Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
Subscribe to this blog to get the latest updates emailed to you
Subscription complete
Showing Results 40 - 80 (1744 total)
Yoma 35 Sexual Harassment and Irresistible Urges Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-14 10:53:26
Our Gemara on Amud Beis uses the story of Yosef’s resisting the seduction by Potiphar’s wife as a role model and proof for moral behavior: They said about Joseph the righteous: Each and every day, the wife of Potiphar seduced him with words. In addition, the clothes that she wore to entice him in the morning, she did not wear to entice him in the evening. The clothes that she wore to entice him in the evening, she did not wea …
Yoma 54 Sex, Savages and Cellphones Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-03 00:00:00
The Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us a fascinating practice from the Temple era: How is this so? The staves of the Aron protruded and stuck out against the curtain toward the outside, and appeared like the two breasts of a woman pushing against her clothes. As it is stated: “My beloved is to me like a bundle of myrrh, that lies between my breasts” (Song of Songs 1:13). For this reason the Ark of the Covenant, where the Divine Presence …
Yoma 70 Safe Landing Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-18 10:32:03
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the Mishna which states: And the High Priest would make a feast and holiday for his loved ones and his friends when he emerged in peace from the Sanctuary. We must ask, what indeed was this feast and Yom Tov all about? Was he truly and simply happy to have emerged safely? If we were to accept that, why is it worthy enough for the Mishna to mention it? We know that there is a standing principle that one offers thank …
Yoma 56 Rebound Relationship with God Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-04 14:05:35
Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse and idea about God’s presence even during our most impure states: ״הַשּׁוֹכֵן אִתָּם בְּתוֹךְ טוּמְאֹתָם״, אֲפִילּוּ בִּשְׁעַת שֶׁהֵן טְמֵאִים — שְׁכִינָה עִמָּהֶם. “That dwells with them in the midst of their impurity, (VaYikra 16:16)” this teaches that even when the Jewish people are impure, the Div …
Yoma 40 Reach for the Positive Even If You Still Sin Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-20 00:00:00
Our Gemara quotes the verse in VaYikra (16:10), ״יׇעֳמַד חַי לִפְנֵי ה׳ לְכַפֵּר עָלָיו״, “The goat on which the lot came up for Azazel shall be stood alive before the Lord, to make atonement over him, to send him away for Azazel into the wilderness.” The Gemara learns from there that Scapegoat must remain alive until after its counterpart has its blood sprinkled in the sanctuary. The Shem Mishmuel ( …
Yoma 84 Proprietary Information and Public Health Policy Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-07-02 10:10:13
There is a Gemara on Amud Aleph which describes Rabbi Yochanan acting in a seemingly improper manner that is difficult to understand. Rabbi Yoḥanan suffered from the illness Tzefidna, which first affects the teeth and gums and then the intestines. He went to a certain gentile matron [matronita] who was a well-known healer. She prepared a medicine for him on Thursday and Friday. He said to her: What shall I do on Shabbos, when I cannot come t …
Yoma 9 Proper and Improper Seduction Politically Incorrect Psychology & the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-04-20 08:43:34
The Gemara on amud beis heavily criticizes the sexually provocative behavior of the women during the Second Temple: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, indicates a tall woman walking alongside a short one so that the tall woman would stand out. And walk with outstretched necks, indicates that they would walk with upright stature and carry themselves in an immodest way. And wanton eyes, indicates that they would fill their eyes with blue ey …
Yoma 61 Permanently Broken? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-10 00:00:00
Our gemara on Amud Beis mentions a concept of Tzarich, V’eyn Lo Takana. That is sometimes a Mishna or Beraisa may note that a certain action is required, yet there is no way that it can be made up. The obligation stands with no ability to fulfill it. There are times in life where we must face the consequences of deeds that cannot be undone. It is understandable that a person can feel crushed because of what he or she …
Yoma 20 No Atheists in the Foxholes of Life Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-04-30 11:16:38
The Sages taught: Three sounds travel from the end of the world to its other end, and these are: The sound of the sphere of the sun, and the sound of the bustle of the crowds of Rome, and the sound of the soul at the moment that it leaves the body, which should be audible throughout the world. And some say: Even the sound of a woman giving birth. What are we discussing? Based on Kli Yakkar (Bereishis 32:25) and Yismach Moshe (Bo 19:1) the Gemara …
Yoma 48 Metempsychosis: The Way Forward is the Way Back Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-28 12:09:16
Our Gemara used a word “Tefufos” to refer to the manner in which the ketores was gathered in the Cohen’s fist. Tefufos means full to the point of penetration between his fingers but not bursting out. Rashi provides the etymology for this word from a Mishna in Avos 2:6 אַף הוּא רָאָה גֻלְגֹּלֶת אַחַת שֶׁצָּפָה עַל פְּנֵי הַמַּיִם. אָמַר לָהּ, עַל דַּאֲט …
Yoma 72 Living Torah Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-21 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us about the structure of the Holy Ark: Bezalel made three nested arks: A middle one made of wood, whose height was nine handbreadths; an inner one made of gold, whose height was eight handbreadths; and an outer one of gold, whose height was ten handbreadths and a bit. We might ask, how is this paying honor to the Holy Ark to have wood in the center. Does it not seem a bit cheap? Would you buy your wife a …
Yoma 13 Letting Go, and Letting Get Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-04-23 10:20:42
Our Gemara discusses certain kinds of conditional divorces which are not valid: If a man says to his wife: This is your bill of divorce on condition that you will not drink wine for all the days of my life and your life, that is not severance. The bill of divorce in the Torah is called a bill of severance, meaning that for the document to be valid all connections between the husband and wife must be severed. If there is a provision in the documen …
Yoma 78 Let Children be Children Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-27 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us some of the wisdom that Abaye’s mother taught him about child development: Abaye said: My mother told me: A child’s growth requires hot water and oil for smearing. When he grows a little, he must eat egg with kutaḥa, a pickled dip made with milk. When he grows a little more, he must have vessels to break, since he will enjoy breaking them. This is like Rabba who bought cracked ceramic vessels for …
Yoma 16 Kosher but Still Repulsive Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-04-26 00:00:00
Our Gemara tells us that there was a chamber in the Temple where invalidated stones from the altar were stored. These were stones that were removed from the altar as a result of having been contaminated through idolatrous worship by gentile kings during the time of the Hasmoneans. Tosafos Yom Tov (Middos 1:1) questions how this is a proper rationale for demolishing part of the altar. The actual halakha is that something attached to the ground can …
Yoma 64 It is Easy to Turn a Mitzvah into an Aveirah Psychology & the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-13 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a scenario where it is necessary to slaughter an animal to feed an ill person on Yom Kippur. In this scenario, the Gemara assumes there is no other meat available, and thus the mother goat of the scapegoat needs to be slaughtered for this purpose. This then raises the problem of the scapegoat being מחוסר זמן invalid due to a time dependent disqualification. In this case the prohibition of slaughtering th …
Yoma 7 Is it Permitted to Criticize Your Spouse? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-04-18 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses the idiom, הֱוֵי פִּקֵּחַ וּשְׁתוֹק Be shrewd and keep silent. Here it is used in reference to a public sacrifice that would be kosher if brought while impure, given there is no other substitute. Since it is a fait accompli, and technically it is kosher, there is no value in the Cohen sharing information about the sacrifice. Why cause unnecessary despair? This terminology is used in another exam …
Yoma 23 Instant Couples Counseling in a Pasuk Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-03 00:00:00
Our Gemara discusses the prohibition of revenge and grudge bearing: What is revenge and what is bearing a grudge? Revenge is illustrated by the following example: One said to his fellow: “Lend me your sickle”, and he said: “No”. The next day he, the one who had refused to lend the sickle, said to the other person: “Lend me your ax.” If he said to him: “I will not lend to you, just as you did not lend t …
Yoma 63 Ich Bin Ein Berliner Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-11 13:09:21
Our Gemara on amud beis mentions an opinion of a Tannah, Chanan the Egyptian. This unusual name actually belongs to two different Tannaim. This one, our Gemara’s Chanan the Egyptian, has only one teaching mentioned in Shas, having to do with the blood of the goat, should the scapegoat die. In any case, the name is of interest. What Jew takes on the name, “the Egyptian?” Was he a convert? …
Yoma 82 How Much Does a Fetus Know? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-07-01 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Beis contrasts two situations where a pregnant woman became endangered due to cravings on Yom Kippur. Because of the severity of Yom Kippur, the rabbis attempted to calm the fetus, whom they believed was the source of the cravings. They said to the woman, “Today is Yom Kippur”, hoping the fetus will be reminded of how important a day it was, and restore itself without eating. In the case where the …
Yoma 25 Holy Smokes! Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-05 00:00:00
Our Gemara mentions that the ketores incense is a segulah for becoming wealthy. Even today, there are those who read the ketores from parchment so as to come as close as possible to fulfilling this mitzvah (Kaf HaChayyim 17:18). What is special about the ketores? The Zohar (II:218b) explains a number of spiritual benefits that the Ketores bestows: One who smells the burning incense as it ascends experiences a great clarity of purpose and jo …
Yoma 43 Holy Cow! Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-23 00:00:00
The Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that a woman may perform one aspect of the Parah Adumah ritual, the gathering of the ashes. It is not usually the case that women are involved in Temple service (although this was not technically a service in the fullest sense) so I thought it might be interesting to consider what is different about Parah Adumah. There is a Midrashic teaching to explain the reason for the Parah Adumah. It is partially …
Yoma 24 Help for those who Hate Davening Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-04 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse in Psalms (55:15) אֲשֶׁ֣ר יַ֭חְדָּו נַמְתִּ֣יק ס֑וֹד בְּבֵ֥ית אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים נְהַלֵּ֥ךְ בְּרָֽגֶשׁ׃ sweet was our fellowship; we walked together in God’s house. Based on this verse, Ben Ish Chai (בן איש חי הלכות השנה א, מקץ), instructs one to pause a moment before entering a shul. During this moment he should me …
Yoma 28 Help for Procrastinators Coming Soon Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-07 11:16:18
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses learning from Avraham’s trait of Zerizus (see Rashi). The term zerizus does not easily translate into English because it represents a certain mindset that is less prevalent in current culture. The words that most closely fit are assiduous and zealous, but they aren’t perfect. Those words imply dedication and consistency which is within zerizus, but does not include quickness. On the other hand, the te …
Yoma 51 Heiron Curtain Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-31 00:00:00
The Mishna on Amud Beis quotes a verse that describes the (Paroches) separation between the sanctuary and the Holy of Holies. The verse is reminiscent of a similar verse in Bereishis that describes the firmament that separates between the upper waters and lower waters. Numerous commentaries noted the similarities of the verses from the Mishkan and the creation verses in Bereishis, and see mystical implications. The Shalah (Torah Shebikhtav, Terum …
Yoma 41 Healthy Guilt vs. Toxic Despair Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-21 10:32:40
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the ritual where the crimson thread was tied between the horns of the scapegoat, and another crimson thread was tied around the neck of the goat that was to be slaughtered. Once the goat was slaughtered, the crimson thread was hung from the entrance to the sanctuary. If the jews were forgiven, while the goat was being thrown off the cliff, miraculously the red thread hanging by the entrance to the sanctuary would …
Yoma 22 Healthy Control Instinct Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-02 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that originally they had a race up the ramp of the mizbeach to determine which Cohen got to do the Terumas HaDeshen (removal of the ashes). Since the competition led to falling and injury, the rabbis held a lottery instead. After the rabbis instituted the lottery, the Gemara reported that there was a drop in interest (it was an early morning non-glamorous service), and so they had to add more services to the &ldq …
Yoma 81 Healthy Body, Healthy Soul Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-30 00:00:00
Gemara on Amud Beis tells us from a derasha, that one who eats on the day before Yom Kippur is given credit as if he fasted for two days, instead of one. Rashi explains that by eating with the intent to prepare yourself to properly fast the next day, your eating today counts like fasting. From here we see a wonderful Torah principle, that the intention of our good actions can bring merit even in mundane tasks. Thus, eating on erev Yom Kippu …
Yoma 85 Having Children and Quality of Life Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-07-04 00:00:00
The Gemara on Amud Aleph Mentions that we save a life, and even prolong a life, despite it being temporary, as the person is going to die anyhow. Aside from the obvious moral lesson here, that every moment of life is sacred, there is an interesting lomdishe discussion found in the Gur Aryeh (Bereshis 4:24). Rashi quotes a Midrash Tanchuma that after Lemech’s wives had a boy and a girl, fulfilling the commandment to be fruitful and mul …
Yoma 73 Halakhic Sex Education Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-22 00:00:00
The Mishna on Amud Beis states: אָסוּר בַּאֲכִילָה וּבִשְׁתִיָּה וּבִרְחִיצָה וּבְסִיכָה וּבִנְעִילַת הַסַּנְדָּל, וּבְתַשְׁמִישׁ הַמִּטָּה. וְהַמֶּלֶךְ וְהַכַּלָּה יִרְחֲצוּ אֶת פְּנֵיהֶם, וְהַחַיָּה תִּנְעוֹל אֶת הַסַּנְדָּל, דִּבְרֵי רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶ …
Yoma 47 Hair-Tight Alibi Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-27 00:00:00
Our Gemara tells us about the extensive care and modesty of a woman named Kimchis. She said, “In all my days, the beams of my house never saw the braids of my hair.” The Gemara considers this as a possible reason for how she merited to have seven sons, each of whom had an opportunity to serve as Cohen Godol. Aside from the obvious lesson and inspiration regarding this woman’s modesty, there are a number of poi …
Yoma 32 God is Found in the Mysteries Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-12 00:00:00
Our Gemara quotes a verse in Yirmiyahu 46:20 as a prooftext that the word קרץ means to kill. עֶגְלָ֥ה יְפֵֽה־פִיָּ֖ה מִצְרָ֑יִם קֶ֥רֶץ מִצָּפ֖וֹן בָּ֥א בָֽא׃ Egypt is a handsome heifer— A killer from the north is coming, coming! The basic meaning of the verse is that though the Kingdom of Egypt was successful and secure as a fat calf, it will meet its match in a deadly enemy fr …
Yoma 37 Get a Handle on Leadership and Parenting Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-17 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph recounts that King Munbaz contributed the funds required to make the handles of all the Yom Kippur vessels of gold. Ben Yeyohada offers a meaning as to why King Munbaz chose that particular donation and enhancement. He says the King is to the Jewish people like the handle of a vessel. He facilitates and actualizes the potential of the vessel. I think this is a beautiful idea that every leader, and really every …
Yoma 69 Freud Where Prohibited Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-18 10:21:03
Our Gemara on Amud Beis relates the famous story of the Men of the Great Assembly who prayed for the elimination of the desire for sinful sexual behavior. Upon capturing and disabling this agent, they noticed the following unwanted side effect: Instead of killing the evil inclination they imprisoned it for three days. At that time, people searched for a fresh egg throughout all of Eretz Yisrael and could not find one. (Since the inclination to re …
Yoma 87 Forgiveness and Piety Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-07-06 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states an interesting practice of Rav Zeira : It is related that when Rabbi Zeira had a complaint against a person who insulted him, he would pace back and forth before him and present himself, so that the person could come and appease him. Rabbi Zeira made himself available so that it would be easy for the other person to apologize to him. It should be noted that this practice must be taking place AFTER Rav Zeira form …
Yoma 46 Flour Power Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-26 00:00:00
The Gemara uses an idiom that is found only once in Shas: מַאן הַאי דְּלָא חָיֵישׁ לְקִמְחֵיהּ Which literally means, who is the one who does not care to sift his flour properly. The metaphor refers to one who is not careful in his studies to make fine distinctions. Mi Hashiloach Avos 3:17 vol I uses this metaphor to say a different peshat in the classic Mishna in Avos. The Mishna famously states: אִם …
Yoma 42 Fault by Default Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-21 10:56:10
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph Compares the death of a righteous person to the ritual and forgiveness achieved by the scapegoat. What is the connection between the scapegoat and the death of a righteous person? Tzidkas HaTzaddik (92) explains it in the following thought provoking manner: A person may have a Powerful but temporary spiritual awakening, where he or she feels an arousal and awareness of spiritual connection that is beyond the usual. Even t …
Yoma 26 Facilitating Learning Instead of Forcing Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-06 00:00:00
Our Gemara discusses certain tribes who were noted by the verses for Torah teaching and halakhic acumen. Issachar and Zevulun are labeled by cited verses for their ability in Torah teaching and halakha. The Gemara also considers the Tribe of Judah based on a verse, and then rejects it. Apropos this passage in Deuteronomy, Rava said: You do not find a young Torah scholar who gives halakhic instruction unless he comes from t …
Yoma 62 Evil Twin Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-11 12:59:51
Our Gemara and Mishna on Amud Aleph tells that the two goats, the one for the scape and the one for the inner sacrifice should be the same size, the same appearance and bought at the same time for the same price. What can we find in this symbolism? Peri Tzaddik (Shushan Purim 2) offers an insightful explanation. The two goats, on the outside are indistinguishable, yet on the inside one of them represents absolute and abject sin, while the o …
Yoma 79 Don’t Get HANGRY Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-28 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph notes that Rabban Gamliel and Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai conducted themselves with extra legal stringency in not eating anything out of the Succah. Yet notably the Gemara reports that Rav Zaddok was lenient in this as well as a variety of other matters related to eating. There are a number of interesting, and possibly related facts: These Tannaim were from the generation of the Churban, of which it is said in Bava Metzia …
Yoma 15 Does True Evil Exist Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-04-25 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discussed the directive that one should always turn toward the right side. This is a pervasive value statement which comes up in numerous halachos. The right side is treated as more important. Pele Yoetz under the entry for “Yamin” lists several halakhic procedures that should be done right side first. The right shoe should be placed on first, and the right side of a garment should be put on first, especially E …
Yoma 80 Does the Torah Change? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-27 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states: Rabbi Elazar said: One who unwittingly eats forbidden fat even today must write down the exact measure that he ate, lest another court come in the future and increase the measure. The Gemara appears to be saying that the Rabbis of a future Sanhedrin would have the ability to change the halakha, based on how they will interpret matters. Indeed, Rashi says as much explicitly: …Perhaps the Temple will be rebui …
Yoma 74 Does God Send Us Tests? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-23 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Beis references the verses about the Manna, and how the Jews were tested by God (Deuteronomy 8:2-3) זָכַרְתָּ֣ אֶת־כׇּל־הַדֶּ֗רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֨ר הוֹלִֽיכְךָ֜ יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ זֶ֛ה אַרְבָּעִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר לְמַ֨עַן עַנֹּֽתְךָ֜ לְנַסֹּֽתְךָ֗ לָדַ֜עַת אֶת־אֲשֶׁ֧ר בּ …
Yoma 52 Do Away With The Middleman Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-01 00:00:00
The Gemara on Amud Aleph says: חֲבִיבִין יִשְׂרָאֵל שֶׁלֹּא הִצְרִיכָן הַכָּתוּב לְשָׁלִיחַ. The Jewish people are beloved by God, as the Torah did not require them to make use of an agent, e.g., an angel, to intercede on their behalf. Instead, God hears the nation’s prayers directly. Consequently, the High Priest, who represents the people on Yom Kippur, need not approach in a roundabo …
Yoma 57 Depression is the Mother of Invention Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-06 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph records a jibe from Rav Yirmiya regarding the Babylonian scholars: “Foolish Babylonians! Since you live in a dark climate, you offer teachings which are unclear and dim.” There is an intuitive truth to the idea that climate and environment affect mood and function. There is a form of depression, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which seems to be brought on in the dark winter months as a result of los …
Yoma 30 COVID: Psychological, Social and Actual Contagions Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-10 00:00:00
Our Gemara mentions an interesting social fear, that of being called a Kerus Shafecha. What is a Kerus Shafecha? Kerus shafecha literally means a cut pipe, a deformation or injury to the urethra or male organ, often stemming from a botched Bris Milah that leads to a dysfunction in the ability to properly urinate and ejaculate. In fact, this deformity would invalidate the person as a marriage partner, and also it was believed med …
Yoma 67 Cosmic String Theory Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-15 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us an interesting discussion between Rabbi Eliezer and a “wise woman”: A wise woman asked Rabbi Eliezer: Since all bore equal responsibility for the incident of the Golden Calf, due to what factor were their deaths not equal? Some of the people were killed by the sword of Moses and the Levites, some were killed in a plague, and others were struck with an intestinal illness. He said to her: There is no wis …
Yoma 76 Common Sense Birth Control Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-25 10:30:52
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph records an interesting hypothetical vignette imagined about a typical family man during the 40 years that the Jews wandered in the wilderness: So too, in the case of the Jewish people, someone who had four or five children would be worried and say: Perhaps the manna will not fall tomorrow and we will all die of starvation. Consequently, everyone directed their hearts to their Father in heaven every day. The manna that fel …
Yoma 19 Cold Feet and Insomnia Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-04-29 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Beis Records a practice of helping the Cohen Godol stay awake by placing his feet on the cold marble floor. Indeed, there is a scientific basis for this idea. A paper published in the Journal Nature (1999) https://www.nature.com/articles/43366.epdf?sharing_token=CfJJi5x59F3F2Zdd5qZuctRgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0McdLoGBqBWDxzYnDuZ89VSsOd_gDIC6yu7SbDYXsM9a63iLB7KHJyKS_Os-MtnAFZReWxUmFpT8xd8_HyFdpoMYMXGDBhQMfwABn_AKxbPCfBP2kwn …
Yoma 60 Cloak and Gagger Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-09 00:00:00
Our Gemara tells us that though the Cohen Godol wore בגדי לבן on Yom Kippur for services related to the Holy of Holies, which were really the same as the Cohen Hedyot. they would not be recycled for Cohen hedyot use during the year. On the topic of Bigdei Lavan, we find that one time in history a non-cohen wore the white priestly clothes and performed the service in the inner sanctuary. Moshe served as Cohen Godol during the seven in …
Yoma 83 Can’t You Just Get Over It? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-07-02 09:49:08
Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse from Mishle (14:10), “The heart knows the soul’s bitterness” as a support for the idea that even when the expert physicians do not consider a condition life-threatening, if the person himself does, we treat it as valid. The simple meaning from the Gemara is that we should not judge another person’s pain. Many experiences of mental illness such as trauma, depression, anxiety and the li …
Yoma 59 Bricks and Martyr Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-08 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references a verse (Shemos 24:10) that describes the vision the Elders had at Sinai. There is a cryptic phrase, which I’ll do my best to translate: וַיִּרְא֕וּ אֵ֖ת אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְתַ֣חַת רַגְלָ֗יו כְּמַעֲשֵׂה֙ לִבְנַ֣ת הַסַּפִּ֔יר וּכְעֶ֥צֶם הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם לָטֹֽהַר׃ and they saw the God of Israel …
Yoma 86 Betrayals: When Will You Finally Forgive Me? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-07-05 00:00:00
The Gemara on Amud Beis states: Rabbi Eliezer ben Ya’akov says, If one confesses in subsequent years, all the more so is he praiseworthy, as he remembers his earlier sins and is thereby humbled, as it is stated: “For I know my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me” (Psalms 51:5).” This principle is used by our Gemara in reference to obtaining and maintaining God’s forgiveness. However, in my experience, thi …
Yoma 8 Be Wary of Spiritual Shortcuts Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-04-19 00:00:00
This Daf discusses a number of topics that I would like to tie together thematically with a derash. First, the sanctity of Tefilin is discussed and the requirement to be aware of them at all times while wearing them. Second, we discussed the odd case of somebody who wrote G-d’s name on his body. The Gemara deals with the technical issue of how he may undress in front of G-d’s name (Tosafos), or possibly the fear of it bei …
Yoma 67 Basket Case Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-16 00:00:00
The Gemara on Amud Aleph explains the practice of offering water and food to the appointee who walks the scapegoat to the cliff through the wilderness. At each and every booth people there say to him: Here is food; here is water, if you need it. It was taught: No man who escorted the goat ever needed this food and water. However, they would offer it to him anyway, because one who has bread in his basket is not similar to one who does not have bre …
Yoma 53 Balanced Prayer & Balanced Personality Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-06-02 00:00:00
The Gemara on Amud Beis tells us : The High Priest recites a brief prayer in the outer chamber. The Gemara asks: What does he pray? Rava bar Rav Adda and Ravin bar Rav Adda both said in the name of Rav that this was his prayer: May it be your will, Lord our God, that this year shall be rainy and hot. The Gemara immediately expresses surprise at this request: Is heat a good matter? Why should he request that the year be hot? Rather, say and emend …
Yoma 12 Avoiding Relationship Gridlock Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-04-23 10:10:20
Our Gemara discusses the problem of what happens when a new Cohin Godol is nominated due to an invalidation of the prior Cohen Godol. When the original Cohen Godol recovers from whatever it is that invalidated him, he is restored the office. What do we do with the second appointee? The Gemara says that we cannot demote him back to ordinary service because that would be a diminution of holiness. However, he cannot remain and share the office …
Yoma 36 Asking for Too Much from God? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-16 00:00:00
Our Gemara records a machlokes between Rabbi Meir and the Rabbanan regarding the words and order of the viduy confession. Rabbi Meir follows the order of the verse used by Moshe, Avon, Pesha and Chata’a. The Rabbis cannot accept that because logically, the confession should go in order of severity: Chet (unintentional), Avon (intentional) and Pesha (Rebellious). If so, why indeed did Moshe use a different order? It was to …
Yoma 21 Amen, and A-Women! Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-04-30 11:31:46
Our Gemara lists a number of miracles that occurred in the Beis HaMikdash, including that a pregnant woman never miscarried as a result of smelling the cooking sacrificial meats and craving them, as well as that the Coeh Gadol never had a nocturnal seminal emission on Yom Kippur night. What was the exact miracle regarding the pregnant women not miscarrying? Some quote in the name of Rashi that the women would feel cravings for the meat, not …
Yoma 39 Addiction, Emotional Occlusion and Timtum Halev Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-19 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a teaching from Rabbi Yishmael: Sin obstructs and clogs the heart of the sinner. On a simple level, the Gemara is noting that the momentum of sinful behaviors makes a person more callous and less sensitive to wrongdoing and morals in general. Presumably, this is the Timtum halev that the rabbis meant. A clogging of the heart and a contraction of open-heartedness and sensitivity. Arvei Nachal (Bere …
Yoma 11 A Kalter Litvak Rationalist Undergoes a Conversion Psychology & the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-04-22 00:00:00
The Gemara tells us the requirement of checking a mezuzah: The mezuza belonging to an individual is examined twice every seven years to determine whether it was stolen or became disqualified. And in order to avoid excessive burden on the community, the mezuza belonging to the public is examined twice in a fifty-year Jubilee period. I would like to tell you a story from my personal life, actually two stories, about Mezuzos. Many people have the cu …
Yoma 44 A Different Kind of L’shon Hora Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-24 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph teaches us that the incense achieves atonement for L’shon Hara, slander. Let something that is done in secret, i.e., the incense, which is burned in seclusion within the Sanctuary, come and effect atonement for an act done in secret, i.e., slander, which is generally said in private. Ramah in Toras HaOlah III:7 says a number of chiddushim in regard to this Gemara: The incense is brought in seclusion, meaning that no …
Yoma 31 A Different Kind of Lesson for the Day of Judgment Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2021-05-11 00:00:00
Two small psychological observations from two different points discussed in the Gemara. On Amud Beis the Gemara explains that they used a linen sheet as a mechitza between the Cohen Godol and the crowd, to cover him while he changed clothes for the service. The Gemara asks why specifically a sheet of linen? The Gemara answer that since the Yom Kippur avodah was with linen clothes, unlike all year round, they also used a linen sheet. It’s no …
Yin and Yang Eruvin 56 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2020-10-02 12:28:56
אָמַר שְׁמוּאֵל: אֵין תְּקוּפַת נִיסָן נוֹפֶלֶת אֶלָּא בְּאַרְבָּעָה רִבְעֵי הַיּוֹם, אוֹ בִּתְחִלַּת הַיּוֹם אוֹ בִּתְחִלַּת הַלַּיְלָה, אוֹ בַּחֲצִי הַיּוֹם אוֹ בַּחֲצִי הַלַּיְלָה. On the topic of the previous discussion with regard to calculating the directions of the world based …
Yichus Versus Achievement Yevamos 15 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2022-03-22 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us how they inquired of Rabbi Yehoshua to rule over the dispute of Shammai and Hillel regarding the co-wife of a forbidden relation who falls to Yibum. He declares that he does not want to “stick his head between two great mountains”, i.e., between two great disputing opinions, between Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel, “out of fear lest these two mountains break my skull.” Ben Yehoyada wonders why …
Yes Does Not Mean Yes Gittin 74 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2023-07-28 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes various situations where a wife may be bashful to ask for payments or property promised to her, even though it rightfully belongs to her. While in some ways, female and male patterns of behavior have changed in modern times, it is important to respect that there are also patterns of behavior that remain feminine or masculine for many people. These patterns need to be respected and not ignored. Men and women have …
Yeridas Hadoros DeGeneration Shabbos 112
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2020-06-28 02:02:46
Mareh Mekomos for Video Shiur click here to listen: for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 112 DAF YOMI from a psychological perspective. Mareh Mekomos קרי עליה לית דין בר אינש איכא דאמרי כגון דין בר אינש אמר רבי זירא אמר רבא בר זימונא אם ראשונים בני מלאכים אנו בני אנשים ואם ראשונים בני א …
Years and Tears Later: The Price of Lies and the Price of Truth Kesuvos 13 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2022-07-19 00:00:00
Our Gemara on this daf continues a discussion of case law where important information was allegedly withheld prior to marriage and discovered later. In yesterday's Psycholgy of the Daf, we discussed the obligations of others to reveal information. Continuing this theme, we will discuss the halachos and psychology of self-disclosure of flaws prior to marriage. There is a Teshuva of Rav Moshe Feinstein regarding a young woman who was s …
Written Correspondence Nedarim 70 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2023-01-03 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a verse in Bamidbar (30:7-8): וְאִם־הָי֤וֹ תִֽהְיֶה֙ לְאִ֔ישׁ וּנְדָרֶ֖יהָ עָלֶ֑יהָ א֚וֹ מִבְטָ֣א שְׂפָתֶ֔יהָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָסְרָ֖ה עַל־נַפְשָֽׁהּ׃ If she should become someone’s [wife] while her vow or the commitment commitment Lit. “utterance of her lips.” to which she bound herself is sti …
Work for Your Freedom Bava Metzia 73 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-05-10 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an interesting, ethical law, that is not utilized in modern times: The Gemara relates: Rav Se’oram, the brother of Rava, would forcefully seize people who were not acting properly and have them carry Rava’s palanquin. Rava said to him: You acted correctly, as we learn: If you see a Jew who does not behave properly, from where is it derived that you are permitted to have him work as a slave? The …
Woe Onto Him and Woe Onto Her Yevamos 29 Psychology of the Daf Yom
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2022-04-05 00:00:00
Our Mishna on Amud Aleph discusses a scenario where unfortunately a person can end up having to divorce a woman whom he “married” through the action of ma’amar (which is the rabbinic Kiddushin-prelude to formal Yibum.) Should a second brother who was married to this woman’s sister also die childless, he now will have to divorce his current wife and do chalitzah to her, and do chalitzah to the sister. Why? Since ma’am …
Without Safety There is No Intimacy Kesuvos 88 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2022-10-02 00:00:00
What are some of the psychological functions of the kesuba? We saw earlier in Psychology of the Daf (Kesuvos 82) that financial security is important for the woman to feel safe in the marriage. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph considers that a special allowance is made for a widow in that she can collect payment of her kesuba from her husband’s possessions even if he is not present. Or as discussed on 84a, the ability of the widow to collect …
Withholding Forgiveness Bava Kamma 105 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-02-15 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a scenario where someone swore falsely and denied possession of an object. If he confesses and wishes to repent, part of his responsibility is to return the principal object as well as one fifth additional payment. This requirement is so extensive, that even if the victim moved to far flung regions, the strict letter of the law requires that he incur the trouble and the expense to restore the object …
With Privilege Comes Responsibility Kiddushin 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2023-10-05 17:35:43
In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, Rabbi Akiva's renowned derasha asserts that when the Torah adds ״את״ (es) to the commandment ״אֶת ה׳ אֱלֹהֶיךָ תִּירָא״, it obligates us to fear Torah sages as we fear God. The statement of Rabbi Akiva is that “Es”, comes to add an obligation to fear Torah sages as one fears God. Translating "es" into English is challenging, but it signifies an association, even when it seems obv …
With Enemies Like These, Who Needs Friends? Nedarim 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2022-12-04 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph remarks about the benefit of good friends and the danger of friends of a lower caliber. Good friends will give you the right advice and guide you, such as Na’aman Who is able to take advice from his peers. However bad friends, such as Rechavam’s friends, give poor advice. Rechavam’s friends advised him to take a harsh stand as a new king, demanding even more taxes which led to a rebellion (see Melachim I …
Wise Women and Warfare Eruvin 87 Psychology of the Daf Eruvin 25
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2020-11-04 00:00:00
Wise Women and Warfare This Daf refers to a city knows as Eyvel. It is an unusual name. It is mentioned in Tanach in regard ot the rebellion of Sheva ben Bichri against the King David (II Samuel 20). וַתִּקְרָ֛א אִשָּׁ֥ה חֲכָמָ֖ה מִן־הָעִ֑יר שִׁמְע֤וּ שִׁמְעוּ֙ אִמְרוּ־נָ֣א אֶל־יוֹאָ֔ב קְרַ֣ב עַד־הֵ֔נָּה וַאֲדַבְּרָ …
Wine and Romance Nedarim 68 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2023-01-01 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the husband’s right to annul a vow made by his wife, in regard to matters that will affect their personal relationship. Sometimes, we are able to get an indirect glimpse at various values, ethics and morals that Chazal endorsed by studying certain halachos. In this vein, I will discuss the idea of a wife drinking alcohol with her husband as a way to enhance romance and good experiences. There is no shortag …
Why Do We Hate that Which We Used to Love? Bava Basra 98 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2024-10-01 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Alephs comments on the relational consequences of arrogance: One who is haughty is not accepted even by the members of his household, as it is stated: “The haughty man abides not” (Habakkuk 2:5). What does the phrase “abides [yinveh] not” mean? It means that even in his abode [naveh], he is not accepted. Pesach Einayim wonders: If so, why do we see women who are attracted to a man specifica …
Why Do They Throw Stuff at the Chosson? Kesuvos 15 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2022-07-21 00:00:00
Our Mishna on Amud Beis refers to a custom where they would give out roasted grain at the wedding ceremony of a virgin. What is the basis and symbolism of this custom? Abudarham Laws of Blessings Ninth Gate Blessings on Commandments Marriage Blessings, quoting a verse (Tehilim 147:14) השם גבולך שלום חלב חטים ישביעך which equates peace with abundance of plump grain. Thus, we are wishing upon the marriage peace …
Why Do People Fake Their Identity? Kesuvos 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2022-07-29 00:00:00
Our Gemara discusses what kinds of testimony is valid to establish lineage. The Gemara has much skepticism about individuals claiming certain lineage. This makes me wonder, lomdus aside, why not trust a person who declares his identity, especially when in many situations of issur v’heter we trust a person's own testimony, even relating to their food or other personal halakhic issues? We have recently learned of many agunah situations …
Why Can’t You Just Move On? Kiddushin 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
2023-09-01 00:00:00
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph addresses the exemption of a minor from capital punishment, even when they are the offender in an adultery case. Tosafos pose the question of why there should even be a debate, since minors are generally exempt from punishments. Tosafos in Arakhin (3a, "Limutei") suggest another line of thought, contemplating whether even a minor should be executed due to "Kalon," which can be translated as "disgrace." What precedent do T …