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 …

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 …

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 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 …

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 ( …

Rosh Hashanah 19 Mommy Issues Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 27th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 29th, 2021

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an important psychological and halakhic principle:  נמצא אתה מכשילן לעתיד לבא If you take a certain action now, you will cause them to stumble in the future. This reasoning applied to the case of the 40 pairs of witnesses who came to testify about sighting the new Moon. Even though technically we allow them to violate the techum boundary for this mitzvah, Rabbi Akiva detained them since …

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 …

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 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 …

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& …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 29th, 2021

  The Mishna on Amud Aleph tells us: MISHNA: The following are unfit to give testimony, as they are considered thieves and robbers: One who plays with dice [kubbiyya] or other games of chance for money; and those who lend money with interest; and those who race pigeons and place wagers on the outcome; The Gemara Sanhedrin (24b) offers reasons for why a career gambler is unfit as a witness, one of them is that he is not engaged in socially re …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 24th, 2021

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

Rosh Hashanah 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 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 …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 26th, 2021

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

Rosh Hashanah 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 23 Blues Moon Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 31st, 2021

Our Gemara and Mishna on Amud Beis tells us that the superfluous pairs of witnesses for the new moon were still asked questions about what they observed in order that they not feel unappreciated, and they came for no reason. The Gemara uses the phrase כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא יֵצְאוּ בְּפַחֵי נֶפֶשׁ, that the witnesses should not leave disappointed. How do we translate פחי נפש? From the context of several Gemaras, fo …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Roe V. Reydt Yevamos 69 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 15th, 2022

Roe V. Reydt Our Gemara on amud beis asserts that a fetus prior to the 40th day from conception is considered as if it is “merely water”. The Gemara in Menachos (99b) also implies that the fetus does not yet have a soul until 40 days. The idea that prior to 40 days, the fetus is not considered human has implications for early abortion.   Though Rav Moshe (Iggeros Moshe CM II:69) does not consider this principle to be suffici …

Rivka, the Conservationist Yevamos 44 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 20th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph once again mentions the principle that one should not perform an action that will needlessly disadvantage others, and so a person should not spill out water collected in his cistern that he does not need when others might be in need of it. Ha’amek Davar (Bereishis 24:20) cleverly notices that, amongst her many admirable qualities, Rivka also followed this principle. Let us study the sequence of verses to understand …

Ring Leader Bava Basra 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 20th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the properties of the cloak and table of the Torah sage:     Rabbi Yoḥanan asked Rabbi Bena’a: How should the garment of a Torah scholar worn under his clothes be fashioned? He replied: He can wear any garment long enough that his flesh is not visible from beneath it. Rabbi Yoḥanan asked: How should the cloak of a Torah scholar be fashioned? He replied: He can wear any garment long enough …

Rewarding Discussion: The Paradox of Physical Existence and Spiritual Rewards Gittin 29 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 14th, 2023

  In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, we delve into a concept related to agency and delegation. Rava asserts that verbal instructions cannot be delegated to an agent, citing the Mishna as an example. The Mishna explains that in the case of a bill of divorce, the husband's verbal instructions cannot be passed on to another agent. Verbal directives, it seems, cannot be effectively transferred through agency. This principle is known as "מילי לא …

Rewarding Bad Behavior Sotah 26 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 24th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a dispute between Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Yishmael regarding what benefits accrue for the woman who goes through the Sotah ordeal and is  proven innocent. The verse states, “And she shall be cleared, and shall conceive seed” (Numbers 5:28) but how far does this go?: דְתַנְיָא וְנִקְּתָה וְנִזְרְעָה [זָרַע] שֶׁאִם הָיְתָה עֲקָרָה נִפְקֶד …

Reviving a Dead Sex Life Nedarim 91 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 24th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis relates a true story and interesting quandary for an accused adulterer.  This fellow heard the husband approaching the house and hid behind the door.  From his vantage point, he noticed a snake had deposited its venom on some vegetables.  When the husband was about to eat, he called out to him to save his life, but also blew his cover.  The Gemara wonders, is his honesty a sign that he did not commit ad …

Reverse the Trend Kiddushin 72 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 24th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph extols the Sages of Babylonia, describing them as "Heavenly Angels." The exile from Israel to Babylonia should theoretically represent a degradation, losing the holiness of the Land of Israel and a further disruption from the centers of learning. Yet, the establishment of Babylonian academies did not lead to decline but actually to spiritual heights. Rav Tzaddok uses this statement to push back against, and modify the tra …

Reuven’s Legal Defense Yevamos 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 17th, 2022

Our Gemara discusses the marriageability status of anusas aviv, that is a woman whom one’s father was sexual with, but did not marry. One is forbidden to marry or be sexual with a woman who was wedded to his father, even if not his mother. However, there is a dispute between Rabbi Yehuda and the sages regarding a woman who was sexual with one’s father outside of wedlock, either via rape or mutual interest (see Mishna on 97a).  Ra …

Resurrection of the Dead Shabbos 114 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 28th, 2020

Mareh Mekomos for Video Shiur click here to listen: for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 114   DAF YOMI from a psychological perspective. Mareh Mekomos 114a Rabbi Yannai say to his sons: My sons, do not bury me in white garments nor in black garments. Not in white, lest I not be acquitted in judgment, and I will be among the wicked like a groom among mourners. And not in black, lest I be acquitted in …

Respecting the Process Yevamos 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 13th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the verse in Vayikra 13:3 אִ֣ישׁ אִמּ֤וֹ וְאָבִיו֙ תִּירָ֔אוּ וְאֶת־שַׁבְּתֹתַ֖י תִּשְׁמֹ֑רוּ אֲנִ֖י הֹ אֱלֹקיכֶֽם׃ ⁦You shall each revere your mother and your father, and keep My sabbaths: I am your God. The juxtaposition of the command to honor parents and to guard the Shabbos teaches that even though the obligation to honor parent …

Respect the Grieving Process Yevamos 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on this daf discusses the process of the Yefas Toar, the captive woman. The verses describe it detail (Devarim 21:12): כִּֽי־תֵצֵ֥א לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה עַל־אֹיְבֶ֑יךָ וּנְתָנ֞וֹ הֹ אֱלֹקְיךָ בְּיָדֶ֖ךָ וְשָׁבִ֥יתָ שִׁבְיֽוֹ׃  When you [an Israelite warrior] take the field against your enemies, and your God delivers them into your power and you tak …

Respect for Psychological and Physical Torment of the Victim Kesuvos 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 12th, 2022

The Torah’s response to accidental death when there is a degree of negligence is for the perpetrator to go into exile until the death of the Cohen Godol, as our Gemara on Amud Beis describes. But what is the reason for exile?  The verses offer a mixed message because there is reference to not accepting payment as exchange for forgiveness (as described in our Gemara), which implies exile is a form of penance, yet the verses also speak o …

Rescuing a Child who is Off the Derech Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 151

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 2nd, 2020

shabbos for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 151   תַּנְיָא, רַבָּן שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל אוֹמֵר: תִּינוֹק בֶּן יוֹמוֹ חַי — מְחַלְּלִין עָלָיו אֶת הַשַּׁבָּת, דָּוִד מֶלֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵל מֵת — אֵין מְחַלְּלִין עָלָיו אֶת הַשַּׁבָּת. תִּ …

Repenting is the Yeast You Could Do Nazir 36 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 28th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the prohibition of using leavened dough on the altar for sacrifices. Rabbenu Bechaye’s ethical treatise, Kad Hakemach (Pesach 1) offers a comprehensive explanation of the Torah’s symbolic aversion to chametz:   Chametz represents the evil inclination. Like the slow leavening of dough, the evil within a personality creeps up and can overtake without proper vigilance. Pesach represents a potential …

Repentance: The Ball is in your Court Kiddushin 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 25th, 2023

In previous dappim, we learned that except in unusual circumstances, "אין שליח לדבר עבירה" (there is no agency when it comes to sin). That is to say, the one who carries out the act is fully liable since, as the Gemara says, "Whom does one obey, the master or the student?" In other words, God's law takes precedence, and there can never be an assignment of agency that contradicts God's command. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a …

Repentance or Return? Bava Basra 128 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 31st, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses a situation in which a witness observed an event while mentally competent, then lost his sanity, and later returned to compos mentis. One might think that since there was a period when his thinking was compromised, even if he seems restored, perhaps some aspect of his memory or thought remains distorted. This could be compared to reassembling a complex piece of machinery and finding a few parts left over on the …

Repent Early, Beat the Yom Kippur Rush Bava Metzia 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 11th, 2024

Our Mishna on amud aleph discusses money that is placed for safekeeping by the money exchanger:   In the case of one who deposits money with a money changer, if the money is bound, the money changer may not use it. Therefore, if it is lost he does not bear responsibility for it. If the money was unbound, the money changer may use it. Therefore, if it is lost he bears responsibility for it. If he deposited money with a homeowner, whether it i …

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 …

Repairing the Damage Yevamos 105 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 20th, 2022

  Are certain attitudes we develop so ingrained that we cannot easily change them? What steps can be taken to overcome our personal biases and blind spots? Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about the curse and fate of the sons of Eli the Cohen: כִּדְרַב שְׁמוּאֵל בַּר אַמֵּי. דְּאָמַר רַב שְׁמוּאֵל בַּר אַמֵּי אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹנָתָן: מִנַּיִן לִגְזַר ד …

Renewing Your Vows Bava Kamma 62 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 3rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the status a forced sale: : תְּלוּהּ וְזַבֵּין – זְבִינֵיהּ זְבִינֵי If one was strung up so that another could coerce him to sell a certain item, and he sold it, his sale is a valid sale. This indicates that a sale under duress is considered a valid sale. Some opinions hold that if one receives payment, though technically he may not want to sell it, his acceptance of the …

Remember to Forget Yevamos 42 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 15th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses various strategies to determine paternity without requiring a woman to wait three months after a divorce, or death, to remarry.  The Gemara asks, why is it necessary to wait three months? She can wait a week or two, and then remarry.  Should she show the physical signs of pregnancy at the three month mark, it is obvious that she is pregnant from her first husband. (According to the medicine of the Gema …

Remember to Forget Bava Basra 46 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 9th, 2024

As is part of the text of Shas, occasionally the ancient editors and compilers would insert mnemonic words and acronyms to sum up various sections and tracts. On Amud Beis an unusual mnemonic is used: “Amalek”.   Rav Yaakov Emden notes this irony. How is it appropriate to use the name of our dreaded enemy, Amalek, of whom we are commanded to wipe out its memory, as a means to remember? The verse (Devarim 25:19) commands: “Y …

Reluctantly Reluctant Kesuvos 45 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 19th, 2022

It is said about Rav Yisrael Salanter that in order to gain credibility in the eyes of the Lithuanian Lamdanim, so they would consider his encouragement to form mussar study groups, he would give an in-depth pilpul shiur.  Only after earning their esteem, all the way at the end of the shiur, he would say, “It is a good idea to form mussar vaads.”  (See Appendix to Shu”t Seridei Aish, where he gives his own oral history …

Religious Disparities in Marriage Bava Kamma 110 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 20th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis considers the scenario where a woman’s husband dies childless, and therefore she now is incumbent to a levirate marriage with her brother in law who was smitten with a repulsive skin disease.  Can this be seen as grounds to undermine the valid intent of the original marriage, as surely she never would have agreed to this marriage had she known that it could lead to her being beholden to this person? The Gemara r …

Religious Bullying

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 21st, 2017

Religious Bullying By Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R & Chaya Feuerman, LCSW-R Reprinted Courtesy of the Jewish Press   What is faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound…is it Superman?  No, not in this article.  Rather, it is the halakhic shaalah!  Think about it. How many times have you been involved in an organization, shul, workgroup, or inte …

Religion Without Resentment Kiddushin 50 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 2nd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses that when someone prefers to bring an offering, if he wants to reneg, the Jewish court compels him to fulfill his pledge. However, since the verse (Vayikra 1:3) implies that it is brought with his will and intention, we force him until he verbalizes that he is “agreeing” and “wants” to bring the sacrifice. This is an interesting psychological domain of religious worship. On the one hand, …

Relax Exactly BECAUSE You Don’t Have Time Pesachim 34 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 25th, 2020

Pesachim 34 When Ravin ascended to Eretz Yisrael, he stated this halakha of Rav Sheshet before Rabbi Yirmeya. And Rabbi Yirmeya said: Foolish Babylonians! Because you dwell in a dark land, you state halakhot that are dim. כִּי סְלֵיק רָבִין, אַמְרַהּ לִשְׁמַעְתֵּיהּ קַמֵּיהּ דְּרַבִּי יִרְמְיָה, וַאֲמַר: בַּבְלָאֵי טַפְשָׁאֵי, מִשּׁוּם דְּיָת …

Relatively Free Kiddushin 15 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 28th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis delves into the status of a Jewish slave redeemed by relatives. Rabbi Yose asserts that upon redemption, the slave gains freedom. In contrast, Rabbi Akiva contends that redemption by relatives results in the slave being bound to serve the relative until his contract ends. Even Rabbi Akiva acknowledges that redemption by a non-relative leads to complete freedom. (One could surmise that the act of charity from an outsider mi …

Relationships Are Not Just a Personal Matter Bava Kamma 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 7th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the famous principle of Kim Ley Bederabba Miney, that if one incurs a death penalty, he is no longer subject to financial penalties. That is understandable to a degree, as any judicial system needs to take into account with compassion how much punishment a person can absorb. What is more difficult to understand is Debey Chizkiya’s formulation that even in situations of error, when no actual death penalty w …

Relapse Prevention Yevamos 32 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 8th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph brings the opinion of Rabbi Yose who holds that in many situations we say, one prohibition does not fall upon another.  For example, if one were to engage in sexual relations with a woman who is forbidden on two counts, such as his mother in law, who also happens to be married, he incurs the penalty of the first prohibition that was activated even if the second prohibition has a more severe punishment.  The pena …

Reish Lakish and the Cannibals Gittin 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 2nd, 2023

  The amazing narrative of Reish Lakish's encounter with cannibals, as recounted in our Gemara on Amud Aleph, presents an intriguing tale that warrants deeper exploration: רֵישׁ לָקִישׁ זַבֵּין נַפְשֵׁיהּ לְלוּדָאֵי שְׁקַל בַּהֲדֵיהּ חַיְיתָא וְגֻלְגֻּלְתָּא אֲמַר גְּמִירִי דְּיוֹמָא בָּתְרָא כֹּל דְּבָעֵי מִינַּיְ …

Reduced Sentencing Kesuvos 44 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 19th, 2022

The Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the case of two obligatory contracts that seem to be stating the same thing.  Does the second contract abrogate the first, and therefore we follow the dates and commitments in the second contract?  (This would have an impact on liens dated from the first contract, which will now be annulled.) The Gemara concludes that when the contracts are identical, we assume the second one abrogates the first.  …

Redeeming the Impure Bava Kama 77 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 18th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the susceptibility of a Red Heifer to become impure (something that only applies to a food item that at least at one time was ready for consumption and can be consumed.)  This is because the Red Heifer could be potentially redeemed, and then eaten. Therefore, even if it is highly unlikely to actually be redeemed, it still has the legal status of an edible food item because of the potential to do so. Gemara …

Red-Handed Rationalizations Bava Basra 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 1st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes various partitions between two yards and their function. One of them is known as misepas, which can be a barrier, only ten handbreadths high, and a smaller barrier, even less than ten handbreadths. Both small partitions are ineffective in keeping out intruders or line of sight, but the taller one is big enough that a trespasser cannot innocently claim he didn’t realize he was on private property. This has c …

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 …

Reality, What a Strange Concept Eruvin 24 Psychology of the Daf Rabbi Simcha Feuerman LCSW-R, DHL

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 1st, 2020

  וַאֲמַר לֵיהּ רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: רַבִּי, שָׁנִיתָה לָנוּ: סַנְדָּל שֶׁנִּפְסְקָה אַחַת מֵאׇזְנָיו וְתִיקְּנָהּ — טָמֵא מִדְרָס. Rabbi Yoḥanan his student said to him: Master, you taught us that with regard to a sandal that became ritually impure by impurity imparted by the treading of a zav, and one of its ears, i.e., straps, bro …

Reality, What a Metaphor! Nazir 50 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 14th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a quantity of dust and decay from a corpse that renders a Nazir impure, and requires him to restart his Nazir observance. This Shiur is known as Maleh Tarvaad, the amount that fills a ladle. This small remainder of a human being is discussed elsewhere with theological significance. Pirke De-Rabbi Eliezer (34) says the dead will be resurrected from these remains. Mateh Moshe (513, also see Eliyahu Rabbah OH 300:2) …

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 …

Reading the Torah that is in Between the Lines Kesuvos 69 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 13th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph relates that Rav recorded a halakhic question in a letter of greeting, by inserting it between the lines or margins.  Some commentaries explain that he did this because he wanted to limit the degree of permanence vested in the halakhic note, as he was reluctant to write down Oral Torah.  (See Rashi and Maharam Schiff.) From early childhood, we are taught that the Torah comes in two forms: The Written Torah and t …

Reading Between the Lines Nedarim 38 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 2nd, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that Moshe became wealthy from the remaining material that was hewn from the Luchos.  (Presumably the stone was exceedingly valuable and he sold them as gems.) Ben Yehoyada says that it is ridiculous to take this Aggadah at face value, as even if it mattered to Moshe to be wealthy, why in the world would he commercialize something as special as a stone or gem-like material from God, even if it were leftovers …

Reading Between the Lines Kiddushin 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 12th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the number of letters in the Torah and reports that the letter vav in the word גחון (Vayikra 11:42) is the midpoint of the Torah in terms of letters, and דרש דרש is the midpoint in terms of words (Vayikra 10:16). Since the word גחון has an even number of letters, the Gemara naturally inquires whether the letter vav belongs to the first half or the second half. Unable to resolve the question, the Ge …

Reading Between the Lines Gittin 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 4th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph refers to writing with gall nut ink, on top of parchment treated with gall nut ink. Since they are of the same substance and the writing does not leave a visible impression, the writing is not considered valid. The Shalah (Shenei Luchos HaBers Shaar HaOsiyos Emes Ve'Emunah.6) understands this in a metaphysical way as well. The Yigdal poetic version of the Rambam’s 13 Principles of Faith describes the third principle …

Rav Zeira Listened Carefully Psychology of the Daf Eruvin 12

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 21st, 2020

Eruvin 12 אָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר רַב: מָבוֹי שֶׁאׇרְכּוֹ כְּרׇחְבּוֹ אֵינוֹ נִיתָּר בְּלֶחִי מַשֶּׁהוּ. אָמַר רַב חִיָּיא בַּר אָשֵׁי אָמַר רַב: מָבוֹי שֶׁאׇרְכּוֹ כְּרׇחְבּוֹ אֵינוֹ נִיתָּר בְּקוֹרָה טֶפַח. Rav Yehuda said that Rav said: Unlike other alleyways, carrying within …

Rav Soloveitchik Meets Heschel Kesuvos 34 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 9th, 2022

What makes Shabbos into Shabbos? It is told that when Rav JB Soloveitchick was showed AJ Heschel’s book, “The Sabbath”, he commented.  “Shabbos is ‘An Oasis in time? (Heschel’s poetic term, implying that Shabbos is unique space in time) — No, Shabbos is the 39 Melachos!”  Despite this very Lithuanian quip, the Shabbos is called holy, and how can we understand what that means in practical t …

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 …

Rav Lopian and the Cat Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 142

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 26th, 2020

  וְהָאָמַר רָבָא לְשַׁמָּעֵיהּ: טְוִוי לִי בַּר אֲווֹזָא, וּשְׁדִי מֵיעֵיהּ לְשׁוּנָּרָא. Didn’t Rava say to his attendant on a Festival: Roast a duck for me, and throw its intestines to the cat. Moving the duck’s intestines was permitted in order to feed the cat.  for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 142 Picture …

Rationalize or Rational-Lies? Bava Basra 38 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 2nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis weighs the effectiveness of an objection raised by an owner, claiming that somebody is squatting on his property, however, the claim was said in a circumstance or situation where it was not likely to reach the ears of the alleged squatter. This potentially is a problem because on the one hand, it doesn’t serve the squatter warning so he might not have maintained or secured properly his contract of sale, which might a …

Rainy Day Fund Yevamos 74 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 20th, 2022

Our Gemara continues its discussion of the various components of the declaration regarding maaser.  The verses are an intriguing group in that they describe an odd set of ways to use and misuse maaser (Devarim 26:13-15) בִּעַ֧רְתִּי הַקֹּ֣דֶשׁ מִן־הַבַּ֗יִת וְגַ֨ם נְתַתִּ֤יו לַלֵּוִי֙ וְלַגֵּר֙ לַיָּת֣וֹם וְלָאַלְמָנָ֔ה כְּכׇל־מִצְוָתְ …

Rachel's Test Gittin 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 9th, 2023

Our Mishna on Amud Beis teaches: If a man has two wives with identical names and he writes a bill of divorce intending to divorce the older one but then changes his mind, he may not use that bill to divorce the younger one. The Hon Ashir in the Mishna notes that the description of a case where the bill is written to divorce the older wife, rather than the reverse scenario or wives of the same age, is essentially unnecessary. However, the Mishna p …

Rabbinic Sex Abuse Prevention Pesachim 19 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 10th, 2020

  The Gemara discusses a series of rabbinic decrees, which added additional levels of impurity to a variety of objects: Rava said: But weren’t both decrees issued on the same day? As we learned in a mishna: The impurity of a Torah scroll and other sacred scrolls, and the impurity of hands that were not washed or immersed, and the impurity of one who immersed himself during that day, and the impurity of foods and vessels that became imp …

The Chosson and Kallah Shmooze You Wish You Had But Never Got

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 18th, 2023

The Chosson and Kallah Shmooze You Wish You Had But Never Got Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, DHL simchafeuerman@gmail.com   In this video series we will discuss the Jewish ideas about marriage, sexual pleasure, abstention, modesty, marriage communication, sexual dysfunctions such as premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, anorgasmia, painful intercourse, desire disparities, sexual addictions, sexual trauma and how to treat them and unde …

Rabbi Meir and the Hooligans Yevamos 114 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 29th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph refers to the verse in Vayikra (21:1) that discusses the Priestly code of conduct, but uses an unusually verbose phrase: “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them: None shall become impure for the dead souls among his people” (Leviticus 21:1). What does “speak to them”, and then “say to them” come to include? להזהיר גדולים על הקטנים That the adults ar …

Rabbi Akiva’s Perspective on Beauty Gittin 90 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 14th, 2023

Our Mishna on Amud Aleph discusses a fundamental three-way dispute regarding the permissibility of divorce:   בֵּית שַׁמַּאי אוֹמְרִים, לֹא יְגָרֵשׁ אָדָם אֶת אִשְׁתּוֹ אֶלָּא אִם כֵּן מָצָא בָהּ דְּבַר עֶרְוָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים כד), כִּי מָצָא בָהּ עֶרְוַת דָּבָר. וּבֵית הִלֵּל אוֹמְרִים, א …

Quit While You Are Ahead? Yevamos 66 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 12th, 2022

Our Gemara on the end of 65b and the beginning of 65a concludes a discussion about women not being obligated in the commandment to have children.  We even learned on the previous amud about Rav Chiyya’s wife, who had such difficulty with childbirth that she obtained a heter to drink a potion that would render her infertile. The Yam Shel Shelomo on Yevamos quotes this Gemara as a support that a woman may render herself infertile via a m …

Quantum Torah Theory Yevamos 99 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 14th, 2022

  Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the famous principle: הַשְׁתָּא בְּהֶמְתָּן שֶׁל צַדִּיקִים אֵין הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא מֵבִיא תַּקָּלָה עַל יָדָן, צַדִּיקִים עַצְמָן לֹא כׇּל שֶׁכֵּן Now consider: If, even through the animals of the righteous, the Holy One, Blessed be He, does not bring about a stumbling block, then throug …

Putting the Jew in Jewelry Kesuvos 63 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 9th, 2022

On this daf we hear about the great sacrifices that Rochel made to support her husband the famous Rabbi Akiva in his study of Torah. As the well-known story goes, Rabbi Akiva was unlettered and unlearned but Rochel saw great character and potential in him. She married him even though her wealthy father disowned her and she endured 24 years of poverty while her husband studied Torah abroad. When she finally sees her husband she throws herself at h …

Putting the Create Back into Procreate Bava Metzia 84 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 22nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the anatomy of various sages, in bizarre detail,:   When Rabbi Yishmael, son of Rabbi Yosei, and Rabbi Elazar, son of Rabbi Shimon, would meet each other, it was possible for a pair of oxen to enter and fit between them, under their bellies, without touching them, due to their excessive obesity.   A certain Roman noblewoman [matronisa] once said to them: Your children are not really your own, as due to …

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Bava Metzia 115 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 21st, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph quotes a series of verses in Mishle (6:1-3) that warn of the dangers of becoming a co-signer on a loan indiscriminately:   בְּ֭נִי אִם־עָרַ֣בְתָּ לְרֵעֶ֑ךָ תָּקַ֖עְתָּ לַזָּ֣ר כַּפֶּֽיךָ׃    My son, if you have become a co-signer for your fellow, Given your hand for another,    נוֹקַ֥שְׁתָּ בְאִמְרֵי־פִ֑יךָ נִ …

Put the "Petal" to the "Meddle" Psychology of the Daf Eruvin 14

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 22nd, 2020

Eruvin 14 אָמַר רַב פָּפָּא: שְׂפָתוֹ שְׂפַת פֶּרַח שׁוֹשָׁן כְּתִיב בֵּיהּ, דִּכְתִיב: ״וְעׇבְיוֹ טֶפַח וּשְׂפָתוֹ כְּמַעֲשֵׂה כּוֹס פֶּרַח שׁוֹשָׁן אַלְפַּיִם בַּת יָכִיל״. Rav Pappa said: With regard to its brim, it is written that the brim is as the petals of a lily, as stated in the verse: “And it …

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 …

Pure Evil? Yevamos 16 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 23rd, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph teaches us that the rabbis decreed that “One does not accept converts from the Tarmodim.” Likutei Moharan (59) tells us that there are some people who are so evil that it is forbidden to draw them close to Judaism and bring them into service of God. He cites the mixed multitude that Moshe accepted from the Egyptians, who only caused trouble. God blamed Moshe for naively accepting their bid to join the Exodus. …

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 …

Punishment or Consequence? Bava Kamma 71 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 12th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the well-known Jewish legal principle of a form of double jeopardy; one is not sentenced to be flogged and obligated to pay for the same act. This is also known as Kim ley bederabbah miney - the person takes the more severe punishment and is exempt from additional punishment. Sefer Shama Shelomo (Bereishis) asks, “If so, why did God punish Adam with both mortality and having to eat bread by the sweat of th …

Public Vs Public Confession Kesuvos 84 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 28th, 2022

Does repentance halakhically depend on a verbal itemization in confession, or is it sufficient to simply confess that one has sinned? This is subject to a debate in Yoma (86b) between Rabbi Yehuda ben Bava and Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Akiva holds that it is sufficient to confess sin in general, without specifying each trespass.  Our Gemara on Amud Beis states a general rule regarding halakha and Rabbi Akiva. The halakha is in accordance with Rabbi …

The "Principle-of-the-Thing" Excuse Shabbos 116

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 30th, 2020

Mareh Mekomos 116a for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 116 אָמַר רַבִּי יִשְׁמָעֵאל, קַל וָחוֹמֶר: וּמָה לַעֲשׂוֹת שָׁלוֹם בֵּין אִישׁ לְאִשְׁתּוֹ אָמְרָה תּוֹרָה: שְׁמִי שֶׁנִּכְתַּב בִּקְדוּשָּׁה יִמָּחֶה עַל הַמַּיִם, הַלָּלוּ שֶׁמְּטִילִין קִנְ …

Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 105

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 19th, 2020

Mareh Mekomos for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 105 DAF YOMI from a psychological perspective. Shabbos 105b רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן בֶּן נוּרִי: הַמְקָרֵע בְּגָדָיו בַּחֲמָתוֹ, וְהַמְשַׁבֵּר כֵּלָיו בַּחֲמָתוֹ, וְהַמְפַזֵּר מְעוֹתָיו בַּחֲמָתוֹ, יְהֵא בְּעֵינֶיךָ כְּעוֹבֵד ע …

Psychology of the DAF Shabbos106

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 19th, 2020

Mareh Mekomos for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 106 DAF YOMI from a psychological perspective. Shabbos 106b 106b מַר רַבָּה בַּר רַב הוּנָא: הָכָא בְּצִפּוֹר דְּרוֹר עָסְקִינַן, לְפִי שֶׁאֵינָהּ מְקַבֶּלֶת מָרוּת. דְּתָנָא דְּבֵי רַבִּי יִשְׁמָעֵאל: לָמָּה נִקְרָא שְׁמָהּ ״ …

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 …

Psychological Freedom Gittin 85 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 9th, 2023

The Mishna on Amud Aleph defines the essential characteristic of a Get (Jewish bill of divorce): "You are hereby permitted to marry any man." Lomdishe discussions consider whether this single declaration is sufficient to effect the divorce or if there are two distinct elements involved: the legal transaction of giving over the document and the declaration within the document that finalizes the unencumbrance. While this may appear as a minute anal …

Psychological and Spiritual Anchors Bava Basra 73 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 5th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph delineates the parts of a boat that are included, and those not included in a sale. One part is the anchor, in Hebrew the word is igun. The Mishna gives a proof text from what Na’ami told Rus and Arpah, to discourage them from a quixotic return with her. She says (Rus 1:13): הלהן תשברנה עד אשר יגדלו הלהן תעגנה לבלתי היות לאיש  [Even if I had children in old age] should …

Proto-Torah Observance by the Ancients Kiddushin 62 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 5th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis rules that conversion to Judaism requires a Bais Din of three Jewish judges. Conversion without this criterion is not valid. The Gemara (Sotah 12b) tells us that when the daughter of Pharaoh went to the Nile to bathe, she also wanted to cleanse herself of her family's idolatrous practices. We can either understand this to be how she merited to be the adoptive mother of Moshe, or she intuited that a holy destiny awaited her …

Protecting Others from Your Indulgences Kesuvos 54 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 29th, 2022

  There are instances in life where our personal expression or enjoyment of life should be considered in relation to how it affects others. For example, if you are making a wedding of your youngest child.  On the one hand, it’s your last hurrah and you have come by your money honestly, so why not splurge and enjoy the celebration with many extras such as a larger band, and a more extravagant venue?  Yet, how will this make ot …

Prophetic Dreams and Their Limitations Psychology of the Daf Yomi Gittin 52

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 7th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a situation where Rabbi Meir made a halakhic ruling, but then was confronted in a dream that he was an error. He stuck to his original logical analysis, and disregarded his dream: הָהוּא אַפּוֹטְרוֹפּוֹס דַּהֲוָה בְּשִׁבָבוּתֵיהּ דְּרַבִּי מֵאִיר, דַּהֲוָה קָא מְזַבֵּין אַרְעָתָא וְזָבֵין עַבְדֵי, וְלָא …

Prophecy and Ruach HaKodesh in Modern Times Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 138

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 22nd, 2020

  תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: כְּשֶׁנִּכְנְסוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ לַכֶּרֶם בְּיַבְנֶה אָמְרוּ, עֲתִידָה תּוֹרָה שֶׁתִּשְׁתַּכַּח מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״הִנֵּה יָמִים בָּאִים נְאֻם ה׳ אֱלֹהִים וְהִשְׁלַחְתִּי רָעָב בָּאָרֶץ לֹא רָעָב לַלֶּחֶם וְלֹא צ …

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. …

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 …

Profiting from the Prophets Bava Metzia 64 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses the Hebrew word “Sachar” to describe the potential and likelihood for profit versus loss that one can achieve in a business venture. If he is a silent partner with another by contributing the funds and the other contributes the business efforts, whether it is categorized as charging interest via the profit or merely being in a partnership depends on many factors, including that there is equal or greater l …

Private Property and Propriety Yevamos 54 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on 54b and 55a analyze a Biblical idiom את מקורה הערה “her source was revealed “ (Vayikra 20:18) to teach that the violation of prohibited sexual intercourse is defined by the initial entry, which is defined as some opinions as merely contact of both sexual organs, or the entry of the glans into the vaginal canal. The actual derivation and etymology of the phrase requires some analysis.  Rashi (Bereishis 42: …

Private Needs vs. Public Welfare Eruvin 20 Psychology of the Daf Rabbi Simcha Feuerman LCSW-R, DHL

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 28th, 2020

Eruvin 20 וּמַאי קָא מַשְׁמַע לַן — דְּלָא אָתוּ רַבִּים וּמְבַטְּלִי מְחִיצְתָּא, הָא אֲמַר רַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר חֲדָא זִימְנָא! The Gemara asks: And what is he teaching us by this statement, that the passage of many people does not come and negate the effectiveness of a partition? But Rabbi Elazar stated this idea once before. דִּתְנַן, ר …

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 …

Pressed Grapes Bava Basra 97 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 30th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses processes of wine production and sedimentation. According to some traditions, it was actually wine that was the forbidden fruit of theTree of Knowledge. Bereishis Rabbah (19:5) tells us that Chava squeezed a grape bunch and gave Adam to drink from it.   Note that the Midrash does not say, “gave him to eat from the grapes”, instead it says “squeezed the grapes and gave him to drink wine&rdqu …

Prerequisites for Penitence Kesuvos 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 25th, 2022

How important is regret in the process of repentance? Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the verse in Bamidbar (5:7) דַּבֵּר֮ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ אִ֣ישׁ אֽוֹ־אִשָּׁ֗ה כִּ֤י יַעֲשׂוּ֙ מִכׇּל־חַטֹּ֣את הָֽאָדָ֔ם לִמְעֹ֥ל מַ֖עַל בַּה׳ וְאָֽשְׁמָ֖ה הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִֽוא׃ Speak to the Israelites: When men or women indivi …

Preoccupations Bava Basra 29 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 24th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud aleph discusses that the presumption of ownership established via occupation over three years must be consecutive, and not interrupted by any time of non-occupation.    Sefer Daf al Daf uses this idea to explain a verse more deeply. Regarding the obligations to tithe produce, the verse states (Devarim 14:28):   מקצה שלש שנים תוציא את־כל־מעשר תבואתך בשנה ההוא והנחת בש …

Premonitions of Doom Bava Kamma 50 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 22nd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us the happy and then tragic story “Nechunia, the One Who Dug Cisterns”.  תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: מַעֲשֶׂה בְּבִתּוֹ שֶׁל נְחוּנְיָא חוֹפֵר שִׁיחִין שֶׁנָּפְלָה לְבוֹר גָּדוֹל, בָּאוּ וְהוֹדִיעוּ אֶת רַבִּי חֲנִינָא בֶּן דּוֹסָא. שָׁעָה רִאשׁוֹנָה אָמַר לָה …

Predictions or Warnings? Bava Kamma 55 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 27th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud discusses a portent in a dream when one sees the word “Hesped” “Eulogy” in a written form: וְאָמַר רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן לֵוִי: הָרוֹאֶה הֶסְפֵּד בַּחֲלוֹמוֹ – חָסוּ עָלָיו מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם, וּפְדָאוּהוּ. הָנֵי מִילֵּי בִּכְתָבָא. And Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi says: If one sees a eulo …

Pour on the Effort Kiddushin 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 19th, 2023

In our Gemara on Amud Beis, the discussion centers around whether the Jewish people in the wilderness were obligated to provide accompanying wine libations for their sacrifices, was required in the Temple. This inquiry seems to touch upon practicality, specifically the extent of effort the Torah expected from the Jews to procure wine for these libations in the harsh wilderness conditions. Indeed, though the Torah explicitly mentions that the Jews …

Pounds of Prevention for an Ounce of Cure Nazir 11 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 3rd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a scenario where a person was drinking, or even drunk and declared,”I am a Nazirite from this wine.”  The rabbis ruled that the person only intended to swear off this wine, but not to actually be a Nazir.  Tosafos explains that sometimes when a person is drunk, others tease and goad the person to drink more.  Therefore, in reaction, the person swore off the wine. His intention was not …

Post-Nuptial Agreements and Conditional Divorce Gittin 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 15th, 2023

In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, a scenario is discussed where a man provides a Get (bill of divorce) with the condition that he appease his wife within thirty days. However, despite his efforts, she remains unappeased. Rav Yosef questions whether the man needed to give her an exorbitant gift in order to appease her, suggesting that fulfilling the condition does not require extreme measures. This viewpoint asserts that the divorce is valid because th …

Possessions or Possessed? Bava Basra 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 1st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the legal and mercantile determination of Ayin Yaffa, which we can translate as “generous attitude and terms of sale”. This is expressed in the opinion of Rabbi Akiva, who says:    One who sells, sells generously, and he is presumed to have included in the sale even items that were not explicitly specified. For example, if one sold land and retained ownership of a pit or a cistern. In that …

Portable Homeland of the Jewish People Gittin 44 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 29th, 2023

The Mishna on 43b teaches us that a Jewish master who sells his slave to live outside of Israel is fined by the Rabbis and compelled to set him free. This indicates the Rabbis' recognition of the significant disruption to the spiritual life of the slave when forced to live outside of Israel. It is noteworthy that even the spiritual well-being of a slave is held in high regard. Additionally, the Mishna states that if a Jewish master sells his slav …

Poetic Justice Gittin 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 18th, 2023

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses one of the most unusual executive powers accorded to the Rabbis of the Sanhedrin to enforce certain critical social norms and functioning. There are times where they are able to annul a marriage that would technically still be binding according to strict Torah law (though poskim debate the lomdus of the exact halakhic mechanism). In order to allow for the smooth functioning of society, certain overrides were put …

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 …

Plenty of Other Joes Out There

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 28th, 2021

Is it not enough to be a moral person? Is there any added value in being Jewish beyond the essentials of morality found within cultural heritage and traditions? Meaning, can a person, albeit in a less predetermined manner, achieve the same morality and spiritual accomplishments just by living a good life and being a good person? Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us that Rav Yosef would especially celebrate on Shavuous. Rav Yosef declared that if not …

Pledging During a Crisis Nedarim 80 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 13th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a concept that we have seen many times throughout Nedarim, namely, that vows are generally considered actions of the non-righteous. They are more often, impulsive, angry acts that do not represent the person's spiritual standing or ability to consistently follow the demands of the extra extension. This is why there is a phrase נדרי רשעים the oaths of the wicked, because generally speaking, they are not c …

Pleasure and Good are Not the Same Nedarim 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 12th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a scenario where a person makes an oath to not benefit from the person, is forbidden from benefiting from any of the community property. Included in this community property is the Shul and the scrolls (what we would call books, but they didn’t have books or codexes in those days.)  The commentaries raise a question as to why it would be forbidden to benefit from the Shul or the Sefarim as there is a p …

Playing the Field Bava Basra 103 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 6th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the verse that describes the Biblically mandated process of redeeming a field that one declared hekdesh (consecrating it for the Temple treasury). It is redeemed according to a standardized scale of fifty shekels of silver per an area fit to sow a ḥomer of barley.   Mei HaShiloach (Volume II, Leviticus, Bechukosai) wonders about the purpose of this process. Why would the Torah enshrine a process of the owner …

Pinpoint Analysis Kiddushin 26 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 8th, 2023

In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, a discussion arises regarding the concept of "kinyan agav karka," which pertains to the acquisition of movable property through the acquisition of land. The question at hand is whether the movable property must physically be present on the parcel of land being acquired: אִיבַּעְיָא לְהוּ: בָּעֵינַן צְבוּרִים, אוֹ לָא? אָמַר רַב יוֹסֵף: תָּא שְׁמַע: רַב …

Pillar of the Community Chaggigah 12 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 20th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us that the World stands on Twelve pillars, then cites an opinion that it stands on seven pillars, and concludes with the opinion that it stands on only one pillar. That one pillar is known as the “Tzaddik Foundation of the World”. Of course such cryptic statements beg interpretation. The Maharal Be’er Hagolah (6:8) explains that the material world can only be sustained from the spiritual forces flo …

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 …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 7th, 2021

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

Pesachim 62 Wonder Women Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 22nd, 2021

Should any woman, on the basis of her gender, refrain from studying Torah?  If a woman does study Torah, what status can she achieve?  Can she become a Talmid Chacham and would people treat her as such? Our Gemara toward the end of amud beis mentions Beruriah, the daughter of Rav Chananya ben Tradyon and wife of Rabbi Meir. She was a great Torah scholar who learned three hundred Halachos from three hundred rabbis in one day. She is even …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 9th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 4th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 12th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 17th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 15th, 2021

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

Pesachim 120 What Is Healthy Sleep? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 21st, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 10th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 3rd, 2021

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

Pesachim 75 To Even Love the Sinner Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 4th, 2021

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

Pesachim 57 Things Do NOT Go According to the Plan Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 22nd, 2021

Our Gemara (toward bottom of amud aleph) discusses the sins of the sons of Eyli, cohanim right at the beginning of the prophet Shmuel’s ascendancy. Though Gemara Shabbos (55b) says that the Sons of Eyli did not sin in such a grave manner as to actually commit adultery which is literally in the text, Rashi (Op. Cit.) says they indeed did sin in terms of inappropriately confiscating the sacrificial meats. The sons of Eyli and all their descen …

Pesachim 92 The Walking Dead Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 20th, 2021

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

Pesachim 72 The Underdog Principle Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 1st, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 8th, 2021

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

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

Pesachim 52 The Power of Imagination Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 12th, 2021

The Gemara quotes a verse in Hoshea (4:12) that criticizes the Jews for taking counsel from a staff and rod. What does this mean ? Rashi (Devarim 18:10) says that people would hold a stick and somehow see which way it tended to point, offering magical guidance of which road to take. A kind of Bronze Age GPS system. This must be something similar to the ancient practice of dowsing, where Y shaped wooden branch was used to search for water or preci …

Pesachim 55 The Heart and the Mind Must Work Together Psych of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 15th, 2021

The Mishna (55b) describes several irregular practices of the people of Jericho, some that the sages specifically objected to, while others tolerated. One custom was that they would “fold Krias Shema”, which according to some explanations, meant they would say the first sentence “Hear O Israel etc”, and the second sentence “And you shall love Hashem etc”, consecutively without inserting “Boruch Shem kvod …

Pesachim 54 The Essence of Psychotherapy Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 14th, 2021

The Gemara quotes one of my favorite pesukim of all time. It is found in Mishle (20:5): מַ֣יִם עֲ֭מֻקִּים עֵצָ֣ה בְלֶב־אִ֑ישׁ וְאִ֖ישׁ תְּבוּנָ֣ה יִדְלֶֽנָּה׃ The designs in a man’s mind are deep waters,  But a man of understanding can draw them out. Many commentaries such as Ibn Ezra, Alshich and Malbim note the process described in this verse. The ideas and wisdom in one …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 12th, 2021

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

Pesachim 51 The Danger of Panic Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 11th, 2021

The Gemara quotes the verse (Vayikra 25:20) referring to the Shemittah year: וְכִ֣י תֹאמְר֔וּ מַה־נֹּאכַ֤֖ל בַּשָּׁנָ֣ה הַשְּׁבִיעִ֑ת הֵ֚ן לֹ֣א נִזְרָ֔ע וְלֹ֥א נֶאֱסֹ֖ף אֶת־תְּבוּאָתֵֽנוּ׃ And should you ask, “What are we to eat in the seventh year, if we may neither sow nor gather in our crops?” There are some basic textual problems: …

Pesachim 67 The Consequences of Isolation Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 27th, 2021

Is quarantine and enforced isolation disempowering? When forced to disengage from the community are you a strictly a victim, or is there something redeeming about the experience?  No one wished Corona on anyone, but many will talk about unforeseen benefits of temporary lockdowns and working from home on family relationships and personal stress reduction. The content of today’s daf is filled with religiously prescribed social and geogra …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 5th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 19th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 14th, 2021

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

Pesachim 37 Spiritual Ego States Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 28th, 2020

  Our Gemara brings a prooftext from the verse in Vayikra (26:26) that describes the famine-like conditions that would befall the Jewish people if they do not follow in G-d’s ways: בְּשִׁבְרִ֣י לָכֶם֮ מַטֵּה־לֶחֶם֒ וְ֠אָפוּ עֶ֣שֶׂר נָשִׁ֤ים לַחְמְכֶם֙ בְּתַנּ֣וּר אֶחָ֔ד וְהֵשִׁ֥יבוּ לַחְמְכֶ֖ם בַּמִּשְׁקָ֑ל וַאֲכַל …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 11th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 16th, 2021

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

Pesachim 74 Secrets of Extraordinary People Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 3rd, 2021

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

Pesachim 112 Second Marriages How to Succeed Psychology & the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 12th, 2021

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

Pesachim 105 Second Chance Sacrament Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 5th, 2021

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

Pesachim 40 Safety Measures Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 31st, 2020

The Gemara mentions a popular saying of their time, “לֵךְ לְךָ אָמְרִינַן נְזִירָא, סְחוֹר סְחוֹר, לְכַרְמָא לָא תִּקְרַב״. Go around, go around, and do not approach the vineyard, they say to the nazirite.” This adage is used countless times in halakhic literature to support the importance of creating safety nets around prohibited item. Just as the Nazir is advised to stay awa …

Pesachim 39 Sadly, We Can Get Used to Anything Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 30th, 2020

The Gemara tells us that Marror, the bitter herb, mimics the enslavement in Egypt. It started out soft but became harsh. Ritva on the Haggadah explains that the work became gradually more oppressive.  Similarly, the Gemara (Sota 11a) describes the sly way in which the Egyptians convinced the Jews to enter into service: They brought a brick mold and they hung it on the neck of Pharaoh to create the appearance that he was also participating in …

Pesachim 59 Respect for the Sinner Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 22nd, 2021

The Gemara notes (toward the top of amud beis) that the owners of the sacrifice achieve their forgiveness via the priests eating from the korban. The Ramah (Toras HaOlah II:25) discusses a number of features of the Asham and Chattas sacrifices that show a beautiful regard for human dignity.  Since these were sin offerings and the consumption of the sacrificial meats achieved the forgiveness, the Torah made certain restrictions to spare embar …

Pesachim 94 Reality is a Persistent Illusion Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 22nd, 2021

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

Pesachim 38 Put Off Procrastinating Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 29th, 2020

The Gemara brings a prooftext from the verse in Shemos (12:17) about the requirement to guard the matzos during the process of preparation.  And you shall guard the matzot (Exodus 12:17). This verse teaches that one may use only matza that has been guarded from becoming leavened for the purpose of matza, i.e., with the intention of fulfilling one’s obligation of matza with it. ״וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת הַמַּצּוֹת״ …

Pesachim 86 Prove Your Love Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 15th, 2021

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

Pesachim 48 Pornography in Modern Times Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 8th, 2021

The Gemara references a pasuk in Devarim 7:26, which states: You must not bring an abhorrent thing into your house, or you will be proscribed like it; you must reject it as abominable and abhorrent, for it is proscribed. וְלֹא־תָבִ֤יא תֽוֹעֵבָה֙ אֶל־בֵּיתֶ֔ךָ וְהָיִ֥יתָ חֵ֖רֶם כָּמֹ֑הוּ שַׁקֵּ֧ץ ׀ תְּשַׁקְּצֶ֛נּוּ וְתַעֵ֥ב ׀ תְּֽתַעֲבֶ֖נּו …

Pesachim 118 Planetary Catastrophe Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 19th, 2021

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

Pesachim 50 Phenomenology for Dummies Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 10th, 2021

The Gemara quotes a verse in Zecharia 14:6 which alludes to a special light that will manifest itself in the post messianic era. What is the nature of this light?  The Mey HaShiloah offers an interesting explanation: Light in the material world is only meaningful by contrast with darkness. After all, we would be just as blind in a world filled with light and no darkness as we would be in a dark world. In fact, the opening of Maseches Pesachi …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 25th, 2021

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

Pesachim 121 Overvalued Beliefs Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 22nd, 2021

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

Pesachim 49 Ordinary Everyday Sexual Trauma Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 8th, 2021

The Gemara offers important advice: תַּנְיָא, הָיָה רַבִּי מֵאִיר אוֹמֵר: כׇּל הַמַּשִּׂיא בִּתּוֹ לְעַם הָאָרֶץ, כְּאִילּוּ כּוֹפְתָהּ וּמַנִּיחָהּ לִפְנֵי אֲרִי. מָה אֲרִי דּוֹרֵס וְאוֹכֵל, וְאֵין לוֹ בּוֹשֶׁת פָּנִים — אַף עַם הָאָרֶץ מַכֶּה וּבוֹעֵל, וְא …

Pesachim 42 Opposites Can be the Same Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 1st, 2021

The Gemara quotes the famous verse said prophetically about Yaakov and Esav, (Bereishis 25:23): וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה לָ֗הּ שְׁנֵ֤י גיים [גוֹיִם֙] בְּבִטְנֵ֔ךְ וּשְׁנֵ֣י לְאֻמִּ֔ים מִמֵּעַ֖יִךְ יִפָּרֵ֑דוּ וּלְאֹם֙ מִלְאֹ֣ם יֶֽאֱמָ֔ץ וְרַ֖ב יַעֲבֹ֥ד צָעִֽיר׃ and the LORD answered her,  “Two nations a …

Pesachim 110 OCD and Superstitious Sugyos Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 11th, 2021

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

Pesachim 41 Not Hearing or Not Listening? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 1st, 2021

The Gemara uses a phrase that occurs 20 times in Shas: אֲמַר לֵיהּ: לָא שְׁמִיעַ לִי, כְּלוֹמַר לָא סְבִירָא לִי. He said to him: I did not hear about this statement; that is to say, I do not hold in accordance with it.  I would say, the best translation is “I did not hear of this”, and then the Gemara’s narrator interjects, “That is to say, he does not agree with it.&rdq …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 5th, 2021

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

Pesachim 43 More than Skin Deep Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 3rd, 2021

The Gemara describes various women’s cosmetics and if they are kosher for Passover. Kind of like a Babylonian OU Passover Guide. The purpose of these cosmetics according to this Gemara was to remove body hair and soften the skin.  I would like to say, it goes without saying that the Gemara considered it a perfectly normal expression of human behavior for women to want to look beautiful, and take pains to do so. However, it does not see …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 10th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 19th, 2021

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

Pesachim 117 Joyful or Somber? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 18th, 2021

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

Pesachim 71 It Takes A Lot of Mesiras Nefesh to Have Fun Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 31st, 2021

What does the term “Pure Joy” mean? Does this connote that the Joy is undiluted with sadness or other negativity, or does this connote that the intention is pure. The Gemara on amud aleph quotes the verse about rejoicing on Yom Tov (Devarim 16:15):  שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֗ים תָּחֹג֙ לַיהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ בַּמָּק֖וֹם אֲשֶׁר־יִבְחַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה כִּ֣י יְבָרֶכְ …

Pesachim 69 It Is Easier to Bleed than Sweat Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 29th, 2021

When is it normal to sacrifice and risk one’s own well being? How do you know the difference between noble and self-destructive? The Gemara (end of amud aleph) notes that even a routine bris milah in a healthy child induces a state of danger. This got me thinking about mitzvos we perform that viewed from a physical perspective are “unhealthy” but are still mandated. Here are a few: Childbirth and labor, though a routine part of …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 26th, 2021

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

Pesachim 56 Is the Cure Worse than the Disease? Psych of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 15th, 2021

The Mishna toward the top of amud aleph mentions that King Chizkyahu hid the Book of Remedies. Most of the commentaries such as Rashi understood Chizkiyahu’s deed as follows: There existed a book of cures, herbs and the like amongst the Jewish people, passed down as an ancient tradition from Solomon. Almost every ancient indigenous culture had oral and written traditions of various herbal remedies, many of them being rediscovered today as e …

Pesachim 64 Integrity at All Cost Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 25th, 2021

Sometimes we are in situations where the cost of publically standing tall and defending our beliefs are great. What does it take to be steadfast and consistent in your beliefs, despite all social pressures?  Who in Jewish history can we draw strength as role models? Our Gemara (amud beis) in passing alludes to the remarkable story of Akvaya ben Mehallal-El, as described in more detail in Mishna Eduyos (5:6-7). It begins with a dispute betwee …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 1st, 2021

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

Pesachim 61 I Said “I Love You” Already! Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 22nd, 2021

Maharal (netzach yisrael 48) compared אנכי ה in the עשרת הדברות to אנכי אנכי הוא מנחמכם from ישעיה נא. In the עשרת הדברות which is about Hashem’s essence it is necessary to say “I” only once. In Hebrew אנכי is a stronger “I” than “אני״. Compare the English word “me” to “ I”. However in the prophecy of the future there is a doubling …

Pesachim 70 I Can't Get No Satisfaction Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 29th, 2021

Can one feel content and still not be satisfied with the status quo?   Can a person work hard to change yet also practice acceptance? The Gemara on the top of amud Aleph refers to the unique Requirement that the Paschal lamb be eaten in a state of satiation. Actually it must be, as the Meiri points out, not in a state of being stuffed and unable to eat. Rather in a state bordering on full, which will become full with the consumption of the o …

Pesachim 89 How to Motivate Children Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 18th, 2021

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

Pesachim 77 Hitting Rock Bottom Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 5th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 21st, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 2nd, 2021

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

Pesachim 104 Fountain of Youth Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 5th, 2021

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

Pesachim 88 Feeling at Home Inside Yourself Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 17th, 2021

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

Pesachim 36 Face Facts Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 27th, 2020

Our Gemara brings a prooftext from the verse in Bereishis (43:34) that describes the gifts that Yosef gave to his brothers, and Binyamin, once they had reconciled: וַיִּשָּׂ֨א מַשְׂאֹ֜ת מֵאֵ֣ת פָּנָיו֮ אֲלֵהֶם֒ וַתֵּ֜רֶב מַשְׂאַ֧ת בִּנְיָמִ֛ן מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת כֻּלָּ֖ם חָמֵ֣שׁ יָד֑וֹת וַיִּשְׁתּ֥וּ וַֽיִּשְׁכְּר֖וּ עִ …

Pesachim 65 Existential Choice and Circumstance Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 25th, 2021

Why do we become who we are? Is it choice? Is it because of the family and circumstances we were born into? Do we end up doing what we choose, or what G-d needs us to do to fulfill His plans for the world? The Paschal Sacrifice was brought in the Bais HaMikdash via three shifts, by halakhic mandate. That is, the entire population of Jews who came to bring the sacrifice would be divided into three shifts in the courtyard of the Temple, presumably …

Pesachim 47 Erev Shabbos Madness Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 7th, 2021

The Gemara quotes a verse about the Manna, which it uses as a basis to prohibit preparing on Yom Tov for Shabbos, but by default also indicating the importance of preparing before Shabbos for Shabbos. וְהָיָה֙ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁ֔י וְהֵכִ֖ינוּ אֵ֣ת אֲשֶׁר־יָבִ֑יאוּ וְהָיָ֣ה מִשְׁנֶ֔ה עַ֥ל אֲשֶֽׁר־יִלְקְט֖וּ י֥וֹם ׀ יֽוֹם׃ (Shemos 16:5) …

Pesachim 106 Early Warning System Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 7th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 23rd, 2021

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

Pesachim 80 Diversity within Community Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 8th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 26th, 2021

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

Pesachim 53 Customized Judaism Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 13th, 2021

The Gemara notes two competing customs on Yom Kippur, those who light candles and those who do not. Both customs are derived from the same purpose, which is either by omission or commission of light to remind couples that marital relations are forbidden on Yom Kippur. The Ishbitzer in his Mei HaShiloach commentary (see Devarim 13 and Bereishis 7) quotes this Gemara to make philosophical point about the intentions and fulfillment of the mitzvos. T …

Pesachim 115 Curiosity and Childhood Academic Success Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 12th, 2021

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

Pesachim 44 Cruise Control Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 4th, 2021

The Gemara discusses that we learn from the verse by Nazir which prohibits bread soaked in wine two possible halakhic ideas. The first principle is Ta’am Keikar, that taste is forbidden like the actual wine itself. The second is heter mitztaref le-issuer, that permitted food matter and forbidden food matter can combine to form a kzayis of forbidden food, even when technically there isn’t a full kzayis of forbidden substance. The Noam …

Pesachim 91 Changing Times but Unchanging Principles Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 19th, 2021

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

Pesachim 45 Champions are Brilliant at the Basics Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 5th, 2021

Champions are Brilliant at the Basics: John Wooden Rav Yosef makes an interesting exclamation, which essentially translates as, “Have the Tannaim been removed from the world?” Meaning, why is it not possible to attribute the contradiction to two different Tannaitic opinions? This unique phrase occurs five times in Shas, and always coming from Rav Yosef. We should wonder what might be unique about Rav Yosef that he had a habit of using …

Pesachim 63 Can the Mind Bear What the Heart Feels? Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 22nd, 2021

Man is a creature at war with himself. Your heart wants one thing, your mind tells you you should want something else. What are we to do and stay sane?  The Gemara discusses the halakhic concept of Piv V’lebo Shavim, the requirement that certain declarations are only valid if the intention and the words correspond. For example, if one declares something to be Teruma but meant to say maaser.  Notwithstanding the lomdus and halakha, …

Pesachim 60 But...No Buts! Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 22nd, 2021

The Gemara discusses the sugya of Tefos L’shon Rishon, which is a complex analysis of how do we understand the intent and enactment of a statement made, that has two contradictory parts.  The opinion of Tefos L’shon Rishon is that either we assume that his primary intent was in his first words, or that his first words become activated and that whatever is said second does not have power.  While this may be true in lomdus, in …

Pesachim 85 Beyond the Iron Curtain Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 14th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 28th, 2021

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

Pesachim 66 Angry Personality Disorder Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 26th, 2021

Is getting angry just a bad habit and a poor character trait, or does it cause worse damage? Is anger only a problem if it comes out in aggression, or is a state of rage morally problematic, even if physically kept in check?  The Gemara in Shabbos (105b) warns: Rabbi Shimon ben Elazar says in the name of Ḥilfa bar Agra, who said in the name of Rabbi Yoḥanan ben Nuri: One who rends his garments in his anger, or who breaks his vessels in h …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 2nd, 2021

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

Perspectives and Humility: Unraveling Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi's Expression Gittin 39 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 23rd, 2023

In our Gemara on Amud Beis, there is a phrase quoted that is used almost exclusively by Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi, the Compiler of the Mishna. Rabbi Rosner's recorded Daf Yomi Shiur on this daf from the previous cycle brought attention to this unique usage (אומר אני). Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi introduces his halakhic argument with the phrase "I say." Unlike other Tannaim and Amoraim, he uniquely employs this expression (see Meleches Shlomo, Mishna Ara …

Personal Touch Kesuvos 112 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 26th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about the various ways the sages expressed their love for the Land of Israel: רַבִּי אַבָּא מְנַשֵּׁק כֵּיפֵי דְעַכּוֹ. רַבִּי חֲנִינָא מְתַקֵּן מַתְקָלַיָּה Rabbi Abba would kiss the rocks of Akko, which was on the coast of Eretz Yisrael. Rabbi Ḥanina would repair its stumbling blocks, i.e., any potholes in the land, so that travelers would …

Personal Bias and Self-Awareness Bava Basra 164 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 6th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud aleph discusses various circumstances where a parchment that was erased can be reused without being vulnerable to forgery. Ordinarily, with the technology of Talmudic times, one couldn’t inkwash the contract and remove or add clauses without the discoloration being noticeable, thus signifying potential forgery. But, if the entire parchment was written on erased material, the Gemara says it would be a valid contract since …

Performing Under Pressure: Cultivating Focus and Wisdom Gittin 67 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 21st, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph delves into the virtues of various sages, including Rabbi Yehuda, who is peculiarly described as "wise when he wishes to be" (חָכָם לִכְשֶׁיִּרְצֶה). Rashi's interpretation of this phrase does not seem particularly praiseworthy, but to answer this, Tosafos adds that it implies Rabbi Yehuda can surpass Rabbi Meir (who was mentioned earlier) in wisdom when he puts in extra effort. So it is about Rav Yehu …

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 …

Pent and Re-Pent Yevamos 7 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 14th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis references a verse, (Vayikra 7:7), “ כַּֽחַטָּאת֙ כָּֽאָשָׁ֔ם The guilt offering is like the sin offering”, and discusses features, differences and similarities of the sin offering in comparison to the guilt offering. Roughly, a sin offering (chattas) is brought for sins committed without awareness of the prohibition, that would have incurred kares if done intentionally (Rambam laws of un …

Pearls of Wisdom Yevamos 92 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 7th, 2022

Our Gemara on amud beis quotes an interesting idiom: Rabbi Yannai said to Rabbi Yoḥanan: Had I not lifted the earthenware shard for you, would you have discovered the pearl [marganita] beneath it? Rabbi Yannai was referring to the fact that his teaching inspired Rabbi Yochanan to notice a Mishna that was “hiding in plain sight” which really made the same point as his teaching. Tosafos (Bava Metzia 17b, “Iy Lav”) explains …

Peace at Any Price Yevamos 109 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 24th, 2022

Arguments and quarrels are ubiquitous in human nature, but also destructive and corrosive.  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us: A person should always cling to three things and distance himself from three things. He should cling to three things: To ḥalitza rather than levirate marriage, to bringing about peace, and to the nullification of vows. And he should distance himself from three things: From refusal (miyun performed to nullify certai …

Peace At Any Price? Bava Kamma 106 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 16th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud aleph discusses a scenario when a defendant swears falsely, and later is proven to have lied, certain exemptions of liabilities remain in effect nonetheless. The idea is that having made the oath, there was a certain settlement between the owner and him. Even though the oath was false, certain liabilities are dismissed by the act of swearing itself, almost in exchange for making the oath, true or not.   The derivation for …

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 …

Pay Attention Before It’s Too Late Sotah 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 31st, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us:  רַבִּי אוֹמֵר לָמָּה נִסְמְכָה פָּרָשַׁת נָזִיר לְפָרָשַׁת סוֹטָה לוֹמַר לָךְ שֶׁכׇּל הָרוֹאֶה סוֹטָה בְּקִלְקוּלָהּ יַזִּיר עַצְמוֹ מִן הַיַּיִן Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi says: Why is the portion of a nazirite (Numbers, chapter 6) placed adjacent to the portion of a sota (Numbers, chap …

Pathological Debt Gittin 46 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 30th, 2023

In our Gemara on Amud Beis, we encounter a compelling narrative involving a family trapped in a cycle of accumulating debts due to their habitual and negligent financial management. The dire consequences of their actions resulted in their captivity at the hands of gentile creditors. Although redeeming captives is generally considered a supreme mitzvah, the sages, in this case, declined to intervene due to their perception of the family as neglige …

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 …

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 …

Passive Aggressiveness Shabbos 111

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 25th, 2020

Mareh Mekomos for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 111 DAF YOMI from a psychological perspective. Mareh Mekomos 111 משלי י:כו כַּחֹ֤מֶץ ׀ לַשִּׁנַּ֗יִם וְכֶעָשָׁ֥ן לָעֵינָ֑יִם כֵּ֥ן הֶ֝עָצֵ֗ל לְשֹׁלְחָֽיו׃ Like vinegar to the teeth, Like smoke to the eyes, Is a lazy man to those who send him on a mission Alshich ibid דאית ביה …

Parental Guidance Suggested Gittin 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 7th, 2023

On this Daf, there are two seemingly unrelated passages that can be metaphorically related to prayer and spirituality. Let's examine each teaching both in its literal halakhic sense and its allegorical meaning. In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, there is a discussion about a pot whose roots extend through a hole into the land of Israel, while all the branches are outside the land. The question arises: What is the status of the fruits, and are they obli …

Paradise Lost Nazir 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 27th, 2023

Our Gemara on amud aleph seems to indicate that Kiddush with wine is part of the Deoraysa (Biblical) mitzvah of declaring Shabbos, and not merely a rabbinic requirement.  Therefore, it may be that one would not be able to fulfill the Biblical obligation of Kiddush Friday night without wine (although this is subject to debate, compare the mefaresh “Harey Mushba”, 4b with Tosafos. Also see Rabbenu Tam, Sefer Hayashar 62.) If we are …

“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 …

Owning Your Intentions Kesuvos 55 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 30th, 2022

What does it mean to own something? Is a possession just something that belongs to you, or is there some kind of metaphysical valence that an object takes on when you possess it?  There would seem to be a certain significance attached to objects based on their owners, for example, we have a teaching that even the animals of the righteous do not commit transgressions (see Chulin 7a). Or, that certain food utensils must be immersed in the Mikv …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 13th, 2021

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

Overcoming A Sinful Habit Bava Kamma 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 28th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the change in liability of an animal that already had been exposed to food that it ate after falling into a garden.  Even if ordinarily the owner might be exempted from paying for what the animal eats if he took ordinary and reasonable measures to prevent it from breaking into another’s property, if this animal comes back to this garden, the owner will still be liable.  The Gemara says that since …

Out of Step, But Plenty of Soul Bava Kamma 59 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 31st, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis relates an interesting story about Rabbi Eliezer Ze’eira: Rabbi Eliezer Ze’eira was wearing black shoes, unlike the Jewish custom of that time, and standing in the market of Neharde’a. Officials of the house of the Exilarch found him and said to him: What is different about you that causes you to wear these shoes? He said to them: I am wearing them because I am in mourning over the destruction of the Temp …

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 …

Our Inner Exile Sotah 15 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 9th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis notes that the Sotah’s sacrifice is made of barley, which is considered animal food. The Gemara exhorts: She conducted herself in a beastly manner, therefore her sacrifice is that of a beastly food. It is important for us to reflect when reading such statements that they are not only for the Sotah, but are for all of us. Let us recall what we have learned on the first page of this Masechta: “Whoever sees the So …

Ostentatiousness and Humility Bava Basra 175 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 17th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references a social and psychological principle that a person is reluctant to appear excessively wealthy. This has halakhic implications, as it may lead a person on his deathbed to declare fictional debts in front of others in order to give the impression of having fewer assets, even though he does not actually owe them. As a safeguard, halakha requires specific language that clearly directs the debt to be paid, rather th …

Original Sin Bava Metzia 102 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 9th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses how to evaluate a phrase that is part of a contractual agreement and mildly contradicts another part of the contract. For example if a contract states: “Twelve gold coins a year, one gold coin per month,” what is the annual rent during a Hebrew leap year, 12 or 13 gold coins?   The lomdus revolves around if the second clause clarifies and overrides the import of the first clause, or does the firs …

Opposite and Helpful Nedarim 52 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 16th, 2022

There is a landmark lomdishe Ran on Amud Aleph that discusses in-depth the Torah logic regarding bitul, which means the way in which certain unkosher or forbidden substances can be nullified in larger amounts. One of the principles he establishes is the idea behind the opinion which holds that like matters cannot be subject to bitul, nullification, in contradistinction to two different matters. (שיטת רבי יהודה שמין במינו אי …

Only the Shadow Knows Yevamos 122 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 7th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tried to determine if a disembodied voice that was heard could be trusted as valid testimony. One of the concerns is this voice may have come from a demon instead of a human, and so a process to discern between a true human or a demon is necessary. The Gemara asserts that a demon’s shadow is different than a human’s shadow. While both may cast a shadow, a human’s shadow is capable of having a shadow on t …

Only the Shadow Knows Gittin 66 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 21st, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph delves into the distinction between a person and a demon by examining their shadows. While a person can cast a shadow and even have an additional shadow, a demon can only have one shadow, not two. What does this distinction truly mean? Casting shadows symbolizes having influence or indirect effects. In this light, a shadow of a shadow represents an even more indirect effect. Perhaps, the teaching suggests that demons are …

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 …

One-Sided Unconditional Love Kiddushin 36 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 18th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph delves into the intricate relationship between God and the Jewish people, particularly when the latter stray from their divine path: תַנְיָא: ״בָּנִים אַתֶּם לַה׳ אֱלֹהֵיכֶם״, בִּזְמַן שֶׁאַתֶּם נוֹהֲגִים מִנְהַג בָּנִים – אַתֶּם קְרוּיִם בָּנִים, אֵין אַתֶּם נוֹהֲגִים מִנְהַג בָּנִים &nd …

One Punishment is Enough Pesachim 29 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 20th, 2020

The Gemara here discusses the concept of קים ליה בדרבה מיניה which is the following principle: If someone does a prohibited action that entails both a mortally severe punishment (such as heavenly death decree) and a financial penalty, he is exempted from the financial penalty. For example, someone commits an act of theft while simultaneously taking the object from a private domain to a public domain, since he is mortally liable fo …

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 …

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 …

On Loan from God Bava Metzia 36 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 4th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the curious Halacha that there are times when one watchman can hand over the object to another watchman and be completely dismissed of any further obligation, even without the owner’s expressed consent.   The phrase used is Shomer Shemasar Leshomer. Midrash Shmuel on Avos (1:1) notes that the Hebrew word “massar” (M-S-R) “to give” has a different connotation than the Hebrew wor …

On Loan From God Bava Kamma 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 29th, 2023

Our gemara on Amud Beis discusses the four categories of watchmen: The persons who watches for no fee  The person who watches for a fee The person who borrows The person who rents The first three as described in the Torah, and rabbinically derived from various derashos, bear increasing responsibility commensurate with the amount of benefit derived. Thus, the Free Watchman is only liable for neglect, but not theft. While the Hired Watchman …

On Day at a Time Chaggigah 17 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 25th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph mentions a hermeneutical principle that also is used metaphorically:
תָּפַשְׂתָּ מְרוּבֶּה לֹא תָּפַשְׂתָּ תָּפַשְׂתָּ מוּעָט תָּפַשְׂתָּ If you grasped too much, you did not grasp anything; if you grasped a smaller amount, then you grasped something.
In the hermeneutical sense, if there is an equal interpretive option to derive from a verse a large …

Old Fights, Are They Water Under the Bridge? Bava Kama 76 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 17th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud discusses the concept that certain actions that are pending, can be considered in a legal sense, as if already performed. Rabbi Shimon holds that any blood that is ready to be sprinkled is considered as though it had already been sprinkled, and likewise, any animal that is ready to be redeemed is considered as if it had already been redeemed. The idea that potential becomes actual is a symbolic spiritual notion. The Shalah (Vav …

Oily Intervention for Off the Derech Olives Bava Metzia 105 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 11th, 2024

  Our Gemara defines what the Mishna means by the term “Paritze Zeisim”, literally translated as, “brazen, disobedient olives.   מַאי פָּרִיצֵי זֵיתִים? אָמַר רַב הוּנָא: רִשְׁעֵי זֵיתִים. אָמַר רַב יוֹסֵף: וּמַאי קְרָאָה – ״[וּבְנֵי] פָּרִיצֵי עַמְּךָ יִנַּשְּׂאוּ לְהַעֲמִיד חֲזוֹן וְ …

Of Course You Will…Bava Kamma 100 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 9th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph derives the ethical directive to go beyond the letter of the law, Lifnim Mishuras Hadin, from the following verse (Shemos 18:20):   וְהִזְהַרְתָּ֣ה אֶתְהֶ֔ם אֶת־הַחֻקִּ֖ים וְאֶת־הַתּוֹרֹ֑ת וְהוֹדַעְתָּ֣ לָהֶ֗ם אֶת־הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ יֵ֣לְכוּ בָ֔הּ וְאֶת־הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר יַעֲשֽׂוּן &nbs …

Occupied Territories Nazir 65 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 29th, 2023

 Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a verse about Yaakov’s burial wishes as a proof text that requires a portion of the nearby earth to be taken along with a disinterred corpse, when it is being transferred to another grave (Bereishis 47:30): וְשָֽׁכַבְתִּי֙ עִם־אֲבֹתַ֔י וּנְשָׂאתַ֙נִי֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם וּקְבַרְתַּ֖נִי בִּקְבֻרָתָ֑ם וַיֹּאמַ֕ר אָנ …

Occupied Territories Bava Basra 28 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 23rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the ruling that testimony that one occupied a field or home for three years consecutively without any claims, it establishes a presumption of ownership. Yet this chazakah is only used to support a valid claim, such as, “I purchased this land many years ago and lost the bill of sale.” But if he makes no claim other than he occupied it with no challenges, even if he had testimony that he lived there for …

Observant Judaism Or Is It Absorbent Judaism? Bava Basra 59 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 23rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes verse in Koheles (4:12):    “A threefold twine does not quickly snap.”   The basic idea is that something threefold and intertwined has tensile strength that is beyond any single strand. There are numerous aggados that utilize this truth about material and physical properties and apply them to the spiritual. Our Gemara suggests that when there are three generations of Torah study in a fam …

Objects are Closer than They Appear Kiddushin 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 18th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses a derasha from the verses that describe Jewish divorce to learn a methodology for accomplishing matrimony: אָמַר קְרָא: ״וְיָצְאָה״ ״וְהָיְתָה״ – מַקִּישׁ הֲוָיָה לִיצִיאָה: מָה יְצִיאָה בִּשְׁטָר – אַף הֲוָיָה נָמֵי בִּשְׁטָר.  The verse states: “And she leaves his house and goes and becomes ano …

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 …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 24th, 2021

Our Gemara on Amud Beis mentions the famous Yalta, who was Rav Nachman’s wife and the Nasi’s daughter (see Rashi Gittin 67a). Although ordinarily it’s forbidden to travel on a litter on Yom Tov because it is too conspicuous and resembles weekday activity, they permitted Yalta to be carried this way. She was given this dispensation possibly because she was engaged in community service or that in this regard she had the status of …

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 …

Early Sexual Trauma in Marriage Kesuvos 22 & 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 28th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph and Beis, discusses a situation where a woman told her husband that she was a niddah, and then later retracted.  The issue is, can we believe her retraction or must she go through a process of counting and Mikvah as if she really was a niddah.  The basic halakha is that if she gives a credible explanation for why she falsely claimed to be a niddah, even though she wasn’t, she is believed.  Notably, an …

Not So Respectful Discourse Kiddushin 44 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 26th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph relates a scene that occurred in the Beis Midrash where Reish Lakish was screaming like a "cruchia" bird, and no one paid attention to his halakhic argument. What was this "cruchia" bird? Some translate it as a crane, which apparently makes a very loud cawing sound. However, Rashi here identifies it as an Agur. Elsewhere, an Agur bird is identified with a parrot (see Radak Yirmiyahu 8:7. Radak himself learns that "cruchia …

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 …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 21st, 2021

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

Non-Toxic Intoxication Eruvin 64 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 9th, 2020

  אָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר שְׁמוּאֵל: שָׁתָה רְבִיעִית יַיִן — אַל יוֹרֶה. אָמַר רַב נַחְמָן: לָא מְעַלְּיָא הָא שְׁמַעְתָּא, דְּהָא אֲנָא כֹּל כַּמָּה דְּלָא שָׁתֵינָא רְבִיעֵתָא דְּחַמְרָא — לָא צִילָא דַּעְתַּאי. However, Rav Naḥman did not give his a …

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 …

No Strings Attached Divorce Psychology of the Daf Eruvin 15

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 23rd, 2020

Eruvin Daf 15 וְרַבָּנַן, הַאי ״סֵפֶר כְּרִיתוּת״ מִיבְּעֵי לֵיהּ לְדָבָר הַכּוֹרֵת בֵּינוֹ לְבֵינָהּ. לְכִדְתַנְיָא: הֲרֵי זֶה גִּיטֵּךְ עַל מְנָת שֶׁלֹּא תִּשְׁתִּי יַיִן, עַל מְנָת שֶׁלֹּא תֵּלְכִי לְבֵית אָבִיךְ לְעוֹלָם — אֵין זֶה כְּרִיתוּת …

No Room for Truth, No Room for God Sotah 42 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 10th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud aleph discusses fours classes of people whose behavior leads to an alienation from the Shekhina: אָמַר רַבִּי יִרְמְיָה בַּר אַבָּא: אַרְבַּע כִּיתּוֹת אֵין מְקַבְּלוֹת פְּנֵי שְׁכִינָה: כַּת לֵיצִים, וְכַת חֲנֵיפִים, וְכַת שַׁקָּרִים, וְכַת מְסַפְּרֵי לָשׁוֹן הָרָע. Rabbi Yirmeya bar A …

No Refunds Bava Basra 83 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 16th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses various forms of overcharging and undercharging, and thresholds that would invalidate the sale. The Chofetz Chaim in Laws of Rechilus (9) discusses conditions under which it would be permitted to alert a purchaser who might have been taken advantage of by an unscrupulous merchant. One of the key criteria is that the disparaging information should serve a constructive and concrete purpose. Therefore, it would neve …

No One Dies From A Question Bava Basra 16 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 11th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses some of Iyov’s complaints and confusion regarding his seemingly undeserved suffering and calamities:   “The earth is given into the hand of the wicked, he covers the faces of its judges; if not he, then who is it?” (Job 9:24). Rava says: Job sought to turn the bowl upside down, that is to say, he alluded here to a heretical thought, as he said that the earth is given into the hand of the w …

No Offense, But…Nedarim 75 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 8th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a dispute between Rabbi Eliezer and the sages regarding if a husband can preemptively nullify a vow in advance.  Rabbi Eliezer argues (I am skipping some lomdishe details) via kal v’chomer that if a person can annul an existing vow, certainly he has the ability to annul a vow before it even starts.  However, the sages refute this kal v’chomer with the following observation:  Although on …

No Means Yes

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 26th, 2020

In a previous blog post titled, “Love and the Holy of Holies”, I wrote about how the relationship between G-d and the Jewish people can be compared to a marriage. In this essay, we will take a closer look at a fascinating lessons from Midrashic accounts of G-d’s stormy emotional relationship with the Jewish people: Often, couples get stuck in escalating cycles of hurtful attacks. In particular, couples who are emotionally needy …

No Interest in Interest Bava Metzia 75 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 13th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph presents a surprisingly lenient ruling: Torah scholars are permitted to borrow from each other with interest. The Gemara explains: Why is this allowed? Because they are fully aware that interest is prohibited, thus they do not intend the loan as a formal business transaction. They willingly forgo additional payments from each other at the outset, considering the extra payment a gift exchanged between them.   This unc …

No Hebrew Word for Fail Shabbos 120

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 3rd, 2020

for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 120 דְּבָרִים שֶׁאֵין בְּנֵי אָדָם עוֹמְדִין עֲלֵיהֶם אֶלָּא אִם כֵּן נִכְשָׁלִים בָּהֶן. Matters of Torah that people do not ascertain unless they misunderstand them are in your hands;  Isaiah 3:6 כִּֽי־יִתְפֹּ֨שׂ אִ֤ישׁ בְּאָחִיו֙ בֵּ֣ית אָבִ֔יו שׂ …

No-Fault Divorce? Yevamos 64 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 10th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the matter of a couple who is childless for ten years.  Since the husband is obligated to fulfill the mitzvah of Periyah Ureviyah, he would have to divorce and marry another woman.  Yet, since we are unsure whether he or she is the cause of the infertility, she still gets her kesubah, and she may remarry as well to try again.  The rationale is:  שֶׁמָּא לֹא זָכָה לְהִבָּ …

No Atheists in the Grave Nazir 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 19th, 2023

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses how a son cannot bring his father’s sin offerings in his place.  The basic idea is Ein Kapparah Lamesim, people who are dead cannot have atonement via the offerings of their descendants.  (See Horiyos 6a, Commentary of Tosafos Harosh ibid “veha”, Rashi Meilah 10b “Velad”.)  While this has been stated in terms of the ritualary aspect of sacrifices, we all know from live …

Nipping Quarrels in the Bud Kiddushin 28 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 10th, 2023

In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, there's a crucial warning regarding the consequences of labeling a fellow Jew a "Rasha" (evil person): הָהוּא שַׁמּוֹתֵי מְשַׁמְּתִינַן לֵיהּ! דְּתַנְיָא: הַקּוֹרֵא לַחֲבֵירוֹ…. ״רָשָׁע״ – יוֹרֵד עִמּוֹ לְחַיָּיו! One who calls another a "wicked person" allows the insulted person to harass them in all aspects of l …

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 …

Niddah and Trauma Bava Metzia 107 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 14th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud aleph homiletically interprets the verse (Devarim 28:3), “Blessed are you when you enter.” as referring to a husband who returns home from a trip. The blessing will be that he will not find her in an uncertain halachic state, where she had a situation of questionable impurity, stopping them from a physical reunification.    Rashi here comments, “And of course the blessing applies that he wouldn&rsquo …

Nicknames: More Harmful than Sticks and Stones? Bava Kamma 36 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 8th, 2023

Our gemara on amud beis records Shmuel calling Rabbi Yehuda, “Shinnenah”, which seems to be a nickname for a fellow who has big teeth.  (Hafla'ah ShebaArakhin on Sefer HeArukh, Letter Shin 85, quoting Rav Hai Goan.) This would seem to indicate that it is permitted to call someone a nickname, at least if it is meant in a non-offensive manner. This runs against the sentiment stated in Bava Metzia’a (58b): Anyone who descends …

New, or New and Improved? Yevamos 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 29th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states that a convert is considered as if he or she are newly born. This is not just a metaphor, but actually of halakhic significance, removing genetic relatives from the prohibited sexual relations, should they both convert. (They are still prohibited rabbinically because it would have the appearance of impropriety.) A person can make such a major change in commitment and attitude that he actually becomes a different pe …

Neurotic Fear versus Reasonable Caution Kesuvos 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 5th, 2022

  One of the great challenges in the sphere of religious behavior and personal autonomy is how much effort is appropriate versus trusting and relying on God.  What is controlling and arrogant?  What is too passive and trusting?  In today’s daf, we will examine some classic Jewish thought on the matter, as well as discuss some of the psychology of anxiety and religion. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph makes the famous declaration …

Negotiating with Terrorists Kesuvos 52 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 26th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses various psychological techniques when considering negotiating with those who kidnap for ransom.  אֵין פּוֹדִין אֶת הַשְּׁבוּיִין יוֹתֵר עַל כְּדֵי דְמֵיהֶם, מִפְּנֵי תִּקּוּן הָעוֹלָם. הָא בִּכְדֵי דְמֵיהֶן פּוֹדִין, אַף עַל גַּב דְּפִרְקוֹנָהּ יוֹתֵר עַל כְּתוּבָּת …

Nature Abhors a Vacuum Nazir 54 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 17th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the halakhic idea that impurity from a corpse and a grave ascend directly without any barriers.  
Shem Mishmuel (Mishpatim 7 and Chukas 3) expands on the theme we saw in the previous daf, that when there is potential for impurity, so too there is greater potential for purity, and vice versa. This is why there is a teaching that blessing is not conferred on a counted item, and further, that when J …

Narcissism, Marriage and Judaism

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 24th, 2017

Narcissism, Marriage and Judaism Personality disorders, unlike many forms of mental illness, are not merely an illness, but also can be at least partially due to poor morality, or in Jewish terms, bad middos. Whatever fears, insecurities and distorted ideas that take place within the heart and mind of a person suffering from a Personality Disorder alone are not enough to cause selfish, manipulative or abusive behavior, without also making poor be …

Narcissism, Guilt and Self-Punishment Sotah 8 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 5th, 2023

Our Mishna on Amud Beis notes how providentially we find that the punishment fits the crime, as well as the Gemara later discussing that the reward also is commensurate, and even more, as we’ll discuss tomorrow on Daf 11. It is understood that the punishment and reward take on the same property or method as the original deed in order to show God’s providence, and it is not merely a coincidence. Is it true psychologically as well, is t …

Nail Down the Reason Chaggigah 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 4th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about a counterintuitive stringency applied to Kodesh but not Terumah, despite the fact that the logic of the stringency should apply equally to both. The reason offered is this particular rabbinic decree was based on an incident that occurred. And there is a principle that, at times, enactments remain limited to the circumstances of the incident even if logic would dictate to apply it to a broader range. So in t …

Myth and Midrash Bava Basra 36 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 31st, 2024

Our Gemara discusses a scenario whereby a farmer expends a kor of seed to sow and retrieves only a kor of produce, resulting in a net zero gain. In such a case, the consumption is not sufficient to establish a chazakah. Since he’s not making any profit; it doesn't raise enough interest on any other potential claimants to make an official objection.   One of the most famous examples of a net zero gain is the Fox Parable from Koheles Rab …

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 …

Mutually Reinforcing Misery Gittin 45 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 30th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses who should be penalized in a situation where an ethically improper transaction is performed, such as when a Canaanite slave is sold outside of the land of Israel (as we saw in Psychology of the Daf, Gittin 44). Specifically, should the buyer be penalized or the seller? The Gemara uses a clever metaphor: Who steals the food? The mouse or the hole? This metaphor speaks to the psychological and behavioral pattern o …

Mum’s the Word Kesuvos 76 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 20th, 2022

As religions go, Judaism tends to be practical and avoids extreme asceticism, at least for the uninitiated. Even though marriage is not only about physical and sexual gratification, Judaism does not ignore the basic sensual and physical needs necessary to form and maintain a loving bond.  Amud Beis discusses marrying and then later discovering a deal breaking blemish. While we are on this topic, Akeidas Yitschok (Chayei Sarah 16) asks a seri …

Multiple Causes, Multiple Solutions Bava Kamma 93 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 2nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph warns: “The curse of an ordinary person should never be regarded as light in your eyes, for Abimelech cursed Sarah and it was fulfilled in her descendant.”  The Gemara explains that Yitschok’s blindness later in life was caused by a passing remark of Avimelech, who felt misled by Yitschok, in letting him behave “blindly” by taking Rivkah as a wife who was actually married to Yitschok. Th …

Multi-Tasking: The Real Deal Eruvin 50 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 27th, 2020

  אַמַּאי? לֵימָא: כׇּל שֶׁאֵינוֹ בְּזֶה אַחַר זֶה — אֲפִילּוּ בְּבַת אַחַת אֵינוֹ! According to Rabba’s opinion, the question arises: Why should the produce be rendered fit for consumption? Let us say and apply his principle: Anything that cannot be accomplished sequentially; even simultaneously it cannot be accomplished. Since one may not designate two tenths seq …

Much Ado About Nothing Bava Basra 75 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 8th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph teaches us about the end times:   וְאָמַר רַבָּה אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: עָתִיד הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא לַעֲשׂוֹת סוּכָּה לַצַּדִּיקִים מֵעוֹרוֹ שֶׁל לִוְיָתָן,    And Rabba says that Rabbi Yoḥanan says: In the future, the Holy One, Blessed be He, will prepare a sukka for the righteous from the sk …

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 …

Mouse Psychology Bava Metzia 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 8th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses how to estimate normal depreciation and spoilage of produce, which has relevance when a watchman is returning an amount of produce deposited, but the original produce is no longer extant.  Thus, if he held 50 lbs of grain, and now is returning it, how much allowance should be made for spoilage?   The Rabbis hold that the amount is dependent according to the measure, and according to the time elapsed. R …

Mother's Milk and Torah Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 143

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 27th, 2020

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE DAF Today’s Shiur Shabbos 143
 Mareh Mekomos מֵּא לְרָצוֹן וְשֶׁלֹּא לְרָצוֹן, חֲלֵב הַבְּהֵמָה שֶׁמְיוּחָד בֵּין לִקְטַנִּים בֵּין לִגְדוֹלִים, אֵינוֹ דִּין שֶׁיְּטַמֵּא בֵּין לְרָצוֹן וּבֵין שֶׁלֹּא לְרָצוֹן? אָמְרוּ לוֹ: אִם טָמֵא חֲלֵב …

Mother’s Bond Bava Kamma 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 19th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses The status of the calf fetus inside the cow. It is considered to be, at that time, a part of the mother‘s body. Therefore, if the cow Gores and damages are due from the value of the ox itself, the fetus is included in the lien. Although paternity may have halakhic status (see Chulin 80a), a mother's bond to the fetus is strong by virtue of a literal physical attachment that leaves a psychological imprint, …

Mortgage Payments for the Wages of Sin Chaggigah 13 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 20th, 2022

The Gemara on Amud Beis discusses Yechezkel’s vision of the divine chariot. The angelic creatures he saw had four separate faces, on each side of their heads. However, there seems to be a contradiction in verses. One time the face of an ox is described, and later it is left out and substituted with a cherub. The Gemara answers that originally it was an ox, but since it would be a reminder of the Golden Calf, Yechezkel prayed that it be chan …

More on the Psychology of Rabbinic and Torah Laws Sotah 29 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 27th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis, quoting our Mishna on Daf 27b, explains that Rabbi Yochanan predicted that a later generation of Sanhedrin will overturn Rabbi Akiva’s Kal V’chomer.  Maharitz Chayes on Daf 27 notes that this Gemara is a strong proof to the Rambam’s position (Laws of Mamerin (2:1) that a different Sanhedrin from a later generation can overturn rulings of a prior Sanhedrin based on derashos and limmudim, even of they …

More on Sex vs. Intimacy Kesuvos 56 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 31st, 2022

There is a saying, that men give affection in order to get sex, while women give sex in order to get affection. While of course this is not absolutely true, and especially in our times where each gender is feeling more free to express themselves along less designated official roles and behavior, it does seem to be a basic pattern in human nature that endures. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses as a scenario where a couple had the chuppah ceremony …

More on Psychology of the Oral Torah Kesuvos 32 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 7th, 2022

The Oral Torah is taught to us when we are grade school children as a fact and feature of Torah, with little explanation as to its function and significance. I venture to say that many people just think of it as two parallel Torahs; one was originally written while the other was not. This does not make much sense as there should logically be a reason why certain aspects of the Torah were originally designated as oral and other parts not. From a s …

Morality as Choice Bava Basra 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 5th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph records an important theological discussion about the nature of God and Man, and why God leaves certain aspects of civilization in the hands of man to correct and protect;   תניא: היה רבי מאיר אומר, יש לו לבעל הדין להשיבך ולומר לך: אם אלהיכם אוהב עניים הוא, מפני מה אינו מפרנסן? אמור לו: כדי שניצול אנו בהן מדינה ש …

Money Over Matter Bava Basra 92 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 25th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a case in which a buyer and seller are in dispute over if the purchased ox was sold for labor purposes or for slaughter. The difference being, that if it was found to be an unruly ox known to gore, the purchase would be deemed under false pretenses and be refunded. However, the seller maintains that he sold the ox under the presumption that it was for slaughter, thus the ox’s nature is irrelevant, and the p …

Money Can’t Buy Everything Bava Basra 77 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 10th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis rules that ein matbeya nikneh be-chalifin coinage cannot be acquired via chalifin (a legal symbol exchange of a minor object, that in Jewish law, affirms an agreement or acquisition of property or goods.) We can intuitively understand why this might be so. Money is symbolic, especially paper money, as it has no intrinsic worth. In ancient times, when a precious metal was used, there was some actual value to the coin, based …

Moments of Transition Daf Eruvin 38 Psychology of the

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 16th, 2020

Shemos 16:5 But on the sixth day, when they apportion what they have brought in, it shall prove to be double the amount they gather each day.” אגרא דכלה בשלח ל״ח או יאמר המשך הפסוקים. על פי מ"ש חכמי האמת וספרי המוסר בנידון התשובה, שיראה האדם להרהר בתשובה לעתותי ערב בזמן מנחה קודם שיחזור היום לנרתיקו, שאז יהיה …

Moed Kattan 19 When is a Mitzvah not a Mitzvah? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 30th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the ways it is permissible to write Tefilin on Chol Hamoed. Presumably, this Gemara would seem to prove that Tefilin are worn on Chol Hamoed, as otherwise what could be the pressing need to allow for them to be written? Tosafos (“Rabbi Yosi”) suggests that the Mishna may be written from the point of view (Eiruvin 96b, the opinion of Rabbi Meir and Rabbi Yehuda) that Tefilin are permitted on Shabbos a …

Moed Kattan 17 Unbearable Urges Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 28th, 2022

People often repeat this line, “Hashem does not give you a nisayon (challenge) that you cannot overcome.”  While this might inspire some to work even harder to overcome it, what about those who fail to overcome it?  Shall they now feel like a double failure, that they failed in whatever challenge, and on top of that, it really was something that could have been overcome, and God even promises that?  If this is a theolog …

Moed Kattan 16 Troublemakers Can Serve a Purpose Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 27th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud discusses some of the interchanges between Korach, Dasan and Aviram and Moshe. Have you ever wondered why did Dasan and Aviram last so long? Typically, when Jews in the midbar sinned they would be met with swift justice, a plague from heaven or capital punishment for insurrection. Yet, Dasan and Aviram seem to act with impunity. First, they quarrel with each other and ignore Moshe’s rebuke (Shemos 2:13, Rashi Op. Cit and …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 21st, 2022

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 24th, 2022

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

Moed Kattan 25 The Secret to Happiness Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 4th, 2022

The Gemara on Amud Aleph uses a phrase to describe death as Nach Nafshei, as his soul at rest. This phrase is used in Shas, and has similar connotations to the more modern phrase petira. Petira presumably means to be discharged, as in an honorable discharge from the army. In this case a discharge of the duties of life. So too, Rav Tzadok MiLublin (Resise Laylah 1:1 and Dover Tzeddek, kuntros Ner Hamitzvos 2) says is the origin of the term Nach Na …

Moed Kattan 21 The Foolish Things People Say at a Shivah House Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 1st, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us: ⁦Rabbi Meir said: One who finds another in mourning after twelve months and speaks to him words of consolation, to what may this situation be likened? To a person who broke his leg and it healed, and afterward a physician found him and said to him: Come to me, for I will break it a second time and then I will heal it, so that you may know how good my medicines are and how well they work. And it is similarly cod …

Moed Kattan 29 Stay Focused Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 9th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us: ⁦And Rabbi Levi said: Anyone who leaves from the synagogue and goes to the study hall or goes from the study hall to the synagogue, i.e., he goes from the mitzva of prayer to the mitzva of Torah study or vice versa, merits to receive the Divine Presence, as it is stated: “They go from strength to strength, every one of them appears before God in Zion” (Psalms 84:8). This phrase “merits to rec …

Moed Kattan 15 Resilience After Trauma Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 26th, 2022

Our Gemara tells us that an Avel is forbidden to bathe. The Ritva (“Vayenachem”) asks, do we not see that King David bathed after the death of his son? When did this occur? The story that unfolds in Shmuel II:12 is that after the incident of King David and Batsheva, the prophet Nosson rebukes him. Though David Hamelech repented he still was told that the son born from Bat Sheva will die (verse 14.) The child became Ill and David Hamel …

Moed Kattan 23 Remember to Forget Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 3rd, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us: If one’s wife died, it is prohibited to marry another wife until three Festivals pass since her death. Tosafos discusses three possible rationales for this ruling: So he not too quickly forget the love of his previous wife. That when he remarries he won’t reminisce about his prior wife and lead to having “two people in the same bed”. That when he remarries he won’t reminisce about …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 19th, 2022

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 25th, 2022

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

Moed Kattan 27 Prayer Has its Charms Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 7th, 2022

Our Gemara on amud aleph describes what appears to be some kind of good luck charm or talisman, that was used by typical Jewish Babylonian Householders. It was called a Arsa DeGaddah, which translates as a “good luck bed“. Rashi he describes it as a bad that was not used but somehow symbolically conferred good mazal. You can imagine, in some households where there was great poverty and disarray, it could be one area that you could kee …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 14th, 2022

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 16th, 2022

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 20th, 2022

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 18th, 2022

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

Moed Kattan 26 Is Eliyahu Really Alive? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 6th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph mentions our tradition that the prophet Elijah never really died. The verses allude to this as well. In Malachim II:2:11 it states: “and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.” While that doesn’t explicitly tells us that he will remain on this earth, Malachi (3:23) prophesies that Elijah will return to us in the times of the Mashiach: “⁦Lo, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before the comin …

Moed Kattan 28 Great People Can Get Stuck In Their Heads Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 8th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis warns against grieving “too much”, that is beyond the halachically prescribed mourning periods. So let us consider, is mourning a Torah concession to human frailty, and the ideal person is stoic about death and accept God’s decree with no sadness? Or, is mourning an important holy process itself? The fact that it’s a Mitzvah may not prove anything any more than divorce is a Mitzvah. The question is, …

Moed Kattan 22 Functional and Dysfunctional Family Roles Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 2nd, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the impact of the Godol Habayis, the principal member of the family, on the shiva process. The Shiva is not just observed by an individual, but rather the family observed Shiva. Thus, when Shiva starts or ends may depend on when the Godol Habayis is present. The definition of Godol Habayis seems to depend less on age, and rather on role and leadership. Shulkhan Arukh YD 375:2 codified it as follows: ⁦Those who …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 23rd, 2022

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

Moed Kattan 20 Dying of Heartbreak Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 31st, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph and Beis tells us an interesting story about how Rav broke the news of his father’s death to his uncle, in an indirect manner: When Rav went there, Eretz Yisrael, his uncle Rabbi Ḥiyya said to him: Is your father, Aivu, still alive? ⁦Not wishing to deliver unfortunate news, Rav said to him: Is my mother still alive? In other words, why do you not ask me about my mother, who is your sister, whether she is still a …

Moed Kattan 10 Double Trouble Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 21st, 2022

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

Moed Kattan 24 Does a Child Have a Yetzer Hatov? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 4th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis mentions that we eulogize a child of age five or six.  This is a idea, there is a popular belief that the evil inclination enters a child from birth, but the Yezer Hatov only enters the child at Bar or Bas Mitzvah.  (see Koheles Rabbah 4:13 and Sanhedrin 91b).  Yet, by the fact that we eulogize a child, this shows that even a small child is capable of performing righteous deeds. And this is a very important …

Moed Kattan 4 Delay of Gratification Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 14th, 2022

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

Moed Kattan 2 Baal Field Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 13th, 2022

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

Moed Kattan 18 Are Soul Mates Decreed in Heaven? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 28th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the permissibility of marrying a woman on Chol HaMoed.  Shmuel said: It is permitted to betroth a woman on the intermediate days of a Festival, lest another come and betroth her first. (Betrothal is Eirusin, where the bond of marriage is accomplished but they do not yet have nisuin, living together.) The Gemara raises a question about the ruling itself: And did Shmuel actually say that we are concerned that …

Modest Obligations Bava Kamma 69 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 10th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes a practice of the “Tzenuin” (the modest) whereby they would dedicate a tithe, from afar, for produce from their field that is stolen by passersby who presumably rationalize this petty theft. Their goal was to save these thieves from the sin of violating eating non-tithed produce.  The gemara emphasizes that this is not a requirement, but rather an extra-legal act of piety. Sefer Daf Al Daf bring …

Mixed Motives Kiddushin 56 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 5th, 2023

Our Gemara in Amud Beis uses a derash to derive that mixed species in the vineyard are forbidden to benefit from. בְּכִלְאֵי הַכֶּרֶם מְנָלַן? אָמַר חִזְקִיָּה: אָמַר קְרָא: ״פֶּן תִּקְדַּשׁ״ – פֶּן תּוּקַד אֵשׁ. From where do we derive that one is prohibited from deriving benefit from diverse kinds in a vineyard? Ḥizkiyya said: The verse states: “You s …

Mixed Motives Kesuvos 66 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 9th, 2022

There are times where we must do distasteful things. The overall good or needs of the moment may override certain moral or ethical sensitivities. What should be your mindset so the experience is less corrupting? Mei HaShiloach (Lech Lecha 7) darshens our Gemara to elaborate on this theme. Avraham finds himself in a position where he was victorious in the war to win back his nephew, Lot. He is offered the spoils yet declines to take them because ( …

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 …

Mission Accomplished Nazir 8 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 31st, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about a man who accepted upon himself 365 consecutive Naziriyos, (30 days x 365). Upon his completion of this cycle he passed away. This story brings to awareness the idea that sometimes a person may be living off the merit of a particular mitzvah or purpose, and if he stops, it could be the end of the line. Similar to an old brick wall that was held up with dirt and moss in the cracks in the place of cement. If …

Misplaced Truths Bava Basra 170 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 12th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph recounts an episode in which Rabbi Yitzchak bar Yosef believed that the esteemed Rabbi Abba owed him a large sum of money. Rabbi Abba, however, maintained that he had already repaid the debt. On the surface, this situation seems perplexing. One might expect sages of their stature to exercise exceptional care in tracking financial matters. Moreover, if there were any uncertainty, it would seem more in line with their piety …

Misery Loves Company Kiddushin 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 4th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph teaches us that, although a Jewish slave often has the option to choose to continue his servitude after undergoing the ritual of having his ear pierced, there are certain situations where he will not be allowed to remain a slave under any circumstances. This is because the verse states, "I love my master" (Shemos 21:5), implying a state of relative equivalence and harmony between master and servant. Thus, the Gemara rules …

Miscarriages of Justice Bava Kamma 83 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 24th, 2024

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph derives from a verse that the Divine Presence does not rest upon the Jewish people if they number fewer than 22,000.  However, the way this idea is illustrated by the Gemara is difficult to understand.  דָּרֵישׁ רַבִּי דּוֹסְתַּאי דְּמִן בֵּירֵי: ״וּבְנֻחֹה יֹאמַר שׁוּבָה ה׳ רִבְבוֹת אַלְפֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל״ – לְל …

Miscarriage of Justice Kesuvos 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 8th, 2022

It is a fact of life, psychologically and religiously, that the human psyche is in constant conflict and turmoil. Our Gemara quotes a verse that describes a quarrel between two men, an injured female bystanders and her fetuses. Toldos Yaakov Yosef reads into these verses a insightful allegory of the eternal struggle between the good inclination and the evil inclination. The verses are as follows (Shemos 21:22-24): וְכִֽי־יִנָּצ֣וּ …

Miracles, Magic or Technology? Bava Metzia 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the reluctance of a person to loan a wallet or purse to another person, because it is a bad sign.  That is, it symbolically portends that he will give his money to another person.   Tosafos (ibid) raises a concern that this paying attention to signs should be under the prohibition against divination, as stated in (Vayikra 19:26).  Tosafos answers, this is similar to what is taught in Shabbos (67a), …

Minor Pangs of Conscience Yevamos 51 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quoted a Mishna on 96b that discusses the following scenario,  If two brothers who are nine years old (old enough to be anatomically capable of intercourse, but still considered halakhic minors in terms of their ability to enact legal transaction such as marriage) have an older brother who dies childless, they both are under the obligation of Yibum.  Of course, they should wait until adulthood, but the Mishna dis …

Minor Issues Bava Metzia 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 21st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the legal status of minors, who do not possess the mental discernment to give proper consent, therefore they cannot forgive a debt or even waive an entitlement. “Yasmi lav bnei mechila ninhu.”   The G”RA uses this idea to understand an emphasis made by the verse in Mishley (23:10):   אַל־תַּ֭סֵּג גְּב֣וּל עוֹלָ֑ם וּבִשְׂדֵ֥י יְ֝תוֹמִ֗ים …

Mindfulness: Some Novel Sources

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 20th, 2019

How often is a person conscious and mindful of what he or she is doing? Life is busy, we check our cell phones every three seconds, and when we aren’t regretting the past we are busy worrying about the future. Trauma treatment practitioners are becoming more aware that disassociation is something we all do. It is only a matter of degree and severity that separates trauma victims from others. Without using the term mindfulness, Jewish tradit …

Mindfulness and Gratitude Bava Kamma 95 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 5th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis references a monetary custom in silent partner and share cropper agreements. The silent partner can take between ⅔, one half, one quarter for himself. This seemed to be a common financial arrangement that was not considered exploitative, despite the large percentages.   The Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni 892) speaking for God, as if He were justifying the mitzvah to tithe: “It is customary for the owner of the field …

Mind Reader or Emotion Reader? Bava Metzia 66 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the implications of a person who appears calm but perhaps he is not. The Gemara sometimes rules that a verbal commitment is binding as there is a clear indication of serious intent, while other times we assume he was under some kind of duress and offered an empty verbal assurance but made no kinyan (physical act of transfer or acquisition) to solidify the transaction. The actual halachos are complex however we wi …

Mind Body Connection Shabbos DAF YOMI 109

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 25th, 2020

Mareh Mekomos for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 109 DAF YOMI from a psychological perspective. Mareh Mekomos 109a וְאָמַר מָר עוּקְבָא: מִי שֶׁנִּגְּפָה יָדוֹ אוֹ רַגְלוֹ, צוֹמְתָהּ בְּיַיִן וְאֵינוֹ חוֹשֵׁשׁ. אִיבַּעְיָא לְהוּ: חַלָּא מַאי? אָמַר רַב הִלֵּל לְרַב אָשֵׁי: כִּ …

Mikvaos and COVID-19

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 20th, 2020

  As the COVID-19 crisis rages on, more and more women will need to go to the Mikvah and may not be allowed to do so if they still might be contagious. This matter has even reached the attention of secular news outlets, as featured in this article in the Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/04/orthodox-jews-mikvah-immersion-covid-19/610204/   I wish I had an easy solution, but while meditating on the matter of Mik …

Midrashic and Philosophical Approaches to Tests of Faith

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 15th, 2020

Difficult times such as Corona virus cause us to ponder why we must suffer.  This is an old theological problem, indeed recorded in the Book of Job.  The language of Iyov is poetic, meandering, making it difficult to understand exactly what the various sides of the debate where, and what the final answer was.  Many exegetes, including Rav Saadia Gaon (introduction to commentary on Iyov) notice and question the unclear verbosity of …

Messianic Times and Climate Change Gittin 31 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 16th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the "four winds" and their role in the physical and spiritual climate.   אֲמַר לְהוּ: הָכִי אָמַר רַב חָנָן בַּר רָבָא, אָמַר רַב: אַרְבַּע רוּחוֹת מְנַשְּׁבוֹת בְּכׇל יוֹם, וְרוּחַ צְפוֹנִית מְנַשֶּׁבֶת עִם כּוּלָּן; שֶׁאִלְמָלֵא כֵּן, אֵין הָעוֹלָם מִתְקַ …

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 …

Merit Badge Gittin 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 12th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis delves into the discussion of whether certain signs, known as simanim, are powerful enough identifiers to be relied upon in matters pertaining to Torah law. Rav Ashi states the following: If there is a hole in a specific location next to a particular letter in a bill of divorce, which serves as a distinct and prominent distinguishing mark for the owner. The Gemara, in Bava Metzia 28a, derives the concept of simanim (distin …

Memory vs. Analytical Skills Kiddushin 52 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 4th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us an interesting story about Rabbi Yehuda’s reaction to Rabbi Meir’s students: The Sages taught: After the death of Rabbi Meir, Rabbi Yehuda said to his students: Do not let the students of Rabbi Meir enter here into our house of study, because they are vexatious [kanteranim]. And they do not come to study Torah, but rather they come to overwhelm me with halakhos. Sumakhos, a student of Rabbi Meir, pushe …

Memory Retrieval and Accuracy Kesuvos 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 26th, 2022

The only way we know anything is our memory. We must rely on it to stay sane, make calculations, and learn from experience. But just because it’s all we really have, is it reliable? Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a dispute between Rabbi Yochanan and Rav Huna as to the extent that witnesses can use written notes to remind them of their testimony.  Rav Huna requires that they remember some aspect prior to reading their notes, and the …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 31st, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 2nd, 2022

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

Megillah 10 Veiled Interpretations Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 21st, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 13th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 15th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 17th, 2021

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

Megillah 12 They Deserve Each Other Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 23rd, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 19th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 10th, 2022

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 11th, 2022

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 29th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 7th, 2022

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

Megillah 27 Names and Dignity Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 7th, 2022

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

Megillah 19 Motivations for Change Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 30th, 2021

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

Megillah 13 Mindfulness and Consequences Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 24th, 2021

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

Megillah 3 Logic Versus Intuition Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 14th, 2021

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

Megillah 14 Last Resort Therapy Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 24th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 9th, 2022

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 3rd, 2022

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 4th, 2022

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

Megillah 26 Holy Objectives Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 6th, 2022

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

Megillah 32 Hearing Voices Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 12th, 2022

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

Megillah 7 Healthy Narcissism Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 17th, 2021

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

Megillah 17 Exile Produces Growth Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 28th, 2021

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

Megillah 9 Easy Does It Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 20th, 2021

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

Megillah 4 Do Not Cause Despair Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 15th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 26th, 2021

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

Megillah 25 Control, Delete Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 5th, 2022

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

Megillah 16 Confirmation Bias Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 27th, 2021

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

Megillah 11 Satan Laughing with Delight Psychology & the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 22nd, 2021

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

Megillah 20 Affirmative Action Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 31st, 2021

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

Maternal and Paternal Attachment Kiddushin 79 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 31st, 2023

In our Gemara on Amud Beis, there's an intriguing phrase used to describe young children's attachment to their mother: כרוכים אחריה, which I would translate as "wrapped up with her and following behind her." Rashi here employs a word that literally translates as attached, נדבקין. The Gemara in Shabbos (141b) uses a different idiom to describe paternal attachment: געגועים, which translates as "pinings or longings" and is li …

Mass Formation Psychosis Bava Metzia 26 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 25th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses social group dynamics.  If a coin fell from one of three people, the finder is not obligated to return it. What is the reason? The person from whom the coin fell certainly despairs of recovering it. He says, “After all, two other people were with me. If I seize this one, he will say: I did not take it. And if I seize that one, he will say: I did not take it.” Since he cannot make a definitive cla …

Martyr Matters Eruvin 32 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 10th, 2020

Eruvin 32 בְּמַאי קָמִיפַּלְגִי? רַבִּי סָבַר: נִיחָא לֵיהּ לְחָבֵר דְּלֶעֱבֵיד הוּא אִיסּוּרָא קַלִּילָא וְלָא לֶיעֱבֵד עַם הָאָרֶץ אִיסּוּרָא רַבָּה. וְרַבָּן שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל סָבַר: נִיחָא לֵיהּ לְחָבֵר דְּלֶיעֱבֵד עַם הָאָרֶץ אִיסּו …

Married to Your Parents Nedarim 71 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 4th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis (as well as 68a) references the dispute between the House of Shammai and the House of Hillel, what actually happens when a husband nullifies his part of the vow, when there is a requirement that he do it jointly with the father (such as a na’arah who is an arusa).  The lomdishe question is, does the husband cut the vow precisely in half (meygaz gayyaz), that is his share of the vow is broken, or does he weaken t …

Marriage Roulette Gittin 64 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 19th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a scenario where somebody sends a messenger to choose for him a woman to marry. This is not merely sending him to marry a specific woman, but actually trusting him to discern who would be a fitting wife and being empowered to enact the marriage on his behalf. This is the precise scenario that Avraham proposed to his trusted servant, Eliezer (see Bereishis 24). The Gemara rules that if the messenger dies, or we l …

Marriage Made in Heaven but Repaired Down to Earth Yevamos 112 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 27th, 2022

Does the Talmud believe in romance? Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses a woman who has a substantial complaint regarding her husband’s fitness, which in and of itself is subject to several different interpretations: A woman who says: Heaven is between me and you, the court deals with the matter by way of a request. This complaint, “Heaven is between me and you”, has the appearance of a euphemism, as otherwise why would she not e …

Marriage, God, Tablets and Cryptocurrency Bava Metzia 45 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 12th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis describes the effectiveness and limits of the method of acquisition used via exchange (kinyan chalifin):  Money cannot be the item used to effect a transaction by means of exchange, as that form of transaction is effective only with regard to items such as produce and vessels. Rav Pappa said: What is the reason for the opinion of the one who says that money cannot be the item used to effect a transaction by means of e …

Marital Therapy and God Psychology of the Daf Yomi Gittin 79

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 3rd, 2023

Our Mishna Amud Beis discusses a dispute between Beis Shammai and Beis Hillel regarding an “old Get”. An old Get is a Get that was written, but before it was given, the husband and wife were alone together. Beis Hillel is concerned that should they have momentarily reconciled, and then the Get was given sometime later, perhaps she got pregnant in between. If so, it would have the appearance of a child out of wedlock. Therefore, one sh …

Manna, Now Available at Costco in Jumbo Size Nazir 60 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 24th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis records a discussion between Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and his students:  שָׁאֲלוּ תַּלְמִידָיו אֶת רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן יוֹחַי נָזִיר טָהוֹר וּמְצוֹרָע מַהוּ שֶׁיְּגַלֵּחַ תִּגְלַחַת אַחַת וְעוֹלָה לוֹ לְכָאן וּלְכָאן אָמַר לָהֶן אֵינוֹ מְגַלֵּחַ The students of Rabbi …

Managing Unacceptable Thoughts by Accepting Bava Basra 49 Psychology of the Daf YomiThem

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 13th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes a legal process of rejecting a pending inheritance or acquisition:   With regard to an inheritance that comes to a person from another place, i.e., an inheritance one will receive in the future, a person can make a condition about it from the outset that he will not inherit it, since one can waive his future rights to property that is not currently his.    Sod Yesharim (First Night of Pesach 46) di …

Male and Female Archetypes Kiddushin 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 31st, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis engages in a fundamental debate regarding legal biblical exegesis. In the Tanach, Hebrew words are frequently spelled incompletely, accompanied by an oral tradition dictating their pronunciation. At times, the written and spoken forms yield distinct meanings, particularly with homonyms. The crux of the dispute lies in determining the primary source for deriving halakhic meaning. The Talmud employs an idiom to express this: …

Making Meaning out of Trauma Eruvin 49 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 27th, 2020

  וּכְגוֹן זֶה כּוֹפִין עַל מִדַּת סְדוֹם. In a case such as this, one compels another to refrain from behavior characteristic of Sodom. We force a person to waive his legal rights in order to prevent him from acting in a manner characteristic of the wicked city of Sodom. If one denies another use of his possessions, even though he would incur no loss or damage by granting use of his property, his conduct is …

Making Lasting Change Yevamos 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 16th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph mentions the well-known principal that the consumption of the sacrifices by the cohanim of somehow effectuates the atonement of the owners of the sacrifice.
The Shalah (Aseres Hadibros maseches Ta’anis Torah Ohr 5:14) explains this idea in a novel manner:
Fasting is a primary form of penitence, whose aims are to repair indulgences that were not appropriate by holding back on pleasure. However, there may …

Making Conscious Decisions Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 132

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 16th, 2020

Making Conscious Decisions  Shabbos 132 for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 132    מִילָה דּוֹחָה אֶת הַצָּרַעַת, מַאי טַעְמָא? דְּאָתֵי עֲשֵׂה וְדָחֵי לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה. Initially the tanna thought that circumcision overrides leprosy. What is the reason for this? He relied on the principle that a positive mitzva comes and override …

Make Intentional Space for Holiness in Your Life Eruvin 62 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 9th, 2020

  וְאָמַר רַבִּי חִיָּיא בַּר אַבָּא אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: בֶּן נֹחַ נֶהֱרָג עַל פָּחוֹת מִשָּׁוֶה פְּרוּטָה, וְלֹא נִיתָּן לְהִשָּׁבוֹן. And Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Abba said that Rabbi Yoḥanan said: A Noahide, i.e., a gentile who stole is executed for his crime, according to the laws applying to Noahides, even if he stole less t …

Majority in Halakha: Get the Whole Story Yevamos 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 3rd, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the well known Talmudic principle Of רובו ככולו the majority is considered as if it is the complete whole. There are numerous halakhic applications of this principle such as slaughtering most of the animal’s windpipe and foodpipe counts as it being fully cut, or closing most of a walled area as if it is fully closed. 
The Chasam Sofer (OC #140) discusses a famous question: If we say tha …

Maintaining Boundaries Bava Basra 56 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 20th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a certain kind of plant known as Chatzuva, which was used by Yehoshua to mark property boundaries in Israel. This plant has a root structure that extends straight downward, making it a natural, long-lasting and reliable boundary marker.    This unique herbage makes an appearance in Gemara Beitzah (25b), where it sets a different kind of boundary:   Rami bar Abba also said: The sea squill, a plant …

Maintaining a Good Image Bava Kamma 104 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 14th, 2024

Our Gemara discusses a particular kind of signet, used as an identifier, known as a Dyu-Koni, which seems to consist of some unique emblem or picture. The words Duo-Koni likely comes from the Greek word, icon, and Du is two. So perhaps a double image, or an image on two sides. (Shall we say, Du-Coin, double coin?)   The Dyu-Koni is used in many instances particularly to connote a human form. For example, the Targum Yonasan on the verse (Bere …

Maid in Heaven Kiddushin 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 17th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis uses a verse regarding the Jewish maidservant to derive other forms of enactments that are accomplished via an exchange of an object of value, such as the marriage of a minor through the father’s acceptance: אָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר רַב: דְּאָמַר קְרָא ״וְיָצְאָה חִנָּם אֵין כָּסֶף״ – אֵין כֶּסֶף לְאָדוֹן זֶה, אֲבָל יֵש …

Magnification or Focus Kesuvos 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 10th, 2022

It’s not fashionable to discuss stereotypical differences between how the genders process and express emotions, because it can lead to dismissing or mocking feminine emotionality. However, in truth there is no shame in having strong and intense experience of emotions, and it offers advantages in terms of the ability to be intuitive and nurturing. There is an interesting Rashash that discusses these gender differences to explain a halakhic d …

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 …

Loyalty Binds Eruvin 35 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 13th, 2020

  מַתְנִי׳ נִתְגַּלְגֵּל חוּץ לַתְּחוּם, נָפַל עָלָיו גַּל אוֹ נִשְׂרַף, תְּרוּמָה וְנִטְמֵאת מִבְּעוֹד יוֹם — אֵינוֹ עֵירוּב. מִשֶּׁחָשֵׁיכָה — הֲרֵי זֶה עֵירוּב. MISHNA: If one’s eiruv rolled beyond the Shabbat limit, and he no longer has access to his eiruv since he may not go beyond his …

Love vs Responsibility Kiddushin 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 16th, 2023

Our Mishna on Amud Aleph delineates three methods to accomplish betrothal (Kiddushin): Via an exchange of an object of value, via a written contract, or sexual intercourse. As we have remarked numerous times, the paradigm of marriage is used to explain a person’s relationship with God. Rav Yaakov Yosef Mipolnoe understands these three methods of accomplishing marriage as also representing three stages of man’s relationship with God. K …

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 …

Love or Control? Pesachim 20 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 11th, 2020

The Gemara mentions a concept called Chibas HaKodesh, literally the affection for the holy. In a halakhic sense, normally a food product needs to be willingly exposed to water or certain other liquids before it is deemed receptive to ritual impurity.  However, the principle of Chibas HaKodesh bestows a significance upon the sacrificial food and renders it on a level to accept ritual impurity.  To explain this more, let us note that vess …

Love Lust and Oneg Shabbos, Shabbos 117

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 2nd, 2020

Mareh Mekomos 117 for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 117   117b אָמַר רַב אָשֵׁי: חֲזֵינָא לֵיהּ לְרַב כָּהֲנָא דְּנָקֵט תַּרְתֵּי וּבָצַע חֲדָא. אָמַר: ״לִקְטוּ״ כְּתִיב. רַבִּי זֵירָא הֲוָה בָּצַע אַכּוּלַּהּ שֵׁירוּתֵיהּ. אֲמַר לֵיהּ רָבִינָא לְר …

Love Lishmah Yevamos 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 19th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis declares: Granted, from a marriage (nusuin), even without a feast, there is joy. But from a betrothal (eirusin) without a feast, is there any joy? It is merely a legal ceremony. The Meshech Chokhma (זאת הברכה י ) compares the two phases of marriage to two phases of relating to Torah. As we know, in regard to Torah and marriage, their is a famous play on words (Pesachim 49b): Moshe commanded us the Torah, an inheri …

Love it or Levite Yevamos 86 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 1st, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us that Levites were punished in the times of Ezra because they did not join the group returning back to Israel, and instead stayed in Babylonia, as it stated in Ezra (8:15), “and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.” The punishment was that they no longer would be eligible to receive the Maaser Rishon tithes. Tosafos here asks, the Gemara Kiddushin (69a) states …

Love Bombing Sotah 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 15th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the way in which arrogant men at first charm women during courtship but eventually disappoint: מִשֶּׁרַבּוּ הַיְּהִירִים הִתְחִילוּ בְּנוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל לְהִנָּשֵׂא לִיהִירִים שֶׁאֵין דּוֹרֵינוּ רוֹאֶה אֶלָּא לַפָּנִים From the time when haughty people proliferated, the daughters of Israel began marrying ha …

Love at First Sight Bava Metzia 118 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 25th, 2024

Love at First Sight   Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the possibility that even viewing certain ownerless items, with the intent to possess them, effects a binding acquisition.   Rav Shlomo Kluger (Chachmas Torah, Vayetze) asks, The sages teach, one who is without a woman, is without Torah (Yevamos 62b). If so, how could Yaakov maintain that he was observant of all the mitzvos while he was at Lavan’s house (see Rashi Bereishis …

Love and the Holy of Holies

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 29th, 2020

One of the taboos in Judaism is the prohibition against graven images.  There are numerous prohibitions against various forms of images, and we are even forbidden to make certain images of the human form even not for worship purposes.  And, yet, we find two images in the Holy of Holies, a place so sacred that the High Priest is only allowed to enter once a year! The Cherubim had wings like angels (Shemos 25:18) and faces of a child (Suc …

Love and Fear Bava Kamma 97 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 7th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the coinage in the time of Avraham, on one side was an elderly man and woman, on the other side a young man and woman. (See Tosafos and other commentaries if this was an image, or a written word.  By the way, archeological evidence is that not only did the Jews refrain from using images on their coins, but even when under Roman dominion in the first Century, the Romans honored the Jewish custom and used coin …

Losing It

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 13th, 2020

A number of people have emailed me or texted me saying that they're “losing it”. Just losing it! It's really difficult these days -- but what does it mean “losing it”? Psychologically, there is a process to it. Losing it is when your Ego, which is the part of your personality, crumbles and falls apart.  It is disorienting.   What is the Ego?  It is something that you develop as a young child, maybe even …

Loosening Up Kesuvos 65 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 9th, 2022

I want to address a sensitive topic regarding sexual challenges that can affect couples of all ages, especially but not exclusively, the newly married. A person may have a degree of misplaced piety and be overly scrupulous about sexuality, or just plain feel uncomfortable with sexual feelings and sensuality. Sometimes, being overscrupulous in the area of intimacy and halakha can be the result of naiveté and/or anxiety. After all, if a reli …

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 …

Looking for an Opening Bava Basra 87 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 20th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the practice of making sure that no significant amount of liquid is left behind in the seller’s vessel, to be scrupulously honest:   Anyone who sells wine, oil, or similar liquids is obligated, after he transfers the liquid into the buyer’s vessel, to drip for him three extra drops from the measure.    There is also an aggadic instance of three drops in the Talmud (Menachos 29a):  …

Looking at Reincarnation from the Right Angle Yevamos 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 9th, 2022

This mesechta discusses the Mitzvah of Yibum and various related topics. The Mitzvah of Yibum is mentioned even before the giving of the Torah, as we see in Yehuda’s directive to his son Onan, to carry on his deceased childless brother’s name, by marrying his wife and having a family. The Ramban (Bereishis 38:7-8) hints that Yibum is based on the concept of reincarnation. While he does not explicitly explain what he means, one might i …

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 …

Location Is Everything Sotah 32 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 30th, 2023

Our gemara on Amud Beis notes that the sin offering (chattas) is sacrificed in the same location:  וּגְנוּתוֹ בְּקוֹל רָם וְהָאָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן מִשּׁוּם רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן יוֹחַי מִפְּנֵי מָה תִּקְּנוּ תְּפִלָּה בְּלַחַשׁ כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא לְבַיֵּישׁ אֶת עוֹבְרֵי עֲבֵירָה שֶׁהֲר …

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.  …

Living a Life Sentence Yevamos 50 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 21st, 2022

The Gemara right at the beginning of Amud Aleph records a fundamental dispute between Rabbi Akiva and the sages regarding the allotted years in a person’s lifetime, fate, and the impact of sin and merit in relation to it:   אֶת מִסְפַּר יָמֶיךָ אֲמַלֵּא״ — תַּנָּאֵי הִיא, דְּתַנְיָא: ״אֶת מִסְפַּר יָמֶיךָ אֲמַלֵּא״,   The resolution of the third co …

Listening to the Outsider Bava Kamma 92 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 2nd, 2024

Our Mishna on Amud Aleph tells us that even if a person who caused an injury pays full restitution, he is not forgiven until he asks forgiveness, and it is granted. This concept is derived from the Biblical story of Avimelech and Avraham. When Avimelech had a prophetic dream, alerting him to the fact that the woman who he appropriated was not actually Avraham’s sister, but instead, his wife, God instructs him: Now therefore restore the wife …

Listen Your Way to a Better Intimate Life Kesuvos 36 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 11th, 2022

The great mystics saw God in everything.  The more physical something is, the more intensely spiritual potential is locked within it. After all, if God leaves a road sign, it pays to read it carefully.  When there is so much physical energy present, it is only the tip of the spiritual iceberg.  This is why erotic and sexual imagery is used constantly by the Zohar and other mystical works.  It’s much more than a metaphor. …

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 …

Lights, Candles and Action Bava Kamma 32 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 4th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes how the sages would greet the Shabbos: Rabbi Yannai would wrap himself in his tallis and stand at the eve of Shabbos at twilight, saying: Come, bride; come, bride.  Ben Yehoyada comments that the Arizal would recite the greeting three times, corresponding to Chokhma, Bina and Daas. He says this corresponds to the three realms of interaction: Thought, Speech and Action. Since thought is hidden, one of the rec …

Life in the Shadows Pesachim 26 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 17th, 2020

  אָמְרוּ עָלָיו עַל רַבָּן יוֹחָנָן בֶּן זַכַּאי שֶׁהָיָה יוֹשֵׁב בְּצִילּוֹ שֶׁל הֵיכָל, וְדוֹרֵשׁ כׇּל הַיּוֹם כּוּלּוֹ. They said about Rabban Yoḥanan ben Zakkai that he would sit in the street adjacent to the Temple Mount in the shade of the Sanctuary and expound to a large number of people all day long. There seems to me to be some …

Lies, Truth and Jewish Values

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 26th, 2016

Truth, Lies, Psychology and Jewish Values Reprinted from the Jewish Press  As every cheder child learns in the story about Avraham and Sarah, according to Jewish values, one may alter the truth in order to preserve sh’lom bayis.  However, the ethics, halachos and psychology of truth and lies in relationships are far more nuanced than what we were taught in second grade. The Gemara (Yevamos 65b) states: “R. Ile'a further stat …

Letting Go of Control and Inviting God In Bava Basra 106 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 9th, 2024

Our Gemara references the biblical process by which the different portions of the land Israel was allotted to the tribes via a lottery. There is this theological idea that using a lottery can somehow bring out divine intention and messages. Let us try to understand how this might work.    There are a number of times where a lottery is used by Biblical figures to tap into divine guidance.  For example, Yehoshua used it to help deter …

Let God Fill in the Blanks Kesuvos 16 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 22nd, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis begins a discussion about how to praise and dance before the Kallah.  Much ink has been spilled and thousands of hours of Sheva Berachos Torah has been created on discussing the famous machlokes of Beis Shammai and Beis Hillel regarding whether the Kallah should be praised in an exaggerated fashion or not.  Over the next two daf, I will discuss a few interesting and out of the box interpretations of this often qu …

Lest the Children Forget about Eiruv Eruvin 46 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 24th, 2020

  וְלֹא אָמְרוּ לְעָרֵב חֲצֵירוֹת, אֶלָּא כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא לְשַׁכֵּחַ תּוֹרַת עֵירוּב מִן הַתִּינוֹקוֹת. And they said to establish an eiruv for courtyards only after all the inhabitants of the city merge their alleyways and become like the inhabitants of a single courtyard, so that the law of eiruv should not be forgotten by the children, who may not be awa …

Laws Masquerading as Morality Nazir 34 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 26th, 2023

Our Mishna on Amud Aleph and the rest of the daf begins a discussion about the various prohibitions and foods that the Nazir is restricted from.   The verses spell out four different kinds of wine related products (Bamidbar 6:3-4):   מִיַּ֤יִן וְשֵׁכָר֙ יַזִּ֔יר  חֹ֥מֶץ יַ֛יִן וְחֹ֥מֶץ שֵׁכָ֖ר לֹ֣א יִשְׁתֶּ֑ה  וְכׇל־מִשְׁרַ֤ת עֲנָבִים֙ …

Law of Attraction Bava Basra 69 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 2nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis offers a proof text for the concept of field boundaries within a sale  from the biblical story of Avraham’s purchase of the Ma’aras Hamachpela cave from Efron (Bereishis 23:17). וַיָּ֣קׇם  שְׂדֵ֣ה עֶפְר֗וֹן אֲשֶׁר֙ בַּמַּכְפֵּלָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר לִפְנֵ֣י מַמְרֵ֑א הַשָּׂדֶה֙ וְהַמְּעָרָ֣ה אֲשֶׁר־בּ֔וֹ ו …

Lav at First Sight Kiddushin 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 3rd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis initiates the discussion on the laws of Eishes Yefas Toar, a woman taken captive during war, and the permissibility of marrying her. Given the intense and primal urges that often emerge during the heat of battle, the Torah, rather than tolerating rampant sexual violence in wartime, outlines specific conditions under which a captive woman may be taken as a wife. The Sages taught: Concerning a captive, the verse states: "And …

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 …

Lack of Conviction Sanhedrin 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the principle that a Jewish court must be structured to avoid gridlock, which is why it always has an odd number of judges. This principle is used to determine the number of judges in various courts. For example, when the Gemara finds scriptural support for a capital court to consist of at least 22 judges, it is automatically assumed that the court must have 23 judges to prevent a tie. The Oholei Yitschok raises …

Kosher Pig? Nedarim 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 22nd, 2022

Our Gemara on this Daf discusses the halachos of a דבר שיש לו מתירין an item that will eventually become permitted. When such material becomes diluted in a large mixture, many opinions hold that it cannot be nullified. There are different explanations for why this is so, but the simplest being that why rely on a leniency of nullification when anyways it will be permitted? There is a Midrashic tradition that in the Messianic future, …

Knowledge Versus Wisdom Kiddushin 51 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 3rd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an interlude where a sage, named Bar Ahina, explained to Rava how a certain law is derived from a verse. Apparently, this Bar Ahina had a knack for noticing scriptural derivations as we see in a different Gemara (Sotah 39b) that once again, Bar Ahina helps Rava understand a scriptural derivation.  Akeidas Yitschok (65:1) uses this relationship as an object lesson from the dictum, “Who is a wise man? O …

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 …

Knocking on the Wrong Door Nedarim 89 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 22nd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis relates a story of a person who was impetuously determined to study Torah.  In fact, he made a vow that if he married before he “learns the halachos”, he would be forbidden to benefit from anything in the world.  It is a matter of debate what he meant by “learning halachos”.  Some of the commentaries are vague, though it does seem that it means mastery of the known body of practical t …

King Sized Desires Bava Basra 100 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 3rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the right of a king to appropriate passageways through private property:   The Mishna teaches: A king’s thoroughfare has no maximum measure. The Gemara explains: This is because the halakha is that a king may breach (poretz) the fence of an individual in order to create a thoroughfare for himself, and none may protest his actions.   The Hebrew word for this domain expansion is “poretz” …

Keyn Nit Tantzen Oif Tzvey Chasunes Yevamos 26 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 2nd, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the circumstances of the Mishna on 25b. A judge who was unable to find grounds to annul a woman’s vows, which led to her getting divorced, may not marry that woman. This is to prevent appearances of improper bias, such as the judge having a secret motive to marry her, thus sabotaging her current marriage. 
It is important for judges to maintain the highest standards and be free of suspicion. Yet …

בענין סוד הכרובים וסוד הזיווג

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 25th, 2016

בענין סוד הכרובים וסוד הזיווג שמחה פוירמן 718 793 1376 simchafeuerman@gmail.com   כתוב בעשרת הדברות (שמות ×›:ד): ״לֹֽ֣א תַֽעֲשֶׂ֨ה־לְךָ֥֣ פֶ֣֙סֶל֙ ×€ וְכָל־תְּמוּנָ֡֔ה אֲשֶׁ֤֣ר בַּשָּׁמַ֣֙יִם֙ ×€ מִמַּ֡֔עַל וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר֩ בָּאָ֖֨רֶץ מִתַָּ֑֜חַת וַאֲשֶׁ֥֣ר ×‘Ö¼Ö·×žÖ¼Ö·Ö …

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 …

Keep a Tight Lid on It Chaggigah 25 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 6th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the concept of Tzamid Pasil, which literally means a tightly sealed cover. The case of Tzamid Pasil is explicit in the Torah, whereby the contents of an earthenware container, (as well as the container itself since earthenware becomes tamey only through its insides), that is wrapped tightly does become tamey when in the dwelling of a corpse. It states in Bamidbar 19:15: וְכֹל֙ כְּלִ֣י פָת֔וּח …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 17th, 2022

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

Justified Manipulation Bava Metzia 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 1st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud aleph uncharacteristically asks why the Torah obligates an oath by a person who partially admits, but exempts the person who flat out denies the claim. Usually the Gemara asks the “what”, but not the “why.”  For example, a Gilgul Shevua, on the face of it, makes little sense. (An additional oath, levied on the defendant once he already is obligated in a first oath, even if a second claim on the part …

Just the Flax, Ma’am Sotah 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 4th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis rules that a woman about whom there are strong rumors of infidelity, to the extent that she is the object of a particular kind of gossip, does not drink the Sotah waters:  הִיא וְלֹא שֶׁיִּשְׂאוּ וְיִתְּנוּ בָּהּ מוֹזְרוֹת בַּלְּבָנָה The baraisa continues: The next word in the verse, “she [hee],” excludes a third case: But not where she, i.e., her in …

Just Following Orders Gittin 56 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 11th, 2023

In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, we encounter the poignant story of Kamtza, who was humiliated and expelled from a party while the sages remained silent. Seeking revenge, Kamtza hatched a plan to make the government believe that the rabbis were rebelling. To provide evidence, he intentionally caused a minor injury to the eye or lip of an animal designated for sacrifice. Although this was not an obvious blemish, it rendered the sacrifice invalid accor …

Just Drop The Burden Pesachim 32 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 23rd, 2020

Our Gemara quotes the same position of Rav Nechunya Ben HaKanah that we discussed earlier on Daf 29.  His position is that the concept of קים ליה בדרבה מיניה applies to even chiyuv kares (excision), and not merely a chiyuv misa biydei shamayim (heavenly death decree). To review, קים ליה בדרבה מיניה is the following principle: If someone does a prohibited action that entails both a mortally severe punishment (s …

Jung's Greatest Hits

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 28th, 2019

Carl Jung was a student of Sigmund Freud.  Unlike Freud, he had a deep and positive interest in spirituality, religion, and mysticism.  His psychological theories were still what we would call psychodynamic, in a sense that they involve understanding the ways that unconscious conflicts affect and determine functional or dysfunctional behavior.  However, his understanding of the inner drives and conflicts were more universal and rel …

Judicial and Rabbinic Fallibility and Infallibility Bava Basra 32 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses certain situations where the Rabbis of the Bais Din do not overturn a ruling when later evidence and new doubts arise over the original testimony. Simply put, once there is a verdict, the burden of proof to overturn the evidence is much higher. After a legal matter was decided, the “greater good” value of preserving the courts’ popular authority trumps the need to review prior evidence. This is …

Judaism and the Myth of the Noble Savage Bava Basra 45 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 9th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse from Tehilim (37:21):   לוה רשע ולא ישלם וצדיק חונן ונותן   The wicked man borrows and does not repay, the righteous is generous and keeps giving.   The mystical interpretation of this verse is that God is the lender, the one who gives us our soul for safekeeping. The wicked person in the verse is a person in the act of committing a sin. God is being gracious and loa …

Journaling to Unburden the Soul Yevamos 25 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 1st, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the famous principle:
אָדָם קָרוֹב אֵצֶל עַצְמוֹ, וְאֵין אָדָם מֵשִׂים עַצְמוֹ רָשָׁע A person is his own relative. Consequently, he may not testify about himself, just as the testimony of any relative is disqualified. And furthermore, a person does not make himself wicked. His testimony with regard to his own actions is inadmissible because he is his ow …

Journaling and Cheshbon Hanefesh Bava Kamma 99 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 9th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis records an incident where a person sought an expert opinion from Rabbi Chiyyah who was appraising the quality and value of a certain coin.  He appraised it incorrectly, causing her financial loss. The Talmud rules that experts are not strictly liable for errors made in good faith. Nonetheless, as an act of piety, Rabbi Chiyyah took financial responsibility. He made a cryptic notation in his record book, “Deyn Es …

Joseph the Demon Eruvin 43 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 21st, 2020

תָּא שְׁמַע: הָנֵי שָׁב שְׁמַעְתָּא דְּאִיתְאַמְרָן בְּצַפְרָא בְּשַׁבְּתָא קַמֵּיהּ דְּרַב חִסְדָּא בְּסוּרָא, בַּהֲדֵי פַּנְיָא בְּשַׁבְּתָא קַמֵּיהּ דְּרָבָא בְּפוּמְבְּדִיתָא. The Gemara cites another proof: Come and hear a resolution from the incident involving the seven teachings that …

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 …

Jewish Traditional Sources for Female Sexual Empowerment

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 4th, 2018

In a discussion with colleagues it was noted that there was not enough focus in the religious community on the normal developmental and sexual needs of women.  One might draw a conclusion that there was no legitimate focus on female sexual empowerment within traditional Jewish thought.  While the standards of modesty, as well as concepts of female roles were quite different in the times of the Talmud, it is important to note that there …

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 …

Jewish Environmentalism Bava Basra 26 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 21st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the prohibition of cutting down a fruit bearing tree. This is a matter that is taken seriously, and the Gemara even relates a story about someone who died, apparently from the spiritual backlash of this destructive act.
Rabbenu Yonah (Shaarey Teshuva 3:82) says this prohibition extends to any wasteful or destructive act, and warns to not even waste a penny. While this commandment is common sense and basic …

Jewish Criminals Bava Kamma 112 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 22nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud discusses the unfortunate situation of children whose father was a thief. Are the children who were supported by their father over the years, responsible to pay restitution to those whom he stole from? We won’t get into the Halachic specifics, but instead I thought to discuss the social and psychological impact of having a father who is a thief.   Unfortunately, there are crooks even in the frum world. Sometimes the …

It’s Your Bad Luck Kesuvos 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 8th, 2022

In our Gemara’s analysis of responsibility to fulfill a wedding date pledge, they discuss different scenarios of unexpected delays. Depending on whose fault or fate the delay is attributed, it makes a difference in if the man becomes obligated in supporting his wife even prior to the wedding. Thus, if the wedding is delayed due to her becoming ill, the Gemara considers that he may still have to pay her support as if he was the one who becam …

It’s What is Brought that Counts Eruvin 78 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 26th, 2020

It’s What is Brought that Counts This section of the Gemara discusses a scenario where the ladder or wall giving access was built out of wood from an Asheira Tree. Since an Asheira tree is idolatrous, It is forbidden to derive benefit from the wood. There are many times in the Gemara where this form of idolatry is mentioned. Let us take a closer look to understand the Asheira phenomenon and what was the nature of its prohibition : The first …

It's the Thoughts that Count Kesuvos 46 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 21st, 2022

  The majority of Torah commandments more often focuses on actions and deeds, not thoughts.  Yet there are certain commandments that focus on our thoughts and how we must guard them and shape them.  (Chovos Halevavos wrote his Sefer by that name because he felt these mitzvos were ignored.) Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us: ״וְנִשְׁמַרְתָּ מִכֹּל דָּבָר רָע״, מִכָּאן אָמַר רַבִּי פּ …

It’s Like Deja Vu, All Over Again Bava Metzia 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 3rd, 2024

Our Gemara discusses various aspects of a unique kind of oath, known as Gilgul Shevua, which we can roughly translate as “A rolled-on Oath.”  When a defendant is obligated to make an oath to defend their claim, the plaintiff has the opportunity to levy additional accusations, compelling the defendant to take oaths on those matters as well. Remarkably, this applies even when the subsequent accusations lack substantial legal basis, …

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 …

It is Not Fine at All Kesuvos 38 and 39 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 14th, 2022

It seems to be a staple of modern and ancient law, and even aspects of halacha to enact  fines upon perpetrators.  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph (see Rashi as well) notes that the institution of fines represent an extra-judicial response that is not about compensation per se, but some form of punishment.  According to the Klein Dictionary, the etymology of the word Kenas is Greek. It is related to the word census, which is to count.&nbs …

It is Darkest Before the Dawn Bava Basra 53 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 16th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the principle that a grantor of a gift has a more generous attitude and disposition (Ayin Yaffa) than one who sells the same parcel of land. This leads to assuming certain rights and/or extras are transferred in the gift of property, while in a sale, a more precise and legalistic attitude is presumed.   The Shalah (Torah_Shebiksav, Bamidbar, Nasso, Beha'alotcha, Torah Ohr, Beha'alotcha) references this prin …

It Hurts to Speak Yevamos 104 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 19th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the halakhic status of a mute person: אָמַר רָבָא: אִלֵּם וְאִלֶּמֶת בְּנֵי דֵעָה נִינְהוּ, וּפוּמַּיְיהוּ הוּא דְּכָאֵיב לְהוּ. A mute man and woman do have intellectual capacity. Rather, it is their mouth that hurts them. Mute individuals have full intellectual capacity; they merely lack a means of expression.  This Gemara is poss …

It Doesn’t Grow on Trees, You Know! Or…Does It? Bava Basra 95 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 27th, 2024

Our Gemara on this daf discussed wine that begins to become vinegary, and at what point does it lose its status of wine. In such a case, the blessing might revert from “Hagafen - He who creates the fruit of the vine” back to “Shehakol”, the universal blessing that one makes for foods that do not grow or have a specific status, drinks, meat, and other items.  Food items that have distinction or unique status tend to ge …

It Could be Heaven or it Could be Hell Nedarim 54 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 18th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes medical advice from the Great Amora, Rosh Yeshiva and Physician, Shmuel: אָמַר שְׁמוּאֵל: נוּן סָמֶךְ עַיִן — נוּנָא סַמָּא לְעֵינַיִם! as Shmuel said an acronym: Nun, samekh, ayin, which stands for: Nuna samma la’einayim, which means: Fish is a medicine for eyes.  Maharsha says that the Jews, when they were complaining about the Man, also hinted at …

Is There Such a Thing as an Easy Mitzvah? Bava Metzia 112 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis makes a linguistic observation in regard to a teaching that referred to “great halachos”.  The Gemara  comments that if they are described as “great”, there must also be halachos that are considered minor, which it finds odd, since can any halacha be considered small?  Therefore, the Gemara rejects and revises the text of that teaching.    But we must ask ourselves, on a pra …

Is There Morality Without God? Bava Metzia 111 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 18th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the wage payment obligation toward a Ger Toshav, which is often defined as a gentile that commits to follow the Seven Noachide Laws.    גֵּר תּוֹשָׁב יֵשׁ בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם ״בְּיוֹמוֹ תִּתֵּן שְׂכָרוֹ״, וְאֵין בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם ״לֹא תָלִין פְּעוּלַּת שָׂכִיר אִתְּךָ עַד בֹּקֶר״.   One who hi …

Is There a Natural Moral Sense? Bava Metzia 8 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 7th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph makes a seemingly contradictory assertion that a deaf mute is lacking in enough intelligence or discernment to acquire possessions. The rabbis enacted a ruling that regardless, they should be allowed to possess objects. This was in order to forestall and protect a vulnerable population (the mentally impaired) from financial abuse.  If two people pick up an ownerless object at the same time, they acquire it jointly, e …

Is the Torah Always Reasonable? Yevamos 17 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 24th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the scriptural source for אשת אחיו שלא היה בעולמו. What is אשת אחיו שלא היה בעולמו? Although there are variations, the simple case is that of Reuven who married Rachel, and then dies childless. After Reuven dies, Reuven’s father has another boy (through Reuven’s mother or another wife), Shimon, who is of course Reuven’s brother. Ordinarily Shimon, who is a b …

Is the Rabbinate Inherited? Yevamos 91 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 6th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a Mishna in Gittin (8:5) If he wrote the date on the bill of divorce using a calendrical system that counts years in the name of a kingdom that is not legitimate…in all these case, the bill of divorce is not valid.  According to Rashi on our daf, the definition of “a kingdom that is not legitimate” is the Roman government. Rashi references a Gemara in Avoda Zara (10a) that denigrates the legi …

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 …

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 …

Is Mortality a Punishment or a Gift? Kesuvos 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 18th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the principle of Modeh Bekenas Patur.  That is, if a defendant admits in court prior to prosecution by witnesses, he is exempt from fines.  Such as, the thief who normally would be fined double payment if convicted, can pre-empt this fine by confessing prior to witnesses testifying against him.  He then is only obligated to pay the principle and no further punitive damages. Yismach Moshe (Bereishi …

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 …

Is it Wrong to Abuse an Artificial Intelligence Shabbos 128

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 12th, 2020

Shabbos 128 וְהָא קָא מְבַטֵּל כְּלִי מֵהֵיכֵנוֹ! סָבַר מְבַטֵּל כְּלִי מֵהֵיכֵנוֹ דְּרַבָּנַן, צַעַר בַּעֲלֵי חַיִּים דְּאוֹרָיְיתָא, וְאָתֵי דְּאוֹרָיְיתָא וְדָחֵי דְּרַבָּנַן. The Gemara asks: Does he not, by placing the cushions and blankets, negate a vessel’s preparedness? The cushions and bla …

Is it Possible to be Forgiven by God Without Repentance? Bava Basra 89 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 22nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the moral obligation to be absolutely scrupulous when it comes to honest weights and measures. This obligation and prohibition extends to the degree that one is not even allowed to have an accurate measures around the house, despite using them for other purposes, with no intention to defraud anybody:   A person may not keep in his house a measure that is too small or too large, even if it is used as a chambe …

Is it Permitted to Charge Fees for Medical Information Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 133

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 17th, 2020

דַּרְשַׁהּ רָבָא בְּמָחוֹזָא, קַרְעִינְהוּ בְּנֵי מִנְיוֹמֵי אָסְיָא לְמָנַיְיהוּ. אֲמַר לְהוּ: שְׁבַקִי לְכוּ חֲדָא. דַּאֲמַר שְׁמוּאֵל: הַאי מַאן דְּמָשֵׁי אַפֵּיהּ וְלָא מִנַּגֵּיב טוּבָא — נִקְטְרוּ לֵיהּ When Rava taught this cure in Meḥoza, the sons of Manyo …

Is it not Enough What the Torah Has Forbidden You? Nedarim 78 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 11th, 2023

Continuing yesterday’s theme, ״this is the word” “זה הדבר״ means utter clarity and being synonymous with God’s will, we find a Peri Tzaddik (Mattos 1:1) that applies this understanding to the use of this phrase, which introduces the Torah’s section on nedarim. (Bamidbar 30:2 וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־רָאשֵׁ֣י הַמַּטּ֔וֹת לִבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹ …

Is It Morally Proper to Abuse a Robot? Bava Kamma 91 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 1st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references the principle that once a defendant is convicted for a capital crime, there is an imperative to carry out the punishment immediately, so as not to prolong his agony. (See Sanhedrin 35a and Rashi “Lidayne”.) This is known as Iynuy Hadin. However, curiously in our Gemara they are referring to delaying the death of an Ox that was convicted for goring a person. The commentaries struggle with trying to u …

Is It Love, Or Is It Hate? Sotah 9 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 5th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the evil plans that the Serpent had for Adam and Chava, namely to eliminate Adam as his rival. His plan was to incite Chava to eat from the forbidden Tree of Knowledge, which would lead her to giving Adam to eat as well. Adam would die as result, so he can have Chava all to himself.  The Maharsha raises the obvious question:  If Chava ate from the forbidden tree, would this not also result in her death? …

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 …

Is Good Stronger than Evil? Sotah 11 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 9th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that not only does God punish measure for measure, but God also rewards measure for measure. Additionally, the reward is much more than just an equal measure, because the Middah of goodness is greater than the Middah of punishment.  אֲמַר לֵיהּ רָבָא הָא וְכֵן לְעִנְיַן הַטּוֹבָה קָתָנֵי אֶלָּא אָמַר רָבָא הָכִי קָתָנֵי וְכֵן ל …

Is Adolescence a Thing? Bava Kamma 98 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 8th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an incident when Rav Ashi burned another person's promissory note, and Rafram required him to pay the full amount. In this instance, the destruction of this key evidence prevented the debt from being collected.  Even though the loss was not direct, as a mere few pennies worth of parchment was destroyed, but since it caused an immediate and prompt consequential loss, it is treated as if he actually destroyed …

Is a Rabbinic Derasha the Same as Torah Law? Sotah 16 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 9th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes a certain rabbinic derasha about Metzora as “Miderabanan”. This is an odd text because usually the term Midreabanan refers to laws that are rabbinic additions, not laws derived from derashos. The obvious difference being that something derived from a derasha has the force of a Torah law, and not subject to certain leniencies, such as physical duress, or following the lenient opinion when in doubt.&nb …

Irrational Parental Requests Kesuvos 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 15th, 2022

What is the extent and nature of the commandment to honor parents? Is it to honor requests of substance that bring them benefit, as enumerated by Gemara Kiddushin (31b, quoted below), or is it even to honor their requests that have no concrete benefit? In other words, if your father or mother ask you to pour them a glass of tea, this is honoring their request and brings them a concrete benefit. But what about if one’s parents say, “Do …

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 …

Intuition Versus Logic Psychology of the Daf Yomi Gittin 50

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 5th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph delves into the complex topic of guarantees in Jewish monetary law. It presents a scenario where a person who volunteers as a guarantor on a kesuba (marriage contract) is exempted from financial responsibility. Typically, a guarantor assumes a commitment due to their respected and wealthy status (See Bava Basra 173b where the prestige of becoming a guarantor and the exchange of money creates an obligation based on receipt …

Intimacy is not just Sexuality Eruvin 63 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 9th, 2020

  אָמַר רַב בְּרוֹנָא אָמַר רַב: כׇּל הַיָּשֵׁן בְּקִילְעָא שֶׁאִישׁ וְאִשְׁתּוֹ שְׁרוּיִין בָּהּ, — עָלָיו הַכָּתוּב אוֹמֵר: ״נְשֵׁי עַמִּי תְּגָרְשׁוּן מִבֵּית תַּעֲנוּגֶיהָ״. With regard to the neglect of the commandment of procreation, Rav Beruna said that Rav said: Whoever sleeps in …

Internal and External Battles Bava Basra 85 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 18th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph continues discussing rules of acquisitions. An animal that can be acquired by pulling it into an area that is in his possession, but not by merely pulling it into an area that is not under his ownership. Panim Yafos (Matos) uses this Halacha to explain an anomalous feature of the spoils of war from the Biblical battle with Midyan (Bamidbar 31). In other Biblical wars, the soldiers were allowed to keep the booty, unless de …

Intention and Action: Understanding the Legal and Divine Perspectives Gittin 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 25th, 2023

In our Gemara on Amud Beis, we explore the intentions and legal implications of phrases such as "I will give" in contracts. We examine whether the use of future tense expresses intention or signifies full acquisition and relinquishment. This discussion provides important insights into a perplexing verse and the dialogue between God and Moses in Shemos (6:1-2). Yismach Moshe (Vaera 1) offers this legal distinction to understand the dialogue betwee …

Intellectualized Defenses Pesachim 23 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 14th, 2020

The Gemara mentions a principle used in derashos known as אין ריבוי אחר ריבוי אלא למעט, one amplificatory expression after another is restrictive. Meaning, when the Torah includes an application of a law in one situation, and then in another verse includes it in another situation, it is deduced that in all other situations the law does not apply. The logic for this is that otherwise, if the law was only stated in one case, …

Intellectual Greatness vs. Spiritual Greatness Yevamos 79 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 25th, 2022

The Gemara on Amud Aleph explains why Dovid Hamelech could not offer a reparation to the descendants of Shaul by making a proper but belated eulogy. “It is not the custom to make a eulogy after twelve months.” Why is it not the custom to do this? Rashi references a Gemara in Moed Kattan (21b) which is not referring only to eulogy, but in general we do not say Hamakom Yenachem after twelve months, because the person is already past the …

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 …

Insurrection Bava Basra 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 22nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the famous lomdishe concept of Bereira. Bereira is the idea of retroactive designation. For example, say you have a barrel of untithed wine, and you designate the last ounces to be Terumah, without actually separating them. The wine is now a combined mix of sacred Terumah and Chulin, but if one allows for Bereira, then the initial act of declaring the tithe falls on whatever ounces of wine are left at the end of …

Inside or Outside? Bava Metzia 18 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 17th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes a rabbi’s quest for the correct halakha as “Nafak, Dak, Ve-ashkach - He went out, examined it, and discovered.”How does one “go out” and discover a thought? Is this not something that should be discovered by an inward journey?    Tosafos Yom Tov (2:9) says it refers to an intellectual journey. Midrash Shmuel (ibid) suggests it is a going out, because it is a letting go of a …

Insanity Plea Bava Kamma 94 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 4th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the moral quandary of whether one should recite a blessing over stolen food: רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר בֶּן יַעֲקֹב אוֹמֵר: הֲרֵי שֶׁגָּזַל סְאָה שֶׁל חִטִּין, טְחָנָהּ, לָשָׁהּ וַאֲפָאָהּ, וְהִפְרִישׁ מִמֶּנָּה חַלָּה, כֵּיצַד מְבָרֵךְ? אֵין זֶה מְבָרֵךְ אֶלָּא מְנָא …

Innocent Until Improved Guilty Nedarim 76 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 9th, 2023

Continuing our discussion of the Kal V’chomer discussed on the previous daf, the Rosh (“אינו דין”) discusses the following scenario: A person, while fully immersed in the Mikvah, touches a dead sheretz (a number of crawling animals that the Torah considers impure when dead), and then while still holding the sheretz, touches a vessel.  There is a debate amongst poskim as to what point of the immersion process sheds th …

Inherited Difficulties Kesuvos 90 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 4th, 2022

Inheritances are serious business and no parents want their children to squabble about their yerusha. Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the institution of Kesubas Benin Dichrin, which is a rabbinic enactment designed to protect the mother’s familial assets.  The rabbis established a rule that the woman’s kesuba and accompanying Nedunya (dowry) shall go to her sons, and not any step brothers should the husband remarry.  There …

Inexplicable, Mysterious And Wonderous Nazir 46 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 10th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a verse (Devarim 6:20): אַחַר יִשְׁתֶּה הַנָּזִיר יַיִן  “And after that the nazirite may drink wine”  The rabbis use it to derive a law that the Nazir is still bound to his obligations, until after his sacrifices are brought. However, because the text is anomalous, there are a number of commentaries that see a particular lesson and message for the Nazir. The proble …

Independence versus Interdependence Kesuvos 96 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 9th, 2022

Even though it is not good to be a burden on others, in close relationships, being able to receive kindness and service is a part of the relationship.  People want to feel needed and want to have the opportunity to give to those whom they love or regard.  Sometimes, resistance to love and intimacy hides behind false piety.   It can be a kindness to also accept, not just to give. Our Gemara on amud aleph tells us: אָמַר ר …

Inconvenient Truths Bava Metzia 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis gives examples of hurtful speech that taunts and belittles:   If one is a penitent, another may not say to him: Remember your earlier deeds. If one is the child of converts, another may not say to him: Remember the deeds of your ancestors. If one is a convert and he came to study Torah, one may not say to him: Does the mouth that ate unslaughtered carcasses and repugnant creatures, and creeping animals, comes to study …

In Vino Veritas Bava Basra 96 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 29th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a principle of Oenology, which has halachic and metaphysical implications:   דאמר רבא: כל חמרא דלא דרי על חד תלת מיא – לאו חמרא הוא   Rava said: Any wine that does not contain three parts water to one part pure wine is not regarded as wine, as it is excessively strong.   In those days, the original wine mixture was so potent, that when they actually dran …

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 …

In the End, It’s Just a Matter of Time Nazir 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 26th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse in Daniel (22:17): וָאֶשְׁמַ֞ע אֶת־הָאִ֣ישׁ ׀ לְב֣וּשׁ הַבַּדִּ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר מִמַּ֘עַל֮ לְמֵימֵ֣י הַיְאֹר֒ וַיָּ֨רֶם יְמִינ֤וֹ וּשְׂמֹאלוֹ֙ אֶל־הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וַיִּשָּׁבַ֖ע בְּחֵ֣י הָעוֹלָ֑ם כִּי֩ לְמוֹעֵ֨ד מֽוֹעֲדִ֜ים וָחֵ֗צ …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 24th, 2021

Our Gemara on Amud Beis refers to an Amora who they considered to have an unreliable memory and confused the Mishnayos and beraisos he quoted. It is interesting that he was regarded with some degree of deference as a sage, despite this major shortcoming. There is no explanation in the commentaries aside from brief statements by Rashi and Shita Mekubetzes who seem to confirm that he was a respected Sage who confused his teachings, and was oddly to …

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 …

In Order to Succeed, Fail Gittin 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 28th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph offers a profound insight into human nature and the necessary role of failure: "אֵין אָדָם עוֹמֵד עַל דִּבְרֵי תוֹרָה אֶלָּא אִם כֵּן נִכְשָׁל בָּהֶן" "A person does not understand statements of Torah unless he stumbles in them." Failure is often feared due to the innate instinct of self-recrimination triggered by falling short. While this instinct serves a purpos …

In Order to Perform a More Perfect Union Kesuvos 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 23rd, 2022

Warning: This posting contains sexually explicit content relating to the mitvah of marital relations  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the obligation for a husband (and wife — see Ritva) to not hold back from skin to skin direct contact during marital relations out of a sense of false modesty.  The psychological benefits of skin to skin contact on mood regulation and the release of the oxytocin binding hormone has been scientifi …

In Families there are No Secrets Bava Metzia 103 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 10th, 2024

Our Mishna on Amud Beis textually analyzes a Mishna which discusses the financial rights shared by a person who rents or uses a vineyard as a tenant farmer. The Mishna states:   כְּשֵׁם שֶׁחוֹלְקִין בַּיַּיִן, כָּךְ חוֹלְקִין בַּזְּמוֹרוֹת וּבַקָּנִים. וּשְׁנֵיהֶם מְסַפְּקִין אֶת הַקָּנִים:   Just as the halakha is that the owner of the f …

In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, clarity Pesachim 15 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 6th, 2020

In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, clarity. Rupertus Meldenius However, how will we burn teruma in abeyance, whose impurity status is uncertain, together with ritually impure teruma? Perhaps Elijah the Prophet will come and establish prophetically that the teruma is not ritually impure, and he will render it ritually pure. The legal status of teruma in abeyance is uncertain. How can one actively render it impure when …

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 …

Impotent Rage Yevamos 53 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis struggles to come up with a scenario whereby a man can be considered “forced” to engage in sexual intercourse. The sages aptly observed, there is no erection of the male organ without intent. Meaning to say, though a person might be externally coerced into sexual intecourse by some kind of threat, the actual action must be with some degree of will, as otherwise how can he become erect?  (The Gemara ultimat …

Impatient Husbands and Niddah Eruvin 21 Psychology of the Daf Rabbi Simcha Feuerman LCSW-R, DHL

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 29th, 2020

  ״וְעַל פְּתָחֵינוּ כׇּל מְגָדִים״ — אֵלּוּ בְּנוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל שֶׁמַּגִּידוֹת פִּתְחֵיהֶן לְבַעֲלֵיהֶן. לָשׁוֹן אַחֵר: שֶׁאוֹגְדוֹת פִּתְחֵיהֶן לְבַעֲלֵיהֶן. “And at our doors [petaḥeinu] are all manner of choice fruits [megadim],” these are the daughters of Israel who inform [maggidot] …

Immortal Teachings Yevamos 97 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 12th, 2022

The Gemara on 96b and 97a deals with Rabbi Yochanan’s strong concern that his Torah be quoted and attributed to him.  The Gemara explains this as stemming from the following idea and verse: Rabbi Yoḥanan said in the name of Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai: With regard to any Torah scholar in whose name a matter of halakha is said in this world, his lips mouth the words in the grave, as though he is talking. Rabbi Yitzḥak ben Ze’eira …

Immersed in a State of Fear Kesuvos 72 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 16th, 2022

Our Gemara and Mishna on Amud Aleph discusses certain breaches in the marriage that forfeits the woman’s right to her kesuba.  One of these breaches are if the woman falsely pretended to not be a niddah, when in fact she was, leading to them having relations during a forbidden time. This phenomenon happens more often than people would like to believe.  I have no statistics, but having the privilege of working with couples for 28 y …

If You See Something, Say Something Bava Metzia 51 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us an anecdote where Rami Bar Chamah noticed that his landlord appeared sad. He inquired of him, and ended up hearing about a mistake he made in business, and was able to offer him halachic guidance.   Noticing that a person is sad is an important factor in emotional intelligence. Being attuned enough to notice a person’s face or other subtle expressions allows for important opportunities to assist a pers …

If you only pray when you’re in trouble, you’re in trouble Eruvin 65 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 9th, 2020

אָמַר רַב חִיָּיא בַּר אָשֵׁי אָמַר רַב: כֹּל שֶׁאֵין דַּעְתּוֹ מְיוּשֶּׁבֶת עָלָיו אַל יִתְפַּלֵּל, מִשּׁוּם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״בְּצָר אַל יוֹרֶה״. רַבִּי חֲנִינָא בְּיוֹמָא דְּרָתַח לָא מְצַלֵּי, אָמַר: ״בְּצָר אַל יוֹרֶה״ כְּתִיב. מָר עוּקְבָא …

If You Insult a Person, You Insult God (God forbid!) Nazir 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 12th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a verse (Vayikra 24:18) וּמַכֵּ֥ה נֶֽפֶשׁ־בְּהֵמָ֖ה יְשַׁלְּמֶ֑נָּה נֶ֖פֶשׁ תַּ֥חַת נָֽפֶשׁ׃ One who smites the soul of a beast shall make restitution for it: life for life. Rav Yosef Bekhor Shor (ibid 24:17) says a remarkable peshat based on juxtaposition of two prior verses: וְנֹקֵ֤ב שֵׁם המ֣וֹת יוּמָ֔ת … and one who al …

If You Believe That You Can Damage, Then Believe That You Can Fix Kiddushin 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 17th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the halakhic significance of female facial hair if it is considered like a beard. The matter is relevant regarding whether the laws of leprosy of the beard will apply to this area or the laws of skin leprosy, which have different criteria. The Gemara seems to consider the possibility that even though the verse explicitly includes female facial hair as part of the beard leprosy (Vayikra 13:29, "A man or woman who …

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 …

If the Shoe Fits, then Do the Mitzvah Yevamos 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 25th, 2022

Our Gemara on this Amud discusses numerous circumstances of chalitzah must be chosen over Yibum. A fundamental question that has been discussed by poskim is if Chalitzah is it’s own Mitzvah, somehow a fulfillment of Yibum, or is it more comparable to the “Mitzvah” of Jewish divorce. That is to say, when one is in a situation that requires a dissolution of the marriage, it is a Mitzvah to perform it properly with a Get. In lomdis …

Identity Crisis Shabbos 118

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 2nd, 2020

for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 118 Mareh Mekomos 118b אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹסֵי: מִיָּמַי לֹא קָרִיתִי לְאִשְׁתִּי ״אִשְׁתִּי״...אֶלָּא לְאִשְׁתִּי — ״בֵּיתִי״,. Furthermore, Rabbi Yosei said that he always spoke euphemistically: In all my days, I did not call my wife, my wife, ...Rather, I called my wife, my home, becaus …

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 …

I Got You This Far, Didn’t I? Bava Metzia 79 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 17th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses various scenarios and liabilities incurred where a hired porter or wagon breaks down mid trip.  Even if the wares did not reach the desired and contracted destination, if at the current location they can be sold too, albeit inconveniently, or if after a day he can hire another transport for the remainder of the journey, the person must still pay the fare for the trip up to this point.  The claim of the …

I Forgive You, but Do I Really? Yevamos 72 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 18th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that the reason why the Jews did not merit the healing north wind during the wilderness was that they were “censured”. What sin caused that state? Rashi says it was due to the sin of the Golden Calf.  However Tosafos argues and says that they Jews were forgiven for that sin, as it states “I forgive them”, and the Mishkan was constructed and Hashem had the Shekhina dwell there. Tosafos …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 24th, 2021

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

I Didn’t Really Mean It! Yevamos 116 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 1st, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses circumstances where there is suspicion of bias in testimony from a woman that her husband is deceased.  One such situation is, “when there is a marital discord.” The Gemara seeks to define the term more precisely: קְטָטָה בֵּינוֹ לְבֵינָהּ וְכוּ׳. הֵיכִי דָּמֵי קְטָטָה בֵּינוֹ לְבֵינָהּ, אָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר …

I Am Not a Crook Bava Metzia 97 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 4th, 2024

I Am Not a Crook   Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a novel application of Ba’alav Imo. Ba’alav Imo is a rule that exempts a watchman from paying for the damage if the owner of the item is present with the bailee or in his employ when he is safeguarding the item (Shemos 22:13). Rava’s students cleverly asserted that since he is their teacher and really work for them, if any of them were to borrow an item of his, it would …

Humility or Lack of vulnerability? Bava Metzia 67 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a practice that was technically not usury, but the Talmud ruled that rabbis should abstain from it nonetheless, because they should behave according to a higher standard. The Gemara records that Ravina did not abstain from this practice and stuck with the letter of the law. Tosafos (ibid) wonders about this, and Rabbenu Tam suggests that thiswas due to Ravina’s humility in that he did not want to portray hi …

Humans Always Are Growing Bava Kamma 65 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 5th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the halakha that even a day-old bull is called a bull, and even a day-old ram is called a ram.  Sefer Chayyim V’chessed (272) observes that this principle is based on the biological truth that animals tend to be born with all the basic skills and instincts they need to survive. In comparison, a human newborn is helpless and needs decades of instruction and modeling by his or her parents to develop the …

Human Potential Sotah 46 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 14th, 2023

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph laments the loss of potential in the wake of a seemingly random, senseless murder. אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן בֶּן שָׁאוּל מִפְּנֵי מָה אָמְרָה תּוֹרָה הָבֵיא עֶגְלָה בְּנַחַל אָמַר הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא יָבֹא דָּבָר שֶׁלֹּא עָשָׂה פֵּירוֹת וְיֵעָרֵף בִּמְקוֹם שֶׁ …

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. …

Human Dignity Shabbos 124

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 8th, 2020

For video shiur click here:  Shabbos 124 יָתֵיב רַב סָפְרָא וְרַב אַחָא בַּר הוּנָא וְרַב הוּנָא בַּר חֲנִינָא, וְיָתְבִי וְקָאָמְרִי: לְרַבָּה אַלִּיבָּא דְּרַבִּי נְחֶמְיָה הָנֵי קְעָרוֹת הֵיכִי מְטַלְטְלִינַן? אֲמַר לְהוּ רַב סָפְרָא: מִידֵּי דְּהָוֵה א …

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 …

How to Study Contradictions Bava Basra 104 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 7th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses how to resolve discrepancies in the statements of a seller, where the seller’s first clause indicates approximation, and the second clause indicates specificity, or vice versa. For example, if the seller says to the buyer: “I am selling you a plot of land of a certain size measured precisely with a rope more or less”, thereby attaching to the sale two contradictory stipulations. Or if the seller …

How to Influence People Even if You Don’t Make Friends Pesachim 30 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 21st, 2020

The Gemara discusses the principle of כבולעו כך פולטו which means that in order to remove non-kosher food essences that become absorbed inside utensils, one must subject them to the same conditions under which they were absorbed. For example if a utensil absorbed food essence in boiling water then it needs to be koshered in boiling water. Or, if a utensil absorbed food essence by exposure to direct flame, it needs to be koshered in t …

How to Get Paid Faster Kiddushin 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 29th, 2023

Our Gemara on amud Aleph and Beis discusses how we view the obligation to pay a worker’s wages, and how it would affect a betrothal that was done via an agreement for the groom to perform a task as the exchange of an object of value: תַנְיָא: ״עֲשֵׂה לִי שִׁירִים נְזָמִים וְטַבָּעוֹת, וְאֶקַּדֵּשׁ אֲנִי לָךְ״, כֵּיוָן שֶׁעֲשָׂאָן – מְקוּדֶּשׁ …

How to Benefit in This World and the Next Bava Basra 125 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 28th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a halachic aspect of the inheritance process. Specifically, the double portion granted to a firstborn applies only to property that is in actual possession, as opposed to funds that are due, such as an unpaid loan. The Noam Elimelech (Sefer Shemos, Shemos 5) uses this concept to address an age-old theological question: why do some righteous individuals seem to suffer greatly in this world, while others prosper in …

How to Avoid Misinterpretations in Communication Bava Kamma 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 5th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes the liabilities of an employer whose worker enters his property to collect payments and is bit by his dog. The question of liability revolves around a misunderstanding of the word, “Yes”. Did it mean, “Yes, enter”, or “Yes, I acknowledge your presence at the gate and I will come to greet you.” Regardless of the halakhic outcome, the worker who assumed the homeowner meant, &ldq …

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 …

How Much Checking Do You Need to Do? Kesuvos 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 27th, 2022

One of the opportunities and challenges of Shidduchim is doing adequate and proper research. The cliche and much maligned question of whether the family uses a plastic tablecloth on Shabbos, is not merely urban legend. Whether or not that’s your burning question, it behooves us to discuss what level of research is necessary. Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses whether the “checking out” that relatives do is sufficient enough so as …

How Important is Positive Self-Talk? Nazir 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 21st, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis records a statement made in frustration by Rav Adda bar Ahava that ended up as a curse against the children of Rav Huna. The words of a sage are so powerful, that even when not fully intended, they have an effect. This idea that words affect reality is a highly regarded principle mentioned dozens of times in the Gemara. Sanhedrin (102a) characterizes it as a covenant between one’s lips and God.  Sefer HaChinuch …

How Dishonest is Dishonest? Bava Basra 82 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 15th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the conundrum of declaring bikkurim and reciting the appropriate ritual, even if those particular offerings may not actually be first fruits:   What is objectionable about reciting verses from the Torah even if they aren’t bikkurim? Rav Ashi said to him: The problem is due to the fact that this practice has the appearance of falsehood, because he issues a declaration before God that is possibly untrue …

How Bad is it to Embarrass Someone? Sotah 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 5th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis warns of the severity of causing another person public humiliation, to the extent that he or she would turn white:  מַר רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן חֲסִידָא, וְאָמְרִי לָהּ אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן מִשּׁוּם רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן יוֹחַי: נוֹחַ לוֹ לָאָדָם שֶׁיַּפִּיל עַצְמוֹ לְתוֹךְ כִּבְשַׁן ה …

Honoring the Dead and the Great Nazir 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 10th, 2023

Our Gemara on amud beis continues to discuss that for a Meis Mitzvah (an abandoned corpse), even a Cohen Godol must bury him, and this need overrides the Cohanic prohibition to not be defiled from a corpse. It is evident from how Tosafos (“Hachi Garsinan De-Iylu”) analyzes the particular situation, that the Cohen Godol is permitted to engage in taking care of the corpse even when burial is not possible such as Yom Kippur. For example, …

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 …

Honesty and Exaggeration in Shidduchim Kesuvos 12 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 18th, 2022

How much exaggeration is normal when describing a Shidduch? How much should the person himself or herself disclose about flaws? How much should others? We will discuss these matters from a halakhic and psychological perspective over the next two dappim. Our Gemara states that if a man married a woman who was previously married and maintained she was a virgin, even if it turns out that she wasn’t, the husband has no claim that the marriage w …

Honesty and Ambivalence in Religion

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 9th, 2019

Religious Therapists are obliged to be aware of what they are feeling and what they are seeing. What makes an effective clinician, is the one who is able to sense internal conflict, cognitive dissonance, and internal realities and external reality. In short, as we pray for every morning ‏דובר אמת בלבבו to speak truth within our hearts.   As religious Therapists, at times, we cannot help but notice conflict between c …

Honest to God Kesuvos 87 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 30th, 2022

When a person rationalizes his sins, the personal dishonesty might causes additional distortion beyond the original sins, with even more toxic effects.  Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse (Devarim 19:15) that is used to describe the powers and limitations of a singe witness versus a pair: לֹֽא־יָקוּם֩ עֵ֨ד אֶחָ֜ד בְּאִ֗ישׁ לְכׇל־עָוֺן֙ וּלְכׇל־חַטָּ֔את בְּכׇל־חֵ֖טְא …

Honest Intentions and Responsible Actions Kesuvos 86 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 30th, 2022

Are honest intentions the same as honesty?  If a person fully commits to something but later is unable to fulfill his pledge due to an unforeseen and legitimate change in circumstance, is that considered dishonest? Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the idea of perias baal chov mitzvah, that there is a specific Torah directive to repay a loan.  But what is the scriptural source? Rashi uses the derasha found in Bava Metzi’a (49a): …

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 …

Homing Pigeons Bava Basra 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the habits of a chick-dove that does not fly, and merely hops, in that it will not stray further than line-of-sight to its nest. This has implications to determining its origin and ownership if it is found nearby.
The Torah uses a nest as a metaphor for being in Hashem’s embrace as is stated in Devarim (32:6):
הלוא־הוא אביך קנך הוא עשך ויכננך
Is not this the Fat …

Home Team Advantage Myth or Reality? Eruvin 61 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 9th, 2020

  כִּי אֲתָא רַב דִּימִי אָמַר: טַטְרוֹגֵי מְטַטְרְגִי לְהוּ בְּנֵי גָדֵר לִבְנֵי חַמָּתָן, וּמַאי ״הִתִּיר״ — הִתְקִין. The Gemara relates that when Rav Dimi came from Eretz Yisrael to Babylonia, he said: This ruling was issued not due to their respective Shabbat limits, but rather because the residents of Geder would assault [metatreg] …

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 …

Holy Matrimony Psychology of the Daf Yomi Gittin 54

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 9th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the unique ritual on Yom Kippur when the Cohen Gadol enters the Holy of Holies. The verse states (Vayikra 16:17): וְכׇל־אָדָ֞ם לֹא־יִהְיֶ֣ה ׀ בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֗ד בְּבֹא֛וֹ לְכַפֵּ֥ר בַּקֹּ֖דֶשׁ עַד־צֵאת֑וֹ וְכִפֶּ֤ר בַּעֲדוֹ֙ וּבְעַ֣ד בֵּית֔וֹ וּבְעַ֖ד כׇּל־קְהַ֥ל יִשְׂר …

Holy Inappropriate Chaggigah 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 13th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the concept that God hears and judges all our speech. This includes even talk between husband and wife when they are intimate. This would imply that it is considered a lack of modesty and decorum to engage in conversation prior and during marital relations. To this, the Gemara raises an objection based on an incident that occurred which showed that the great Amora and Rosh Yeshiva, Rav, engaged in levity and laug …

Holy Cow, that’s A lot of Suffering Bava Metzia 85 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 23rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud aleph describes the intense years of gut pain that Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi experienced. The Gemara attributes his suffering to an incident where he was not merciful toward a calf. His suffering only abated, years later, when he spontaneously showed kindness toward weasels that were being harassed by his housekeeper:   There was a certain calf that was being led to slaughter. The calf went and hung its head on the corner of Rab …

Holy Cow! Nazir 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 2nd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tries to understand a strange declaration made by the protagonist in the Mishna.  The fellow is frustrated with his cow that is refusing to budge, and declares, “This cow says, I am hereby a Nazir if I get up.”  Obviously, the cow cannot make declarations.  The Gemara explains, when the person said “this cow says”, he meant to say, “this cow THINKS she is not going to get up&he …

Hitting Rock Bottom Shabbos 125

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 9th, 2020

וּבְמַאי קָמִיפַּלְגִי — בְּהַאי קְרָא: ״תַּנּוּר וְכִירַיִם יוּתָּץ טְמֵאִים הֵם וּטְמֵאִים יִהְיוּ לָכֶם״, רַבִּי יְהוּדָה סָבַר: מְחוּסָּר נְתִיצָה — טָמֵא, שֶׁאֵין מְחוּסָּר נְתִיצָה — טָהוֹר. וְרַבָּנַן סָבְרִי: ״טְמֵאִים יִהְיוּ …

Hitting Rock Bottom Nazir 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 1st, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse in Vayikra (6:20) that uses a strange language, “Anything that touches the flesh of the sacrifice shall become consecrated.” It’s a difficult verse to understand. Is holiness somehow contagious? Our Gemara interprets it as referring to the principle that absorption of an essence affects the object to an extent that it takes on the prohibition of that which it absorbed.  Noam Elimelech …

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 …

Hitting Bottom Kesuvos 85 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 9th, 2022

Humans constantly bargain with forces of nature and truths that aren’t really interested or responsive to our bids. A colleague of mine, Dr. Norman Blumenthal has famously remarked, “People do not come to me for change. Instead they are (falsely) hoping that I can help them find a trick to alleviate the difficulties without having to change a darn thing.” Our Gemara on Amud Aleph described the act of rowing as “mimlach mel …

Hitting Bottom Bava Metzia 61 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses textual and theological parallels between the prohibition of charging interest, the commandment of wearing Tzitzis and maintaining honest weights and measures in commerce. Rava says: Why do I need the mention of the exodus from Egypt that the Merciful One wrote in the context of the halachos of the prohibition against interest (see Leviticus 25:37–38), and the mention of the exodus from Egypt w …

History, or His Story? Nedarim 62 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 26th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us a harrowing story about Rabbi Tarfon, and how he was mistaken for a thief. In the end, he was released, but only because his captor found out he was the revered Rabbi Tarfon. This itself caused Rabbi Tarfon distress because he derived personal benefit from the crown of the Torah: רַבִּי טַרְפוֹן אַשְׁכְּחֵיהּ הָהוּא גַּבְרָא בִּזְמַן שֶׁהוּקְפְּלוּ ה …

Highly Sensitive Persons Bava Basra 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 18th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about Rav Yosef, one of the most respected sages of the Talmud, who describes himself as more sensitive than typical. This has halachic implications for what types of nuisances and pollution his neighbors must remove. In a different Gemara (Succah 29a), Rav Yosef’s sensitivity also has implications on when he is exempted from the mitzvah of Succah, with a lower threshold of tolerance for discomfort than oth …

Higher Standards Nazir 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 3rd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes several verses in the Torah that serve as the source for the prohibition against shaving one’s beard with a razor, or possibly in a razor like fashion, depending on how it is interpreted by various poskim.  There are two sets of verses that discuss prohibition, one having to do specifically with the Cohanim, and the other applied to all Jews. Halakhically, there is no distinction and our Gemara uses the t …

High Fidelity Kiddushin 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 18th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph raises a question about a grouping of similar items in a beraisa. There are six cases in total, and they are mostly similar. Yet, interestingly, they are divided into two sets of three cases:   תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: ״הֲרֵי אַתְּ אִשְׁתִּי״, ״הֲרֵי אַתְּ אֲרוּסָתִי״, ״הֲרֵי אַתְּ קְנוּיָה לִי״ – מְקוּדֶּשֶׁת. ״הֲרֵי אַ …

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 …

Hiddur Mitzvah as a Requirement Gittin 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 5th, 2023

In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, we learn about a specific mistake that can occur when writing the Tetragrammaton in a Sefer Torah and the circumstances under which it can be corrected: The baraisa teaches: If a scribe writing a Torah scroll reaches a point where he needs to write the name of God, spelled yod, heh, vav, heh, but instead intends to write "Yehuda," spelled yod, heh, vav, dalet, heh, and mistakenly omits the dalet, inadvertently writing …

Hidden Treasure, But Open Suffering Bava Metzia 11 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 10th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the ability of a courtyard to acquire objects for its owner without his awareness.  However, Shulchan Aruch (CM 269) rules that if it is an unexpected object, then it does not acquire it for him, such as hidden treasure.   In Vayikra (14:34) the Torah speaks about tozraas blemishes that will afflict your houses, “upon your entry into the land of Canaan.”  This odd phraseology sounds li …

Heresy and Bull Stories Bava Kamma 34 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 6th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the liabilities and after effects from an ox that gores another ox and injures it. The Gemara says that the owner of the damaging ox is liable for further deterioration in health and value of the ox. This is because the owner of the injured ox can claim, “The horn of your ox is still buried in my ox”. That is to say, the effects of the original attack continue. Bereishis Rabbah (2:4) states that Gree …

Herbal Fertility Potion Eruvin 28 Psychology of the Daf Rabbi Simcha Feuerman LCSW-R, DHL

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 6th, 2020

וּבְגוּדְגְּדָנִיּוֹת מִי מְעָרְבִין? וְהָתַנְיָא: גּוּדְגְּדָנִיּוֹת — מְרוּבֵּי בָנִים יֹאכֵלוּ, חֲשׂוּכֵי בָנִים לֹא יֹאכֵלוּ. וְאִם הוּקְשׁוּ לְזֶרַע — אַף מְרוּבֵּי בָּנִים לֹא יֹאכֵלוּ! The Gemara asks: But may one establish an eiruv with sweet clover? Was …

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 …

Heavenly Consultation Pesachim 33 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 24th, 2020

The Gemara paraphrases a verse from the Book of Daniel (4:14), which the Gemara refers to as G-d’s angels meaning the council of angels, sages.   On this same verse, the Gemara is Sanhedrin (38b) says as follows: Rav Yehuda says that Rav says: At the time that the Holy One, Blessed be He, sought to create a person, He created one group of ministering angels. He said to them: If you agree, let us fashion a person in our image. אמ …

Healthy Assertiveness Gittin 71 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 26th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph employs a proof text from Psalms (38:14) to define the Hebrew words "Cheresh" as someone who is deaf and "Ilem" as a mute who does not speak: וַאֲנִ֣י כְ֭חֵרֵשׁ לֹ֣א אֶשְׁמָ֑ע וּ֝כְאִלֵּ֗ם לֹ֣א יִפְתַּח־פִּֽיו׃ "But I am like a deaf man, unhearing, like a dumb man who cannot speak up." In the face of mistreatment, the question arises: When is it proper to speak …

Healthy and Unhealthy Competition Bava Basra 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 17th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses ways in which the usual rabbinic market protections do not apply to teachers of Torah, thus one melamed cannot object to another encroaching on his territory. The reason is that competition makes for better education. The Gemara’s wording is more broad, suggesting a larger application:
קנאת סופרים תרבה חכמה.
Jealousy among teachers increases wisdom
This is taken as a bro …

Health Benefits of Saffron and Talmudic Medicine Gittin 70 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 25th, 2023

In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, there is a discussion about an herb that appears to restore sexual vigor: אָמַר אַבָּיֵי: מִי שֶׁאֵינוֹ בָּקִי בְּדֶרֶךְ אֶרֶץ, לֵיתֵי שְׁלֹשָׁה קְפִיזֵי קוּרְטְמֵי דְחוֹחֵי, וְנֵידוּקִינְהוּ, וְנִישְׁלְקִינְהוּ בְּחַמְרָא וְנִישְׁתֵּי. אֲמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: …

Healing Attitudes Bava Kamma 85 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 26th, 2024

Should a person inflict damages upon another person, he is also liable to also pay his medical bills, aside from the loss of productivity, pain and humiliation.  Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses a number of scenarios where the damager might seek to minimize his losses by economizing, such as offering to heal the person himself if he has the medical skills, or to use a friend who would provide the service as a courtesy. These cost cutting s …

He Who Lives by the Sword Pesachim 28 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 18th, 2020

The Gemara discusses a scenario where Rabbi Yehuda was proven wrong, using his own logic against him. The Gemara then quotes three aphorisms, used by people to describe this kind of situation: Rav Yosef said: This is as people say: In the spoon that the carpenter made, the mustard will burn his palate. In other words, one can be harmed by his own actions. Similarly, in this case the strongest proof against Rabbi Yehuda’s opinion is the one …

He Sees The Moment Bava Metzia 78 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 16th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the idea that certain funds are dedicated for one purpose and cannot be transferred to another purpose, no matter how noble. Thus, charitable funds donated for the indigent to use for the festive Purim meal cannot be used for other charitable needs. (The actual Halacha is subject to discussion and qualification, see Shulchan Aruch OC 694:2)    Chavos Yair (responsum 232) rules that if a person gave some …

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 …

Having Your Psychological Cake and Eating it Too Yevamos 101 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 16th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse in Shir Hashirim (4:7): כֻּלָּ֤ךְ יָפָה֙ רַעְיָתִ֔י וּמ֖וּם אֵ֥ין בָּֽך      Every part of you is fair, my darling, There is no blemish in you. There is a Midrash (Shir Hashirim Rabbah 4:7) on this verse which elaborates on the idea of no blemishes. The verse is referring to the Jewish people at the time of the giving of the Torah: באותה …

Have a Heart! Eruvin 57 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 2nd, 2020

  מַתְנִי׳ אֵין מוֹדְדִין אֶלָּא בְּחֶבֶל שֶׁל חֲמִשִּׁים אַמָּה, לֹא פָּחוֹת וְלֹא יוֹתֵר. וְלֹא יִמְדּוֹד אֶלָּא כְּנֶגֶד לִבּוֹ. MISHNA: One may measure a Shabbat limit only with a rope fifty cubits long, no less and no more, as will be explained in the Gemara. And one may measure the limit only at the level of one’s heart, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Half-Baked Arguments Eruvin 81 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 29th, 2020

Half-Baked Arguments וּפְרוּסָה מַאי טַעְמָא לָא? אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹסֵי בֶּן שָׁאוּל אָמַר רַבִּי: מִשּׁוּם אֵיבָה. The Gemara analyzes Rabbi Yehoshua’s position itself: And with regard to a broken loaf of bread, what is the reason that it may not be used for an eiruv? Rabbi Yosei ben Shaul said that Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi said: The reason is due to potential enmity bet …

Haley's Comet and the Telescope Eruvin 42 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 18th, 2020

The Gemara quotes the machlokes Rabban Gamliel and Rabbi Elazar ben Azarya versus Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Yehoshua.  This machlokes also was enacted in regard to a voyage that all four of them took together as reported in the Mishna 4:1   משנה עירובין ד׳:א׳ מִי שֶׁהוֹצִיאוּהוּ גוֹיִם אוֹ רוּחַ רָעָה, אֵין לוֹ אֶלָּא אַרְבַּע אַמּוֹת. הֶחֱזִירוּהוּ …

Halakhic Reasoning and Myopic Dangers Psychology of the Daf Yomi Gittin 81

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 4th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph engages in a discussion to determine what occurred to a wife of a Cohen who was taken captive. Rabbi Dosa does not assume she was raped even though she may have been molested in other ways: אָמַר רַבִּי דּוֹסָא: וְכִי מָה עָשָׂה לָהּ עַרְבִי זֶה? מִפְּנֵי שֶׁמִּיעֵךְ לָהּ בֵּין דַּדֶּיהָ, פְּסָלָהּ מִן הַכְּהוּנָּה?! …

Halakhic Independence vs. Conservatism Gittin 83 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 7th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis engages in a discussion regarding posthumous challenges to the halakhic position of Rabbi Eliezer. Rabbi Yehoshua addresses the group of questioners, including himself, stating: "אֵין מְשִׁיבִין אֶת הָאֲרִי לְאַחַר מִיתָה" (One does not refute the opinion of a lion after his death). This expression emphasizes that even if compelling questions arise, we cannot be certain that Rabbi Eliez …

Halakhic Explorations of the Status of Gender Reassignment Surgery Yevamos 55 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on 54b and 55b quotes a Bibllical phrase in Vayikra 18:22 where it describes sexual intercourse as “Mishkavei Isha”, the “Layings in regard to women”.  Though the pashut peshat is referring to sexual acts, the derash takes this to imply multiple forms of sexual intercourse, such as anal intercourse. Rabbenu Chananel on this verse (also quoted by Ibn Ezra) offers a creative explanation with modern relevance, …

Halakha Vs. Common Sense

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 24th, 2018

Ideally, there never should be an instance of Halakha versus common sense. As we shall soon see, while the Torah may not always be provable through deductive reasoning alone, it should never ask us to believe something that is patently unreasonable. I feel compelled to a write this in response to fundamentalist trends that seem to make virtue out of blind acceptance. Granted there is a certain logic to such a position, perhaps considering that G- …

Halachic Gray Areas Bava Metzia 96 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 3rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a situation where an object or animal is borrowed for an unconventional purpose that does not provide a tangible financial benefit. The question being, if there is no real monetary value received perhaps it is insufficient to incur the financial liabilities that are normally part of the borrowers contract:   שְׁאָלָהּ לֵירָאוֹת בָּהּ מַהוּ מָמוֹנָא בָּעֵינַן וְ …

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow Daf 18 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 27th, 2020

Eruvin 18 לְכִדְרַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן מְנַסְיָא. דְּדָרֵישׁ רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן מְנַסְיָא: ״וַיִּבֶן ה׳ אֱלֹהִים אֶת הַצֵּלָע״ — מְלַמֵּד שֶׁקִּילְּעָהּ הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא לְחַוָּה וֶהֱבִיאָהּ לְאָדָם הָרִאשׁוֹן, שֶׁכֵּן בִּכְרַכֵּי ה …

Hair Splitting Discussion Nedarim 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 28th, 2022

What is the significance of the Nazir not cutting his hair? We can understand that the Nazir’s abstaining from cutting his hair is to shun vanity, as is described later on in the mesechta 9b.  The Rama in Toras Haolah (III:71) explains further that the Nazir is required to abstain from three aspects: He must not drink wine, he must not become impure and he must not cut his hair. Each of these abstentions relate to a different kind of h …

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 …

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 …

Gut Renovation Bava Kamma 66 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 7th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the concept of Takkanas Hashavim, a special allowance made for a penitent. Usually, if someone stole an item he is not permitted to merely pay the owner for the object, but rather he must return the object, so long as it has not been materially transformed into a different object, such as stealing wool and making it into a garment. Thus, a thief who later wants to repent can sometimes find himself in a predicamen …

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 …

Growth and Comfort Do Not Coexist Kesuvos 110 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 24th, 2022

(source of title quote Ginny Rometty)
Change is not easy, even when it is a good change. Some of life’s most stressful moments come with good changes, such as marriage, birth of a child or moving neighborhoods. Our Mishna on Amud Beis discusses the marital considerations required when moving, even from a lesser quality environment to a higher quality environment: שָׁלֹשׁ אֲרָצוֹת לַנִּשּׂוּאִין, יְהוּ …

Grievous Grievances Kesuvos 92 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 6th, 2022

We know the Jews in the wilderness complained quite a bit. Did they have justification for doing so? Our Gemara on Amud describes a scenario where Reuven sold a field to Shimon with a stipulation that he will bear no responsibility if a prior creditor comes with a lien on the field and repossesses it. If that occurs, there is a question as to whether Reuven could offer claims in the court case as co-defendant, since essentially he is not a Baal D …

Grievous Errors Bava Kamma 38 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 10th, 2023

Our Gemara on amud aleph records a discussion between Ulla and the Babylonian sages, where Ulla takes a strong position regarding how one should be careful in what he says and implies at a mourner’s home: Ulla said to them: What business do I have with the consolation of Babylonians, which is actually heresy? As they say while consoling mourners: What can be done? This seems to suggest that if it were possible to do something, acting agains …

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 …

Greatness is Earned, not Given Yevamos 88 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 3rd, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis brings the verse that directs us to treat cohanim with extra honor, and in fact directs the Beis Din to enforce the priestly marriage restrictions. The Mei HaShiloach Parashas Emor discusses the nature of the distinction of the Cohanim, and even the nature of the distinction of Jews in general: His first point is based on the Gemara’s interpretation (Chulin 57a) of a verse in Zecharia (10:4). Though Cohanim are obvio …

Great People and Great Errors Kiddushin 63 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 5th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the injunction from Devarim (23:16): לֹא־תַסְגִּ֥יר עֶ֖בֶד אֶל־אֲדֹנָ֑יו אֲשֶׁר־יִנָּצֵ֥ל אֵלֶ֖יךָ מֵעִ֥ם אֲדֹנָֽיו "You shall not turn over to the master a slave who seeks refuge with you from that master." Although our Gemara darshens this verse differently, halakhically speaking, this verse is interpreted as a prohibition against returning a …

Grandparent Alienation Yevamos 70 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 16th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us the well-known aphorism, בני בנים הרי הם כבנים Grandchildren are considered as if they are children.  Grandparents can be a resource for their grandchildren, as well as a source of satisfaction and fulfillment to the grandparents.  If the relationship between the Grandparent and their child is a healthy one, the parents will also enjoy the grandparents’ involvement, offering an ex …

Grandiose Charity Kesuvos 67 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 11th, 2022

When is it permitted to have ulterior motives along with a mitzvah?  Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the tragic ending of Nakdimon Ben Gurion who was immensely wealthy, but became impoverished.  The Gemara wonders what could he gave done to suffer such a fate when he gave abundantly to tzeddakah? One answer given is that he did the mitzvah in order to aggrandize himself.   Maharsha asks, did we not learn in Rosh Hashanah (4 …

Grabbing a Mitzvah Bava Basra 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 28th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an interesting legal analysis. In Jewish Law, as in secular law, possession itself confers a powerful presumption of ownership. However, if witnesses testify about the origin point of possession to the extent that it undermines the presumptive owner’s credibility, possession loses its legal force. But what would be the case if the possessor offered an alternative narrative while still not contradicting the …

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 …

Good Job, Bad Job Sotah 31 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 28th, 2023

  Our Gemara on aleph concludes that Iyov’s level of love and fear of God matched Avraham’s. תַּנְיָא רַבִּי מֵאִיר אוֹמֵר נֶאֱמַר יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים בְּאִיּוֹב וְנֶאֱמַר יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים בְּאַבְרָהָם מָה יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים הָאָמוּר בְּאַבְרָהָם מֵאַהֲבָה אַף יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים הָאָמוּר …

Good, Is Good Enough Bava Kamma 54-55 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 26th, 2023

Our Gemara at the end of Daf 54 into Daf 55 shares a seemingly bizarre dialogue, where a great Rabbi and sage appears to be ignorant of a basic verse in the Ten Commandments: שָׁאַל רַבִּי חֲנִינָא בֶּן עָגֵיל אֶת רַבִּי חִיָּיא בַּר אַבָּא: מִפְּנֵי מָה בְּדִבְּרוֹת הָרִאשׁוֹנוֹת לֹא נֶאֱמַר בָּהֶם ״טוֹב״, וּבְדִבְּרוֹת …

Good Intentions Aren't Good Enough Bava Basra 90 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 23rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the different efforts of the Amoraim, Shmuel’s father and Shmuel himself to prevent hoarding, price manipulation and gouging in the marketplace. Interestingly, with good intentions, they employed opposite strategies. The Gemara also commented on whose intervention was more effective:   אבוה דשמואל מזבין להו לפירי בתרעא חרפא, כתרעא חרפא. שמואל בריה, מש …

Good Faith Efforts Nazir 17 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 9th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a distinction between a Nazir who vowed his Nazirhood while he was Tameh Mes (ritually impure due to exposure to a corpse), versus someone who began his status of Nazir while pure, and then became impure via exposure to a corpse. Both must undergo the 7 days of purification with the ashes of the Red Heifer in order to start or restart counting the days of being a Nazir to fulfill their vow.  However, in the …

Golems, Pedagogy and Sex Robots Nedarim 90 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 23rd, 2023

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a verse in Yeshaiyahu 24:23 describing the cosmic changes of the Messianic era: וְחָֽפְרָה֙ הַלְּבָנָ֔ה וּבוֹשָׁ֖ה הַחַמָּ֑ה כִּֽי־מָלַ֞ךְ ה׳ צבקות בְּהַ֤ר צִיּוֹן֙ וּבִיר֣וּשָׁלַ֔͏ִם וְנֶ֥גֶד זְקֵנָ֖יו כָּבֽוֹד Then the moon shall be ashamed, And the sun shall be abashed. For the LORD of Ho …

Going Through the Motions Psychology of the Daf Yomi Gittin 76

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 31st, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph delves into various scriptural formulae for conditional statements. One of the verses mentioned by Rashi ("Iycha") is from Yeshaiyahu (Isaiah 1:19). As we have recently concluded the three weeks of mourning for the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash and exile, let us carefully examine this verse: אִם־תֹּאב֖וּ וּשְׁמַעְתֶּ֑ם ט֥וּב הָאָ֖רֶץ תֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃  If, then, you agr …

Going on a Binge Chaggigah 15 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 23rd, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us the story of Acher, that is Elisha Ben Avuya, who saw something that he could not unsee. Acher was one of the four great sages and mystics who entered “The Orchard” (Pardes)”. The Pardes is a metaphor for a mystical abode or state of being that only great and pious sages could achieve.  The journey to this transcendent zone was fraught with spiritual danger. Something occurred when Acher sa …

Going Against the Tide Kiddushin 29 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 11th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph enumerates various obligations upon a father toward his son, including teaching him to swim. Rav Elyashiv (Divrei Aggadah, Devarim 14:9) asks, "Why did the rabbis specifically choose swimming when there must be many other hazards and skills to learn? Why not Mathematics to avoid being cheated or Self-defense in case of bandits?" Rav Elyashiv suggests that the Gemara chose swimming because of a double entendre. He explains …

God’s Silence in the Face of Evil Bava Metzia 99 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 6th, 2024

99   God’s Silence in the Face of Evil   Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes a legal distinction in the liability of a squatter on land owned by the Sacred Treasury and privately owned land. We have a rule that a squatter does not incur financial liability after the fact, if the owner had not known prior to his squatting. The argument is, no harm done, you didn’t lose any money and we never agreed to an arrangement. It’s …

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 …

God’s Long Hand for the Handicapped Kesuvos 68 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 12th, 2022

Sometimes it’s frustrating when you encounter a beggar who claims to be suffering from various mishaps illnesses and misfortunes, but you wonder if he or she might be faking. It is a Torah violation to turn down a beggar (Devarim 15:7, Shulkhan Arukh YD 247:1), yet sometimes your gut tells you, “This is a scam”. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the situation of the beggar who fakes his illness in order to inspire more generosi …

God’s Foreknowledge and Free Will Sotah 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 9th, 2023

Our Mishna on Amud Beis tells us that according to Rabbi Meir, one of the oaths that the Sotah takes is about her future behavior: רַבִּי מֵאִיר אוֹמֵר: אָמֵן שֶׁלֹּא נִטְמֵאתִי, אָמֵן שֶׁלֹּא אֶטָּמֵא. Rabbi Meir says that “amen, amen” means: Amen that I did not become defiled in the past, amen that I will not become defiled in the future. The Gemara elaborates:

…

God Respects the Autonomy of Our Thoughts Nedarim 86 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 19th, 2023

Our Gemara and Mishna on Amud Beis discusses a case of how annulment cannot work in a situation of mistaken identity: מַתְנִי׳ נָדְרָה אִשְׁתּוֹ וְסָבוּר שֶׁנָּדְרָה בִּתּוֹ נָדְרָה בִּתּוֹ וְסָבוּר שֶׁנָּדְרָה אִשְׁתּוֹ …הֲרֵי זֶה יַחְזוֹר וְיָפֵר: MISHNA: If a man’s wife took a vow and he thought that it was his daught …

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 …

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 …

God Leaves the Driving to You Bava Metzia 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 1st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an interesting intersection between the letter of the law and ethical obligations  beyond legal requirements:   If one finds his lost item and his father’s lost item, tending to his own lost item takes precedence.   The Gemara provides a scriptural source that alludes to the need to ensure one doesn’t save others’ possessions to the extent that he himself becomes impoverished. &n …

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 …

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 …

God in Search of Man Bava Metzia 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 29th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an important exemption in the mitzvah to return a lost object. Should the person be of a dignified status, and lost items be of such a nature that the person would not even pick up his own possessions in those circumstances, he is then exempt. For example, imagine a bag of apples that is scattered all over the street, and requires bending down on one’s hands and knees to retrieve them. It is very possible t …

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 …

God Can Tolerate Many Sins So Long As We All Get Along Sotah 25 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 23rd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses three situations where prosecution of Beis Din can be suspended if the accusing parties choose to forgive their original charges: אָמַר רַבִּי יֹאשִׁיָּה שְׁלֹשָׁה דְּבָרִים סָח לִי זְעֵירָא מֵאַנְשֵׁי יְרוּשָׁלַיִם בַּעַל שֶׁמָּחַל עַל קִינּוּיוֹ קִינּוּיוֹ מָחוּל וְזָקֵן מַמְרֵא …

Giving Pregnant Women Their Due Kiddushin 34 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 15th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph questions the Mishna’s declaration of a general rule regarding women not being obligated in time-bound mitzvos: וּכְלָלָא הוּא? הֲרֵי מַצָּה, שִׂמְחָה, הַקְהֵל, דְּמִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה שֶׁהַזְּמַן גְּרָמָא, וְנָשִׁים חַיָּיבוֹת! וְתוּ: וַהֲרֵי תַּלְמוּד תּוֹרָה, פְּרִיָּה וּרְבִיָּה, …

Giving is Receiving Kiddushin 7 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 21st, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph presents a novel perspective on the bond of marriage through the exchange of an object of value. Conventionally, marriage involves the groom giving an object of value to the bride with her consent. However, our Gemara introduces an unconventional scenario where, surprisingly, if the woman gives something, it is as if she is the one receiving. Specifically, if she bestows a gift upon a dignitary, someone whose acceptance o …

Giving as a Form of Receiving Gittin 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 22nd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph notes a textual anomaly in the verse that describes the Mitzvah for the creditor to return the collateral to the borrower when he needs to use it for basic living. The verse states (Devarim 24:14): הָשֵׁב֩ תָּשִׁ֨יב ל֤וֹ אֶֽת־הַעֲבוֹט֙ כְּב֣וֹא הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ וְשָׁכַ֥ב בְּשַׂלְמָת֖וֹ וּבֵֽרְכֶ֑ךָּ וּלְךָ֙ תִּהְיֶ֣ה צְד …

Give the Devil His Due Nazir 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 27th, 2023

Tosafos on Amud Aleph (“Rava”) discusses the possibility that an ox or donkey which was used in the sinful acts of either plowing together (which is a forbidden mixture, Devarim 22:10) or threshing while muzzled (ibid, 25:4) would be invalided to use as a sacrifice. The Keren Orah asks in regard to the scenario of threshing with a muzzle, but the action of the threshing itself was not a sin. That is, the ox did not participate in this …

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 …

Gifts and Intimacy Bava Metzia 15 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 14th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an interesting case where a man attempts to enact marriage to a person to whom he is forbidden, such as a sister. Usually marriage is enacted via an exchange of an object of value (classically, a gold ring). In this situation, since the marriage is obviously impossible, what did he intend to do with the object of value or the money? This is subject to a dispute between Rav and Shmuel:   Rav says: The money h …

Getting Emotional about Our Feelings

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 1st, 2016

Getting Emotional About Our Feelings Chaya Feuerman, LCSW-R and Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R Reprinted from the Jewish Press People filter reality all the time. What we think about what happens or does not happen to us affects how we feel. Our expectations and beliefs about the world, what we consider we are entitled to, all go into what makes us feel or not feel certain ways. This cognitive set sifts and filters whatever we allow to penetrate our con …

Getting Boxed into Marriage Bava Basra 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 28th, 2024

Our Gemaraq on amud aleph discusses financial responsibilities when someone with a bordering property builds a fence that will benefit the other person as well, since the back of the fence will also protect the other property:   הַמַּקִּיף אֶת חֲבֵירוֹ מִשָּׁלֹשׁ רוּחוֹתָיו, וְגָדַר אֶת הָרִאשׁוֹנָה וְאֶת הַשְּׁנִיָּה וְאֶת הַשְּׁלִישִׁית &ndas …

Getting Back on the Wagon Bava Kamma 31 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 3rd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the liabilities of one who trips, and then another trips on him. Even though there is a dispute about this liability between Rabbi Meir and the Chachamim, all agree that if the person tripped and did not get up within a normal interval, he then becomes liable if someone trips on him. The Aramaic word used in the Gemara is Niskal, which is phonetically and linguistically equivalent to the Hebrew word nichshal, wh …

Getting Away with Murder Bava Basra 86 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the principle of Kim Ley Bederabbah Mineh. If one violates two prohibitions simultaneously, he is only liable for the more severe penalty of the two, but not both. For example:   If one stole a wallet on shabbos but did not lift the purse but instead dragged it on the ground, exiting the private domain and going into a public domain, he is exempt from financial penalty. The prohibition of performing labor o …

Get Out of Jail Free Card Bava Kamma 73 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 14th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a famous halakhic and Jewish legal principle: תּוֹךְ כְּדֵי דִיבּוּר – כְּדִיבּוּר דָּמֵי The legal status of a pause or retraction within the time required for speaking a short phrase is like that of continuous speech. Meaning to say, essentially one can retract something that was said, if done so immediately.  This has many applications in both Jewish civil law a …

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 …

Gender Disparities in Experience of Sexual Deprivation Nedarim 82 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 15th, 2023

Our Gemara on the bottom of 81b to 82a discusses if a vow to abstain from sexuality constitutes a vow of עינוי נפש personal affliction, or categorized as a vow of matters between husband and wife. The halakhic nafka mina (practical outcome) has to do if the vow will remain in effect subsequent to termination of the marriage. The halakha is that vows of personal affliction, when annulled by the husband, are permanently removed. On the othe …

Gender Differences in Desire for Marriage Yevamos 107 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 22nd, 2022

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the various pros and cons that might run through the mind of a person contemplating a marriage that can be annulled through the process known as miyun.  Without us getting into the complex halakhic details, the Gemara discusses why a person might risk entering a marriage that could later be dissolved. One such rationale is: תַּרְוַיְיהוּ נִיחָא לְהוּ, כְּדֵי דְּלִי …

Gemara as Literature Eruvin 48 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 25th, 2020

Eruvin 48 כִּי אֲתָא לְקַמֵּיהּ דְּרַב פָּפָּא, אֲמַר לֵיהּ: אִי דָּיְיקִינַן כּוּלֵּא הַאי, לָא הֲוֵי תָּנֵינַן. When Rav Mesharshiya’s son came before Rav Pappa, the latter said to him: Were we to be so precise, we would not be able to learn anything at all, as we would be too busy answering such questions. פלא יועץ ערך גרסא גירסא - א …

Getting it All Done Before Shabbos Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 150

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 31st, 2020

shabbos אֵין מַחְשִׁיכִין. תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: מַעֲשֶׂה בְּחָסִיד אֶחָד שֶׁנִּפְרְצָה לוֹ פִּרְצָה בְּתוֹךְ שָׂדֵהוּ וְנִמְלַךְ עָלֶיהָ לְגוֹדְרָהּ, וְנִזְכַּר שֶׁשַּׁבָּת הוּא, וְנִמְנַע אוֹתוֹ חָסִיד וְלֹא גְּדָרָהּ, וְנַעֲשָׂה לוֹ נֵס וְעָלְתָה …

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 …

G-d is in the Details Safek Deraban Psychology of the Daf Eruvin 5

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 14th, 2020

Eruvin Daf  ספק דרבנן לקולא  Famous Question of השגת הרמב״ן on Rambam Sefer Hamitzvos Shoresh 1: If rabbinic laws come from לא תסור, then they are deoraysa too. If so, why ספק דרבנן לקולא ספק דאורייתא לחומרא for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Eruvin 5  The Ramban asks this question, and then suggests the obvious answer, that the rabbis build i …

Fundamentally Pious Bava Kamma 103 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 13th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an incident that occurred to “a certain pious individual” “chassid echad”, who was involved in a purchase transaction, and there was question as to whom he should pay. There was a debate about whether the case involved a false oath. The Gemara challenges this position, because the litigant was described as a pious person. The Gemara then says, perhaps this situation came up after he repent …

Fun Leydike Feser Iz Der Lyarem Greser Bava Basra 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 28th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud aleph records a declaration about the second Temple, as compared to the Temple, based on a verse in Chaggai (2:9) :   גָּד֣וֹל יִֽהְיֶ֡ה כְּבוֹד֩ הַבַּ֨יִת הַזֶּ֤ה הָאַֽחֲרוֹן֙ מִן־הָ֣רִאשׁ֔וֹן אָמַ֖ר ה׳   The glory of this latter House shall be greater than that of the former one, said GOD of Hosts   The Chasam Sofer (Derashos page 328) …

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 …

Fringe Benefits of Mitzvos Bava Metzia 7 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 6th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses a situation of two people, in dispute regarding possession of a cloak made with gold threads on certain parts, and how it should be divided fairly.   The literal word used for the cloak is “talis”. Does the Gemara really mean a Talis, the garment which is a mitzvah to wear with Tzitzis fringes attached? Possibly, as it may be that Jews routinely wore four cornered garments as a standard, and did …

Friends with Liabilities Eruvin 19 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 28th, 2020

Eruvin 19 וְתוּ לֵיכָּא? וְהָאִיכָּא ״גֵּיהִנָּם״! — גֵּיא שֶׁעֲמוּקָּה (בְּגֵיהִנָּם), שֶׁהַכֹּל יוֹרֵד לָהּ עַל עִסְקֵי הִנָּם. The Gemara poses a question: Are there no more names? Isn’t there the name Gehenna? The Gemara answers that this is not a name rather a description: A valley that is as deep as the valley [gei] of ben Hinnom. …

Freedom to Feel Bava Kama 74 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 15th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an incident where Rabban Gamliel blinded the eye of his Canaanite slave Tavi, and he experienced great joy as a result. Rabban Gamliel always wanted to free Tavi, because he was considered an extraordinarily learned and pious individual (see Mishna Succah 2:1, Mishna Berachos 2:7.) Yet, it is generally prohibited to emancipate a Canaanite slave, as discussed in Gittin (38b). The injury provided a perfect opportun …

Fountain of Youth Yevamos 65 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 11th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses two related physiological phenomena that today we do not recognize or understand well.  If a man was not able to ejaculate his seed with force similar to shooting an arrow, he was considered to be infertile.  Additionally, the woman was able to perceive this internally and her testimony on this was given more credence than the husband’s awareness or lack thereof. Based on this way that sexuality …

Formidable Foreskin Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 149

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 2nd, 2020

  וְאָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר רַב: בְּשָׁעָה שֶׁבִּיקֵּשׁ אוֹתוֹ רָשָׁע, לַעֲשׂוֹת לְאוֹתוֹ צַדִּיק כָּךְ, נִמְשְׁכָה עׇרְלָתוֹ שְׁלֹשׁ מֵאוֹת אַמָּה, וְהָיְתָה מְחַזֶּרֶת עַל כׇּל הַמְּסִיבָּה כּוּלָּהּ. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״שָׂבַעְתָּ קָלוֹן מִכּ …

Forced Interpretation Kesuvos 95 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 9th, 2022

When coerced, especially those in fear, may lie or be evasive. It is not because they are inherently dishonest people. Rather, the typical human response to fearful aggression is passive aggression.  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses situations where certain legal transactions, though done in a manner that would ordinarily indicate sufficient intent, are rendered non-binding if the rabbis believed that the wife was under emotional coercion …

Forced and Reinforced Bava Basra 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 12th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph continues a discussion about circumstances where a person is bullied to make a sale, but still is considered valid, due to the tendency of people to make peace with a situation once they are in it. Such as, even if a person was physically threatened to sell a property, after he accepts the money, he is agreeable enough. The Gemara attempts to prove this concept from a teaching about how one can be forced to fulfill a sacr …

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 …

For Morality there is no Threshold Bava Metzia 55 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 23rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph teaches that ordinarily sums of money below a perutah are not legally pursuable, such as theft of less than a perutah.  Yet, when it comes to the Temple treasury, one must pay restitution for even less than a perutah.   Yismach Moshe (Mattos 6:2) uses this idea to explain why a gentile who steals from a Jew even less than a perutah is still held liable. The reason why theft of less than a perutah is not legally …

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, …

Flood Assurance Bava Metzia 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 16th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a particular curse that befalls one who reneges on a transaction after money was exchanged. We have learned that exchange of money alone does not accomplish acquisition without the physical object being moved or lifted. Therefore, even though technically no transfer was completed yet, and legally he can stop the process, it is an ethical violation by going back on his word after the giving and accepting of payme …

First Impressions Last Sotah 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph refers to a Rasha Arum, a cunning wicked person. The Zohar (Vayeshev) describes the Evil Inclination as the prototypical Rasha Arum, because he arrives first in a person’s life. That is when a young child only knows raw instinct, he tends toward physicality and lust. Only later, as a child develops intellectual discernment, he is capable of having a good inclination. Since the evil incarnation has already long been …

Fine by You, But is it Fine by Me? Bava Kamma 42 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 14th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis refers to the fine paid by the owner of an ox who gores and kills a Canaative slave. The amount is set at 30 shekel, regardless of the actual worth of the slave.  The gemara considers this a stringency, which then has implications in terms of inferences to and from other related laws, via reasoning of a kal v’chomer. The commentaries raise an obvious question: Why is this fixed amount assumed to be a stringency? …

Finding Yourself by Winging it Bava Basra 163 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 5th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the standard width of a line in order to determine the acceptable width of a blank section between the closing line of the contract and the witness’s signatures. As we discussed on daf 162, this is a safeguard against cheating, to prevent the later insertion of fraudulent obligations and conditions. The yardstick used by the rabbis is comprised of two words, which contain tall and short letters, so as to a …

Filling the Empty Space Kiddushin 77 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 29th, 2023

This daf delves into the intricate matter of the invalidation of Challalah to marry a cohen. A challalah is a woman who either descends from a forbidden priestly marriage, such as when a Cohen marries a divorcee, or a woman who engages in such a prohibited union, like a widow who marries a Cohen Gadol. As a result, she becomes a challalah, rendering her ineligible to partake of Terumah and preventing her from marrying another Cohen in the event o …

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 …

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 …

Fight Fire with Fire Chaggigah 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 8th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us: ⁦Rabbi Abbahu said that Rabbi Elazar said: The fire of Gehenna has no power over Torah scholars. This can be derived by an a Kal V’chomer inference from the salamandra, a creature created out of fire and immune to its effects, and whose blood is fireproof: If a salamander, which is merely a product of fire, and nevertheless when one anoints his body with its blood, fire has no power over him, all the mor …

Fiery Words Nedarim 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis mentions an unusual idiom for bringing up a question: העלה בידו he brought up with his hands. The Ran says that sometimes the words mouth and hand are interchangeable in Hebrew, and brings a proof from a verse in Yeshaiyahu (6:6) and the Targum. וַיָּ֣עׇף אֵלַ֗י אֶחָד֙ מִן־הַשְּׂרָפִ֔ים וּבְיָד֖וֹ רִצְפָּ֑ה בְּמֶ֨לְקַחַ֔יִם לָקַ֖ח מֵע …

Fiddler on the Wall Bava Basra 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 27th, 2024

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the rights and responsibilities of partners who share a yard, and intend to construct a partition between them:   הַשּׁוּתָּפִין שֶׁרָצוּ לַעֲשׂוֹת מְחִיצָה בְּחָצֵר – בּוֹנִין אֶת הַכּוֹתֶל בְּאֶמְצַע. מָקוֹם שֶׁנָּהֲגוּ לִבְנוֹת גְּוִיל, גָּזִית, כְּפִיסִין, לְבֵי …

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 …

Fear no Love Pesachim 22 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 13th, 2020

The Gemara Discusses a challenge of how to understand what could possibly be equated to the fear of G-d. The reason why this puzzle arises is that in Hebrew there is a conjunctive word that you cannot easily translate into English, the word “Es”, which roughly translates into a verbal signal that some thing is coming along with the item explicitly named. So for example when the verses honor thy father and thy mother, there is this add …

Fear in the Classroom and in Pedagogy Kesuvos 28 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 3rd, 2022

Much as we would like to think of school as a positive and happy place, we cannot dismiss the necessary element of fear as part of the educational experience.  In order for teachers to maintain respect and order, students must have some degree of fear in relation to their authority.  Of course, taken to an extreme, children who experience overwhelming dread and anxiety will not learn well, and even if obedient, will be less likely to ex …

Fear and True Consent Bava Basra 50 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 14th, 2024

Our Gemara on this daf continued to discuss the legal implications of a psychological phenomenon that a woman is more likely to dodge the truth and fib out of a wish to please her husband, and perhaps out of fear of his reaction if she did object. This is based on a mishna (Gittin 55b):    If one first purchased from the husband the rights to use a field belonging to his wife, and afterward he returned and purchased the same field from …

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