Don’t Let Feelings “Into-Fear” Bava Basra 123 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 21st, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph recounts a story that illustrates the intense drama and intrigue surrounding Yaakov as he navigated the cunning deceit of his father-in-law, Lavan:   Yaakov and Rachel engaged in a significant exchange before their marriage. Yaakov proposed to Rachel, and she responded by warning him, “Yes, but my father is a deceitful person, and you cannot outwit him.” She explained that her father, Lavan, would never a …

Objects Are Closer Than They Appear Bava Basra 122 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 21st, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph explains that the tribes measured the value of land in Israel based on its proximity to Jerusalem. The closer the land was to Jerusalem, the more valuable it was considered. This seems logical—land closer to the center of spiritual life would naturally be more desirable.   However, this Gemara appears to contradict a fundamental Jewish ethic known as sechar halicha, the reward for the effort expended in perform …

Hitting Rock Bottom Bava Basra 121 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 20th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses one of the reasons why the 15th of Av became a traditional day of rejoicing, drawing from the experience of the Jews in the wilderness. After the sin of the spies, it was decreed that the entire generation would wander for 40 years and die out before entering the land of Israel. Eichah Rabbah (Pesicha) offers a poignant description of how the 15th of Av marked a turning point in their fate:   Rabbi Avin and …

Jews Should not Wine About Their Fate Bava Basra 120 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 20th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about Yocheved, Moshe’s mother, who was born “between the walls” during the transition into Egypt. According to one opinion, her birth completed the missing number in the census, allowing us to reach the 70 souls described in Bereishis 46:27, even though the actual count comes to 69.   The Maharal (Gevuros Hashem, Yayin Nesech) explores the significance of the number 70, as well as the fact …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 19th, 2024

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

Honorary Member of the Tribe Bava Basra 118 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the phenomenon of ayin hara (the evil eye) and how the tribe of Yosef had a special immunity from it.   The Gemara explains: "We are of the descendants of Joseph, upon whom the evil eye had no dominion, as it is written: 'Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine by a fountain [alei ayin]' (Bereishis 49:22), and Rabbi Abbahu states a homiletic interpretation: Do not read it as alei ayin; rather, read it as …

Is Repentance a Precondition for Redemption Bava Basra 117 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 20th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses how the Land of Israel was allocated to the incoming generation of Jews as they completed their wandering of forty years:   Rabbi Yoshiya says: Eretz Yisrael was divided among those who left Egypt, as it is stated: “According to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit” (Numbers 26:55), which teaches that the Jewish people would inherit Eretz Yisrael according to the names of …

Repeated Trauma Bava Basra 116 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 20th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph, speaking from a strongly judgmental standpoint, reflects upon the possible implications of somebody who dies without having an heir, and what type of spiritual lacunae brought this situation about:   “God shall hear, and humble them, even He that is enthroned of old, Selah; those that have no exchange, and fear not God” (Psalms 55:20), Rabbi Yoḥanan and Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi each interpret the verse …

Standing on Ceremony Bava Basra 115 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 16th, 2024

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

Truth or Compassion Bava Basra 114 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 16th, 2024

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 13th, 2024

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

Listen To Your Messages Bava Basra 112 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 15th, 2024

Our Gemara on this daf discusses the matter of the daughters of Zelophehad , who brought to Moshe an objection that they should also be allowed to inherit in the Land of Israel, on behalf of their father, who died without male progeny (Bamidbar 27:3-5):   Our father died in the wilderness. He was not one of the faction, Korah’s faction, which banded together against Hashem, but died for his own sin; and he has left no sons. Let not our …

Grieving the Loss of Our Dreams Bava Basra 111 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 14th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the fact that Miriam’s banishment was supposed to last for 14 days based on the following logic: If her father had but spit in her face, should she not hide in shame for seven days?” (Numbers 12:14). The Gemara then argues, in fact, Miriam experienced a more severe reprimand from the Divine Presence, therefore, she ought to have been ostracized for fourteen days. Yet, by dint of the fact that this di …

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 …

False Omens Bava Basra 109 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 11th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses the famous incident of the Pesel Micha, as described in Shoftim 17.  In those anarchic times, a fellow made a sanctuary and appointed his own priest.  From our Gemara’s exposition of the story, the man met a person named Levi, and took it as a sign that he was to be HIS Levite, that is, a man to serve as his Cohen in his fabricated temple.   Indeed we find in our tradition an idea that certai …

A Wealthy Bequest Bava Basra 108 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 11th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis uses a proof  text to teach that if a man has no children to inherit him, the closest next of kin, father, brothers, uncles etc inherit him. The Mikra Mefurash, quoted by Sefer Daf al Daf, raises a question from Avraham’s dialogue with God, where he expresses fear that without an heir, his servant will inherit all his wealth (Bereishis 15:3):   Avram said further, “Since You have granted me no offspri …

Small Minded Thinking Bava Basra 107 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 10th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 9th, 2024

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

Contradictions, Truth and Insults Bava Basra 105 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 8th, 2024

Continuing our study of the Gemara’s approach to contradictory statements, let us review the dispute between Ben Nanes and the Sages. If there is a discrepancy in the statements of a seller, where their first clause indicates approximation, and the second clause indicates specificity, or vice versa, Ben Nanes holds that we follow his last statement and the Sages hold that we choose the more conservative meaning within the contradiction. Tha …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 7th, 2024

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

Playing the Field Bava Basra 103 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 6th, 2024

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

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 …

Spiritual Standstill Bava Basra 101 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 4th, 2024

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

King Sized Desires Bava Basra 100 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 3rd, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 2nd, 2024

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

Why Do We Hate that Which We Used to Love? Bava Basra 98 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

October 1st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Alephs comments on the relational consequences of arrogance:   One who is haughty is not accepted even by the members of his household, as it is stated: “The haughty man abides not” (Habakkuk 2:5). What does the phrase “abides [yinveh] not” mean? It means that even in his abode [naveh], he is not accepted.   Pesach Einayim wonders: If so, why do we see women who are attracted to a man specifica …

Pressed Grapes Bava Basra 97 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 30th, 2024

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

In Vino Veritas Bava Basra 96 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 29th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 27th, 2024

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

Don’t Invite a Heavenly Audit Bava Basra 94 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 27th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an interesting psychological and legal phenomenon. There are certain thresholds of defects or deficiencies in a purchased item which are tolerated, if not expected. Therefore, while one is not allowed to deliberately adulterate grains or beans, if a minor and typical amount of dirt, sediment or pebbles etc are found in the mixture, the buyer has no recourse. Furthermore, if he finds the product to have an amount …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 26th, 2024

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

Money Over Matter Bava Basra 92 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 25th, 2024

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

Exit Strategy Bava Basra 91 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 24th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses famine conditions that could allow a person to leave Eretz Yisroel:   תנו רבנן: אין יוצאין מארץ לחוץ לארץ, אלא אם כן עמדו סאתים בסלע. אמר רבי שמעון: אימתי – בזמן שאינו מוצא ליקח, אבל בזמן שמוצא ליקח – אפילו עמדה סאה בסלע, לא יצא.   The Sages taught: One may not leave Eretz Y …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 23rd, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 22nd, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 20th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 20th, 2024

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

Getting Away with Murder Bava Basra 86 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the principle of Kim Ley Bederabbah Mineh. If one violates two prohibitions simultaneously, he is only liable for the more severe penalty of the two, but not both. For example:   If one stole a wallet on shabbos but did not lift the purse but instead dragged it on the ground, exiting the private domain and going into a public domain, he is exempt from financial penalty. The prohibition of performing labor o …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 18th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 17th, 2024

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

No Refunds Bava Basra 83 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 16th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 15th, 2024

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

Are We Responsible for Triggering Another Person’s Insecurities? Bava Basra 81 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 13th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis reports that one sage rebuked another for asking him a question about a subject that he was not familiar with, as this causes unnecessary embarrassment. Rambam (Laws of Sales14:14) codifies this as a form of ona’as devarim hurtful speech. Magid Mishna (ibid) refers to our Gemara as the source. Sefer Chassidim (972) takes this moral sensitivity even further: If someone knows himself to be renowned as sharp-minded, he …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 13th, 2024

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

Doing What He Wants Bava Basra 79 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 12th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses a play on words from a verse (Numbers 21:30) to describe the fate of the sinner who denies that God will hold him accountable: ונשים עד־נפח אשר עד־מידבא  We have wrought desolation at Nophah, which is by Medva The name of this place, Medva, also is a pun indicating that God will eventually bring justice and “do as He pleases.” (“Ad De-Baiy”, in Aramaic means “w …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 11th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 10th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 9th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 8th, 2024

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

Unbreakable Love Bava Basra 74 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 6th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 5th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 5th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 4th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 3rd, 2024

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

Law of Attraction Bava Basra 69 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 2nd, 2024

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

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 …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 30th, 2024

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

Antidote for The King Size Human Ego Bava Basra 66 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 30th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a series of verses that describe the unfortunate and complex situation of Yonasan, who due to the deprivations of battle, was starving and took a taste from honey he had found in the forest. Unbeknownst to him, his father King Shaul, had decreed a Fast upon the troops so that they repent and merit divine assistance. Effectively, he had violated his command and was subject to the death penalty. King Shaul, under tre …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 29th, 2024

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

Enforced Dignity Bava Basra 64 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 28th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis continued the discussion of several dappim regarding the dispute between Rabbi Akiva and the Rabbis over the attitude of the seller. Is he generous of spirit (ayin yaffa) or more parsimonious attitude, with halachic outcomes that indicate which extras get sold along with the property.   Recognizing this pattern of behavior and emotion, Meshech Chochmah (Behar) explains this as the intention of the verses that introduc …

Depths of Creativity Bava Basra 63 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 27th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses that for a seller to imply that he is including all the underground cisterns and tunnels, he must say “from the depths of the Earth to the Height of the sky.” The English words for these boundaries do not capture the theological and contextual meaning of these words in Hebrew. The Hebrew word for “height of the sky” is rakia, and the Hebrew word for “depths of the Earth” is Teh …

Silence is Olden Bava Basra Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 26th, 2024

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

Efron’s Emptiness Bava Basra 61 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 25th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses various implied conditions and additions in the sale of property. Within that discussion Rashbam notes that one cannot use a price as indicator of how much or how few extras were included in the property, because we have a general principle that there’s no such thing as overcharging or undercharging when it comes to real estate. Unlike chattel, real estate varies in price greatly and what is considered over …

Does This Feel Like Exile? Bava Basra 60 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 23rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses various customs of abstention from demonstrations of joy, pleasure and material wealth in order to honor and internalize being contrite over our exile.   One of the challenges in our a time of relative prosperity is to honestly feel a sense of mourning and loss. We have to recall events from the Holocaust, or more recently October 7, and the general rise of antisemitism to arouse a mood of dread. It is impor …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 23rd, 2024

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

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 …

Ring Leader Bava Basra 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 20th, 2024

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

Maintaining Boundaries Bava Basra 56 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 20th, 2024

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

Depressed or Lazy? Bava Basra 55 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph refers to a pardakhas, which is an idle person. Rashbam describes this person as follows:   A person who is idle from work, learning, derech eretz, and is not involved with settlement of the world at all.   In the style of the Gemara at times, there is no commentary or moral assessment about this person. The focus is the practical halacha, no judgements. Yet, what are we to make of this person? Is he depressed, …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 18th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 16th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 16th, 2024

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

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 …

Fear and True Consent Bava Basra 50 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 14th, 2024

Our Gemara on this daf continued to discuss the legal implications of a psychological phenomenon that a woman is more likely to dodge the truth and fib out of a wish to please her husband, and perhaps out of fear of his reaction if she did object. This is based on a mishna (Gittin 55b):    If one first purchased from the husband the rights to use a field belonging to his wife, and afterward he returned and purchased the same field from …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 13th, 2024

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

Forced and Reinforced Bava Basra 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 12th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph continues a discussion about circumstances where a person is bullied to make a sale, but still is considered valid, due to the tendency of people to make peace with a situation once they are in it. Such as, even if a person was physically threatened to sell a property, after he accepts the money, he is agreeable enough. The Gemara attempts to prove this concept from a teaching about how one can be forced to fulfill a sacr …

An Offer You Can’t Refuse Bava Basra 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 11th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a counterintuitive Halacha:   אמר רב הונא: תליוהו וזבין – זביניה זביני. מאי טעמא? כל דמזבין איניש, אי לאו דאניס – לא הוה מזבין, ואפילו הכי זביניה זביני. ודילמא שאני אונסא דנפשיה מאונסא דאחריני! אלא כדתניא:   If one was suspended, e.g., from a tree, and thereby …

Remember to Forget Bava Basra 46 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 9th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 9th, 2024

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

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 …

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, …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 6th, 2024

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

Don’t Miss the Full Story Bava Basra 41 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 5th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an interesting judicial ethic, based on a verse in Mishle (31:8) that one must help the mute express himself.  Even though a judge must be careful not to show bias nor advocate for a particular side, if he sees the person is having difficulty expressing himself because he is nervous or cannot organize his thoughts, he may “judiciously” offer him help (see Shulkhan Arukh Choshen Mishpat 17:9). &n …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 4th, 2024

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

Don’t Overplay the “God Card” Bava Basra 39 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 2nd, 2024

Our Gemara at the end of amud aleph into amud beis makes a rule regarding a situation when negative and critical speech, l’shon hara, is permitted:   כֹּל מִילְּתָא דְּמִתְאַמְרָא בְּאַפֵּי תְּלָתָא, לֵית בָּהּ מִשּׁוּם לִישָּׁנָא בִּישָׁא   Rabba bar Rav Huna says: Any matter that is said in the presence of three people is not subject to the prohibitio …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 2nd, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 1st, 2024

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

Myth and Midrash Bava Basra 36 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 31st, 2024

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

Unclaimed Mitzvos Bava Basra 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 30th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 29th, 2024

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

Grabbing a Mitzvah Bava Basra 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 28th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 26th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 26th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 25th, 2024

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

Preoccupations Bava Basra 29 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 24th, 2024

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

Occupied Territories Bava Basra 28 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 23rd, 2024

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

Insurrection Bava Basra 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 22nd, 2024

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

Jewish Environmentalism Bava Basra 26 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 21st, 2024

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

You Can Take The Bachur Out Of The Yeshiva, But You Can’t Take The Yeshiva Out Of The Bachur Bava Basra 25

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis offers segulos for wisdom and wealth:
אמר רבי יצחק: הרוצה שיחכים – ידרים, ושיעשיר – יצפין, וסימניך: שלחן בצפון ומנורה בדרום. ורבי יהושע בן לוי אמר: לעולם ידרים, שמתוך שמתחכם מתעשר – שנאמר: ארך ימים בימינה, בשמאלה עשר וכבוד״.
Rabbi Yitzḥak says: One who …

Homing Pigeons Bava Basra 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 19th, 2024

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

Highly Sensitive Persons Bava Basra 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 18th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 17th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 16th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 15th, 2024

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

A Hole is Greater than the Sum of Its Parts Bava Basra 19 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 4th, 2024

As part of an ongoing discussion regarding the effects of various constructions and substances on adjoining properties, and the requirements of neighbors to each other, the Gemara on amud aleph noted a property of sand:  “It heats hot items and cools cold items”, which has implications about whether it would cause damage to a neighboring wall.    Sand is fascinating and therefore the subject of symbolic meaning and proj …

Charity Begins in the Uterus Bava Basra 18 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 12th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the damage that mustard might cause to a nearby beehive, and the various liabilities that neighbors have toward each other:   “One must likewise distance mustard from bees that are in a neighbor’s field.”   Rashi explains that the mustard is sharp and that taste causes the bees to seek out a sweet taste afterward, inducing them to consume their own honey. Which is, of course, a loss o …

Tasteless Sin Bava Basra 17!Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 12th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 11th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 10th, 2024

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

A Healthy And Whole Person Is In Touch With His Broken Parts Bava Basra 14 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 9th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis tells us about the contents of the Holy Ark:    “Both the second set of tablets and the broken pieces of the first set of tablets were placed in the Ark.”   Why keep the broken tablets in the Ark?  What prominence and lesson do they hold? Tiferes Shlomo (Sha’ar Hatefila) explains, based on a Zohar (III:283a), that the human heart has two chambers.  One chamber represents the aspec …

Allowing Yourself to Receive Bava Basra 13 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 8th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses the legal position of Raban Shimon ben Gamliel regarding the splitting of a courtyard that was held in partnership but it is too small to divide in half and still retain its function or description, such as each part would be less than four cubits:   If a courtyard or the like was not large enough to warrant division into two, and one of the co-owners said to the other: You take a minimum measure of the cour …

Environmental Impact Study Bava Basra 12 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 7th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the status of a former doorway that was sealed, and at what point is it considered fully sealed with no remnant.  There can be many halachic implications, such as if the door still requires a mezuzah, or if the rights to a loading and unloading area are forfeited to the other occupants of the area.   There is an interesting mystical concern about closing doorways and windows, asserted by Sefer Chasidim …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 5th, 2024

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

Morality as Choice Bava Basra 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 5th, 2024

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

Every Yiddle Bit Bava Basra 9 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 4th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis extols the virtue and impact of even small amounts of tzedakah:   Rabbi Elazar: What is the meaning of that which is written: “And He donned charity like a coat of plated armor” (Isaiah 59:17)? This verse serves to tell you that just as with regard to a coat of armor, each and every scale of which it is fashioned combines to form one large coat of mail, so too with regard to charity, each and every peruta …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 3rd, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 2nd, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

July 1st, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 30th, 2024

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

Getting Boxed into Marriage Bava Basra 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 28th, 2024

Our Gemaraq on amud aleph discusses financial responsibilities when someone with a bordering property builds a fence that will benefit the other person as well, since the back of the fence will also protect the other property:   הַמַּקִּיף אֶת חֲבֵירוֹ מִשָּׁלֹשׁ רוּחוֹתָיו, וְגָדַר אֶת הָרִאשׁוֹנָה וְאֶת הַשְּׁנִיָּה וְאֶת הַשְּׁלִישִׁית &ndas …

Fun Leydike Feser Iz Der Lyarem Greser Bava Basra 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 28th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud aleph records a declaration about the second Temple, as compared to the Temple, based on a verse in Chaggai (2:9) :   גָּד֣וֹל יִֽהְיֶ֡ה כְּבוֹד֩ הַבַּ֨יִת הַזֶּ֤ה הָאַֽחֲרוֹן֙ מִן־הָ֣רִאשׁ֔וֹן אָמַ֖ר ה׳   The glory of this latter House shall be greater than that of the former one, said GOD of Hosts   The Chasam Sofer (Derashos page 328) …

Fiddler on the Wall Bava Basra 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 27th, 2024

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the rights and responsibilities of partners who share a yard, and intend to construct a partition between them:   הַשּׁוּתָּפִין שֶׁרָצוּ לַעֲשׂוֹת מְחִיצָה בְּחָצֵר – בּוֹנִין אֶת הַכּוֹתֶל בְּאֶמְצַע. מָקוֹם שֶׁנָּהֲגוּ לִבְנוֹת גְּוִיל, גָּזִית, כְּפִיסִין, לְבֵי …

A Whole and One Bava Metzia 119 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph (and the previous daf) discusses how ownership is determined for produce that grows on the side of a ledge, where the top is a garden owned by one person, and the bottom is owned by another. What is the status of those vegetables that grow on the vertical surface between them?   מַתְנִי׳ שְׁתֵּי גַּנּוֹת זוֹ עַל גַּב זוֹ, וְהַיָּרָק בֵּינְתַיִם. רַבִּי מ …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 25th, 2024

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

Trickle Down Theory Bava Metzia 117 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 24th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 23rd, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 21st, 2024

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

Spiritual Backlash Bava Metzia 114 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 21st, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 20th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 19th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 18th, 2024

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

Do Away With the Middleman Bava Metzia 110 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 17th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an interesting exemption to the rule that one must pay workers promptly (by sunset or sunrise of the day or evening that the work was completed, subject to certain conditions. See Ahavas Chessed, Laws of Payments of Wages, 1:9.): תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: הָאוֹמֵר לַחֲבֵירוֹ צֵא שְׂכוֹר לִי פּוֹעֲלִים – שְׁנֵיהֶן אֵין עוֹבְרִין מִשּׁו …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 16th, 2024

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

Children Versus Angels Bava Metzia 108 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 14th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses various rights and courtesies that are granted to the owner of an adjoining field, such as first choice in purchasing the property over other buyers if it is on the market. This law, known as Bar Mitzrah (owner of a bordering field) is conceptualized as an obligation to grant courtesy to the neighbors, because there is much more of a benefit for the neighbor to buy this field in particular.  The other buyer …

Niddah and Trauma Bava Metzia 107 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 14th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 11th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 11th, 2024

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

Spiritual Codependency Bava Metzia 104 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 11th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 10th, 2024

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

Original Sin Bava Metzia 102 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 9th, 2024

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

Eviction Notice Bava Metzia 101 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 7th, 2024

  Our Gemara on Amud Beis relates a story of a woman who was duped and then how her vigilante justice was vindicated by the rabbis:   הָהוּא גַּבְרָא דִּזְבַן אַרְבָּא דְחַמְרָא. לָא אַשְׁכַּח דּוּכְתָּא לְאוֹתוֹבֵיהּ. אֲמַר לֵיהּ לְהַהִיא אִיתְּתָא: אִית לָךְ דּוּכְתָּא לְאוֹגוֹרַי? אֲמַרָה לֵיהּ …

Adopted Beliefs Bava Metzia 100 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 7th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the legal entitlements to certain properties and materials that unwittingly became shared by two potential beneficiaries and investors:   שָׁטַף נָהָר זֵיתָיו וּנְתָנָם לְתוֹךְ שְׂדֵה חֲבֵירוֹ, זֶה אוֹמֵר: ״זֵיתַי גִּדֵּלוּ״, וְזֶה אוֹמֵר: ״אַרְצִי גִּדֵּלָה״ – יַחְלוֹקוּ.   In the even …

God’s Silence in the Face of Evil Bava Metzia 99 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 6th, 2024

99   God’s Silence in the Face of Evil   Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes a legal distinction in the liability of a squatter on land owned by the Sacred Treasury and privately owned land. We have a rule that a squatter does not incur financial liability after the fact, if the owner had not known prior to his squatting. The argument is, no harm done, you didn’t lose any money and we never agreed to an arrangement. It’s …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 5th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 4th, 2024

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

Halachic Gray Areas Bava Metzia 96 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 3rd, 2024

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

The Walking Dead Bava Metzia 95 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 2nd, 2024

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

Is Satan Real? Bava Metzia 94 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 31st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis refers to a scriptural stylistic principle:   דִּבְּרָה תוֹרָה כִלְשׁוֹן בְּנֵי אָדָם   The Torah uses the idiom and vernacular.    Thus, repetitions, exaggerations and figures of speech that enhance the poetic experience and nature of the narrative are theologically legitimate, and not a sign of imperfection. God designed the Torah to be meaningful on many planes of p …

Guns Don’t Kill - Sin Kills Bava Metzia 93 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 31st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the extent of a shepherd’s responsibility if a lion is approaching the flock:   What could he have done to prevent an attack by a lion? Rabba replies: He should have faced the lion with other shepherds and with sticks to chase it away.   There is a natural principle that animal predators are fearful of humans. This is not an absolute, but unless provoked by territory concerns or extreme hunger, an …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 30th, 2024

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

You Live and You Learn Bava Metzia 91 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 29th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis further discusses the Biblically mandated allocation given to field laborers to eat from the produce they harvest while they work (Devarim 23:25-26).    וְכוּלָּן לֹא אָמְרוּ אֶלָּא בִּשְׁעַת מְלָאכָה, אֲבָל מִשּׁוּם הָשֵׁב אֲבֵידָה לַבְּעָלִים אָמְרוּ: פּוֹעֲלִין אוֹכְלִין בַּהֲלִיכָתָן מֵאו …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 28th, 2024

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

Mixed Blessings Bava Metzia 89 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 27th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the Biblically mandated allocation given to field laborers to eat from the produce they harvest while they work (Devarim 23:25-26). This job benefit only accrues in regard to produce that grows from the ground, excluding milking, and making butter and cheese, as these forms of produce do not come from the soil.    Tosafos here raises a contradiction between this Gemara’s parameters for produce of …

Don’t Get Hit With a Big Bill at the End of Your Stay Bava Metzia 88 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis references the Biblical directive (Devarim 23:25) to allow a field laborer to eat from the food as he is harvesting, so long as he not abuse the privilege by hoarding:   כִּ֤י תָבֹא֙ בְּכֶ֣רֶם רֵעֶ֔ךָ וְאָכַלְתָּ֧ עֲנָבִ֛ים כְּנַפְשְׁךָ֖ שָׂבְעֶ֑ךָ וְאֶֽל־כֶּלְיְךָ֖ לֹ֥א תִתֵּֽן׃    When you enter a fellow [Is …

You Don’t Say Bava Metzia 87 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 24th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph made an observation of the behavioral styles of the righteous versus the wicked, especially in terms of expressing and then following through with their commitments toward others: “The righteous say little and do much, whereas the wicked say much and do not do even a little.”   We can understand the wicked tend to over promise as they want to receive the admiration and appreciation in advance, without put …

Twin Towers Bava Metzia 86 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 24th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 23rd, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 22nd, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 21st, 2024

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

Where Charity Begins Bava Metzia 82 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 20th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 19th, 2024

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

Contracting with God Bava Metzia 80 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 17th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses what are the liabilities of a rented object.  A paid watchman is liable for ordinary theft that could have been prevented through vigilance, while an unpaid watchman is exempt, so long as he was not negligent.  The basic idea is that if you are paid, you are expected to devote more energy and focus on safeguarding the object.   However, a renter can be seen either way:  Is he like a paid watch …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 17th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 16th, 2024

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

Shabbos Neuroses Bava Metzia 77 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 15th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 14th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 13th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 12th, 2024

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

Work for Your Freedom Bava Metzia 73 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 10th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an interesting, ethical law, that is not utilized in modern times:   The Gemara relates: Rav Se’oram, the brother of Rava, would forcefully seize people who were not acting properly and have them carry Rava’s palanquin. Rava said to him: You acted correctly, as we learn: If you see a Jew who does not behave properly, from where is it derived that you are permitted to have him work as a slave? The …

Deterrence Theory Bava Metzia 72 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 10th, 2024

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses what penalties are incurred should someone flout the prohibition of usury, and draw up a contract, and actually lent the money:   תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: שְׁטָר שֶׁכָּתוּב בּוֹ רִבִּית – קוֹנְסִין אוֹתוֹ, וְאֵינוֹ גּוֹבֶה לֹא אֶת הַקֶּרֶן וְלֹא אֶת הָרִבִּית, דִּבְרֵי רַבִּי מֵאִיר …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 9th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 8th, 2024

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

Shear Profit Bava Metzia 69 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 7th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 6th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2024

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

Extra Credit in Mitzvos Bava Metzia 65 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the legal technicalities of whether a rental or hire incurs financial obligation from commencement, or only at the end, when the rental or work contract is completed. Halachically this has implications for whether advance payment at a discount is considered charging interest or not. The halacha is that the obligation to pay a rental fee is incurred only at the end of the rental period.  The Chida (Midbar Kd …

Profiting from the Prophets Bava Metzia 64 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2024

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

The Illusion of Control Bava Metzia 63 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2024

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

A Life Worth Living Bava Metzia 62 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud aleph discusses the famous moral dilemma of a circumstance where you must choose between another person’s survival or your own survival, such as you are in the desert with another person, and only have enough water for one person to survive.  Ben Petora taught: It is preferable that both of them drink and die, and let neither one of them see the death of the other. Until Rabbi Akiva came and taught that the verse sta …

Hitting Bottom Bava Metzia 61 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2024

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

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 …

An Absorbent Jew Bava Metzia 59 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses the ways in which Dovid Hamelech was verbally tormented by his critics:   They torment me to the extent that even at the time when they are engaged in the public study of the halachos of leprous sores and tents in which there is a corpse, they say to me: David, one who engages in adultery, what form of execution do they give him? And I say to them: An adulterer who commits this sin with a married woman befor …

Inconvenient Truths Bava Metzia 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 26th, 2024

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

You Made the Wine, I Just Made the Grapes Bava Metzia 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 25th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis rules that the oath and various other obligations of a watchman are not applicable when it is an item that belongs to the Temple treasury. The verse states, “His peer” (Shemos 22:6) , which excludes something belonging to the sacred coffers.    Ohr Hachaim (ibid) offers a metaphysical-legal explanation. There is a well known exemption from obligations of the watchmen or borrower when we consider the o …

Unconscious Communication Bava Metzia 56 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 24th, 2024

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

For Morality there is no Threshold Bava Metzia 55 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 23rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph teaches that ordinarily sums of money below a perutah are not legally pursuable, such as theft of less than a perutah.  Yet, when it comes to the Temple treasury, one must pay restitution for even less than a perutah.   Yismach Moshe (Mattos 6:2) uses this idea to explain why a gentile who steals from a Jew even less than a perutah is still held liable. The reason why theft of less than a perutah is not legally …

Torah Prerequisites Bava Metzia 54 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 22nd, 2024

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

All in a Day’s Work Bava Metzia 53 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 21st, 2024

Our gemara on amud aleph discusses the well-known halachic principle, that even though often a prohibited item can be nullified in a majority or mixture of 60 times, an item whose prohibition can become permitted at some point in time, is not negated or nullified even if it is in a mixture with one thousand permitted parts.     The phrase “even a thousand times”, is not literal. It means in any amount, so to speak, even …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 19th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 19th, 2024

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

The Goldilocks Equation Bava Metzia 50 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 17th, 2024

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

Flood Assurance Bava Metzia 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 16th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a particular curse that befalls one who reneges on a transaction after money was exchanged. We have learned that exchange of money alone does not accomplish acquisition without the physical object being moved or lifted. Therefore, even though technically no transfer was completed yet, and legally he can stop the process, it is an ethical violation by going back on his word after the giving and accepting of payme …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 15th, 2024

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

Special Eclipse Edition Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 8th, 2024

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

You Really Can’t Take it With You Bava Metzia 46 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 14th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis rules that according to Rabbi Yochanan, by Torah law, money effects acquisition. It is only a rabbinic mercantile protection that required an additional physical acquisition beyond payment for material objects, as the seller might be negligent of the merchandise, while it is still in his possession, since it was fully acquired now by the purchaser. Therefore, the rabbis enacted a protective measure that ownership does not …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 12th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 12th, 2024

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 11th, 2024

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

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