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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-07-25 00:00:00

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

The Sins of the Fathers Pesachim 14 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-12-04 11:07:21

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

The Sins of the Fathers Eruvin 80 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-10-28 00:00:00

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

The Sinai Campaign Sotah 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-05-05 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-02-17 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-02-17 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-08-17 00:00:00

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

The Silent Treatment Nedarim 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-10-30 00:00:00

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

The SHALA"H and Corona Virus

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-04-21 18:44:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-05-12 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-06-09 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-05-14 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-09-09 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-04-21 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-01-19 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-03-05 00:00:00

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

The Rambam Diet Eruvin 83 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-10-30 14:44:47

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-02-24 00:00:00

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

The Quest for Satisfaction Gittin 2 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-05-18 00:00:00

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

The Pursuit of Happiness Nazir 13 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-02-05 00:00:00

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

The Psychotherapy Client's Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

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

The Psychotherapy Client's Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2015-03-16 00:00:00

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

The Psychology Of Torah Sheb'al Peh

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

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

The Psychology Of Torah Sheb'al Peh

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2016-04-19 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-06-05 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-03-28 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-07-03 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-04-19 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-09-11 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-10-11 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-09-03 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-08-16 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-07-06 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-11-02 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-09-11 10:24:30

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-11-17 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-06-23 00:00:00

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

The Power of Repair Kiddushin 78 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-10-30 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-01-09 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-06-11 09:22:23

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-12-30 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-07-15 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-11-19 00:00:00

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

The Pleasantness Principle Yevamos 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-03-11 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-04-12 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-07-14 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-08-29 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-01-12 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-09-09 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-11-29 00:00:00

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

The Oldest Quarantine Story Pesachim 18 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-12-09 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-08-30 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-04-21 10:38:58

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-12-11 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-03-01 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-11-05 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-09-05 00:00:00

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

The Mechanisms of Rationalization Gittin 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-06-20 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-05-27 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-12-11 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-07-26 00:00:00

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-05-08 00:00:00

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

The Influenceable Husband Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 145

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-07-29 08:59:35

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-10-19 20:49:32

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

The Importance of Validation Sanhedrin 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-12-23 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-01-26 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-09-17 00:00:00

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

The Importance of Clarity Nazir 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-02-24 00:00:00

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

The Importance of a Secret Eruvin 79 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-10-27 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-10-27 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-06-30 00:00:00

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

The Illusion of Money Sanhedrin 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-12-20 00:00:00

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

The Illusion of Control Bava Metzia 63 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-04-26 14:33:01

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-12-17 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-04-17 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-12-20 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-11-03 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-03-22 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-05-24 00:00:00

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

The Goldilocks Equation Bava Metzia 50 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-04-18 00:00:00

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 Get of Luban Psychology of the Daf Yomi Gittin 80

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-08-04 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-08-18 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-03-12 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-01-02 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-11-22 00:00:00

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

The Fault is Not in Our Stars

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-04-05 00:28:33

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-07-25 00:00:00

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

The Ends Justify the Means Eruvin 44 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-09-22 00:00:00

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

The Ego Defense of Sublimation Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 156

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-08-09 00:49:22

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-10-22 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-11-07 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-06-23 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-01-31 00:00:00

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

The Devil Within Bava Kamma 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-11-23 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-11-15 00:00:00

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

The Denial of Death Nedarim 83 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-01-16 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-01-29 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-03-21 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-06-16 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-09-26 00:00:00

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

The Company You Keep Nedarim 73 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-01-06 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-01-13 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-04-15 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-08-04 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-08-06 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-03-27 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-12-23 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-08-17 06:47:37

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-04-09 03:54:17

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-01-23 00:00:00

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

The Big Cover Up Eruvin 84 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-11-01 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-11-03 00:00:00

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

The Beginning of Wisdom Kiddushin 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-09-15 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-11-03 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-07-03 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-03-16 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-07-16 00:00:00

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-10-08 00:00:00

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

The Animal Within Bava Kamma 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-12-08 00:00:00

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

The Ancient Breathalyzer Yevamos 60 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

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

The Ancient Breathalyzer Yevamos 60 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-05-06 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-07-20 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-03-30 00:00:00

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

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Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

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Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

  לְאֵיכָן הָיוּ הַקּוֹלָּבּוֹנוֹת נוֹפְלִין. רִבִּי מֵאִיר אוֹמֵר. לַשְּׁקָלִים. רִבִּי לָזָֽר אוֹמֵר. לִנְדָבָה. רִבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן הַשְּׁזוּרִי אוֹמֵר. רִיקּוּעֵי זָהָב וְצִיפּוּי לְבֵית קוֹדֶשׁ הַקָּדָשִׁים. בֶּן עַזַּאי אוֹמֵר. שׁולְחָנִ …

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Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

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Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

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Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

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Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-10-25 11:31:10

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-12-25 00:00:00

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

Tephiliphobia

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2019-09-15 06:51:14

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-04-11 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-03-27 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-04-26 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-02-27 00:00:00

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

Teach Them a Lesson Nedarim 79 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-01-12 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-11-03 00:00:00

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

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Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

Tasteless Sin Bava Basra 17!Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-07-12 00:00:00

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 …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-05-06 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-03-03 10:04:08

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

Talmudic Panic Attacks Bava Kama 80 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-01-21 00:00:00

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

Talmudic Insomnia Cures Eruvin 104 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-11-20 00:00:00

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

Talmudic Good Samaritan Law Kesuvos 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-07-24 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-12-08 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-01-17 00:00:00

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

Taking Your Measurements Gittin 87 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-08-11 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-05-12 00:00:00

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

Taking Trauma Personally Kesuvos 82 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-09-25 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-12-15 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-06-10 00:00:00

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

Taking in the Flow Kiddushin 74 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-10-26 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-12-14 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-08-25 20:00:17

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-11-12 00:00:00

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

Taanos 7 Fuelish Ideas About Torah and Miztvos

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-18 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-21 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-05 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-10 10:15:04

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

Taanis 14 Tear It All Up Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-25 00:00:00

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

Taanis 18 Successful at Failure Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-26 11:14:10

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

Taanis 9 Student of History Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-19 10:07:57

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

Taanis 23 Sleeper Story Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-03 10:38:28

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-06 00:00:00

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

Taanis 26 Rush Hour Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-07 00:00:00

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

Taanis 2 Rain of Terror Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-12 10:49:34

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

Taanis 5 Rachav Souled Out Jericho Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-16 00:00:00

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

Taanis 4 Rabbis and Personality Disorders Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-15 00:00:00

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

Taanis 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-03 10:12:17

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-17 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-09 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-26 10:29:12

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

Taanis 12 Not so Fast Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-23 00:00:00

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

Taanis 15 No Atheists in Foxholes Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-26 09:59:39

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-12 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-24 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-19 10:05:08

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

Taanis 11 High Standards for Empathy Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-19 10:34:24

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-01 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-02 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-14 00:00:00

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

Taanis 19 Child’s Pray Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-30 00:00:00

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

Taanis 30 Celebrating Diversity Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-10 10:35:28

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-12-08 00:00:00

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

Taanis 17 A Prayer Connoisseur Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-11-28 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-05-28 00:00:00

  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 …

Suspicious Motives Pesachim 2 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-11-23 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-05-30 00:00:00

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 …

Suffering in Silent Desperation Kesuvos 64 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-09-08 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-19 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-09 10:55:36

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

Succah 55 Whistleblowers and Troublemakers Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-29 17:46:46

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-14 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-11 00:00:00

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

Succah 29 Torah Eclipses Science? Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-04 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-06 10:31:53

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

Succah 48 The Secret to Happiness Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-23 00:00:00

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

Succah 56 The OG OTD Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-31 00:00:00

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

Succah 31 The Law of Return Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-06 10:18:59

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-15 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-22 00:00:00

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

Succah 30 Stolen Spirituality Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-05 00:00:00

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

Succah 17 Spiritual Bent Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-23 10:51:05

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-19 00:00:00

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

Succah 20 Sins of the Fathers Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-26 00:00:00

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

Succah 18 Shrimps and Bullies Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-23 11:00:29

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

Succah 53 Shidduch Dance Festival Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-27 10:35:22

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

Succah 49 Secrets of Torah Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-24 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-16 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-03 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-20 00:00:00

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

Succah 33 Personal Responsibility Is Eternal Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-08 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-26 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-18 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-12 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-13 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-20 11:15:04

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-01 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-25 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-16 10:39:53

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-29 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-09 10:36:57

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

Succah 15 Intelligent Design Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-21 00:00:00

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

Succah 27 Intellectual Laziness Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-02 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-27 10:25:37

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-10 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-09 00:00:00

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

Succah 2 Head in the Sky Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-08 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-17 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-28 00:00:00

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

Succah 19 Gender Profiling Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-25 00:00:00

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

Succah 23 Flash of Insight Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-29 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-16 10:51:50

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-19 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-13 11:20:30

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-30 09:18:18

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

Succah 40 Denial and Mindfulness Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-15 00:00:00

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

Succah 37 Cut Out for Heresy Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-12 00:00:00

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

Succah 47 Chair and Chair Alike Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-22 00:00:00

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

Succah 36 Break the Mold Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-11 00:00:00

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

Succah 45 Afterplay Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-08-20 11:04:49

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-07-27 00:00:00

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

Studies in Futility Eruvin 59 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-10-07 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-06-13 00:00:00

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

Stubborn Conviction Gittin 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-07-13 00:00:00

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

Stray Thoughts During Prayer Yevamos 103 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-06-17 00:00:00

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

Stillborns, Miscarriages and Mourning Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 135

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-07-19 14:07:55

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-01-25 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-01-11 00:00:00

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

Staying Together for the Children Eruvin 41 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

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

Staying Together for the Children Eruvin 41 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-09-18 11:47:41

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-12-30 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-09-22 00:00:00

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

Standing on Ceremony Bava Basra 115 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-10-16 00:00:00

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 …

Stairway to Heaven Eruvin 77 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-10-25 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-07-02 00:00:00

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 …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-09-14 00:00:00

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

Spousal Abandonment Kesuvos 107 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-10-16 00:00:00

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

Spoiling or Nurturing? Chaggigah 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-02-14 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-11-15 00:00:00

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

Spiritual Superconductors Yevamos 68 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-05-13 00:00:00

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

Spiritual Standstill Bava Basra 101 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-10-04 00:00:00

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

Spiritual Spam Filter Set to High

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2019-12-27 08:52:03

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-11-25 00:00:00

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

Spiritual Home Inspection Nedarim 56 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-12-20 00:00:00

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

Spiritual Food Kiddushin 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-09-29 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-09-22 00:00:00

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

Spiritual Debts Bava Basra 154 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-11-26 00:00:00

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

Spiritual Dashboard Nazir 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-03-22 00:00:00

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

Spiritual Credit Score Gittin 3 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-05-19 00:00:00

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

Spiritual CPR Nazir 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-03-07 00:00:00

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

Spiritual Codependency Bava Metzia 104 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-06-11 00:00:00

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

Spiritual Backlash Bava Metzia 114 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-06-21 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-11-18 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-05-06 00:00:00

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 …

Special Eclipse Edition Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-04-08 07:32:23

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 …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-01-20 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-03-29 00:00:00

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

Sounding out G-d’s Name

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-02-03 00:18:36

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

Soul Torah Shabbos 115

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-06-29 11:18:29

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-02-10 00:00:00

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

Sometimes the Details Count Gittin 5 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-05-21 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-04-09 03:38:14

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

Soft Start-Up Gittin 75 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-07-30 00:00:00

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

Sober Responses to Suffering Psychology of the Daf Shabbos 139

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-07-23 08:57:20

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-03-26 00:00:00

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

Small Minded Thinking Bava Basra 107 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-10-10 00:00:00

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 …

Slave Lives Matter Eruvin 74 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-10-22 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-06-20 00:00:00

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 …

Sinners Count Too Kesuvos 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-07-08 00:00:00

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

Sinners and Saints Shabbos 123

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-07-07 11:27:20

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

Sing Baby, Sing Sotah 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-04-22 00:00:00

Sing Baby, Sing Sotah 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-04-28 00:00:00

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

Sin is Temporary Nazir 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-02-14 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-12-03 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

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

Silver Linings from Corona

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2020-03-23 09:13:27

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

Silent Scream Nedarim 87 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-01-20 00:00:00

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

Silent Rebuke Gittin 9 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2023-05-25 00:00:00

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

Silence is Olden Bava Basra Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2024-08-26 00:00:00

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 …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2022-10-07 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-02 12:34:18

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

Shekalim 5 Twisted Pshat Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-02 11:34:41

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

Shekalim 21 The Space in Between Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-11 06:20:31

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-25 00:00:00

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

Shekalim 18 Spiritual Antenna Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-09 09:56:36

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

Shekalim 7 Soul Searching Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-26 11:39:43

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

Shekalim 6 Reparations and Atonement Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-26 11:23:54

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

Shekalim 13 People Talking Without Listening Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-02 12:07:15

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-31 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-04-06 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-23 00:00:00

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

Shekalim 8 Healthy Glow Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-29 00:00:00

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

2021-03-24 00:00:00

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

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