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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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: …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

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 ״ …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 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 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 …

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 …

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 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 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 …

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 …

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) …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.  …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Rolling the Dice: The Moral Gamble of Careers Sanhedrin 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 10th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses why a career gambler is not trusted as a witness: Rav Sheshes says: Those who play dice are disqualified because they are not involved in settling the world, i.e., in productive occupations that demand hard work. What is this flaw exactly, and why does it disqualify them? Rashi here offers two factors which, combined, lead to a person who cannot be trusted to testify on financial matters because his perception is …

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 …

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 7 Root for a Cause Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 15th, 2021

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

Rosh Hashanah 20 Seeing is Beloving Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 28th, 2021

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph asks, if you say that the Adar immediately preceding Nisan is always 29 days, why should they desecrate Shabbos for witnesses to travel, as the court can calculate the time of the New Moon without witnesses? The Gemara answers: Because it is a mitzvah to sanctify the New Moon on the basis of the testimony of witnesses who actually saw the new moon and not rely on calculations or established practices,מִצְוָה לְק …

Rosh Hashanah 17 Tephiliphobia Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 25th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 18th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 11th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 20th, 2021

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

Rules About Exceptions Kiddushin 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 23rd, 2023

While no longer practiced and even already forbidden during the time of the Gemara (see 12b), one original method to establish a marriage bond was through sexual intercourse with the intention of consummation. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph delves into this process and examines when exactly the marriage bond is formed: A question was posed to the Sages: Does the initiation of intercourse effect acquisition, or is it the completion of intercourse that e …

Rules to the Exceptions Nedarim 44 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 8th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph and Beis discusses tricks that connivers may engage in to avoid paying tithes, Peah (corner of field left for the poor) and the like, such as declaring their field ownerless: אִי הָכִי, אֲפִילּוּ מִיּוֹם הָרִאשׁוֹן נָמֵי לֶיהֱוֵי הֶפְקֵר! אָמַר רַבָּה: מִפְּנֵי הָרַמָּאִין, דְּמַפְקִירִין וְהָדְרִין בְּהוֹן. …

Rupture and Reconnection Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 157

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 9th, 2020

Psychology of the Daf This Daf discusses the Biblically ordained process whereby a husband can nullify vows made by his wife within a certain window of time.  The mystics could not miss the symbolism within a process of an archetypal feminine manifestation creating a vow and then having it nullified by a masculine manifestation. for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 157 I take responsibility for my interpr …

Sadistic Divorce Gittin 32 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 16th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis considers a scenario where a husband appears to be canceling an agent who he sent to deliver a Get, but perhaps he is not really canceling, but only somehow sadistically teasing his soon-to-be ex-wife by pretending to renege on the agreement: גְּמָ׳ הִגִּיעוּ לָא קָתָנֵי אֶלָּא הִגִּיעַ וַאֲפִילּוּ מִמֵּילָא וְלָא אָמְרִינַן לְצַעוֹרַהּ ה …

Safeguard Your Body and Soul Bava Metzia 34 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 2nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the responsibilities of a free watchman, who is exempt from financial obligations if he claims it was stolen while adequate safeguards were taken. He must make an oath to affirm this. If he is reluctant to swear (pious individuals avoid making oaths even when true), he has the option to pay for the object. In an interesting twist of fate, if the thief was found, the thief now pays the object plus his additional …

Safeguarding Other’s Possessions Bava Kamma 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 23rd, 2023

On amud beis Tosafos (“Velichayev”) infers from our Gemara that there is a stronger moral obligation and expectation that one safeguards his possessions from damaging others than from being damaged. Thus, in the case where a dog enters an area and grabs a cake with a hot coal attached to it, which ends up causing a fire, we expect the owner of the coals to be mindful that a dog might enter and he therefore shares liability with the do …

Sanctity Is Stronger Than The Whole Lot Of Hell Pesachim 17 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 8th, 2020

Sanctity Is Stronger Than The Whole Lot Of Hell  ― Thomas Merton The Gemara relates a quiz that Chaggai the prophet gave to the Cohanim. In our Gemara there is a discussion about the exact nature of the questions and the answers however I would like to focus on a beautiful explanation of the Malbim on these verses (Chaggai 2:12-14) הֵ֣ן ׀ יִשָּׂא־אִ֨ישׁ בְּשַׂר־קֹ֜דֶשׁ בִּכְנַ֣ף בִּגְד֗וֹ …

Sarcasm in the Torah Bava Metzia 29 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 28th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis warns of various careless financial practices: And Rabbi Yoḥanan says: In the case of one whose father bequeathed him a great deal of money and he seeks to lose it, he should wear linen garments, and should use glass vessels, and should hire laborers and not sit with them to supervise.  A unique feature of this Talmudic passage is that it seems to be resorting to sarcasm. Sarcasm is a particular human style of commu …

Scriptural Misappropriation Bava Basra 161 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 3rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the possibility that a witness might sign a document using his father’s name alone, without his name, as an identifier, much as different sages used symbols as a signature mark such as a fish or a palm branch. While symbols were accepted and plausible as signatory devices, the Gemara concluded that a person would not use his father‘s name as an identifier, as this would be considered disrespectful. (W …

Searching is Closer than Being There Yevamos 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 10th, 2022

The top of Amud Aleph continues the discussion of why the Tanna of the Mishna began his enumeration of cases with the instance of the daughter. The principle stated is, “A law derived from a homiletical interpretation and is not explicitly stated in the Torah, is more precious to the Tanna, and therefore stated first.” כֵּיוָן דְּאָתְיָא מִדְּרָשָׁא חַבִּיבָא לֵיהּ This principle is difficult …

Season’s Greetings Gittin 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 19th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis strongly implies that there is no mitzvah of Aliyyah Leregel (Yom Tov Pilgrimage) in our times where there is no Bais HaMikdash: תִּינַח בִּזְמַן שֶׁבֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ קַיָּים בִּזְמַן שֶׁאֵין בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ קַיָּים מַאי אִיכָּא לְמֵימַר  The Gemara raises a difficulty: This works out well when the Temple is standin …

Sect Education Eruvin 68 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 16th, 2020

  Who are צדוקים ובייתוסים and how are they different? Mishna Avos 1:3 אַנְטִיגְנוֹס אִישׁ סוֹכוֹ קִבֵּל מִשִּׁמְעוֹן הַצַּדִּיק. הוּא הָיָה אוֹמֵר, אַל תִּהְיוּ כַעֲבָדִים הַמְשַׁמְּשִׁין אֶת הָרַב עַל מְנָת לְקַבֵּל פְּרָס, אֶלָּא הֱווּ כַעֲבָדִים הַמְשַׁמְּשִׁ …

Secure Attachment Bava Kamma 89 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 30th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the financial value to the kesuba for the woman. The kesuba is a right to receive payment if there is divorce or death of the husband. However, while she is married, she has no particular claim. Yet, in theory, she could sell “options”, to “cash in on the policy” if her husband predeceases her.  There is a dispute as to whether the proceeds of such a sale would go to her, or since sh …

See Evil Through Rose Colored Glasses Bava Basra 84 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 17th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses that during the day, the Sun appears white, while in the morning and evening it has a reddish hue. What are the suggested causes?   In the morning it becomes red as it passes over the site of the roses of the Garden of Eden, whose reflections give the light a red hue. In the evening the Sun turns red because it passes over the entrance of Gehenna, whose fires redden the light. And there are those who say th …

Seeing is Believing Bava Metzia 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud aleph discusses the legal status of  documents called “Shtarei Berirun”. According to one opinion, is a written record of each litigant’s claims.   The straightforward understanding of why the claims are written and agreed upon is that this way neither party can retract and modify their claims. (Rashbam, Bava Basra 168a, “Shtarei”.)   There also can be a psychological reason for this …

Seeing is Desiring Psychology of the Daf Yomi Chaggigah 11

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 18th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis presents certain ideas about desire and psychology. It states that there are two constant desires that plague people to an extraordinary extent: Theft and sexual relations. Presumably the Gemara is referring to rationalizations that people often commit to avoid making full payment, paying back loans, trespassing and similar ways of not respecting others’ possessions and keeping financial commitments. The Gemara notes …

Seeing is Feeling Gittin 89 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 13th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis introduces an intriguing idiom used to describe a precocious young child: "Flagos Reuven" (פלגות ראובן). This idiom finds its origin in a verse from the song of Devorah (Judges 5:15-16): "And the princes of Issachar were with Devorah, As Barak, so was Issachar— They rushed at his heels into the valley; Among the flagos of Reuven Were great decisions of heart. "Why did you stay among the sheepfolds, To hear …

Seeing Ourselves Reflected in Others Bava Basra 99 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 2nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud aleph discusses contradictory verses regarding where the Cherubs on the Holy Ark faced, acting as a bellwether of God’s pleasure or disappointment with the Jewish nation:    How were the cherubs standing? Rabbi Yoḥanan and Rabbi Elazar disagree about this. One says: Their faces were turned one toward the other. And one says: Their faces were turned toward the House, i.e., the Sanctuary. The Gemara asks: But ac …

Seeing the Divine in the Mundane Sanhedrin 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 27th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the scriptural sources for determining the number of judges required to rule on Jewish calendar calculations: The Gemara asks: Corresponding to what was it determined that the intercalation procedure should incorporate these numbers of three, five, and seven judges? …One said: These numbers correspond to the number of Hebrew words in each of the three verses of the priestly benediction (see Bamidbar 6:24&n …

Self-Care Pesachim 31 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 22nd, 2020

The Gemara discusses the following verse as proof that the security is owned by the lienholder: Devarim 24:13 you must return the pledge to him at sundown, that he may sleep in his cloth and bless you; and it will be to your merit before the LORD your God. הָשֵׁב֩ תָּשִׁ֨יב ל֤וֹ אֶֽת־הַעֲבוֹט֙ כְּבֹ֣א הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ וְשָׁכַ֥ב בְּשַׂלְמָת֖וֹ וּבֵֽרֲכֶ֑ךָּ וּלְ …

Self Care Shabbos 129 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 13th, 2020

Shabbos 129 for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 129 רַב וּשְׁמוּאֵל דְּאָמְרִי תַּרְוַיְיהוּ: כׇּל הַמַּקֵּיל בִּסְעוּדַת הַקָּזַת דָּם — מְקִילִּין לוֹ מְזוֹנוֹתָיו מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם, וְאוֹמְרִים: הוּא עַל חַיָּיו לֹא חָס, אֲנִי אָחוּס עָלָיו?! I …

Self-Deception and the Slippery Slope Kiddushin 66 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 18th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us an interesting story about King Yannai, a Hasmonean Jewish king: An incident occurred with King Yannai, who went to the region of Koḥalit in the desert and conquered sixty cities there. And upon his return, he rejoiced with great happiness over his victory. He subsequently summoned all the Sages of the Jewish people and said to them: Our ancestors, in their poverty, would eat salty foods when they were busy wit …

Self-Defeating Behavior Shabbos 130 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 14th, 2020

DAF YOMI from a psychological perspective, Shabbos 130. For Mareh Mekomos, Click Belowלֵיכָּא כְּתוּבָּה דְּלָא רָמוּ בַּהּ תִּיגְרָא. for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 130 בית יוסף אה״ע קנד, מד כתוב בתשובת הרא"ש ורבי' בסי' קי"ח כתב הריב"ש בסט"ו על אדם שאין לו בנים ורצה לישא זקנה בת צ' …

Self Deprecatory Comments Kesuvos 71 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 15th, 2022

There are times that the people we love say self-deprecating and critical remarks: “I am such an idiot”. What is the respectful thing to do?  On the one hand, people do not like to be corrected and also want to be validated.  On the other hand, it is risky to be quiet because the person may feel insulted, thinking, “So you agree that I am a fool.”  And then, of course, sometimes the person really did somethi …

Self Destructiveness and Compliance Nedarim 49 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 13th, 2022

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us an interesting vignette about when Rabbi Yirmiyahu was unwell and a doctor came to visit him. when the doctor saw that he had a particular kind of food believed to intensify the illness, the doctor, exasperated, declared, ”The angel of death is in this house, and you were expecting me to try to cure him?” It is worth focusing on the common challenging human behavior pattern of self-destructive …

Self-Determination, Autonomy and Authority Kesuvos 9 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 15th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph and Rashi (“Ne’eman”) refer to a basic Talmudic principle known as Shavya Anafshei Chaticha Deissura, which means that a person has the ability to declare something to be forbidden based on his belief, even if there is no compelling evidence.  Thus, he must conduct himself as if it is forbidden, even if to outsiders there is no such obligation. The commentaries debate the conceptual underpinning of …

Self Fulfilling Prophecy Sotah 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 3rd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the intentions of the Spies: וַיֵּלְכוּ וַיָּבֹאוּ אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן מִשּׁוּם רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן יוֹחַי מַקֵּישׁ הֲלִיכָה לְבִיאָה מָה בִּיאָה בְּעֵצָה רָעָה אַף הֲלִיכָה בְּעֵצָה רָעָה And they went and they came” (Numbers 13:25–26). Rabbi Yoḥanan sa …

Self Injurious Instinct Yevamos 119 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 4th, 2022

As we mentioned on the last daf, our Gemaras have been discussing various self destructive impulses. On the last daf we examined self-destructiveness that hurts others simultaneously. On today’s daf we still discuss self-destructive urges that are directed at self instead of others. According to researchers Tiffany B. Brown and Thomas Kimball, there a number of misconceptions about self-harm behaviors as well as functions that should be und …

Self Sacrifice vs Self Preservation Kiddushin 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 1st, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph delves into the profound measures one must undertake to demonstrate respect and dignity towards their own slave: The passage continues: This means that there shall not be a situation in which you eat fine bread and he eats inferior bread [kibbar], bread from coarse flour mixed with bran, which is low quality. There shall not be a situation in which you drink aged wine and he drinks inferior new wine. There shall not be a …

Selling Umbrellas in the Rain Yevamos 106 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 21st, 2022

What is the Torah ethical position on charging a fee for necessary services, and what about charging excessive fees during times of peak demand? Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us  “הֲרֵי שֶׁהָיָה בּוֹרֵחַ מִבֵּית הָאֲסוּרִין, וְהָיְתָה מַעְבּוֹרֶת לְפָנָיו, וַאֲמַר לֵיהּ: טוֹל דִּינָר וְהַעֲבִירֵנִי — אֵין לוֹ אֶלָּ …

Serenity and Instinct Nedarim 41 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 5th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that fever is both an agent of the Angel of death, i.e., extremely harmful, but at the same time also has health benefits. Ben Yehoyada notes that this aligns with our scientific knowledge in that the fever is the body’s way of fighting infection. The heat from the fever breaks down proteins and also viruses. Obviously, if the fever is too high it’s going to cook the person's internal organs, but at t …

Serving With Honor Kiddushin 14 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 27th, 2023

Our Mishna on Amud Beis addresses the topic of the Jewish slave, discussing the requirement for a Jewish slave who chooses to extend his servitude beyond the prescribed six years to undergo a ritual that involves piercing his ear. The Gemara later on (22b) elaborates on the significance of this ritual: Rabban Yoḥanan ben Zakkai would expound this verse as a type of decorative wreath [ḥomer], i.e., as an allegory: Why is the ear different from …

Setbacks Are Serious But Routine Nazir 63 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 29th, 2023

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the verse which describes what the Nazir must perform in order to recover and restart his Nazirhood, subsequent to becoming exposed to a corpse (Bamidbar 6:9): וְכִֽי־יָמ֨וּת מֵ֤ת עָלָיו֙ בְּפֶ֣תַע פִּתְאֹ֔ם וְטִמֵּ֖א רֹ֣אשׁ נִזְר֑וֹ וְגִלַּ֤ח רֹאשׁוֹ֙ בְּי֣וֹם טׇהֳרָת֔וֹ בַּיּ֥וֹם הַשְּׁבִי …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 30th, 2021

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

Sex Vs. Intimacy Kesuvos 7 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 13th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the nature of the Blessing over Eirusin (betrothal). According to one opinion, the blessing is a simple one without a concluding blessing.  According to another opinion, the blessing has a closing benediction.  The Gemara suggests the basis of the dispute is about whether we compare the betrothal blessing to a blessing on food or mitzvos, which are short and do not conclude with a blessing, or it is com …

Sexual Blackmail Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 140

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 24th, 2020

  נָקֵיט מַרְגָּנִיתָא בַּחֲדָא יְדֵיהּ וְכוּרָא בַּחֲדָא יְדֵיהּ. מַרְגָּנִיתָא — אַחְוִי לְהוּ, וְכוּרָא — לָא אַחְוִי לְהוּ עַד דְּמִיצְטַעֲרָן, וַהֲדַר אַחְוִי לְהוּ. In order to demonstrate the value of modesty to his daughters, Rav Ḥisda held a pearl in one hand and a clod of earth …

Sexual Deliberation Movement Yevamos 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 13th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes the verse in Vayikra 19:29: אַל־תְּחַלֵּ֥ל אֶֽת־בִּתְּךָ֖ לְהַזְנוֹתָ֑הּ וְלֹא־תִזְנֶ֣ה הָאָ֔רֶץ וּמָלְאָ֥ה הָאָ֖רֶץ זִמָּֽה Do not degrade your daughter and make her a harlot, lest the land fall into harlotry and the land be filled with depravity. Rashi explains the verse as follows: Scripture speaks of one who gives his unmarr …

Sexual Prohibitions and Moral Logic Yevamos 63 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 9th, 2022

Our Gemara at the top of Amud Aleph, actually starting right at the end of 62b, encourages showing concern and care for friends, relatives, and countrymen: הָאוֹהֵב אֶת שְׁכֵינָיו, וְהַמְקָרֵב אֶת קְרוֹבָיו, וְהַנּוֹשֵׂא אֶת בַּת אֲחוֹתוֹ, One who loves his neighbors, and who draws his relatives close, and who marries the daughter of his sister,  וְהַמַּלְוֶה …

Sexual Torture Yevamos 113 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 28th, 2022

  As we saw on Psychology of the Daf 107, the Talmud believes there are gender differences in attitudes and wishes to get married, in that women want to marry more than men. We also saw that modern social research shows a similar trend, in that women want to marry at a younger age than men do, and it seems to be universal, the world over. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us: יוֹתֵר מִשֶּׁהָאִישׁ רוֹצֶה לִישָּׂא …

Sexuality Beyond Procreation Gittin 41 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 26th, 2023

Our Mishna, spanning from Amud Aleph to Amud Beis, delves into the quandary faced by an individual who is half-slave and half-freeman due to being emancipated by only one of their two owners. Bais Shammai argues before Beis Hillel that the other owner must be compelled to free the individual, as his current status prevents him from marrying a regular free Jewish woman or a Canaanite servant. This predicament, impeding the individual from leading …

Sexuality the Peacemaker and Premature Ejaculation Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 152

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 4th, 2020

Shabbos אֲמַר לֵיהּ רַבִּי לְרַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן חֲלַפְתָּא: מִפְּנֵי מָה לֹא הִקְבַּלְנוּ פָּנֶיךָ בָּרֶגֶל, כְּדֶרֶךְ שֶׁהִקְבִּילוּ אֲבוֹתַי לַאֲבוֹתֶיךָ? אֲמַר לֵיהּ: סְלָעִים נַעֲשׂוּ גְּבוֹהִים, קְרוֹבִים נַעֲשׂוּ רְחוֹקִים, מִשְׁתַּיִם …

Sexually Explicit Pesachim 3 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 24th, 2020

  Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said: A person should never express a crude matter, as the formulation of a verse was distorted by the addition of eight letters rather than have it express a crude matter, as it is stated: “From the pure animals and from the animals that are not pure [asher einena tehora]” (Genesis 7:8). To avoid using the Hebrew term for impure [teme’a], which is four letters: Tet, mem, alef, heh, the verse repla …

Shabbos 108 Psychology of the DAF

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 22nd, 2020

Mareh Mekomos for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 108 DAF YOMI from a psychological perspective. Shabbos 108a ויקרא א:י״ז  וְשִׁסַּ֨ע אֹת֣וֹ בִכְנָפָיו֮ לֹ֣א יַבְדִּיל֒ וְהִקְטִ֨יר אֹת֤וֹ הַכֹּהֵן֙ הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה עַל־הָעֵצִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל־הָאֵ֑שׁ עֹלָ֣ה ה֗וּא אִשֵּׁ֛ה …

Shabbos 107 Psychology of the DAF

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 21st, 2020

Mareh Mekomos for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 107 DAF YOMI from a psychological perspective. Shabbos 107b Yirmayahu 13:23 הֲיַהֲפֹ֤ךְ כּוּשִׁי֙ עוֹר֔וֹ וְנָמֵ֖ר חֲבַרְבֻּרֹתָ֑יו גַּם־אַתֶּם֙ תּוּכְל֣וּ לְהֵיטִ֔יב לִמֻּדֵ֖י הָרֵֽעַ׃ Can the Cushite change his skin, Or the leopard his spots? Just as much can y …

Shabbos Mindset Nazir 28 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 20th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a scenario where the Shalmei Atzeres, the Sacrifices brought on Shavuous were not slaughtered with intention of the correct sacrifice. On Yom Tov, it is permitted to sprinkle the blood so at least the sacrifice can be salvaged and eaten as an ordinary shelamim sacrifice. However, the blood cannot be sprinkled on Shabbos due to the rabbinic prohibition of “mesaken”, which is considered fixing or repair …

Shabbos Neuroses Bava Metzia 77 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 15th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the unique status of the workers in the city of Machoza. They were conditioned to continuous hard work, and having an unanticipated day off would be harmful to their routine.    In the times of the Gemara, Machoza was a bustling metropolis. From various references in Shas one gets the impression that it was a real urban landscape with a scholarly class, wealthy business class, and many laborers. They h …

Shabbos Recovery Shabbos 113

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 113 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 …

Shabbos Table Insanity Nedarim 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 1st, 2022

  Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses why they did not teach cheder children new pieces of Torah on Shabbos. אֶלָּא: גַּבֵּי שַׁבָּת הַיְינוּ טַעְמָא דְּאֵין קוֹרְאִין בַּתְּחִילָּה — מִשּׁוּם דְּיִפְנוּ אֲבָהָתְהוֹן דְּיָנוֹקֵי לְמִצְוְתָא דְשַׁבְּתָא. וְאִיבָּעֵית אֵימָא: מִשּׁוּם דּ …

Shalach Manos to an Enemy Bava Metzia 32 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 22nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses circumstances where one is obligated to assist a fellow Jew in loading and unloading his beast.  The Gemara established that all things considered equal, one should assist in unloading a beast first, before assisting in loading. Logic has it, that the beast and even the owner, is in greater distress when needing to unload versus loading, since the packages might fall or the beast might become injured.   …

Shared Responsibility, 100% Bava Kamma 53 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 25th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the opinion of Rabbi Nassan who holds that if two people or agents caused damage, though they split the payment, if one is unable to pay, the other assumes 100% liability. Rabbi Nassan seems to hold that instead of looking at each damager to be 50% responsible, we look at each one as 100% responsible. It just so happens that ordinarily since both can pay the debt, they split the cost. But when one cannot pay, th …

Sharing the Burdens of Life Together Sotah 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 25th, 2023

  תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן אֲשֶׁר תִּשְׂטֶה אִשָּׁה תַּחַת אִישָׁהּ לְהַקִּישׁ אִישׁ לְאִשָּׁה וְאִשָּׁה לְאִישׁ לְמַאי הִלְכְתָא אָמַר רַב שֵׁשֶׁת כְּשֵׁם שֶׁאִם הוּא סוֹמֵא לֹא הָיָה מַשְׁקָהּ דִּכְתִיב וְנֶעְלַם מֵעֵינֵי אִישָׁהּ כָּךְ הִיא אִם …

Shear Profit Bava Metzia 69 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 7th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an interesting economic and psychological scenario regarding partnership versus working as a subcontractor on commission. As we shall soon see, psychology and economics can be heavily intertwined. In our Gemara, due to certain halachic technicalities of usury, a person who enters into 50/50 financial partnership in raising an animal, actually makes out with less profit than if the owner of the animal had contrac …

Shedding Your Old Self Nazir 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 10th, 2023

On this daf we compare the shaving of the Nazir to the shaving of the Metzora. In actuality, there are three shaving rituals in Biblical Judaism: Metzora, Nazir and the initiation of the Levites (Mishna Negaim 14:4.) (There is a fourth, if you count the custom of Upsherin.) Sefer Hachinuch (174) explains that the common thread in all three of these rituals is to signal a rebirth, as a newborn infant who is relatively hairless. The Levites inaugur …

Shekalim 22 Consistency Versus Passion Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 12th, 2021

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

Shekalim 11 Conspicuous Construction Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 1st, 2021

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

Shekalim 17 Deus Ex Machina Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 7th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 30th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 9th, 2021

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

Shekalim 15 Emotionally Intelligent Giving Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 5th, 2021

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

Shekalim 20 Glatt Kosher Hypocrisy Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 9th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 24th, 2021

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

Shekalim 8 Healthy Glow Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 29th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 23rd, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 6th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 31st, 2021

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

Shekalim 13 People Talking Without Listening Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 2nd, 2021

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

Shekalim 6 Reparations and Atonement Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 26th, 2021

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

Shekalim 7 Soul Searching Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 26th, 2021

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

Shekalim 18 Spiritual Antenna Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 9th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 25th, 2021

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

Shekalim 21 The Space in Between Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 11th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 2nd, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 2nd, 2021

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

Shuda Be The Right Choice Kesuvos 94 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 7th, 2022

How useful is intuition according to Torah philosophy? Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a dispute about two property deeds of sale both with the same date. In such situations where the law is in gridlock, that is there is no reasonable way to resolve a litigation, the Beis Din responds in various ways, depending on factors that we will not discuss in depth right now. The judges may declare that the assets in question be divided equally, which o …

Silence is Olden Bava Basra Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 26th, 2024

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

Silent Rebuke Gittin 9 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 25th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph reports that Rabbi Yosei would use the following verse in Mishley (24:26) to praise cogent Torah arguments: שְׂפָתַ֥יִם יִשָּׁ֑ק מֵ֝שִׁ֗יב דְּבָרִ֥ים נְכֹחִֽים׃ Giving straightforward reply Is like giving a kiss. How is a lucid torah argument compared to a kiss? Rashi on our Gemara says it is worthy of a kiss. Tosafos explains that it is not the kiss itself, but rather the g …

Silent Scream Nedarim 87 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 20th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses more about Toch Kedei Dibur, that is a parcel of time that it takes to state, “Peace onto you, my master and teacher.”  As we learned in Psychology of the Daf Nedarim 69, there are many halakhic distinctions that arise from this measure of time, mostly having to do with being allowed to renege or retract statements, conditions and agreements within this small time frame.  Many commentaries …

Silver Linings from Corona

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 23rd, 2020

We must consider several silver linings coming from Corona Virus:   It is offering us all time to slow down, study, reflect and reconnect with ourselves and family   We are learning that Jewish weddings and other life-cycle celebrations can be intimate and small without requiring extravagant expense and large crowds.  Can you imagine how much easier financial life will be on Jewish families if this trend continues after Corona? …

Simple Piety Versus Calculated Piety Sanhedrin 13 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 30th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph-Beis recounts the heroic martyrdom of Rabbi Yehuda ben Bava, who defied a Roman decree against ordaining judges, risking his life to ensure the chain of semicha (ordination) originating from Moshe Rabbeinu would not be broken. The Gemara tells the story as follows: “That man will be remembered favorably, and Rabbi Yehuda ben Bava is his name, as had it not been for him… the laws of fines would have ceased to …

Sin and Repentance Are Part of the Plan Nedarim 39 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 3rd, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph teaches: שִׁבְעָה דְּבָרִים נִבְרְאוּ קוֹדֶם שֶׁנִּבְרָא הָעוֹלָם, אֵלּוּ הֵן: תּוֹרָה, וּתְשׁוּבָה, גַּן עֵדֶן, וְגֵיהִנָּם, כִּסֵּא הַכָּבוֹד, וּבֵית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ, וּשְׁמוֹ שֶׁל מָשִׁיחַ.  Seven phenomena were created before the world was created, and they are: Tora …

Sin is Temporary Nazir 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 14th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the nature of the husband's annulment of a wife’s vow. We know he is given authority to annul a vow that pertains to a wife’s physical comfort as well as matters that interfere in the marriage within a day’s time (see Shulkhan Arukh YD 234:21 and 55, and Bamidbar 30:13.) The question under discussion is how does the annulment operate?  Is it a retroactive removal of the vow, or is it merel …

Sing Baby, Sing Sotah 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 28th, 2023

    Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the levels of prophecy that occurred at the splitting of the Red Sea and how the Jews and Moshe responded via the prophetic singing of Az Yashir: תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן דָּרַשׁ רַבִּי יוֹסֵי הַגְּלִילִי בְּשָׁעָה שֶׁעָלוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל מִן הַיָּם נָתְנוּ עֵינֵיהֶם לוֹמַר שִׁירָה וְכֵיצַד אָמ …

Sinners and Saints Shabbos 123

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 7th, 2020

DAF YOMI from a psychological perspective Mareh Mekomos for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 123   אָמַר רַבִּי חֲנִינָא: בִּימֵי נְחֶמְיָה בֶּן חֲכַלְיָה נִשְׁנֵית מִשְׁנָה זוֹ, דִּכְתִיב: ״בַּיָּמִים הָהֵמָּה רָאִיתִי בִיהוּדָה דּוֹרְכִים גִּתּוֹת בַּשַּׁבָּת וּ …

Sinners Count Too Kesuvos 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 8th, 2022

To what extent is the sinner given recognition and respect by Torah society. The relationship with the sinner is a complex one with great emphasis placed on the community using social pressure and often legal enforcement to maintain desired behavior. Yet, despite this, there also seems to be a practical acceptance of the existence of sin and sinner, and often Torah society remains accepting and loving as we shall see in today’s discussion. …

Sitting is the New Smoking Bava Metzia 113 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 20th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis relates medical advice from the great Amora and physician Shmuel, and one of the practices that he considers to be in the top three of irreparable bodily harm is to “Eat bread and not walk four cubits afterward.” Rashi adds that this warning is in regard to going to sleep right after eating without walking a bit. There are some technical contradictions between Shmuel’s advice and the Rambam’s medica …

Slave Lives Matter Eruvin 74 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 22nd, 2020

Eruvin 74 וְאַיְבוּת בַּר אִיהִי סָבַר: מְקוֹם פִּיתָּא גָּרֵים. וּשְׁמוּאֵל לְטַעְמֵיהּ דְּאָמַר: מָקוֹם לִינָה גָּרֵים. And Ivut bar Ihi holds that the place where a person eats his bread determines his place of residence. Therefore, he did not consider the synagogue a residence, as the attendant would eat elsewhere, and Ivut bar Ihi thought that Shmu …

Small Minded Thinking Bava Basra 107 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 10th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph uses a distinctive Hebrew word to describe taking off a piece of land and granting it to another inheritor, “Mekamtzin”, which we can translate as snipping off. The word has a different connotation than other apparent synonyms, such as “chatoch”, to cut, or “lachalok” to divide.  The Maharal (Netzach Yisrael 5) explains that the word kometz, means to take a small part of a larger w …

So Far, You Didn’t Sin Nazir 62 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 26th, 2023

Our Gemara on amud aleph makes a statement about annulment of vows that is said many times throughout Shas:  הֶיתֵּר נְדָרִים פּוֹרְחִין בָּאֲוִיר “The halakhos of dissolution of vows, namely that one may request from a halakhic authority to annul them, fly in the air and have nothing to lean upon, i.e., these halakhos are not mentioned explicitly in the Torah. Sefer Arvei Nachal (Noach 2, 5663) unders …

Sober Responses to Suffering Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 139

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 23rd, 2020

  וְאָמַר רַבִּי מַלַּאי מִשּׁוּם רַבִּי יִצְחָק מַגְדְּלָאָה: מִיּוֹם שֶׁפֵּירַשׁ יוֹסֵף מֵאֶחָיו לֹא טָעַם טַעַם יַיִן, דִּכְתִיב: ״וּלְקׇדְקֹד נְזִיר אֶחָיו״. And Rabbi Mallai said in the name of Rabbi Yitzḥak from Migdal: From the day that Joseph took leave from his brothers, he did not sample a taste …

Soft Start-Up Gittin 75 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 30th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis wrestles with a linguistic conundrum: how a man should phrase a condition in his Get, to be considered valid and executed a moment prior to his death, but not be activated should he survive. This was a common practice to protect people from falling to Yibum to a much younger brother who is not appropriate to marry: אֶלָּא אָמַר רָבָא: "אִם לֹא מַתִּי לֹא יְהֵא גֵּט, אִם מַתִּ …

Sometimes It Is Best Not To Fight the Yetzer Hara Sotah 12 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 9th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Alpeh describes how beautiful Miriam had become, as indicated by various secondary names given to her by scripture. One name was Esnan, which means gift. However, it also is reminiscent of the scriptural use of this word in the context of payment given to a prostitute for sexual services (See Devarim 23:19). In Miriam’s case, the sexual charge is not seen as negative, and to the contrary, she is seen as somehow an inspira …

Sometimes the Details Count Gittin 5 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 21st, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the consequences of diverging from the formula that the sages instituted for process of divorce. Rabbi Meir has an opinion that once the Rabbis Instituted a particular process, even if details of the process are rabbinic in origin, a divorcement bill that does not in here to this process is rendered invalid. This is even to the extent that the divorce is ineffective, and a child from a subsequent union would be c …

Sometimes Too Hard, Sometimes Too Easy Nazir 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 10th, 2023

  The Gemara on Amud Aleph repeats the often quoted exhortation of Rabbi Elazar HaKappar: דְּתַנְיָא רַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר הַקַּפָּר בְּרַבִּי אוֹמֵר מָה תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר וְכִפֶּר עָלָיו מֵאֲשֶׁר חָטָא עַל הַנָּפֶשׁ וְכִי בְּאֵיזוֹ נֶפֶשׁ חָטָא זֶה אֶלָּא שֶׁצִּיעֵר עַצְמוֹ מִן הַי …

Soul Torah Shabbos 115

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 29th, 2020

Mareh Mekomos for Video Shiur click here to listen: for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 115   DAF YOMI from a psychological perspective.   115 Mishna כָּל כִּתְבֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ מַצִּילִין אוֹתָן מִפְּנֵי הַדְּלֵקָה, בֵּין שֶׁקּוֹרִין בָּהֶן וּבֵין שֶׁאֵין קוֹרִין בָּהֶן….וּמִפְּנֵ …

Sounding out G-d’s Name

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 3rd, 2020

My early childhood school years were full of joy of learning. I attended a local Day School of which my father then served as its principal. The mornings were taught Ivrit B’Ivrit, which sparked my lifelong love affair with the beauty of l’shon kodesh. In the summer of first grade I was reading fluently in Hebrew and English. Significantly, this school worked on language foundations so we had as yet to learn Chumash. We read from read …

Speaking Up Against Sin Bava Metzia 31 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 29th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the biblical directive to rebuke a sinner. The verse states (Vayikra 19:16): “הוֹכֵ֤חַ תּוֹכִ֙יחַ֙ אֶת־עֲמִיתֶ֔ךָ You shall admonish, and indeed admonish your fellow country man.”   Biblical Hebrew has an idiomatic word form where a verb is repeated, presumably to connote emphasis.  The halachic implications of this emphasis are discussed in our Gemara: …

Speaking With a Unified Voice Nedarim 88 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 20th, 2023

The Ran on Amud Beis discusses the status of possessions of a married woman.  Since there is a nuptial agreement that the husband support his wife financially, in exchange for that, she agrees that her earnings become his property. What if someone gifts to the woman something with a stipulation that it not be transferable to her husband?  Is this condition valid?  The Ran proves that this condition is accepted as the halakhic norm …

Special Eclipse Edition Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 8th, 2024

Eclipses and Torah Thought Psychology of the Daf, Special Edition The Gemara Succah (29a) states: ⁦When the sun is eclipsed it is a bad omen for the entire world. The Gemara tells a parable. To what is this matter comparable? It is comparable to a king of flesh and blood who prepared a feast for his servants and placed a lantern [panas] before them to illuminate the hall. He became angry at them and said to his servant: Take the lantern from be …

Speech is Not Free At All Bava Metzia 68 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 6th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references an incident whereby Rav Ashi raised a hypothetical question, which involved a halachic dimension of a student’s inheritance, Mar son of Ameimar. The power of Rav Ashi’s words were so great, that his mere mention of Ameimar’s possible death somehow induced his actual death.   Our tradition, among many ancient traditions of the world, believes that words have extraordinary power to create a …

Spiritual and Material Poverty Bava Basra 146 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 18th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph raises an interesting challenge to the verse in Mishlei (15:15): “All the days of the pauper are bad.” It asks: Isn’t it true that even the poor experience good times, such as Shabbos and Yom Tov, when they have access to food and rest? Shmuel responds that even a change to richer food may upset the stomach, so the poor suffer even when they eat better meals. The Bnei Yissachar (Ma’amar 10:4) delve …

Spiritual Backlash Bava Metzia 114 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 21st, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph and beis discusses an encounter between Rabbah bar Avuha and Elijah the prophet:   אַשְׁכְּחֵיהּ רַבָּה בַּר אֲבוּהּ לְאֵלִיָּהוּ דְּקָאֵי בְּבֵית הַקְּבָרוֹת שֶׁל גּוֹיִם, אֲמַר לֵיהּ: מַהוּ שֶׁיְּסַדְּרוּ בְּבַעַל חוֹב? אֲמַר לֵיהּ: גָּמַר ״מִיכָה״ ״מִיכָה״ מֵעֲ …

Spiritual Codependency Bava Metzia 104 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 11th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the oblative obligations that a man’s wife incurs, such as the sacrificial animals brought after childbirth, and that they are the husband’s financial obligation. Even though such sacrifices are subject to a substitution of a bird instead of a lamb if the person is unable to afford the latger animal (see Vayikra 12:6-8), we evaluate this based on the husband’s assets, and not hers.   The S …

Spiritual CPR Nazir 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 7th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the idea that a Cohen may be prohibited from entering a room where there is a Goses (a person who is about to die). This is not merely a rabbinic prohibition in case the person might die and then the Cohen would be in the same room as a corpse. Rather this is a Biblical prohibition, and applies even if the person does not die. Rishonim ask, since Eliyahu the Prophet was a Cohen according to tradition (Bava Metzi …

Spiritual Credit Score Gittin 3 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 19th, 2023

    The Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses circumstances when a single witness is believed. Specifically this is in regard to testifying about the permissibility of a food or similar ritualry requirement.   אֵימַר דְּאָמְרִינַן עֵד אֶחָד נֶאֱמָן בְּאִיסּוּרִין כְּגוֹן חֲתִיכָה סָפֵק שֶׁל חֵלֶב סָפֵק שֶׁל שׁוּמָּן דְּלָא אִיתַּ …

Spiritual Dashboard Nazir 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 22nd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph refers to the classic Talmudic principle of עשה דוחה לא תעשה, that is, a positive command in the Torah is taken to override a negative prohibition. The Shalah (Aseres Hadibros, Yoma, Derech Chaim 62) wonders why the Torah describes various punishments for transgressing prohibitions (death, Kares, lashes) but is silent regarding the punishment for refusing to obey a positive mitzvah.  This counter intuiti …

Spiritual Debts Bava Basra 154 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a legalism in regard to contracts. Ordinarily, a contract needs to be ratified by two witnesses testifying that they recognize the signatures of the witnesses who signed on the document. However, there are certain situations where the debtor in the contract inadvertently ratifies it while actually attempting to discredit it. For example, instead of claiming that the contract is false, he claims something like, t …

Spiritual Dusting Off Before Shabbos Kiddushin 41 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 22nd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses how great rabbis would personally tend to Shabbos preparations, even tasks that might be considered menial, to honor the sanctity of Shabbos: Rav Yosef said: It is more fitting that the mitzvah be performed by the person himself than by means of his agent. For example, there is a story of Rav Safra, who would singe the head of an animal on Shabbos eve himself to prepare it for consumption on Shabbos. Similarly, …

Spiritual Food Kiddushin 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 29th, 2023

This daf continues the halakhic discussion of betrothal using money forgiven from a loan. As we explained on Daf 46, a woman cannot be betrothed by allowing her to keep money she had previously borrowed. This is because the marriage bond needs to be effectuated via a transfer of a tangible object. The loan is not tangible, and even if the money was not spent and thus still tangible, the transfer of money to her domain occurred as a loan, and not …

Spiritual Home Inspection Nedarim 56 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 20th, 2022

  Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the halachos of blemishes on a home. Now this is not your typical home inspection, looking for leaks or structural flaws. Instead the verses (Vayikra 14) discuss finding leprous spots on the walls of a home. These rules only applied to homes acquired after entry into the land of Israel and conquest.  כִּ֤י תָבֹ֙אוּ֙ אֶל־אֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֛י נֹ …

Spiritual Life-Saving Measures Bava Basra 153 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 25th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis notes that most people who fall ill eventually recover. This observation has legal implications in cases where a person on their deathbed bequeaths their estate to someone else, but later recovers. Such directives can be invalidated retroactively if the person recovers, and the estate reverts to its rightful heirs. The rightful air does not have to prove that his father did not in fact die, because in those cases he would …

Spiritual Spam Filter Set to High

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 27th, 2019

Spiritual Spam Filter Set to High I think we are so used to getting spiritual “spam” that we filter out important messages. It is a challenge to stay mindful and consciously connected to G-d in our daily routines. Some examples of spiritual spam include making blessings without paying attention, offering serious prayers such as Kaddish or Birkot Hashachar while winding tefilin and folding and unfolding the talit, and studying sacred t …

Spiritual Standstill Bava Basra 101 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 4th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tries to figure out how to properly allocate and position the number of graves described in the Mishna, and reconcile it within the stated dimensions of this space. One idea that was considered was that some bodies were buried standing up. The Gemara firmly rejects this as absurd, since this would be a disgraceful manner to lay a corpse. The Gemara declares:   This is like a burial of donkeys and is disrespectful. &nb …

Spiritual Superconductors Yevamos 68 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 13th, 2022

  Our gemara on amud beis argues that even though a born female cohen becomes disqualified from Teruma after relations with a forbidden sexual relation, a Levite or Israelite widow who was once married to a cohen is different.  Though she may eat Terumah as a widow if she has a child from him, she will not be disqualified by forbidden sexual relations.  Even though the power of the holiness of the Levite or Israelite widow is weake …

Spirituality Abhors a Vacuum Bava Basra 143 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 15th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the Torah’s directive about the separation of Terumah from produce to be given to the Kohen. The verse reads: “And you shall bear no sin by reason of it, seeing that you have set apart from it the best thereof” (Bamidbar 18:32). The Gemara interprets this as a warning not to designate inferior produce as Terumah while retaining the superior portion for oneself. Yet, beyond this practical messag …

Spoiling or Nurturing? Chaggigah 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 14th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph wonders why, according to the House of Shammai that even a young child who can ride on his father’s shoulders is obligated in the Mitzvah of Aliyah L'Regel, why didn’t Chana and the young Shmuel travel up to Yerushalayim for the festival when Shmuel was physically capable of doing so? The Gemara answers that “Channa saw in Shmuel a delicate nature and the need for extra pampering. She was concerned about …

Spousal Abandonment Kesuvos 107 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 16th, 2022

Gemara on Amud Beis discusses various scenarios of abandonment by a husband and/or yavam of a married woman.  Though relatively rare, spousal abandonment seems to be a human behavior that goes back to ancient times.  What are some of the psychological considerations? According to researcher Elaine Brinkley (Smith) (BRINKLEY, E. (1998). The Dynamics of Marital Disintegration. National Undergraduate Research Clearinghouse, 1.): Spousal a …

Spouse, Friend or Teacher? Eruvin 36 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 14th, 2020

  רַבִּי יְהוּדָה אוֹמֵר אִם הָיָה אֶחָד מֵהֶן וְכוּ׳. וְרַבָּנַן — זִימְנִין דְּנִיחָא לֵיהּ בְּחַבְרֵיהּ טְפֵי מֵרַבֵּיהּ. We learned in the mishna that Rabbi Yehuda says: If one of the Sages was his teacher, he may go only to his teacher, as we can assume that this was his original intention. The Gemara asks: And what is the reaso …

Stages of Moral Development Bava Basra 7 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 2nd, 2024

In our Gemara on Amud Beis, Reish Lakish offers a proof text that sages benefit from a divine shield and watchtower protecting them:   “I am a wall and my breasts are like towers” (Song of Songs 8:10), which may be explained as follows: “I am a wall”; this is referring to the Torah. “And my breasts are like towers. These are Torah scholars, who are as towers, and do not require additional protection.” &nbs …

Stairway to Heaven Eruvin 77 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 25th, 2020

Eruvin 77 This Gemara mentions a סולם המצרי, literally an Egyptian Ladder, which according to the Talmud’s definition is a small ladder which has less than four rungs. What is this Egyptian ladder? Were the Egyptians midgets? The term comes up in only one other place in the Talmud, and that is in Mishna Bava Basra 3:6  סֻלָּם הַמִּצְרִי אֵין לוֹ חֲזָקָה, וְלַצּוֹרִי יֶשׁ לוֹ חֲ …

Standing on Ceremony Bava Basra 115 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 16th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the primacy of the father in the line of inheritance:   This is the principle: Concerning anyone who precedes another with regard to inheritance, his descendants precede the other as well, and a father who inherits precedes all of his descendants.   The idea of primacy of the father in the line of inheritance also has metaphysical implications. Bais Yaakov (Vayeshev 39:3 and Vayechi 65:1) explains this …

States of Doubt and Transition Kesuvos 78 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 22nd, 2022

In psychology of the Daf (Kesuvos 70) we discussed the importance of liminal states. Whenever a person is in transition from one state to another, it is symbolic of rebirth. Psychologically speaking, many people regress or reactivate past traumas and attachment patterns when they pass from one life stage to another, such as a graduation or marriage. Rashi on Amud Aleph (Eimar) uses cryptic language to describe a woman when she is betrothed (arusa …

Stay Calm, and Don’t Jump to Conclusions Nedarim 66 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 30th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us about the Palestinian version of “Amelia Bedelia”: She was a simple but devout woman, and had difficulty comprehending the difference between her husband’s dialect and hers, leading to numerous frustrating encounters. Her husband would make a seemingly simple request, and she would misunderstand his words and give him something else to his great annoyance. Perhaps, she was what we would say today …

Staying Together for the Children Eruvin 41 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 18th, 2020

Eruvin 41 שְׁלֹשָׁה אֵין רוֹאִין פְּנֵי גֵיהִנָּם, אֵלּוּ הֵן: דִּקְדּוּקֵי עֲנִיּוּת, וְחוֹלֵי מֵעַיִין, וְהָרְשׁוּת. וְיֵשׁ אוֹמְרִים: אַף מִי שֶׁיֵּשׁ לוֹ אִשָּׁה רָעָה. The Gemara cites a related teaching: Three classes of people do not see the face of Gehenna, because the suffering that they bear in this wor …

Stealing Victory from the Jaws of Mediocrity Bava Kamma 70 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 11th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the limbo state occupied by certain stolen objects: גָּזַל וְלֹא נִתְיָיאֲשׁוּ הַבְּעָלִים – שְׁנֵיהֶם אֵינָן יְכוֹלִין לְהַקְדִּישׁ; זֶה לְפִי שֶׁאֵינוֹ שֶׁלּוֹ, וְזֶה לְפִי שֶׁאֵינוֹ בִּרְשׁוּתוֹ. If one stole an item and the owners have not yet despaired of recovering it, neither …

Stigma and Seeking Help for a Child Bava Kamma 84 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 25th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the process by which we determine compensation for a debilitating injury inflicted upon a child. The Talmudic jurisprudential method for evaluating disabling loss and damages to a person is by considering the value of this person if he was sold as a slave, what was his prior market value versus his current value with his disability. Since such an appraisal is demeaning, the Gemara records an incident where the f …

Stillborns, Miscarriages and Mourning Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 135

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 19th, 2020

  אָמַר מָר: וְלֹא סָפֵק דּוֹחֶה אֶת הַשַּׁבָּת. לְאֵתוֹיֵי מַאי? לְאֵתוֹיֵי הָא דְּתָנוּ רַבָּנַן: בֶּן שִׁבְעָה, מְחַלְּלִין עָלָיו אֶת הַשַּׁבָּת. וּבֶן שְׁמוֹנָה, אֵין מְחַלְּלִין עָלָיו אֶת הַשַּׁבָּת. סָפֵק בֶּן שִׁבְעָה סָפֵק בֶּן שְׁמו …

Stray Thoughts During Prayer Yevamos 103 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 17th, 2022

Our Gemara Amud Aleph to Beis makes an assertion: כׇּל טוֹבָתָן שֶׁל רְשָׁעִים רָעָה הִיא אֵצֶל צַדִּיקִים. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ פֶּן תְּדַבֵּר עִם יַעֲקֹב מִטּוֹב עַד רָע״, בִּשְׁלָמָא רַע — לְחַיֵּי, אֶלָּא טוֹב אַמַּאי לָא? אֶלָּא שְׁמַע מִינַּהּ: טוֹבָת …

Stubborn Conviction Gittin 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 13th, 2023

In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, we encounter a story that portrays an unusually callous and cruel fate suffered by some of the youth after the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans. It is based on the ancient belief that conceiving a child while beholding aesthetically pleasing images would result in beautiful offspring. The noble Romans would have attractive images placed by their bedsides for this purpose. Interestingly, this belief is also present in J …

Stubborn People Might Be Prophets Yevamos 98 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 13th, 2022

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes Rabbi Akiva who observed that the prophet Yonah lost his prophecy as a result of his disobedience. He refused to deliver God’s message to the people of Nineveh. Our understanding of Yonah’s behavior is that he was afraid that the people of Nineveh would do Teshuva and this would reflect poorly on the Jewish people. The Midrash sees this as impudent in that he advocated for the honor of the &ldquo …

Studies in Futility Eruvin 59 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 7th, 2020

אֲמַר לֵיהּ רַב נַחְמָן: מַאי טַעְמָא? אִילֵּימָא מִשּׁוּם דִּשְׁכִיחִי גַּבֵּי הַרְמָנָא, מַדְכְּרִי אַהֲדָדֵי — כּוּלְּהוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל נָמֵי בְּצַפְרָא דְּשַׁבְּתָא שְׁכִיחִי גַּבֵּי הֲדָדֵי. אֶלָּא אָמַר רַב נַחְמָן: כְּגוֹן דִּיס …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 27th, 2021

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

Succah 45 Afterplay Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 20th, 2021

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

Succah 36 Break the Mold Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 11th, 2021

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

Succah 47 Chair and Chair Alike Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 22nd, 2021

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

Succah 37 Cut Out for Heresy Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 12th, 2021

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

Succah 40 Denial and Mindfulness Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 15th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 30th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 13th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 19th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 16th, 2021

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

Succah 23 Flash of Insight Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 29th, 2021

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

Succah 19 Gender Profiling Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 25th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 28th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 17th, 2021

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

Succah 2 Head in the Sky Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 8th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 9th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 10th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 27th, 2021

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

Succah 27 Intellectual Laziness Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 2nd, 2021

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

Succah 15 Intelligent Design Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 21st, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 9th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 29th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 16th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 25th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 1st, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 20th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 13th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 12th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 18th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 26th, 2021

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

Succah 33 Personal Responsibility Is Eternal Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 8th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 20th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 3rd, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 16th, 2021

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

Succah 49 Secrets of Torah Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 24th, 2021

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

Succah 53 Shidduch Dance Festival Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 27th, 2021

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

Succah 18 Shrimps and Bullies Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 23rd, 2021

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

Succah 20 Sins of the Fathers Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 26th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 19th, 2021

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

Succah 17 Spiritual Bent Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 23rd, 2021

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

Succah 30 Stolen Spirituality Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 5th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 22nd, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 15th, 2021

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

Succah 31 The Law of Return Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 6th, 2021

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

Succah 56 The OG OTD Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 31st, 2021

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

Succah 48 The Secret to Happiness Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 23rd, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 6th, 2021

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

Succah 29 Torah Eclipses Science? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 4th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 11th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 14th, 2021

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

Succah 55 Whistleblowers and Troublemakers Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 29th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 9th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 19th, 2021

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

Suffering in Silent Desperation Kesuvos 64 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 8th, 2022

While conventional wisdom holds that men suffer from sexual deprivation more than women, the Talmudic perspective is more nuanced. The Gemara on Amud Beis tells us: אֲמַר לֵיהּ רַבִּי חִיָּיא בַּר יוֹסֵף לִשְׁמוּאֵל: מָה בֵּין מוֹרֵד לְמוֹרֶדֶת? אֲמַר לֵיהּ: צֵא וּלְמַד מִשּׁוּק שֶׁל זוֹנוֹת, מִי שׂוֹכֵר אֶת מִי? דָּבָר …

Support the Efforts Despite the Inconsistencies Bava Metzia 92 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 30th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph refers to an adage that the Nazir is expected to heed, but also is a general ethical direction to becautious in not getting too close to temptations:   Go, go, we say to a nazirite, go round, go round; do not approach a vineyard. It is prohibited for a nazirite to eat any of the products of the vine. To keep a nazirite away from temptation, the Sages attempt to deter him from accepting work in a vineyard.   One …

Suspicious Motives Pesachim 2 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 23rd, 2020

The Gemara quotes a verse in Iyov 24:14 as follows: לָא֡וֹר יָ֘ק֤וּם רוֹצֵ֗חַ יִֽקְטָל־עָנִ֥י וְאֶבְי֑וֹן וּ֝בַלַּ֗יְלָה יְהִ֣י כַגַּנָּֽב׃ The murderer arises in the evening  To kill the poor and needy,  And at night he acts the thief. This verse raises an important flag about zealotry. Whenever we find ourselves to excited about something we believe to be …

Swine Does Not Become Kosher From Good Intentions Bava Metzia 90 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 28th, 2024

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an interesting moral and halachic dilemma regarding the Biblical directive to allow the animal to eat while it is working on the threshing floor:   בְּעוֹ מִינֵּיהּ מֵרַב שֵׁשֶׁת: הָיְתָה אוֹכֶלֶת וּמַתְרֶזֶת, מַהוּ? מִשּׁוּם דִּמְעַלֵּי לַהּ הוּא, וְהָא לָא מְעַלֵּי לַהּ? אוֹ דִלְמָא ד …

Taanis 17 A Prayer Connoisseur Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 28th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 8th, 2021

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

Taanis 30 Celebrating Diversity Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 10th, 2021

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

Taanis 19 Child’s Pray Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 30th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 14th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 2nd, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 1st, 2021

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

Taanis 11 High Standards for Empathy Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 19th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 19th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 24th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 12th, 2021

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

Taanis 15 No Atheists in Foxholes Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 26th, 2021

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

Taanis 12 Not so Fast Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 23rd, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 26th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 9th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 17th, 2021

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

Taanis 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 3rd, 2021

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

Taanis 4 Rabbis and Personality Disorders Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 15th, 2021

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

Taanis 5 Rachav Souled Out Jericho Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 16th, 2021

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

Taanis 2 Rain of Terror Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 12th, 2021

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

Taanis 26 Rush Hour Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 7th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 6th, 2021

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

Taanis 23 Sleeper Story Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 3rd, 2021

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

Taanis 9 Student of History Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 19th, 2021

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

Taanis 18 Successful at Failure Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 26th, 2021

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

Taanis 14 Tear It All Up Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 25th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 10th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 5th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 21st, 2021

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

Taanos 7 Fuelish Ideas About Torah and Miztvos

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 18th, 2021

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

Take a Pit Stop Before You Get Back into the Race Bava Kamma 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 12th, 2023

  Our Gemara discusses how to interpret the following verse in (Shemos 21:33-34): וְכִֽי־יִפְתַּ֨ח אִ֜ישׁ בּ֗וֹר א֠וֹ כִּֽי־יִכְרֶ֥ה אִ֛ישׁ בֹּ֖ר וְלֹ֣א יְכַסֶּ֑נוּ וְנָֽפַל־שָׁ֥מָּה שּׁ֖וֹר א֥וֹ חֲמֽוֹר׃ If a man uncovers a pit, or if a man digs a pit, and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it: בַּ֤עַל הַב …

Taking Custom with a Grain of Salt Psychology of the Daf Eruvin 17

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 25th, 2020

  וּפְטוּרִין מֵרְחִיצַת יָדַיִם. אָמַר אַבָּיֵי: לֹא שָׁנוּ אֶלָּא מַיִם רִאשׁוֹנִים, אֲבָל מַיִם אַחֲרוֹנִים חוֹבָה. We learned in the mishna that in a military camp one is exempt from ritual washing of the hands. Abaye said: They taught this exemption only with regard to first waters, i.e., hand-washing before eating. However, final waters, …

Taking Evil with a Grain of Salt Nedarim 50 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 14th, 2022

    Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us a heartwarming story about Rabbi Akiva and Rachel’s love for each other, and sacrifice for Torah: בְּסִיתְוָא הֲוָה גָּנוּ בֵּי תִיבְנָא, הֲוָה קָא מְנַקֵּיט לַיהּ תִּיבְנָא מִן מַזְּיַיהּ. אֲמַר לַהּ: אִי הֲוַאי לִי, רָמֵינָא לִיךְ יְרוּשָׁלַיִם דְּדַהֲבָא. א …

Taking in the Flow Kiddushin 74 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 26th, 2023

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses a legal process that seems odd and unfair. In certain situations, where there is strong compelling evidence on both sides and no hope to further clarify, the judges may arbitrarily decide to eddie in favor of one petitioner over the other. For example, Kesuvos (85b) deals with a case where a man’s deathbed wishes are to give his possessions to Tuvia. The problem is, there are two people named “Tuvia& …

Taking Mitzvos “Light”ly Yevamos 95 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 10th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud aleph refers to Adultery as an Issur Kal, a relatively light prohibition, which Rashi (“makom”) explains is because the prohibition is not permanent, i.e. it lifts after divorce or death.  Presumably, the Gemara does not equate the severity of the transgression and the punishment (death), with the technical aspects of the mitzvah that make it considered less severe than other forms of forbidden relations that r …

Taking Responsibility and Returning to Self Bava Basra 173 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 15th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a series of verses from Mishlei (6:1-3), which caution against the dangers of becoming a cosigner for another’s debt: son, if you have stood surety for your fellow, Given your hand for another, You have been trapped by the words of your mouth, Snared by the words of your mouth. Do this, then, my son, to extricate yourself, For you have come into the power of your fellow: Go grovel—and badger your fellow. …

Taking Trauma Personally Kesuvos 82 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 25th, 2022

Who wants to get married more, a man or a woman? Elsewhere in Psychology of the Daf (Yevamos 107) we discussed social research on gender attitudes toward marriage and various rabbinic assumptions. Today we will look at a different angle of willingness versus reluctance to marry.  Our Gemara on Amud Beis reports at first they would write the kesuba, but set aside the funds instead of having the husband’s entire estate subject to a lien. …

Taking Your Measurements as a Leader Sotah 45 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 12th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud aleph  discusses the ritual of the unsolved murder. The verses state in the beginning of Devarim 21: כִּי־יִמָּצֵ֣א חָלָ֗ל בָּאֲדָמָה֙ אֲשֶׁר֩ ה׳ אלקיך  נֹתֵ֤ן לְךָ֙ לְרִשְׁתָּ֔הּ נֹפֵ֖ל בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה לֹ֥א נוֹדַ֖ע מִ֥י הִכָּֽהוּ׃  If, in the land that your God gives you as an inheritance a fallen corpse sh …

Taking Your Measurements Gittin 87 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 11th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis delves into the practices of a group of scrupulous sages known as the "נקיי הדעת שבירושלים" or "those of pure intellectual and characterological disposition." In this context, the Gemara discusses their preference for using precise words and avoiding unnecessary elaboration, especially when dealing with legal matters like a divorce bill. Rather than adding the descriptor "witness," they simply sign their n …

Talent on Loan From God Nedarim 84 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 17th, 2023

The late conservative talk show host, Rush Limbaugh, used to open his show with the tagline, “Talent on Loan from God”.  Whatever your opinion about his politics or character, the idea that talent is on loan from God was a brilliant and humble statement. Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the concept of “Tovas Hana’ah”, which is the benefit of control and assignment that exists for certain forms of Kodesh and Tze …

Talmudic BDS: Boycott Dove Sacrifices Bava Basra 166 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 8th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes a situation where Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel fought against a situation of price gouging. There was a shortage of sacrificial doves necessary for new mothers to bring as an offering to complete their purification process which led to a price spike. Fearing this would cause people despair and possibly to give up on the whole ritual, he enacted an emergency measure, allowing certain sacrifices to double up even tho …

Talmudic Good Samaritan Law Kesuvos 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 24th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the Talmudic equivalent of the Good Samaritan Law. Namely, that even though ordinarily someone who makes a partial admission to a claim is Biblically obligated to make an oath (Shevuas Modeh Bemiktzas), if he is returning a lost object, the rabbis exempted him.  To illustrate, ordinarily if Reuven accuses Shimon of owing him $100, and Shimon denies it, Shimon is Biblically exempt as there is no proof or gro …

Talmudic Insomnia Cures Eruvin 104 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 20th, 2020

One may draw up wine from a barrel with a siphon [diyofei], and one may drip water from a vessel that releases water in drops [miarak], for an ill person on Shabbat. מַעֲלִין בִּדְיוֹפִי וּמַטִּיפִין מֵיאֶרֶק לַחוֹלֶה בַּשַּׁבָּת. Essentially the Gemara is discussing generating white noise to allow an ill person to fall asleep or stay asleep. This is an excellent technique for insomnia, li …

Talmudic Panic Attacks Bava Kama 80 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 21st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the plight of a pious person who suffered pain in his heart. He was recommended a treatment of fresh goat's milk suckled directly from the goat, which involved a violation of rabbinic law of keeping cattle in Eretz Yisrael. His colleagues criticized him for this transgression. Maharsha asks, why should he be held liable as this was apparently a serious medical condition? He answers, perhaps this was a condition …

Taming the Beast Within Bava Metzia 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 3rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the parameters of the prohibition against jealously desiring the possessions of another. According to the simple reading of our Gemara, this prohibition applies even when the person is willing to make full payment and purchase the object. If so, is it ever permitted to see something that belongs to another and offer to purchase it? Perhaps it is not allowed to initiate an offer to buy items that are not for comme …

Taming the Wild Beast within Man Yevamos 61 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 6th, 2022

Our Gemara on the top of Amud Aleph distinguishes gentile corpses versus Jewish corpses, in that Jewish corpses render anything and anyone else tamey that is under the same roof as the deceased. The proof text is: And you My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, are men [adam]” (Ezekiel 34:31), from which it is derived that you, the Jewish people, are called men [adam] but gentiles are not called men [adam]. Since the Torah introduces the halakha …

Tasteless Sin Bava Basra 17!Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 12th, 2024

Our Gemara at the end of 16b and beginning 17a teaches us that certain great tzaddikim were able to get a taste of the World to Come, while still alive on this earth. One of these righteous persons was our forefather, Yaakov.   Be’er Mayyim Chaim (Bereishis 32:33) expands on this concept with an interesting take in regard to the ancient Jewish custom and prohibition of not eating the sciatic nerve.   After Yaakov’s mostly su …

Teach, Pray, Love Nedarim 9 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 3rd, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us the famous story of Shimon Hatzaddik’s encounter with a pious and sincere Nazir. Shimon Hatzaddik kisses the young man on his head, apparently in the courtyard of the Beis HaMikdash.  The problem with this is that it seems to contradict a ruling of the Rama (OC 98:1): It is forbidden for a person to kiss one's small* children in synagogue, in order to fix in one's heart that there is no love like the lo …

Teach Them a Lesson Nedarim 79 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 12th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a scenario where a husband affirms his wife's vow with spiteful intention, while in his heart still intending to annul it. The phrase the Gemara uses is “להקניט” which I think we could fairly translate as “to engage in quarrel, or to provoke”. The best word might be “incite”, which does bear homophonic similarity, but I have not been able to find an etymological link. Th …

Teacher or Student? Bava Kamma 117 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 27th, 2024

Our Gemara describes an interlude with Rabbi Yochanan, where he misjudges a student, Rav Kahana, several times:   Originally Rav Kahana was seated in the front row of the Shiur, as his reputation preceded him. However he was under instructions by his master, Rav, to not ask any questions in Rabbi Yochanan’s Shiur for seven years. Therefore, he appeared in the Shiur as a lackluster scholar whose hype was not commensurate with his perfor …

Technically Not a Sin, Oh But it Is! Sotah 28 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2023

  Our Gemara on amud aleph tells us that a husband who commits sins cannot expect the waters of Sotah to work.  He only has the right to make such moral demands on her if his own behavior is free of sin. דְּאִי אִית בֵּיהּ עָוֹן בָּדְקִי לֵיהּ מַיָּא כִּי אִית בֵּיהּ עָוֹן בְּדִידֵיהּ מִי בָּדְקִי לַהּ מַיָּא לְדִידַהּ וְהָא תַּנ …

Technically Permitted but May Still be Wrong Yevamos 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 27th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the famous principle of קדש עצמך במותר לך , to achieve a state of holiness by a abstaining even from that which is permitted. Although not exclusively, much of the applications of this principle is used in regard to sexuality, as in our Gemara and Rashi in the beginning of Parashas Kedoshim. The simple and best understanding of this is that indulgence without any restraint, even in matters that are …

Temporary Problems,Timeless Halakha Yevamos 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 11th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph noticed a problematic halakha in the Mishna. There is a three month rule regarding a woman who was married prior. She cannot marry a second man until after three months in order to avoid confusion about paternity of the child. The Mishna tells us of a case of two brides who already had Kiddushin but accidentally got mixed up at the time of nisuin. If they were minors and unable to get pregnant, they can return to their hu …

Tephiliphobia

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 15th, 2019

I have noticed a sociological psychological phenomenon amongst a segment of religious clients.  Certain otherwise observant people do not lay tefillin. From anecdotal evidence, it occurs with greater frequency than other lapses.  Individuals who otherwise observe kashrus, shabbos (even not using smartphones) still seem to have difficulty with tefillin. Logically, it is perplexing because tefillin as a mitzvah can be performed in approxi …

Terms and Conditions May Apply Nedarim 61 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 25th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the dispute between Rabbi Yehuda and the Rabbis about if the Yovel Year is part of the next Shemitta Cycle (year one of seven). The rabbis hold that the Yovel year, in a certain sense, is outside of the counting. It is the 50th year but not part of the new cycle.  The Maharal notes in Nesiv HaTorah (1) that there are three mitzvos that have a man made sanctification: (1) Terumos and Maasros (2) Hafrashas Ch …

The Absence of Love Can Feel Like Hate Yevamos 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 30th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states that should a person attempt to marry someone who is prohibited by a lo saase (chayevei lavin - prohibition without additional consequence of kares or death penalty), the marriage bond is valid. This is in comparison to a prohibited relationship that incurs kares or death, wherein the marriage would not be valid. The Gemara uses a scriptural deduction from the first born inheritance rules to prove that marriage to …

The Adolescent Brain and Torah Thought Gittin 65 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 20th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph delves into the stages of maturity and de-facto challenges the popular misconception that reaching the age of bar or bas mitzvah automatically grants full adulthood according to Jewish law. The rabbis recognized that maturity and judgment are not black-and-white distinctions, as evidenced by their ruling that individuals under the age of 20 do not possess the full capacity to sell inherited real estate. In addition, Gemar …

The Ancient Breathalyzer Yevamos 60 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 6th, 2022

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses two kinds of litmus tests used to determine status and purity of young maidens.  There were two tests, each one given at different times in history: In regard to the Moabite captives, whom were to be spared only if they were young enough to not have any sense of sexuality (which was age 3). The maidens were presented before the Golden Headplate that the Cohen Gadol wore (Tzitz Hazahav).  If the face of …

The Animal Within Bava Kamma 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 8th, 2023

Our Mishna on Amud Aleph rules that even if an ox will become forewarned, that is, established as one who tends to gore its own kind, it is not established as dangerous to other species. Likewise, if it is established to gore humans, it is not automatically established to gore animals. Based on this, Yismach Moshe (Vayeshev) raises an aggadic contradiction. The Gemara Shabbos (151a) teaches: An animal does not overpower a person until he appears …

The Anthropology of Pre-Literate Cultures and it's Relation to Mishna Eruvin 60 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 8th, 2020

Eruvin 60 אֲמַר לֵיהּ אַבָּיֵי לְרַב יוֹסֵף: הָא דְּרַבִּי יִצְחָק, גְּמָרָא אוֹ סְבָרָא? אֲמַר לֵיהּ: מַאי נָפְקָא לַן מִינַּהּ? אֲמַר לֵיהּ: גְּמָרָא גְּמוֹר, זְמוֹרְתָּא תְּהֵא?! Abaye said to Rav Yosef: Is that ruling of Rabbi Yitzḥak based on oral tradition or his own logic? Rav Yosef said to him: What …

The Anti-Avraham Bava Basra 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 16th, 2024

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph offers ancient wisdom and ideas regarding pedagogy of young school children:   אמר ליה רב לרב שמואל בר שילת: עד שית לא תקביל, מכאן ואילך – קביל, ואספי ליה כתורא. ואמר ליה רב לרב שמואל בר שילת: כי מחית לינוקא, לא תימחי אלא בערקתא דמסנא. דקארי – קארי, דלא קארי – ל …

The Arrogant Self Versus the Pure Self Nazir 52 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 16th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the quantity of blood from a corpse that is sufficient to impart impurity as if a full corpse was present.  This amount is known as a “revi’is”, which is a quarter log, approximately 3.8 ounces.  The Gemara Chullin (72a) bases this amount on the amount of blood needed to maintain a form of life, thus it embodies the soul. (While this is scientifically difficult to understand, Tosafos S …

The Atheist who is a Masmid Bava Basra 8 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 3rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph continues to discuss the protective power of Torah study:   אדנביאי – דכתיב: ״גם כי יתנו בגוים עתה אקבצם, ויחלו מעט ממשא מלך ושרים״ – אמר עולא: פסוק זה בלשון ארמית נאמר: ״אי תנו״ כולהו – ״עתה אקבצם״, ואם ״מעט״ מהם – ״יחלו ממשא מלך ושרים״.   And you have tran …

The Attitudes, Behaviors and Cognitions that Lead to Sin Bava Kama 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 3rd, 2023

Our Gemara begins by describing four principal kinds of damages: מַתְנִי' אַרְבָּעָה אֲבוֹת נְזִיקִין הַשּׁוֹר וְהַבּוֹר וְהַמַּבְעֶה וְהַהֶבְעֵר MISHNA: There are four primary categories of damage: The category of Ox; and the category of Pit; and the category of Maveh, which, based on a discussion in the Gemara, refers either to the tooth of an animal that causes damage or t …

The Beginning of Wisdom Kiddushin 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 15th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us why Rabbi Yochanan would stand up and honor a gentile, elderly person: רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן הֲוָה קָאֵי מִקַּמֵּי סָבֵי דְאַרְמָאֵי. אָמַר: כַּמָּה הַרְפַּתְקֵי עֲדוֹ עֲלַיְיהוּ דְּהָנֵי. רָבָא מֵיקָם לָא קָאֵי, הִידּוּר עָבֵד לְהוּ. Rabbi Yoḥanan himself would stand before Aramean, i. …

The Benefits of Marriage for Men Kiddushin 82 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 3rd, 2023

In our Mishna on Amud Aleph, a bachelor is referred to as a Ravak, with its Hebrew root being רק, meaning empty. As I've emphasized numerous times in the Psychology of the Daf, Hebrew is a language rich in meaning, and delving into the roots of words provides extraordinary anthropological and psychological insights. According to the Wikipedia entry, the English word "bachelor" has an unknown origin, with its first attestation in the 12th centur …

The Big Cover Up Eruvin 84 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 1st, 2020

Eruvin 84 מתקיף לה רב פפא ודילמא כשרבים מכתפין עליו בכומתא וסודרא Rav Pappa strongly objected to this argument, claiming that this proof can be refuted: But perhaps this applies only to a roof upon which many people place their hats [kumta] and shawls when they are in need of rest. Even if the people in the public domain are not situated within ten handbreadths of the roof, they can still use it conve …

The Bitter and the Sweet Bava Kamma 82 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 23rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph relates a Midrashic retelling of a Biblical story. The Torah (Shemos 15:22-25) states: וַיַּסַּ֨ע מֹשֶׁ֤ה אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ מִיַּם־ס֔וּף וַיֵּצְא֖וּ אֶל־מִדְבַּר־שׁ֑וּר וַיֵּלְכ֧וּ שְׁלֹֽשֶׁת־יָמִ֛ים בַּמִּדְבָּ֖ר וְלֹא־מָ֥צְאוּ מָֽיִם׃  Then Moses caused Israel to set out from the Se …

The Blues Don’t Always Have to Bring You Down Sotah 17 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 9th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a mystical meditation that is inspired by the blue-like techeiles thread in the tzitzis: מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהַתְּכֵלֶת דּוֹמֶה לַיָּם, וְיָם דּוֹמֶה לָרָקִיעַ, וְרָקִיעַ דּוֹמֶה לְכִסֵּא הַכָּבוֹד — שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״וַיִּרְאוּ אֵת אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְתַחַת רַגְלָיו כְּ …

The Body's In-House Pharmacy Psychology of the Daf Eruvin 8

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 17th, 2020

Eruvin ספק טומאה גמרינן מסוטה Rashi here mentions the reason why a חצר that has many people passing through is considered a private domain for Shabbos but a public domain for questions about if an object became impure is because it is learned out from the law of Sotah. for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Eruvin 8 The Sotah who was warned to not be alone with a certain man, and then it was proven …

The Chovos Halevavos and SSRI’s Nedarim 60 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 23rd, 2022

Shittah Mekubetzes on Amud Aleph remarks that the Mishna often discusses people who vow against drinking wine because drunkenness brings sorrow and regret. He is paraphrasing a Gemara (Yoma 76b) וְאַמַּאי קָרֵי לֵיהּ יַיִן, וְאַמַּאי קָרֵי לֵיהּ תִּירוֹשׁ? יַיִן — שֶׁמֵּבִיא יְלָלָה לְעוֹלָם. תִּירוֹשׁ — שֶׁכׇּל הַמִּתְגָּרֶה …

The Circle of Life Bava Metzia 28 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 27th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the obligation to announce a lost object to alert the owner.  One opinion is that it should be through the entire annual cycle of all three Jewish holidays, Pesach, Shavuous and Succos. Presumably, since people make pilgrimages to Eretz Yisrael at least once a year, this will allow for sufficient interaction that hopefully the person who lost the object will be notified.    Akeidas Yitschok (69) d …

The Clarifying Effect of Oppression Bava Basra 42 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 6th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis makes a reference to a Torah discussion that apparently transpired while the participants were hiding out in a cave. Rav Yaakov Emden comments on this: You see how much they cherished Torah, that even under duress hiding out in fear, they engaged in study.   Torah scholarship is in many ways different than other intellectual pursuits. Art, music, science and philosophy flourish with emotional, social and financial sta …

The Clothes Make the Man Bava Basra 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 4th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud refers to the principle of stam kinyan lekesiva omed:   A symbolic act of acquisition indicates one’s intention to do everything possible to finalize the transaction as soon as possible without waiting for the actual transfer of the item. Therefore, it is assumed that the parties would desire that a document be written, and no explicit authorization is necessary.     When the Gemara uses the term kinya …

The Clothes Make the Man Bava Metzia 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 15th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the scriptural source for the chalifin acquisition, whereby transfer of possession is confirmed via exchange of an object, also known as kinyan sudar. In Megillas Rus, Boaz acquires the rights to the field from Plony Almoni and also presumably secures his agreement that he will marry Elimelech’s (their relative) former daughter-in-law, Rus (Rus 4:7):   Now this was an ancient custom done in Israel in cas …

The Clothes Make the Man Nedarim 81 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 13th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph mentions various illnesses that befall a person who does not keep parts of his body or his clothes clean. Some of it seems to be psychological in origin, that is that it induces a sense of disorder, and possibly even mental illness. It is common sense to assume that one’s mode of dress influences their attitude, for better or for worse. What does the research say about this? We have the general psychological and cog …

The Company You Keep Nedarim 73 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 6th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a scenario of wo women who are accused of infidelity and are required based on the evidence to go through the Sotah trial and ordeal in order to either prove innocence or encourage confession. These women do not undergo the ordeal together, as one person’s resolve might give the other inappropriate courage. Rashi (Sotah 8a) explains that if one of the women honestly did not commit adultery and therefore su …

The Cult of Self-Care Bava Basra 93 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an interesting protocol from Talmudic times:   עוד מנהג גדול היה בירושלים – מפה פרוסה על גבי הפתח; כל זמן שמפה פרוסה – אורחין נכנסין. נסתלקה המפה – אין האורחין נכנסין.   The baraisa continues: Another great custom that was followed in Jerusalem was that when one made a feast, there would be a clo …

The Dangers of an Insensitive Husband Bava Metzia 109 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 16th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph records a spirited dispute between Rav Beivai bar Abaye and Rav Pappi. In the middle of the argument, Rav Pappi seems to have insulted Rav Beivai bar Abaye, implying that he makes faulty (short-lived) arguments because he stems from the House of Eli, who were cursed to die early.   The Shalah (Torah Sheb’al Peh, Kellal Peh Kadosh) tries to answer how such language could be appropriate. Regarding this particular …

The Dangers of Over Intellectualization Yevamos 14 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that prior to the decision to universally follow the School of Hillel, there was a period of time where the School of Shammai followed their rulings independently. The Gemara wonders how the School of Shammai rationalized this when the general principle is that the halakha is decided in accordance with the numerical majority. Since the School of Hillel was the majority, even the School of Shammai should have conc …

The Dawn of Jewish Nationalism Bava Kamma 88 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 29th, 2024

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references the scripturally derived requirement that a Jewish king must be from a Jewish mother. Additionally, Tosefta Sanhedrin (4:6) requires the king to stem from kosher lineage, i.e. not from a forbidden sexual relationship. Sefer Mish’an Mayim (Vayeshev), based on a Mizrachi, uses this idea to explain the quarrel between Yosef and his brothers. The verse states (Bereishis 37:8): וַיֹּ֤אמְרוּ …

The Denial of Death Nedarim 83 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 16th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse from Koheles (7:2) as a proof text that the loss of ability to attend a funeral is considered a form of suffering: ט֞וֹב לָלֶ֣כֶת אֶל־בֵּֽית־אֵ֗בֶל מִלֶּ֙כֶת֙ אֶל־בֵּ֣ית מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה בַּאֲשֶׁ֕ר ה֖וּא ס֣וֹף כׇּל־הָאָדָ֑ם וְהַחַ֖י יִתֵּ֥ן אֶל־לִבּֽוֹ׃ It is better to go to a house of mourning t …

The Devil Made Me Do it Bava Kamma 13 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 15th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the halakhic distinctions of an Ox that was set aside for a Shelamim sacrifice and gores another ox.  This is a technically complicated legal discussion, but please bear with me, as it will lead to an interesting moral and psychological observation.  Since according to one opinion, the Shelamim sacrifice is considered to be still a possession of the owner, and when a regular ox gores, half the damages i …

The Devil Within Bava Kamma 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 23rd, 2023

Our Gemara on amud aleph observes that a desolate, abandoned home seems to deteriorate more rapidly, offering a squatter a rationale for how they benefit the owner. What causes an abandoned structure to become decrepit? The Gemara offers a concrete reason: the occupant makes small repairs on the spot, thereby mitigating larger damage. Consider a home with a small leak—if repaired, the damage is contained. However, if left unchecked, the lea …

The Dignity of Another Bava Kamma 90 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 31st, 2024

Our Mishna on Amud Aleph teaches  One who strikes another must give him a sela. Rabbi Yehuda says in the name of Rabbi Yosei HaGelili that he must give him one hundred dinars. If he slapped another on the cheek, he must give him two hundred dinars. If he slapped him on the cheek with the back of his hand, which is more degrading than a slap with the palm, he must give him four hundred dinars. We see increasing amounts of compensation that ar …

The Doctrine of the Descent of the Tzaddik Bava Metzia 116 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 23rd, 2024

  Our Mishna on Amud Beis describes the halachic status of a renter who lives in the attic and what are his rights should it become uninhabitable, such as a caved-in floor:   מַתְנִי׳ הַבַּיִת וְהָעֲלִיָּיה. נִפְחֲתָה הָעֲלִיָּיה, וְאֵין בַּעַל הַבַּיִת רוֹצֶה לְתַקֵּן – הֲרֵי בַּעַל הָעֲלִיָּיה יוֹרֵד וְדָר לְמַ …

The Echo Chamber of the Evil Inclination Bava Basra 135 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 7th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis addresses a case where a deceased person’s will was found tied to his thigh, a way to secure important documents in that era. In Maaseh Shem (Avos 33), this principle is applied to Esav’s angel wrestling Yaakov and striking his thigh (Bereishis 32:26), as if intending to destroy the document representing Esav’s sale of the birthright to Yaakov.   This interpretation is clever, but there are other pro …

The Ego Defense of Projection Kiddushin 70 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 22nd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states an aphorism from Shmuel, which also has halakhic ramifications as it might cause us to doubt somebody's lineage: "If one habitually claims that others are flawed, he disqualifies himself with his own flaw. The flaw he accuses them of having, is in fact, the one that HE has." This psychological and spiritual process is one of the ego defenses that Freud identified. Briefly, an ego defense is an unconscious psycholog …

The Ego Defense of Sublimation Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 156

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 9th, 2020

  הַאי מַאן דִּבְמַאְדִּים — יְהֵי גְּבַר אָשֵׁיד דְּמָא. אָמַר רַב אָשֵׁי: אִי אוּמָּנָא, אִי גַּנָּבָא, אִי טַבָּחָא, אִי מָהוֹלָא. אָמַר רַבָּה: אֲנָא בְּמַאְדִּים הֲוַאי. אָמַר אַבָּיֵי: מָר נָמֵי עָנֵישׁ וְקָטֵיל. One who was born under the influence of Mars …

The Ends Justify the Means Eruvin 44 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 22nd, 2020

  אִם הָיָה בְּתוֹךְ הַתְּחוּם — כְּאִילּוּ לֹא יָצָא. כׇּל הַיּוֹצְאִים לְהַצִּיל — חוֹזְרִין לִמְקוֹמָן. If he was within his original limit, it is considered as if he had not left his limit, and he may return to his original location. The Sages formulated a principle: All who go out to battle and save lives may return to their original locat …

The Exceptional Case of Rav Avraham Danzig Bava Basra 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 25th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph recognizes that it is a valid argument for a claimant to maintain he was unaware someone was occupying his land due to him being preoccupied at the market, and was engaged in intense business and trade.    This brings to mind an inspirational historical fact about one the most respected poskim of Jewish history. Rav Avraham Danzig (1748-1820) authored numerous works, most famously his Chayye Adam and Chochmas Ad …

The Fault is Not in Our Stars

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 5th, 2020

When tragedies happen, we reflect.  I wish I was referring to the tragedy of Corona Virus, but that’s as they say, a halber tzura.  Instead, I am referring to the bizarre manner in which many of our Jewish brethren ignored warnings and signs about the dangers of this virus.  Certain strongholds of religious Jews have been violating in small degrees, and sometimes large, the social distancing safety practices. Shuls stayed ope …

The Fleeting Nature of Fortune Bava Basra 150 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 22nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the scope of assets included when a gift giver uses the word nechasim—an umbrella Aramaic term for possessions and assets. Does this term encompass movable property, cattle, and cash, or is it restricted to real estate? The word nechasim has an ancient and enigmatic etymology, lacking clear Hebrew or Aramaic roots. The Maharal (Nesiv HaOsher 2) highlights this and notes that there are four primary terms for …

The Fog of War Bava Kamma 61 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 2nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an interlude in King David’s life that involved getting a message about a halakha on the battlefront (symbolically represented as bringing water, Shmuel II:23). According to one version, the halakhic question had to do with whether it is permitted to destroy another person's possessions in order to save himself. The Gemara interprets David’s “pouring out the water” as quoting the halakha …

The Frustrations of Daily Life Bava Metzia 13 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 12th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the status of a promissory note that was lost and found. Ordinarily, these notes with signatures of witnesses have a presumption of validity. However, since this document was dropped, that in and of itself weakens its legitimacy. (Perhaps the loan was canceled or not even enacted, and it was discarded and not lost at all.) Therefore, if one finds this document, he may not be able to return it to the lender, as p …

The Full Picture of Monotheism Bava Basra 54 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 18th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discussed one of the ways to acquire ownerless property is to show proprietorship. For example, the great Amora, Rav acquired a garden, which had been ownerless property, by drawing an image. Rashbam says he drew pictures of animals and birds.     The fact that the Gemara (and Rashbam) casually mentions making a drawing of these figures is used as proof that this is not a violation of the prohibition (Shemo …

The Get of Luban Psychology of the Daf Yomi Gittin 80

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 4th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the importance of properly naming the city in the Get. This brings to mind an interesting slice of reality from about 100 years ago. In the Introduction to the eighth volume of the Iggeros Moshe, there is a biography of Rav Moshe that goes on for dozens of pages, and has the veracity of being written by his grandchildren. One of Rav Moshe’s first rabbinic positions was to serve as Rabbi of the town Luban. …

The Goldilocks Equation Bava Metzia 50 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the laws of fraudulent overcharging:   Rava said: The Halacha is that if the disparity in actual value versus amount paid is less than one-sixth, the merchandise is acquired immediately. If the disparity is greater than one-sixth, either party can demand nullification of the transaction. If the disparity is precisely one-sixth, the buyer has acquired the merchandise, and the one who benefited from the exploi …

The Halakhic Rights of the Unborn Yevamos 78 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 24th, 2022

Since abortion is entering into the national debate once again, it is good to see what the Jewish tradition has to say about a fetus’s rights and personhood. One of the questions that arise in considering the legality and morality of the unborn child is, when does this “bunch of cells” turn into a human with its own identity and rights? After all, we all are just a “bunch of cells”, just like the tomato plant in my b …

The Harm of Self-Deception Bava Metzia 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 22nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses why a Talmid Chacham has special credibility; he never lies except for purposes of modesty and privacy. However, even a meticulously honest Torah sage is permitted to alter the truth under circumstances that would violate privacy or modesty, such as if he wants to modestly hide his wisdom, he may publicly deny his achievements. Additionally, he may use deception to prevent others from becoming aware of his and hi …

The Heavy Burden of Judicial Discernment Bava Basra 131 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 3rd, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the idea that a judge must use his common sense and logic to determine the truth as best he can, knowing that it is impossible for any mortal to be absolutely certain:   A judge has only what his eyes see as the basis for his ruling. One must rule according to his own understanding.   This idea, however, not only frees a judge from responsibility for matters beyond his perception, but as is often the c …

The Hole Truth About Sin Bava Kamma 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 20th, 2023

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the liability of someone who has a pit dug on his property, even if he did not do or ask for it to be done: Since this owner of the courtyard should have filled the pit with earth and he did not fill it, he is considered like someone who actually dug the pit. The idea that one is considered to be an active damager simply by neglecting to repair a hazard has metaphysical implications as well. Shem Mishmuel …

The Honest Weigh to Go Bava Metzia 49 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 17th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses further the importance of keeping one’s word and honoring verbal agreements:   The verse states: “You shall have an honest balance, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin.״ But wasn’t a hin included in an ephah, why is it necessary to state both measures? Rather, this is an allusion that serves to say to you that your “yes” (“hen” or “hin” m …

The “I”, in Idolatry Bava Kamma 45 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 17th, 2023

Our Gemara uses a famous principle of halakhic derivation, אֵין רִיבּוּי אַחַר רִיבּוּי אֶלָּא לְמַעֵט an inclusionary statement following another inclusionary statement implies an exclusion.  Arvei Nachal (Parashas Eikev) sees this Torah idea as valid in all spheres of existence, and not merely derashos.  A person who seeks to aggrandize himself will lead to his diminishment.   Socra …

The Illusion of Control Bava Metzia 63 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis conceptualizes the prohibition of charging interest as any financial compensation that is an incentive for the lender to delay payment of his debt. In essence, time is money, and the charging of interest is an enactment of the value that having access to money at one time over another brings profit. Assuming that the rate of interest is not exploitative, the Torah asks us to run against a normal instinct to manage money wi …

The Illusion of Money Sanhedrin 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 20th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the minimum number of walls required for a kosher Succah: "There must be two walls in their standard sense, completely closing each of those two sides, and a third wall, which, based on a halakha transmitted to Moses from Sinai, may measure even as little as one handbreadth." Sefer Daf al Daf quotes two interesting pieces of derush regarding this Halacha. The Alshich (Vayikra 23:33) explains that all the benefit …

The Imagined Achievement Becomes a Substitute for Actual Achievement Bava Basra 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 30th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses what legal assumptions can be made when a borrower claims to have paid back a loan, but the lender refuses.    גְּמָ׳ אָמַר רֵישׁ לָקִישׁ: הַקּוֹבֵעַ זְמַן לַחֲבֵירוֹ, וְאָמַר לוֹ: ״פְּרַעְתִּיךָ בְּתוֹךְ זְמַנִּי״ – אֵינוֹ נֶאֱמָן; וּלְוַאי שֶׁיִּפְרַע בִּזְמַנּוֹ. …

The Impact of Shame and Diminishment Kiddushin 76 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 27th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes a rivalry between two sages regarding who would hold a public office. Rav Ada Bar Ahava ruled that they should split their duties, with one in charge of spiritual affairs and the other responsible for civic matters. Rav Dovid Sperber (Afarkasta D'Anya, YD 126) used this Gemara as a basis to reject a proposal for two rabbis to serve as the chief rabbi of a city. He referenced Rav Ada Bar Ahava's stance against "tw …

The Importance of a Secret Eruvin 79 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 27th, 2020

The Importance of a Secret  This Gemara tells over several teachings in the names of the סבי דפומבדיתא Who are the סבי דפומבדיתא, the Elders of Pumbeditha? סנהדרין י״ז, ב סבי דפומבדיתא רב יהודה ורב עינא The phrase: The Elders of Pumbedita, is referring to Rav Yehuda and Rav Eina The Gemara Chagigah 13a tells us an interesting story about the סבי דפומבדיתא רב יוסף …

The Importance of Clarity Nazir 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 24th, 2023

As Daf 33 is tiny in terms of content, we will discuss a teaching at the top of 34a, “אין נזירות אלא להפלאה”, which means that in certain situations, a Nazir cannot make a vow that is contingent on something which will remain unclear.  Naziriteship is imposed upon someone only if the vow is stated with explicitness [hafla’a] and enunciated. The Torah says that a vow must be “clearly” pronounced …

The Importance of Honesty in Maintaining Civilization Kesuvos 74 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 17th, 2022

Our Gemara at the end of Amud Beis tells us that Rabbi Yehuda holds that an oath made in public cannot be annulled . His proof is from the Gibeonites, who fooled Yehoshua into thinking they were foreigners and refugees from a distant land, leading them to make an oath and treaty with them (see Yehoshua chapter 9). Even though it was done under false pretenses, at least according to Rabbi Yehuda, the main reason why Yehoshua honored the oath is th …

The Importance of Transition Bava Kamma 86 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a case where a person inflicts damage upon a person by pouring a caustic agent on the person’s head that causes permanent baldness.  Each category of damage is evaluated, loss of livelihood, pain, medical bills, actual loss of physical feature, and humiliation. How does loss of hair interfere with livelihood and/or cause pain? The Gemara explains that this person was a dancer or performance artist, an …

The Importance of Validation Sanhedrin 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 23rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes Aharon’s character and temperament in comparison to Moshe. Moshe was a lawgiver and valued strict justice and truth. However, Aharon, whose role was not that of a judge, was a lover of peace and a pursuer of peace, and he would apply peace between one person and the other. Ben Yehoyada here notes that the Hebrew word used here, “pursuer of peace,” is more ambiguous sounding than the English tran …

The In-“Tents”-ity of the Daughters of Zelophehad Bava Basra 119 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses how the daughters of Zelophehad received an additional portion of inheritance due to their father, Hepher, who was a firstborn. A firstborn is entitled to two portions of inheritance, but this leads to a halachic question: What type of property could Hepher claim when we have a tradition that a firstborn does not receive a double portion from assets that are not yet in possession? The land of Israel was an asset …

The Influenceable Husband Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 145

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 29th, 2020

  אִיתְּעַר בְּהוּ רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן, אֲמַר לְהוּ: דַּרְדְּקֵי! לֹא כָּךְ אָמַרְתִּי לָכֶם: ״אֱמוֹר לַחׇכְמָה אֲחוֹתִי אָתְּ״ — אִם בָּרוּר לְךָ הַדָּבָר כַּאֲחוֹתְךָ שֶׁהִיא אֲסוּרָה לְךָ — אוֹמְרֵהוּ, וְאִם לָאו — לֹא תֹּאמְרֵהוּ. Rabbi Y …

The Issue is the Feelings, Not the Facts Bava Metzia 70 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 8th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph uses an interesting idiom to refer to “older” orphans, “Diknanei”, meaning they have beards. Rashi adds, “They are no longer considered orphans.”  What does Rashi mean?  A beard does not add or detract from the status of an orphan!   To understand this, we need to appreciate the special status that orphans occupy in halacha and Jewish ethics.  There are specific proh …

The Kuzari Principle Re-Visited Bava Basra 31 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the legal disposition of two sets of witnesses who cancel each other out, essentially, mutually discrediting the other’s testimony. The reasoning is as follows: Since at least one of them must be lying, thereby due to the conservative nature of law, we cast a shadow of doubt on the legitimacy of both testimonies.   Malbim (Bamidbar 16:28) uses this legal distinction to explain Moshe’s atypical r …

The Leader is Only As Strong as the People Nedarim 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 11th, 2022

Our Mishna on Amud Beis uses an unusual form, instead of saying  הֲרֵי אַתְּה עָלַי חֵרֶם behold you (“atah” masculine) are cherem, it says הֲרֵי אַתְּ behold you (”at” female), though the Mishna is referring to an interchange between two men, as it gives no indication of a gender specific halakha.  Tosafos Yom Tov notes this and remarks that occasionally Hebrew will use the word fo …

The Maharal’s View on Inflation Yevamos 81 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 27th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the concept that items which are numbered are considered more significant, which can affect the laws of nullification. That is, if ordinarily we might say a non kosher item will be nullified if mixed into a majority, if this non kosher item has a significance in that it is counted and sold by numbers instead of volume, it will not be nullified. The idea that something becomes important when it is counted is disc …

The Mechanisms of Rationalization Gittin 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 20th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the issue of trust in a widow who cares for her husband's children and whether she can be relied upon to take an oath about receiving payment from her husband's kesuba. There is a concern that she may rationalize her entitlement to funds beyond what she deserves and even resort to false swearing. Rashi explains that she genuinely believes she is not stealing but rather taking additional compensation that she fee …

The Messenger is the Message Kiddushin 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 5th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis delves into a recurring question throughout Shas concerning the status of the Cohanim's service in the Temple: When they offer sacrifices, are they acting as our representatives or as agents of God? The Gemara concludes that the Cohanim are indeed acting as agents of God, carrying out His directives (while, of course, one of those directives is to offer sacrifices on our behalf). Bas Ayin (Emor 23) expands on the role of a …

The Messiah is not Late; He is Right on Time Bava Basra 133 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 5th, 2024

Our gemara on Amud Beis records a dialogue between Rav Illish and Rav. Rav made a mistaken ruling which Rav corrected. Rav Ilish was embarrassed and so To comfort him, Rav read the following verse about him: “I, the Lord, will hasten it in its time” (Isaiah 60:22), as if to say: It was due to Divine Providence that I was here to correct you before your mistaken ruling was implemented   This verse is classically interpreted by our …

The Mother of Intention Bava Metzia 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 1st, 2024

The Gemara on this Amud discusses the proper way to adjudicate a dispute where two parties claim ownership over an object. Sometimes the remedy is to mandate that it be divided. However, that is only when there are grounds to consider each claim as equally valid, and possibly that both are equal legitimate owners.  But if one party had full possession of the object, and the other had no proof other than his claim, we would not divide the obj …

The Mysterious Monotheism of King Akhenaten Bava Basra 169 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 11th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a principle regarding halachic agency. While one may appoint an agent to act on their behalf in legal matters, such as purchases, the agency remains valid only if the agent performs as directed. If the agent deviates significantly from their instructions, the transaction is nullified. The Sefer Kevodah Shel Torah frequently uses halachic principles to illuminate or expand upon biblical narratives. In Bereishis (4 …

The Non-Intercourse Act Yevamos 52 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses an enactment by the great Amora and Rosh Yeshiva, Rav.  Even though the Torah allows for three ways to effectuate marriage, incliuding sexual intercourse with the intent to marry (Mishna KIddushin 1:1), Rav forbids a person to marry in this manner.  It is considered unseemly and promiscuous. One might wonder, what gave Rav the right to add on to the Torah’s sensibilities?  If the Torah allow …

The Old Work Ethic Bava Basra 67 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 30th, 2024

Our Gemara on on Amud Aleph discusses circumstances, under which an act to  signify acquisition and legal title of one field that is being sold automatically enacts an acquisition of other fields within the sale as well.   If one sold another ten fields in ten different regions, all in a single bill of sale, once he takes possession of one of them, he has acquired them all; and the two cases seem to be analogous.    The Gemara …

The Oldest Quarantine Story Pesachim 18 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 9th, 2020

This Gemara mentions the principle of דיו לבא מן הדין להיות כנדון which is an essential hermeneutical principle. That being, when making a kal v’chomer inference, which is when we understand that a certain rule or restriction applies to a lesser matter, then surely it must apply to a more serious matter. The principle of “Dayo” limits the application to only something as severe as the originating rule. Thus …

The Optics of Retaliation and Rescue from Enemies Bava Kamma 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 29th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the principle of Avid Inish Dina Lenafshe, which is to the extent that a person can take the law into his own hands to protect, or recover his possessions. There are times where it may be permitted to even resort to violence to protect one's possessions, see Shulkhan Arukh (CM 4). Of course, the potential for vigilantism and rationalization for out of control behavior is considerable, so one should be both well-v …

The Oral Torah and Blank Spaces Bava Basra 76 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 9th, 2024

There are certain conventions in the Talmud that are difficult for the new learner to comprehend. Frankly, they would be difficult for many seasoned lamdanim as well, but after years and years of seeing the same phrase being used, I suspect that some have ceased to become curious or troubled by it. Yet, I am unsure if they became particularly wiser as to what it means and how it works – just more accepting of it. One of the most troubling c …

The Pain of Gaslighting Bava Kamma 72 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 12th, 2024

Our gemara on Amud Beis discusses the concept of עֵד זוֹמֵם חִידּוּשׁ - the disqualification of conspiring witnesses is a Torah decree, without specific apparent logic.  This means that in Torah law, if two sets of two witnesses contradict each other, it is a stalemate, with no set believed more than the other. Yet, if one set disqualifies the other’s testimony by stating, “How can you claim to have seen Plony o …

The Path to Torah Bava Basra 65 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 29th, 2024

 In continuing the sugya of ayin yaffa, our daf discusses when a sale is made with a generous attitude, which has implications regarding if one sells passage rights to get to the property, even if it may inconvenience the seller. Regardless, all opinions hold that a gift, as opposed to a sale, is granted with a generous attitude.   The Torah is described by the scripture as an acquisition but also a gift (Mishle 4:2):   כי לקח …

The Pedagogical Benefits of Leadership Gittin 60 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 14th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph presents the hierarchy of individuals called to the Torah: אַחֲרֵיהֶן קוֹרְאִין תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים הַמְמוּנִּין פַּרְנָסִים עַל הַצִּבּוּר, וְאַחֲרֵיהֶן תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים הָרְאוּיִין לְמַנּוֹתָם פַּרְנָסִים עַל הַצִּיבּוּר, וְאַחֲרֵיהֶן בְּנֵי תַּ …

The Perspective of Youth versus Age Bava Metzia 44 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 12th, 2024

Our Mishna on amud aleph discusses when encountering an exchange of one coinage for another, what is considered the coin and what is considered the object? This has an effect on the halacha, as in Jewish commerce, payment of money alone cannot acquire a physical object without the object being acquired through some other means such as picking it up. Yet, an object that is not currency can be acquired via exchange or barter. Thus, when one purchas …

The Pleasantness Principle Yevamos 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 11th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph teaches the following: Rav Sheshes said that Rabbi Elazar said in the name of Rabbi Elazar ben Azarya: From where is it derived with regard to a yevama who came before a yavam afflicted with boils that one may not muzzle her, i.e., she cannot be forced to enter into levirate marriage, and he is compelled to release her by ḥalitza? As it is stated: “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain ” ( …

The Power of Denial Bava Basra 147 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis explains the reasoning behind the extra legal power granted to a person on their deathbed to make gifts without requiring physical acts of acquisition (kinyan) to signify the transfer of ownership. In such cases, words alone suffice to effectuate the transfer: The halakha that the gift of a person on his deathbed does not require an act of acquisition is merely by rabbinic law, instituted lest he see that his will is not b …

The Power of Innocent Torah Bava Basra 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 15th, 2024

Our Mishna on Amud Beis discusses that though one may object to a neighbor opening a store in a residential courtyard, if the neighbor teaches Torah to children he is allowed to do so despite the traffic and noise pollution.    Our sages had much to say about the value of young children learning Torah. The Gemara Shabbos (119b) famously states:   אמר ריש לקיש משום רבי יהודה נשיאה: אין העולם מתק …

The Power of Prayer and Torah Together Nedarim 67 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 30th, 2022

On this daf we begin to learn about the relationship between husband and wife, father and daughter, in their ability to sometimes jointly, and sometimes individually, annul vows. A single Na’arah who makes a vow can have it annulled by her fathers say so on the day that he hears about it. If she is an arusa (married via kiddushin but not nisuin, that is not living together as husband and wife and still in her father’s house), the husb …

The Power of Precision in Prayer Bava Metzia 106 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 11th, 2024

Our Gemara on this Amud discusses a variety of misfortunes, and under what circumstances prayer is most or less effective. This occurs within the legal context of a tenant farmer and the landlord’s experience of an agricultural disaster, such as locust or scorching winds. Some of the factors include whether the tenant farmer kept to their agreement or not, and a post facto evaluation of what would have happened if he stuck with the agreemen …

The Power of Rationalization Bava Kamma 68 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 9th, 2024

  Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses why the cattle rustler who proceeds to slaughter or sell the animal, after he already stole it, incurs an additional penalty of 4 or 5 times the value of the sheep or ox respectively: אָמַר רַבִּי עֲקִיבָא: מִפְּנֵי מָה אָמְרָה תּוֹרָה טָבַח וּמָכַר מְשַׁלֵּם אַרְבָּעָה וַחֲמִשָּׁה? מִפְּנֵי שֶׁנִּשְׁתּ …

The Power of Repair Kiddushin 78 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 30th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis references the principle that only kings from the Davidic lineage were granted the privilege of sitting in the courtyard of the Temple. Most rishonim hold that this is a Torah law (halakha Lemoshe Misinai, see Rashi Sanhedrin 101b), and no other prominent figure is granted this same privilege. The simple explanation is that a divinely ordained monarchy symbolizes God's glory on Earth and, as such, deserves a similar degree …

The Practical and Human Aspects of War Gittin 38 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 23rd, 2023

The Gemara discusses the concept of the acquisition of slaves via the spoils of war. Some of the commentaries understand it as an advanced form of yiyush, that is, the owners, seeing the overwhelming enemy give up and relinquish their hopes of reacquiring the item. Therefore, de facto, the conquerors take possession (see Rashi Bechazaka). From other Rishonim (see Tosafos 38a, “Aval,” and Rashba Kiddushin 14a) it seems that warfare its …

The Price of Stubborn Arrogance Bava Kamma 16 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 17th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us: שִׁדְרוֹ שֶׁל אָדָם – לְאַחַר שֶׁבַע שָׁנִים נַעֲשֶׂה נָחָשׁ. וְהָנֵי מִילֵּי דְּלָא כָּרַע בְּ״מוֹדִים״. A person’s spine, seven years after his death, metamorphoses into a snake. The Gemara qualifies the last statement: And this matter applies only to a case where that person did not bow during the blessing of t …

The Principle of Opposites Enantiodromia Eruvin 33 & 34 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 11th, 2020

  רְשׁוּת הַיָּחִיד עוֹלָה עַד לָרָקִיעַ, וְכִי הֵיכִי דְּסָלְקָא לְעֵיל, הָכִי נָמֵי דְּנָחֲתָא לְתַחַת. וְאֶלָּא דְּקָאֵי בִּרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּים. it is obvious, for the private domain ascends to the sky, and just as it ascends upward, so too, it descends downward to the bottom of the pit, even if it is more than ten hand …

The Problem is the Cure (and it’s Us!) Nedarim 8 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 2nd, 2022

Our Gemara discusses apocalyptic traditions of how the righteous and the wicked will get their due at the end of days:   אֵין גֵּיהִנָּם לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא, אֶלָּא הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא מוֹצִיא חַמָּה מִנַּרְתִּיקָהּ, צַדִּיקִין מִתְרַפְּאִין בָּהּ וּרְשָׁעִים נִידּוֹנִין בָּה. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״ו …

The Process of Realizing the Truth Psychology of the Daf Yomi Gittin 51

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 6th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the psychology of why there is an obligation to make an oath when there is partial admission, even though if there is total denial, there is no obligation. At first glance, this does not make sense. Why did somebody who is decent enough to make a partial admission be less credible than a person who totally denies? But of course, human behavior does not follow logic; it also follows emotions. Therefore, the reason …

The Psychological Definition And Process Of Process Of Rationalization Bava Basra 52 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 16th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses circumstances where a person who is doing a noble deed such as tending to an orphan’s assets may be even more trustworthy. This is due to feeling high from the sense of worthiness, and not wanting to stoop low and discredit the personal sense of achievement.    Tosafos here (“Detarcha”) points out that Gemara (Gittin 35a) makes the opposite conclusion. A caretaker may rationalize small …

The Psychology and Ethics of Legal Loopholes Bava Basra 70 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 3rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes a legal loophole, that allows for something akin to charging interest, which is normally forbidden. It is the framework on which modern day heterei iskas are formulated. Without going into the legal technicalities, we must ask ourselves is it moral to take advantage of a loophole. But in order to answer that, we must ask ourselves what is the function of a loophole.   Law is confining and constricting. It do …

The Psychology and Function of Stigma Kesuvos 97 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 11th, 2022

Stigma is a powerful human emotion.  Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses possible additional allowances made to a divorcee so that she may collect her kesuba more easily.  The Gemara says it is due to “Chiyna” “being favorable”.  Rabbenu Chananel (see Tosafos) interprets this is having some additional financial status to overcome the stigma of divorce and make her more desirable to suitors. We should respect …

The Psychology of Intuition and Rashi Bava Basra 78 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 11th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes a certain saddle used for women, known as a Kumni, which presumably functioned in a manner that allowed a woman to ride side-saddle and more modestly.  This brings to mind the famous Rashi (Shemos 28:4) that describes the form of the Ephod. The Ephod was one of the garments that the high priest wore, composed of cloth and had the breastplate attached to it. Apparently, there is no explicit teaching about wh …

The Psychology of Misers Bava Metzia 52 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph describes a person who refuses to accept a slightly eroded coin as a “nefesh ra’ah” - “an evil soul.”  What does this term mean?  The term “ayin ra’ah” connotes stinginess, for example see Bechoros 11a.  The Maharal relates “nefesh ra’ah” with “ayin ra’ah”, except that ”nefesh ra’ah” is the inner manifestat …

The Psychology of Murder-Suicide Yevamos 118 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 3rd, 2022

  The next two dappim of the Gemara will discuss various situations of self-injury and self-destruction.  The Gemara references Shimshon’s ”Kamikaze” act upon the Philistines.  At the end of his life, deprived of his miraculous strength, he was tied up and mocked in a public stadium.  He prayed that God grant him one last strength, so that he “May die with the Philistines.”  Thus, he was able …

The Psychology of Rabbinic Enactments Yevamos 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 28th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the scriptural supports for the rabbical prohibitions of sexual relations with certain relatives beyond the Biblical list, known as Sheniyos. The sheniyos are often one further generation from the original, for example one’s mother is a biblically prohibited sexual relation, while a grandmother is a sheniya. The Gemara explains that each Sage offers a different support: Rava says, For all these [severe] ab …

The Psychology of the Oral Torah Bava Metzia 98 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 5th, 2024

Our Gemara on this daf discusses a fundamental dispute regarding the oath required of the watchman. In the verses which we soon shall see, a watchman is Biblically mandated to swear and affirm his claim of not having neglected his duties. This is known as the Watchman’s Oath. Another Biblically mandated oath that is derived from these verses is the Oath of Partial Admission, which is triggered when a defendant partially admits that true, he …

The Psychology Of Torah Sheb'al Peh

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 19th, 2016

The Psychology of Torah Sheba’al Peh Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R Psychology of the Oral Torah (Originally Printed in the Jewish Press)   We read in Megillas Esther (9:27): “They affirmed and accepted upon themselves…” There is a redundancy in the phrase, “affirmed and accepted”, and based on this, the Gemara (Shavuous 39a) comments:  “We understand the Jews accepted the Torah at Har Sinai, b …

The Psychotherapy Client's Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 16th, 2015

The Psychotherapy Client’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities by Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R Chaya Feuerman, LCSW-R   Going for therapy means different things for different people. For some, it is a dreaded last resort measure, only to be used when a person’s life or marriage is utterly falling apart. For others, it is less stigmatized and more routine – almost like going for physical therapy, not so convenient but neces …

The Pursuit of Happiness Nazir 13 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 5th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph Discusses a scenario, whereby one person overhears another, declaring, “I hereby accept upon myself being a nazir if a child is born to me.” The person who overhears it says, “Myself as well”. The question is, what did he mean by, “myself as well”? Did he mean, “I, too, will take this vow upon myself in gratitude for your having a child”, or does he mean, “I, too, will …

The Quest for Satisfaction Gittin 2 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 18th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis identifies the people of “Medinas Hayam” those who come from overseas (from outside the Land of Israel) as tending to be less versed in Torah law and norms (see Rashi “Lefi”.) The idiom, Medinas Hayam is often used in rabbinic literature to denote an area that is lacking in Torah or spiritual significance. Rav Kook, in his commentary on Siddur (Olas Reiyyah) goes into a lengthy metaphorical and myst …

The Quiet Still Voice Within Chaggigah 16 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 24th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes one of my most favorite verses in the Torah, from Melachim I:19:11 as one of the inspirations that kept Rabbi Akiva safe when he entered the dangerous mystical zone of the Pardes. The content and context of this pasuk is powerful. The context is that Eliyahu is dispirited. Baal worship is still rampant and King Achav and Izevel remain with a strong power base. Eliyahu declares after a difficult journey : 

The Rambam Diet Eruvin 83 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 30th, 2020

The Rambam Diet דכתיב והעומר עשירית האיפה הוא מכאן אמרו שבעה רבעים קמח ועוד חייבת בחלה שהן ששה של ירושלמית שהן חמשה של ציפורי The Gemara responds: The Torah states that the manna, the dough of the wilderness, was “an omer a head” (Exodus 16:16). A later verse elaborates on that measure, as it is written: “And an omer is the tenth part of an …

The Rambam on the Cutting Edge Nazir 41 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 5th, 2023

Continuing our discussion about Jewish prohibitions of cutting hair, our Gemara on this daf discusses the prohibition of cutting the hair on the side of one’s head, that is peyos harosh. Rabbi Rosner’s Daf Yomi Shiur from the last cycle quoted an intriguing Tur (Tur YD 181): “That which the Ramban says that the reason for the prohibition of cutting the Peyos is an order to not be similar to the customs of the idolaters, is not e …

The Real Hiddur Mitzvah Bava Kama 78 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a case where a person pledges an ox for an Olah sacrifice, uses language “it is incumbent upon me” which obligates him to replace the ox if it is damaged or stolen. If someone stole this ox, what liabilities would the thief incur to reimburse the owner ? On the one hand, since the owner dedicated an ox, and is responsible to bring it no matter what, the thief should reimburse him with a similar qualit …

The Real Pain of Social Ostracism Sotah 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 21st, 2023

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses a difference in how capital punishment is meted out to a man versus a woman. A man is completely naked while the woman is clothed. Although our Gemara offers a proof text for this, in reality it is based on a logical analysis, as per Gemara Sanhedrin (45a and Tosafos 45a.) The reasoning is as follows, though being stoned while naked will hasten death, because the impact will be more lethal, the woman still wears …

The Real Reason for the Mitzvos Eruvin 31 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 9th, 2020

Eruvin 31 דְּכוּלֵּי עָלְמָא מִצְוֹת לָאו לֵיהָנוֹת נִיתְּנוּ The Gemara answers that Rava could have said to you: If they hold that one may establish an eiruv only for the sake of a mitzva, all would agree that the eiruv may be placed on a grave because mitzvot were not given for benefit. for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Eruvin 31 The Maharal in Tiferes Yisrael beginn …

The Right to Complain Bava Metzia 76 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 14th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes a scenario where a landowner sent an agent to hire contracted workers at four dinars but the agent, unsolicited, negotiated a lower rate of three dinars. Upon discovering that they could have negotiated a higher wage, the contractors have no legal recourse, since they agreed to those terms. But the Gemara says they still have a grievance, as they can say to the one who came to terms with them: Don’t you ha …

The Sage who Overplayed his Hand Yevamos 94 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 9th, 2022

Rashi on amud beis (“v’es achas”) discusses a hermeneutical principle which is occasionally used in Shas.  A word from a different language, often Greek and often the numeral one, is read into the text. For example, the Hebrew word “Hen”, is reinterpreted in the verse to mean “one”.  Some good examples of this are Shabbos (31b) Moed Kattan (28a) and Sanhedrin (76b). Although I do not have a well …

The Seal of Disapproval Bava Metzia 74 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 12th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph describes a marketplace custom and procedure that confers enough intent so that acquisitions are binding, as if a kinyan or contract was made:   אָמַר רַב פַּפִּי מִשְּׁמֵיהּ דְּרָבָא: הַאי סִיטוּמְתָּא – קָנְיָא. לְמַאי הִלְכְתָא? רַב חֲבִיבָא אֲמַר: לְמִקְנֵיא מַמָּשׁ.   Rav Pappi said in the name of …

The SHALA"H and Corona Virus

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 21st, 2020

I quoted the Rambam in a prior blog posts about his rationalist approach, even to the extent that he blames the destruction of the Temple on the Jewish government's reliance on superstition such as Astrology instead of developing military strategy.  Some might say, "Well, that is the Rambam who was a rationalist, but other more mystical minded sages and tzadikkim would trust in Hashem more."  Check out simcha feuerman's youtube channel …

The Silent Treatment Nedarim 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 30th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes various oaths people make, apparently in anger to forswear social contact with another person. Silent Treatment is a human behavior that has been used throughout history to express discontent and shun others. Let us study this phenomenon. According to researchers Agarwal and Prakash (“Psychological Costs and Benefits of Using Silent Treatment”, Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Science Vol …

The Sin of Self-Betrayal Kesuvos 42 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 17th, 2022

If you accept that the Torah’s commandments are for our ultimate benefit, a sin is not merely a betrayal toward God, but even a betrayal toward ourselves.   Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse in Vayikra (5:21) that discusses the violation of denying under oath monetary claims: “If a person will sin, make a violation to Hashem, and deny his friend’s claim regarding an object entrusted to him or financial matter or t …

The Sin Offering for a Non-Sin Part One Nazir 25 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 17th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an interesting scenario whereby a woman had separated money for her offerings as a nazirite, and her husband annuled her Nazirhood. If she had not stated which coins were designated for which offering, all the money will be earmarked for communal gift offerings. The Nazir brings a chattas, olah and shelamim, so the Gemara wonders how it is possible to convert what was set aside as a chattas for communal offering …

The Sin Offering for a Non-Sin Part Two Nazir 26 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 17th, 2023

Our Gemara continues its discussion about the pairs of chattas and olah brought by certain people. An even more specific subset of this group are those who bring a bird sin offering and a bird olah offering, it is a pair of birds, usually consecrated at the same time, known as a “keyn” or a “nest”.  This group includes a woman who gave birth, but is impoverished and cannot afford a lamb for the olah sacrifice, so she …

The Sinai Campaign Sotah 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 5th, 2023

    The Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the level of details and explanation that was given along with the written Torah: רַבִּי יִשְׁמָעֵאל אוֹמֵר כְּלָלוֹת נֶאֶמְרוּ בְּסִינַי וּפְרָטוֹת בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד רַבִּי עֲקִיבָא אוֹמֵר כְּלָלוֹת וּפְרָטוֹת נֶאֶמְרוּ בְּסִינַי וְנִשְׁנוּ בְּאֹהֶל מו …

The Sins of the Fathers Eruvin 80 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 28th, 2020

The Sins of the Fathers אֲמַר לֵיהּ רַבִּי זֵירָא לְרַבִּי יַעֲקֹב (בְּרֵיהּ) דְּבַת יַעֲקֹב Rashi: בריה דבת יעקב - אביו לא היה הגון לפיכך לא הזכירו: Rashi tells us that this Amora was called “Yaakov Son of the Daughter of Yaakov” because his father was not fitting to mention. We cannot know what crimes his father committed but it is inspiri …

The Sins of the Fathers Pesachim 14 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 4th, 2020

This Gemara quotes an argument based on the simple reading of a verse.  מקרא מלא דיבר הכתוב Sometimes the plainly evident verse becomes a source of halakha, even in later generations. For example, an interesting shaalah was asked to the Noda BeYehuda ( תשובת נודע ביהודה יו״ד א סימן סט).  A person was engaged and after the tenaim the grandfather of the Kallah became an apostate. Since this was co …

The Special Mitzvah of Taking Challah Kesuvos 25 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 25th, 2022

Our Gemara quotes the verse in Bamidbar (15:18) that describes the mitzvah of Challah, “When you enter into the land that I have brought you.” Because of the emphasis on entering the land, as opposed to conquering it, Challah is different than Terumah and other Israel-related produce that is separated and made holy.  The obligations of Terumah and maaser only became activated after the land was acquired.  However, the obliga …

The Subtleties of Collective Responsibility Sanhedrin 11 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 27th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph recounts how the sage Shmuel HaKattan took responsibility in order to spare a colleague from public embarrassment: There was an incident involving Rabban Gamliel, who said to the Sages: “Bring me seven of the Sages early tomorrow morning to the loft designated for convening a court to intercalate the year.” He went to the loft early the next morning and found eight Sages there. Rabban Gamliel said: “Who …

The Sun god of the Tiberius Shul Eruvin 101 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 18th, 2020

The Daf Yomi of Eruvin 101b tells us a story about an argument that occurred at the synagogue of Tiberias. There is greater detail about this argument supplied from Gemara Yevamos 96b: אזל ר' אלעזר אמר לשמעתא בי מדרשא ולא אמרה משמיה דר' יוחנן שמע רבי יוחנן איקפד עול לגביה רבי אמי ור' אסי אמרו ליה לא כך היה המעשה בבית הכנסת של טבריא ב …

The Three Stages of Providence Sotah 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 11th, 2023

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the process of announcements made by the Cohen prior to battle, where those persons who may lack courage due to sin or distractions back at home are exempted from the battlefield. The verses state (Devarim 20:3-9): וְאָמַ֤ר אֲלֵהֶם֙ שְׁמַ֣ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אַתֶּ֨ם קְרֵבִ֥ים הַיּ֛וֹם לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה עַל־אֹיְבֵיכֶ֑ם אַל־יֵ …

The Tiniest Unquantified Amount of Spirituality Kiddushin 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 5th, 2023

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses the dictum of Shmuel, which states that in order to release the obligation of Terumah from produce (which is forbidden to eat prior to taking off the Terumah, known as Tevel), even setting aside one grain of wheat for Terumah is sufficient. (Although the Rabbis required 1/60-1/40 as an appropriate gift to the Cohen.) The idea that a small grain of sanctification can accomplish so much becomes a launching point fo …

The Torah as a Force of Civilization Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 131

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 15th, 2020

The Torah as a Force of Civilization and Social Justice וְמִתְּקִיעָה דְּיוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים לֵיכָּא לְמִיגְמַר — דְּאָמַר מָר: תָּקְעוּ בֵּית דִּין שׁוֹפָר, נִפְטְרוּ עֲבָדִים לְבָתֵּיהֶם וְשָׂדוֹת חוֹזְרוֹת לְבַעֲלֵיהֶן. From the sounding of the shofar of Yom Kippur, the principle that actions that …

The Torah Speaks in the Vernacular Nedarim 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 28th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an exegetical principle, דִּבְּרָה תוֹרָה כִלְשׁוֹן בְּנֵי אָדָם The Torah speaks in the language of men.  That is to say, sometimes there can be extra verbiage if it adds to poetic value or is part of how people use idioms.  This is an obvious point, as in order for the Torah to be comprehensible and even objectively pleasant, it must use phrases that are generally u …

The Torah Speaks Through Us, and in Fact, is Us Bava Metzia 25 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 24th, 2024

  Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses a teaching of Rabbi Yitschok Migdla’ah:   שְׁלֹשָׁה מַטְבְּעוֹת זֶה עַל גַּב זֶה. אָמַר רַבִּי יִצְחָק מַגְדְּלָאָה: וְהוּא שֶׁעֲשׂוּיִין כְּמִגְדָּלִין. תַּנְיָא נָמֵי הָכִי: מָצָא מָעוֹת מְפוּזָּרוֹת – הֲרֵי אֵלּוּ שֶׁלּוֹ, עֲשׂו …

The Torah Was Not Given To Ministering Angels Yevamos 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 26th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discuss the disputed principle of אפשר או אי אפשר לצמצם that is, if it is possible to discern an exact moment precisely, when it has halakhic ramifications. Such as if two calves were born at the exact same moment from the same cow, would they both become a Bechor, or must we assume that one for sure was born first, we just cannot discern which one. The difference being that if we say we are unsure, monet …

The Toxic Trait of Defensiveness Bava Basra 15 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 10th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis laments the sad state of affairs during the Biblical Era of the Judges   And further, with regard to Rabbi Elazar’s statement in the baraisa that the generation of the judging of the Judges was one of vanity, Rabbi Yoḥanan says: What is the meaning of that which is written: “And it happened in the days of the judging of the Judges” (Ruth 1:1)? This indicates a generation that judged its judges. If …

The Toxicity of Divorce Threats Gittin 25 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 9th, 2023

In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, we discuss a specific type of incomplete divorce document known as "aroma of a Get" (ריח גט). Although these documents are not legally binding and do not result in a valid divorce, they still have implications. A Cohen, for example, would be prohibited from marrying the woman even though she is not officially divorced. Most Rishonim, except for the Rambam, understood this prohibition to be of biblical origin (see …

The True King Psychology of the Daf Yomi Gittin 62

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 17th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a prohibition against excessively friendly greetings toward pagans, such as repeating a blessing of peace, as opposed to merely responding, which would be proper courtesy. However, Rav Kahana seemed to have a different practice: וְאֵין כּוֹפְלִין ״שָׁלוֹם״ לְגוֹי: רַב חִסְדָּא מַקְדֵּים וְיָהֵיב לְהוּ שְׁלָמָא. רַב כָּהֲנָא אֲמ …

The Truth that is in the Heart Bava Basra 88 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 20th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the extraordinary integrity of Rabbi Safrah. His standard of honesty was so high, that even if he only resolved in his mind to make a sale at a certain price, he would stick with his inner resolution, despite the buyer revealing that he would be willing to pay more. This kind of practice is considered one of many ways that a person “speaks the truth in his heart.”   The idea of “speaking t …

The Tzaddik Who Inspires Bava Kamma 14 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 15th, 2023

  Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse that serves as the source that payment for damages can come from assessing the value of any movable object that has worth. תָּנָא: ״שָׁוֶה כֶּסֶף״ – מְלַמֵּד שֶׁאֵין בֵּית דִּין נִזְקָקִין אֶלָּא לִנְכָסִים שֶׁיֵּשׁ לָהֶן אַחְרָיוּת. וְהָתַנְיָא: ״יָשִׁיב״ – לְרַבּוֹת …

The Unforgivable Bava Metzia 14 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 13th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph asserts a principle of human nature that is used to validate numerous halachic presumptions throughout Shas: “A person will not voluntarily waste their money.”   Thus, if there are certain obvious omissions in a contract, we do not assume the person agreed to such unfavorable terms, and we consider if it was written,    In another Gemara Kesuvos (36b) a similar presumption is made regarding a Co …

The Universal Principle Of Risk Reward Ratio Bava Kamma 26 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 28th, 2023

Our Gemara and Mishna on Amud Aleph discuss the idea of Adam Muad Le-Olam: “The legal status of a person is always that of one forewarned. Therefore, whether the damage was unintentional or intentional, whether he was awake while he caused the damage or asleep, whether he blinded another’s eye or broke vessels, he must pay the full cost of the damage.” There is a three-way dispute amongst the Rishonim as to the extent of this li …

The Ups and Downs of Exile Gittin 16 and 17 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 1st, 2023

Our Gemara on 16b and 17a tells us a story about how Rav Yehuda and Rabba visited Rabba bar bar Ḥana when he was unwell.   רַבָּה בַּר בַּר חָנָה חֲלַשׁ, עוּל לְגַבֵּיהּ רַב יְהוּדָה וְרַבָּה, לְשַׁיּוֹלֵי בֵּיהּ. בְּעוֹ מִינֵּיהּ: שְׁנַיִם שֶׁהֵבִיאוּ גֵּט מִמְּדִינַת הַיָּם, צְרִיכִין שֶׁיּ …

The Upside of the Downside Nedarim 55 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 19th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about the importance of humility in acquiring and maintaining knowledge of Torah. The notable aspect of this description is a cycle of humility, bequest-ascension, entitlement-grandiosity, failure, and then recovery: כֵּיוָן שֶׁעוֹשֶׂה אָדָם אֶת עַצְמוֹ כַּמִּדְבָּר, שֶׁהוּא מוּפְקָר לַכֹּל — תּוֹרָה נִיתְּנָה לוֹ בְּמַ …

The Value of intuition Bava Kamma 115 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 25th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the prevailing awareness at that time that vessels with liquid in them left open and unguarded can become contaminated by snake venom, as the snake is attracted to it and might have taken a drink.  The Gemara says it is forbidden to have one’s animal drink from it, and Rashi says perhaps you will slaughter the animal and eat it, thus exposing someone to the poison.   However, this seemingly contra …

The Venomous Tongue Bava Kamma 15 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 17th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the status of the snake, and the liability its owners would incur due its tendency to bite.  The damage of “tooth” (what an animal eats) is exempt in the public domain and only obligated if it enters a private domain, because it has a strong desire and benefit from eating, and so the owner is held less liable in the more chaotic, uncontrolled situation of public hustle and bustle.  A snake b …

The Waking Dead Sotah 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 3rd, 2023

In the Lecha Dodi liturgy that we recite Friday night, which welcomes Shabbos and the redemption, there seems to be an incorrect ordering of these two stanzas: הִתְנַעֲרִי מֵעָפָר קוּמִי, לִבְשִׁי בִּגְדֵי תִפְאַרְתֵּךְ עַמִּי, עַל יַד בֶּן יִשַּׁי בֵּית הַלַּחְמִי, קָרְבָה אֶל נַפְשִׁי גְּאָלָהּ:   Shake the dust off yo …

The Walking Dead Bava Metzia 95 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 2nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses the following argument to explain the logical equivalence between the borrower’s liability for injury and liability for death. If the Torah teaches that the borrower is liable for the death of the animal, we do not need an additional verse to teach us that he is also liable for injury:   What difference does it make to me if it is entirely killed, and what difference does it make to me if it is partially k …

The Wicked Son Returns Kesuvos 53 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 28th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the Rabbi’s frowning upon disinheriting a child, even partially, and even if the child is considered a wrongdoer.  The rabbis say, “It is not known what seed will come from him. Perhaps the bad son will father worthy children.” The Agra DeKalla (Bo:52) uses this idea to explain a difficult Midrash.  The Yalkut Shimoni (208) states:  When the verse says, “And so it shall com …

The Wisdom of Sleeping on a Decision Sanhedrin 17 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 3rd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes the careful safeguards implemented in capital cases. To prevent the court from being carried away by an overly zealous and condemning spirit, an extraordinary safeguard is enacted: if all the judges unanimously vote to convict, the defendant is acquitted: "Rav Kahana says: In a Sanhedrin where all the judges saw fit to convict the defendant in a case of capital law, they acquit him. …It is since it is lea …

The Woke Bystander Effect Bava Metzia 71 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 9th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph quotes a verse from Chabakuk (1:13):   You whose eyes are too pure to look upon evil, Who cannot countenance wrongdoing. Why do you countenance treachery, and stand by idle while the one in the wrong devours the one in the right?   The prophet is identifying two problematic patterns in human behavior, and suggests that they are related: People tend to act with false righteousness and self-serving piety, too pure …

The Yetzer Hara Always Has Time Kesuvos 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 2nd, 2022

When it comes to certain sins or desires, humans are ingenious and relentless in achieving their goals. An addict could spend hours, overcoming great adversity, planning and plotting to get his or her fix. Halakha recognizes this as well. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph raises a contradiction between our Mishna’s case and a Mishna in Avoda Zara (70b).  Our Mishna teaches us if a city was invaded by a marauding army, women who were married to …

The Zone of Proximal Development Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 155

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 7th, 2020

  As this Gemara addresses the eating habits and needs of different animals I thought to share a lovely aggadah about Dovid Hamelech and leadership. for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 155  מדרש תהילים ע״ח ויבן כמו רמים מקדשו. כשהיה דוד רועה את צאן אביו. במזמור כ"ב. לכך ויבן כמו רמים מקדשו. ויבחר בדוד עבדו וי …

There Cannot be Enduring Love Without Respect Kesuvos 50 & 51 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 25th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the upper limit of charity, which is one fifth of earned income. The scriptural proof text comes from Yaakov (Bereishis 28:22), where he pledges to Hashem: “And of all that You shall give me, I will surely give a tenth of it [aser a’asrenu] to You”. The double use of the verb that means to donate one-tenth indicates that Yaakov, who issued this statement, was actually referring to two one-tenth …

There is Nothing Frummer than Our Yetzer Hora Yevamos 77 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 23rd, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis records an epic dispute that took place regarding King David’s lineage. The dispute revolved around whether the prohibition against marrying a Moabite was limited to males or also included females. King David descended from Ruth, a female Moabite convert. One rationale why the females were not prohibited is the verse states: לֹֽא־יָבֹ֧א עַמּוֹנִ֛י וּמוֹאָבִ֖י בִּקְהַ֣ל ה גּ …

These and Those are Words of the Living G-d Psych & the Daf Eruvin 13

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 21st, 2020

Eruvin 13 אָמַר רַבִּי אַבָּא אָמַר שְׁמוּאֵל: שָׁלֹשׁ שָׁנִים נֶחְלְקוּ בֵּית שַׁמַּאי וּבֵית הִלֵּל, הַלָּלוּ אוֹמְרִים: הֲלָכָה כְּמוֹתֵנוּ, וְהַלָּלוּ אוֹמְרִים: הֲלָכָה כְּמוֹתֵנוּ. יָצְאָה בַּת קוֹל וְאָמְרָה: אֵלּוּ וָאֵלּוּ דִּבְרֵי אֱלֹהִ …

Things Are Not What They “Seam” Kiddushin 32 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 14th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us an interesting story about Rav Huna, who wanted to test his son and see how patient and respectful he could be, even when provoked. Rav Huna tore silk garments in front of his son to see if he would get angry. The Gemara asks a number of questions regarding the propriety of this challenge, but we will focus on one particular question and answer. The Gemara asks how it is permitted to tear a garment. Is this not a …

Thinking the Unthinkable Gittin 84 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 8th, 2023

The Gemara on Amud Aleph presents an intriguing dispute between Abaye and Rava concerning the validity of a condition in a get (bill of divorce). If the husband stipulates a condition that is impossible, the Get is valid even when the condition cannot be met. What about a condition that is technically possible but unthinkable,.such as "on the condition that you eat pig meat"? Abaye argues that the get is still valid because the condition is void, …

This Conversation Is Being Recorded For Quality Assurance Purposes Nedarim 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 16th, 2022

In order to halakhically annul a vow, Beis Din must either come up with a reason that you “regretted” having made it, known as “charata”, or that there was a certain circumstance that you were unaware of which, had you known, you would not have vowed, known as “pesach”.  There are nuances to this which we will discuss in upcoming essays (See Shulkhan Arukh YD 228.)  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us t …

Through the Looking Glass Yevamos 49 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the qualitative difference between Moshe’s prophecy and other prophets: וָאֶרְאֶה אֶת ה׳״, כִּדְתַנְיָא: כׇּל הַנְּבִיאִים נִסְתַּכְּלוּ בְּאַסְפַּקְלַרְיָא שֶׁאֵינָהּ מְאִירָה, מֹשֶׁה רַבֵּינוּ נִסְתַּכֵּל בְּאַסְפַּקְלַרְיָא הַמְּאִירָה. The Gemara resolves t …

Throw Away Your OId Toys Bava Basra 113 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 13th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the finely nuanced meaning of the Hebrew word Yidbku (root=D-V-K) which means to be attached, and how this is used to understand an aspect of inheritance when described in the Torah (Bamidar 36:7,9). One of the prooftexts  used to support that this word means “attached” comes from an iconic verse in Bereishis (2:24), that describes the psychological process of romantic attachment:   Hence a …

Throwing a Desk at the Rebbe

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 30th, 2017

Throwing a Desk at the Rebbe Hesped for my father, Rabbi Dr. Chaim Feuerman ZT'L (Reprinted from the Jewish Press) On Tuesday evening, September 19, 2017, 29 Elul 5777 Rabbi Dr. Chaim Feuerman finished giving his two classes at Yeshiva University, said “I need to take a few minutes to rest”, and then stopped breathing.  The petira of this giant of a man, on Erev Rosh Hashana has many connotations.  One of the most meaningful …

Till Debt do Us Part Bava Basra 139 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 11th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses a case of a woman who entered marriage with a prior debt. This Gemara brings to mind a modern phenomenon that can trouble some couples today: one spouse may be shocked to discover, post-marriage, that the other has accrued significant credit card debt. According to one study (Center for Marriage and Family, 2000; Schramm & Lee, 2003), debt brought into marriage is the number one conflict issue for newlyweds. …

To Allow a Vow Chaggigah 10 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 20th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the famous teaching of Rav Gidal, that even though ordinarily one should refrain from making oaths, for a Mitzvah it is permitted. Presumably, if one needs to galvanize and commit to a Mitzvah, making an oath is permitted (See Nedarim 7a). There is a fascinating machlokes Rambam And Ramban in Sefer Hamitzvos, Aseh 7. The Rambam states: ⁦That is that He commanded us to swear by His name when it is necessary to rat …

To Find the Truth, the Ball is in Your Court Yevamos 46 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 21st, 2022

Our gemara on amud beis tells us that a convert requires a court of three people to preside over the conversion in order for it to be valid.  Likuttei Halakhos (Yoreh Deah, Laws of Slaves, Chapter 2:12) offers a mystical interpretation for why conversion requires this process.  Below is my best effort to distill and translate his esoteric ideas: The scriptural derivation is that the verse uses the word “Judgment” juxtaposed …

To Know, You Must Let Go Bava Basra 80 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 13th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the sale of pigeons produced from a dove coop: The buyer must leave the first pair of doves from the brood for the seller. The reason that an extra pair of doves must be left behind is to ensure that the first brood will not fly away. The Gemara also rules that the buyer must also leave a second pair from the brood of the children. The Gemara questions this logic: If the reason is that she is attached to her dau …

To Lead by Force or by Enlightenment? Sanhedrin 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 22nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph characterizes the halachic leadership of Babylonia versus Eretz Yisrael: "The verse states: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet until Shiloh comes” (Genesis 49:10). …“The scepter shall not depart from Judah”; these are the Exilarchs in Babylonia, who are empowered by the government and consequently subjugate the Jewish people as with a s …

To perceive is to Suffer Pesachim 21 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 11th, 2020

To Perceive Is To Suffer - Aristotle The Gemara discusses the directive to support the Ger Toshav by providing him with meat that was rendered Unkosher. A Ger Toshav is a non-Jewish person who accepts upon himself to abide by the Seven Noachide Laws.  As it was taught in a baraita: “You shall not eat of any unslaughtered animal; you may give it to the resident alien who is within your gates, that he may eat it; or you may sell it to a …

To Pray Like a Newborn Baby Bava Basra 71 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 4th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph continues the sugya of ayin yaffa, that certain sales and/or gifts are done with a generous spirit which implies that certain extras may be included in the sale or gift. As we have seen in other blogposts, the idea of a gift of being given generously with extras also applies to spiritual gifts.   Siach Sarfei Kodesh (Erev Shabbos Kodesh) uses this principal to explain an unusual phrase in the Shabbos morning Amidah. …

To Study Torah or to Search Torah? Sanhedrin 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 20th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses an interesting idiom to describe a certain class of uneducated people, “dwellers on the corner.” This idiom is used to refer to a layperson who might still serve as a judge, assuming the other judges are learned. This idiom for an unlearned person is fascinating because idioms typically do not translate well from one language to another, and certainly not from one culture to another. Yet this idiom is rem …

Too Hot to Handle Yevamos 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 31st, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis establishes a rule:
Converts are not accepted in the days of the Messiah.
The Torah tells us (Shemos 18:1):
Yisro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard all that God had done for Moses and for Israel, God’s people, how God had brought Israel out from Egypt.
Rashi, quoting the Midrash, explains that Yisro heard something specific that triggered him to convert. He heard about t …

Too Much Respect? Nazir 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 13th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph mentions the phrase, כְּדֵי שְׁאֵילַת שָׁלוֹם תַּלְמִיד לָרַב the time necessary for a student to inquire after the welfare of his rabbi. The Rishonim (see Shitta Mekubetzes here, Tosafos here 20b “amar ley”, and Gemara Bava Kama 73b) delineate the phrase as, “Peace onto you, my master”.  The nature of this greeting is debated in halakha because of its tone …

Too Strict? Psychology of the Daf Eruvin 6

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 14th, 2020

  וּמִי עָבְדִינַן כִּתְרֵי חוּמְרֵי? וְהָא תַּנְיָא: לְעוֹלָם הֲלָכָה כְּבֵית הִלֵּל, וְהָרוֹצֶה לַעֲשׂוֹת כְּדִבְרֵי בֵּית שַׁמַּאי עוֹשֶׂה, כְּדִבְרֵי בֵּית הִלֵּל עוֹשֶׂה. מִקּוּלֵּי בֵּית שַׁמַּאי וּמִקּוּלֵּי בֵּית הִלֵּל — רָשָׁע. …

Torah and Greatness in One Place Gittin 59 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 14th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi as a unique combination of Torah knowledge and greatness. While the exact definition of greatness is not fully outlined, it appears to encompass attributes such as wealth, status, prestige, and wisdom. One manifestation of this combination is evident in the special relationship between Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi and a Roman official named Antoninus. The Gemara in Avodah Zara (10b) documents their lo …

Torah and Paradox Bava Metzia 42 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 10th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph makes a number of suggestions regarding money management from a practical and metaphysical point of view.   Rabbi Yitschok advises a person to keep a certain amount of money liquid, presumably, so that he can respond quickly to investment opportunities. He also states that financial blessing is found on matters that are hidden from the eye. Similarly, Rabbi Yishmael says that financial blessings are only found when & …

Torah Mindfulness Sotah 38 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 5th, 2023

The Gemara on Amud Beis tells us that the Cohanim actually are beneficiaries of the very same blessings they pronounce. אָמַר רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן לֵוִי מִנַּיִן שֶׁהַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא מִתְאַוֶּה לְבִרְכַּת כֹּהֲנִים שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר וְשָׂמוּ אֶת שְׁמִי עַל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַאֲנִי אֲבָרְכֵם …

Torah Prerequisites Bava Metzia 54 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 22nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis makes a derivation from the word, “veyassaf - he will add”, that the ⅕ penalty for redeeming a consecrated object applies even to a situation of ⅕ on ⅕. This occurs in a case where a consecrated item is redeemed with another consecrated item (now with an additional ⅕). If this item is to be redeemed, he must now add a ⅕ onto this new item, which is effectively ⅕ on ⅕.   Gilyonei Shas (Yevamos …

Torah Study Versus Action Sotah 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 19th, 2023

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the protective quality of Torah study and mitzvos:  ״כִּי נֵר מִצְוָה וְתוֹרָה אוֹר״, תָּלָה הַכָּתוּב אֶת הַמִּצְוָה בְּנֵר, וְאֶת הַתּוֹרָה בְּאוֹר. אֶת הַמִּצְוָה בְּנֵר, לוֹמַר לָךְ: מָה נֵר אֵינָהּ מְגִינָּה אֶלָּא לְפִי שָׁעָה — אַף מִ …

Toxic Anger and Toxic Waste Bava Kamma 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 1st, 2023

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses practices of the Chassidim Rishonim, a sect of sages who were distinguished by taking upon themselves strict requirements of piety. תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: חֲסִידִים הָרִאשׁוֹנִים הָיוּ מַצְנִיעִים קוֹצוֹתֵיהֶם וּזְכוּכִיּוֹתֵיהֶם בְּתוֹךְ שְׂדוֹתֵיהֶן, וּמַעֲמִיקִים לָהֶן שְׁלֹשָׁה טְפָ …

Toxic Masculinity? Bava Metzia 39 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 7th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the connotation of the Hebrew word, netisha which translates approximately as, “abandon” or “leave behind”. The Torah (Shemos 23:11) commands that produce be abandoned in the field during the Shemittah year, as no commercial conduct is allowed.    Malbim on this verse notes that though Hebrew has another word for abandon, “Azivah”, the word “Netisha” has …

Transgender Persons, Halakhic and Psychological Perspectives

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 6th, 2019

A prominent member of the community, born as an Orthodox male, with a wife and several married and unmarried children, announces to his family and friends that he no longer can live as a man. He tells his community that he has felt all along to be a woman, and finds it unbearable to continue with this charade. He has begun hormonal and surgical treatments, and is now dressing like a woman.   His children, advisors, friends, are stupefied. Th …

Transition Time for Tests Nazir 14 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 6th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses Adar 7, the auspicious day that Moshe was born and passed away. On that day we are also taught that the Manna ceased. Yet the Gemara Kiddushin (38a) tells us that though it stopped on that day, the Jewish people continued to be sustained by the leftovers until the 16th of Nissan. The Gemara similarly tells us that the dough-cakes the Jews took out of Egypt also tasted like the Manna. What is the significance of …

Transition Time Kesuvos 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 22nd, 2022

There is a known halakhic principle of Tosefes Shabbos, that is one is supposed to accept or bring Shabbos a few minutes earlier.  One of the Lomdishe chakiros discussed is if this addendum to Shabbos is an early start for Shabbos, and essentially Shabbos itself, or is it a special zone to prepare for Shabbos, which is Shabbos-like in quality, but not actually Shabbos. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph implies that a woman can marry on Shabbos and Yo …

Trauma and Tevila

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 10th, 2020

The following guest post is from Chaya Feuerman, LCSW-R: Trauma and Tevila Trauma is subjective and intimate to each person. This discussion will focus on cultivating sensitivity and attunement to trauma suffered by women at the mikvah, in the past, present as well as at the mikvah itself. There is no “antibody” test for trauma, to know by looking at someone, what she has been through, how it has affected her, or how it will in the fu …

Trauma and the Visual Cortex Eruvin 95 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 12th, 2020

  תַּנָּא דְבֵי מְנַשֶּׁה: ״עַל יָדְךָ״ — זוֹ קִיבּוֹרֶת, ״בֵּין עֵינֶיךָ״ — זוֹ קׇדְקֹד. הֵיכָא? אָמְרִי דְּבֵי רַבִּי יַנַּאי: מְקוֹם שֶׁמּוֹחוֹ שֶׁל תִּינוֹק רוֹפֵס. The Gemara comments: The school of Menashe taught the following. The verse states: “And you shall bind them for a sign on …

Trauma Response Kiddushin 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 6th, 2023

In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, we explore a question regarding the status of a Canaanite slave who sustains injuries inflicted by his master. If these injuries affect an organ such as an eye, tooth, or other limb, the slave is automatically freed. However, the Gemara delves into a nuanced discussion regarding whether an injury to the slave's ear or eye caused by the master making a loud and frightening noise is considered a direct injury, which wou …

Traumatic Coping Styles Nedarim 65 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 29th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us the story of how king Tzidkiyahu witnessed Nebuchadnezzar eating a live rabbit. Though he was a cruel despot, apparently, he had his limits and was embarrassed. He therefore made Tzidkiyahu swear that he would not tell of this to anyone else. The secret was too difficult for Tzidkiyahu to bear, and he had his vow annulled by the sages. When Nebuchadnezzar found out, there was not a very happy ending for the sages …

Traumatic Triggers Yevamos 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 4th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis mentions the concept of the Gilgul Shavuah, the additional Shavuah.  The Talmud learns from the description of the Sotah ritual whereby the repetition of amens in the ritual (Bamidbar 5:22, “ And she shall say , amen, amen.”) indicates that once she is swearing about her suspected activity post nisuin, other suspicions of adultery from eirusin can also be brought up that she also must swear about. This rul …

Trickle Down Theory Bava Metzia 117 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 24th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses liabilities between the upper floor residents and the lower floor residents of a home:   הָנְהוּ בֵּי תְרֵי דַּהֲווֹ דָּיְירִי, חַד עִילַּאי וְחַד תַּתַּאי. אִיפְּחִית מַעֲזִיבָה. כִּי מָשֵׁי מַיָּא, עִילַּאי אָזְלִי וּמַזְּקִי לְתַתַּאי. מִי מְתַקֵּן? רַבִּי חִי …

Trigger Warning Psychology of the Daf Eruvin 9

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 18th, 2020

 מָצָא מִין אֶת מִינוֹ וְנֵיעוֹר. The Gemara comments: Yes, it is possible that this is the ruling, for we can say that it has found its own type and been awakened. In other words, as the area within the entranceway is not a defined domain, it doesn’t have the status of an independent domain. Therefore, when it opens into a karmelit, to which it is similar, its status is negated, and it joins with the karmeli …

True Confessions Yevamos 73 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 19th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the concept of viduy maaser, the “confessional” declaration that all of the tithed produce was not hoarded nor was it misused.   What is the term viduy? The verses in the Torah don’t use it to describe this declaration, and it comes from Chazal. Pashtus, it is just a declaration not really a confession.  The simple reading of the verses sound, if anything, as a declaration that on …

True Dedication Bava Kamma 102 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 12th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the status of a person’s possessions, when he declares all of them as Hekdesh, sanctified for the Temple. The Gemara wonders if certain necessities and obligations ought to be exempt, as could he have meant literally everything he owns? The Gemara rules that the clothing of his wife and his children are not included, as we assume he still meant to provide for them and meet his responsibilities toward family …

True Good Deeds - No Artificial Ingredients

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 21st, 2020

Shabbos 137 תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן, הַמָּל אוֹמֵר: ״אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל הַמִּילָה״. אֲבִי הַבֵּן אוֹמֵר: ״אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַכְנִיסוֹ בִּבְרִיתוֹ שֶׁל אַבְרָהָם אָבִינוּ״. הָעוֹמְדִים אוֹמְרִים: ״ …

True Lies and True Love Eruvin 100 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 17th, 2020

Rabbi Yoḥanan said: Even if the Torah had not been given, we would nonetheless have learned modesty from the cat, which covers its excrement, and that stealing is objectionable from the ant, which does not take grain from another ant, and forbidden relations from the dove, which is faithful to its partner, and proper relations from the rooster, which first appeases the hen and then mates with it. What does the rooster do to appease the hen? Rav …

True Love Bava Kamma 116 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 26th, 2024

The Gemara on Amud Aleph uses a phrase to characterize an event where a person’s animal that was doomed to drown was miraculously saved, “Min Shamayim Rachimu Aleh - from Heaven they manifested Rachimu.” Many translations of this Gemara translate “Rachimu” as mercy, seeing the Hebrew root R-CH-M from Rachamim, mercy.   I believe this translation to be in error. The Aramaic Rachimu, though of the same root, actua …

True Sacrifice Bava Kamma 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 12th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse from Vayikra (1:2): Speak to the Israelite people, and say to them: When any amongst you presents an offering from cattle to Hashem, You shall choose your offering from the herd or from the flock. Our Gemara derives various exclusions from the qualifiers in this verse (“from the…”, and “amongst”) to render certain animals as unfit for sacrifice, such as those used for immoral a …

Truly Humble Nedarim 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 7th, 2022

This daf discussed the legal status of Hefker, that is when a person declares his object or property ownerless and available for others to take. There are halakhic outcomes that are dependent on the exact nature of what is the process of hefker, such as is it in your domain until somebody else acquires it? Or, can you renege on your declaration and repossess it? In any case, while the Gemara analyzed the legal aspects of Hefker, let us look at th …

Truth & Misinformation in Halakha Psychology of the Daf Eruvin 11

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 20th, 2020

אֲמַר לֵיהּ: אִי מַשְׁכַּחַתְּ לְהוּ — לָא תֵּימָא לְהוּ לְבֵי רֵישׁ גָּלוּתָא וְלָא מִידֵּי מֵהָא מַתְנִיתָא דְכִיפָּה. Rav Sheshet said to Rabba bar Shmuel: If you find them, do not say to the members of the Exilarch’s household anything with regard to this baraita of an arched gateway, as it is proof against my opinion. …

Truth in Prayer Nedarim 64 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 28th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses Hashem telling Moshe that he now can return to Egypt, as “Those who have been seeking to kill you are now dead.” Moshe was a wanted man with his picture hanging in the Pitom and Ramses post office, for killing the Egyptian, so this was good news. Moshe had two sons in Midian, Gershom and Eliezer. Gershom named, Ger-Shom, meaning I was a stranger there. And Eliezer, Keyli-Ezri, my God saved me from the …

Truth or Compassion Bava Basra 114 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 16th, 2024

Truth Will Spring Out Of The Earth Bava Basra 11 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 5th, 2024

Continuing the discussion about the power of tzedakah, our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about a Gentile king who flouted his family’s hoarding of wealth, and instead donated his assets to charity.    תנו רבנן: מעשה במונבז המלך, שבזבז אוצרותיו ואוצרות אבותיו בשני בצורת, וחברו עליו אחיו ובית אביו, ואמרו לו: אבותיך גנזו והוסיפו על …

Tune In To Your Family’s Needs Nedarim 51 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 15th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about shenanigans that Bar Kapparah, a badchan, did at Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi’s daughter’s wedding. At some point, part of a riddle challenge, he says: Tomorrow I will drink wine at your father’s dancing and your mother’s [kirekanei]. “Kirekanie” is probably an onomatopoeia. Some commentaries say it was singing (Ran), while others say dancing (Tosafos), and others say that it is m …

Turning Over a New Leaf Sanhedrin 14

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 31st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an incident where Rabbi Zeira initially declined to accept Rabbinic ordination out of humility but later changed his mind based on a particular teaching: Rabbi Zeira would habitually hide himself so that they would not ordain him. He did this because Rabbi Elazar said: "Always be obscure and remain alive," meaning the more humble and unknown you make yourself, the longer you will live. However, when Rabbi Zeira …

Turning Yourself Inside Out Psychology of the Daf Eruvin 37

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 15th, 2020

Eruvin 37 הָא וַדַּאי אִיפְּכָא תַּנְיָא, דְּקָתָנֵי סֵיפָא: וּמוֹדֶה רַבִּי יוֹסֵי בְּאוֹמֵר ״מַעֲשֵׂר שֶׁיֵּשׁ לִי בְּתוֹךְ בֵּיתִי יְהֵא מְחוּלָּל עַל סֶלַע חֲדָשָׁה שֶׁתַּעֲלֶה בְּיָדִי מִן הַכִּיס״ — שֶׁחִילֵּל. מִדְּקָאָמַר הָכָא שֶׁחִיל …

Twin Towers Bava Metzia 86 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 24th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph lists a series of notable sages, whose lifetimes and careers embodied a close of an era.    Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi and Rabbi Nasan are the end of the Mishna, i.e., the last of the tanna’im, the redactors of the Mishna. Rav Ashi and Ravina are the end of instruction, i.e., the end of the period of the amora’im, the redacting of the Talmud, which occurred after the period of the tanna’im.   The …

Shekalim 5 Twisted Pshat Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 26th, 2021

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

Two Holy People Who Happen to Share the Same Home Nedarim 13 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 7th, 2022

There are matters of this world that are holy by God, and others that we can voluntarily consecrate. There is an interesting category of matters which God decrees should be holy, but also expects Man to join in this declaration. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the mitzvah of Bechor, the first born animal that must be set aside for the Cohen and as an offering. The Gemara notes the relative uniqueness of the first born sacrifice that though it …

Umbrella Policy Gittin 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 2nd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references the metaphysical idea that one does not do actions (or even say things) that hasten painful or disturbing events. Thus the Gemara later on 75b says if one is giving a Get on a stipulation that he dies (so as to protect his wife from falling to Yibum), the stipulations should reference “if I live” first, and then mention the other conditional clause about what happens should he die. This is so as not …

Unauthorized Entry Yevamos 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 3rd, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that according to Rabbi Yehuda, the congregation of converts is called the congregation, and therefore subject to similar marriage restrictions as non-converts. What is a “congregation” (קהל)? The Shalah (Torah Shebikhsav, Chukas, Torah Ohr) explains that there are four kinds of “congregations” within the Jewish nation as used in scripture: Am (עם), Kehal (קהל), Eidah (עדה), and …

Unbearable Urges Kesuvos 51 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 26th, 2022

Note: Aside from yesterday’s post, which included both dappim, today’s post is a repeat from Psychology of the Daf Moed Kattan 17. That posting included a significant line in our Gemara Amud Beis, which implied that sometimes a person can be faced with urges that cannot be controlled. People often repeat this line, “Hashem does not give you a nisayon (challenge) that you cannot overcome.”  While this might inspire som …

Unbreakable Love Bava Basra 74 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 6th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes the visions of Rabbah Bar Hanna. In one of them he sees Mount Sinai and scorpions were encircling it. He heard a Divine Voice saying: Woe is Me that I took an oath; and now that I took the oath, who will nullify it for me? When he reported this vision to the sages, they rebuked him: You should have said to God: Your oath is nullified. The Gemara explains: Rabba bar bar Ḥana did not nullify the oath because he …

Unburden the Beast Nedarim 34 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 28th, 2022

Our Gemara discusses a situation where one declares a loaf as Hekdesh (dedicated to the Beis Hamikdash). According to many commentaries, the scenario involves where he has not yet picked up the loaf but since it is within 4 cubits, he has a certain power over it. The idea that a person’s four cubits is their domain comes up in halakha in numerous incidences, and is a rabbinic enactment to allow for acquisition and reduce quarrels about owne …

Unburdened Kiddushin 31 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 5th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph recounts the famous story of Dama Ben Nesina, serving as an object lesson for the extent to which one should go to honor one's parents. The rabbis visited Dama to purchase precious gems for the Cohen Gadol's breastplate. Unfortunately, the key to the chest containing the gems was safely tucked under his sleeping father's head. Despite being offered an exorbitant sum, Dama refused to wake his father, apparently believing t …

Unclaimed Mitzvos Bava Basra 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 30th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the legal process known as Shuda Dedayni, which we can translate as judicial discretion. That is, in certain legal situations where there is no evidence to prove one litigant’s possession over the other, the judges are allowed discernment and subjective impressions to use in their rulings. This is different from what we discussed in the prior daf, whereby via Kol De’alim Gavar, the judges recuse them …

Unconditional Love?

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 21st, 2019

Joseph was one of those impossible teenagers. He was sullen, absorbed in computer games and social media. He refused to have even a slightly pleasant or respectful conversation with his parents. His grades in school were awful and any time his parents tried to talk to him about it, the discussion would degrade into shouting and cursing. The fighting sometimes became frighteningly aggressive, especially between Joseph and his dad.   Joseph&rs …

Unconditional Love Psychology of the Daf Yomi Gittin 77

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 1st, 2023

Continuing our theme from yesterday, let us further explore the material related to the three weeks. In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, we delve into the significance of the Get (divorce document) entering the wife's domain. If a husband places a Get in his courtyard with the intention of the wife acquiring it, it will not be valid, as he still owns the courtyard. Instead, he must physically place it into her hand. The verse in Yeshaiyahu (50:1) states …

Unconscious Communication Bava Metzia 56 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 24th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses a scriptural derivation and comparison between real estate and Canaanite slaves. Just as the regular laws of overcharging or undercharging do not apply to real estate, so too, in regard to slaves, they do not apply.   Rav Yonasan Eibshutz (Yaaros Devash 1:17) uses this ruling to explain a deeper idea behind Esther’s plea to Achashverosh (Esther 7:4):   Had we only been sold as slaves, I would have kep …

Unconscious Desires Chaggigah 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 1st, 2022

The Mishna on Amud Beis enumerates the ways in which Kodesh, sacrificial products, have stricter purity requirements than Terumah, produce set aside for the Cohanim. The opening example is: חוֹמֶר בַּקֹּדֶשׁ מִבַּתְּרוּמָה שֶׁמַּטְבִּילִין כֵּלִים בְּתוֹךְ כֵּלִים לַתְּרוּמָה אֲבָל לֹא לַקֹּדֶשׁ one may immerse vessels inside other vessels to purify th …

Unconventional Justice: The Case of the Temple Ox Psychology of the Daf Yomi Gittin 49

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 4th, 2023

The Gemara on Amud Aleph examines the unique and counterintuitive status of an ox that belongs to the Temple. The verse in question is Shemos 21:35: "When one person's ox injures another's, so that it dies, they shall sell the live ox and divide its price; they shall also divide the dead animal." The term "רעהו" or "neighbor" emphasizes a peer-to-peer relationship, indicating that there is no financial liability when causing damage to possess …

Under New Management Nedarim 46Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 9th, 2022

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a scenario where one makes an oath forbidding entry into a home. A distinction is made between whether the person uses the language of “this home“ or “your home.“ If he uses the term “your home“ emphasizing that the home is in possession of this person, if owner of the house dies or sells the house to another, it is permitted for the one who took the vow to enter the ho …

Understudy and Understood Nedarim 74 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 6th, 2023

In our Gemara on amud beis, after hearing a particularly insightful piece of Torah from Rabbi Akiva, Ben Azai laments, “Woe to Ben Azzai, who did not serve under Rabbi Akiva.”  Meaning, he had opportunity to learn more from Rabbi Akiva if he would have become his assistant or shamess. Torah consists of practical wisdom, and certain matters cannot be learned in a shiur but must be seen and experienced live. This idea is critical, …

Universal Matzah Kiddushin 67 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 19th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the status of an Egyptian, who may not intermarry with a Jew, even if converted, until the third generation post-conversion. As the verses (Devarim 23:8) state: לֹֽא־תְתַעֵ֣ב אֲדֹמִ֔י כִּ֥י אָחִ֖יךָ ה֑וּא לֹא־תְתַעֵ֣ב מִצְרִ֔י כִּי־גֵ֖ר הָיִ֥יתָ בְאַרְצֽוֹ׃ You shall not abhor an Edomite, for such is your kin. You shall not ab …

Universal Spiritual Solvent Chaggigah 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 28th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the concept that produce needs to come into contact with water (in the verse, VaYikra 11:38) and other primary liquids in order to become receptive to ritual impurity. However, the proviso is that there be a human will and interest that the water be applied. A random splashing of water that serves no interest to the owner of the produce, unlike washing it, does not make it receptive to ritual impurity. The simpl …

Unkept Promises Kesuvos 109 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 16th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a situation where a father-in-law is unable to come up with the funds that he promised for a dowry.  The Mishna uses an unusual idiom: פָשַׁט לוֹ אֶת הָרֶגֶל His father-in-law “stuck his foot out” Rashi offers two peshatim: (1) He sticks out his foot in disrespect. That is to say, “I have no regard for you; clean off my shoes. (2) He says he is broke, sticking out his foo …

Unkosher is Not What it Appears to Be Bava Kamma 101 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 11th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses the halachic status of changes in appearance, such as dyes.  This is known as חֲזוּתָא מִילְּתָא “A surface appearance has its own independent significance”. There are numerous halachic implications discussed in the poskim such as if the dye is stolen and is on an object, is returning the object like returning the dye?  Some even relate this discussion to if it is permissibl …

Unnatural Responses to Natural Temptations Kiddushin 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 5th, 2023

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that if one successfully overcomes a particular temptation to sin, they will merit miraculous salvation. Ben Yehoyada explains that this is "Middah K'neged Middah," a measure for measure response from God. In other words, if we, as individuals, choose to forgo immediate gratification of our natural desires and drives for a higher spiritual purpose, God reciprocates by suspending natural laws and granting u …

Unorthodox Trauma

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 12th, 2020

The following post is written by my wife Chaya Feuerman, LCSW-R who is guesting in this blog: Trauma takes many forms. Many people are blocked from living life as their best Selves due to past or present traumatic experiences. Some people don't even recognize that their experiences have traumatized them and are the cause of difficulties in how they respond to life's stressors including their relationships. Traumatic events are frighteni …

Unpaid Debts of the Dead Bava Basra 157 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 29th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the idea that there is a degree of responsibility for a child to pay his deceased parent’s debts. The poskim analyzes the nature and basis of this obligation, which also suggest ideas about the limits and obligations of the commandment to honor one’s parents. This obligation is beyond a financial lien, such as if the parent did not leave real estate (in the times of the Gemara, non-real estate holdin …

Unqualified Love Eruvin 58 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 6th, 2020

תַּנְיָא, אָמַר רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן חֲנַנְיָא: אֵין לְךָ שֶׁיָּפֶה לִמְדִידָה יוֹתֵר מִשַּׁלְשְׁלָאוֹת שֶׁל בַּרְזֶל, אֲבָל מַה נַּעֲשֶׂה שֶׁהֲרֵי אָמְרָה תּוֹרָה: ״וּבְיָדוֹ חֶבֶל מִדָּה״. It was taught in a baraita that Rabbi Yehoshua ben Ḥananya said: You have not …

Unrecognizable Differences Kesuvos 49 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 24th, 2022

What do you do when you do not recognize your children?  Of course, I do not mean physically, as that would be unlikely.  I mean, if their behavior is so foreign to you, that you wonder, “How do I even know this person, how can I love him or her?” Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a contradiction between two teachings, where one says that the Raven cares for its young, while another teaching implies that Ravens do not care f …

Uplink to the Heavenly Cloud Yevamos 93 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 8th, 2022

On amud beis we find Rav Yannai troubled by a dream that he had, of a splintered reed. He the dream to mean that he made a halakhic mistake, by relying on a weak proof. Rav Chiyyah comforted him, by reading the dream as the opposite, implying a broken reed is humble and therefore merits to see the truth: How did the Gemara treat dreams?  Are they prophetic, or to be ignored as the result of random images and impulses firing during the night? …

Duty and the Beast Eruvin 69 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 16th, 2020

  ״מִן הַבְּהֵמָה״ — לְהָבִיא בְּנֵי אָדָם הַדּוֹמִין לִבְהֵמָה. מִכָּאן אָמְרוּ: מְקַבְּלִין קׇרְבָּנוֹת מִפּוֹשְׁעֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, כְּדֵי שֶׁיַּחְזְרוּ בִּתְשׁוּבָה. חוּץ מִן הַמּוּמָר, וְהַמְנַסֵּךְ יַיִן, וְהַמְחַלֵּל שַׁבָּתוֹת בְּפַ …

Vain Leadership Nedarim 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 11th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the idea that swearing falsely is more severe than merely violating a neder. Swearing falsely has an additional injunction by which God declared that, “I will not cleanse those who bear my name in vain” (Shemos 20:6). What is this special quality about swearing falsely, compared to other sins, that that draws this particular reaction? In regard to this, God says he will not cleanse. Further developin …

Verbal Self-Defense Kesuvos 14 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 20th, 2022

  Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an interesting scenario of the Mamzer Veshasak, which means that a person is accused of being a mamzer, but does not object.  This can be seen as an indicator of admission.  However, in apparent contradiction to this,  the Gemara in Kiddushin (71b) tells us: When two people quarrel with each other, observe which of them becomes silent first. We can assume the silent party is of finer lineage …

Vulnerable to Vulnerability Nedarim 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 18th, 2022

The commentary of the Rosh on Amud Aleph explains why a person may be reluctant to accept his host’s invitation without being able to reciprocate, based on the aphorism expressed in Mishley (15:27): וְשׂוֹנֵ֖א מַתָּנֹ֣ת יִחְיֶֽה He who spurns gifts will live long We can well understand why this might be a good character trait, but why does it specifically confer long life? Maharal in Nesivos Olam, Nesiv Haosher (1 …

Waiting for the Dust to Settle Bava Basra 165 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 6th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud aleph makes an observation about human nature and that certain sins are almost impossible to avoid: The majority of people succumb to sin with regard to financial dishonesty and theft, and a minority of people succumb to sin with regard to sexual matters, and everyone succumbs to sin with regard to malicious speech. The Gemara asks: Can it enter your mind that all people sin with regard to malicious speech? The Gemara answers: …

Wake Up Call Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 136

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 20th, 2020

אֲמַר לֵיהּ רָבִינָא לְרַב שֵׁרֵבְיָא: בְּאוּרְתָּא אֲמַר רָבָא הָכִי, לְצַפְרָא הֲדַר בֵּיהּ. אֲמַר לֵיהּ שְׁרִיתוּהָ? יְהֵא רַעֲוָא דְּתִשְׁרוֹ תַּרְבָּא. Ravina said to Rav Sherevya: In the evening Rava indeed said so, as you said; however, in the morning he retracted his statement, and that is what I cited. Rav …

Walls and Self-Deception Kesuvos 41 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 16th, 2022

    Self-deception and unconscious self-destructive urges are confounding.  At times, we make best and sincerest efforts to avoid falling into certain patterns and dysfunctional behavior.  Despite this, like lemmings, we hurl ourselves over the cliff to our doom. Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse (Devarim 22:8) that instructs one to make their home safe: כִּ֤י תִבְנֶה֙ בַּ֣יִת חָדָ֔שׁ וְעָש …

Was Pharaoh a Lamdan? Yevamos 96 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 10th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis states that a halachic male minor who is nine years and one day old can perform the mitzvah of Yibum.  However, the status of this marriage is not complete until he consummates as a bar mitzvah, and if he dies before doing so, and now his wife falls to yibum to another brother, she must have chalitza and not yibum.  There is some discussion amongst the Rishonim about whether the marriage is valid according to Tor …

We Are All in the Same Boat Kesuvos 99 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 13th, 2022

What is shelichus or agency at its core?  On the one hand, it makes sense that we should be able to appoint another person as an agent to represent us and execute transactions. On the other hand, it is absurd. How can anyone ever really speak for us and stand in our place?  Even more puzzling, how is it that certain mitzvos can be accomplished by agency, and others not?   (Generally, the rule of thumb is that a mitzvah that mu …

We Are Not Alone Bava Metzia 81 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses what happens when two people agree to watch each other’s possessions.  Since they are both doing it in exchange, they are considered to be paid watchmen and liable for theft that could have been prevented by more vigilance.  However, the Gemara raises an objection:   But why is this the halacha? It is a case of safeguarding with the owners simultaneous involvement! There is a principle that …

We are Our Own Worst Enemy Eruvin 45 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 23rd, 2020

  פַּעַם אַחַת הִכִּירוּ בָּהֶן אוֹיְבִים וְרָדְפוּ אַחֲרֵיהֶם, וְנִכְנְסוּ לִיטּוֹל כְּלֵי זֵיינָן, וְנִכְנְסוּ אוֹיְבִים אַחֲרֵיהֶן. דָּחֲקוּ זֶה אֶת זֶה, וְהָרְגוּ זֶה אֶת זֶה יוֹתֵר מִמַּה שֶּׁהָרְגוּ אוֹיְבִים. בְּאוֹתָהּ שָׁעָה הִתְקִ …

We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident Nazir 61 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 24th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph implies that Gentiles are not specifically obligated in the commandment to honor thy father and mother. Likewise, Kiddushin (31a) indicates that even the notable Dama ben Nesina, whose stories of honoring his father were legendary examples and object lessons for the sages, was still technically not obligated in honoring his father.  A number of commentaries (see Yad Avraham and Rabbi Akiva Eiger on Shulkhan Arukh YD …

We Knead to Be Productive Sotah 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 21st, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis uses specific terms to describe two different levels of mental incapacity that would allow Beis Din to act on behalf of the husband, should his wife be suspected of adultery. In the first case they describe a Shoteh, which is a degree of mental incapacity (see Chagigah 3b which defines a Shoteh, as well as an interesting Psychology of the Daf, Chagigah 3, click here: https://nefesh.org/SimchaFeuerman/chaggigah--talmudic-we …

We Only Have What We Give Pesachim 35 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 25th, 2020

We Only Have What We Give - Isabelle Allende There is a wonderful Alshich on the following verse (Devarim 14:25-27) quoted by our Gemara: וְנָתַתָּ֖ה בַּכָּ֑סֶף וְצַרְתָּ֤ הַכֶּ֙סֶף֙ בְּיָ֣דְךָ֔ וְהָֽלַכְתָּ֙ אֶל־הַמָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִבְחַ֛ר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ בּֽוֹ׃ you may place the money. Wrap up the money in your hands and take …

We Shape Our Own Heaven or Hell Psychology of the Daf Yomi Gittin 48

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 3rd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis delves into the matter of payment and the varying forms it can take depending on the nature and circumstances of the obligation. It teaches us that someone who causes damage and is required to pay from their land assets must pay from the best of their land. However, a debtor who utilizes land may use land of medium quality. In a metaphorical and spiritual sense, mystics discuss how one should perceive sin and its consequen …

We THINK we are Mordechai, but Maybe we are Just Achashveirosh Yevamos 9 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 16th, 2022

Since today is Ta’anis Esther we will tie something from the Daf to a Maharal on Megillas Esther. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the concept of the Hebrew letter vav, which within scripture, can indicate that whatever is taught in the latter clause also applies to the former clause. In the Maharal’s Commentary on Megillas Esther (Ohr Chadash 1:10) he notes an interesting configuration of letter vavs in the verse that lists Achashv …

Weaving a Good Peshat Yevamos 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 11th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the prohibition of Shaatnez, a mixing of wool and linen, and how despite this general prohibition, it is permitted to mix wool and linen in Tzitzis. The Recanti (Ki Tetze 12) “weaves” a Brilliant symbolic explanation of both the prohibition of Shaatnez and why it’s permitted in Tzitzis. I will borrow from what he said, summarize and inject some of my own psychological understanding. It all begin …

Wedding Night Trauma Eruvin 47 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 25th, 2020

  In this section we will discuss and an unusual custom that, according to some, was enacted in order to forestall wedding night trauma. Imagine if one year the Moschiach came  and Elijah the prophet announced that this year the Mitzvah on Seder night is to have a Ham on Rye. Even the most devout believer would probably choke while trying to perform the Mitzvah. This is what wedding night trauma is for some couples who have spent their …

Wedding Night Trauma Yevamos 41 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 15th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references the custom in Judea (Mishna Kesuvos 1:5) of allowing the betrothed bride and groom to have a period of time to be alone together. (They are married through Kiddushin but have not yet completed nisuin.)
Rashi (“Chutz”) explains:
“That he be accustomed and playful with her, so they not be embarrassed of each other when they consummate on the wedding night.”
While this cus …

Weighing Sin Bava Metzia 41 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 9th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis considers the relative legal severity of two different kinds of watchmen: The free watchman, and the hired watchman. On a simple level, the hired watchman has more legal liability and severity than the free watchman. The hired watchman is liable for theft, and forms of non-negligent loss, while the free watchman can claim the object was stolen and be exempt, so long as he takes an oath that he employed an expected standard …

What Belongs to Us Chaggigah 8 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 16th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse in Devarim 16:17 Describing the expectations of devotional sacrifices one should bring on the festival: אִ֖ישׁ כְּמַתְּנַ֣ת יָד֑וֹ כְּבִרְכַּ֛ת הֹ אֱלֹקיךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָֽתַן־לָֽךְ׃  ⁦but each with his own gift, according to the blessing that the LORD your God has bestowed upon you. The Shalah ( של״ה תורה שבתב ראה דרך חי …

What Do Angels Know? Sotah 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 1st, 2023

Our Gemara on amud Aleph tells us that while prayers can technically be said in any language, there are metaphysical barriers when the prayer is not in the holy tongue, l’shon kodesh: תְּפִלָּה רַחֲמֵי הִיא כׇּל הֵיכִי דְּבָעֵי מְצַלֵּי It is stated in the mishna that the Amida prayer may be recited in any language. The reason for this is that since prayer is a request for divine mercy, one may …

What Do the Dead Know? Bava Metzia 16 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 15th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the idea that a repentant thief may be disturbed that his reputation as a thief would be discovered after his death. This implies that dead people have an awareness of the goings on in the physical world. However this is subject to debate in Gemara Berachos (18b) with a number of incidents with various sagely and pious persons, the dead and the living.   In one case, a man receives messages from a deceased …

What Does it Take to Achieve Forgiveness for Sin? Nazir 38 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 2nd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the principle that one does not receive the punishment of lashes for violating a general prohibition “lav shebichlalos”. The prohibition must be a specific item and not a broad or general category. Presumably, any time a negative commandment which also has some factor that lessens the intensity of the prohibition, it somewhat reduces the degree of punishment or reaction. There are other examples as we …

What Halachos Will Eliyahu Explain? Bava Metzia 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 5th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses several scenarios where there is an unresolved disposition of ownership:   In the case of two people who deposited money with one person, and this one deposited one hundred dinars and that one deposited two hundred dinars, and when they come to collect their deposit, this one says: My deposit was two hundred dinars, and that one says: My deposit was two hundred dinars, the bailee gives one hundred dinars to …

What is Mazal? Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 146

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 29th, 2020

שֶׁבָּא נָחָשׁ עַל חַוָּה הֵטִיל בָּהּ זוּהֲמָא, יִשְׂרָאֵל שֶׁעָמְדוּ עַל הַר סִינַי — פָּסְקָה זוּהֲמָתָן, גּוֹיִם שֶׁלֹּא עָמְדוּ עַל הַר סִינַי — לֹא פָּסְקָה זוּהֲמָתָן. אֲמַר לֵיהּ רַב אַחָא בְּרֵיהּ דְּרָבָא לְרַב אָשֵׁי: גֵּרִים מַ …

What is the POINT, really? Eruvin 53 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 1st, 2020

  מַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: לִבָּן שֶׁל רִאשׁוֹנִים כְּפִתְחוֹ שֶׁל אוּלָם, וְשֶׁל אַחֲרוֹנִים כְּפִתְחוֹ שֶׁל הֵיכָל, וְאָנוּ — כִּמְלֹא נֶקֶב מַחַט סִידְקִית. Similarly, Rabbi Yoḥanan said: The hearts, i.e., the wisdom, of the early Sages were like the doorway to the Entrance Hall of the Temple, which was twen …

What is Torah Study? Psychology of the Daf Eruvin 2

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 11th, 2020

  סוכה דאורייתא תני פסולה מבוי דרבנן תני תקנתא The Gemara answers: With regard to sukka, since it is a mitzva by Torah law, the mishna teaches that it is unfit, as if it is not constructed in the proper manner, no mitzva is fulfilled. Whereas with regard to an alleyway, where the entire prohibition of carrying is only by rabbinic law, the mishna teaches the method of rectification, as the cross beam comes …

What Kind of Suffering Merits Forgiveness? Gittin 42 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 27th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis delves into the sources and specific laws concerning the automatic release of a Canaanite slave whose master causes him to lose a limb. While the scripture mentions a tooth or eye, the halakhic interpretation extends it to any limb (See Shemos 21:27). Sefer Daf Al Daf presents an insightful derush and analysis of Aggadah by Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank (Vaera 6:5). When Moshe expresses concern over the continued suffering of the …

What loneliness is more lonely than distrust? Pesachim 13 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 4th, 2020

What loneliness is more lonely than distrust? George Eliot   Likewise, collectors of food for the charity plate, who would collect food in large vessels for the poor to eat, who do not have poor people to whom to distribute the food, sell the food to others and do not sell it to themselves, as it is stated: “And you shall be clear before God and before Israel” (Numbers 32:22). It is not sufficient that a person is without sin in …

What Makes a Jew Jewish? Kiddushin 68 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 20th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the status of a child born from a Gentile father and Jewish mother. The child is not a halakhic mamzer but is seen to be of inferior lineage and cannot marry into the priestly families.   This would seem to be contradicted by the following verse in Vayikra (24:10):   וַיֵּצֵא֙ בֶּן־אִשָׁ֣ה יִשְׂרְאֵלִ֔ית וְהוּא֙ בֶּן־אִ֣ישׁ מִצְרִ֔י בְּת֖ …

What We Have When We Have Nothing Gittin 68 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 23rd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis recounts a period in Solomon's life when he was usurped by the Asmadai demon, who took his place, forcing Solomon into exile. The verse, "And this was my portion from all of my toil" (Ecclesiastes 2:10), raises a question: What is the meaning of the expression "And this"? The Gemara explains that this expression typically refers to an item that is actually in the person's hand or can be shown. Rav and Shmuel offer differen …

What’s Worse? Being Constantly Cruel or Ending a Marriage? Sotah 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 31st, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an opinion that even though the Sotah ritual is activated by the husband according to a formula prescribed by the Torah, this act of jealously warning her to not to be alone with a certain suspected person is forbidden, because it causes strife (see Rashi).  Shitta Mekubetzes raises an obvious logical objection. If it turns out that he legitimately suspects his wife of immoral behavior, and he is not just b …

When Does Life Become Holy Yevamos 67 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 13th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the idea that עוּבָּר בִּמְעֵי זָרָה זָר הוא. A fetus in the womb of a non-Cohen who is married to a Cohen, is not considered a Cohen until it is born. This has halakhic implications in terms of the slaves in the household who ordinarily are allowed to eat Terumah as they are part of the Cohen’s household. However, in this case because they are partially owned by this fetus who is …

When Second Place is First Class Bava Kamma 109 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the status of the Biblically penalty of an extra fifth imposed for one who confesses that he denied a theft under oath. The particular case is regarding someone who stole from his father, and then denied it under oath, and before he can make restitution, his father dies. Technically, he inherited part of the fine due to his father, and one might think that his percentage of the inheritance should be deducted off …

When Stolen Waters are not so Sweet Bava Kamma 118 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 28th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the prohibition to buy stolen goods. The Rambam (Law of Theft 1:1) warns that to buy stolen goods of any kind is a grave sin, as it encourages the thief’s behavior.  Based on this, Yam Shel Shelomo (58:1) rules that it is still prohibited to purchase from a thief even if he technically acquired the item via making substantial changes so that it is no longer the same object, such as weaving wool into a …

When the Letter of the Law is to Go Above It Bava Metzia 83 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 21st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an incident where Rabbah bar Chanan’s hired porters broke a barrel of wine. Though they were legally hired as watchmen and thus responsible for the mishap, his teacher (Rav) required him to not only release them of liability for the broken barrel, but to even pay them their wages! Rabbah bar Chanan asked Rav, “Is this really the required Halacha?” Rav answered, “Yes it is”, quoting …

When There is Coercion, There Also is Obligation Kesuvos 29 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 4th, 2022

  Continuing our theme from yesterday’s daf about fear in the classroom and pedagogy, there is another dynamic involved in a relationship of dominance.  Whether ideal or not, when one party coerces and dominates the other party, there also is a moral obligation about the dominant party to provide for the subjugated party.  It is a truism in human nature.  For example, though the master may have many servants and obviousl …

When to Meddle and When Not Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 148

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 31st, 2020

אֶלָּא: הַנַּח לְיִשְׂרָאֵל, מוּטָב שֶׁיְּהוּ שׁוֹגְגִין וְאַל יְהוּ מְזִידִין. Rather, in these matters we rely on a different principle: Leave the Jewish people alone, and do not rebuke them. It is better that they be unwitting in their halakhic violations and that they not be intentional sinners, for if they are told about these prohibitions they may not listen anyway. for Vid …

When Torah and Your Emotional Needs Conflict

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 2nd, 2019

When Torah and Your Emotional Needs Don’t Feel Compatible   Persons who go through therapy and find access to their deeper feelings can become aware of conflicts that others may not be consciously aware of. For example, unfortunately there are a number of people who habitually talk in Shul. Some may get serious, develop self control, begin to appreciate the value of prayer and solemnity, and stop this behavior. Others may continue for …

When Will You Trust Me Again? Kiddushin 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 8th, 2023

In our Gemara on Amud Beis, we delve into the intricate process of "Gilgul Shevua," a unique legal procedure. 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, drawing inspiration from the repetition of "Amen …

When You Point a Finger, Three Other Fingers Point Back at You Nazir 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 25th, 2023

We have discussed many times in Psychology of the Daf (see Nedarim 78), Chazal were ambivalent about pious declarations of abstention, such as the vows of the Nazirite, and as the Gemara on daf 4b explains in regard to Shimon Hatzaddik’s suspicion regarding the sincerity of Nazirite vows. Yet, with proper intention and maturity to handle this period of abnegation, it can be a catalyst for humility and change. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells …

Where Charity Begins Bava Metzia 82 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 20th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a teaching of Rav Yitschak, regarding the status of a collateral object. Is the object considered still in the possession of the borrower, or once the collateral is taken, it is fully owned by the lender until such a time as the borrower repays the loan? One halachic outcome that depends on this distinction is if the object was lost due to unforeseeable circumstances. If the object is fully possessed by the lende …

Wherever You Go, That's where You'll Be Eruvin 55 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 2nd, 2020

  רָבָא אָמַר: ״לֹא בַשָּׁמַיִם הִיא״ — לֹא תִּמָּצֵא בְּמִי שֶׁמַּגְבִּיהַּ דַּעְתּוֹ עָלֶיהָ כַּשָּׁמַיִם, וְלֹא תִּמָּצֵא בְּמִי שֶׁמַּרְחִיב דַּעְתּוֹ עָלֶיהָ כַּיָּם. Expounding the verse differently, Rava said: “It is not in heaven” means that Torah is not to be found in som …

Who Deserves Wealth? Bava Metzia 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 3rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a judgment that people seem to have when comparing the wealthy to the impoverished. In certain halachic/legal situations, there is an assumption that the borrower trusts the lender’s financial assessment but not the reverse; the lender does not trust the borrower. One reason given for this by the Gemara is that people assume God would not have rewarded this man with wealth unless he was trustworthy. Conver …

Who Gets Married First? Nazir 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 16th, 2023

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph (and the previous Amud) takes a positive spin on the incestuous actions of Lot’s daughters. From their perspective, seeing the destruction of Sodom, they thought the world had come to an end. They saw it as their duty to repopulate the earth even if it meant having relations with their father. As such, since it was in their mind a mitzvah, so it was. (See yesterday’s Psychology of the Daf, Nazir 23.) א …

Who Got Esau’s Goat? Bava Basra 72 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 5th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph continues the sugya of ayin yaffa, that certain sales and/or gifts are done with a generous spirit which implies that certain extras may be included in the sale or gift. As we have seen in other blogposts, the idea of a gift of being given generously with extras also applies to spiritual gifts. Siach Sarfei Kodesh (Erev Shabbos Kodesh) uses this principal to explain an unusual phrase in the Shabbos morning Amidah. We say: …

Who is a Torah Ignoramus? Sotah 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 20th, 2023

Our Gemara on amud aleph lists various criteria that describe an ignoramus (in Torah), as called by the Gemara, an Am-Ha’aretz: תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: אֵיזֶהוּ עַם הָאָרֶץ? כֹּל שֶׁאֵינוֹ קוֹרֵא קְרִיאַת שְׁמַע שַׁחֲרִית וְעַרְבִית בְּבִרְכוֹתֶיהָ, דִּבְרֵי רַבִּי מֵאִיר. וַחֲכָמִים אוֹמְרִים: כֹּל שֶׁא …

Who is Testing Whom? Bava Basra 34 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 29th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses certain legal situations where both claimants have an equally valid argument, and one has no default assumption of ownership over the other:   There was an incident where two people dispute the ownership of property. This one says: It belonged to my ancestors and I inherited it from them, and that one says: It belonged to my ancestors and I inherited it from them. There was neither evidence nor presumptive o …

Who is Wrong? The Rebbe or the Student? Sotah 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 2nd, 2023

People from my parents’ generation used to draw a comparison to the old style of chinuch versus the new post Dr. Spock generation. In the old days, if a child came home from school and was crying that the teacher hit him, the parent would hit him again and say, I“If your teacher hit you, it must be for a good reason!“ While in our times, if a child came home, complaining that the teacher hit him, the parents would rush to the sc …

Who Wears The Pants in The Family? Eruvin 86 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 3rd, 2020

Maseches Eruvin 86 גמ׳ אמר רב הלכה כרבי שמעון ודוקא בתו אבל בנו לא דאמרי אינשי נבח בך כלבא עול נבח בך גורייתא פוק: GEMARA: Rav said: The halakha is in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Shimon. The Gemara comments: And this is the halakha only if one went to his daughter’s house; but if he went to his son’s house, no, this is not the halakha. One cannot be sur …

Whom Do We Venerate? The Mitzvah or the One Who Performs It? Bava Kamma 9 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 10th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the principle of Hiddur Mitzvah. There is an additional requirement beyond fulfillment of a mitzvah; that is to honor a mitzvah by somehow beautifying it. Rabbi Zeira said that for the embellishment of the performance of a mitzvah, one should spend up to one-third more than the cost. There is an apparent dispute between Rashi and Tosafos regarding the interpretation of "⅓ more." According to Rashi, one should s …

Whose Orders Are We Following? Kiddushin 42 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 24th, 2023

In our Gemara, we've been discussing the concept of agency, "shelichut." Several important principles have emerged: It is more honorable to perform a mitzvah oneself rather than appointing an agent, even if the mitzvah could technically be carried out by someone else. The concept of "Letikune Shidarticha" suggests that if an agent performs an action that clearly contradicts the appointer's intent, the agency is not valid for that particular ac …

Why Can’t You Just Move On? Kiddushin 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 1st, 2023

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 …

Why Do People Fake Their Identity? Kesuvos 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 29th, 2022

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 Do They Throw Stuff at the Chosson? Kesuvos 15 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 21st, 2022

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 We Hate that Which We Used to Love? Bava Basra 98 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 1st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Alephs comments on the relational consequences of arrogance:   One who is haughty is not accepted even by the members of his household, as it is stated: “The haughty man abides not” (Habakkuk 2:5). What does the phrase “abides [yinveh] not” mean? It means that even in his abode [naveh], he is not accepted.   Pesach Einayim wonders: If so, why do we see women who are attracted to a man specifica …

Wine and Romance Nedarim 68 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 1st, 2023

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 …

Wise Women and Warfare Eruvin 87 Psychology of the Daf Eruvin 25

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 4th, 2020

Wise Women and Warfare   This Daf refers to a city knows as Eyvel.  It is an unusual name.  It is mentioned in Tanach in regard ot the rebellion of Sheva ben Bichri against the King David (II Samuel 20).   וַתִּקְרָ֛א אִשָּׁ֥ה חֲכָמָ֖ה מִן־הָעִ֑יר שִׁמְע֤וּ שִׁמְעוּ֙ אִמְרוּ־נָ֣א אֶל־יוֹאָ֔ב קְרַ֣ב עַד־הֵ֔נָּה וַאֲדַבְּרָ …

With Enemies Like These, Who Needs Friends? Nedarim 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 4th, 2022

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 …

With Privilege Comes Responsibility Kiddushin 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 5th, 2023

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 …

Withholding Forgiveness Bava Kamma 105 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 15th, 2024

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 …

Without Safety There is No Intimacy Kesuvos 88 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 2nd, 2022

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 …

Woe Onto Him and Woe Onto Her Yevamos 29 Psychology of the Daf Yom

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 5th, 2022

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 …

Work for Your Freedom Bava Metzia 73 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 10th, 2024

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 …

Written Correspondence Nedarim 70 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 3rd, 2023

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 …

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

July 19th, 2022

  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 …

Yeridas Hadoros DeGeneration Shabbos 112

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 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 …

Yes Does Not Mean Yes Gittin 74 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 28th, 2023

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 …

Yichus Versus Achievement Yevamos 15 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 22nd, 2022

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 …

Yin and Yang Eruvin 56 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 2nd, 2020

  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 …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 11th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 24th, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 22nd, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 19th, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 30th, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 16th, 2021

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 12 Avoiding Relationship Gridlock Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 23rd, 2021

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 53 Balanced Prayer & Balanced Personality Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 2nd, 2021

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 67 Basket Case Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 16th, 2021

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 8 Be Wary of Spiritual Shortcuts Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 19th, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 5th, 2021

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 59 Bricks and Martyr Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 8th, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 2nd, 2021

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 60 Cloak and Gagger Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 9th, 2021

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 19 Cold Feet and Insomnia Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 29th, 2021

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 76 Common Sense Birth Control Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 25th, 2021

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 67 Cosmic String Theory Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 15th, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 10th, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 6th, 2021

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 52 Do Away With The Middleman Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 1st, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 23rd, 2021

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 80 Does the Torah Change? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 27th, 2021

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 15 Does True Evil Exist Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 25th, 2021

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 79 Don’t Get HANGRY Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 28th, 2021

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 62 Evil Twin Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 11th, 2021

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 26 Facilitating Learning Instead of Forcing Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 6th, 2021

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

Yoma 42 Fault by Default Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 21st, 2021

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 46 Flour Power Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 26th, 2021

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

Yoma 87 Forgiveness and Piety Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 6th, 2021

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 69 Freud Where Prohibited Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 18th, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 17th, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 12th, 2021

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 47 Hair-Tight Alibi Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 27th, 2021

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

Yoma 73 Halakhic Sex Education Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 22nd, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 4th, 2021

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 81 Healthy Body, Healthy Soul Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 30th, 2021

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 22 Healthy Control Instinct Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 2nd, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 21st, 2021

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 51 Heiron Curtain Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 31st, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 7th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 4th, 2021

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

Yoma 43 Holy Cow! Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 23rd, 2021

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 25 Holy Smokes! Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 5th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 1st, 2021

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 63 Ich Bin Ein Berliner Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 11th, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 3rd, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 13th, 2021

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 16 Kosher but Still Repulsive Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2021

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 78 Let Children be Children Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 27th, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 23rd, 2021

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 72 Living Torah Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 21st, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 28th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 30th, 2021

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 61 Permanently Broken? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 10th, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 20th, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 2nd, 2021

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 20th, 2021

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 56 Rebound Relationship with God Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 4th, 2021

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 70 Safe Landing Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 18th, 2021

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 54 Sex, Savages and Cellphones Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 3rd, 2021

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 35 Sexual Harassment and Irresistible Urges Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 14th, 2021

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 18 She Is Not Your Object Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 28th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 13th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 28th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 21st, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 14th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 25th, 2021

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

Yoma 38 Suicide and Halakhic Forgeries Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 18th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 14th, 2021

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

Yoma 27 The Gift of Service Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 7th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 27th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 14th, 2021

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

Yoma 88 The Source of Life Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 7th, 2021

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

Yoma 55 The Thin Red Line Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 4th, 2021

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

Yoma 45 Unity and Success Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 25th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 7th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 15th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 9th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 16th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 17th, 2021

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 30th, 2021

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

Yoma Daf 6 Sexual Satisfaction vs. Psychological Security

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 16th, 2021

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

Yosef’s Rebuke Nazir 55 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 19th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the situation of a mobile shelter, and if it has the same status as a stationary one, in that it protects one who is inside it from impurity on the outside such as traveling over a corpse. Tosafos (“Ve-Hatanya”) makes a distinction between a mobile shelter that is held up by people such as a litter, versus a waving cloak in the air that incidentally covers a person and a corpse.  The waving cloa …

You are WHEN You Eat Eruvin 85 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 2nd, 2020

Mishna   הַנּוֹתֵן אֶת עֵרוּבוֹ בְּבֵית שַׁעַר, אַכְסַדְרָה וּמִרְפֶּסֶת, אֵינוֹ עֵרוּב. וְהַדָּר שָׁם, אֵינוֹ אוֹסֵר עָלָיו. בְּבֵית הַתֶּבֶן וּבְבֵית הַבָּקָר וּבְבֵית הָעֵצִים וּבְבֵית הָאוֹצָרוֹת, הֲרֵי זֶה עֵרוּב. וְהַדָּר שָׁם, אוֹסֵר עָלָ …

You Can Lead The Horse To Water, But You Cannot Make Him Say Tashlich Bava Kamma 67 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 8th, 2024

Our Gemara discusses the concept that a stolen item can eventually become owned by a thief if it becomes substantially changed (though he still must pay for the object). One of the criteria that establish substantial change is if there is a change in the name and descriptor of the object. This can apply even to arbitrary name changes, such as if an ordinary myrtle branch which is now designated for the mitzvah changes from Asa (Hadassah) to Hosha …

You Can Take The Bachur Out Of The Yeshiva, But You Can’t Take The Yeshiva Out Of The Bachur Bava Basra 25

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis offers segulos for wisdom and wealth:
אמר רבי יצחק: הרוצה שיחכים – ידרים, ושיעשיר – יצפין, וסימניך: שלחן בצפון ומנורה בדרום. ורבי יהושע בן לוי אמר: לעולם ידרים, שמתוך שמתחכם מתעשר – שנאמר: ארך ימים בימינה, בשמאלה עשר וכבוד״.
Rabbi Yitzḥak says: One who …

You Can Take the Boy Out of Midian But You Can’t Take Midian Out of the Boy Kiddushin 75 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 27th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a dispute regarding how long it takes for a convert to be seen by the community as a regular member of the tribe, which has halakhic implications in terms of how many generations would be allowed to marry a mamzer. If the community thought of the convert as purely Jewish, it would be maris ayin (the appearance of sin), as a full member of the tribe may not marry a mamzer. Some say it takes until people no longer …

You Can’t Take It With You Bava Basra 149 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 21st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis further discusses the status of a deathbed gift and whether such a gift is automatically retracted if the person miraculously recovers. To assume an implied condition that would reverse an explicitly granted gift, there must be unambiguous evidence that this was the giver’s intention. Therefore, the rule only applies if the person gave away all his possessions, leaving nothing behind. Such actions indicate someone wh …

You Do Not Own Your Wife Bava Kamma 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 15th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the payment requirements of someone who hit a woman causing an unborn child to miscarry. The perpetrator must pay the father of the unborn compensation for loss. The Netziv (Shu”t Meishiv Davar 4:35) makes an important observation that has implications for the philosophy of marriage. Netziv says, you might wonder how the Gemara assumed it was obvious that the father was entitled to damages, even if he neve …

You Don’t Say? Bava Kamma 114 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 23rd, 2024

Our Gemara quotes Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi, using a distinctive phrase that other Tanaim do not use.  He introduces his opinion with, “Omer Ani”, which roughly translates to “I say” or “In my opinion”, but as we soon shall see, in Hebrew it has a different, more subtle and humble connotation.   Rav Yosef Engel (Beis Haotzar, Ma’areches aleph-vav, klal 33) notes that the meaning is something like &ldq …

You Don’t Say Bava Metzia 87 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 24th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph made an observation of the behavioral styles of the righteous versus the wicked, especially in terms of expressing and then following through with their commitments toward others: “The righteous say little and do much, whereas the wicked say much and do not do even a little.”   We can understand the wicked tend to over promise as they want to receive the admiration and appreciation in advance, without put …

You Eat What You Are Chaggigah 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 2nd, 2022

    Our Gemara on Amud Beis uses the famous Talmudic term, Chulin Shena’asu Al Taharas Hakodesh, which literally means non-holy produce that is treated with the same stringencies as sacrificial produce. As we saw in Psychology of the Daf Chaggigah 18, the pious chaverim conducted themselves with extra purity and maintained Tahara as if they were cohanim in the Beis HaMikdash, even in ordinary daily life. Of course the practice of …

You Live and You Learn Bava Metzia 91 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 29th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis further discusses the Biblically mandated allocation given to field laborers to eat from the produce they harvest while they work (Devarim 23:25-26).    וְכוּלָּן לֹא אָמְרוּ אֶלָּא בִּשְׁעַת מְלָאכָה, אֲבָל מִשּׁוּם הָשֵׁב אֲבֵידָה לַבְּעָלִים אָמְרוּ: פּוֹעֲלִין אוֹכְלִין בַּהֲלִיכָתָן מֵאו …

You Made the Wine, I Just Made the Grapes Bava Metzia 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 25th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis rules that the oath and various other obligations of a watchman are not applicable when it is an item that belongs to the Temple treasury. The verse states, “His peer” (Shemos 22:6) , which excludes something belonging to the sacred coffers.    Ohr Hachaim (ibid) offers a metaphysical-legal explanation. There is a well known exemption from obligations of the watchmen or borrower when we consider the o …

You Really Can’t Judge Bava Basra 172 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 13th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis explores a situation involving two people with identical names, as well as fathers with identical names. This creates a significant problem in the absence of last names, as the culture of the Talmud relied on patronymic identification—“son of so-and-so.” The Gemara chooses the example of “Yosef ben Shimon” to illustrate the issue. This choice of names has piqued the curiosity of many commentat …

You Really Can’t Take it With You Bava Metzia 46 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 14th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis rules that according to Rabbi Yochanan, by Torah law, money effects acquisition. It is only a rabbinic mercantile protection that required an additional physical acquisition beyond payment for material objects, as the seller might be negligent of the merchandise, while it is still in his possession, since it was fully acquired now by the purchaser. Therefore, the rabbis enacted a protective measure that ownership does not …

Your Attitude Counts Bava Metzia 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 5th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses the procedure of tithing animals.  Animals born from this year's cycle are put in a corral, and one by one, pass through a gate, counted by a staff.  Every tenth sheep is tagged with a red mark and becomes masser (Mishna Bechoros 9:7).  If a counted sheep somehow jumps over the gate and returns back to the non-tithed group, the entire group is now rendered exempt from any further tithing procedures …

Your Money or Your Life Pesachim 25 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 16th, 2020

  As it was taught in a baraita that Rabbi Eliezer says: If it is stated: “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,” why is it stated: “And with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5)? And if it is stated: “With all your might,” why is it stated: “With all your soul”? One of these statements appears to be superfluous. תַנְיָא, רַבִּי אֱלִיע …

Your Special Mitzvah Kiddushin 39 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 21st, 2023

Our Mishna on Amud Beis presents a cryptic concept, highlighting the potential power of just one mitzvah: Anyone who performs one mitzvah has goodness bestowed upon him, his life is lengthened, and he inherits the land, i.e., life in the World-to-Come. And anyone who does not perform one mitzvah does not have goodness bestowed upon him, his life is not lengthened, and he does not inherit the land of the World-to-Come. The Gemara goes on to explai …

Zealots and Instinct Yevamos 100 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 15th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis teaches us that a cohen must have precise knowledge of his lineage in order to serve in the Temple. This applies even if he is sure that he is a cohen. So long as he does not know his exact father, then he is invalid. The derivation comes from the verse: ״וְהָיְתָה לּוֹ וּלְזַרְעוֹ אַחֲרָיו״, בָּעֵינַן זַרְעוֹ מְיוּחָס אַחֲרָיו. “And it shall be to him …

Zealous Cohanim Eruvin 103 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 20th, 2020

This Gemara discuses a well known principle of אין שבות במקדש there are no rabbinic restrictions within the Temple.  The basic understanding of why this is true, is because the Cohanim are zealous and thus would be unlikely to make a mistake (רבנו יהונתן ערובין קב א).  In Other words, the priest, especially in the Holy Temple site, do not require extra strength and cease to protect them from inadvertent vi …

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