Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
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Showing Results 80 - 120 (1715 total)
At What Cost Does Change Come?
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 9th, 2020
This last Friday night I fell asleep pondering a scientific riddle: The Boro Park community suffered painful losses during the initial days of Covid. This community mostly ignored the distancing policies. Some will say, with large families and a religious lifestyle dependent on continuous communal interaction between shul, weddings, mikvah and school, they found it too hard to treat as a priority. Whatever the case may be, in th …
Athens or Jerusalem? Nedarim 53 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
December 16th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the rabbinic enactment that the very earth from outside Israel has an impurity to it. Shem MiShmuel (Ki Savo 9) discusses the mystical peshat in why this is so. Land itself has a certain drive and magnetic draw. Many cultures refer to their country land as “mother” or “father”. The Torah itself has references to the land itself, almost like it has a personality. For example (Vayikra …
Atoning In Advance? Nedarim 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 4th, 2022
Is there a Torah idea that one can atone for future sins? Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the reason why the Nazir must bring a sin offering. Though there have been numerous Midrashic and exegetical interpretations, the most provocative one is offered by Ramban on Chumash (Bamidbar 6:11). He says: In accordance with the plain meaning of Scripture, [it is because] this man sins against his soul on the day of completion of his Naziritehood …
Attachment and Mindfulness Bava Basra 44 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 8th, 2024
Tosafos on Amud Beis (“V’lo”) discusses a quasi legal opinion that each Jew owns their own four cubit section in the land of Israel, by virtue of inheritance from ancestors. Even though these lands were conquered, because they were done so illegally, they are still in the possession of the rightful owners. As we discussed extensively in blog posts Psychology of the Daf Bava Basra 34 & 37, the righteous person sees God …
Attachment, Consensus and Aggression Bava Basra 132 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 5th, 2024
The Rashbam, at the beginning of Amud Aleph, discusses aspects of the kesuba (Jewish marriage contract) that make it different from other debts. It has limitations on lien enforcement and variations in collection power, partly reflecting a reality observed by the Rabbis in social patterns. Recognizing that women—due to lower earning potential and other economic disadvantages—might experience vulnerability after marriage, the Rabbis en …
Attachment Issues Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 141
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 24th, 2020
תְּנַן: נוֹטֵל אָדָם אֶת בְּנוֹ וְהָאֶבֶן בְּיָדוֹ? אָמְרִי דְּבֵי רַבִּי יַנַּאי בְּתִינוֹק שֶׁיֵּשׁ לוֹ גַּעֲגוּעִין עַל אָבִיו. We learned in the mishna: A person may take his son in his hands on Shabbat; and this is permitted even though there is a stone in the child’s hand. As it can be inferred from this mishna that th …
Attitude of Gratitude Kesuvos 8 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 14th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis cautions against making negative and pessimistic declarations, as somehow verbalizing them can cause them to come about. Jewish tradition most definitely believes in the power of words. A number of sources that were brought to my attention,, courtesy of Rabbi Moshe Elafant’s sugya shiur on this daf are: A Teshuva of the Rashbah (Hameyuchas Leramban 286) states that we cannot know sometimes why bad …
Attitudes of the rich and successful Bava Basra 144 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 15th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis explores the distribution of profits from inherited assets prior to dividing an estate. It discusses cases where one brother might contribute more effort or productivity, but the benefit may still be shared among all brothers if they’re supporting each other as part of a household. The Gemara states: “If one of the brothers engaged in a trade of his own volition, the profits are his alone. The Sages taught in a …
Attuned Relationships Kiddushin 25 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 7th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph, we encounter an incident involving a group of elders from the city of Nezonya who declined to attend a Shiur (lecture) by Rav Chisda: סָבֵי דְנָזוֹנְיָא לָא אֲתוֹ לְפִירְקֵיהּ דְּרַב חִסְדָּא, אֲמַר לֵיהּ לְרַב הַמְנוּנָא: זִיל צַנְּעִינְהוּ. אֲזַל אֲמַר לְהוּ: מַאי טַעְמָא לָא אֲתוֹ רַבָּנ …
Authentic Freedom Gittin 13 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 29th, 2023
Authentic freedom is a complex concept that has been debated by philosophers and theologians for centuries. Authentic freedom includes the ability to make one's own choices, the absence of coercion or oppression, and the pursuit of one's own values and goals. Our gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the psychological and halakhic concept of עַבְדָּא בְּהֶפְקֵירָא נִיחָא לֵיהּ for a slave. Becoming free is not necessarily …
Avoiding Obsessing Over Mitzvos Kiddushin 54 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2023
In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, we encounter a compelling argument regarding the use of Temple vestments by a Cohen for personal purposes. The Gemara boldly states: "שֶׁלֹּא נִיתְּנָה תּוֹרָה לְמַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁרֵת." "The Torah was not given to the ministering angels." That is to say, since it would be impossible to calculate the precise moment when the service was finished, expecting the Cohen to immediatel …
Avraham Had it All Bava Basra 141 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 13th, 2024
Our Gemara on amud aleph presents a curious interpretation of the verse about Avraham in Bereishis (24:1): “And Avraham was old, well advanced in age; and the Lord had blessed Avraham with everything [bakkol]” (Genesis 24:1). Rabbi Yehuda explains that this blessing meant Avraham had a daughter, whom he named Bakkol. At first glance, this statement seems puzzling—would the Sages have us believe that the phrase “blessed wit …
Baal Teshuva Syndrome Gittin 10 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 25th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the status of Matzah baked by Cuthite. According to this Gemara, though this nationality converted to Judaism under duress, the conversion was still valid, and they had the status of Jews. However, the Cuthites didn’t quite absorb the full message of Judaism and often would follow the written Torah but not trust the Rabbinic oral tradition. According to one opinion, even though of course, we are stri …
Back to the Future Nazir 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
January 29th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the challenge of the Nazir who unfortunately becomes exposed to a corpse. The verse seems to indicate that he must start his counting all over again. So whatever time he pledged to become a Nazir must now be repeated after he undergoes a purification process. The verse states (Bamidbar 6:12): וְהַיָּמִ֤ים הָרִאשֹׁנִים֙ יִפְּל֔וּ כִּ֥י טָמֵ֖א נִזְ …
Backlash for Sins Kesuvos 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 10th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the verse in Devarim (25:2-3) which are the scriptural source for the punishment of lashes. It is notable that though the verse states 40 lashes, there is a rabbinic tradition that seemingly overrides the explicit verse and the number of lashes is never to exceed 39. (For more on the philosophical and psychological implications of this dichotomy, see Psychology of the Daf, Kesuvos 32.) Regardless of the …
Bad Hair Day Nazir 9 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
February 1st, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states that according to the opinion of אין שאלה בהקדש, one cannot annul vows made for sanctification purposes, one also cannot annul a nazirite vow. Tosafos offers a proof text that Nazirhood is a sacrament (Bamidbar 6:5): קָדֹ֣שׁ יִהְיֶ֔ה גַּדֵּ֥ל פֶּ֖רַע שְׂעַ֥ר רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃ He shall be holy, the one who grows the hair of his head. The simple understanding is that …
Bais Shammai and Top Down Thinking Nazir 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
February 22nd, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis (continuing to 31a) discusses a dispute between Bais Shammai and Bais Hillel regarding if an item is declared consecrated for the Bais Hamikdash in error. Bais Shammai holds it remains sanctified, while Bais Hillel holds that since its inception was in error, the sanctification never takes hold. We have discussed elsewhere in Psychology of the Daf (Eiruvin 13) how thematically Bais Shammai relates to an ideal state, Edenic …
Balance is Fluid Nazir 49 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
March 13th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Beis records a discussion where Rabbi Yehuda (the Tanna) became angry that they allowed the students of Rabbi Meir into the Shiur. His objection was based on the fact that they were “kanteranim”, which we can translate as excessively argumentative. There is a similar Gemara in Kiddushin (52b) regarding a different halakhic discussion, but likewise Rabbi Yehuda became vexed because they allowed the students of Rabbi …
Balanced Spiritual Diet Kiddushin 69 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 20th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that the Bais HaMikdash is the highest spot in the land of Israel, and Israel is the highest land in the world. The Maharal (Be’er Hagolah 6) explains that this height is not referring to a physical height but rather a balance point. Maharal explains that a circle actually has no top or bottom, and since the earth is round, it's absurd to discuss a highest point. Rather, just as the top of a slope represent …
Balancing Acts: Divine Patterns in Chaos and Creation Sanhedrin 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
January 9th, 2025
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the concept of Zabl”a, where two litigants choose a judge, and those two judges then select a third. Chaim V’Chessed (124) compares this to the encounter of Chessed (total giving) with Gevurah (strength, boundaries), which manifests Tiferes (compassion and mercy). The idea that stability is achieved through the encounter of two, producing a balanced third, is a recurring pattern throughout the physic …
Be a Patient Teacher Eruvin 54 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 2nd, 2020
רַבִּי פְּרִידָא הֲוָה לֵיהּ הָהוּא תַּלְמִידָא דַּהֲוָה תָּנֵי לֵיהּ אַרְבַּע מְאָה זִימְנֵי וְגָמַר. יוֹמָא חַד בַּעְיוּהּ לְמִלְּתָא דְמִצְוָה. תְּנָא לֵיהּ וְלָא גְּמַר. Having discussed the importance of reviewing one’s Torah study, the Gemara relates that Rabbi Perida had a certain …
Be an "Absorbent" Jew Eruvin 40 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 18th, 2020
לִבְרוֹךְ עֲלֵיהּ וְלַנְּחֵיהּ — הַמְבָרֵךְ צָרִיךְ שֶׁיִּטְעוֹם! לִיתְּבֵיהּ לְיָנוֹקָא — לֵית הִלְכְתָא כְּרַב אַחָא, דִּילְמָא אָתֵי לְמִסְרַךְ. And if you say that he should recite the blessing over a cup of wine and leave it and drink it only after the conclusion of Yom Kippur, this too is difficult …
Be Careful What You Wish For Kesuvos 111 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 25th, 2022
Even in the metaphysical world where all things are possible, it can be a bad idea to push too hard. Our Gemara on Amud Aleph, according to one text of Rashi, discusses an “oath” placed upon the Jewish people in exile to abstain from “pushing for the end.” Rashi explains the Jewish people should not force the Mashiach to come via excessive prayer. That is a difficult idea to understand. Can there be too much prayer? And I …
Be Kind to Animals Because You Never Know…Bava Kamma 51 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
December 22nd, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the idea of making sure that despite someone having been convicted with the death penalty, the mitzvah of “Love thy neighbor” dictates that we choose the least painful and most dignified way to administer the punishment. For example, if the death punishment involves stoning (which actually is preceded by being thrown from a high structure, it should be constructed sufficiently high that he dies quick …
Be Physical in Order to be Spiritual Nazir 51 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
March 15th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph continues the discussion of various states of decomposed flesh, and when it still is within the threshold of a corpse, to the extent that it can render a Nazir impure. Such corpse dust must not contain foreign ingredients mixed within it: תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן אֵיזֶהוּ מֵת שֶׁיֵּשׁ לוֹ רָקָב מֵת שֶׁנִּקְבַּר עָרוֹם בְּאָרוֹן שֶׁל שַׁיִש …
Be Strong, Victory is at Hand Yevamos 28 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 4th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that a certain Mishna could not be understood by Rabbi Yochanan. That is he could not find a single Tanna’s position that could satisfactorily explain the halakhic outcome of the Mishna. We won’t get into the specific shakla v’tarya of the Gemara other than to note that part of Rabbi Yochanan’s assertion hinged on maintaining that the halakha does not factor in a concern of death in otherw …
Beautifying or Deceiving? Bava Metzia 60 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 28th, 2024
Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses deceitful business practices, such as feeding an animal in a certain way to make it temporarily appear more robust than it actually is, or grooming a slave and dyeing his hair so he will appear younger. Rav Yaakov Emden (Hagahos Ya’avetz, ibid) discusses if it is permitted for a woman of marriageable age to adorn herself with make-up and other cosmetics to appear pretty, and rules that it is permitte …
Beauty: Hedonistic or an Important Value? Yevamos 34 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 10th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us Er’s motivation to prevent Tamar’s pregnancy was so that her beauty not be sullied from the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth. From the reading of this Gemara one might draw the conclusion that the idea itself of concern about the rigors of pregnancy and the impact on beauty is an unworthy thought. As if to say, we should be above all those base physical concerns. However, Bereishis Rabbah (45:4) indi …
Beauty May be More than Skin Deep, But he Gets Under My Skin Kesuvos 77 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 21st, 2022
As we saw in Psychology of the Daf Kesuvos 75, the Gemara identifies a feminine quality of being able to find a husband attractive and even noble, despite glaring external and personal flaws. Yet it also is important to realize that this does not happen in a vacuum; she may be looking to find his good side but he also must endeavor to bring it out (see the Ben Yehoyada we quoted.) Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the Mishna that describes ce …
Becoming Nothing: The Art of Prayer and Self-Obliteration Sanhedrin 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
January 8th, 2025
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the well-known verse in Tehillim (16:8): “I have set Hashem before myself continuously.” Rav Ḥana bar Bizna says that Rabbi Shimon Ḥasida says: One who prays needs to see himself as if the Divine Presence is opposite him, as it is stated: “I have set the Lord always before me” (Psalms 16:8). The simple meaning of this is to visualize, when praying, that one is actually standing before …
Behavioral Momentum Bava Basra 176 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
December 18th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references how the sages were careful to enact ordinances that protected purchasers from unknown liens and repossessions. However, they balanced this with a need for reasonable mechanisms for creditors to collect debt so as not to discourage people from lending. Additionally, there is a mitzvah incumbent upon the heirs to pay debts from the estate of the deceased, as discussed on 174a. The Pele Yoetz ("Loveh") employs bot …
Being Amongst the People Gittin 7 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 23rd, 2023
OurGemara on 6b and 7a tells us about how to give instruction and guidance during the hectic time preceding the arrival of Shabbos: אָמַר רַבָּה בַּר בַּר חָנָה: הָא דְּאָמְרִי רַבָּנַן: שְׁלֹשָׁה דְּבָרִים צָרִיךְ אָדָם לוֹמַר בְּתוֹךְ בֵּיתוֹ עֶרֶב שַׁבָּת עִם חֲשֵׁיכָה: עִשַּׂרְתֶּם? עֵרַבְתֶּם? ה …
Being Good While You Are Bad Bava Basra 43 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 7th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis refers to the principle of ba’alayv imo. Ordinarily the borrower of an object has full liability, even for unavoidable accidental losses with zero neglect on his part. However, if the owner was employed by the borrower in some for of labor at the time of the lending, then the borrower is exempt from liability. The Ateres Yeshua on Parashas Mishpatim adds a symbolic meaning to this legal tort: God is the owner, …
Being in the Zone Bava 51 Basra Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 15th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph records a discussion where one sage mentions that the other was not within our “techum” so he was not able to join the discussion. The word “techum” in Hebrew, translates to the word boundary. Rashbam interprets this literally, explaining that in those times they would establish the Beis Midrash (study hall) on the border of the city, allowing others from nearby cities who are within t …
Being Quiet is Different than Listening Sotah 39 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 7th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses two proof texts for the requirement to be silent when the Torah is being read. אָמַר רָבָא בַּר רַב הוּנָא כֵּיוָן שֶׁנִּפְתַּח סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה אָסוּר לְסַפֵּר אֲפִילּוּ בִּדְבַר הֲלָכָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר וּבְפִתְחוֹ עָמְדוּ כׇּל הָעָם וְאֵין עֲמִידָה אֶלָּא שְׁתִיק …
Being Realistic about Ability & Mood Eruvin 29 Psychology & the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 7th, 2020
אָמַר רָבָא: הֲרֵינִי כְּבֶן עַזַּאי בְּשׁוּקֵי טְבֶרְיָא. אֲמַר לֵיהּ הָהוּא מֵרַבָּנַן לְרָבָא: תַּפּוּחִים בְּכַמָּה? אֲמַר לֵיהּ: וְכִי מְעָרְבִין בְּתַפּוּחִים? Rava once said when he was in an especially good mood: Behold, I am like the intellectually sharp ben Azzai, who would regularly expound …
Beis Shammai and Beis Hillel: Potential Versus Actual Yevamos 38 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 14th, 2022
Our Gemara on amud beis notes a dispute between Shamai and Hillel regarding the status of debt recorded in a valid note signed by witnesses. Shamai holds that a debt recorded in a bill of debt that is awaiting collection is as though it was already collected to the extent that the creditor is considered to be in possession of the debt. Hillel holds it is still considered uncollected.
This has significance in relation to a situat …
Beitzah 18 A Drop in the Bucket of Teshuva Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 17th, 2021
Our Gemara discusses the concept of Hashaka. Hashaka, which etymologically is related to both kissing (neshika) and drinking (lehaskos), is the idea that two containers of liquid can join globally as one item. That is to say, if you had water that was impure inside a vessel, if you submerged the vessel in a Mikvah just to the rim, where the water in the vessel and the water in the Mikvah are momentarily joined, the water now becomes part of the M …
Beitzah 35 A Nagging Problem in Marriage Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 4th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the halakhic status of water dripping into a house from a leaky roof, and if it is permitted to put a pot underneath it to collect the drippings. You sort of can imagine this man’s wife begging him to get the roof fixed before Yom Tov, and him procrastinating. While we are on the subject of leaky roofs and nagging, let us take a look at what Mishley has to say about this: משלי כ״ז:טו דֶּ֣לֶף …
Beitzah 40 Absent Mindedness and Relationships Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 8th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a particular sage, Rav Chana bar Chanilai who was so involved in his studies, that Rav Huna told him his meat was more prone to being under the ban of unknown meat because he would not pay attention to where it was placed and therefore may have been switched with Non Kosher meat. In essence, with all due kavod, Rav Chana bar Chanilai was being called absent-minded. The absent-minded processor archetype is indeed …
Beitzah 10 Alive and Unpredictable Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 9th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis Discusses assumptions to make about the states of various items. For example if one set aside $100 of tithes, but then came back and found $200. Shall he assume this is a totally new $200 and it’s not sacred, or shall he assume that $100 is still from the tithe? And a similar question came up regarding live animals, such as if one designated three doves for slaughter and use on Yom Tov, and he came back and found onl …
Beitzah 39 All’s Well that Ends Well? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 8th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the wells made for the people from Babylonia who would use them when ascending to Israel for the festivals. These wells are discussed as well in Mishna Nedarim 5:5 and Gemara Bava Kama 50a. The Gemara over there in Bava Kama tells us an interesting story about a sage who was famous for maintaining and digging these wells as a public service: Having mentioned the deeds of Neḥunya, the Gemara relates that the …
Beitzah 33 An Absorbent Jew Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 1st, 2021
The Gemara on Amud Beis uses a common rabbinic term for one who is liable for whipping when violating a biblical injunction, with witnesses and a warning: סוֹפֵג אֶת הָאַרְבָּעִים , which literally means “absorbs the 40 whiplashes”. I am curious about this interesting term to “absorb” the lashes. Etymologically, the word, סופג absorb is a verb form of the noun ספוג which is a spong …
Beitzah 21 As the Crow Flies Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 20th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph records an interesting idiom used by Rav Huna in response to a question he did not want to answer. He told the person, “Look, a raven flies in the sky.” Rashi tells us that it was meant to distract the petitioner, presumably in the hopes that he would leave him alone as he was exhausted at that time from giving shiur and Torah study. Rabbenu Chananel explains that it was actually a criticism, suggesting …
Beitzah 27 Blather, Rinse, Repeat Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 26th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells of a Shaalah asked of Rava close to Yom Tov evening while he was already washing his hair for the holiday. It’s important to note the emotional availability and patience the rabbis had for pressing, last minute questions. Of course, many readers are familiar with the famous incident in Gemara Shabbos (31a) where two pranksters made a wager to see if they could make Hillel lose his patience. Hillel too was prepa …
Beitzah 14 Blind Faith Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 13th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that Rav Sheshes was able to tell from the sound the pestle made, which substance was being grinded and the manner in which the pestle was being held. An additional factor not mentioned in this Gemara is that Rav Sheshes was blind (Berachos 58a), and so like many persons with some disabled sense, we may surmise that another sense takes over and compensates. Rav Sheshes’ hearing was stronger to augment …
Beitzah 31 Calling a Spade, a Spade Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 27th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis uses interesting and graphic terminology to describe the two sides of an axe, and its halakhic implications: It is taught in the mishna that even when it is permitted to chop wood on a Festival, one may not do so with an axe. Rav Ḥinnana bar Shelemya said in the name of Rav: They taught this prohibition only with regard to a case where one chops with its female side, i.e., the broad side of the axe, as was normally done. …
Beitzah 34 Completely Faithful Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 3rd, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis considers oneg shabbos, the delight of shabbos to be an essential factor even so far as making unprocessed produce considered complete and obligated in maaser, when ordinarily it would be considered exempt. The Shita Mekubetzes explains that the gravitas of shabbos itself, and that you are choosing to enjoy it on shabbos, somehow makes the produce complete even if not actually fully processed. This corresponds well w …
Beitzah 3 Count Yourself In Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 3rd, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the concept that certain items are not nullified even when mixed with large quantities. The standard Torah rule is that a majority of a permitted substance nullifies a minority of a forbidden substance, if they become mixed together. (If there is a transfer of taste in the mixture, then additional amounts are required to the point that the taste of the forbidden substance is no longer detectable, which is e …
Beitzah 12 Don’t Blow Off Shabbos Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 10th, 2021
On Daf 43 of Succos we discussed some of the factors behind the strange practice of not blowing shofar on Rosh Hashana, and that the official reason of lest one carry seems to be only a surface level explanation. Further in support that the official reason of fear of carrying is not sufficient, The Yismach Moshe (Emor 14) cites our Gemara where it is suggested that Bais Shammai could hold that carrying in a public domain is forbidden …
Beitzah 4 Eggs-xaggerated Prohibitions Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 3rd, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that sometimes even the language of the Mishna can be an exaggeration to emphasize a point. In our Gemara one Tanna, to emphasize the permissibility of an egg, declared that even the shells are permitted to eat! The Gemara (Tamid 29a) actually catalogues instances where the Torah, the prophets and the Mishna chose to use exaggerated expressions. Today, we are going to look at one exaggeration from the Zohar, that …
Beitzah 11 Every Jew Has One Special Mitzvah Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 10th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that we cannot assume that a dove will return to its coop if it does not have a line of sight, even if it is within 50 amos. Thus, even a close-by coop that was around the corner, would not attract the Dove back to its nest. The language of this Gemara is too redolent of derash to be ignored. The Ishbitzer (Beis Yaakov Vayechi 26), citing this Gemara, compares the dove to a Tzaddik, and says that a Tzaddik …
Beitzah 16 Give Someone’s Heart a Head’s Up Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 15th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph weighs the ethics of whether one is obligated to inform another of a gift that is being given: One who gives a gift to his friend need not inform him that he has given it to him, and he need not concern himself that the recipient might not realize who gave it to him. As it is stated: “And Moses did not know that the skin of his face was radiant” (Exodus 34:29); Moses received this gift unawares. The Gemara rai …
Beitzah 13 Happily Ever After? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 12th, 2021
The Gemara on Amud Beis tells us that Rav’s and Rav Chiyya’s wife would prepare cups of peeled barley grains for their husbands. The Gemara cites this as a proof that such an amount is not considered too large as to be processing the food for later instead of impromptu eating on the spot. When it is impromptu, certain leniencies apply in regard to preparing food for Yom Tov, as well as leniencies in tithing. Since Rav Chiyya was …
Beitzah 15 Having Your Cake Lekovod Yom Tov, and Eating it Too Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 14th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis records a dispute between Rabbi Eliezer and Rabbi Yehoshua about the correct manner in which to celebrate Yom Tov: As it is taught in a baraita that Rabbi Eliezer says: A person has no way of fulfilling the mitzva of a Festival correctly apart from either eating and drinking, thereby fulfilling the mitzva of joy in a completely physical manner, or sitting and studying Torah, thereby emphasizing only the spiritual; and t …
Beitzah 2 Hurry Up and Wait Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 1st, 2021
Our Gemara on this Daf discusses the prohibition known in Lomdus as Hakhana De-Rabbah, that is the unique prohibition of passive preparation that Rabbah derives from the verses describing the preparation for Sabbath and the Manna in Shemos 16. Essentially, according to Rabbah, something prepared on a non-weekday for a holiday, such as on Yom Tov for shabbos the next day, or Shabbos for Yom Tov the next day, is forbidden. This applies even t …
Beitzah 22 In the Dark About Modesty Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 20th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph asks whether it is permitted to extinguish a lamp on Yom Tov in order to have marital relations. What is the reason that it is considered important to extinguish the lamp before engaging in marital relations? It is considered to be improper and immodest to engage in sexual intercourse where the private parts of the body can be seen. This is codified in Shulkhan Arukh EH 25:5 and OH 240. This prohibition natura …
Beitzah 28 My Body, God’s Choice Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 27th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis mentions two prohibitions: Bluris, which was a hairstyle that left the hair in the middle while cutting the sides, perhaps looked like a Mohawk, and was offered as a dedication to a pagan deity (See Rambam Laws of Idolatry 11:1). By extension, rabbinic literature refers to Bluris as any gentile style haircut which is at times forbidden if truly a prohibited gentile custom, and at times frowned upon as too secular, ev …
Beitzah 29 Power Sift Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 27th, 2021
The Gemara relates that Rav Ashi’s wife was once sifting flour onto a table on Yom Tov, rather than into a bowl in the usual manner. Rav Ashi said: This one of ours, my wife, is the daughter of Rami bar Ḥama, and Rami bar Ḥama is a master of good deeds who is meticulous in his performance of mitzvos. Had my wife not observed this practice in her father’s house, she would not have acted in this manner. Therefore, one can learn the …
Beitzah 23 Rebel Without a Pause Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 23rd, 2021
Our Gemara records that the rabbis were unhappy with Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah who did not rebuke his neighbor for allowing his cow to wear a strap between its horns on Shabbos, as they considered it forbidden. The Chiddushei Chasam Sofer Chulin 142a uses this Gemara to explain another Gemara in Chagigah 3a: The sages asked whose turn it was this Shabbos to teach halakha to the masses. When they heard it was Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah’s …
Beitzah 38 Ridicule or Rejoicing? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 7th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph and Beis tells us of an incident where When Rabbi Abba ascended from Babylonia to Eretz Yisrael, he said: May it be God’s will that I say a statement of halakha that will be accepted by my listeners in Eretz Yisrael, so that I will not be put to shame. In the end, his statements were ridiculed as not being analytically sound. The Chasam Sofer says Rabbi Abba’s prayer was not granted, as it was with …
Beitzah 32 Rules of Power in Marriage Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 1st, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us: There are three whose lives are not lives, and they are as follows: One who looks to the table of others for his sustenance; and one whose wife rules over him; and one whose body is ruled by suffering. Ben Yehoyada says the main issue of concern regarding “letting one’s wife rule over him”, is relying on your wife for financial support. There is support for his interpretation because the G …
Beitzah 20 Same Old Story? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 19th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us a story about Hillel the elder who was confronted by the zealous students of Shammai on his way to bring an Olah sacrifice on Yom Tov. Now according to Hillel, one may bring an Olah sacrifice on Yom Tov, but according to Shammai at this point in the Gemara, one may only bring a Shelamim sacrifice. Unlike the Olah, a Sehlamim has meat that can be eaten and hence it is ochel nefesh, permitted food preparation on Yo …
Beitzah 7 Temptation, Fear and Attachment Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 6th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph through Beis tells us that though technically a hen can lay an unfertilized egg at any time, we assume the rooster׳s presence would keep the hen waiting and desirous of the rooster. Hence she will wait to lay her eggs after she has a chance to mate with the rooster. The Gemara discusses the exact circumstances of the rooster’s presence, such as being able to hear the rooster's crow. In Hilchos Yichud, there …
Beitzah 36 The Crushing Price of Indecision Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us an interesting halakhic story about Abaye and his Rebbe Rabbah: The Gemara relates: Abaye’s millhouse once developed a leak on Shabbat. Abaye was concerned about the potential damage to the millstones, which were made partly of clay and which would become ruined from the leaking water, and he did not have enough buckets to catch all the water without emptying and refilling them. But the water was unfit fo …
Beitzah 17 The Danger of Lying to Yourself Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 15th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us that there is a distinction and potential stringency in regard to someone who employs a trick to cook from one day of Yom Tov to the other versus one who intentionally cooks. If one cooks a number of items on day one of Yom Tov rationalizing that it is all for day one, knowing full well that he really is cooking for day two, the food is forbidden. Yet, despite this, the Gemara considers that if one intentionally v …
Beitzah 19 The End is the Beginning Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 17th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us of a dispute between Rabbi Shimon and Rabbi Elazar, his son. When the verse (Devarim 16:16) describes the obligation of making a pilgrimage on the festival, the Gemara also reads an implied reference to the prohibition of delaying a pledged sacrifice (which is actually described in 23:22.) When the verse repeats Succos, after stating Pesach and Shavous, it is understood as redundant since the previous verses …
Beitzah 37 The Full Benefits Package Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 6th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis draws a distinction between an animal shared by two individuals and a barrel of wine. Each partner may take a portion of the contents of the barrel up to his limit of the techum boundary without being bound by his partner’s techum boundary. Yet partners in an animal cannot do so, and each is bound by the other’s limit. What is the reason for this distinction? The Gemara explains that a live animal cannot be div …
Beitzah 24 The Song of Torah Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 23rd, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses an interesting idiom. Abaye tells Rav Yosef, in response to his asking of what practical significance is his question, “Gemara Gemor, Zamorta Tehey? Shall the Gemara be as a song?” Meaning, even when there is no practical difference, understanding the Gemara in its depth is important, as it is not merely a song. Pri Tzaddik (VaYikra 6:1) notes that they used to study in sing song in order to promote memor …
Beitzah 30 The Unintentional Sins of Rebuke Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 27th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph makes a statement about times when it is better not to argue with people who seem to insist they are correct, and will not be receptive to guidance, despite them being erroneous and sinful: Leave the Jews alone; it is better that they be unwitting sinners and not be intentional sinners. When it comes to family members who do what we believe is wrong, it is so hard to keep quiet and take the long game. It is embarrassing a …
Beitzah 6 Verbal Archeology Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 5th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that If one died on the first day of a Festival, gentiles should attend to his burial. Now the Gemara mentions an interesting phrase to refer to gentiles, “amemim”, literally nations. This is an usual phrase and not frequently used. Usually “Akum” or “Nuchri” is used. Is there any significance to this particular language? Linguistically, the term “Amemim” means &ldq …
Beitzah 5 We Had a Good Few Days Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 3rd, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the idea that once a matter is forbidden by a rabbinic vote, it requires a vote to lift the prohibition, even If the original reason no longer applies. Rav Yosef derives it from the verses that require celibacy from the Jewish people prior to the giving of the Torah. Even though it was clearly a temporary ban, in order to focus and prepare for this spiritual event, the verse later seemed to require an additional …
Beitzah 8 Why Did the Chicken NOT Cross the Road Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 6th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis mentions a concept discussed numerous times in the Gemara and in poskim, aseh docheh lo taaseh, that a positive command in the Torah generally overrides a negative prohibition. For example, a linen four cornered cloak can have wool Tzitizs attached to it, even those this is shaatnez. The sugya in the beginning of Yevamos discusses the sources in depth, but what is the actual meaning behind this order of operations? On a lo …
Beitzah 9 Yom Tov Depression Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 9th, 2021
Our Gemara discussed various leniencies that can be enacted in order to maintain a feeling of joy on Yom Tov, such as making sure certain foods are available. This got me wondering about people who find it challenging to enjoy Yom Tov. The Shalah (Aseret HaDibrot Shabbos Ner Mitzva) quotes a Kol Bo that discusses a state of being called “Yiush Simchas Yom Tov”, giving up on the the joy of Yom Tov. There are people who expe …
Benefits Claws Nedarim 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 27th, 2022
Our Gemara on amud aleph considers that certain actions are not concrete benefits, and even if one made a vow to not receive any pleasure from the other person, he still may receive this kind of benefit. For example, the Gemara considers paying a debt as metaphorically chasing away a lion, that is a non-act. Technically you didn’t give the person anything, you just saved his sheep from the lions. So too, paying a person’s debt m …
Better than Before Gittin 34 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
June 19th, 2023
Our Gemara discusses an instance where a man seems to express a change of heart regarding divorce, but his language is unclear: גִּידּוּל בַּר רְעִילַאי שַׁדַּר לַהּ גִּיטָּא לִדְבֵיתְהוּ אֲזַל שְׁלִיחָא אַשְׁכְּחַהּ דַּהֲוָה יָתְבָה וְנָוְולָה אֲמַר לַהּ הֵא גִּיטִּיךְ אֲמַרָה לֵיהּ זִיל הַשְׁתָּא …
Beware of Heavenly Bureaucracy Bava Basra 68 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 1st, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse in Iyov to prove the definition of a particular word known as “Shelachim”, which seems to be certain kinds of fields irrigated by water. Who gives rain upon the earth and sends [sholeaḥ] waters upon the fields” (Job 5:10) The Gemara (Ta’anis 10a) uses the same verse to draw a distinction between how the land of Israel is supported by rain versus other lands: Ere …
Beyond Forgiveness: The Power of Repentance Kiddushin 61 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 5th, 2023
Our Gemara on amud beis raises various proofs to Rabbi Meir's position that legal conditions for them to be binding must have both the positive and negative clause enumerated. Thus, one must state, "If you do X, then I will grant Y." The Gemara raises a question from the verse where God instructs Cain (Bereishis 4:7): הֲל֤וֹא אִם־תֵּיטִיב֙ שְׂאֵ֔ת וְאִם֙ לֹ֣א תֵיטִ֔יב לַפֶּ֖תַח חַטָּ֣א …
Biblical Russia Collusion Hoax Bava Basra 159 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
December 1st, 2024
Our Gemara on amud aleph grapples with why relatives are not able to testify. The logical reason is that since they have bias, their testimony is suspect. The gemara rhetorically asks, “If so, why are Moses and Aaron disqualified from bearing witness for their father-in-law? Could this be because their testimony is not deemed credible? Are we to think that THEY could lie?” This leads the Gemara to conclude that the disqual …
Birth Control After Peru Urvu DAF YOMI Shabbos 110
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
June 25th, 2020
Mareh Mekomos for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 110 DAF YOMI from a psychological perspective. Mareh Mekomos 110b יַרְקוֹנָא תְּרֵין בְּשִׁיכְרָא, וּמִיעֲקַר. וּמִי שְׁרֵי? וְהָתַנְיָא, מִנַּיִין לַסֵּירוּס בָּאָדָם שֶׁהוּא אָסוּר — תַּלְמוּד לוֹמַר: ״וּבְאַרְצְכֶם לֹא ת …
Biting Words Bava Basra 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 22nd, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses an Aramaic idiom to describe slander and libel, “ochel kurtza”, for now we can translate it as “nibbling” a metaphor for gossip. This Aramaic idiom is used generally for any type of gossip, and often specifically in the Gemara, to the act of slandering the Jews to the secular government. Actually, the first use of this phrase can be found in Daniel (3:8), which speaks of the Jews being slander …
Bizarre Punishments and Their Meaning Gittin 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 12th, 2023
In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, we encounter the description of the afterlife punishments for three infamous evildoers: Bilaam, Titus, and Yoshka. Bilaam was destined to be boiled in semen, Yoshka was fated to suffer in boiling excrement, and Titus received the punishment of being ground and burned to dust. These punishments are difficult to understand literally, so let us delve into their symbolic meaning. The Maharal provides an explanation (Netza …
Black Widow Yevamos 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 6th, 2022
Our Mishna on Amud Aleph discusses the scenario of a woman whose sister married her husband’s brother, and there is also another brother as well. The Mishna goes on to discuss what happens if the brother married to sister number one died childless, and then the other brother who was not married to the sister does Yibum. Should this brother also die childless, the third brother has no Mitzvah of Yibum since his dead brother’s wife also …
Blended Families Kesuvos 101 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 14th, 2022
Our Mishna on Amud Beis discusses financial arrangements for fathers and stepfathers. Blended families present significant challenges, and sadly, otherwise successful relationships have failed as a result of the conflict between parents and step-children.
According to Walsh (Walsh, W. 1992, Twenty major issues in remarriage families. Journal of Counseling & Development, 70, 709-715) some factors to consider are:
(1) What to call t …
Blessings in de Skies Kesuvos 91 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 4th, 2022
How do you assign value to something that is priceless? As the saying goes though, the best things in life are free. As we discussed in yesterday’s daf, the kesubas benin dichrin is a circumvention of Torah inheritance law designed to encourage the father of the bride to give generous dowries. We also discussed that they only allowed the Kesubas Benin Dichrin clause to be activated when there would be at least one dinar left from the estate …
Blind Body Connection Kesuvos 105 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 16th, 2022
Our Gemara on amud aleph, paraphrasing a series of verses, warns that a judge who takes bribes, even merely by accepting flattering actions, will eventually be blinded to the truth, and perhaps become literally blind. תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: ״כִּי הַשּׁוֹחַד יְעַוֵּר עֵינֵי חֲכָמִים״, קַל וָחוֹמֶר לַטִּפְּשִׁין. ״וִיסַלֵּף דִּבְרֵי צַדִּיקִים״ …
Blind Faith? Bava Basra 130 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 1st, 2024
Our Gemara on amud beis provides principles for deriving halachic rulings from precedent and observed behaviors of authoritative sources and rabbis: One may derive the halakha neither from a statement nor from an incident where one saw a ruling issued in a certain manner, unless the Sages explicitly tell him that it is the practical halacha. If he asked the Sages and they told him the practical halakha, he may go and act upon the ruling in …
Blind Faith Bava Kamma 87 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
January 28th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph shares Rav Yosef’s musings about his status as a blind person: At first, I would say: If I hear one who says that the halacha is in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Yehuda, who says: A blind person is exempt from the mitzvos, then I will host a festive day for the Sages. What is the reason? It is that I am not commanded and nevertheless I perform mitzvos. But now that I heard this statement of Rabbi Ḥanina, as …
Blindsight is 20/20 Gittin 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
June 8th, 2023
In our discussion on Amud Aleph, there is a dispute between Rav Sheshes and Rav Yosef regarding the qualification of a blind person to serve as a messenger for delivering a Get (bill of divorce). The Gemara explores various reasons for disqualifying a blind person, including the inability to testify accurately due to not knowing the parties involved. However, Rav Yosef challenges this argument by pointing out that a blind person can recognize oth …
Book Review: I Am for My Beloved
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
December 16th, 2019
Book Review I Am for My Beloved A Guide for Enhanced Intimacy for Married Couples David S. Ribner and Talli Y. Rosenbaum Imagine one day, on the eve of the Pesach Seder, Eliyahu HaNavi issued a special hora’at Sha’ah, commanding all the Jews to eat a Ham and Cheese sandwich while reclining at the Seder instead of the usual Matzah and Maror. Even the most devout believers would have great difficulty fulfilling this unusual …
Book Review: Modern Man in Search of a Soul by Carl Gustav Jung
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 28th, 2019
Carl Gustav Jung was originally a student of Freud, but it was in matters of religion and spirituality that he began to differ, and eventually broke away from his teacher and mentor. Jung was keenly interested in religion and spiritual process and how they related to his empirical studies of psychology. Jung’s Analytical Psychology provides a superb foundation for developing a religion-friendly psychological approach. Like Freu …
Borrowed Language Nedarim 42 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
December 6th, 2022
Our Mishna on Amud Beis describes The scope of activities that one would be forbidden to engage in with a person he made a vow to not have any benefit from. Two different words are used to describe the activity of lending. In Hebrew שאלה she’elah is used for borrowing objects, while halva’ah הלוא is used for borrowing money. This distinction exists in Hebrew but not in English. In English we use the word lend and borrow …
Boundaries and Privacy Psychology of the Daf Yomi Gittin 78
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 2nd, 2023
In our Gemara on Amud Aleph, the discussion revolves around domains that are defacto considered personal, allowing the woman to acquire the Get even if she is technically still on her husband's property. One such location is analogous to the Babylonian equivalent of a pocketbook. Even if this item is on the ground (see Tosafos), and the ground belongs to the husband, it is understood to be designated for her personal use, enabling her to acquire …
Boundary Violations Nedarim 12 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 6th, 2022
Poor boundaries can lead to bad decisions, even when you mean well. Our Gemara references the fast day Tzom Gedaliah, which has to do with events described in Yirmiyahu 41. Gedaliah ben Achikam, the persian government’s appointed leader of the remaining Jewish settlement in Israel, was assassinated by Yishmael ben Netanya in a cruel double cross and massacre of innocent people. The Gemara Niddah (61a) notes that the verse implies guil …
Bread of Shame Bava Metzia 38 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 5th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph makes an assertion about the psychology of ownership pride in order to explain the following position stated by the Mishna:
In the case of one who deposits produce with another, even if it is lost due to spoilage or vermin, the watchman may not touch it, as it is not his.
What is the reason that the first tanna said that the watchman should not touch the produce? Rav Kahana says that it is based on the p …
Brewing Heresy Bava Basra 148 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 20th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis continues discussing the status of deathbed gifts. One feature of these gifts is that if the person miraculously recovers, the gifts are reversed, as it is assumed the person most likely did not intend to give them away if he were going to survive. However, strong evidence is required to support this assumption, and thus the rule only applies if the person gives away all of his possessions, leaving nothing behind. Such act …
Bring Back the Chapsem
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
January 1st, 2020
I grew up in a neighborhood and a time where anti semitism was normal . We were spit at, threatened, and had our bikes stolen fairly consistently. I never realized how much it hurt. All of the sudden now a lot of trauma is coming back to me and I’m reliving it for the first time. I am angry and physically sick about it. A few days ago, just passing on the street a bunch of High School aged kids mumbled racial epithets at me. I’m not o …
Bringing the House Down Eruvin 39 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 17th, 2020
אִי צוּרְבָּא מֵרַבָּנַן הוּא, אָמְרִינַן: שְׁמַעְתָּא מְשַׁכְתֵּיהּ. וְאִי עַם הָאָרֶץ הוּא, אָמְרִינַן: חַמְרָא אִירְכַס לֵיהּ. The Gemara explains: If he is a Torah scholar [tzurva merabbanan], we, the observers, would say: Perhaps his study pulled him, i.e., he was engrossed in his study and was not paying attention to where he …
Build Back Better - The Jewish Version Bava Kamma 60 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
January 1st, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references a verse from Yeshaiyahu (57:19): בּוֹרֵ֖א (נוב) [נִ֣יב] שְׂפָתָ֑יִם שָׁל֨וֹם ׀ שָׁל֜וֹם לָרָח֧וֹק וְלַקָּר֛וֹב אָמַ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה וּרְפָאתִֽיו׃ The creator of heartening, comforting words: Peace, peace upon him who is far and him who is near—said GOD —And I will heal them. The Gemara Berachos …
Build Your Boundaries Before Marriage Sotah 44 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 12th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the appropriate order of development to prepare for marriage: תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן אֲשֶׁר בָּנָה אֲשֶׁר נָטַע אֲשֶׁר אֵרַשׂ לִימְּדָה תּוֹרָה דֶּרֶךְ אֶרֶץ שֶׁיִּבְנֶה אָדָם בַּיִת וְיִטַּע כֶּרֶם וְאַחַר כָּךְ יִשָּׂא אִשָּׁה וְאַף שְׁלֹמֹה אָמַר בְּח …
Building the Inner Sanctuary Kesuvos 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 11th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph through Beis relates several teachings of Bar Kappara, which at first do not seem linked, but we shall see are connected: There are two optimal days for marriage, Thursday and Friday. Thursday because the blessing for the fish to be fruitful and multiply was stated (Bereishis 1:22), and Friday because the blessing for Man was stated (ibid, 28). The preference is for the marriage day to be Friday if not for c …
Buried Feelings Bava Basra 102 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 4th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph and Tosafos discuss the restrictions on disinterring and disturbing the dead. There are various reasons offered for this prohibition. The Gemara later on (154a) implies that exposing the decomposed body to viewing eyes is disrespectful of the body, and the person who once occupied it. Gesher Chaim (26:10), based on a Yerushalmi, rules that even if the body is fully decomposed and so there is no rot, it is inherentl …
Buried Treasure Bava Metzia 17 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
March 15th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis used a particular idiom to describe the discovery of a novel Torah idea: “Drawing up the pearl underneath the clay shard.” Some understand this as a metaphor coming from pearl divers, who find pearls hidden under clay-like clods under the sea (see Tosafos ibid). I will reflect on this metaphor. The idea that intellectual activity involves a deep dive, associated with risks is certainly meaningful. One ca …
Buried Treasure Bava Metzia 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
March 20th, 2024
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the behavioral psychology of money. One is more likely to become quickly aware of losing currency in comparison to other objects. Since it is the way of people to constantly feel their pockets and check if their money is there, if one found money in the street, he may assume the owner already became aware of the loss. This has ramifications in terms of the obligation to return lost items, as the owner …
BUT...Did You Ask Daas Torah?? Eruvin 72 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 20th, 2020
וְלִיפְלְגִי בִּמְסִיפָס לְהוֹדִיעֲךָ כֹּחָן דְּבֵית שַׁמַּאי! כֹּחַ דְּהֶיתֵּרָא עָדִיף. The Gemara asks: If they disagreed in both cases, let them disagree in the baraita about a mesifas, and thereby inform you of the strength of Beit Shammai. They are stringent and require a separate contribution to the eiruv for each and every group, even in the case of a me …
Buy Now, Repent Later Bava Kamma 108 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
February 18th, 2024
Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses a case where one stated the claim that a thief stole the deposit and took an oath and then witnesses came and testified that he had taken it, and he returned and again stated the claim that a thief stole the same deposit and again took an oath and then witnesses came and again testified that he had taken it. More notably, Rambam (Hilchos Geneiva, 4:5) rules that even if this occurred 100 times, if he makes the o …
By Any Means Necessary Bava Kamma 56 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
December 28th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the liability of an owner who left an animal secured in a corral, but also in intense heat. Though the wall of the corral was sturdy, and therefore it was highly improbable that the animal should break out, and even if it did so in an unusual manner such as digging under the wall, we hold the owner liable for the damage the animal caused after it escaped. This ruling is despite the standard position of the Gemar …
By Any Means Necessary Pesachim 27 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
December 18th, 2020
This Gemara discusses a scenario where the first generation Amora, Shmuel, amends a beraisa deliberately. Although usually the Halakha is not in accordance with Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi when a majority of sages oppose him, here the halakha was in accordance with him even against the majority. Shmuel reworded the beraisa to “falsely” indicate Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi’s opinion as the “Rabbis”, as if he was a majority, so those …
By Your Blood Shall Ye Live Kesuvos 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 15th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a case of a woman who was lacking in menstrual blood, and also possibly those who tend to have less menstrual and virginal blood. On the one hand it is considered an advantage, in reducing questions about Niddah. But it also presents a problem regarding fertility. This ambivalence about menstruation on a practical level is also discussed in a mystical sense by Rav Tzaddok in Peri Tzaddik (Lag Baomer 5):&nbs …
Can a Sin be the Will of God? Nazir 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
February 15th, 2023
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the phenomenon of a sin that was not committed, but only due to technical interference. In other words, the person really wanted to commit the sin, just somehow circumstances prevented him from doing so: תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן אִישָׁהּ הֲפֵרָם וַה׳ יִסְלַח לָהּ בְּאִשָּׁה שֶׁהֵפֵר לָהּ בַּעְלָהּ וְהִיא לֹא יָדְעָה הַכּ …
Can Eliyahu Hanavi Come and Visit? Kesuvos 61 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 5th, 2022
A fixture of Jewish lore is Giluy Eliyahu, that is a revelation of Eliyahu the Prophet. What is this experience and how does it compare to prophecy and Ruach Hakodesh? Is it something that can still be experienced today? The Gemara (Sotah 48b) speaks of a cessation of the ability to experience prophecy and ruach Hakodesh in successive generations but notably never ruled out a final mode of divine revelation, the bas kol. (Elsewhere in Psychology …
Can God Regret? Nedarim 26 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 20th, 2022
Our Gemara on this daf discusses the halakhic concept of הנדר שהותר מקצתו. הותר כולו if a portion of a vow is deemed null, then the entire vow may be rendered invalid. As we discussed in Psychology of the Daf Nedarim 22, there are two legal mechanisms to annul a vow. Beis Din must either come up with a reason that you “regretted” having made it, known as “charata”, or that there was a certain ci …
Can You Force Someone to Do You a Favor? Yevamos 111 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
June 26th, 2022
What are the bounds and limits for helping another person out, and to what extent is there a legal halachic obligation? Our Gemara on amud beis describes a situation where a man is not obligated personally to perform chalitzah, as according to his account he is not bound by yibum and she was not able to furnish objective proof as to her status. However, the woman, according to her subjective account, is bound by her own admission.&nbs …
Can You Take Back What You Say? Nedarim 69 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
January 2nd, 2023
Don’t you wish you had a relationship rewind button? Wouldn't it be nice if after we said something stupid or hurtful, we can just delete it? No long tortured apologies, just, “Oops, I should not have said that, please strike it from the record!” Our Gemara on this Daf discusses various permutations of the father’s and/or husband’s ability to annul the young daughter’s, or wife’s, vow. O …
Carpe Diem Yevamos 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2022
Our Gemara on amud beis tells us that though we discourage the convert in order to determine his or her motivations, and to make sure he or she is fully committed. However, once he agrees, we begin the process immediately. The Gemara says this is because we do not delay a mitzvah. Once could especially imagine that as an adult, if the process also involved circumcision, it is frightening. Therefore it is a good idea to follow through …
Caste of Characters Chaggigah 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
February 27th, 2022
Our Gemara mentions the extensive additional restrictions, that the Rabbanim who were known as perushim, took upon themselves. They would conduct themselves with stringencies that treated ordinary non/sacred foods as if they were sacred. They conducted themselves with similar maintenance of ritual Purity as if they were Cohanim who ate of the sacrifices. From what I can tell, the term Perushim and Chaverim are analogous in Shas (See Yachin Demai …
Causation, Not Correlation Bava Basra 110 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 13th, 2024
Our Gemara on amud aleph offers advice on how to determine a suitable mate based on lineage: Rava says: One who marries a woman needs to first examine her brothers so that he will know in advance what character his children will have, as it is stated: “And Aaron took Elisheva, the daughter of Amminadav, the sister of Nahshon” (Exodus 6:23). By inference from that which is stated: “The daughter of Amminadav,” do I no …
Caving Into Pressure to Sell Nedarim 45 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
December 9th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a scenario where two partners in a yard make an oath, forbidding each from deriving benefit from the other. Some of the factors that must be considered are: if this is a yard can be divided. That is, there are certain legal rules that dictate whether or not the area is big enough to be divided. In Choshen Mishpat, if a yard is too small to bevdivisible in an equitable manner, one partner may force the other to ei …
Chaggigah 2 Higher Education Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
February 10th, 2022
Our Gemara on amud aleph relates the machlokes between the house of Shamai and the house of Hillel regarding what is the age of a child whom the parents are obligated to bring up for the festival pilgrimage. Who has the status of a minor with regard to this halakha? Any child who is unable to ride on his father’s shoulders and ascend from Jerusalem to the Temple Mount; this is the statement of Beis Shammai. And Beis Hillel say: Any child wh …
Cosmic Clerical Error Chaggigah 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
February 11th, 2022
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us the very strange story of how the Angel of Death mistakenly took the wrong person. He was supposed to take Miriam the Hairdresser but instead took Miriam the Nanny. The error came from the similarity of their names: Miriam Megadla Sear Miriam who braids hair, and Miriam who raises children Miriam Megadla dardeki. Once the error is realized, it’s too late and both Miriams are taken by the Grim Re …