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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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Beauty: Hedonistic or an Important Value? Yevamos 34 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 10th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us Er’s motivation to prevent Tamar’s pregnancy was so that her beauty not be sullied from the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth. From the reading of this Gemara one might draw the conclusion that the idea itself of concern about the rigors of pregnancy and the impact on beauty is an unworthy thought. As if to say, we should be above all those base physical concerns. However, Bereishis Rabbah (45:4) indi …
Torah and Paradox Bava Metzia 42 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 10th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph makes a number of suggestions regarding money management from a practical and metaphysical point of view.   Rabbi Yitschok advises a person to keep a certain amount of money liquid, presumably, so that he can respond quickly to investment opportunities. He also states that financial blessing is found on matters that are hidden from the eye. Similarly, Rabbi Yishmael says that financial blessings are only found when & …
Don’t Start Up with Me Makkos 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 10th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the concept that one who confesses to a crime is exempt from punitive fines (though he must still make financial restitution).     Ein Yitschok (Bereishis) explains that this is why God did not directly accuse Adam of eating from the Tree of Knowledge, but instead engaged in discussion and asked questions (see Rashi, Bereishis 3:9). God was giving Adam a chance to confess, thereby avoiding aspects …
Shekalim 21 The Space in Between Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 11th, 2021

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 …
Temporary Problems,Timeless Halakha Yevamos 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 11th, 2022

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 …
Repent Early, Beat the Yom Kippur Rush Bava Metzia 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 11th, 2024

Our Mishna on amud aleph discusses money that is placed for safekeeping by the money exchanger:   In the case of one who deposits money with a money changer, if the money is bound, the money changer may not use it. Therefore, if it is lost he does not bear responsibility for it. If the money was unbound, the money changer may use it. Therefore, if it is lost he bears responsibility for it. If he deposited money with a homeowner, whether it i …
Slave to Desire Makkos 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 11th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a legal principle: anyone who pays as punishment for a transgression is not flogged for that same transgression. In other words, in most situations, a person does not incur multiple penalties for the same infraction. The Mekhilta (Shemos 21:6) discusses why the Jewish servant who is sold to repay stolen goods, and then chooses to stay in servitude beyond his indenture, must have his ear pierced by the door: What …
Return Policy Makkos 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 11th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes a nuanced halacha: though one may not make a condition that contradicts a Torah rule, financial stipulations are a matter of convention and can be reconfigured. However, even so, the language must not undermine or reject the Torah rule—it must simply add a clause, reduction, or increase. For example, overcharging is forbidden in a sale, but one may stipulate the sale on condition that “you have no cla …
One Mitzvah Short of a Full Tank: Torah’s Fine Print Sanhedrin 111 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 11th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph relates an interesting theological debate:
With regard to the verse: “Therefore, the netherworld has enlarged itself and opened its mouth without measure [livli ḥok]” (Isaiah 5:14),
Reish Lakish says: It is referring to one who leaves even one statute [ḥok] unfulfilled; the netherworld expands for him.
Rabbi Yoḥanan says: It is not satisfactory to God, their Master, that you said this ab …
Unorthodox Trauma
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 12th, 2020

The following post is written by my wife Chaya Feuerman, LCSW-R who is guesting in this blog: Trauma takes many forms. Many people are blocked from living life as their best Selves due to past or present traumatic experiences. Some people don't even recognize that their experiences have traumatized them and are the cause of difficulties in how they respond to life's stressors including their relationships. Traumatic events are frighteni …
Shekalim 22 Consistency Versus Passion Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 12th, 2021

Our Gemara discusses the famous dictum תָּדִיר וְשֶׁאֵינוֹ תָּדִיר — תָּדִיר קוֹדֵם when a frequent practice and an infrequent practice coincide, the frequent practice takes precedence over the infrequent practice. This is learned out from a verse regarding the Tamid offering that precedes the Musaf offerings (Zevachim 89a).  A similar principle is stated that the more holy choice takes precedence …
Family Planning: Quality versus Quantity Psychological Insights on the Daf Yomi Yevamos 36
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 12th, 2022

  Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the halakhic principle that one should not marry a woman who is still nursing a child, as she may become pregnant, and this could disrupt her milk supply.  The Gemara wonders why this concern is only active with the second husband, as even with her first husband she might become pregnant and interrupt the milk supply?  The Gemara concludes that in either case, the woman will use birth control.&nb …
Marriage, God, Tablets and Cryptocurrency Bava Metzia 45 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 12th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis describes the effectiveness and limits of the method of acquisition used via exchange (kinyan chalifin):  Money cannot be the item used to effect a transaction by means of exchange, as that form of transaction is effective only with regard to items such as produce and vessels. Rav Pappa said: What is the reason for the opinion of the one who says that money cannot be the item used to effect a transaction by means of e …
The Perspective of Youth versus Age Bava Metzia 44 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 12th, 2024

Our Mishna on amud aleph discusses when encountering an exchange of one coinage for another, what is considered the coin and what is considered the object? This has an effect on the halacha, as in Jewish commerce, payment of money alone cannot acquire a physical object without the object being acquired through some other means such as picking it up. Yet, an object that is not currency can be acquired via exchange or barter. Thus, when one purchas …
Losing It
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 13th, 2020

A number of people have emailed me or texted me saying that they're “losing it”. Just losing it! It's really difficult these days -- but what does it mean “losing it”? Psychologically, there is a process to it. Losing it is when your Ego, which is the part of your personality, crumbles and falls apart.  It is disorienting.   What is the Ego?  It is something that you develop as a young child, maybe even …
Daf Yoma 2 If So, There is No End to Your Fears Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 13th, 2021

Our Mishna discusses a dispute between the Sages and Rabbi Yehuda. Since the Cohen must be ritually pure in order to perform the Yom Kippur service, they would appoint a backup Cohen, lest he become ritually impure.. However, Rabbi Yehuda also required them to appoint a backup wife, presumably for each Cohen, because the Cohen who performed the service needed to be married. To this concern, the Rabbis retorted, “If so there is no end to wha …
Sexual Deliberation Movement Yevamos 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 13th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes the verse in Vayikra 19:29: אַל־תְּחַלֵּ֥ל אֶֽת־בִּתְּךָ֖ לְהַזְנוֹתָ֑הּ וְלֹא־תִזְנֶ֣ה הָאָ֔רֶץ וּמָלְאָ֥ה הָאָ֖רֶץ זִמָּֽה Do not degrade your daughter and make her a harlot, lest the land fall into harlotry and the land be filled with depravity. Rashi explains the verse as follows: Scripture speaks of one who gives his unmarr …
Thoughts vs Actions Makkos 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 13th, 2025


Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the famous principle that “eidim zommemim” (perjured witnesses) who testified in a capital case only receive the death penalty if they were caught after the court’s verdict but before the accused was executed. If the accused was executed though, the witnesses do not receive any punishment.   Commentaries have offered various explanations for this seemingly unfair law. Some suggest tha …
Yoma 3 The Bedroom and the Holy of Holies Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 14th, 2021

The Gemara at the end of amud beis discusses the preparation required in order to enter in the Holy of Holies. The principal requirement is six days of separation, however ultimately it is mandated at seven days.  I heard a lovely idea from Rabbi Avrohom Blumenkrantz ZT”L. The seven days of preparation that the Cohen engages in to prepare for entry into the Holy of Holies is paralleled by the seven days of preparation that a couple hav …
Beis Shammai and Beis Hillel: Potential Versus Actual Yevamos 38 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 14th, 2022

Our Gemara on amud beis notes a dispute between Shamai and Hillel regarding the status of debt recorded in a valid note signed by witnesses. Shamai holds that a debt recorded in a bill of debt that is awaiting collection is as though it was already collected to the extent that the creditor is considered to be in possession of the debt. Hillel holds it is still considered uncollected.  
This has significance in relation to a situat …
You Really Can’t Take it With You Bava Metzia 46 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 14th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis rules that according to Rabbi Yochanan, by Torah law, money effects acquisition. It is only a rabbinic mercantile protection that required an additional physical acquisition beyond payment for material objects, as the seller might be negligent of the merchandise, while it is still in his possession, since it was fully acquired now by the purchaser. Therefore, the rabbis enacted a protective measure that ownership does not …
Too Hard to Resist Makkos 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 14th, 2025

The Torah requires two witnesses to convict someone of a capital crime. Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a scenario: if two witnesses in a capital case observe two separate parts of a sinful act, can they join to be considered one set of witnesses? Rashi explains how this could be, such as if witnesses observed a forbidden sexual intercourse, where one saw the beginning and the other the end. Meaning, the sex act can happen over a period of time …
Yoma 4 What’s in a Name? Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 15th, 2021

Our Gemara tells us that it is proper etiquette to call out to a person before speaking with him or her. We see from the fact that many verses begin with, “G-d called to Moses and said to him“, this implies that before one speaks, one should engage the person, get their attention, and see if they are interested in what you have to say. Maharsha here states that one should call by name explicitly. Mizrachi (VaYikra 1:1) implies the nam …
Remember to Forget Yevamos 42 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 15th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses various strategies to determine paternity without requiring a woman to wait three months after a divorce, or death, to remarry.  The Gemara asks, why is it necessary to wait three months? She can wait a week or two, and then remarry.  Should she show the physical signs of pregnancy at the three month mark, it is obvious that she is pregnant from her first husband. (According to the medicine of the Gema …
Wedding Night Trauma Yevamos 41 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 15th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references the custom in Judea (Mishna Kesuvos 1:5) of allowing the betrothed bride and groom to have a period of time to be alone together. (They are married through Kiddushin but have not yet completed nisuin.)
Rashi (“Chutz”) explains:
“That he be accustomed and playful with her, so they not be embarrassed of each other when they consummate on the wedding night.”
While this cus …
Deterioration and Development Yevamos 39 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 15th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a time when it was decided that Chalitzah is preferred over Yibum. The reason is as Yibum  is essentially a violation of marrying the wife of a brother, it should only be permitted if the mitzvah is performed with pure intentions instead of lustful ends.  The Gemara then entertains a suggestion that at a later date, they reverted back to recommending Yibum over Chalitzah, to which they Gemara incredulou …
The Clothes Make the Man Bava Metzia 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 15th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the scriptural source for the chalifin acquisition, whereby transfer of possession is confirmed via exchange of an object, also known as kinyan sudar. In Megillas Rus, Boaz acquires the rights to the field from Plony Almoni and also presumably secures his agreement that he will marry Elimelech’s (their relative) former daughter-in-law, Rus (Rus 4:7):   Now this was an ancient custom done in Israel in cas …
Death Penalty Debates: Sanhedrin’s Mercy or Anarchy? Makkos 7 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 15th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph relates a dispute between Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Tarfon versus Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel. Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Tarfon seem to understand the Torah practice of capital punishment as largely a threat and deterrent, but in a practical manner, avoided at all costs via legal mechanisms and various defenses to acquit: Rabbi Tarfon and Rabbi Akiva say: If we had been members of the Sanhedrin, we would have conducted trials in a …
Yoma Daf 6 Sexual Satisfaction vs. Psychological Security
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 16th, 2021

The Gemara on Amud Aleph questions why the Cohen Godol should be sequestered from his wife seven days before the Yom Kippur service? The Gemara answers that since there is only one Cohen Godol (and one back-up), we worry his wife might show signs of having become niddah right after intercourse. There would then be concern that perhaps she was niddah during intercourse. When such a situation occurs and there was sexual relations, there is an impur …
Yoma 5 You Cannot Learn Character on the Job Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 16th, 2021

Our Gemara on amud aleph quotes the verse that describes the inauguration and succession plan of the Cohen Gadol.  Rashi on this verse (Vayikra 16:32) quotes a Sifra that states that the verse indicates that we appoint the Cohen’s son to be his successor so long as he follows in his father’s footsteps. Let us discuss the ethics of succession in Judaism: In secular philosophy, there is no legal or moral right for any leader to app …
Making Lasting Change Yevamos 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 16th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph mentions the well-known principal that the consumption of the sacrifices by the cohanim of somehow effectuates the atonement of the owners of the sacrifice.
The Shalah (Aseres Hadibros maseches Ta’anis Torah Ohr 5:14) explains this idea in a novel manner:
Fasting is a primary form of penitence, whose aims are to repair indulgences that were not appropriate by holding back on pleasure. However, there may …
Flood Assurance Bava Metzia 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 16th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a particular curse that befalls one who reneges on a transaction after money was exchanged. We have learned that exchange of money alone does not accomplish acquisition without the physical object being moved or lifted. Therefore, even though technically no transfer was completed yet, and legally he can stop the process, it is an ethical violation by going back on his word after the giving and accepting of payme …
Spare the Rod, Spoil the Mitzvah? Talmud’s Take on Tough Love Makkos 8 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 16th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an exemption for the punishment of exile for involuntary manslaughter. Even though there was still enough negligence that ordinarily would incur exile, if the person was involved in a mitzvah, he receives a special dispensation. The Gemara says this includes a father who disciplines his son via corporal punishment. Should his son die as a result of these blows, since he was performing a mitzvah, the father is ex …
A Guilty Look Sotah 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 17th, 2023

  Our Gemara on amud beis discusses circumstances of the Sotah’s retraction of her willingness to drink from the waters. Sometimes it is considered a de-facto confession and therefore she no longer drinks, or instead we believe she is panic stricken, and her refusal is not a confession, rather she may still be innocent and thus drinks: לָא קַשְׁיָא הָא דְּקָהָדְרָא בַּהּ מֵחֲמַת רְתִיתָא ו …
The Honest Weigh to Go Bava Metzia 49 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 17th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses further the importance of keeping one’s word and honoring verbal agreements:   The verse states: “You shall have an honest balance, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin.״ But wasn’t a hin included in an ephah, why is it necessary to state both measures? Rather, this is an allusion that serves to say to you that your “yes” (“hen” or “hin” m …
Six Mitzvos, One Sanctuary: Your Portable Divine GPS Makkos 9 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 17th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the six cities of refuge designated for the person who commits involuntary manslaughter. These cities functioned as a form of exile and punishment because there was negligence involved, but also as a protection from a relative who might kill him in retribution. This is why the cities’ names have an implication of refuge, with the literal translation of Arei Miklat being “cities of being gathered in.&r …
Yoma 7 Is it Permitted to Criticize Your Spouse? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 18th, 2021

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses the idiom, הֱוֵי פִּקֵּחַ וּשְׁתוֹק Be shrewd and keep silent. Here it is used in reference to a public sacrifice that would be kosher if brought while impure, given there is no other substitute. Since it is a fait accompli, and technically it is kosher, there is no value in the Cohen sharing information about the sacrifice. Why cause unnecessary despair? This terminology is used in another exam …
First Impressions Last Sotah 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 18th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph refers to a Rasha Arum, a cunning wicked person. The Zohar (Vayeshev) describes the Evil Inclination as the prototypical Rasha Arum, because he arrives first in a person’s life. That is when a young child only knows raw instinct, he tends toward physicality and lust. Only later, as a child develops intellectual discernment, he is capable of having a good inclination. Since the evil incarnation has already long been …
The Goldilocks Equation Bava Metzia 50 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 18th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the laws of fraudulent overcharging:   Rava said: The Halacha is that if the disparity in actual value versus amount paid is less than one-sixth, the merchandise is acquired immediately. If the disparity is greater than one-sixth, either party can demand nullification of the transaction. If the disparity is precisely one-sixth, the buyer has acquired the merchandise, and the one who benefited from the exploi …
God Does Not Cut Corners in Creation Makkos 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author:
April 18th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the prohibition of shaving the corners of the head. Bereishis Rabbah (11:6) offers a relevant exchange: A philosopher asked Rabbi Hoshaya, “If circumcision is so dear to God, why was it not given to Adam?” Rabbi Hoshaya replied, “Why do you shave the corner of your head but leave the corner of your beard?” (Authors note: a dig at Yushka for violating the commandment to not shave the peyos.) The philosoph …
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