Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
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Showing Results 1600 - 1640 (1704 total)
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
A Doting Attuned Father Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 154
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 7th, 2020
Shabbos אַבָּיֵי אַשְׁכְּחֵיהּ לֵיהּ לְרַבָּה דְּקָא מְשַׁפְשֵׁף לֵיהּ לִבְרֵיהּ אַגַּבָּא דְחַמְרָא. אֲמַר לֵיהּ: קָא מִשְׁתַּמֵּשׁ מָר בְּבַעֲלֵי חַיִּים! אֲמַר לֵיהּ: צְדָדִין הֵן, וּצְדָדִין לָא גְּזַרוּ בְּהוּ רַבָּנַן. מְנָא תֵּימְרָא — ד …
Does G-d Give a Nisayon that Cannot be Overcome? Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 153
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 5th, 2020
מַאי טַעְמָא שָׁרוּ לֵיהּ רַבָּנַן לְמִיתַּב כִּיסֵיהּ לְגוֹי? קִים לְהוּ לְרַבָּנַן דְּאֵין אָדָם מַעֲמִיד עַצְמוֹ עַל מָמוֹנוֹ, אִי לָא שָׁרֵית לֵיהּ — אָתֵי לְאֵיתוֹיֵי אַרְבַּע אַמּוֹת בִּרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּים. GEMARA: We learned in the mishna: One who was tr …
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 …
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 …
Getting it All Done Before Shabbos Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 150
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 31st, 2020
shabbos אֵין מַחְשִׁיכִין. תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: מַעֲשֶׂה בְּחָסִיד אֶחָד שֶׁנִּפְרְצָה לוֹ פִּרְצָה בְּתוֹךְ שָׂדֵהוּ וְנִמְלַךְ עָלֶיהָ לְגוֹדְרָהּ, וְנִזְכַּר שֶׁשַּׁבָּת הוּא, וְנִמְנַע אוֹתוֹ חָסִיד וְלֹא גְּדָרָהּ, וְנַעֲשָׂה לוֹ נֵס וְעָלְתָה …
Formidable Foreskin Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 149
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 2nd, 2020
וְאָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר רַב: בְּשָׁעָה שֶׁבִּיקֵּשׁ אוֹתוֹ רָשָׁע, לַעֲשׂוֹת לְאוֹתוֹ צַדִּיק כָּךְ, נִמְשְׁכָה עׇרְלָתוֹ שְׁלֹשׁ מֵאוֹת אַמָּה, וְהָיְתָה מְחַזֶּרֶת עַל כׇּל הַמְּסִיבָּה כּוּלָּהּ. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״שָׂבַעְתָּ קָלוֹן מִכּ …
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 …
Culture Bound Expressions of Mental Illness Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 147
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 31st, 2020
וְאֵין עוֹשִׂין אַפִּיקְטְוִיזִין בְּשַׁבָּת. אָמַר רַבָּה בַּר בַּר חָנָה אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: לֹא שָׁנוּ אֶלָּא בְּסַם, אֲבָל בַּיָּד — מוּתָּר. תַּנְיָא, רַבִּי נְחֶמְיָה אוֹמֵר: אַף בַּחוֹל אָסוּר מִפְּנֵי הֶפְסֵד אוֹכָלִין. We also learned in t …
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 …
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 …
Deal or No Deal Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 144
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 28th, 2020
Shabbos 144 מִידֵּי אִירְיָא? דַּעֲרַבְיָא אַתְרָא, הָכָא — בָּטְלָה דַּעְתּוֹ אֵצֶל כׇּל אָדָם! The Gemara rejects this answer: Is this comparable? Arabia is a place, and a custom practiced in an entire country is significant. Here, with regard to the practice of the house of Menashya bar Menaḥem, who was an individual, his opinion is rendered irrelevant in relation to …
Mother's Milk and Torah Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 143
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 27th, 2020
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE DAF Today’s Shiur Shabbos 143
Mareh Mekomos מֵּא לְרָצוֹן וְשֶׁלֹּא לְרָצוֹן, חֲלֵב הַבְּהֵמָה שֶׁמְיוּחָד בֵּין לִקְטַנִּים בֵּין לִגְדוֹלִים, אֵינוֹ דִּין שֶׁיְּטַמֵּא בֵּין לְרָצוֹן וּבֵין שֶׁלֹּא לְרָצוֹן? אָמְרוּ לוֹ: אִם טָמֵא חֲלֵב …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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: ״ …
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 …
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 …
Change and the Mesorah Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 134
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 17th, 2020
מַתְנִי׳ מַרְחִיצִין אֶת הַקָּטָן בֵּין לִפְנֵי הַמִּילָה וּבֵין לְאַחַר הַמִּילָה, וּמְזַלְּפִין עָלָיו בַּיָּד, אֲבָל לֹא בִּכְלִי. רַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר בֶּן עֲזַרְיָה אוֹמֵר: מַרְחִיצִין אֶת הַקָּטָן בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁי שֶׁחָל לִהְיוֹת בְּ …
Is it Permitted to Charge Fees for Medical Information Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 133
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 17th, 2020
דַּרְשַׁהּ רָבָא בְּמָחוֹזָא, קַרְעִינְהוּ בְּנֵי מִנְיוֹמֵי אָסְיָא לְמָנַיְיהוּ. אֲמַר לְהוּ: שְׁבַקִי לְכוּ חֲדָא. דַּאֲמַר שְׁמוּאֵל: הַאי מַאן דְּמָשֵׁי אַפֵּיהּ וְלָא מִנַּגֵּיב טוּבָא — נִקְטְרוּ לֵיהּ When Rava taught this cure in Meḥoza, the sons of Manyo …
Making Conscious Decisions Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 132
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 16th, 2020
Making Conscious Decisions Shabbos 132 for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 132 מִילָה דּוֹחָה אֶת הַצָּרַעַת, מַאי טַעְמָא? דְּאָתֵי עֲשֵׂה וְדָחֵי לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה. Initially the tanna thought that circumcision overrides leprosy. What is the reason for this? He relied on the principle that a positive mitzva comes and override …
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 …
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 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 …
Is it Wrong to Abuse an Artificial Intelligence Shabbos 128
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 12th, 2020
Shabbos 128 וְהָא קָא מְבַטֵּל כְּלִי מֵהֵיכֵנוֹ! סָבַר מְבַטֵּל כְּלִי מֵהֵיכֵנוֹ דְּרַבָּנַן, צַעַר בַּעֲלֵי חַיִּים דְּאוֹרָיְיתָא, וְאָתֵי דְּאוֹרָיְיתָא וְדָחֵי דְּרַבָּנַן. The Gemara asks: Does he not, by placing the cushions and blankets, negate a vessel’s preparedness? The cushions and bla …
Encountering the Other Shabbos Daf 126 & 127
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 10th, 2020
מְפַנִּין אֲפִלּוּ אַרְבַּע וְחָמֵשׁ קֻפּוֹת שֶׁל תֶּבֶן וְשֶׁל תְּבוּאָה מִפְּנֵי הָאוֹרְחִים וּמִפְּנֵי בִטּוּל בֵּית הַמִּדְרָשׁ, אֲבָל לֹא אֶת הָאוֹצָר. One may clear away even four or five baskets of straw or produce to make room for guests or on account of the neglect of the study hall, but not the storehou …
Hitting Rock Bottom Shabbos 125
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 9th, 2020
וּבְמַאי קָמִיפַּלְגִי — בְּהַאי קְרָא: ״תַּנּוּר וְכִירַיִם יוּתָּץ טְמֵאִים הֵם וּטְמֵאִים יִהְיוּ לָכֶם״, רַבִּי יְהוּדָה סָבַר: מְחוּסָּר נְתִיצָה — טָמֵא, שֶׁאֵין מְחוּסָּר נְתִיצָה — טָהוֹר. וְרַבָּנַן סָבְרִי: ״טְמֵאִים יִהְיוּ …
Human Dignity Shabbos 124
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 8th, 2020
For video shiur click here: Shabbos 124 יָתֵיב רַב סָפְרָא וְרַב אַחָא בַּר הוּנָא וְרַב הוּנָא בַּר חֲנִינָא, וְיָתְבִי וְקָאָמְרִי: לְרַבָּה אַלִּיבָּא דְּרַבִּי נְחֶמְיָה הָנֵי קְעָרוֹת הֵיכִי מְטַלְטְלִינַן? אֲמַר לְהוּ רַב סָפְרָא: מִידֵּי דְּהָוֵה א …
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 …
Discipline of Children and Halakha Shabbos 121
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 6th, 2020
for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 121 We learned in the mishna: However, if a Jewish child comes to extinguish a fire on Shabbat, they do not listen to him and allow him to extinguish it, even though he is not yet obligated in mitzva observance, because responsibility for his rest is incumbent upon the Jew. The Gemara seeks to conclude: Learn from this that a child who eats meat from unslaughtered animals o …
It Takes a Village Shabbos 122
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 6th, 2020
for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 122 דְּנֵר לְאֶחָד נֵר לְמֵאָה Bava basra 144b תנו רבנן אחד מן האחין שנטל מאתים זוז ללמוד תורה או ללמוד אומנות יכולין האחין לומר לו אם אתה אצלנו יש לך מזונות אם אין אתה אצלנו אין לך מזונות The Sages taught: With regard to one of the br …
No Hebrew Word for Fail Shabbos 120
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 3rd, 2020
for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 120 דְּבָרִים שֶׁאֵין בְּנֵי אָדָם עוֹמְדִין עֲלֵיהֶם אֶלָּא אִם כֵּן נִכְשָׁלִים בָּהֶן. Matters of Torah that people do not ascertain unless they misunderstand them are in your hands; Isaiah 3:6 כִּֽי־יִתְפֹּ֨שׂ אִ֤ישׁ בְּאָחִיו֙ בֵּ֣ית אָבִ֔יו שׂ …
Ego Defenses Projection Shabbos 119
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 3rd, 2020
for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 119 Mareh Mekomos 119 אָמַר מָר בַּר רַב אָשֵׁי: פְּסִילְנָא לֵיהּ לְצוּרְבָּא מֵרַבָּנַן לְדִינָא. מַאי טַעְמָא? — דְּחַבִּיב עֲלַי כְּגוּפַאי, וְאֵין אָדָם רוֹאֶה חוֹבָה לְעַצְמוֹ. Mar bar Rav Ashi said: I am disqualified to sit in ju …
Identity Crisis Shabbos 118
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 2nd, 2020
for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 118 Mareh Mekomos 118b אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹסֵי: מִיָּמַי לֹא קָרִיתִי לְאִשְׁתִּי ״אִשְׁתִּי״...אֶלָּא לְאִשְׁתִּי — ״בֵּיתִי״,. Furthermore, Rabbi Yosei said that he always spoke euphemistically: In all my days, I did not call my wife, my wife, ...Rather, I called my wife, my home, becaus …
Love Lust and Oneg Shabbos, Shabbos 117
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 2nd, 2020
Mareh Mekomos 117 for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 117 117b אָמַר רַב אָשֵׁי: חֲזֵינָא לֵיהּ לְרַב כָּהֲנָא דְּנָקֵט תַּרְתֵּי וּבָצַע חֲדָא. אָמַר: ״לִקְטוּ״ כְּתִיב. רַבִּי זֵירָא הֲוָה בָּצַע אַכּוּלַּהּ שֵׁירוּתֵיהּ. אֲמַר לֵיהּ רָבִינָא לְר …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Passive Aggressiveness Shabbos 111
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
June 25th, 2020
Mareh Mekomos for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 111 DAF YOMI from a psychological perspective. Mareh Mekomos 111 משלי י:כו כַּחֹ֤מֶץ ׀ לַשִּׁנַּ֗יִם וְכֶעָשָׁ֥ן לָעֵינָ֑יִם כֵּ֥ן הֶ֝עָצֵ֗ל לְשֹׁלְחָֽיו׃ Like vinegar to the teeth, Like smoke to the eyes, Is a lazy man to those who send him on a mission Alshich ibid דאית ביה …
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 …
Mind Body Connection Shabbos DAF YOMI 109
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
June 25th, 2020
Mareh Mekomos for Video Shiur click here to listen: Psychology of the DAF Shabbos 109 DAF YOMI from a psychological perspective. Mareh Mekomos 109a וְאָמַר מָר עוּקְבָא: מִי שֶׁנִּגְּפָה יָדוֹ אוֹ רַגְלוֹ, צוֹמְתָהּ בְּיַיִן וְאֵינוֹ חוֹשֵׁשׁ. אִיבַּעְיָא לְהוּ: חַלָּא מַאי? אָמַר רַב הִלֵּל לְרַב אָשֵׁי: כִּ …
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 …
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 …
Not Attracted to Your Spouse? What do you Do?
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 28th, 2020
In the mini-seminar (link below) learn about the different kinds of non-attraction and what you can do about it: (1) Reality-Based; (2) Obsessive Control Type; (3) Obsessive OCPD Type; and (4) Passive Aggressive. Note this video is part of a longer series. Although in the introduction I ask you to listen to all of the other ones in order, this particular video represents a unit to itself. click on this for the seminar Photo by …
COVID, Communal Suffering and Introspection
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 26th, 2020
The average diaspora Jew of the Twenty-First Century is unaware of the extensive Halakhic literature devoted to repentance, abstentions and fasts due to communal calamities and tragedies. In Shulkhan Arukh Orach Hayyim (572-580) there are detailed codes of when, how and what to fast for. Plagues, tornadoes, earthquakes, droughts, locust, crop blight and even economic inflation and deflation are codified with precision. The rabbis took seriously h …
Midrashic and Philosophical Approaches to Tests of Faith
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 15th, 2020
Difficult times such as Corona virus cause us to ponder why we must suffer. This is an old theological problem, indeed recorded in the Book of Job. The language of Iyov is poetic, meandering, making it difficult to understand exactly what the various sides of the debate where, and what the final answer was. Many exegetes, including Rav Saadia Gaon (introduction to commentary on Iyov) notice and question the unclear verbosity of …
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 …
Davening Zombies
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
May 4th, 2020
Some people do not do well without structure. Anecdotal samplings from aquaintances and clients indicate that many people are having a hard time davening properly without a minyan. In the interest of disclosure, I consider myself a “Davening Zombie in Recovery”. For the first four decades of my life, I found davening to be mostly joyless, robtic and of dubious value. To be sure, I did not disrespect prayer and …
Abortion Early Pregnancy Loss Trauma and Shame
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 28th, 2020
The following is a guest post from Chaya Feuerman, LCSW-R
You lost your baby. You’re no longer pregnant. It’s a long story. You don’t want to talk about it. The doctors. The Rabbis. The Dayan. They all said you had to do it. You can’t talk about it. Nobody knows what really happened. Your husband refuses to talk to you about the baby. He doesn’t want you to bring it up ever again. You must move on. Everyo …
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 …
Mikvaos and COVID-19
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 20th, 2020
As the COVID-19 crisis rages on, more and more women will need to go to the Mikvah and may not be allowed to do so if they still might be contagious. This matter has even reached the attention of secular news outlets, as featured in this article in the Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/04/orthodox-jews-mikvah-immersion-covid-19/610204/ I wish I had an easy solution, but while meditating on the matter of Mik …
Losing It
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 13th, 2020
A number of people have emailed me or texted me saying that they're “losing it”. Just losing it! It's really difficult these days -- but what does it mean “losing it”? Psychologically, there is a process to it. Losing it is when your Ego, which is the part of your personality, crumbles and falls apart. It is disorienting. What is the Ego? It is something that you develop as a young child, maybe even …
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 …
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 …
Abuse by Insurance Companies
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
March 28th, 2020
Despite the fact that the NYS Department of Financial Services issued an order waiving all copays and deductibles for tele-health visits, some insurance companies continue to ignore the ruling. The order is explicit in stating that it is both for COVID-19 and non-COVID cases, as well as mental health, The ruling can be found at this url : https://www.dfs.ny.gov/reports_and_publications/press_releases/pr20203171 Here is the relevant quote:& …
No Means Yes
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
March 26th, 2020
In a previous blog post titled, “Love and the Holy of Holies”, I wrote about how the relationship between G-d and the Jewish people can be compared to a marriage. In this essay, we will take a closer look at a fascinating lessons from Midrashic accounts of G-d’s stormy emotional relationship with the Jewish people: Often, couples get stuck in escalating cycles of hurtful attacks. In particular, couples who are emotionally needy …
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? …
Coping with Anxiety
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LSCW-R
March 18th, 2020
Coping with Anxiety video by Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LSCW-R Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor on Unsplash …
Corona Virus - Is G-d Punishing Us?
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
March 18th, 2020
It is impressive how the world is handling the Corona Virus crisis with relative sanity and maturity. Rabbis and community leaders have made hard and fast decisions to protect people by closing shuls and yeshivos. I am hoping to encourage this trend of wise and less reactionary rhetoric by suggesting that we not indulge in the typical G-d-is-punishing-us-refrain . Such as, “the shuls are being closed middah k’negged middah because we …
Love and the Holy of Holies
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
February 29th, 2020
One of the taboos in Judaism is the prohibition against graven images. There are numerous prohibitions against various forms of images, and we are even forbidden to make certain images of the human form even not for worship purposes. And, yet, we find two images in the Holy of Holies, a place so sacred that the High Priest is only allowed to enter once a year! The Cherubim had wings like angels (Shemos 25:18) and faces of a child (Suc …
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 …
Evolution in the Talmud??
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
January 24th, 2020
Most religious people are aware of the various schools of thought in how to reconcile the Biblical account of creation in six days and the fossil records which seem to indicate a long, gradual process of evolution from simple organisms to the more complex. The most religiously uncomplicated approach is that the Torah’s authority takes precedence over any seeming evidence, and it’s not something to be overly troubled by. Theories come …
Do Not Cut that Wire!
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
January 18th, 2020
From time to time I meet with a couple suffering from anxiety related sexual dysfunctions who also have halakhic questions connected to the problem. Some of the halakhic questions are complex and hard to answer and others are simply a matter of not having been educated properly by their chosson or kallah instructors. When I ask if they have consulted with a rabbi about their halakhic questions, some will say they are too embarrassed, …
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 …
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 …
Mindfulness: Some Novel Sources
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
December 20th, 2019
How often is a person conscious and mindful of what he or she is doing? Life is busy, we check our cell phones every three seconds, and when we aren’t regretting the past we are busy worrying about the future. Trauma treatment practitioners are becoming more aware that disassociation is something we all do. It is only a matter of degree and severity that separates trauma victims from others. Without using the term mindfulness, Jewish tradit …
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 …
Honesty and Ambivalence in Religion
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
December 9th, 2019
Religious Therapists are obliged to be aware of what they are feeling and what they are seeing. What makes an effective clinician, is the one who is able to sense internal conflict, cognitive dissonance, and internal realities and external reality. In short, as we pray for every morning דובר אמת בלבבו to speak truth within our hearts. As religious Therapists, at times, we cannot help but notice conflict between c …
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 …
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 …
As If Forced by A Demon. Psychological and Jewish Perspectives on Sexuality
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 27th, 2019
According to Torah values, is it considered proper to enjoy sexuality and all forms of amorous expression within the bounds of marriage, or is a more ascetic orientation the proper path? Jewish tradition has apparent contradictory directives in regard to sensuality, sexual pleasure and abnegation. Recommendations of various Talmudic sages range from total denial of pleasure, such as dispensing with the sexual act “as if forced by a de …
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 …
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 …
Anger Problem? Anger Solution!
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
June 23rd, 2019
Marc considers himself an overall decent guy, he cares for his wife and children and is a hard worker. Once in a while, when people really push his buttons he loses his temper -- he can say abusive statements such as name-calling and also physically punches the wall. His wife says it is unbearable and frightening to her and the kids and he needs help. It doesn’t seem like such a big deal to him, but he must concede that his fath …
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 …
Jung's Greatest Hits
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 28th, 2019
Carl Jung was a student of Sigmund Freud. Unlike Freud, he had a deep and positive interest in spirituality, religion, and mysticism. His psychological theories were still what we would call psychodynamic, in a sense that they involve understanding the ways that unconscious conflicts affect and determine functional or dysfunctional behavior. However, his understanding of the inner drives and conflicts were more universal and rel …
An Analysis of Halachos of Kneeling for Persons in Twelve Step Recovery
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
March 24th, 2019
There are some people in the course of their 12 step work who find connecting to G-d via kneeling to be an important part of their recovery. There is a degree of cultural inhibition regarding kneeling for Jewish people, as this is not our customary form of worship. Below is an analysis of the pertinent halachic issues. The verse states in Vayikra 26:1 “…and a Maskis stone shall not be placed in your land to bow upon it.” …
A Bird and a Fish can Fall in Love...
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
February 17th, 2019
In Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye exclaims in frustration to his daughter who is considering a marriage outside of the faith, “A bird and a fish can fall in love, but where would they build their home?” Today, many couples find themselves in a position of religious disparity. Whether they started out in the same religious position and one turned more religious and the other less, or they married under this circumstance, it challeng …
Adar and Goldilocks
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
February 10th, 2019
This year is a Jewish leap year. The Jewish calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar inputs; specifically, the months follow the Moon, however the seasons follow the Sun. Since 12 lunar months only add up to 354 days, it is approximately 11 days short of a solar year. The rabbis understood from the Biblical directive to guard the month of spring, that they needed to add in a leap month (Adar II) approximately every 3 year …
Get Curious Instead of Furious
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
November 4th, 2018
Curiosity is a powerful relationship tool. We think we know someone else, we think we understand their motives, and we would like to believe we are right and know better. Yet, if we maintain a more curious attitude, especially when we feel frustrated or angry instead of becoming judgmental and indignant, we can turn difficult moments into learning and growth. After Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge, the scripture tells us they hi …
Halakha Vs. Common Sense
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 24th, 2018
Ideally, there never should be an instance of Halakha versus common sense. As we shall soon see, while the Torah may not always be provable through deductive reasoning alone, it should never ask us to believe something that is patently unreasonable. I feel compelled to a write this in response to fundamentalist trends that seem to make virtue out of blind acceptance. Granted there is a certain logic to such a position, perhaps considering that G- …
Davening: Terminable and Interminable
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 15th, 2018
As a son of a community Rabbi and Principal, one of my earliest memories is DREADING the High Holy Days. I used to literally count how many days it was until next Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur like most kids would count how many days before school starts. Being a child of a public role model, I was expected at an early age to sit quietly and attentively during prayers. To make matters worse, in my childhood there was no genre of English Judaica. W …
Jewish Traditional Sources for Female Sexual Empowerment
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
June 4th, 2018
In a discussion with colleagues it was noted that there was not enough focus in the religious community on the normal developmental and sexual needs of women. One might draw a conclusion that there was no legitimate focus on female sexual empowerment within traditional Jewish thought. While the standards of modesty, as well as concepts of female roles were quite different in the times of the Talmud, it is important to note that there …
Crime and Punishment
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
January 1st, 2018
Reprinted from the Jewish Press Sometimes we can be most cruel to ourselves. The inner voice can be filled with condemnation and hate. There are people that are barely aware of how harsh they treat themselves on the inside. If they would take a moment of mindfulness to actually hear their inner dialogue it might be something like, “You are a bad person”, “You are lazy”, and best of al …
מילי דהספידא על אבי ומורי זכר צדיק לברכה
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
October 1st, 2017
מילי דהספידא על אבי ומורי זכר צדיק לברכה מאת: הרב שמחה פוירמן ביום שלישי, כ״ט אלול תשע״ז הרב חיים יהושע בן אברהם פוירמן סים מלהגיד שיעורו האחרון בישיבה אוניברסיטי, מכון לחינוך ״עזריאלי״. אמר לאחד ממשרתיו, ״חכה לי, שצריך אני לנוח קצת״, ואז יצאה …
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 …
Narcissism, Marriage and Judaism
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 24th, 2017
Narcissism, Marriage and Judaism Personality disorders, unlike many forms of mental illness, are not merely an illness, but also can be at least partially due to poor morality, or in Jewish terms, bad middos. Whatever fears, insecurities and distorted ideas that take place within the heart and mind of a person suffering from a Personality Disorder alone are not enough to cause selfish, manipulative or abusive behavior, without also making poor be …
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 …
Doubts and Defensiveness
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
February 21st, 2017
Defensiveness and Doubts By Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R Chaya Feuerman, LCSWR (First appeared in print in the Jewish Press) Defensiveness is one of the most destructive traits in relationships. According to the research of John Gottman, Ph.D. if one spouse is observed as behaving defensively toward the other spouse’s concerns there is strong correlation with marital disharmony and ultimately, divorce. Defensiveness can be defi …
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Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
September 25th, 2016
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Lies, Truth and Jewish Values
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 26th, 2016
Truth, Lies, Psychology and Jewish Values Reprinted from the Jewish Press As every cheder child learns in the story about Avraham and Sarah, according to Jewish values, one may alter the truth in order to preserve sh’lom bayis. However, the ethics, halachos and psychology of truth and lies in relationships are far more nuanced than what we were taught in second grade. The Gemara (Yevamos 65b) states: “R. Ile'a further stat …
Getting Emotional about Our Feelings
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
June 1st, 2016
Getting Emotional About Our Feelings Chaya Feuerman, LCSW-R and Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R Reprinted from the Jewish Press People filter reality all the time. What we think about what happens or does not happen to us affects how we feel. Our expectations and beliefs about the world, what we consider we are entitled to, all go into what makes us feel or not feel certain ways. This cognitive set sifts and filters whatever we allow to penetrate our con …
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 …