just be a matter of dialect. However, Arve …
Standing on Ceremony Bava Basra 115 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 16th, 2024
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
October 16th, 2024
Dying Regrets Kiddushin 64 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 16th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph makes an assertion that a person is much more likely to tell the truth when he is on his deathbed. When faced with imminent death, a person realizes what is truly important. A close colleague who was fighting terminal cancer told me that he was no longer afraid of people's opinions or bothered by small things. How true that was, and yet such focus and awareness of truth does not come often without such "gifts." The Gemara …
Unkept Promises Kesuvos 109 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 16th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a situation where a father-in-law is unable to come up with the funds that he promised for a dowry. The Mishna uses an unusual idiom: פָשַׁט לוֹ אֶת הָרֶגֶל His father-in-law “stuck his foot out” Rashi offers two peshatim: (1) He sticks out his foot in disrespect. That is to say, “I have no regard for you; clean off my shoes. (2) He says he is broke, sticking out his foo …
In-Sight Kesuvos 108 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 16th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis uses an interesting phrase to describe Rabbi Gamliel’s approval of the opinion of another Tanna, named Admon: רוֹאֶה אֲנִי אֶת דִּבְרֵי אַדְמוֹן I “see” the words of Admon. Clearly, the word “see” in this context means more than physical sight. It means seeing with the mind’s eye and heart, seeing the idea from the inside out. Ramb …
Spousal Abandonment Kesuvos 107 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 16th, 2022
Gemara on Amud Beis discusses various scenarios of abandonment by a husband and/or yavam of a married woman. Though relatively rare, spousal abandonment seems to be a human behavior that goes back to ancient times. What are some of the psychological considerations? According to researcher Elaine Brinkley (Smith) (BRINKLEY, E. (1998). The Dynamics of Marital Disintegration. National Undergraduate Research Clearinghouse, 1.): Spousal a …
Gates of Repentance Kesuvos 106 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 16th, 2022
Our Gemara on amud aleph tells us that there were seven gates in the Second Bais Hamikdash. What is the symbolic significance of these seven gates? Sefer Yetzira tells us that there are seven gates to the soul. That is: two eyes, two ears, two nostrils and the mouth. Shalah (Torah Shebiksav, Shoftim, Derekh Chayim) interprets the verse, “You shall place Judges and police by all your gates” (Devarim 16:18) as app …
Blind Body Connection Kesuvos 105 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 16th, 2022
Our Gemara on amud aleph, paraphrasing a series of verses, warns that a judge who takes bribes, even merely by accepting flattering actions, will eventually be blinded to the truth, and perhaps become literally blind. תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: ״כִּי הַשּׁוֹחַד יְעַוֵּר עֵינֵי חֲכָמִים״, קַל וָחוֹמֶר לַטִּפְּשִׁין. ״וִיסַלֵּף דִּבְרֵי צַדִּיקִים״ …
God of “Salivation” Kesuvos 104 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 16th, 2022
Judaism, like the healthy personalities it seeks to foster, is not rigidly about one thing. Most principles in Judaism are about balancing a tension between important and conflicting values. How could something as important as Torah, or the human personality it is designed to develop, possibly be monolithic? If so, there would be no need for more than one human. Judaism has ascetic and self-abnegating values, while at the same time discouraging e …
An Answer to Prayers Kesuvos 103 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 16th, 2022
There’s a Jewish quip about prayer that I have always disliked, not because it isn’t true, but rather because it’s irritating in its smug self-satisfaction.
A person complained that he prayed and prayed and God didn’t listen. His rabbi answered, “Who says God didn’t listen? He listened, and the answer was ’No.’” While this might be true, it is cold comfort to one who needed a mirac …
Rosh Hashanah 9 Liberty But Not Libertarianism Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 16th, 2021
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 …
Duty and the Beast Eruvin 69 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 16th, 2020
״מִן הַבְּהֵמָה״ — לְהָבִיא בְּנֵי אָדָם הַדּוֹמִין לִבְהֵמָה. מִכָּאן אָמְרוּ: מְקַבְּלִין קׇרְבָּנוֹת מִפּוֹשְׁעֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, כְּדֵי שֶׁיַּחְזְרוּ בִּתְשׁוּבָה. חוּץ מִן הַמּוּמָר, וְהַמְנַסֵּךְ יַיִן, וְהַמְחַלֵּל שַׁבָּתוֹת בְּפַ …
Sect Education Eruvin 68 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 16th, 2020
Who are צדוקים ובייתוסים and how are they different? Mishna Avos 1:3 אַנְטִיגְנוֹס אִישׁ סוֹכוֹ קִבֵּל מִשִּׁמְעוֹן הַצַּדִּיק. הוּא הָיָה אוֹמֵר, אַל תִּהְיוּ כַעֲבָדִים הַמְשַׁמְּשִׁין אֶת הָרַב עַל מְנָת לְקַבֵּל פְּרָס, אֶלָּא הֱווּ כַעֲבָדִים הַמְשַׁמְּשִׁ …
Listen To Your Messages Bava Basra 112 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 15th, 2024
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 …
Rosh Hashanah 8 Limbo and Anxiety Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 15th, 2021
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 7 Root for a Cause Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 15th, 2021
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 …
Grieving the Loss of Our Dreams Bava Basra 111 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 14th, 2024
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 …
Erev Yom Tov Madness Kesuvos 102 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 14th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis, cautioning against allowing a young child to be taken care of family custodians who have a stake in his inheritance, relates a macabre story:
תַנְיָא: מִי שֶׁמֵּת וְהִנִּיחַ בֵּן קָטָן לְאִמּוֹ, יוֹרְשֵׁי הָאָב אוֹמְרִים: יְהֵא גָּדֵל אֶצְלֵנוּ, וְאִמּוֹ אוֹמֶרֶת: יְהֵא בְּנִי גָּדֵל אֶצְלִי …
Blended Families Kesuvos 101 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 14th, 2022
Our Mishna on Amud Beis discusses financial arrangements for fathers and stepfathers. Blended families present significant challenges, and sadly, otherwise successful relationships have failed as a result of the conflict between parents and step-children.
According to Walsh (Walsh, W. 1992, Twenty major issues in remarriage families. Journal of Counseling & Development, 70, 709-715) some factors to consider are:
(1) What to call t …
A King-Sized Request Kesuvos 100 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 14th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis mentions a Tanna, Rabbi Elazar ben Parata, and actually his grandfather as well. I could find nothing to comment on about this daf, so I’ll discuss biographical notes about Rabbi Elazar ben Parata. He, similar to Rabbi Chaninah ben Tradiyon, was arrested for ”crimes against the state”, the age-old anti-semitic canard against Jews who taught Torah, as teaching subversive treasonous material. Th …
Rosh Hashanah 6 An Offering He Can’t Refuse Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 14th, 2021
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 …
Throw Away Your OId Toys Bava Basra 113 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 13th, 2024
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
October 13th, 2024
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 …
We Are All in the Same Boat Kesuvos 99 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 13th, 2022
What is shelichus or agency at its core? On the one hand, it makes sense that we should be able to appoint another person as an agent to represent us and execute transactions. On the other hand, it is absurd. How can anyone ever really speak for us and stand in our place? Even more puzzling, how is it that certain mitzvos can be accomplished by agency, and others not? (Generally, the rule of thumb is that a mitzvah that mu …
Hashanah 5 Gift and Make Up Psychology of the Daf Yomi Rosh
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 13th, 2021
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 …
A Job Done Too Well Kesuvos 98 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 12th, 2022
One of the famous questions regarding the slavery and oppression of the Jews, and the resulting retribution against the Egyptians is why should Pharaoh be punished for following God’s decree? God tells Avraham that his children will be strangers in a strange land, and serve them for 400 years. Yet in the next verse God assured Avraham that the oppressors will also be judged, and the Jewish people will leave with great wealth (Bereishis 15:1 …
Hashanah 4 Is Altruism “All-True”? Psychology of the Daf Yomi Rosh
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 12th, 2021
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 …
False Omens Bava Basra 109 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 11th, 2024
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
October 11th, 2024
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 …
Fighting Domestic Terror
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 11th, 2023
I am a coward. When I read the stories about grandmothers bravely fighting off terrorists, or Holocaust stories of people enduring death marches, barefoot in the freezing cold, I know that I am not made of that stuff. The events in Israel are unprecedented and require some commentary, at least for those who read my blog and allow me the vanity of thinking my ideas have value and, for whatever reason, draw inspiration from them. In our religion, s …
The Psychology and Function of Stigma Kesuvos 97 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 11th, 2022
Stigma is a powerful human emotion. Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses possible additional allowances made to a divorcee so that she may collect her kesuba more easily. The Gemara says it is due to “Chiyna” “being favorable”. Rabbenu Chananel (see Tosafos) interprets this is having some additional financial status to overcome the stigma of divorce and make her more desirable to suitors. We should respect …
Rosh Hashanah 3 Weapon of Mass Reproduction Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 11th, 2021
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 …
Small Minded Thinking Bava Basra 107 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 10th, 2024
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 …
Hashanah 2 Get Off Your Phone and Go Outside Psychology of the Daf Yomi Rosh
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 10th, 2021
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 …
Does God Owe Us Reward? Bava Kamma 7 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 9th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph notes that the Hebrew form of Yeshalem (“He shall pay”) connotes being involuntarily forced to pay, as opposed to the passive tense, Yushlam (“Payment shall occur” or “It shall be paid”). The Sefer Daf al Daf quotes a question from the Parashas Derachim (Derush 26). Rus Rabbah (5:4) records a seemingly superfluous comment on the following verse (Rus 2:12): יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם ה׳ יְ …
Are You Running Away, or Toward? Nedarim 15 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 9th, 2022
This last Sunday was the NYC marathon. Why does anyone do this? It is hard, hard work. Yet, it feels good. Would it feel as good if you ran 25 miles, being forced to do so at gunpoint on a death march? Our Gemara on Amud Aleph refers to an idea that certain customs can become defacto obligations, as if you had explicitly made a vow. Halachically this comes up in many areas discussed by poskim, such as when a person v …
Rosh Hashanah 32 Any Kind of Attention is Better than Apathy Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 9th, 2021
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 …
Love Recognizes No Barriers Eruvin 92 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 9th, 2020
“Love Recognizes No Barriers” - Maya Angelou Tosafos (quoted below) points out that a wall of a larger courtyard may be, in certain situations, a barrier for the establishment of a minyan, however in terms of answering amen, Kedusha, Barechu or being yotze Megillah or Shofar we follow the ruling from the Gemara Pesachim 85b: Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said: Even a barrier of iron does not separate between the Jewish people and thei …
Promptly Admitting We Were Wrong Bava Basra 137 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 8th, 2024
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
November 8th, 2024
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 …
He Made Me Do It is Not an Excuse Bava Kamma 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 8th, 2023
The Gemara on Amud Aleph and Bais delves into a complex lomdishe discussion regarding various forms of damages and factors that influence leniency or stringency. For instance, fire, as a damaging force, also has wind mixed into it, which can propel the fire into another person's property. In contrast, a pit solely causes damage by the fall itself. In a separate scenario, the Gemara addresses the case of someone who directed their sewage pipe into …
It’s All About the Mother Nedarim 14 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 8th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the case of a man who made a vow at his wife, apparently in anger, stating “You shall be as my mother!” He is literally, swearing off having relations with his wife as if she is forbidden to him like mother. The Gemara discusses that technically she is not forbidden, as in order to make an oath, one must refer to a voluntary declaration of sanctity or abstention, such as an item dedicated as a …
Rosh Hashanah 31 Marriage Check Up Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 8th, 2021
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 …
If We Desire Respect For The Law, We First Must Make More Respectable Eruvin 91 Psych of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 8th, 2020
If We Desire Respect For The Law, We First Must Make More Respectable - Louis Brandeis אָמְרוּ לוֹ: אֵין שְׁעַת הַסַּכָּנָה רְאָיָה. The Sages said to him: The halakha cannot be determined from that incident, as an incident occurring during a time of danger is no proof. At a time of danger it is permitted to carry even in places where carrying is ordinarily prohibited by rabbinic law. One can see in the …
The Echo Chamber of the Evil Inclination Bava Basra 135 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 7th, 2024
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 …
Punishment or Tax? Bava Kamma 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 7th, 2023
Rashi, at the beginning of Amud Aleph, makes a distinction between financial restitution and fines. He articulates that when the payment is a fixed amount rather than being contingent on repair or repayment, it is considered a fine. This categorization and differentiation between restitution and fines are logically accepted by the Gemara, indicating that it is recognized, at least in the Oral tradition. This recognition is evident in legal distin …
Two Holy People Who Happen to Share the Same Home Nedarim 13 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 7th, 2022
There are matters of this world that are holy by God, and others that we can voluntarily consecrate. There is an interesting category of matters which God decrees should be holy, but also expects Man to join in this declaration. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the mitzvah of Bechor, the first born animal that must be set aside for the Cohen and as an offering. The Gemara notes the relative uniqueness of the first born sacrifice that though it …
Rosh Hashanah 30 No is Yes Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 7th, 2021
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 ( …
Fill 'er Up with Premium Bava Basra 134 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 6th, 2024
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 …
An Ox-y-Moron Bava Kamma 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 6th, 2023
In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, an intriguing expression is employed to delineate the liabilities incurred by an ox that gores, as opposed to one that tramples or eats, and causes damage. The distinction lies in the fact that when the animal eats or tramples, it possesses no "intention" to cause harm, whereas when the ox gores, it "intends" to cause damage. You might wonder if the English word "intent" is a poor translation of the Aramaic term, but …
Boundary Violations Nedarim 12 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 6th, 2022
Poor boundaries can lead to bad decisions, even when you mean well. Our Gemara references the fast day Tzom Gedaliah, which has to do with events described in Yirmiyahu 41. Gedaliah ben Achikam, the persian government’s appointed leader of the remaining Jewish settlement in Israel, was assassinated by Yishmael ben Netanya in a cruel double cross and massacre of innocent people. The Gemara Niddah (61a) notes that the verse implies guil …
For Fast-Acting Relief Try Slowing Down Eruvin 90 Psych of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 6th, 2020
“For Fast-acting Relief, Try Slowing Down.” — Lily Tomlin וְרָמֵי בַּר חָמָא אַגַּב חוּרְפֵּיהּ לָא עַיֵּין בַּהּ, אֶלָּא הָכִי קָמִיבַּעְיָא לֵיהּ: שְׁתֵּי אַמּוֹת בְּגַג וּשְׁתֵּי אַמּוֹת בְּאַכְסַדְרָה, מַהוּ? The Gemara explains that this was not in fact the dilemma, and Rami bar Ḥama, …
Everyone Hears Only What He Understands Eruvin 89 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 6th, 2020
Gemara Eruvin 89 “Everyone Hears Only What He Understands” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe תוספות הכא מתני' כל גגות. גזרה משום תל ברה"ר - אף על גב דקיימא לן כר' מאיר בגזירותיו אפילו במקום רבים כדאמרינן בפ' אע"פ (כתובות נז.) גבי משהה אדם את אשתו שתים ושלש שנים בלא כתובה הכא אומר ר"י דאין הלכה …
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
November 5th, 2024
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
November 5th, 2024
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 …
Rosh Hashanah 29 Prayer and Symbolic Actions Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 5th, 2021
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 28 Bi-Polar Disorder in Halakha Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 5th, 2021
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 …
15 Minutes of Fame Eruvin 88 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 5th, 2020
בִּיב הַקָּמוּר אַרְבַּע אַמּוֹת בִּרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּים — שׁוֹפְכִין לְתוֹכוֹ מַיִם בַּשַּׁבָּת. If the first four cubits of a drainage ditch were arched over (Kamur) in the public domain, one may pour waste water into it on Shabbat. What is this obscure term, Kamur? Meiri ibid on word Kemoros ועוקה זו מתרת בין בפנים ובין מבחוץ …
Plowing Through the Talmud Bava Kama 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 4th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a verse in Yeshaiya (32:20): אַשְׁרֵיכֶ֕ם זֹרְעֵ֖י עַל־כׇּל־מָ֑יִם מְשַׁלְּחֵ֥י רֶגֶל־הַשּׁ֖וֹר וְהַחֲמֽוֹר "Happy shall you be who sow by all waters, who send out cattle and donkeys to pasture." Derashos Maharal (Derash Al HaTorah 5) understands this verse as referring to the impact of Torah on a person and what it yields when engaged with pr …
Lo Siento Nedarim 11 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 4th, 2022
An area where there is significant correspondence between Torah thought and psychological thought is that of the power of speech. Though coming from different value bases, Torah thought and psychological theory have respect for the organizing ability and impact of speech on attitude, and emotional and spiritual status. The more you learn Nedarim, the more you see that the Torah wants to condition us to treat words as substantive. …
Atoning In Advance? Nedarim 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 4th, 2022
Is there a Torah idea that one can atone for future sins? Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the reason why the Nazir must bring a sin offering. Though there have been numerous Midrashic and exegetical interpretations, the most provocative one is offered by Ramban on Chumash (Bamidbar 6:11). He says: In accordance with the plain meaning of Scripture, [it is because] this man sins against his soul on the day of completion of his Naziritehood …
Rosh Hashanah 27 Hear Ye, HERE Ye Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 4th, 2021
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 …
Wise Women and Warfare Eruvin 87 Psychology of the Daf Eruvin 25
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 4th, 2020
Wise Women and Warfare This Daf refers to a city knows as Eyvel. It is an unusual name. It is mentioned in Tanach in regard ot the rebellion of Sheva ben Bichri against the King David (II Samuel 20). וַתִּקְרָ֛א אִשָּׁ֥ה חֲכָמָ֖ה מִן־הָעִ֑יר שִׁמְע֤וּ שִׁמְעוּ֙ אִמְרוּ־נָ֣א אֶל־יוֹאָ֔ב קְרַ֣ב עַד־הֵ֔נָּה וַאֲדַבְּרָ …
Get Curious Instead of Furious
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 4th, 2018
Curiosity is a powerful relationship tool. We think we know someone else, we think we understand their motives, and we would like to believe we are right and know better. Yet, if we maintain a more curious attitude, especially when we feel frustrated or angry instead of becoming judgmental and indignant, we can turn difficult moments into learning and growth. After Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge, the scripture tells us they hi …
The Heavy Burden of Judicial Discernment Bava Basra 131 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 3rd, 2024
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 …
The Attitudes, Behaviors and Cognitions that Lead to Sin Bava Kama 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 3rd, 2023
Our Gemara begins by describing four principal kinds of damages: מַתְנִי' אַרְבָּעָה אֲבוֹת נְזִיקִין הַשּׁוֹר וְהַבּוֹר וְהַמַּבְעֶה וְהַהֶבְעֵר MISHNA: There are four primary categories of damage: The category of Ox; and the category of Pit; and the category of Maveh, which, based on a discussion in the Gemara, refers either to the tooth of an animal that causes damage or t …
The Benefits of Marriage for Men Kiddushin 82 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 3rd, 2023
In our Mishna on Amud Aleph, a bachelor is referred to as a Ravak, with its Hebrew root being רק, meaning empty. As I've emphasized numerous times in the Psychology of the Daf, Hebrew is a language rich in meaning, and delving into the roots of words provides extraordinary anthropological and psychological insights. According to the Wikipedia entry, the English word "bachelor" has an unknown origin, with its first attestation in the 12th centur …
Teach, Pray, Love Nedarim 9 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 3rd, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us the famous story of Shimon Hatzaddik’s encounter with a pious and sincere Nazir. Shimon Hatzaddik kisses the young man on his head, apparently in the courtyard of the Beis HaMikdash. The problem with this is that it seems to contradict a ruling of the Rama (OC 98:1): It is forbidden for a person to kiss one's small* children in synagogue, in order to fix in one's heart that there is no love like the lo …
Rosh Hashanah 26 Idolatry or Idle in the Bedroom Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 3rd, 2021
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 …
Who Wears The Pants in The Family? Eruvin 86 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 3rd, 2020
Maseches Eruvin 86 גמ׳ אמר רב הלכה כרבי שמעון ודוקא בתו אבל בנו לא דאמרי אינשי נבח בך כלבא עול נבח בך גורייתא פוק: GEMARA: Rav said: The halakha is in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Shimon. The Gemara comments: And this is the halakha only if one went to his daughter’s house; but if he went to his son’s house, no, this is not the halakha. One cannot be sur …
God is the Baal Tekiah Bava Kamma 28 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 30th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the well-known principle that the Torah does not hold a person liable for sins committed that he could not stop or control, or if he was compelled by an overpowering force, or committed them under life threatening conditions. The precise language is, “The Merciful One exempts a victim of circumstances beyond his control.” Rav Simcha Bunim Mipeshischa (Kol Mevaser II:Rosh Hashanah) notes the mann …
Count Your Sheep and Your Blessings Nedarim 36 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 30th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis raises an interesting question in regard to will and agency. We know that a person may act as an unappointed agent when doing a service that is a benefit, since we presume he would have agreed to appoint him. If so, what is the case in regard to taking Terumah (out of your own produce) to make another person’s “tevel” produce permitted as chulin? (In order to eat produce, Terumah must first be taken off f …
Taanis 19 Child’s Pray Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 30th, 2021
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 …
Loopholes or Leap-holes? Pesachim 9 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 30th, 2020
As Rabbi Oshaya said: A person may employ artifice to circumvent obligations incumbent upon him in dealing with his grain, and bring it into the courtyard in its chaff so that his animal may eat from it. And this grain is exempt from tithes. Although the obligation to tithe produce that has been fully processed applies even to animal fodder, it is permitted to feed one’s animal untithed produce that has not been fully processed. In light of …
Emptiness and Longing Kiddushin 81 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 2nd, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses how during the festivals, because it was a time of overall rejoicing and mingling of many people, there was a greater susceptibility to sexual transgressions. (Some say this is the source for the custom of fasting "Behaab" after Pesach and Succos.) Tiferes Yosef (Shavuos 15) provides a spiritual and psychological insight. Yom Tov induces a joyful state that, when properly channeled, leads to attachment to God. G …
The Problem is the Cure (and it’s Us!) Nedarim 8 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 2nd, 2022
Our Gemara discusses apocalyptic traditions of how the righteous and the wicked will get their due at the end of days: אֵין גֵּיהִנָּם לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא, אֶלָּא הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא מוֹצִיא חַמָּה מִנַּרְתִּיקָהּ, צַדִּיקִין מִתְרַפְּאִין בָּהּ וּרְשָׁעִים נִידּוֹנִין בָּה. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״ו …
Rosh Hashanah 25 Blind Faith or Mind Faith? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 2nd, 2021
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 …
You are WHEN You Eat Eruvin 85 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 2nd, 2020
Mishna הַנּוֹתֵן אֶת עֵרוּבוֹ בְּבֵית שַׁעַר, אַכְסַדְרָה וּמִרְפֶּסֶת, אֵינוֹ עֵרוּב. וְהַדָּר שָׁם, אֵינוֹ אוֹסֵר עָלָיו. בְּבֵית הַתֶּבֶן וּבְבֵית הַבָּקָר וּבְבֵית הָעֵצִים וּבְבֵית הָאוֹצָרוֹת, הֲרֵי זֶה עֵרוּב. וְהַדָּר שָׁם, אוֹסֵר עָלָ …
Good Vibrations Bava Basra 158 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 29th, 2024
Our Gemara on amud beis states that there is something about the air of the Land of Israel that inspires wisdom. What is this really about? From a psychological perspective, it is understandable that the sense of confidence, security and identity that comes with living unapologetically as a Jew in the Jewish homeland certainly can enhance all kinds of creativity and development. Rabbenu Bechaye (Shemos 25:39) actually says somet …
Unpaid Debts of the Dead Bava Basra 157 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 29th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the idea that there is a degree of responsibility for a child to pay his deceased parent’s debts. The poskim analyzes the nature and basis of this obligation, which also suggest ideas about the limits and obligations of the commandment to honor one’s parents. This obligation is beyond a financial lien, such as if the parent did not leave real estate (in the times of the Gemara, non-real estate holdin …
The Optics of Retaliation and Rescue from Enemies Bava Kamma 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 29th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the principle of Avid Inish Dina Lenafshe, which is to the extent that a person can take the law into his own hands to protect, or recover his possessions. There are times where it may be permitted to even resort to violence to protect one's possessions, see Shulkhan Arukh (CM 4). Of course, the potential for vigilantism and rationalization for out of control behavior is considerable, so one should be both well-v …
Agent of Light Nedarim 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 29th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the status of Cohanim in relation to their service in the Beis Hamikdash. Are they considered agents of God, or our agents whom we appoint to serve God in our stead? This has numerous applications, including if a Cohen, whom you vowed to not have benefit from, can stil bring your sacrifices. If he works for you as your agent, then he is bringing you a benefit. If he is merely following God‘s com …
Jewish Life Insurance Pesachim 8 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 29th, 2020
As it was taught in a baraita: With regard to a hole in a wall located between the residences of a Jew and a gentile, one searches in the hole as far as his hand reaches, and the rest he renders null and void in his heart. Pelimu said: One does not search the entire hole at all, due to the danger involved. The Gemara asks: Due to what danger? If we say it is due to the danger of sorcery, i.e., the gentile will suspect the Jew of casting spells on …
Altruism and Pragmatism in Jewish Thought Bava Basra 156 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 28th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud aleph discusses financial protections that the rabbis instituted for young adults, even though past bar mitzvah age: Rather, the Sages maintain that a child’s inclination is to be attracted to money. And if you say that his sale is a valid sale, there may be times that there are potential buyers who rattle the dinars before him in order to tempt him to sell, and he will go and sell all of his father’s property. That …
The Universal Principle Of Risk Reward Ratio Bava Kamma 26 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 28th, 2023
Our Gemara and Mishna on Amud Aleph discuss the idea of Adam Muad Le-Olam: “The legal status of a person is always that of one forewarned. Therefore, whether the damage was unintentional or intentional, whether he was awake while he caused the damage or asleep, whether he blinded another’s eye or broke vessels, he must pay the full cost of the damage.” There is a three-way dispute amongst the Rishonim as to the extent of this li …
Unburden the Beast Nedarim 34 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 28th, 2022
Our Gemara discusses a situation where one declares a loaf as Hekdesh (dedicated to the Beis Hamikdash). According to many commentaries, the scenario involves where he has not yet picked up the loaf but since it is within 4 cubits, he has a certain power over it. The idea that a person’s four cubits is their domain comes up in halakha in numerous incidences, and is a rabbinic enactment to allow for acquisition and reduce quarrels about owne …
Taanis 17 A Prayer Connoisseur Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 28th, 2021
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 …
Human Dignity without God leads to Immorality Bava Basra 155 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 27th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a legal monetary dispute that could potentially be resolved via evidence gained by exhuming a corpse. The Gemara has to weigh the needs of justice versus the prohibition to disgrace a corpse. The Gemara takes it as a given that disinterment is a forbidden desecration of the human body. The Gilyonei Hashas suggests it fits under the category of halanas hames, the prohibition against leaving a body unburied. …
Is it Ever OK If Parents Argue? Bava Kamma 25 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 27th, 2023
Our Gemara has on Amud Aleph discusses the source for the principle of Dayo Laba Min Hadin Liyhos Kanidon. Dayo is a limiting principle on the derivation of a Kal Vachomer. A kal v’chomer is the first of the thirteen hermeneutical principles that tradition says we use to understand and derive Torah laws. A kal v’chomer works by making an assumption that if this rule applies to one one situation, surely in a more stringent situation it …
Benefits Claws Nedarim 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 27th, 2022
Our Gemara on amud aleph considers that certain actions are not concrete benefits, and even if one made a vow to not receive any pleasure from the other person, he still may receive this kind of benefit. For example, the Gemara considers paying a debt as metaphorically chasing away a lion, that is a non-act. Technically you didn’t give the person anything, you just saved his sheep from the lions. So too, paying a person’s debt m …
Mysticism and Neoplatonism for Dummies Pesachim 7 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 27th, 2020
The Gemara quotes a verse from Proverbs 20:27: The soul of man is the lamp of the LORD Revealing all his inmost parts. נֵ֣ר יְ֭הוָה נִשְׁמַ֣ת אָדָ֑ם חֹ֝פֵ֗שׂ כָּל־חַדְרֵי־בָֽטֶן׃ Rashi on Tanach explains this verse as follows : נר ה' נשמת אדם. הנשמה שבקרבו מעידה עליו בדין On the future day of reckoning after a person passes away his soul records all his …
Out of Order Pesachim 6 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 27th, 2020
Let us examine the well-known principle of אֵין מוּקְדָּם וּמְאוּחָר בַּתּוֹרָה, that the Torah is not written in chronological order. As many deep Jewish matters that we are first introduced to at a young age, we often accept them without thinking about their broader philosophical implications. The Gemara asks: If so, let the Torah write first that which occurred in the first month and then let it wri …
Spiritual Debts Bava Basra 154 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 26th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a legalism in regard to contracts. Ordinarily, a contract needs to be ratified by two witnesses testifying that they recognize the signatures of the witnesses who signed on the document. However, there are certain situations where the debtor in the contract inadvertently ratifies it while actually attempting to discredit it. For example, instead of claiming that the contract is false, he claims something like, t …
“Ox-shanus” and The Dangers of Legalistic Thinking Bava Kamma 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 26th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a process by which we can discern if an ox who became accustomed to goring can recover its prior status of a docile ox, thereby reducing the owner’s liability back to half damages. וְתָם – שֶׁיְּהוּ הַתִּינוֹקוֹת מְמַשְׁמְשִׁין בּוֹ וְאֵינוֹ נוֹגֵחַ And it reverts to its former innocuous status if children touch it and nevertheless it does n …
Taanis 18 Successful at Failure Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 26th, 2021
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 16 Nothing Personal...But Actually It IS Personal Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 26th, 2021
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 15 No Atheists in Foxholes Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 26th, 2021
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 …
Messiah, What a Concept Pesachim 5 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 26th, 2020
The Gemara explains that those three times the word rishon is mentioned with regard to the Festivals are necessary for that which the school of Rabbi Yishmael taught. As the school of Rabbi Yishmael taught: In reward for the three times the word rishon is stated with regard to the Festivals observed by the Jewish people, they were entitled to three matters also referred to as rishon: To eradicate the descendants of Esau, to the construction of th …
Spiritual Life-Saving Measures Bava Basra 153 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 25th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis notes that most people who fall ill eventually recover. This observation has legal implications in cases where a person on their deathbed bequeaths their estate to someone else, but later recovers. Such directives can be invalidated retroactively if the person recovers, and the estate reverts to its rightful heirs. The rightful air does not have to prove that his father did not in fact die, because in those cases he would …
Psychological Legacies Nedarim 32 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 25th, 2022
Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses why Avraham was punished with the enslavement of his descendants in Egypt. Three opinions are offered:
אָמַר רַבִּי אֲבָהוּ אָמַר רַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר: מִפְּנֵי מָה נֶעֱנַשׁ אַבְרָהָם אָבִינוּ וְנִשְׁתַּעְבְּדוּ בָּנָיו לְמִצְרַיִם מָאתַיִם וְעֶשֶׂר שָׁנִים — מִפּ …
Piety is More than Skin Deep Nedarim 31 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 25th, 2022
Our Mishna on Amud Beis discusses a scenario where a person makes a vow to not benefit from the uncircumcised. He is permitted to even benefit from Jews who were unable to circumcise themselves, and forbidden even to gentiles who did circumcise. Furthermore, the opposite holds true as well. If one makes an oath to refuse benefit from those who are circumcised, he is forbidden to all Jews, even those who are uncircumcised, and permitte …
Taanis 14 Tear It All Up Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 25th, 2021
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 …
Hide not your talents, they for use were made, What's a sundial in the shade? Pesachim 4
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 25th, 2020
The Gemara relates: A certain man would regularly say whenever involved in conflict: Adjudicate my case [dunu dini]. The Sages said: Learn from it that he descends from the tribe of Dan, as it is written: “Dan will judge [yadin] his people like one of the tribes of Israel” (Genesis 49:16). He expressed himself that way due to his lineage. The Gemara relates a similar incident: A certain man would regularly walk and say: The bushes on …
Don’t Shoot the Messenger Bava Basra 152 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 24th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a type of legal deed known as a dayetikei. While this document shares similarities with other legal titles and deeds, it often specifically refers to a will or an estate bequeathal. A beautiful Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni, Nach 968) uses the term dayetikei in a parable to explore humanity’s relationship with desires and the Evil Inclination (Yetzer Hara): There was a man who frequently traveled to an inn for bu …
God is Responsible Bava Kamma 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 24th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the concept of damages caused by fire. There is a principle known as “Isho Mishum Chiytzav”, which means that the fire is not merely treated as a possession that he must watch, but it is like his arrow. The action of sending a fire has implications as if he caused the damage directly from a physical action. אָמַר רָבָא: קְרָא וּמַתְנִיתָא מְסַיַּיע לֵיהּ …
Past Perfect Nedarim 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 24th, 2022
What can a prophet predict, and how does that affect free-choice? Our Gemara on Amud Beis references a verse (I Melachim 13:2): הִנֵּה־בֵ֞ן נוֹלָ֤ד לְבֵית־דָּוִד֙ יֹאשִׁיָּ֣הֽוּ שְׁמ֔וֹ וְזָבַ֣ח עָלֶ֗יךָ אֶת־כֹּהֲנֵ֤י הַבָּמוֹת֙ הַמַּקְטִרִ֣ים עָלֶ֔יךָ וְעַצְמ֥וֹת אָדָ֖ם יִשְׂרְפ֥וּ עָלֶֽיךָ׃ A son …
Taanis 13 Look Attractive, Not Attracting Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 24th, 2021
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 …
Sexually Explicit Pesachim 3 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 24th, 2020
Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said: A person should never express a crude matter, as the formulation of a verse was distorted by the addition of eight letters rather than have it express a crude matter, as it is stated: “From the pure animals and from the animals that are not pure [asher einena tehora]” (Genesis 7:8). To avoid using the Hebrew term for impure [teme’a], which is four letters: Tet, mem, alef, heh, the verse repla …
Safeguarding Other’s Possessions Bava Kamma 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 23rd, 2023
On amud beis Tosafos (“Velichayev”) infers from our Gemara that there is a stronger moral obligation and expectation that one safeguards his possessions from damaging others than from being damaged. Thus, in the case where a dog enters an area and grabs a cake with a hot coal attached to it, which ends up causing a fire, we expect the owner of the coals to be mindful that a dog might enter and he therefore shares liability with the do …
The Devil Within Bava Kamma 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 23rd, 2023
Our Gemara on amud aleph observes that a desolate, abandoned home seems to deteriorate more rapidly, offering a squatter a rationale for how they benefit the owner. What causes an abandoned structure to become decrepit? The Gemara offers a concrete reason: the occupant makes small repairs on the spot, thereby mitigating larger damage. Consider a home with a small leak—if repaired, the damage is contained. However, if left unchecked, the lea …
No Such Thing as Half-Way Married Nedarim 29 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 23rd, 2022
There is a saying that there is no such thing as halfway pregnant. From the Halakhic perspective, there is no such thing as halfway married. Our Gemara on amud aleph tells us: אִילּוּ אָמַר לְאִשָּׁה ״הַיּוֹם אַתְּ אִשְׁתִּי וּלְמָחָר אִי אַתְּ אִשְׁתִּי״, מִי נָפְקָא בְּלָא גֵּט?! And what would happen if one said to a woman while performing bet …
Taanis 12 Not so Fast Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 23rd, 2021
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 …
Suspicious Motives Pesachim 2 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 23rd, 2020
The Gemara quotes a verse in Iyov 24:14 as follows: לָא֡וֹר יָ֘ק֤וּם רוֹצֵ֗חַ יִֽקְטָל־עָנִ֥י וְאֶבְי֑וֹן וּ֝בַלַּ֗יְלָה יְהִ֣י כַגַּנָּֽב׃ The murderer arises in the evening To kill the poor and needy, And at night he acts the thief. This verse raises an important flag about zealotry. Whenever we find ourselves to excited about something we believe to be …
Clothes Make the Man Bava Basra 151 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 22nd, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph explores whether tefillin fall under the category of nechasim. Are they excluded because of their sacred status and their unsuitability for sale, or are they included due to their utility as items worn on the body, similar to clothing? (See Rashbam, Sefer Torah.) The notion of tefillin as a type of malbush (clothing) brings to mind the Maharal’s (Be’er HaGolah 4) explanation of the metaphysical significance of …
The Fleeting Nature of Fortune Bava Basra 150 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 22nd, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the scope of assets included when a gift giver uses the word nechasim—an umbrella Aramaic term for possessions and assets. Does this term encompass movable property, cattle, and cash, or is it restricted to real estate? The word nechasim has an ancient and enigmatic etymology, lacking clear Hebrew or Aramaic roots. The Maharal (Nesiv HaOsher 2) highlights this and notes that there are four primary terms for …
Divine Checks and Balances Bava Kamma 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 22nd, 2023
Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the legal implications where one person derives benefit from someone else, but there was no loss incurred. This is not to say that it is permitted to squat on someone’s property, but the Gemara considers that in situations where there is zero loss and wear and tear, there can be no financial liability on the beneficiary. Rav Shlomo Kluger (Chokhmas HaTorah, Toldos) uses this legal reasoning to explai …
Lying King Nedarim 28 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 22nd, 2022
Continuing our discussion regarding oaths under duress, our gemara on amud aleph questions why dodging tax collectors is a valid situation of duress. There is a teaching that דִּינָא דְמַלְכוּתָא דִּינָא The law of the kingdom is the law, i.e., there is a halakhic principle that Jews must obey the laws of the state in which they live. This halakhic rationale and degree to which the law of the secular government is bindin …
A Broken Heart is More Whole Eruvin 105 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 22nd, 2020
A Broken Heart is More Whole A dilemma was raised before the Sages: If one priest is ritually impure and another has a blemish, which of them should enter to perform repairs? Rav Ḥiyya bar Ashi said that Rav said: The impure one should enter, as he is permitted to participate in communal service. If the entire community is ritually impure, even impure priests may perform the service, whereas blemished priests may not serve under any circ …
You Can’t Take It With You Bava Basra 149 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 21st, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis further discusses the status of a deathbed gift and whether such a gift is automatically retracted if the person miraculously recovers. To assume an implied condition that would reverse an explicitly granted gift, there must be unambiguous evidence that this was the giver’s intention. Therefore, the rule only applies if the person gave away all his possessions, leaving nothing behind. Such actions indicate someone wh …
Rav Nachman and the Furry Bava Kamma 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 21st, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Bais states that while it's expected for an animal to eat, if it eats from a table—this unusual behavior results in categorizing the damage as non-usual, subject only to half-damages. This observation of an animal's atypical behavior brings to mind the well-known Rav Nachman story (found in Sippurei Ma’asiyos). The story, available on the Breslov.org website (https://breslov.org/rebbe-nachmans-story-the-turkey-princ …
Rebel Without a Clause Nedarim 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 21st, 2022
Is an oath made under duress and coercion valid? Our Mishna on Amud Beis discusses circumstances whereby if one makes an oath under duress, such as when threatened by bandits or a rogue tax collector, the oath is not binding. Thus if he says, “The produce of the world should be forbidden to me if…[whatever he is saying is false]”, it is not binding. (The case of the rogue tax collector is referring to a so-called governme …
Taanis 10 Why Do We Pray? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 21st, 2021
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 …
Brewing Heresy Bava Basra 148 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 20th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis continues discussing the status of deathbed gifts. One feature of these gifts is that if the person miraculously recovers, the gifts are reversed, as it is assumed the person most likely did not intend to give them away if he were going to survive. However, strong evidence is required to support this assumption, and thus the rule only applies if the person gives away all of his possessions, leaving nothing behind. Such act …
False Pride and Real Guilt Bava Kamma 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 20th, 2023
Our Gemara from 17b to 18a discussed how certain actions are viewed, from their inception or from their end point? For example, if an animal stomps upon a vessel, and the vessel does not break, but then from that force, rolls and breaks. If we follow the initial stomp, it would be the damage of “foot”, requiring full payment. But if we follow the end, where the vessel broke by banging into another object, this is comparabl …
Can God Regret? Nedarim 26 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 20th, 2022
Our Gemara on this daf discusses the halakhic concept of הנדר שהותר מקצתו. הותר כולו if a portion of a vow is deemed null, then the entire vow may be rendered invalid. As we discussed in Psychology of the Daf Nedarim 22, there are two legal mechanisms to annul a vow. Beis Din must either come up with a reason that you “regretted” having made it, known as “charata”, or that there was a certain ci …
Talmudic Insomnia Cures Eruvin 104 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 20th, 2020
One may draw up wine from a barrel with a siphon [diyofei], and one may drip water from a vessel that releases water in drops [miarak], for an ill person on Shabbat. מַעֲלִין בִּדְיוֹפִי וּמַטִּיפִין מֵיאֶרֶק לַחוֹלֶה בַּשַּׁבָּת. Essentially the Gemara is discussing generating white noise to allow an ill person to fall asleep or stay asleep. This is an excellent technique for insomnia, li …
Zealous Cohanim Eruvin 103 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 20th, 2020
This Gemara discuses a well known principle of אין שבות במקדש there are no rabbinic restrictions within the Temple. The basic understanding of why this is true, is because the Cohanim are zealous and thus would be unlikely to make a mistake (רבנו יהונתן ערובין קב א). In Other words, the priest, especially in the Holy Temple site, do not require extra strength and cease to protect them from inadvertent vi …
Blind Faith? Bava Basra 130 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 1st, 2024
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
November 1st, 2024
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 …
Intellectual Differences Between Men and Women Kiddushin 80 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 1st, 2023
In our Gemara on Amud Beis, there's a discussion regarding the vulnerabilities of women compared to men: גְּמָ׳ מַאי טַעְמָא? תְּנָא דְּבֵי אֵלִיָּהוּ: הוֹאִיל וְנָשִׁים דַּעְתָּן קַלּוֹת עֲלֵיהֶן. What is the reason that a man may not be secluded with two women, but a woman may be secluded with two men? The school of Eliyahu taught: Women are of light mind. The phrase …
I See Your Point, But I Hear Your Idea Nedarim 7 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 1st, 2022
Seeing and hearing are often metaphors for understanding. Is there a difference in the Hebrew language when sight is used, versus hearing, to connote perception and knowledge of events? Our Gemara on Amud Beis reflects on the danger of incurring the wrath and disapproval of the Sages. וְתַנְיָא: כׇּל מָקוֹם שֶׁ״נָּתְנוּ חֲכָמִים עֵינֵיהֶם״, אוֹ מִיתָה אוֹ עוֹנִי It is …
Rosh Hashanah 24 Image Problems Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 1st, 2021
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& …
The Big Cover Up Eruvin 84 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 1st, 2020
Eruvin 84 מתקיף לה רב פפא ודילמא כשרבים מכתפין עליו בכומתא וסודרא Rav Pappa strongly objected to this argument, claiming that this proof can be refuted: But perhaps this applies only to a roof upon which many people place their hats [kumta] and shawls when they are in need of rest. Even if the people in the public domain are not situated within ten handbreadths of the roof, they can still use it conve …
The Power of Denial Bava Basra 147 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 19th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis explains the reasoning behind the extra legal power granted to a person on their deathbed to make gifts without requiring physical acts of acquisition (kinyan) to signify the transfer of ownership. In such cases, words alone suffice to effectuate the transfer: The halakha that the gift of a person on his deathbed does not require an act of acquisition is merely by rabbinic law, instituted lest he see that his will is not b …
Habits of Respect and Decency Bava Kamma 17 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 19th, 2023
At the end of 16b and the top of 17 Amud Aleph we learn that as a tribute to King Chizkiyahu, they set up a Yeshiva by his grave, and studied there. Tosafos (16b) raises the question how could they have done this, since a dead person is not obligated or able to study torah, this would be a violation of “mocking a poor person.” Meaning the verse in Mishle (17:5) warns against the insensitivity of rubbing a person's deficie …
Taanis 11 High Standards for Empathy Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 19th, 2021
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 9 Student of History Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 19th, 2021
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 8 Into-Me-See Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 19th, 2021
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 …
How to Talk to Yourself About the Latest Shocking Story of Sexual Abuse
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 19th, 2021
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 …
Ladies First Eruvin 102 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 19th, 2020
A harp string may be tied up in the Temple but not in the country. At the outset, it is prohibited in both. קוֹשְׁרִין נִימָא בַמִּקְדָּשׁ, אֲבָל לֹא בַמְּדִינָה. אִם בַּתְּחִלָּה, כָּאן וְכָאן אָסוּר. Tosafos Yom Tov in the Mishna notes that according to Rashi, whether it is permitted or not to tie the string of the harp if it breaks on shabbos depe …
Spiritual and Material Poverty Bava Basra 146 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 18th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph raises an interesting challenge to the verse in Mishlei (15:15): “All the days of the pauper are bad.” It asks: Isn’t it true that even the poor experience good times, such as Shabbos and Yom Tov, when they have access to food and rest? Shmuel responds that even a change to richer food may upset the stomach, so the poor suffer even when they eat better meals. The Bnei Yissachar (Ma’amar 10:4) delve …
Pay Attention Now, or Pay Later Nedarim 25 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 18th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about the famous case of “Kanya De Rava” “Rava’s Cane”, where a trickster tried to perpetrate a scam on Beis Din: דְּהָהוּא גַּבְרָא דַּהֲוָה מַסֵּיק בְּחַבְרֵיהּ זוּזֵי, אֲתָא לְקַמֵּיהּ דְּרָבָא. אֲמַר לֵיהּ לְלֹוֶה: זִיל פְּרַע לִי. אֲמַר לֵיהּ: פְּרַעְתִּיך …
Vulnerable to Vulnerability Nedarim 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 18th, 2022
The commentary of the Rosh on Amud Aleph explains why a person may be reluctant to accept his host’s invitation without being able to reciprocate, based on the aphorism expressed in Mishley (15:27): וְשׂוֹנֵ֖א מַתָּנֹ֣ת יִחְיֶֽה He who spurns gifts will live long We can well understand why this might be a good character trait, but why does it specifically confer long life? Maharal in Nesivos Olam, Nesiv Haosher (1 …
Taanos 7 Fuelish Ideas About Torah and Miztvos
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 18th, 2021
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 …
The Sun god of the Tiberius Shul Eruvin 101 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 18th, 2020
The Daf Yomi of Eruvin 101b tells us a story about an argument that occurred at the synagogue of Tiberias. There is greater detail about this argument supplied from Gemara Yevamos 96b: אזל ר' אלעזר אמר לשמעתא בי מדרשא ולא אמרה משמיה דר' יוחנן שמע רבי יוחנן איקפד עול לגביה רבי אמי ור' אסי אמרו ליה לא כך היה המעשה בבית הכנסת של טבריא ב …
A good heart and good eyes Bava Basra 145 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 17th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis references a verse in Mishlei (15:15): “A good heart is consistently drinking.” The Gemara interprets this to mean that a person with a “good heart” has a certain equanimity, a disposition that enables them to handle stress and challenges without becoming overwhelmed. Rather than a call for literal intoxication, the verse points to a state of inner resilience and composure. Rav Uri Grossman, citing …
The Price of Stubborn Arrogance Bava Kamma 16 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 17th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us: שִׁדְרוֹ שֶׁל אָדָם – לְאַחַר שֶׁבַע שָׁנִים נַעֲשֶׂה נָחָשׁ. וְהָנֵי מִילֵּי דְּלָא כָּרַע בְּ״מוֹדִים״. A person’s spine, seven years after his death, metamorphoses into a snake. The Gemara qualifies the last statement: And this matter applies only to a case where that person did not bow during the blessing of t …
The Venomous Tongue Bava Kamma 15 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 17th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the status of the snake, and the liability its owners would incur due its tendency to bite. The damage of “tooth” (what an animal eats) is exempt in the public domain and only obligated if it enters a private domain, because it has a strong desire and benefit from eating, and so the owner is held less liable in the more chaotic, uncontrolled situation of public hustle and bustle. A snake b …
On This Day, All Jews Can Be Equal Before Hashem Nedarim 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 17th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses what most commentaries believe serves as the basis for the custom of the Kol Nidre service on Yom Kippur. There are numerous kabbalistic theories as to what it signifies. On the most basic level, a person wants to come into the Day of Judgement clean and clear of any unfulfilled commitments. On a deeper level, annulling vows publicly may inspire a theurgic heavenly response of releasing and forgiving …
Taanis 6 Praying on Emotions in Relationships Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 17th, 2021
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 …
True Lies and True Love Eruvin 100 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 17th, 2020
Rabbi Yoḥanan said: Even if the Torah had not been given, we would nonetheless have learned modesty from the cat, which covers its excrement, and that stealing is objectionable from the ant, which does not take grain from another ant, and forbidden relations from the dove, which is faithful to its partner, and proper relations from the rooster, which first appeases the hen and then mates with it. What does the rooster do to appease the hen? Rav …
This Conversation Is Being Recorded For Quality Assurance Purposes Nedarim 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 16th, 2022
In order to halakhically annul a vow, Beis Din must either come up with a reason that you “regretted” having made it, known as “charata”, or that there was a certain circumstance that you were unaware of which, had you known, you would not have vowed, known as “pesach”. There are nuances to this which we will discuss in upcoming essays (See Shulkhan Arukh YD 228.) Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us t …
Taanis 5 Rachav Souled Out Jericho Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 16th, 2021
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 …
Give Me Torah or Give Me Death Eruvin 99 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 16th, 2020
Reish Lakish said: One who expelled phlegm in front of his master has acted in a disrespectful manner and is liable for the punishment of death at the hand of Heaven, as it is stated: “All they who hate Me love death” (Proverbs 8:36). Do not read it as: “They who hate [mesanai] Me”; rather, read it as: “Those who make themselves hateful [masniai] to Me,” i.e., those who make themselves hateful by such a dischar …
Attitudes of the rich and successful Bava Basra 144 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 15th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis explores the distribution of profits from inherited assets prior to dividing an estate. It discusses cases where one brother might contribute more effort or productivity, but the benefit may still be shared among all brothers if they’re supporting each other as part of a household. The Gemara states: “If one of the brothers engaged in a trade of his own volition, the profits are his alone. The Sages taught in a …
Spirituality Abhors a Vacuum Bava Basra 143 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 15th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the Torah’s directive about the separation of Terumah from produce to be given to the Kohen. The verse reads: “And you shall bear no sin by reason of it, seeing that you have set apart from it the best thereof” (Bamidbar 18:32). The Gemara interprets this as a warning not to designate inferior produce as Terumah while retaining the superior portion for oneself. Yet, beyond this practical messag …
The Tzaddik Who Inspires Bava Kamma 14 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 15th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse that serves as the source that payment for damages can come from assessing the value of any movable object that has worth. תָּנָא: ״שָׁוֶה כֶּסֶף״ – מְלַמֵּד שֶׁאֵין בֵּית דִּין נִזְקָקִין אֶלָּא לִנְכָסִים שֶׁיֵּשׁ לָהֶן אַחְרָיוּת. וְהָתַנְיָא: ״יָשִׁיב״ – לְרַבּוֹת …
The Devil Made Me Do it Bava Kamma 13 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 15th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the halakhic distinctions of an Ox that was set aside for a Shelamim sacrifice and gores another ox. This is a technically complicated legal discussion, but please bear with me, as it will lead to an interesting moral and psychological observation. Since according to one opinion, the Shelamim sacrifice is considered to be still a possession of the owner, and when a regular ox gores, half the damages i …
Much Ado About A Little Nedarim 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 15th, 2022
Our gemara on amud beis references the virtue of the righteous who say little but do much. This is most famously memorialized in Parashas Chaye Sarah where Avraham offers his guests a little water and bread, but actually provides them with a feast of delicacies (see Avos Derabbi Nosson 13:3). My father, Z”L used to say to me, “Simcha, do not commit too much, as the Yetzer Hara will overhear and try to stop you.” I do …
Taanis 4 Rabbis and Personality Disorders Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 15th, 2021
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 …
Holy Rollers Eruvin 98 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 15th, 2020
This Gemara describes a predicament of someone who was reading from a scroll on a roof and one end dropped out of his hand and fell over the edge. Without getting deep into the halakhic issues involved I want to take a moment to focus on the function and history of a Sefer or a scroll. In colloquial Hebrew we translate Sefer to mean book. As we recited recently during the High High Holidays: וְתִפְתַּח אֶת סֵפֶר הַזִּכְר …
Embryonic Love Bava Basra 142 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 14th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes how Shmuel went to significant lengths to ensure the publicity of a particular halakhic ruling: “Shmuel said to Rav Ḥana of Baghdad: Go out and bring me an assembly of ten men, and I will say a halakha to you in their presence, so that it will be well publicized. The halakha was: With regard to one who transfers ownership of an item to a fetus, the fetus acquires the item.” This case raises an inter …
From Blessing to Reality Bava Kamma 12 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 14th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references the idea that all land is linked, allowing the act of acquisition of one property to affect the acquisition of another, unlike chattel (movable objects). Sefer Daf al Daf quotes Rabbi Akiva Eiger (Shu”t 4:11) who asks a question based on this teaching. The verse in Bereishis (28:13) tells us that Hashem promises Yaakov that the land he was sleeping on would one day become his possession: הָאָ֗רֶץ …
Knowing Torah by Itself Does Not Do the Trick Nedarim 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 14th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the virtue of shame. This is not pathological self-destructive shame, but rather a sense of place and humility. That is, to recognize how tiny and insignificant we are in comparison to God. Our lives are short and our accomplishments border on pointless, if not for the opportunity to access the infinite and the immortal, by elevating our actions via sacrifice and meaning. To quote the lyricist …
Taanis 3 Dew Not Blame God for Evil Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 14th, 2021
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 …
Avraham Had it All Bava Basra 141 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 13th, 2024
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 …
Niddah: Is it Taboo, Stigma and Impurity? Bava Kamma 11 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 13th, 2023
Tosafos on Amud Aleph (“D-Eyn”) makes a distinction between what induces the halakhic state of impurity of Niddah, such as for purposes of maintaining ritual purity in the Temple era for sacrificial meats and foods, and the prohibition against sexual intercourse. One might think they are identical, but they are not, and sometimes one state will not necessarily imply the other. Rav Soloveitchik (Reshimos Shiurim, ibid) notes that the K …
Pathological Attachment to Money Nedarim 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 13th, 2022
Our Gemara on 18b and 19a discusses the idea that when a person makes a vow about something that is impossible to clarify, does he have in mind to take it upon himself regardless? Or, did he only mean to include the items that surely fell under his statement? To use a simple example, if somebody says, “I make a vow to no longer to eat fruit”, but there is a particular food product that we are unsure of whether to classify it as …
Charming, Enchanting but Confusing Eruvin 97 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 13th, 2020
This Gemara discusses Kameyos and perhaps it is A good idea to have a better understanding about these unusual objects. It is an inescapable fact that for thousands of years Jewish people, and also people from other religions have used various amulets and charms with material written on them. I cannot comment on what other religions use them for or if they have validity or permissibility, however in Jewish thought we see they are used. The …
Feeling Strapped to Tell the Truth Eruvin 96 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 13th, 2020
Eruvin 96 Michal, daughter of Kushi, King Saul, would don phylacteries, and the Sages did not protest against her behavior, as she was permitted to do so. מִיכַל בַּת כּוּשִׁי הָיְתָה מַנַּחַת תְּפִילִּין וְלֹא מִיחוּ בָּהּ חֲכָמִים Tosafos ibid quotes a Pesikta Rabasi (22) which states the rabbis did object. רא״ש חולין ח:כו וכן מיכל בת שאול היתה מנ …
Are Law and Ethics the Same? Bava Basra 140 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 12th, 2024
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, …
Take a Pit Stop Before You Get Back into the Race Bava Kamma 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 12th, 2023
Our Gemara discusses how to interpret the following verse in (Shemos 21:33-34): וְכִֽי־יִפְתַּ֨ח אִ֜ישׁ בּ֗וֹר א֠וֹ כִּֽי־יִכְרֶ֥ה אִ֛ישׁ בֹּ֖ר וְלֹ֣א יְכַסֶּ֑נוּ וְנָֽפַל־שָׁ֥מָּה שּׁ֖וֹר א֥וֹ חֲמֽוֹר׃ If a man uncovers a pit, or if a man digs a pit, and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it: בַּ֤עַל הַב …
Taanis 2 Rain of Terror Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 12th, 2021
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 …
Rosh Hashanah 35 Prayerability Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 12th, 2021
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 …
Trauma and the Visual Cortex Eruvin 95 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 12th, 2020
תַּנָּא דְבֵי מְנַשֶּׁה: ״עַל יָדְךָ״ — זוֹ קִיבּוֹרֶת, ״בֵּין עֵינֶיךָ״ — זוֹ קׇדְקֹד. הֵיכָא? אָמְרִי דְּבֵי רַבִּי יַנַּאי: מְקוֹם שֶׁמּוֹחוֹ שֶׁל תִּינוֹק רוֹפֵס. The Gemara comments: The school of Menashe taught the following. The verse states: “And you shall bind them for a sign on …
Till Debt do Us Part Bava Basra 139 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 11th, 2024
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. …
Vain Leadership Nedarim 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 11th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the idea that swearing falsely is more severe than merely violating a neder. Swearing falsely has an additional injunction by which God declared that, “I will not cleanse those who bear my name in vain” (Shemos 20:6). What is this special quality about swearing falsely, compared to other sins, that that draws this particular reaction? In regard to this, God says he will not cleanse. Further developin …
Prior Commitments Nedarim 17 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 11th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the halakhic concept of Mushba Veomed Mehar Sinai, which literally translates as we are bound by a vow at Mount Sinai to uphold the Torah. The halakhic significance of this is to explain why a person who swears to violate a Torah principle is not obligated by this vow. He is already bound by the prior commitment of the vow at Mount Sinai. The simple understanding is that it is a literal vow. We are taught there w …
Rosh Hashanah 34 Chazaras Hashatz or Chazaras HaShas? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 11th, 2021
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 …
People Talking Without Speaking Eruvin 94 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 11th, 2020
וְהָא דְּרַב לָאו בְּפֵירוּשׁ אִתְּמַר, אֶלָּא מִכְּלָלָא אִתְּמַר. דְּרַב וּשְׁמוּאֵל הֲווֹ יָתְבִי בְּהָהוּא חָצֵר, נְפַל גּוּדָּא דְּבֵינֵי בֵּינֵי, אֲמַר לְהוּ שְׁמוּאֵל: שְׁקוּלוּ גְּלִימָא, נְגִידוּ בַּהּ. The Gemara comments: And this ruling of Rav …
One Day At A Time Bava Basra 138 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 10th, 2024
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 …
Whom Do We Venerate? The Mitzvah or the One Who Performs It? Bava Kamma 9 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 10th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the principle of Hiddur Mitzvah. There is an additional requirement beyond fulfillment of a mitzvah; that is to honor a mitzvah by somehow beautifying it. Rabbi Zeira said that for the embellishment of the performance of a mitzvah, one should spend up to one-third more than the cost. There is an apparent dispute between Rashi and Tosafos regarding the interpretation of "⅓ more." According to Rashi, one should s …
One’s Portion in the World to Come is REAL Estate Bava Kamma 8 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 10th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states: רָבִינָא אָמַר בִּדְעוּלָּא פְּלִיגִי דְּאָמַר עוּלָּא דְּבַר תּוֹרָה בַּעַל חוֹב בְּזִיבּוּרִית שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר בַּחוּץ תַּעֲמוֹד וְהָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר אַתָּה נֹשֶׁה בוֹ יוֹצִא אֵלֶיךָ אֶת הַעֲבוֹט הַחוּצָה מָה דַּרְכּוֹ שֶׁל אָדָ …
Don’t Blow Off Mitzvos Nedarim 16 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 10th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis references the concept of Mitzvos Lav Leyhanos Nitnu. That is, the observance of a Mitzvah is not based on experiencing any pleasure. Thus, in theory if one made a vow to not receive any benefit from an object, in certain circumstances, he may still utilize it in the performance of a mitzvah. If a person vowed not to receive benefit from a shofar, he can still use it to blow on Rosh Hashanah, as the mitzvah is …
Rosh Hashanah 33 Hitting Rock Bottom: The Shattering of Rationalizations Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 10th, 2021
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 …
Habit Is Stronger Than Reason Eruvin 93 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 10th, 2020
Habit Is Stronger Than Reason - George Santayana. The Gemara described a structure called an Achsadra, which in Greek is an Exedra (usually in the Gemara a chaf-samach combination is actually a Greek Chi. This structure consists of a Roof and at least some open walls, if not all four walls open, depending on the case discussed. In terms of Derash there is a Gemara in Menachos 29b that describes the world as a giant achsadra: ומפני מה …
The Woke Bystander Effect Bava Metzia 71 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 9th, 2024
Our Gemara on amud aleph quotes a verse from Chabakuk (1:13): You whose eyes are too pure to look upon evil, Who cannot countenance wrongdoing. Why do you countenance treachery, and stand by idle while the one in the wrong devours the one in the right? The prophet is identifying two problematic patterns in human behavior, and suggests that they are related: People tend to act with false righteousness and self-serving piety, too pure …
Even the Fetuses Have Contempt Sotah 41 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 9th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the ethical and characterological problem of flattering sinners: וְאָמַר רַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר: כׇּל אָדָם שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ חֲנוּפָּה — אֲפִילּוּ עוּבָּרִין שֶׁבִּמְעֵי אִמָּן מְקַלְּלִין אוֹתוֹ, And Rabbi Elazar says: Any person who has flattery in him, even fetuses in their mothers’ wombs curse him …
Sexual Prohibitions and Moral Logic Yevamos 63 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 9th, 2022
Our Gemara at the top of Amud Aleph, actually starting right at the end of 62b, encourages showing concern and care for friends, relatives, and countrymen: הָאוֹהֵב אֶת שְׁכֵינָיו, וְהַמְקָרֵב אֶת קְרוֹבָיו, וְהַנּוֹשֵׂא אֶת בַּת אֲחוֹתוֹ, One who loves his neighbors, and who draws his relatives close, and who marries the daughter of his sister, וְהַמַּלְוֶה …
Yoma 29 When the Addictive Behavior IS the Addiction Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 9th, 2021
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 …
The Issue is the Feelings, Not the Facts Bava Metzia 70 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 8th, 2024
Our Gemara on amud aleph uses an interesting idiom to refer to “older” orphans, “Diknanei”, meaning they have beards. Rashi adds, “They are no longer considered orphans.” What does Rashi mean? A beard does not add or detract from the status of an orphan! To understand this, we need to appreciate the special status that orphans occupy in halacha and Jewish ethics. There are specific proh …
How the Vest Was Won Sotah 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 8th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph explains a dress code for the Cohanim when they go up to bless the congregation: דְּאֵין הַכֹּהֲנִים רַשָּׁאִין לַעֲלוֹת בְּסַנְדְּלֵיהֶן לַדּוּכָן. וְזֶהוּ אַחַת מִתֵּשַׁע תַּקָּנוֹת שֶׁהִתְקִין רַבָּן יוֹחָנָן בֶּן זַכַּאי …שֶׁמָּא נִפְסְקָה לוֹ רְצוּעָה בְּ …
God’s Role in Supporting Human Free Will Yevamos 62 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 8th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses Moshe’s rationale for accepting upon himself celibacy, which ion Jewish religious practice, not typically considered pious or proper. Moshe reasoned, “If the Jews had to seperate from sexuality in order to experience revelation at Mount Sinai, Kal V’chomer I myself must constantly refrain from sexuality, since God appears to me at any time.” The Talmud reports that God agreed with Moshe&r …
Shear Profit Bava Metzia 69 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 7th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an interesting economic and psychological scenario regarding partnership versus working as a subcontractor on commission. As we shall soon see, psychology and economics can be heavily intertwined. In our Gemara, due to certain halachic technicalities of usury, a person who enters into 50/50 financial partnership in raising an animal, actually makes out with less profit than if the owner of the animal had contrac …
Being Quiet is Different than Listening Sotah 39 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 7th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses two proof texts for the requirement to be silent when the Torah is being read. אָמַר רָבָא בַּר רַב הוּנָא כֵּיוָן שֶׁנִּפְתַּח סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה אָסוּר לְסַפֵּר אֲפִילּוּ בִּדְבַר הֲלָכָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר וּבְפִתְחוֹ עָמְדוּ כׇּל הָעָם וְאֵין עֲמִידָה אֶלָּא שְׁתִיק …
Yoma 28 Help for Procrastinators Coming Soon Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 7th, 2021
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 27 The Gift of Service Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 7th, 2021
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 …
Speech is Not Free At All Bava Metzia 68 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 6th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references an incident whereby Rav Ashi raised a hypothetical question, which involved a halachic dimension of a student’s inheritance, Mar son of Ameimar. The power of Rav Ashi’s words were so great, that his mere mention of Ameimar’s possible death somehow induced his actual death. Our tradition, among many ancient traditions of the world, believes that words have extraordinary power to create a …
Taming the Wild Beast within Man Yevamos 61 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 6th, 2022
Our Gemara on the top of Amud Aleph distinguishes gentile corpses versus Jewish corpses, in that Jewish corpses render anything and anyone else tamey that is under the same roof as the deceased. The proof text is: And you My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, are men [adam]” (Ezekiel 34:31), from which it is derived that you, the Jewish people, are called men [adam] but gentiles are not called men [adam]. Since the Torah introduces the halakha …
The Ancient Breathalyzer Yevamos 60 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 6th, 2022
Our Gemara on amud beis discusses two kinds of litmus tests used to determine status and purity of young maidens. There were two tests, each one given at different times in history: In regard to the Moabite captives, whom were to be spared only if they were young enough to not have any sense of sexuality (which was age 3). The maidens were presented before the Golden Headplate that the Cohen Gadol wore (Tzitz Hazahav). If the face of …
Yoma 26 Facilitating Learning Instead of Forcing Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 6th, 2021
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 …
Torah Mindfulness Sotah 38 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 5th, 2023
The Gemara on Amud Beis tells us that the Cohanim actually are beneficiaries of the very same blessings they pronounce. אָמַר רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן לֵוִי מִנַּיִן שֶׁהַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא מִתְאַוֶּה לְבִרְכַּת כֹּהֲנִים שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר וְשָׂמוּ אֶת שְׁמִי עַל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַאֲנִי אֲבָרְכֵם …
The Sinai Campaign Sotah 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 5th, 2023
The Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the level of details and explanation that was given along with the written Torah: רַבִּי יִשְׁמָעֵאל אוֹמֵר כְּלָלוֹת נֶאֶמְרוּ בְּסִינַי וּפְרָטוֹת בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד רַבִּי עֲקִיבָא אוֹמֵר כְּלָלוֹת וּפְרָטוֹת נֶאֶמְרוּ בְּסִינַי וְנִשְׁנוּ בְּאֹהֶל מו …
Forbidden Prayers Yevamos 59 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 5th, 2022
Our Gemara on amud beis discusses the prohibition of Esnan Zonah and Mchir Kelev, a prohibition against using an animal for sacrifice that was a payment to a prostitute or a barter for a dog: You shall not bring the hire of a harlot or the price of a dog into the House of the Lord your God for any vow; for both of them are an abomination to the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 23:19). This verse prohibits one from sacrificing an animal as an off …
Yoma 25 Holy Smokes! Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 5th, 2021
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 …
Promises, Promises Sotah 36 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 4th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses what seems to be a prophecy about the return to Jerusalem in the time of Ezra, which was not fulfilled: וְאוֹמֵר תִּפֹּל עֲלֵיהֶם אֵימָתָה וָפַחַד עַד יַעֲבֹר עַמְּךָ ה׳ זוֹ בִּיאָה רִאשׁוֹנָה עַד יַעֲבֹר עַם זוּ קָנִיתָ זוֹ בִּיאָה שְׁנִיָּה And similarly, the verse says: “Terror and drea …
Traumatic Triggers Yevamos 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 4th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis mentions the concept of the Gilgul Shavuah, the additional Shavuah. The Talmud learns from the description of the Sotah ritual whereby the repetition of amens in the ritual (Bamidbar 5:22, “ And she shall say , amen, amen.”) indicates that once she is swearing about her suspected activity post nisuin, other suspicions of adultery from eirusin can also be brought up that she also must swear about. This rul …
Yoma 24 Help for those who Hate Davening Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 4th, 2021
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 …
Davening Zombies
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 4th, 2020
Some people do not do well without structure. Anecdotal samplings from aquaintances and clients indicate that many people are having a hard time davening properly without a minyan. In the interest of disclosure, I consider myself a “Davening Zombie in Recovery”. For the first four decades of my life, I found davening to be mostly joyless, robtic and of dubious value. To be sure, I did not disrespect prayer and …
Self Fulfilling Prophecy Sotah 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 3rd, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the intentions of the Spies: וַיֵּלְכוּ וַיָּבֹאוּ אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן מִשּׁוּם רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן יוֹחַי מַקֵּישׁ הֲלִיכָה לְבִיאָה מָה בִּיאָה בְּעֵצָה רָעָה אַף הֲלִיכָה בְּעֵצָה רָעָה And they went and they came” (Numbers 13:25–26). Rabbi Yoḥanan sa …
Unauthorized Entry Yevamos 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 3rd, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that according to Rabbi Yehuda, the congregation of converts is called the congregation, and therefore subject to similar marriage restrictions as non-converts. What is a “congregation” (קהל)? The Shalah (Torah Shebikhsav, Chukas, Torah Ohr) explains that there are four kinds of “congregations” within the Jewish nation as used in scripture: Am (עם), Kehal (קהל), Eidah (עדה), and …
Yoma 23 Instant Couples Counseling in a Pasuk Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 3rd, 2021
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 …
Is Satan Real? Bava Metzia 94 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 31st, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis refers to a scriptural stylistic principle: דִּבְּרָה תוֹרָה כִלְשׁוֹן בְּנֵי אָדָם The Torah uses the idiom and vernacular. Thus, repetitions, exaggerations and figures of speech that enhance the poetic experience and nature of the narrative are theologically legitimate, and not a sign of imperfection. God designed the Torah to be meaningful on many planes of p …
Guns Don’t Kill - Sin Kills Bava Metzia 93 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 31st, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the extent of a shepherd’s responsibility if a lion is approaching the flock: What could he have done to prevent an attack by a lion? Rabba replies: He should have faced the lion with other shepherds and with sticks to chase it away. There is a natural principle that animal predators are fearful of humans. This is not an absolute, but unless provoked by territory concerns or extreme hunger, an …
Dying to Be Heard Gittin 15 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 31st, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the ethical and legal concept of a מִצְוָה לְקַיֵּים דִּבְרֵי הַמֵּת It is a mitzvah to fulfill the directives of the dead. There are halakhic discussions over what extent it is legally binding, and under what circumstances, but there also seems to be some consensus that, regardless of the legality, there is a moral obligation to fulfill the wishes of the deceased. Why is this so? Th …
What Is Middas Hadin? Yevamos 85 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 31st, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the verse in Vayikra (21:1) “Speak to the Cohanim, the sons of Aharon, and say to them, do not become defiled for a dead person amongst your people.” Because of the redundancy, “Cohanim, sons of Aharon”, the Gemara deduces that only the sons have this obligation, and not the daughters. Thus, female cohanim are not prohibited from becoming exposed to impurities of death, and in practica …
Yoma 51 Heiron Curtain Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 31st, 2021
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 …
Support the Efforts Despite the Inconsistencies Bava Metzia 92 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 30th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph refers to an adage that the Nazir is expected to heed, but also is a general ethical direction to becautious in not getting too close to temptations: Go, go, we say to a nazirite, go round, go round; do not approach a vineyard. It is prohibited for a nazirite to eat any of the products of the vine. To keep a nazirite away from temptation, the Sages attempt to deter him from accepting work in a vineyard. One …
Intuitive Truth Versus Logical Truth Gittin 14 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 30th, 2023
Our gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a certain law as “a halakha without a reason”. The Aramaic word used is, “Hilkhesa”, which is also used to mean a Halakha LeMoshe Misinai, an oral legal tradition that is part of an ancient chain of teachings, even stemming back to Moshe. It is notable that Rashi understands this use of the word “Hilkhesa” to literally mean Halakha LeMoshe Misinai. Rashi’s explanat …
Alternate Generation Theory Yevamos 84 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 30th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the prohibition of the Egyptian convert. A regular Jewish person cannot marry into that family fit the first two generations. He may only marry into the third generation born after the conversion, as stated explicitly in Devarim 23:9. We might wonder what is the significance of three generations? The Chizkuni (Op. Cit.) explains that it takes three generations to change the family culture. As we find the Torah de …
Yoma 50 Zero Minus Zero Is Still Zero Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 30th, 2021
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 …
God May Let You Do What You Want, Even If It Is Wrong Sotah 34 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 2nd, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses God’s ambiguous directive to Moshe about sending out the Spies: שְׁלַח לָךְ אֲנָשִׁים אָמַר רֵישׁ לָקִישׁ שְׁלַח לְךָ מִדַּעְתֶּךָ וְכִי אָדָם זֶה בּוֹרֵר חֵלֶק רַע לְעַצְמוֹ וְהַיְינוּ דִּכְתִיב וַיִּיטַב בְּעֵינַי הַדָּבָר אָמַר רֵישׁ לָקִישׁ ב …
Do Not Take Any Phrase in the Talmud Lightly Yevamos 56 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 2nd, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis uses an unusual phrase: וְאַנְהֲרִינְהוּ לְעַיְינִין “He illuminated our eyes”. This phrase occurs only four times in Shas (Yevamos 35a, 56b, 58a and Bava Basra 53b), all with Rav Sheshes being the one who enlightened the other rabbis, and the author being Rav Amram. There are a number of biographical details about Rav Sheshes that can help solve this puzzle: Rav Sheshes r …
Yoma 22 Healthy Control Instinct Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 2nd, 2021
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 …
When Torah and Your Emotional Needs Conflict
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 2nd, 2019
When Torah and Your Emotional Needs Don’t Feel Compatible Persons who go through therapy and find access to their deeper feelings can become aware of conflicts that others may not be consciously aware of. For example, unfortunately there are a number of people who habitually talk in Shul. Some may get serious, develop self control, begin to appreciate the value of prayer and solemnity, and stop this behavior. Others may continue for …
You Live and You Learn Bava Metzia 91 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 29th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis further discusses the Biblically mandated allocation given to field laborers to eat from the produce they harvest while they work (Devarim 23:25-26). וְכוּלָּן לֹא אָמְרוּ אֶלָּא בִּשְׁעַת מְלָאכָה, אֲבָל מִשּׁוּם הָשֵׁב אֲבֵידָה לַבְּעָלִים אָמְרוּ: פּוֹעֲלִין אוֹכְלִין בַּהֲלִיכָתָן מֵאו …
Authentic Freedom Gittin 13 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 29th, 2023
Authentic freedom is a complex concept that has been debated by philosophers and theologians for centuries. Authentic freedom includes the ability to make one's own choices, the absence of coercion or oppression, and the pursuit of one's own values and goals. Our gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the psychological and halakhic concept of עַבְדָּא בְּהֶפְקֵירָא נִיחָא לֵיהּ for a slave. Becoming free is not necessarily …
Don’t Shrei Over Spilt Milk (Into Meat) Yevamos 83 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 29th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis states the famous halakhic principle that one cannot make another person’s possession forbidden. For example, if I declare an object of my friend’s to be my god and object of worship and bow to it, it does not become a forbidden object that must be destroyed, unlike if the owner had done that. A person has no authority over another person’s possessions. Tosafos (“Ein”) raises a question about …
Swine Does Not Become Kosher From Good Intentions Bava Metzia 90 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 28th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an interesting moral and halachic dilemma regarding the Biblical directive to allow the animal to eat while it is working on the threshing floor: בְּעוֹ מִינֵּיהּ מֵרַב שֵׁשֶׁת: הָיְתָה אוֹכֶלֶת וּמַתְרֶזֶת, מַהוּ? מִשּׁוּם דִּמְעַלֵּי לַהּ הוּא, וְהָא לָא מְעַלֵּי לַהּ? אוֹ דִלְמָא ד …
Do We Have the Right to Argue with God? Gittin 12 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 28th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses practical and legal dimensions of slave ownership, responsibilities of slave to master and master to slave. However, there are also ways to read them as derash, hinting at our experiences as slaves in Egypt. Let us look at each teaching, and then see if they are allusions to our own slavery: ! עַבְדָּא דִּנְהוֹם כְּרֵסֵיהּ לָא שָׁוֵיא, לְמָרֵיהּ וּלְמָר …
Yoma 49 So Long, And Thanks For All The Mitzvos Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 28th, 2021
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 48 Metempsychosis: The Way Forward is the Way Back Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 28th, 2021
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 …
Not Attracted to Your Spouse? What do you Do?
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 28th, 2020
In the mini-seminar (link below) learn about the different kinds of non-attraction and what you can do about it: (1) Reality-Based; (2) Obsessive Control Type; (3) Obsessive OCPD Type; and (4) Passive Aggressive. Note this video is part of a longer series. Although in the introduction I ask you to listen to all of the other ones in order, this particular video represents a unit to itself. click on this for the seminar Photo by …
Mixed Blessings Bava Metzia 89 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 27th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the Biblically mandated allocation given to field laborers to eat from the produce they harvest while they work (Devarim 23:25-26). This job benefit only accrues in regard to produce that grows from the ground, excluding milking, and making butter and cheese, as these forms of produce do not come from the soil. Tosafos here raises a contradiction between this Gemara’s parameters for produce of …
In the Quest for Truth, We Show No Favoritism Yevamos 82 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 27th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses a strange phrase, הא דרב אשי בדותא היא, which translates approximately as, “We must conclude that this teaching of Rav Ashi was mistaken.” The word בדותא translates into English with less contempt than the connotation In Hebrew. It is more than mistaken. It implies something made up without any basis (see Ran Nedarim 3a, “elah”, and Melachim 1:12:33.) It is difficult to un …
The Maharal’s View on Inflation Yevamos 81 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 27th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the concept that items which are numbered are considered more significant, which can affect the laws of nullification. That is, if ordinarily we might say a non kosher item will be nullified if mixed into a majority, if this non kosher item has a significance in that it is counted and sold by numbers instead of volume, it will not be nullified. The idea that something becomes important when it is counted is disc …
Yoma 47 Hair-Tight Alibi Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 27th, 2021
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 …
Don’t Get Hit With a Big Bill at the End of Your Stay Bava Metzia 88 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 26th, 2024
Our Gemara on amud beis references the Biblical directive (Devarim 23:25) to allow a field laborer to eat from the food as he is harvesting, so long as he not abuse the privilege by hoarding: כִּ֤י תָבֹא֙ בְּכֶ֣רֶם רֵעֶ֔ךָ וְאָכַלְתָּ֧ עֲנָבִ֛ים כְּנַפְשְׁךָ֖ שָׂבְעֶ֑ךָ וְאֶֽל־כֶּלְיְךָ֖ לֹ֥א תִתֵּֽן׃ When you enter a fellow [Is …
Conceivably Correct Yevamos 80 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 26th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis records an incident of a woman whose husband was away for twelve months delivered a baby. Obviously, there ought to be a concern that this child was a mamzer, yet the Gemara rules that it is conceivable that her pregnancy lasted for twelve months, and so the child is kosher. What I find fascinating about Gemaras such as these is that often we must say Nishtanu HaTibiyyim, the medical and physiological realities have …
Yoma 46 Flour Power Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 26th, 2021
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 …
COVID, Communal Suffering and Introspection
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 26th, 2020
The average diaspora Jew of the Twenty-First Century is unaware of the extensive Halakhic literature devoted to repentance, abstentions and fasts due to communal calamities and tragedies. In Shulkhan Arukh Orach Hayyim (572-580) there are detailed codes of when, how and what to fast for. Plagues, tornadoes, earthquakes, droughts, locust, crop blight and even economic inflation and deflation are codified with precision. The rabbis took seriously h …
A Vered by Any Other Name Gittin 11 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 25th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses Jews who have names of Gentiles. It is a known halakhic and moral debate about the practice of choosing Gentile names. Different communities have different customs and that will not be the focus of our discussion. But there is a fascinating Midrash about the history and process of Jewish names. It states in Bereishis Rabbah 37:7: A dispute between Rabbi Yose and Rabbi Shimon Ben Gamliel. Rabbi Yose says: The anc …
Baal Teshuva Syndrome Gittin 10 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 25th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the status of Matzah baked by Cuthite. According to this Gemara, though this nationality converted to Judaism under duress, the conversion was still valid, and they had the status of Jews. However, the Cuthites didn’t quite absorb the full message of Judaism and often would follow the written Torah but not trust the Rabbinic oral tradition. According to one opinion, even though of course, we are stri …
Silent Rebuke Gittin 9 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 25th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph reports that Rabbi Yosei would use the following verse in Mishley (24:26) to praise cogent Torah arguments: שְׂפָתַ֥יִם יִשָּׁ֑ק מֵ֝שִׁ֗יב דְּבָרִ֥ים נְכֹחִֽים׃ Giving straightforward reply Is like giving a kiss. How is a lucid torah argument compared to a kiss? Rashi on our Gemara says it is worthy of a kiss. Tosafos explains that it is not the kiss itself, but rather the g …