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Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R The Daf Yomi through a Psychological Lens.
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The Joy of Forgiveness Menachos 20 Psychology of the Daf
Author:
January 30th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph (see Rashi, “aderaba”) discusses the idea that the wine libation, after the blood is sprinkled, represents the joy and relief of obtaining atonement.
The Yalkut Divrei Yosef (Succos) remarks that this is why Succos, in particular, is a time of great rejoicing—more so than the other festivals—since it comes on the heels of having received atonement on Yom Kippur.
Shem MiShmuel (Yom Kippur, chapter 15) elabora …
Sacred Slaughter: When Destruction Is not Divine Menachos 19 Psychology of the Daf
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January 30th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the halacha and proof text that, though in some respects performing the slaughtering is a part of the ritual of sacrifice, it is permitted for a non-Kohen to execute this service.
On occasion, the Zohar contradicts halacha and Gemara. One of the most troubling examples is that the Zohar (Naso 124:1) which states that a Kohen is forbidden to perform shechitta on a sacrifice “so as not to impair the region to …
To the Point: Loving Torah Until Singularity Menachos 18 Psychology of the Daf
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January 29th, 2026

Similar to yesterday’s daf, our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses an interesting idiom for an intense pleasure or specific achievement in Torah: “ad l’achas.” Literally this translates as “until one,” which requires some explanation. Before we go to the commentaries, the impression one gets is something like “until a singularity” or until a unique degree of insight or attainment.
Tosafos (ibid) offers two explanations:(1) The Hebrew wo …
An Absorbent Jew Menachos 17 Psychology of the Daf
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January 29th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses an interesting idiom to describe how Rav Hamnuna came to understand a halacha from Rabbi Chanina: “ivla li,” which literally translates as “caused me to swallow.”
Rashi (ibid): “He made it tasty (or perhaps better translated as ‘he seasoned it’) and taught it to me.”I saw a fascinating lexical sensitivity in Rashi on the Hebrew language website “Portal Daf Yomi”. A similar phrase comes up in Be …
Counting on Atonement: The Numbers Game of Yom Kippur Menachos 16 Psychology of the Daf
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January 29th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis relates a dispute about the total number of blood sprinklings from the bull and goat during the Yom Kippur service—43, 47, or 48—in the various sections of the sanctuary and the altar. The difference depends on whether the High Priest mixes the blood of the bull and goat before placing it on the corners of the inner altar, or places each separately. The additional 48th sprinkling depends on whether the pouring of the b …
Announcing a New On Line Journal of Torah and Psychology Mada U Middos
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
January 17th, 2026

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Tefillin Without Shema - Did He Get the Yoke? Menachos 15 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
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January 29th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the principle that a person may bring his offering today and the accompanying libations from now until even ten days later. We have a teaching from Gemara Berachos (14b):
“Anyone who recites Shema without tefillin, it is as if… he has offered a burnt-offering without a meal-offering or a peace-offering without libations. Despite the fact that he fulfilled his obligation, his offering is incomplete.”
T …
The Tzitz and Object Relations Menachos 14 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
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January 25th, 2026

Our Gemara discusses the power of the tzitz to render impure matters acceptable for sacrifice, and a discussion of its limitations according to some, such as whether it is limited to material for the altar or even sacrificial food. How do we understand this power of the tzitz, and what lessons does it teach about our nature? Rav Hirsch, whose commentary on Vayikra is spectacular at highlighting the symbolic content of sacrificial rituals, explain …
What Difference Does It Make as Long as You Get There Menachos 13 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
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January 23rd, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the parallels of the sacrificial rituals of an animal versus a mincha. For example, the handful of flour that is taken from the mincha for the altar is parallel to slaughtering, as it activates the sacrifice. The Gemara wonders how placing the handful in the vessel is comparable to accepting the blood in the vessel.
At first, the Gemara considers this not parallel, as it declares: “If we say that the meal-of …
Sinful Action Versus Preoccupation of Sin Menachos 12 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
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January 23rd, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an interesting principle regarding the piggul rules. To review, a sacrifice becomes invalid when a part of the service is performed with the intention of eating or offering appropriate sacrificial portions on the altar outside of the prescribed times. However, aside from this invalidating thought, the rest of the sacrifice must be procedurally correct.
This leads to an irony. If one had an intention that caus …
Spiritual Toolkit Menachos 11 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
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January 22nd, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a beraisa that notes that the various fingers on our hands are used for Torah measurements. The full version of this beraisa is quoted in Kesuvos (5a), which discusses the purpose of various digits from a broader perspective:
“Bar Kappara taught: What is the meaning of that which is written: And you shall have a peg among your weapons [azenekha]” (Deuteronomy 23:14, which cites verses that refer to the requi …
A Well Rounded Perspective on the Torah Menachos 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
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January 21st, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses two verses that reference the placing of the blood of the Asham, and then the oil, on the metzora’s ear tip, right thumb, and right big toe. The verses in Vayikra (14:17 and 28) show a small, but distinct discrepancy in the instructions of the placement of the oil:
When referring to the sacrifices of the wealthy metzora, the verse states to place the oil “upon the blood of the guilt offering.” However, …
Reish Lakish Does Not Do Things Half Way Menachos 9 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
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January 20th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a dispute between Rav Yochanan and Reish Lakish regarding one who mixed the oil of a mincha offering outside of the walls of the Temple. Reish Lakish says it is valid because the mixing can be performed by a non-Cohen; therefore, at this point it is not subject to the regular rules of sacrificial service and can be performed outside the Temple. Rav Yochanan holds that notwithstanding that it is permitted to be p …
The Sense of the Sacred in Modern Chinuch Menachos 8 Psychology of the Daf
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January 19th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a scenario whereby a shelamim sacrifice is brought in the sanctuary, and it is still considered procedurally kosher, even though its proper place is the courtyard.The Gemara implies that this is only post facto. However, it is a violation of some kind to have slaughtered the sacrifice in the sanctuary. The Minchas Chinuch (184) suggests that this is considered a profane entry into the sanctuary. It is prohibited …
The Road to Torah Less Traveled Menachos 7 Psychology of the Daf
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January 18th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph relates that Avimi traveled to Rav Chisda to get help with understanding a particular sugya. This is even more remarkable because Rav Chisda was Rav Avimi’s student. This leads the Gemara to ask, “Why didn’t Avimi summon his student instead of traveling to him?” The Gemara answers that traveling to him would make the endeavor more successful. Rashi explains by quoting the famous rabbinic adage, “If you work hard …
Common Threads Menachos 6 Psychology of the Daf
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January 16th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the halacha that shaatnez, a forbidden combination of wool and linen, is permitted in the priestly vestments.
Why does the Torah make this exception? It is also interesting to note that the Torah allows shaatnez by tzitzis, so that the techeles sky-blue thread can be wool and the other threads linen (Yevamos 4a). By studying the exceptions to the rule, this also allows us, inductively, to reason and unde …
Your Are What the Altar Eats 5 Psychology of the Daf
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January 16th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the sacrificial requirement of Mashke Yisrael, that the sacrifices may only be brought from foodstuffs that are permitted for consumption, based on a verse in Yechezkel (45:15).
Why is this requirement first mentioned only in regard to Yechezkel’s messianic prediction of the return to the Temple from exile? Meshech Chochmah (Bo) makes an observation about the difference between the exile of the Jewish people …
Betrayals, Repitition and Gilguls Menachos 4 Psychology of the Daf
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January 15th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph refers to the mincha brought by the Sotah as “mazkeres avon—an offering that is a reminder of the sin,” based on the verse in Bamidbar (5:15).
This is an unusual phrase, and what sin are we remembering? While we might say the sin of the Sotah, Ohr Hachaim (ibid) points out that, in actuality, we don’t need any help “remembering” that—it’s why she’s there in front of the Cohen bringing the offering. A …
Not If, but When Menachos 3 Psychology of the Daf
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January 14th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the laws of the chattas sacrifice of a king, which is unique in that the animal must be a male, while the standard chattas sacrifice is a female animal.The verse that describes the sacrifice has additional anomalies (Vayikra 4:22–26):
“In case that a nasi sins and unwittingly violates one of the commandments of God of which he is commanded to abstain from, and incurs guilt.”
The Hebrew word for “in …
Doing it Right When You Are Wrong 2 Psychology of the Daf
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January 13th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the status of a mincha sacrifice or an Olah or Shelamim sacrifice that was slaughtered (or the mincha equivalent, kemitza—taking a handful for the altar) without being for the sake of the petitioner. In such a case, the mincha or sacrifice remains valid, but the owner does not fulfill the obligation of his pledge.
Despite this, the Gemara says one is still obligated to complete the rest of the service with …
Demonic or Demented? Zevachim 120 Psychology of the Daf
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January 12th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph cites a verse which describes King Shaul’s encounter with a sacrifice-related sin committed by the people. The verse (I Shmuel 14:32–33) describes it as “eating on the blood,” which seems to be a reference to the Biblical prohibition (Vayikra 19:26): “Do not eat with blood.”The prohibition is ambiguous and is actually used as a proof text for several unrelated prohibitions, except for the fact that in some way …
Fallen Angels and Elevated Humans Zevachim 119 Psychology of the Daf
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January 11th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the sacrificial process of Manoach, Shimshon’s father. After being told that his wife would be the mother of a future savior and instructed to treat Shimshon as a Nazir, Manoach offers a sacrifice. The verse (Shoftim 13:19–20) describes what transpired:
“Manoach took the kid and the grain offering and offered them up on the rock to God; and a wondrous thing happened while Manoach and his wife looked on. …
Easy Come Easy Go But Hard Work Pays Dividends Zevachim 118 Psychology of the Daf
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January 9th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the three sites of worship in early Jewish history: the Mishkan of Shiloh, Nov and Givon, and the Beis Olamim (the eternal house), i.e., the site of the Beis HaMikdash.
The text characterizes the final site as the “eternal house,” implying that its final status is permanent and everlasting—something different in nature than the prior two.
Tiferes Yosef (Likkutim, Shas Taanis 15) explains this in a dee …
Sanctuaries and Setbacks Zevachim 117 Psychology of the Daf
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January 9th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes how, in the generation of the wilderness, when there were no arei miklat, the Levite camp served that function. (Arei miklat are biblically ordained “sanctuary cities” where someone who killed via negligent manslaughter could go for refuge and exile, Devarim 4:41.)
The Gemara (Makkos 10a) notes that Moshe built the first three sanctuary cities on the other side of the Jordan even though they would never b …
Mankind and Moral Law: We Are All In the Same Boat Zevachim 116 Psychology of the Daf
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January 8th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes how Noach knew which animals were kosher so he could bring additional ones to sacrifice, and also which animals did not become corrupted by interbreeding. The Teivah (ark) and the animals themselves would demonstrate this. The animals would come either as pairs or in groups of seven (see Rashi ibid, which indicates that they were to be made into sacrifices), and the teivah would only allow pure, non-corrupted an …
Only the Good Die Young Zevachim 115 Psychology of the Daf
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January 7th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis references the tragic death of Aharon’s two sons, Nadav and Avihu, on the day of the inauguration of the Mishkan, and quotes Moshe’s cryptic words of consolation (Vayikra 10:3):
“This is what Hashem meant by saying: Through those near to Me I show Myself holy, and gain glory before all the people.”
The traditional way to understand Moshe’s message was that Hashem holds the righteous to a higher standard, an …
Half Baked Mitzvos and Matzos Zevachim 114 Psychology of the Daf
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January 6th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis teaches us that there is a prohibition to offer the paschal sacrifice on a private altar.
Yitschok asks Esav to hunt and prepare game for him prior to bestowing the blessings of the first born upon him. In order to preempt Esav, Rivkah tells Yaakov to fetch two goats, which she will prepare as his father likes (Bereishis 27:9).
What is the significance of two goats? Rashi (ibid) explains that one goat was brought as …
Decent Despots Zevachim 113 Psychology of the Daf
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January 5th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis relates the Aggadah that Og, King of Bashan, survived the flood by hanging on to the ark. Even Yisrael (Noach) asks, why did Noach need the Raven and the Dove—why not send out Og? He answers that Noach did not want to give him any opportunity to receive merit, as he saw him as evil and unworthy.
When we combine this idea with the Aggadah (Niddah 61a) that Og merited a long-lasting kingdom because of the steps he took …
The Firstborn Opportunity Cost Zevachim 112 Psychology of the Daf
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January 4th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses that prior to the inauguration of the Mishkan, sacrificial service was performed by the firstborn. They lost this privilege due to the sin of the Golden Calf.The Divrei Dovid (Toldos 25:31) asks how Yaakov could purchase the birthright from Esav. It is forbidden for a non-cohen to perform the sacrifices; likewise a non-firstborn should also be in violation. He answers that prior to the appointment of the Levites, …
Libations, Longing, and the Land Zevachim 111 Psychology of the Daf
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January 2nd, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph records two related disputes between Rabbi Yishmael and Rabbi Akiva regarding wine libations. Rabbi Yishmael understands the verse “when you enter the land of Israel” (Bamidbar 15:2) as referring to public altars, while Rabbi Akiva applies it to private altars.
The Gemara relates this to whether libations were offered in the wilderness. According to Rabbi Yishmael, they were not, so the verse refers to public altar …
Lower Waters, Higher Peaks Zevachim 110Psychology of the Daf
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January 2nd, 2026

Our Gemara on this daf discusses the mitzvah of pouring water libations on the altar on Succos. It is a relatively unique mitzvah, and it is hard not to see the symbolism: we pray for water for the upcoming season and pour water on the altar.
Rashi (Vayikra 2:12) relates a mystical tradition:
“A covenant was established with the salt as far back as the six days of Creation, when the lower waters received an assurance that they would be of …
Half Measures and Heavenly Bonds Zevachim 109 Psychology of the Daf
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January 1st, 2026

The daily incense offering in the Temple consisted of a combination of herbs and aromatic plants as described in the famous Pitum HaKetores beraisa that we recite daily before Pesukei DeZimra. Each day a maneh’s weight was brought (100 dinar or 25 selah), half in the morning and half in the afternoon.Rashi on Amud Beis (“Amar Rabbah”) has a famous and unusual position: this amount was rabbinic, and according to Torah law, a kzayis (olive vo …
How Many Details Really Matter Zevachim 108 Psychology of the Daf
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December 31st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the use of a particular verse regarding the prohibition against offering a sacrifice outside of the Temple. If two people simultaneously lifted and placed limbs on the altar, they are exempted. Apparently, it is necessary for it to be an action by one person in order for it to be considered a form of inappropriate service. The rabbis derive this from the verse in Vayikra (17:8):
“If a man, and a man, of the …
Cut to the Core: Kares Chai and the Price of Disconnection Zevachim 107 Psychology of the Daf
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December 30th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references the 36 prohibitions that incur the heavenly punishment of kares, which literally translates as being cut off, and according to rabbinic tradition, spiritual alienation and a resultant early death. Is there any significance to the number 36?Maase Rokeach (Kodshim, Kerisus 1) provides several numerological insights.
The Gemara Sanhedrin (104a) states:“Rava says that Rabbi Yoḥanan says: For what reason were …
Christmas Trees on Succos? Context is Everything Zevachim 106 Psychology of the Daf
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December 22nd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph repeats a well-known scriptural interpretative rule: “Wherever it is stated in the Torah: Guard (hishamer), or Lest (pen), or Do not (al), it connotes a negative prohibition.”
One fascinating use of this principle is understanding the intent of the Ten Commandments’ directive to guard and remember the Shabbos. In version one (Shemos 20:8), we are commanded to “remember the Shabbos.” In version two (Devarim 5: …
The Pain of Descent: Why Falling Hurts More Than Staying Low Zevachim 105 Psychology of the Daf
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December 21st, 2025

Our Gemara discusses the ritual impurity incurred by those who burn certain sacrifices outside Jerusalem, including Yom Kippur offerings whose blood is sprinkled inside the sanctuary, as well as communal chattas and the chattas of a Cohen Gadol (Mishna Zevachim 12:5–6).Typically, impurity is associated with loss of life: exposure to a corpse, the Red Heifer ceremony, niddah and zavah, which represent loss of reproductive potential or disorder. …
Known Unknowns: When Awareness Creates Reality Zevachim 104 Psychology of the Daf
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December 19th, 2025

Continuing its discussion of the status of a sacrifice that becomes disqualified, the Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an interesting case in which a sacrifice was found to be a tereifa only after the blood was sprinkled, since examination of the internal organs occurs later:
“Rabbi Chanina holds that in the case of an animal that was found to be a tereifa due to a wound in its intestines, the sprinkling of the blood nevertheless effects accep …
Proof by Non-Event: When Not Seeing Is not Believing Zevachim 103 Psychology of the Daf
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December 19th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis contains a Mishna where Rabbi Chanina the segan (deputy) cohen sought to prove his halachic opinion by virtue of his testimony. His testimony was a negative one, stating: “In all my days, I never saw a hide going out to the place of burning.” (This refers to a sacrifice having been disqualified, and yet the hide still being given to the cohen.) The Rabbis reject his proof, stating: “Not having seen a phenomenon occur …
Hashem the Cohen: When God Steps In Zevachim 102
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December 25th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph asks: Who ruled over Miriam’s tzoraas, which requires a cohen? It could not be Aharon, because he is her brother, and a close relative cannot make a ruling of tzoraas. The Gemara reflects:“Rather, the Holy One, Blessed be He, bestowed a great honor on Miriam at that time, and said: I Myself am a priest, and I will quarantine her for seven days to see if the shades of leprous marks persist, and I will declare her a lep …
Soulmates: When Pinchas Became a Cohen Zevachim 101 Psychology of the Daf
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December 24th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis teaches us that unlike the other sons of Elazar, Pinchas did not receive the elevated status of priesthood until after the incident in which he avenged Zimri’s transgressive behavior in cohabiting with the Midianite princess Kuzbi. He was already born before Aharon and his sons (including Pinchas’ father, Elazar) were anointed, so the aura that was passed down to Elazar’s children was not given to Pinchas.We cannot c …
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