The Psychology of Disgust Avodah zara 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 18th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the behavior of snakes to determine whether their venom could have contaminated certain vessels. It considers whether a snake would drink from already diluted wine, particularly if others are watching. The conclusion: Snakes don’t usually drink diluted wine, and especially not under observation.But the Gemara presents an exception—an incident where a snake cleverly gathered water in its mouth, spat it into a …

Eye on the Heart Avodah Zara 28 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 16th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis relates an incident where the great Amora Shmuel—who was also an expert physician (Niddah 25b, Bava Metzia 107b) and astronomer (Berachos 58b)—made a tragic medical error. Based on this, he adjusted his halachic stance, which shows a dynamic and empirical relationship between experience, medicine, and Halacha.
There was a certain maidservant in the house of Mar Shmuel whose eye became infected on Shabbos. She scream …

The Goalie Gets the Same Trophy as the Forward Avodah Zara 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 15th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states that in a certain sense, a woman is considered circumcised. Meaning to say, even though anatomically she is unable to have the Jewish circumcision, since she is a full Jew, she is treated as if she is part of the same covenant.Ben Yehoyada, quoting the Arizal, develops this idea further. He says it is similar to the principle that women are not obligated in time-bound mitzvos but it is considered as if they fulfill …

Maternal Attachment and Spirituality Avodah Zarah 26 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 15th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph prohibits a Jewish woman from serving as a wet nurse for an idolater’s child. This falls under the general prohibition of aiding the welfare of morally corrupt nations.
Yet a famous Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 53:9) describes Sarah Imeinu as “nursing children” (Bereishis 21:7)—in the plural. Why “children”? It hints at a miracle: after giving birth to Yitzchak, skeptics claimed he was adopted - a foundling ch …

It Is Straight Out in Bereishis Avodah Zarah 25 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 13th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph explores the identity of Sefer HaYashar (“The Book of the Upright”), mentioned in Yehoshua (10:13). One opinion says it refers to Bereishis, the Book of Genesis, because it chronicles the Patriarchs, who are known as yesharim—the upright ones.The term yashar implies someone morally straight, honest, and correct. In Jewish liturgy and tradition, we often encounter three types of righteous individuals: yashar, tzaddik …

Crimson Conception: You Are What You Bleat Avodah Zarah 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 11th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes how a cattle raiser could influence the production of a red heifer by placing a red cup in front of it during conception. The Gemara challenges the efficacy of this technique—after all, if it really worked, red heifers wouldn’t be so rare. It concludes that this method might work, but only with breeds that already tend toward producing red heifers.
This Gemara is an illustration of the ancient medical and …

Red Cows and Risky Business Avodah Zarah 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 11th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the viability of purchasing a red heifer from a gentile. Two concerns arise: perhaps the animal was used for labor (invalidating it per Bamidbar 19:2), or it was subject to bestiality.
The Gemara argues that a gentile owner would be careful not to use the heifer for labor, knowing its value as a rare Jewish religious object. However, when it comes to bestiality, sudden urges may override reason—even at the …

Family Squabbles and Religion Avodah Zarah 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 10th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph distinguishes between renting a field to a gentile versus a Samaritan (Kuthite). It may be permitted to rent to a gentile, as he can be instructed not to work the field on Shabbos or Chol HaMoed, avoiding maris ayin. However, it’s prohibited to rent to a Samaritan because he does not accept the laws of Chol HaMoed and will disregard the instruction.
Why isn’t it sufficient to instruct the Samaritan not to work, as …

Stay At Your Post Avodah Zara 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 9th, 2025

Our Gemara discusses two potential prohibitions associated with renting a house to a gentile in Eretz Yisrael:Allowing gentiles a foothold in the Holy LandThwarting the obligation of mezuzah from the house
However, the Gemara concludes that the latter is not a concern because affixing a mezuzah is the obligation of the resident, not the house. Therefore, if no Jew lives in the home, it is not subject to the mitzvah of mezuzah. Renting a house …

Chen and Now: Forbidden Praise and Esav’s Paradox Avodah Zara 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 6th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph rules that it is forbidden to praise an idolatrous gentile:“You should not show them chen” (Devarim 7:2), which is understood as meaning: You should not give them favor (chen) by praising them.Presumably, this prohibition against praising them applies even if they are truly deserving of praise—perhaps especially so—because it could lead to being influenced or enthralled by their religion and character.Peri Tzaddik …

Torah Lishmah? Snow Problem! Avodah Zarah 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 7th, 2025

Our Gemara makes a profound and surprisingly psychological statement:
“A person can learn Torah only from a place in the Torah that his heart desires…A person should always learn Torah from a place in the Torah that his heart desires.”
The Maharsha notes that one statement says “from a place” while the other says “in a place.” This seemingly minor change indicates that the Gemara refers to two things: the content of the Torah …

A Matter of Wife and Death Avodah Zarah 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 6th, 2025

Our Gemara (Amud Aleph) recounts the tragic martyrdom of Rabbi Chanina ben Tradyon at the hands of the Romans, who punished him for teaching Torah in public. Shockingly, not only was he executed, but his wife was also condemned to death. The Gemara seeks a reason and answers: because she did not protest her husband’s behavior.
What was his offense? The Gemara suggests that the issue was not halakhic, but mystical—some inappropriate use or …

Taking the High Road to hell to the Brothel? Testing the Yetzer and the Soul Avodah Zarah 17 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 4th, 2025

Our Gemara (end of Amud Aleph to beginning of Amud Beis) relates a philosophical ethical debate between Rabbi Chanina and Rabbi Yonasan:“Rabbi Chanina and Rabbi Yonasan were once walking along the road when they came to two paths: one led to a place of idol worship, the other to a brothel.
One said: Let us go by the path of the idol worship, as that inclination has been slaughtered.
The other said: Let us go by the path of the brothel and …

Beefed Up: Trauma, Torah, and Resilience Avodah Zarah 16 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 4th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph reports a truism regarding cattle:
“A young ox that has been fattened, but then held until it is slim, performs twice the work of other oxen.”
As the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Numerous verses speak to this idea, such as Yeshayahu (48:10):“See, I refine you, but not as silver; I test you in the furnace of affliction.”
And in Malachi (3:3):“He shall act like a smelter and pu …

Parsing Through the Problem: Running After Truth on Sand and Soil Avodah Zarah 15 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 3rd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis relates a story where the great Amora Rabbah, based on arguments from his student Abaye, conceded that he made a halachic error. Upon this realization, the Gemara reports that he ran after the party involved to try to correct his actions—but he could not catch up to them. The Gemara adds an interesting detail:
He ran three parsa’os after the buyer who purchased his donkey to revoke the sale… and some say that he r …

Idolatry 401: Avrahams Advanced Degrees Avodah Zarah 14 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 2nd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us that our forefather, Avraham, was well-versed in 400 chapters of idolatry.What does this mean? A simple reading is that in his quest to find the true religion and God, he studied the various religions of his time. (The number 400 in Hebrew often means a large number, such as Esav’s 400 men (Bereishis 33:1), adding 400 benches to the study hall (Berachos 28a), 400 casks of wine (Berachos 5b), and more.)
The Mi …

Reining in the Ego: When Even Horses Bow to Providence Avodah Zarah 13 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 1st, 2025

Our Gemara discusses a particular procedure (perhaps hamstringing) that disables an animal. Though it causes the animal suffering, when there is a constructive purpose it is permitted. The Gemara brings a prooftext from Yehoshua (11:6), where God commands him to disable the enemy horses in this fashion (see also Tosafos ibid.).
The Ralbag on this verse makes a powerful point. God gave Yehoshua this specific directive to run counter to the inst …

Mezuzahs and Minarets: Davening in the Danger Zone Avodah Zarah 12 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 24th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the prohibition—under certain circumstances—of entering a city that has an idolatrous temple. If entering such a city is forbidden, certainly entering the actual temple is prohibited.
Although today the Ma’aras HaMachpeilah has separate Islamic and Jewish sections, when it originally became accessible, Jews and Muslims shared the same room. This presented a halachic question: Is it permitted to daven in …

Torch Bearer or Torch Burden? Who’s Serving Whom? Avodah Zarah 11 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 24th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us the remarkable story of Onkelos’s conversion to Judaism and the impact he had on other Roman soldiers and officers. The Caesar sent officers in several attempts to bring Onkelos back and hold him accountable for his possibly treasonous activities. Each group somehow became enamored and awestruck by Onkelos’s theological declarations about the uniqueness of Judaism and God’s relationship with the Jewish peop …

Flash of Olam Haba: One Moment to Win It Avodah Zarah 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 24th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells the story of a righteous gentile, who in a courageous moment of self-sacrifice earns a share in the World to Come. Upon recognizing this phenomenon, Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi had a powerful reaction:
When Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi heard this, he wept, saying: “There is one who acquires his share in the World to Come in one moment, and there is one who acquires his share in the World to Come only after many years of toil.” …

Millennial Kiddush: A Toast to Time and Transcendence Avodah Zarah 9 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 24th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the Jewish calendar from a broad philosophical perspective. We are currently in the 6th millennium:
In relation to the discussion on the calculation of years, the Gemara states that one of the Sages of the school of Eliyahu taught: The world is destined to exist for six thousand years. For two thousand years the world was waste, as the Torah had not yet been given. The next set of two thousand years are the t …

The Right to Remain Avodah Zarah 8 Prayerful Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 24th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph outlines the framework for personal supplication during the Amidah:
“The Halacha is that one may request personal needs during the blessing of Shomeah Tefilah. However, if he desires, he may include personal requests in each blessing that matches its theme.”
Implicit in this ruling is a theological tension: What gives us the right to bring our petty, personal concerns into an encounter with the Divine? Shouldn …

Praise Before You Petition: Aim Before You Pray Avodah Zarah 7

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June 25th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis teaches the proper structure of prayer:
“Rabbi Simlai taught: A person should always set forth praise of God and only then pray for his own needs.”This is learned from Moshe Rabbeinu, who first praises Hashem in Devarim 3:24 before asking to enter Eretz Yisrael in the following verse.At first glance, this seems to mirror royal etiquette: You don’t barge in asking for favors—you first offer honor. But that can’ …

It Feels Good to Be Needed Avodah Zarah 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 24th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis continues its discussion of various commercial exchanges prohibited during an idolatrous holiday period. One reason given is that if the pagan is pleased with a business transaction, this might prompt him to offer thanksgiving to his deity, thereby implicating the Jew in a form of idolatrous enabling.
This prohibition even extends to borrowing items from a pagan. The Gemara asks:
Granted, it is prohibited to lend the …

Holy Union or Hellish Estrangement: The Souls We Birth Beyond Biology Avodah Zara 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 23rd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph engages in a mystical and provocative idea: Had Israel not sinned with the Golden Calf, they would have become like angels—immortal, and beyond the need for reproduction. But then the Gemara raises a challenge: Isn’t reproduction a mitzvah? It responds by distinguishing between pre-Sinai commandments and post-Sinai obligations, suggesting that perhaps they were not obligated after Sinai. However, the answering …

Getting Caught in the Crossfire of Divine Justice Avodah Zara 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 22nd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph addresses a philosophical and theological tension: Does God allow the innocent to suffer alongside the wicked? Rabbi Abba bar Kahana taught: What does it mean when Avraham says to God regarding Sodom, “Far be it from You to slay the righteous with the wicked” (Bereishis 18:25)?   Avraham argued: It would be a profanation (ḥalila) to Your name to act in this way.   But the Gemara challenges this: Do …

The whole of existence is a process Avodah Zara 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 20th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis speaks of the Jewish soul’s need for Torah for basic survival: “And makes people as the fish of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them” (Habakkuk 1:14)? Why are people compared to the fish of the sea? Just as the fish of the sea die immediately once removed from water, so too, when people separate from Torah and mitzvos, they die immediately. This is reminiscent of a Gemara in Berac …

Mitzvah Counts, No Deed Left Behind Avodah Zara 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 20th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states: Kol (all) mitzvot performed by Jews in this world will testify for them in the World-to-Come, per Yeshayahu: “Let them bring their witnesses…” Commentaries emphasize kol to include various mitzvos : Ben Yehoyada: Rabbinic mitzvos and hiddur mitzvah (e.g., a beautiful Esrog or neat mezuzah).
Pesach Eynaim: Mitzvos that others performed inspired by one’s influence.
Maris Ayin: …

Swear Words That Shape Worlds Shavuous 49 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 19th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes Vayikra 5:4 regarding oaths: Or when a person (nefesh) utters with his mouth an oath, to deprive or to bestow, made as a man… If he forgets and violates it, he brings a sacrifice. Noam Elimelech (Vayikra 5:1) interprets mystically: the utterance is a Tzaddik’s ability to affect physical reality through holy speech. Nefesh (soul) suggests a “soulful person.” In Jewish philosophy, words wield …

Patterns, Archetypes and God’s Plan Shavuous 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 18th, 2025

Our Gemara from Amud Aleph to Beis discusses a son inheriting a debt from his father, the original lender. In certain cases, the father must swear to extract payment from the debtor’s children, while the son, inheriting the loan with less operational knowledge, is sometimes exempt. The Gemara uses the idiom: Yafeh Koach Haben Min Ha-Av—the son’s power exceeds the father’s. This idiom transcends legality, reflecting what Ca …

Don’t Gamble with Your Health Shavuous 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 17th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph refers to the “person who plays with dice” as one deemed by the rabbis unfit for an oath. Rashi explains that this individual gambles for profit, and his winnings are often considered theft, as opponents do not fully agree or accept the terms as binding. There is no formal kinyan, and the gambler extracts winnings via coercion. Alternatively, Rav Sheshes in Sanhedrin 24b states such a person is not “invo …

A Date with Death Shavuous 46 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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June 16th, 2025

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the propensity of a person to threaten and exaggerate his intentions, and this does not necessarily serve as evidence of his guilt: With regard to one who takes an ax in his hand and says: I will go and chop down so-and-so’s date-palm tree, and the palm tree is found chopped down and tossed on the ground, we do not say that he chopped it down, but rather we search for evidence. The Chasam Sofer (Shu”t Y …

Waxing Philosophical: The Ledger of Life Shavuous 45 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 15th, 2025

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the evidence that a storekeeper may use from his writings on his ledger. The Gemara’s term for this ledger is a “pinkas.” My father Z”L, who was a scholar in Torah and learned in Greek and Latin, always took pains to correctly pronounce the Greek words in the Gemara. What we Yeshivishe folk call a pinkas is actually a pinaks (πίναξ), a kind of tablet that used beeswax as a …

Pledge of Allegiance: The Soul of Tzedaka Shavuous 44 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 13th, 2025

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the textual proof that the creditor has ownership over the security, which has ramifications for who is liable if it is lost, from the verse that delineates the process for a creditor who must collect security in lieu of payment (Devarim 24:10-13): When you make a loan of any sort to your compatriot, you must not enter the house to seize the pledge. You must remain outside, while the party to whom you made the l …

Ripe for Change: Halacha’s Take on Potential Shavuous 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 13th, 2025

In today’s daf, there is a discussion about grapes that have ripened to the point that they are ready to be harvested, and whether they count as attached or detached. In Halacha, there are a series of loosely related concepts that have this idea in common. The one most repeated in the Talmud is kol harauy lebilah, which originates with a volume of flour that is not too large to practically prevent oil from being mixed in (60 Sa’ah). E …

Reincarnation and the Repetition Compulsion Shavuous 42 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 12th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a central verse that discusses the liabilities of a person entrusted to safeguard an object of value, and the oaths he may incur (Shemos 22:6-8): When any party gives money or goods to another for safekeeping, and they are stolen from that other party’s house: if caught, the thief shall pay double; if the thief is not caught, the owner of the house shall depose before God and deny laying hands on the other&rs …

What is Torah? Shavuous 41 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 11th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph asks what the practical differences are in practice in a Jewish court between an oath that is obligated biblically or due to a rabbinic enactment. The Gemara endeavors to find distinctions. Rav Yosef Engel in Gilyonei Hashas asks: There is a simpler difference between a biblical oath and a rabbinic oath. If there are two cases that need to be adjudicated, one involving a biblical oath and another involving a rabbinic oath …

There are No Atheists in the Delivery Room Shavuous 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 10th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references one of the key verses in the Torah that discusses the function and guidelines for testimony (Devarim 19:15):

A single witness may not validate against an [accused] party any guilt or  blame for any offense that may be committed; a case can be valid only on the testimony of two witnesses or three.
  The verse could have started from the last half of the verse, stating, “a case ca …

The Soul’s Signals Shavuous 39 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 9th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the catastrophic effects of violating an oath: “The entire world trembled when the Holy One, Blessed be He, said at Mount Sinai: ‘You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain, for the Lord will not hold guiltless one who takes His name in vain’ (Exodus 20:7).” Unlike other sins, where God may “clear the guilty” (Exodus 34:7), false oaths bring unforgiving consequ …

Loss Aversion and Legal Priorities Shavuous 38 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 8th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis explores which claim a plaintiff prioritizes when he is claiming both: a fixed fine (kenas), dismissible if the defendant confesses, or damages requiring appraisal (e.g., pain, embarrassment), guaranteed with evidence. This affects whether witnesses denying testimony under oath incur a sacrificial obligation, applicable only to monetary claims. Rabbi Shimon holds people prioritize fixed fines, while the Rabbis believe the …

The Weight of a Wasted Prayer Shavuous 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 6th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis notes that most gosessim (those imminently dying) do not recover. This sparks debate in poskim: If someone was a goses before Shabbos, can one pray for them on Shabbos, or should one assume they’ve passed, avoiding a prayer that disrupts Shabbos tranquility (Aruch Hashulchan, OC 288:16)? Some argue against praying even during the week without verifying their status, as praying for the impossible (e.g., a deceased per …

The Nuances of Disgrace Shavuous 36 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 6th, 2025

The Gemara on Amud Aleph continues discussing words implying oaths, noting arur can mean ostracism (niduy), curse (klallah), or oath (shevuah), depending on context.  Kli Yakkar (Bereishis 12:3) uses the distinction between kellalah and arur to better explain a verse. God promises Avraham’s: I will (avarcha) bless those who bless you (mevarachecha) And curse (a-or) the one who curses you (mekallelcha); Kli Yakkar asks why does the vers …

The Weight of Words Shavuous 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 5th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses words implying an oath, like kovalni (“I chain you down”). Rashi cites Tehillim (149:8): “Binding their (defeated) nobles in chains of iron (kavlei barzel).” This rare word required a scriptural parallel, and Rashi chose Psalm 149 which uses that word. However, why did he not choose an earlier Psalm 105:18, which describes Yosef’s captivity: “His feet were restricted in chains …

Mindfulness and Are We All There? Shavuous 34 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 4th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses how people may not recall details irrelevant to their situation, impacting testimony and the credibility of eyewitnesses. Recall depends on awareness and focus. A doctor and a lawyer witnessing a car accident might notice different details: the doctor, medical signs; the lawyer, liability evidence. Humans operate at varying levels of consciousness and focus. Lisa Butler (“The Dissociations of Everyday Life, …

The Enigma of Half Liability Shavuous 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 31st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references the Jewish legal concept of Chatzi Nezek (paying half damages). This liability is incurred when an ordinary ox, with no history of goring, attacks another ox. The owner is neither fully absolved nor fully liable, paying only half.  This is a bit difficult. In God’s justice, strictly speaking, there ought to be no compromises or doubts. If the owner is liable, he should pay in full; if not, he should …

Calf Conundrums: When Simultaneity Slaughters Certainty Shavuous 32 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 1st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the situation under which one incurs an obligation to bring a penitentiary sacrifice if one denied knowing testimony under oath. The denial must relate to actual monetary loss if he withheld his testimony. Therefore, if there are two potential witnesses and both swear they do not have testimony, only the first one incurs an obligation for this penitentiary sacrifice because his denial broke the case. Once he wou …

Absolute Lies or Minor Matters Shavuous 31 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 1st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses situations where one might rationalize testifying falsely or even, as we shall see, imply or intimidate with the possibility of testimony under false pretenses if the ends justify the means: From where is it derived with regard to a student whose teacher said to him: You know concerning me that even if one were to give me one hundred times one hundred dinars, I would not fabricate a claim. Now, I have one hundre …

Good Reasons for Bad Behavior Shavuous 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 30th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the halachic principle of an oath made in vain. Various oaths fit this category, such as swearing to affirm something obviously false or, ironically, the opposite—affirming something already well-known and obviously true (see Rambam Shavuos 1:5 and Shulchan Aruch YD 236:4). To make an oath for no purpose is considered a disrespectful act, as it invokes God’s name over a trivial matter. Likkutei Halac …

Vain Vows and a Meaningful Life Shavuous 29 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 30th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the halachic principle of an oath made in vain. Various oaths fit this category, such as swearing to affirm something obviously false or, ironically, the opposite—affirming something already well-known and obviously true (see Rambam Shavuos 1:5 and Shulchan Aruch YD 236:4). To make an oath for no purpose is considered a disrespectful act, as it invokes God’s name over a trivial matter. Likkutei Halac …

Lashing out and maintaining dignity Shavuous 28 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 29th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses when the punishment of lashes begins, which has implications for whether an interruption means it is considered sufficiently administered. This has further implications, such as the principle that a vow cannot be annulled if it is no longer relevant. If a person is still awaiting the administration of lashes or even potentially liable for conviction, the oath remains relevant and can still be annulled. Regarding …

Swearing by the Sadducee: When Oaths Clash with Conviction Shavuous 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 28th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph, based on a scriptural proof, discusses the principle that for an oath to be valid, it must concern something where there are no pre-existing Torah obligations. Thus, if one made an oath to perform a mitzvah, it would not be binding since he was already obligated in the mitzvah. Similarly, an oath to refrain from performing a mitzvah would not be binding. (See Shulchan Aruch YD 232:6.) There is a well-known Mishna at the …

Free Choice is Not for Free Shavuous 26 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 27th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the concept of intention and oaths. Specifically, if a person believed he was telling the truth and made an oath, even if the facts were actually different, this is not considered a violation of his oath. Shulchan Aruch (YD 232:6) offers other examples, such as making an oath under false pretenses, like forswearing giving a benefit to a person whom he thought betrayed him, but in the end, did not. In those cases …

It Is Out of My Hands (When I Want a Good Excuse) Shavuous 25 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 26th, 2025

Rashi on Amud Aleph (“Lesey”) explains that an oath that Ploni will throw a stone may be considered a false oath, regardless of whether it comes to fruition or not, because the entire matter was out of his control. Such an oath, where you cannot realistically control the results, is seen de facto as false, because there is no true commitment to fulfillment. This is considered akin to the ruling that if one makes an oath that he will n …

A Kzayis or Nothing: Why Half a Matzah Won’t Cut It Shavuous 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 25th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the opinion of Rabbi Shimon, that the minimum amount to violate a prohibition on consumables of kzayis is only for liability in terms of sacrifices, but in terms of Beis Din administering lashes, that would be for any amount of consumption. The Shaagas Aryeh (100) raises an interesting question. Since, according to Rabbi Shimon, clearly the threshold of kzayis is much more limited, what about when it comes to fu …

Esther’s Pesach Fast: When “Don’t Eat or Drink” Means More Shavuous 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 22nd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the halachic principle that often drinking is subsumed under the verbal definition of eating. Therefore, drinking might violate an oath not to eat. Megillas Esther (4:16) relates Queen Esther’s instructions to Mordechai to declare a fasting period: “Go, assemble all the Jews who live in Shushan, and fast in my behalf; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.” Rav Chaim Kanievsky ZT&rsq …

Is Everything a Moral Choice? Shavuous 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 23rd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses various scenarios of making an oath when there already is an existing Torah obligation. (Known as mushba v’omed mehar Sinai, which we discussed on Psychology of the Daf, Shavuous 21.) The Gemara raises the possibility that since the prohibition for many consumables is only from a kzayis and more, perhaps an oath to not eat a certain forbidden food should be valid. The oath will find its footing on the prohi …

Sworn at Sinai: The Oath You Didn’t Know You Took Shavuous 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 22nd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph refers to the halachic principle of mushba v’omed mehar Sinai. This means that certain oaths cannot be valid when made in regard to commandments, since one is already under oath that he took at Mount Sinai, and this new oath is meaningless on top of a preexisting oath, and therefore is not valid. What is this oath that was made at Mount Sinai? We might assume that it is referring to the covenant that the Jewish peop …

Zachor vs. Shamor: Just Following Orders Shavuous 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 21st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis notes the discrepancy between the two versions of the Aseres Hadibros, where one states “Remember the Shabbos” (Shemos 20:8) and the other states “Guard the Shabbos” (Devarim 5:11). The Midrashic resolution to this textual problem is that miraculously, Hashem spoke “in one utterance, in a manner that the human mouth cannot say and that the human ear cannot hear.” Sefer Daf al Daf raises …

Cut Out Sinning Shavuous 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 20th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the halachic concept of misasek. Misasek is when an act is committed without any intention and/or awareness that the act is committed. In certain circumstances, depending on the nature of the prohibition, there is no liability on the part of the person who commits it. This is different from what we might call an accidental sin, such as forgetting a Halacha and therefore unintentionally making a violation, which …

Avoiding the Unavoidable Sin Shavuous 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 19th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph addresses discovering a sinful act mid-process, like when a wife becomes niddah during intercourse. Immediate withdrawal increases pleasurable contact, as motion, entry or exit, causes pleasure. Instead, he must prop himself up, remain motionless until his erection subsides, and then withdraw. Rava deduces that intercourse requires an erect organ; if flaccid, it’s not halachically intercourse for certain violations. …

Slow and Steady: Motion and Time in Halacha and Zeno’s Paradox Shavuous 17 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 18th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph addresses accidental sin and what to do next, such as becoming ritually impure in the Temple courtyard: If one, unaware of his impurity or location, exits via a longer route when a shorter one was available, he’s liable for a sliding-scale offering. If he takes the shortest route, he’s exempt. Rava clarifies: “Shortest route” doesn’t mean fastest; one is exempt even walking heel-to-toe all da …

Holy Illusions: Perception vs. Reality in Jerusalem Shavuous 16 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 16th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a historical halachic scenario highlighting the gap between perceived and actual holiness: Abba Shaul says: Two ponds existed on Har HaMishcha: a lower pond, consecrated during the First Temple with all procedures, bearing Jerusalem’s sanctity; and an upper pond, consecrated incompletely by Babylonian returnees without a king or Urim VeTummim. The baraisa explains: At the lower pond, fully consecrated, ame …

Jew At Heart and In Action Shavuous 15 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 16th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states that quantity doesn’t matter to God. The wealthy person’s cattle, the less affluent person’s bird sacrifice, and the indigent’s flour offering are all “a pleasing aroma to God.” Whether one increases or decreases their sacrifice, it’s accepted if their heart is directed toward God. Commentaries creatively apply this principle. Ben Yehoyada (Menachos 110a) addresses rewards …

State of the Union Shavuous 14 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 15th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes the ritual for expanding the boundaries of the Temple and Jerusalem to share the same holiness: The same halacha applies to one who enters the original Temple courtyard and the later addition, because the additional section is sanctified with the full sanctity of the Temple courtyard. The mishna states: Additions to Jerusalem or the Temple courtyards require a special body comprising the king, a prophet, the Uri …

Buy Now, Repent Later Shavuous 13 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 14th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi’s surprising opinion that Yom Kippur atones even for those who do not repent. However, this has limits regarding the sin of violating Yom Kippur itself, for which one would be liable for kares unless repentance occurs. The Gemara argues logically: If Yom Kippur forgave even non-repentant violators, the punishment of kares warned of in Vayikra (23:29) would be moot. Thus, Rabbi Yehuda Ha …

Kayin and Hevel: Not What You Learned in Cheder Shavuous 12 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 13th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the principle that certain sacrifices are rejected due to the non-repentant stance of the sinner, based on the verse in Mishle (21:27): “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination.” The Maharal (Derashas Shabbos Hagadol 9) applies this principle to reinterpret the biblical story of Kayin and Hevel in a surprising way. The simple reading casts Kayin as the villain: he offers a sacrifice begrudgingly …

When the Sacrifice is Not to Sacrifice Shavuous 11 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 2nd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the principle of lev beis din masneh, which essentially means that the rabbinic court allows itself an assumption that sacrifices are dedicated with a conditional clause subject to the judicial will of the sages. Therefore, in certain isolated situations when there is no choice, something that was sanctified and dedicated for a sacrifice can be reversed and annulled because the entire dedication was under an ass …

Yom Kippur’s Annual VIP Pass to God’s Inner Sanctum Shavuous 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 11th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a verse in Vayikra (16:34) that refers to the sacrificial rites of Yom Kippur as “once a year.” We also have a similar verse in Shemos (30:10), which actually mentions that the Yom Kippur service is “once a year” two additional times in that verse. It is fair to say that most every holiday happens only “once a year,” so what is the Torah expressing when it emphasizes this annual …

God’s Lunar Regret: The Rosh Chodesh Redemption Arc Shavuous 9 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 9th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph contains one of the most theologically provocative aggados of all time: What is different about the goat brought as a sin-offering of the New Moon that it is stated with regard to it: “To the Lord,” a term not written with regard to other sin-offerings? The Holy One, Blessed be He, says, as it were: This goat shall be an atonement for the fact that I diminished the size of the Moon. In this aggadah, we find Go …

Yom Kippur’s Scapegoat: Atoning for the Unknown Killer Shavuous 8!Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 9th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the forms of transgression that the sacrificial goat on Yom Kippur atones for. When the Gemara turns this discussion toward the sin of murder, it wonders what kind of murder sin would require such atonement. If one killed intentionally, he would be subject to punishment. If he killed unintentionally but through negligence, he would be obligated to go into exile. One of the answers the Gemara offers is regarding …

Sin’s Dirty Secret: The Metaphysical Mess of Tuma Shavuous 7 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 8th, 2025

Our Gemara, based on verses, refers to the three sins that require martyrdom—idolatry, murder, and sexual immorality—as tamey, a term usually used to describe something rendered contaminated and no longer at its appropriate level of purity. Tosafos ibid says this is a metaphoric use of the word, but there is no literal and actual impurity rendered by these sins. But what does the metaphor express? In a Torah mystical view, tamey is th …

Less Talk, More Torah: The Art of Concise Teaching Shavuous 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 7th, 2025

Rashi on Amud Aleph (“Yomru”) quotes a dictum from Pesachim (3b): “One should always teach his students in a concise manner.” What is the purpose and extent of this directive? The Maharal (Tiferes Yisrael 69) says that it is an order that a student on any level would understand the fundamentals. Students who are wiser can develop by reading between the lines or asking follow-up questions. According to the Maharal, then, th …

Is There Wisdom Outside of Torah? Shavuous 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 6th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes Iyov (28:13-28) about the inestimable value of wisdom and how it cannot be bought, traded, or compared to anything else. Chazal understand these verses to refer to the particular wisdom of Torah. It is an interesting question whether, from the Torah’s perspective, there exists wisdom outside the Torah. Logically speaking, there is no theological need for the Torah to encompass all wisdom, so long as what it c …

Skin Deep or Soul Deep? The Negaim Warning Shot Shavuous 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 5th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the prohibition against cutting off a tzoraas (skin blemish that renders impurity, in Hebrew, nega or negaim, pl.). Not all skin afflictions are impure; the cohen must examine them and, according to certain criteria, decide if they are benign, require quarantine, or are immediately impure (see Vayikra 13). Tosafos (on our Gemara) discusses whether there is a prohibition on cutting off benign blemishes. Without d …

The Exodus and Being on the Lamb Shavuous 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 4th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the unique mitzvah to be careful not to break the bones of the Paschal sacrifice. What is the meaning of this mitzvah? The Maharal (Derashas Shabbos HaGadol 5) notes that three days are associated with the Pesach offering in Egypt: 1 Nisan (Rosh Chodesh), 10 Nisan (designating the animal for the Paschal offering), and 14 Nisan (the day of the actual service and offering). The command to take the Passover lamb is …

Oaths and Omers: Shavuous’ Sefira Secrets Shavuous 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 2nd, 2025

We are beginning Masechta Shavuous. There is a custom to learn Maseches Shavuous during Sefira.  Sefer Daf al Daf in his Introduction brings down a number of insights about this. Notably, there are 49 dappim in the mashechta, corresponding to the 49 days of the Omer, and the Chasam Sofer was careful to teach a sugya in shavuos every day of the Omer.  Even more interesting, there is a custom to learn daf 34 on Lag Baomer, (as it really i …

Counting Mitzvos: The Soul’s Lifeline to Divinity Makkos 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 2nd, 2025

Our Gemara on the end of 23b through the top of 24a discusses the 613 mitzvos, of which there are: 365 prohibitions, corresponding to the days in the solar year, and 248 positive mitzvos, corresponding to a person’s limbs. Rav Hamnuna said: What is the verse that alludes to this? It is written: “Moshe commanded to us the Torah, an inheritance of the congregation of Yaakov” (Devarim 33:4). The word Torah, in terms of its numerica …

Lashes and Learning Makkos 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 1st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph seeks to prove from a verse that the person who administers lashes decreed by Beis Din need not be a learned individual (unlike, perhaps, other agents of Beis Din activity). The verse states: “Forty he shall flog him; he shall not exceed, lest he continue to beat him” (Devarim 25:3). The Gemara explains: Granted, if even people lacking halachic knowledge are appointed, that is why it is necessary to warn them …

Tightly Bound: The Ephod and Breastplate’s Spiritual Synergy Makkos 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 30th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the biblical prohibition against removing the breastplate from the ephod. (The ephod is an embroidered garment attached to the breastplate, part of the vestments worn by the high priest.) The verse states: “And the breastplate shall not be separated (yizach) from the ephod” (Shemos 28:28). The Hebrew word yizach is a hapax legomenon, appearing only once in the Torah (Rasag, Introduction to Sefer Hami …

Cutting Through Grief: A Torah Perspective on Self-Harm Makkos 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 29th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the prohibition of tearing or cutting skin out of grief. The verse states (Devarim 14:1): “You are children of your God. You shall not gash yourselves or shave the front of your heads because of the dead.” Tosafos in Yevamos (13b, “Deamar”) asks: If so, how can it be that Rabbi Akiva hit himself until he bled over the death of Rabbi Eliezer (see Sanhedrin 68a)? Tosafos offers two answers: …

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 …

Stairway to Heaven Makkos 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph debates the status of Eretz Yisrael post-exile, questioning whether the initial conquest of Israel’s holiness persists, affecting mitzvos like tithing and holy foods exclusive to the land. Similarly, does the Temple’s sanctity endure, obligating one to bring firstborn animals to Jerusalem while the Temple stands? The Gemara states, “The initial consecration of the Temple sanctified Jerusalem for its time …

Commission Impossible Makkos 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes Devarim (12:17): You may not (lo suchal) eat within your gates the tithe of your grain. The Hebrew lo suchal literally translates as “you cannot,” not “you may not.” How can it say “you cannot” when one is physically able to do so, despite the prohibition? Kesav Vehakabbalah explains that prior strong admonitions make the taboo so intense that it feels like one cannot violate it. …

A Genius Is Born, But A Tzaddik Is Made Makkos 17 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis records a striking statement: Rava says with regard to Rabbi Shimon’s statement in the baraisa: Anyone whose mother is bearing a child who is like Rabbi Shimon (Bar Yochai), she should bear that child, and if not, it is preferable that she does not bear him at all. Aggados often employ hyperbole (see Shiltei HaGiborim on Avodah Zarah 6a), but this passage is challenging. Why should a mother regret bearing any child, …

Oral Arguments Makkos 16 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes two behaviors deemed intrinsically repulsive, violating lo teshakzu (“Do not make yourself repulsive,” Vayikra 14:43): Delaying a pressing need to use the bathroom. Drinking from a cup (horn) used by a bloodletter. Many poskim hold that this prohibition is rabbinic, as the verse actually addresses eating non-kosher crawling animals (see Ritvah ibid, Beis Yosef YD 121). What if something is subjectiv …

Truth or Torah: Rabbi Yochanan’s Retraction Dilemma Makkos 15 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph recounts a halachic discussion where Rabbi Yochanan’s colleagues challenge a teaching attributed to him, asking, “Did you indeed say this?” He replies, “I did not.” In fact, he had said it but later reversed his position (see Rashi). Rabbi Yochanan’s denial, despite his retraction, raises the question of whether sources may be falsified for a “higher truth,” such as preservi …

Lashes and Loopholes Makkos 14 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an exception to the general rule of lav hanitak le-aseh. This rule states that a Torah prohibition accompanied by a positive commandment to rectify it does not incur the penalty of lashes. A classic example is theft, which carries a separate commandment to return the stolen object (Vayikra 5:23), thus exempting the thief from lashes. The rationale is straightforward: there’s no need to punish someone who ca …

Eliezer’s Freudian Slip: A Wife Hunt with a Hidden Agenda Makkos 13 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2025

  Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a textual concern regarding Biblical language: Rabbi Avin says that Rabbi Elai says: Wherever it is stated in the Torah the terms: Observe, lest, or do not, it is nothing other than a prohibition. (The words Hishamer—guard, pen—lest, and al—let not, will have an implication of avoiding a negative possibility.) This is in contrast to the Hebrew words “iylu” or “ulay,&rdqu …

Murderer or VIP? The Exile’s Humblebrag Dilemma Makkos 12 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 2nd, 2025

  Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the social status of, and obligation to disclose upon, the person in exile: In the case of a murderer who was exiled to a city of refuge and the people of the city sought to honor him due to his prominence, he shall say to them: I am a murderer. If the residents of the city say to him: We are aware of your status and nevertheless we wish to honor you, he may accept the honor from them. The Yerushalmi Shevi …

Exile Blues: When Paradise Feels Like a Prison Makkos 11 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 22nd, 2025

Our Gemara on this daf discusses the difficulties of exile for those who committed involuntary manslaughter and that they cannot return home until the Cohen Gadol dies. Sefer Daf al Daf brings down a question from Rav Chaim Kanievsky: What really was this great hardship? We have learned that the family goes with the person if they choose to do so, and then even the person’s rebbe is compelled to join him. What creature comforts is he actual …

God’s Cosmic Co-Sign: Free Will Meets Divine Will Makkos 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the intriguing principle that God enables and directs a person along the path that he wishes to go. How far does this extend? Is it merely that God does not interfere, or in some way do human focus and direction channel where the divine Providence goes? The Gemara Sotah (34b) discusses God’s ambiguous directive to Moshe regarding the ill-fated mission of the Spies: It is stated in the Torah that God told Mo …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

When the Ches Points Upwards Sanhedrin Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 19th, 2025

Does God Refuse Repair Attempts? Sanhedrin 112 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 8th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the concept of “The offering of the wicked is an abomination” (Proverbs 21:27). Although this verse comes from Mishlei, it appears to express an idea that is more than just rabbinic—it seems to be de’oraysa, a Torah principle. This is evident in its application to explain why the designated sacrifices of a person from an ir hanidachas, a condemned idolatrous city, must be destroyed and can …

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 …

Moses and the Fake News Sanhedrin 110 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 6th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the ugly politics of the Korach rebellion. One aspect was an apparent smear campaign against Moshe, accusing him of adultery.
While on the face of it, such an accusation seems absurd, the straightforward message and lesson of the Gemara is that politics and rhetoric can become dirty. People in positions of power are intrinsically suspect and therefore must take extra steps to not even have the appearance o …

Being God Fearing Isn’t Rocket Science Sanhedrin 109 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 4th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph gives us the midrashic backstory of the Tower of Bavel:
Rabbi Yirmeya bar Elazar says: They divided into three factions; one said: Let us ascend to the top of the tower and dwell there. And one said: Let us ascend to the top of the tower and engage in idol worship. And one said: Let us ascend to the top of the tower and wage war….

Rabbi Yoḥanan says: The uppermost third of the tower was burned, …

Too Holy to Handle Sanhedrin 108 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 4th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about the fate of the Generation of the Exodus:
The members of the generation of the wilderness have no share in the World-to-Come and will not stand in judgment… this is the statement of Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Eliezer says: The members of the generation of the wilderness were essentially righteous… It is they who entered into the covenant with God, and they will certainly be rewarded in the futur …

Stir Up a Hornet’s Nest Sanhedrin 107 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 3rd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses King David’s religious test:
A person should never bring himself to undergo a test of faith, as David, king of Israel, brought himself to undergo a test of faith and failed. David said before God: Master of the Universe, for what reason does one say in prayer: God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, and one does not say: God of David?  God said to David: They have undergone ordeals befor …

Reeds vs. Cedars: Exile’s Comforted Blessing Sanhedrin 106 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 2nd, 2025

Our Gemara at the end of 105b into 106a compares the curse of Ahijah the Shilonite to the blessing of Bilaam:
Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥmani says that Rabbi Yonatan says: What is the meaning of that which is written: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are importunate” (Proverbs 27:6)? Better is the curse that Ahijah the Shilonite cursed the Jewish people than the blessing that Balaam the wicked blessed …

God’s Cosmic Prenup Sanhedrin 105 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 1st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph relates a moral and historical discussion between the prophet Yechezkel and his fellow Jews:
Ten people came and sat before the prophet Ezekiel. He said to them: Repent. They said to Ezekiel: In the case of a slave sold by his owner to another master, or a woman divorced by her husband, does this person have any claim upon that person? Since God gave the Jewish people to other masters, the ties that existed between …

Merit Cannot Be Given, It Must Be Earned Sanhedrin 104 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 31st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph explores why the wicked King Amon was spared certain humiliation and disparagement, while Menashe was not: The Gemara asks: For what reason did the tanna’im not enumerate the wicked Amon among the kings with no share in the World-to-Come? The Gemara answers: He is not enumerated due to the honor of Josiah, his righteous son. The Gemara then challenges: Let us also not enumerate Menashe due to the honor of Hezekiah, …

Tunnel Vision and Repentance Sanhedrin 103 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 30th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes how God circumvented the regular channels of prayer to allow Menashe’s repentance to be accepted. Apparently, the unparalleled bloodshed of his regime—among other despotic and wicked acts—was so severe that the normal process of prayer and repentance was blocked. A supernatural, extra-legal intervention was required, directly orchestrated by God. Let us examine the Gemara’s precise wordin …

Poisonous Routes Sanhedrin 102 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 28th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the origin story of Yeravam ben Nevat, one of the most wicked kings in Jewish history. As is often the case with such figures, Yeravam was not merely a villain—he was a man of immense Torah knowledge and potential, a tragic archetype of wasted greatness. The verse states: “And the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him on the way, and he was clad in a new [ḥadasha] garment, and the two were alone i …

The Power of Perspective: Broad vs. Narrow Thinking Sanhedrin 101 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 28th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a verse in Mishlei (15:15): “All the days of a poor man are wretched, but a man who is of good heart will be in a constant festive state.” In the context of the surrounding verses, this pasuk conveys moral wisdom regarding attitudes and dispositions that influence a person’s experiences—either toward meaningful, pleasant interactions or the opposite. The Gemara seeks to define what type of …

Death Stare or Insight? Sanhedrin 100 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 27th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an incident in which Rabbi Yochanan, displeased with his student, glared at him and reduced him to a pile of bones. This phrase appears elsewhere in the Talmud regarding other sages who also glared at offenders, rendering them into a pile of bones (Berachos 58a, Shabbos 34a, and Bava Basra 75a). Some may take such statements literally, imagining the rabbi possessing a supernatural death-ray vision. OK, to each t …

Who is a Man and Who is a Beast? Sanhedrin 99 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 26th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the role and responsibility of a human being in this world: Rabbi Elazar says: Every man was created for labor, as it is stated: “Man is born for toil” (Iyov 5:7). Based on this verse, I do not know whether he was created for the toil of the mouth—speech—or for the toil of labor. When the verse states: “For his mouth presses upon him” (Mishlei 16:26), you must say that he was c …

Stop Wine-ing About the Messiah Sanhedrin 98 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 25th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph makes a pronouncement about the preconditions for the coming of the Messiah: Ze’eiri says that Rabbi Ḥanina says: The son of David will not come until the arrogant cease to exist from among the Jewish people, as it is stated: “For then I will remove from your midst your proudly exulting ones” (Tzefaniah 3:11), and it is written afterward: “And I will leave in your midst a poor and lowly people, a …

The Power of Practice and the Weight of Truth Sanhedrin 97 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 24th, 2025

Our Gemara on amud aleph tells a strange tale about a city whose inhabitants never, ever lied: There was a certain Sage, Rav Tavut (or Rav Tavyomei, according to some), who was so committed to honesty that, even if offered the entire world, he would not deviate from the truth. He said: “One time, I happened to visit a place called Truth, where its residents were unwavering in their commitment to truth. No one there ever deviated from truth …

Epic-Genetics: Honoring the Divine and Passing Down Values Sanhedrin 96 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 23rd, 2025

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the merit that Nebuchadnezzar earned for showing honor to Hashem: Nebuchadnezzar was the scribe of Baladan, and at that time, he was not present. When he arrived, he asked the other scribes: "How did you write the king’s message?" They replied, "We wrote this: 'Greetings to King Hezekiah, greetings to the city of Jerusalem, and greetings to the great God, as we were commanded.'" Nebuchadnezzar said to them …

Sleeping on It: Intuition, Calm, and Hijacked Plane Sanhedrin 95 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 21st, 2025

Our Gemara on amud aleph notes that certain heavenly decrees or even quarrels might fade after a good night’s sleep. This folk wisdom holds both psychological and spiritual validity. A restful night allows for perspective, calming anger, and other passions. Personally, I try not to make major decisions without sleeping on them—literally. I believe the unconscious mind needs time to wrestle with the issue and sort through it, allowing …

Intuition, Angels, and Hidden Wisdom Sanhedrin 94 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 21st, 2025

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses how a person may experience an uncanny sense that something is wrong, hinting at danger, based on the verse in Daniel (10:7): “I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; the men who were with me did not see the vision, yet they were seized with a great terror and fled into hiding.”  The Gemara asks: Since they did not see the vision, what caused their fear? The Gemara answers: Although they did not see th …

Higher Than Angels: The Divine Ascent of Human Choice Sanhedrin 93 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 20th, 2025

Our Gemara on amud aleph teaches that the righteous are greater than the ministering angels. But how can this be? Angels are fully spiritual beings who presumably perform God’s will without hesitation or resistance. The Tanya (39) offers an extensive explanation of this idea. To my understanding, Tanya is stating that while angels occupy a high spiritual state, their level remains static and unchanging. Humans, on the other hand, are tasked …

Marshmallows, Money, and Mazal: When Patience Pays—And When It Doesn’t Sanhedrin 92 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 19th, 2025

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses the various virtues and benefits of wisdom: And Rabbi Elazar says: Any person in whom there is knowledge, in the end, becomes wealthy, as it is stated: “And by knowledge are the chambers filled with all precious and pleasant riches” (Mishlei 24:4). Ben Yehoyada picks up on the extra phrase, “in the end” (le-basof). He explains that the phrase should be parsed differently: “Any perso …

A Glass Act: Resurrection and the Soul Sanhedrin 91 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 18th, 2025

Our Gemara on amud aleph continues various debates and discussions to establish the credibility of the resurrection of the dead. The school of Rabbi Yishmael presents the following argument: We can see how the resurrection of the dead is possible by way of a kal v’chomer from glass vessels: If, concerning glass vessels—which are fashioned by the breath of those of flesh and blood, who blow and form the vessels—it is the case tha …

Dead Men Tell Torah Tales: Text and Resurrection Sanhedrin 90 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 17th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses various transgressions and consequences related to a prophet suppressing his own prophecy and a Jewish person disregarding the words of a prophet: With regard to one who suppresses his prophecy because he does not wish to share it with the public, one who contemptuously forgoes the statement of a prophet and refuses to heed it, and a prophet who violates his own statement and fails to perform what he was command …

Cheftzah vs. Gavra: Silent Prophets and Defiant Souls Sanhedrin 89 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 16th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses various transgressions and consequences related to a prophet suppressing his own prophecy and a Jewish person disregarding the words of a prophet: With regard to one who suppresses his prophecy because he does not wish to share it with the public, one who contemptuously forgoes the statement of a prophet and refuses to heed it, and a prophet who violates his own statement and fails to perform what he was command …

Rebels, Redemption and Parental Pardon Sanhedrin 88 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 14th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an interesting wrinkle in the legal fate of the Biblical Rebellious Son described in Devarim (21:18). If the parents forgive his transgressions, he is not prosecuted. Shem MiShmuel (Ki Seitzei, Year 5671) asks: We have learned (Mishna Sanhedrin 8:5) that the Rebellious Son is sentenced to death not because of the severity of the transgressions he has already committed, but on account of his ultimate end. A boy of …

High Ground, Humble Roots Sanhedrin 87 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 14th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph cites a proof text that the Land of Israel is viewed as the highest land geographically. When discussing the process of resolving a Halachic question that local courts cannot adjudicate, the verse states (Devarim 17:8) that you shall “stand and ascend to the place God has chosen (i.e., the Sanhedrin located at the Temple in Yerushalayim).” Since there is an ascension, this implies Eretz Yisroel is the highest …

Stolen Identities and Sinai Sanhedrin 86 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 13th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the verse prohibiting theft found in the Ten Commandments (Shemos 20:13). Ironically, from the Talmudic Midrashic perspective, “Thou shalt not steal” refers to kidnapping, due to its context. This commandment follows the prohibitions against murder and adultery; by analogy, just as those are capital crimes, so too must this form of theft refer to a capital crime—namely, kidnapping, not ordinary …

Stealing Hearts and Souls: From Biblical Theft to Parental Alienation Sanhedrin 85 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 12th, 2025

Our Mishna on Amud Beis discusses the penalty for kidnapping, which can be the death penalty. The Mishna even considers an opinion that a father could be liable for kidnapping, such as if he sold his son into slavery. The Shu”t of Rav Betzalel Ashkenazi (39) notes that the term used in Biblical Hebrew is “gonev” and not “gozel.” Usually, “gezel” refers to brazen, open theft, while “geneiva” re …

Sticks, Stones, and Stoning: When Words Wound More Than Deeds Sanhedrin 84 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 11th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses two related prohibitions regarding the special status of a father and mother. It is a biblical prohibition to curse one’s father or mother (Shemos 21:17), as well as a prohibition to wound one’s father or mother (ibid. 15). Presumably, wounding one’s parents is more severe than merely cursing them. Yet, the punishment for cursing them is stoning, while wounding them is strangulation. Given that …

Megillas MAGA

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 1st, 2025

  Chapter 1: The Bumbling King In the days of BidenOyVeyLeRosh, ruler of 50 (give or take a few disputed) states, there was much confusion in the land. From his mighty throne in the Swamp of Washington, he sat on his throne. His advisors whispered amongst themselves: “Does he need a nap first?” “Which teleprompter setting today: ‘Normal’ or ‘Extra Large’?” One day, BidenOyVeyLeRosh, in a moment …

Resetting the Soul: The Liminal State of the Tevul Yom Sanhedrin 83 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 10th, 2025

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses the interesting legal category of the tevul yom. A tevul yom refers to a person who has undergone a ritual immersion in a mikvah but must still wait until nightfall for full purification. During this interim period—between immersion and sunset—the individual or item retains a partial status of impurity and is subject to certain restrictions. Our Gemara provides a prooftext that a tevul yom who perform …

King Size Sin Sanhedrin 82 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 9th, 2025

Our Gemara on amud aleph tells of the extreme fate of King Yehoyakim, who was singled out for a humiliating punishment that even extended to his corpse:
Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Avuya says: It was written on the skull of Yehoyakim, king of Judea: "This and yet another," indicating that he will suffer a punishment in addition to what he has already received. The Gemara relates: Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Avuya, the grandfather of Rabbi Perida, found a skull …

From Starvation to Gluttony: The High Cost of Repeated Sin Sanhedrin 81 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 7th, 2025

Continuing the discussion of how various despicable acts may not be technically punishable, sometimes the rabbis allowed for extra measures to rein in wholesale abuse and disregard for the law or social order. Therefore, even though one who repeatedly violates a prohibition in the Torah is technically not subject to capital punishment, the Mishna on amud beis rules:
One who was flogged for violating a prohibition and then repeated the viola …

Halachic Fetal Positions Sanhedrin 80 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 7th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph teaches:
Rava says that regarding the offspring of a cow that gores while pregnant, it is prohibited to bring the animal as an offering, just like any animal that has killed a person. This is because both the cow and its unborn offspring gored together. Similarly, in the case of the offspring of a cow that was the object of bestiality while the fetus was in utero, it is prohibited to bring it as an offering, as both …

Mistaken Identities and Marital Mysteries: When Who You See Is Who You Get Sanhedrin 79 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 6th, 2025

Continuing the discussion of indirect or less intentional forms of murder, our Gemara examines a dispute regarding a case where one intends to kill one person but “accidentally” kills another. Rabbi Shimon holds that if a person intends to kill Reuven but ends up killing Shimon, he is not liable for the death penalty. This debate may center on whether such an act demonstrates sufficient intent to incur capital punishment.
Even a …

The Bark of Sin is Worse than the Bite Sanhedrin 78 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 5th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph continues its discussion of various indirect forms of murder, including the case of one who causes a snake to bite a person.
There is a dispute regarding how direct this action is, and according to our Gemara’s analysis, it depends on where the venom is located. Rabbi Yehuda holds that the venom is upon the snake’s fangs. Therefore, in this case, the entire action is performed by the individual who embed …

Am I My Brother’s Keeper?—Sarcasm, Accountability, and Dodging Responsibility Sanhedrin 77 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 4th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses various scenarios where a person causes another’s death intentionally but not directly. For example, tying someone up in a situation where the sun will rise and cause them to die from heatstroke. This is known as gramma—an indirect causation—which is not punishable in a Jewish court but is among the many sins that incur a heavenly death penalty. However, in terms of monetary damages on objects, …

Lost and Found: Covenant, Kindness, and the Moral Code Sanhedrin 76 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 3rd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis considers it improper piety to return a lost object to a gentile. In other words, if the local gentile laws and moral codes do not obligate returning a lost object, it is unnecessary, and even vainly pious, to do so. As we discussed in Psychology of the Daf: Sanhedrin 74, Torah law is not only societal but also covenantal. Many legal systems may not consider a lost object to be the possession of the original owner, and thu …

The Forbidden Fruit: A Tale of Lovesickness, Pleasure, and the Loss of Temple Bliss Sanhedrin 75 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 2nd, 2025

On Amud Aleph, the Gemara discusses a fascinating story about a man who was stricken with lovesickness. The physicians assessed that if he was unable to requite his love, he would die. Much ink has been spilled analyzing the nuanced and multifaceted ways in which the rabbis responded to this person’s situation. For our discussion, we will focus on one particular segment. While there are different accounts of the story, one account suggests …

A Different Kind of Justice: The Relational and covenantal Function of Torah Law Sanhedrin 74 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 28th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references a well-known Talmudic legal principle: Jewish law does not employ a kal v’chomer (a fortiori argument). A kal v’chomer is a method of deriving a law based on logic, where if a certain stringency applies to a less severe situation, it should certainly apply to a more severe one. For example, if one is ticketed for running a yellow light, surely one should be ticketed for running a red light. However, …

Restoring What is Lost: From Health to Soul Sanhedrin 73 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 28th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph provides an intriguing scriptural source for the obligation to save a fellow Jew from harm. The verse regarding returning lost objects states (Devarim 22:2), “And you shall return it to him.” However, the Hebrew wording, “Ve-Hashevoso” —which literally means “return it to him”—can also be read as “You shall return him to himself.” This subtle shift hints at the i …

A Cloak-and-Dagger Dilemma: King David’s Test of Conscience Sanhedrin 72 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 27th, 2025

Our Gemara discusses one of the fundamental laws of preemptive self-defense, as described in Shemos 22:1-2. In certain situations where there is a reasonable presumption that an intruder intends to use deadly force—such as a home invasion, where the thief is prepared to encounter an adversary and therefore ready to kill if necessary—one does not have to wait to be attacked and may strike preemptively. (An obvious and nearly universal …

The Rebellious Son Who Never Was: Moshe’s Protest and Divine Punishment Sanhedrin 71 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 26th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses how the Ben Sorrer Umoreh—the rebellious son described in Devarim (21:18) who is subject to the death penalty—historically never existed. That is, as draconian as the prescribed punishment seems, it never actually came to pass. One important aspect of the legal procedure is that the parents themselves must bring their child before the court, meaning they are voluntarily participating in a process tha …

The Meals We Forget: Rosh Chodesh, Melave Malka, and the Struggle to Pause Sanhedrin 70 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 25th, 2025

Our Mishna on Amud Aleph references the idea of having a meal when calculating whether the lunar month is 29 or 30 days. The Aruch Hashulchan (OC 419:2) explains that this meal was intended to incentivize any witnesses who had seen evidence of the new moon to make the trip to the court. He quotes the Kol Bo, which states that the custom of eating a festive meal on Rosh Chodesh in general serves as a zecher le-Mikdash, a way to remember various ri …

A Stew of Intentions: Yaakov, Esau, and the Language of Malice Sanhedrin 69 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 24th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph notes the linguistic similarity between the Hebrew word mezid (“malicious intent”) and le-hazid (“to cook”). For example, Yaakov cooked lentil stew as part of his scheme to buy the birthright from Esau (Bereishis 25:29), where it says, "Va-Yazed Yaakov Nazid," but the word hazid is also used to denote malicious intent, as seen in Devarim 17:12, when a man deliberately defies a directive from an aut …

Unlaced Truths: Rabbi Eliezer’s Last Dialogue Sanhedrin 68 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 23rd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes a poignant scene where the sages visit their colleague, Rabbi Eliezer, who is on his deathbed. This is a psychologically complex encounter, as these very same colleagues had excommunicated him for his intense and disrespectful manner of disagreeing with them during the famous "Oven of Achnai" dispute (see Bava Metzia 59b). For obvious reasons, there was tension and regret on both sides, which had never been full …

The Grass is Always Greener… on the Pagan Side? Sanhedrin 67 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 21st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes the actions and words that the Inciter (to commit idolatry) must say in order to be liable for the death penalty. An example is how he might educate someone about a particular mode of idol worship and its rituals: “There is an idol in such and such a place, which eats like this, drinks like this, does good for its worshippers like this, and harms those who do not worship it like this.” It is curious …

Half an Answer is Also an Answer Sanhedrin 66 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 21st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph analyzes the verse in Vayikra 20:9 that warns against cursing one’s parents: If anyone curses his father and mother, that person shall be put to death; that person has cursed father and mother—and retains the bloodguilt. In various halakhic discussions throughout the Talmud, a linguistic question arises regarding how to understand the Biblical letter vav when it serves as a conjunction. Does it mean “and …

Does the Torah Command You to Not Be a Fool? Sanhedrin 65 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 20th, 2025

Our daf discusses the various prohibitions against divining omens and portents. The relevant verses are found in Devarim (18:10-18):   Let no one be found among you who consigns a son or daughter to the fire, or who is an augur, a soothsayer, a diviner, a sorcerer,  one who casts spells, or one who consults ghosts or familiar spirits, or one who inquires of the dead. For anyone who does such things is abhorrent to Hashem, and it is …

Signed and Sealed: The Divine Mark of Truth Sanhedrin 64 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 19th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a profound theological principle: "The seal of the Holy One, Blessed be He, is truth."   Let us delve deeper into this idea. The Likkutei Halachos (Birchos Hahoda’ah 6:29) illustrates how emes—truth—is embedded within Hashem’s very name. When Moshe asks how he should identify God to the Jewish people, Hashem responds (Shemos 3:14):   “Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh,” and c …

How Desire Becomes Doctrine Sanhedrin 63 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 18th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis offers an insight into what truly motivated the Jews to engage in idolatry—an insight that remains relevant in our times as well. Even though explicit idolatry is much less prevalent today, heretical beliefs that deny or subvert the Torah certainly persist as a challenge. The Talmud’s psychological analysis of idolatry can similarly be applied to many forms of modern heresy. The Gemara states: Rav Yehuda says t …

The Accidental Heretic Sanhedrin 62 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 17th, 2025

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses the degree of liability when a person commits idolatry but is unaware that the Torah forbids it. The Gemara’s primary focus is on whether and what kind of sacrifice must be brought. However, we will set aside that aspect and explore a different dimension of this topic: How does the Torah relate to accidental heresy? What if a yerei shamayim—a God-fearing and sincere seeker of truth—misinterprets …

Mob Psychology and Courageous Dissent Sanhedrin 61 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 16th, 2025

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses the halacha regarding one who incites others to sin through idolatry. There appears to be a contradiction between two teachings. One teaching suggests that merely verbally accepting the inciter’s proposition—agreeing to worship—is already considered a sinful act of incitement. Another teaching, however, implies that liability for incitement only occurs once the sin of idol worship has actually b …

When to Fight and When to Be Still: Understanding Divine Intervention Sanhedrin 60 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 14th, 2025

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses an intriguing biblical figure: Ravshakeh. He was an agent of the King of Assyria, engaging in psychological warfare by speaking directly to the Jewish soldiers in Chizkiyahu’s army—in Hebrew, no less—encouraging them to surrender, as he claimed it was their destined fate to lose. Ravshakeh even went so far as to assert that God Himself approved of Assyria’s impending conquest (Melachim II …

Harnessing the Serpent: A Lesson in Desire and Achievement Sanhedrin 59 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 14th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the primordial snake in the Garden of Eden, suggesting that before its punishment, it was not merely a creature with arms and legs—it was an intelligent and functional being, designed to assist humanity. As taught in a baraisa, Rabbi Shimon ben Menasya states: Woe over a great attendant that has been lost to the world; had the snake not been cursed to crawl on its belly, each Jew would have had two fine sna …

Moshe’s Journey of Self-Discovery Sanhedrin 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 13th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the Jewish perspective on physical aggression: Reish Lakish states: One who raises his hand to strike another—even if he ultimately does not strike—is called wicked, as it is written: “And two men of the Hebrews were struggling with each other, and he said to the wicked one: Why should you strike your friend?” (Exodus 2:13). The phrase “Why did you strike?” is not stated; rathe …

Moral Law: Learned or Intuited Sanhedrin 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 12th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses how the Torah does not recognize a marriage canopy (chuppah) or betrothal (eirusin) as components of a gentile marriage. Instead, a gentile marriage is ratified not through symbolic ritual but through cohabitation as husband and wife. Tosafos here raises a question: If so, why is Esav criticized for committing adultery with a betrothed maiden (Bava Basra 16b) if such a status carries no formal legal obligation? T …

From Adam to Noah: Why Law Needs a Covenant Sanhedrin 56 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 11th, 2025

 Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the Laws of the Sons of Noah. Some have raised the question: Why are they called the “Laws of the Sons of Noah”? Since these laws obligate all of humanity, shouldn't they be called the “Laws of the Sons of Adam”?   Some offer a simple answer: The only descendants from Adam who remained post-Flood were the Sons of Noah, so the term is technically accurate. Others answer tha …

Rabbenu Chananel, Wokeness, TRANSLation, and Sex-Reassignment Surgery Sanhedrin 55 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 10th, 2025

Our Gemara notes a textual anomaly in the verse that discusses sodomy (Vayikra 18:22): The Hebrew term used is “Mishkave Isha,” which suggests plural, as in multiple forms of laying together. Therefore, the Gemara uses this plurality to deduce additional prohibited acts of sexuality even without complete entry. Although the pashut peshat might simply be that occasionally words are stated in the plural, like the royal “we,” …

Abuse is Not a Minor Matter Sanhedrin 54 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 9th, 2025

Our Mishna on Amud Aleph mandates that an animal involved in a sexual act with a human be destroyed. While an animal cannot truly sin and should not be punished, its destruction serves to erase any lingering disgrace associated with the act. This is referred to in the Gemara as “kalon,” which signifies shame. In Gemara Kiddushin (19a), we find a discussion about the exemption of minors from capital punishment, even in cases of adulter …

It Matters Less What the Sin Is, But Whom the Sinner Becomes Sanhedrin 53 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 7th, 2025

Our Mishna on Amud Aleph outlines the penalties for those liable to stoning, including one who curses their father or mother. Yet, the Mishna later (84b) states that the penalty for striking one’s parents is strangulation. While the actual administration of these penalties was an extremely rare event, as the Mishna in Makkos (1:10) notes, we must still recognize that the presence of these laws and punishments conveys a significant message a …

Love-Bombing God Sanhedrin 52 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 7th, 2025

Our Gemara discusses the sudden and mysterious death of the sons of Aharon, who were consumed by a heavenly fire. This fire is described as burning their souls but leaving their bodies untouched.   The verse (Vayikra 10:1) attributes this calamity to the sons of Aharon bringing a “strange fire” before Hashem.   Our Gemara explains that their true sin was their secret desire—or, according to some, even a verba …

Yearning Versus Learning Sanhedrin 51 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 6th, 2025

Our Gemara on amud beis refers to a concept known as Hilchesa Lemishicha and Drosh Vekabel Sachar—meaning that certain laws, though not currently applicable, are studied either in preparation for their observance in Messianic times or simply for the inherent reward of Torah study. The Laws of Sanhedrin and the Laws of Sacrifices fall into this category, as they will only be practically fulfilled after the arrival of Moshiach.   Th …

Sin’s Middleman: Why the Instigator is Worse Than the Sinner Sanhedrin 50 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 5th, 2025

Our Gemara on amud aleph deduces that the subverters —those who encouraged the idolatrous practice of an Ir HaNidachas—are worse than the actual sinners themselves. (An Ir HaNidachas is a city condemned to be decimated due to a significant portion of its populace being identified as idolaters.) This distinction is reflected in the punishments each receives: the inhabitants are merely executed by the sword, while the subverters suffer …

The Curse Rebound Effect: Handle with Care! Sanhedrin 49 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 4th, 2025

After the story about how Dovid HaMelech’s curses boomeranged back upon his descendants, our Gemara on amud aleph begins with an adage: Be the one who is cursed and not the one who curses, as a curse eventually returns to the one who curses. The Maharal (Gur Aryeh 19:19) explains this idea with greater metaphysical depth. He states that if one curses someone who is undeserving of the curse, it will rebound upon him. Maharal compares this to …

The Second Hand-Smoke of Curses and Sin Sanhedrin 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 3rd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the dangers of cursing someone and how it can backfire:  Rav Yehuda says that Rav says: All the curses that David invoked upon Joab were ultimately fulfilled in David’s descendants, due to the curse that Solomon accepted upon himself. David cursed Joab: “Let the house of Joab never lack those who are afflicted with a discharge, or a leper, or who hold onto a staff, or fall by the sword, or lack b …

Turning Sins into Mitzvos: The Divine Logic Behind Repentance Sanhedrin 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 2nd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes a situation where a person was obligated to bring a sin offering for an unwitting transgression, but later became an apostate. In this case, even if the person wanted to offer the sacrifice, it would not be accepted due to their heretical status. But what if they later repented? Ulla says, quoting Rabbi Yoḥanan: If someone unwittingly ate forbidden fat and designated a sin offering, but then became an apostate …

Crisis Management: When Law Meets Leadership Sanhedrin 46 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 31st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a Jewish version of emergency powers, whereby, in times of crisis, the Jewish court may take extra-legal steps and mete out punishments without due process: Rabbi Eliezer ben Ya’akov says: “I heard that the court may administer lashes and capital punishment, even when not required by Torah law. However, they may not administer these punishments with the intention of violating the statement of the Tor …

The Naked Truth About Justice and Sin Sanhedrin 45 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 31st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the capital punishment of stoning, which includes stripping the condemned person of their clothing to expedite their death. However, there is a dispute between Rabbi Yehuda and the Sages regarding whether a woman who is stoned should also be stripped of her clothing. The Gemara analyzes this disagreement and offers the following reasoning behind their arguments: One Sage, i.e., the Sages, holds that minimizing o …

Spiritual Family Therapy Sanhedrin 44 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 30th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph wonders why the entire Jewish people were punished for Achan’s sin, given the principle that collective responsibility only applies when the sin is known publicly. If nobody knew about Achan’s crime, how could they be held liable?   The Gemara answers: Achan’s offense was not entirely secret because his wife and children knew about it, and they did not protest.   This answer is diffic …

Heavenly Hints: God’s Will Through Lots Sanhedrin 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 29th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis relates an aggadah about Yehoshua’s attempt to discover the identity of the sinner who secretly took from the banned spoils. When Yehoshua asks God to reveal the culprit, God refuses, declaring, “Shall you make Me into an informer?” Instead, God suggests that Yehoshua use a system of lots, which would identify the offender. The Gemara also compares this to the lottery later used to divide the land of Isra …

Waxing Spiritual: Illuminating the Shekhina Through the Moon Sanhedrin 42 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 28th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph compares one who fulfills the mitzvah of blessing the new month at its proper time to one who has seen the face of the Shekhina. What is the connection between the mitzvah of blessing the Moon and encountering the Shekhina? Various commentaries offer interpretations, each expressing a different dimension of our relationship with God. The Meiri explains that observing and blessing the renewal of the Moon brings about an aw …

When Silence Speaks Louder Than Action Sanhedrin 41 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 27th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the status of the Sanhedrin in the years leading up to the destruction of the Temple: “Forty years before the destruction of the Second Temple, the Sanhedrin was exiled from the Chamber of Hewn Stone and sat in a store near the Temple Mount… And no longer judged cases of capital law. Once the Sanhedrin left the Chamber of Hewn Stone, their ability to judge capital cases was nullified.” A simpl …

Too Good to Be True: When Perfect Testimony Raises Red Flags Sanhedrin 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 26th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the process of cross-examining witnesses to assess their consistency and credibility: The mishna continues: And afterward, after the court examines the first witness, they bring in the second witness and examine him. If the statements of the witnesses are found to be congruent, the court begins to deliberate the matter. Sefer Daf al Daf recounts an incident where a respected community member was accused of sever …

Starstruck: When Science and Scripture Collide Sanhedrin 39 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 24th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph recounts an intriguing polemic between Rabban Gamliel and a Roman emperor: The emperor said to Rabban Gamliel: It is written in praise of the Lord: “He counts the number of the stars; He gives them all their names” (Psalms 147:4). What is His greatness? I can also count the stars. Rabban Gamliel brought quinces, placed them in a sieve, and spun them. He said to the emperor: Count them. The emperor said: Stand …

Seeing Double? The Halachic and Scientific Insights on Facial Uniqueness Sanhedrin 38 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 24th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes how every human being was endowed by the Creator with unique features, stating that no two people look alike. It can sometimes be challenging to discern whether the Gemara is presenting an absolute rule or a general observation. The Gemara serves as a legal record but also contains parables and allegories. For example, if the Gemara praises God for creating beautiful roses, is this merely a general statement of …

Knowing Your Place: The Path to Wisdom and Torah Mastery Sanhedrin 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 23rd, 2025

Our Gemara describes the seating order of the Sanhedrin and how it was arranged according to the scholars’ credentials: “And three rows of Torah scholars sit before the judges, and each and every one among those sitting recognizes his place, i.e., they are seated in accordance with their stature.” It seems there was an official or unofficial, tacitly recognized pecking order, likely a combination of seniority and acknowledged su …

Torah, Wealth, and Leadership: Bridging Spirituality and Social Reality Sanhedrin 36 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 22nd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph recounts critical figures at particular junctures in Jewish history: “From the days of Moses until the days of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, we do not find unparalleled greatness in Torah knowledge and unparalleled greatness in secular matters, including wealth and high political office, combined in one place, i.e., in a single individual… Rav Adda bar Ahava says: I also say a similar statement, that from the days of …

Judgment Beyond the Written Word: The Heart’s Role in Torah Deliberation Sanhedrin 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 21st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses why we do not judge capital cases on Erev Shabbos: “And if we say: We should judge him on Shabbos eve, conclude his verdict on Shabbos, and kill him on Sunday, you are found to have caused a delay in his verdict, as the accused will have to wait overnight knowing he is condemned to death.  And if we say: We should judge him on Shabbos eve and conclude his verdict on Sunday, the judges will forget thei …

Deliberation, Defense, and the Art of Brainstorming Sanhedrin 34 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 20th, 2025

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses various safeguards that are put in place to advocate for the defendant in a capital case during the deliberation phase of the trial. Once one of the judges offers arguments in the defendant’s defense, the judge can no longer advocate for conviction. However, the reverse is possible: a judge who argued for conviction may also offer arguments for exoneration. Rav, however, offers a key distinction, which she …

A Possibly Misreading of the Midrash and Pure Intentions Sanhedrin 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 19th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses extra efforts to defend a suspect in a capital case, emphasizing the importance of finding every possible angle to mitigate the crime. One aspect of this approach is that the court will favor and allow appeals based on new evidence or novel arguments for exoneration, as opposed to later discovering arguments for conviction. The Mishna teaches that in cases of capital law, the court may bring the accused back to b …

The Two Dead Drivers Were Both Right Sanhedrin 32 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 17th, 2025

There is an Israeli saying: “The two dead drivers were both right.” Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses situations where it is morally acceptable for Beis Din to seek compromise, even when strict law might dictate different rights. When the verse states, “Justice, justice, shall you follow,” one mention of “justice” refers to judgment, and the other refers to compromise. How is this understood? Consider a scenari …

Shedding Our Inner Egyptian Sanhedrin 31 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 17th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis offers an intriguing expression of praise for the sage, Mar Ukva: "He who has light upon him, like Moses, who is called the son of Batya." The commentaries question why Mar Ukva is specifically described in this way, and why Moshe is principally identified as the son of Batya (who, according to the Midrash, was Pharaoh’s daughter and raised him). Rashi cites a tradition that Mar Ukva’s initial repentance and aw …

Dreams, Tithes, and Hidden Treasures: Unlocking the Hidden Treasures Sanhedrin 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 16th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an intriguing legal case with metaphysical implications: In a case where someone was distressed about money left as an inheritance by his father, unable to locate it, the master of the dream, i.e., the angel overseeing dreams, appeared and revealed the exact amount and location of the money, but added that it was second tithe (maaser sheni). Upon finding the money as described, the case was brought before the Sa …

Sticks, Stones, and Social Scorn: The Real Deterrent to False Testimony Sanhedrin 29 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 15th, 2025

The Mishna on amud aleph states that witnesses were intimidated with warnings about the catastrophic spiritual and physical consequences of false testimony, aiming to deter potential perjurers. Our Gemara on amud aleph explores the specific message conveyed to these witnesses. Initially, the Gemara considers a warning based on a verse indicating that false testimony leads to starvation through famine. This idea is rejected because the rabbis reas …

Bound by Marriage, Not by Blood: The Tangled Ties of Machatonim Sanhedrin 28 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 14th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the status of the parents of children who marry each other (known in Yiddish as machatonim), and whether their closeness disqualifies them from serving as witnesses: The father of the groom and the father of the bride can testify about each other, as they are considered to each other like a lid on a barrel. The Gemara uses a metaphor of a lid on a barrel to describe the relationship between the two parents/in-law …

False Testimonies, Real Trauma: PTSD and Divine Justice in Halacha Sanhedrin 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 13th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the halachic and hashkafic implications of the legalities surrounding conspiring witnesses. There is a fundamental and intrinsic illogic to the law. On one hand, witnesses are considered the highest form of verification, and ordinarily, if two sets of witnesses contradict each other, it results in a stalemate. We cannot assume that one group is more credible than the other. Yet, if the second set of witnesses di …

The Miracle of Subtle Miracles Sanhedrin 26 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 12th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes an incident during the reign of King Chizkiyahu and the impact, or lack thereof, that a group of evil conspirators had. Specifically, King Chizkiyahu did not need to take into account the behaviors or assessments of wicked people, and their opinions would not carry the same weight with God, even though they represented a large portion of the population. Shebna, a steward and minister in King Hezekiah’s cou …

Betting on Blind Spots: The Psychology of Gamblers and Overconfidence Sanhedrin 25 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 10th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses why the Mishna needs to delineate the disqualification of two different kinds of gamblers: one who plays with dice and one who bets on pigeons. This Gemara holds that the reason a gambler is disqualified is that betting is tantamount to theft. How so? Because the person who is betting doesn’t fully commit to losing, and therefore, when the winning bettor collects winnings from the losers, it is essentially …

Rolling the Dice: The Moral Gamble of Careers Sanhedrin 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 10th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses why a career gambler is not trusted as a witness: Rav Sheshes says: Those who play dice are disqualified because they are not involved in settling the world, i.e., in productive occupations that demand hard work. What is this flaw exactly, and why does it disqualify them? Rashi here offers two factors which, combined, lead to a person who cannot be trusted to testify on financial matters because his perception is …

Balancing Acts: Divine Patterns in Chaos and Creation Sanhedrin 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 9th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the concept of Zabl”a, where two litigants choose a judge, and those two judges then select a third. Chaim V’Chessed (124) compares this to the encounter of Chessed (total giving) with Gevurah (strength, boundaries), which manifests Tiferes (compassion and mercy). The idea that stability is achieved through the encounter of two, producing a balanced third, is a recurring pattern throughout the physic …

Becoming Nothing: The Art of Prayer and Self-Obliteration Sanhedrin 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 8th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the well-known verse in Tehillim (16:8): “I have set Hashem before myself continuously.” Rav Ḥana bar Bizna says that Rabbi Shimon Ḥasida says: One who prays needs to see himself as if the Divine Presence is opposite him, as it is stated: “I have set the Lord always before me” (Psalms 16:8). The simple meaning of this is to visualize, when praying, that one is actually standing before …

Deferred Desires: Rashi, Tosafos, and the Psychology of Restraint Sanhedrin 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 7th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the status of Tamar’s mother, Ma’acha, and whether she was Jewish at the time of Tamar’s conception. Ma’acha was a “Captive Woman,” subject to the laws described in Devarim (21:10–14): When you [an Israelite warrior] take the field against your enemies, and Hashem your God delivers them into your power, and you take some of them captive, and you see among the captives a …

Hard Times, Good Men Sanhedrin 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 6th, 2025

Our Gemara offers a homiletic analysis of the verse in Mishlei (31:30): "Grace is false, beauty is transient and empty; but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised." At its most straightforward level, this verse teaches us not to be overly captivated by external charm or physical beauty, as they are fleeting and superficial. Instead, it is inner character, particularly the fear of God, that is praiseworthy and enduring. The verse disting …

Passive Aggressiveness in the Torah Sanhedrin 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 5th, 2025

Our Gemara on amud aleph highlights the importance of being sensitive to human nature, even when acting on good intentions. One must always consider how actions will be perceived by others. For example, if the Kohen Gadol suffers a personal loss and is sitting shiva, the Mashuach She-Avar (a former High Priest who temporarily served in the current Kohen Gadol's place, such as during a period of ritual impurity) should not visit him. Despite any g …

Having a Right Does Not Always Make You Right Sanhedrin 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 3rd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses legal exemptions from the obligation to return lost items, focusing on situations where retrieval of the object would conflict with the dignity of the finder: “You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep wandering and ignore them; you shall return them to your brother” (Deuteronomy 22:1). The use of the unusual phrase “and ignore them,” rather than a more direct “do not ig …

The Wisdom of Sleeping on a Decision Sanhedrin 17 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 3rd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes the careful safeguards implemented in capital cases. To prevent the court from being carried away by an overly zealous and condemning spirit, an extraordinary safeguard is enacted: if all the judges unanimously vote to convict, the defendant is acquitted: "Rav Kahana says: In a Sanhedrin where all the judges saw fit to convict the defendant in a case of capital law, they acquit him. …It is since it is lea …

Due Process Sanhedrin 16 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 2nd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes the process by which the Davidic monarchy determined whether to engage in warfare, once the king proposed this course of action: "The Sages immediately sought advice from Ahithophel to determine whether or not it was appropriate to go to war at that time and how they should conduct themselves; and they consulted the Sanhedrin in order to receive the requisite permission to wage a war under those circumstances; a …

Does the Study of the Hypothetical Have Practical Value? Sanhedrin 15 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 1st, 2025

Our Gemara discusses how many judges are required to preside over the case of an animal that gores, determining that it requires 23 judges, similar to a human capital case. The Gemara then poses a hypothetical question: What would be the status of an animal that ascended Mount Sinai during the time it was forbidden? The relevant verses describe the temporary sanctity conferred upon Mount Sinai prior to the revelation and the giving of the Torah ( …

Turning Over a New Leaf Sanhedrin 14

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 31st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an incident where Rabbi Zeira initially declined to accept Rabbinic ordination out of humility but later changed his mind based on a particular teaching: Rabbi Zeira would habitually hide himself so that they would not ordain him. He did this because Rabbi Elazar said: "Always be obscure and remain alive," meaning the more humble and unknown you make yourself, the longer you will live. However, when Rabbi Zeira …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 30th, 2024

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 …

Calculated Risk Sanhedrin 12 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

January 24th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph provides an aggadic backstory to explain why King Chizkiyahu sought atonement. The verse in Divrei Hayamim II (30:2) states: “The good LORD will provide atonement for everyone who set his mind on worshiping God, the LORD God of his fathers, even if he is not purified for the sanctuary.” The Gemara explains: There was an incident involving Chizkiyahu, king of Yehuda, who intercalated the year due to ritual impu …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 27th, 2024

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 …

Seeing the Divine in the Mundane Sanhedrin 10 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 27th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the scriptural sources for determining the number of judges required to rule on Jewish calendar calculations: The Gemara asks: Corresponding to what was it determined that the intercalation procedure should incorporate these numbers of three, five, and seven judges? …One said: These numbers correspond to the number of Hebrew words in each of the three verses of the priestly benediction (see Bamidbar 6:24&n …

Echo Chamber Sanhedrin 9 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the status of a person’s ability to testify about himself. We have a general rule that close relatives are disqualified from serving as witnesses for each other. Extending this logic, a person is considered his own close relative and, therefore, cannot give testimony about himself. The Maharal (Gur Aryeh, Bereishis 46:15) expands on this idea, offering a profound insight into the role of the opposite gende …

Glad We Thought of It Sanhedrin 8 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 25th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph debates whether Moshe’s statement in Devarim (1:17) reflects a hint of arrogance on his part: “And the cause that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.” Rabbi Ḥanina, and some say Rabbi Yoshiya, argues that this statement displayed a degree of presumptuousness. As a result, Moshe was later punished… Rav Naḥman bar Yitzḥak objects to this critique of Moshe. He points …

Loving and Living on Edge of a Sword Sanhedrin 7 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 24th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph relates one of my all-time favorite Talmudic aphorisms: When our love was strong, we could have slept on a bed that was the width of a sword. Now that our love is not strong, a bed of sixty cubits is not big enough for us. The tone of this aphorism is defeated and pessimistic. It seems to reflect the perspective of an older married person who no longer feels the passion that once animated his relationship. However, the Ge …

The Importance of Validation Sanhedrin 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 23rd, 2024

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 …

To Lead by Force or by Enlightenment? Sanhedrin 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 22nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph characterizes the halachic leadership of Babylonia versus Eretz Yisrael: "The verse states: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet until Shiloh comes” (Genesis 49:10). …“The scepter shall not depart from Judah”; these are the Exilarchs in Babylonia, who are empowered by the government and consequently subjugate the Jewish people as with a s …

The Illusion of Money Sanhedrin 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 20th, 2024

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 …

To Study Torah or to Search Torah? Sanhedrin 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 20th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses an interesting idiom to describe a certain class of uneducated people, “dwellers on the corner.” This idiom is used to refer to a layperson who might still serve as a judge, assuming the other judges are learned. This idiom for an unlearned person is fascinating because idioms typically do not translate well from one language to another, and certainly not from one culture to another. Yet this idiom is rem …

Lack of Conviction Sanhedrin 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the principle that a Jewish court must be structured to avoid gridlock, which is why it always has an odd number of judges. This principle is used to determine the number of judges in various courts. For example, when the Gemara finds scriptural support for a capital court to consist of at least 22 judges, it is automatically assumed that the court must have 23 judges to prevent a tie. The Oholei Yitschok raises …

Behavioral Momentum Bava Basra 176 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 18th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references how the sages were careful to enact ordinances that protected purchasers from unknown liens and repossessions. However, they balanced this with a need for reasonable mechanisms for creditors to collect debt so as not to discourage people from lending. Additionally, there is a mitzvah incumbent upon the heirs to pay debts from the estate of the deceased, as discussed on 174a. The Pele Yoetz ("Loveh") employs bot …

Ostentatiousness and Humility Bava Basra 175 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 17th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references a social and psychological principle that a person is reluctant to appear excessively wealthy. This has halakhic implications, as it may lead a person on his deathbed to declare fictional debts in front of others in order to give the impression of having fewer assets, even though he does not actually owe them. As a safeguard, halakha requires specific language that clearly directs the debt to be paid, rather th …

An Impoverished Attitude Bava Basra 174 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 17th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis recounts the story of a person in dire financial straits who devised a plan to improve his situation, only for unforeseen circumstances to derail it. Reflecting on this, the Gemara uses the aphorism: “Poverty follows the impoverished person.” Similarly, in Bava Kamma 92a, the sages observe a poignant inequality: wealthy individuals who brought their first fruits to the Temple in gold and silver baskets were per …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 15th, 2024

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. …

You Really Can’t Judge Bava Basra 172 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 13th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis explores a situation involving two people with identical names, as well as fathers with identical names. This creates a significant problem in the absence of last names, as the culture of the Talmud relied on patronymic identification—“son of so-and-so.” The Gemara chooses the example of “Yosef ben Shimon” to illustrate the issue. This choice of names has piqued the curiosity of many commentat …

A Grave Cure Bava Basra 171 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 13th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes Rabbi Ḥanina bar Pappi, who expresses his profound reverence for Rav and Shmuel with a striking metaphor: “Who will give us some of the dust of Rav and Shmuel, and I will place it on my eyes, so highly do I regard them.” At first glance, the notion of putting dust in one’s eyes seems puzzling as an expression of honor. To understand this, we must look to a related account in Sanhedrin 47b, which …

Misplaced Truths Bava Basra 170 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 12th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph recounts an episode in which Rabbi Yitzchak bar Yosef believed that the esteemed Rabbi Abba owed him a large sum of money. Rabbi Abba, however, maintained that he had already repaid the debt. On the surface, this situation seems perplexing. One might expect sages of their stature to exercise exceptional care in tracking financial matters. Moreover, if there were any uncertainty, it would seem more in line with their piety …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 11th, 2024

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 …

Dating Wingman Bava Basra 168 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 10th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph considers the modesty practices of Torah sages, noting that they often avoid paying close attention to a woman’s appearance. Therefore, it advises: Abaye said: A Torah scholar who goes to betroth a woman should take an Am Haaretz (common folk, non-learned person) with him to establish a positive identity of the woman. Otherwise, people might exchange another woman for her when given to him for marriage, taking advan …

Effectiveness of Forced Confession Bava Basra 167 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 9th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph records a situation where the sage Abaye suspected through circumstantial evidence that he was being presented with a fraudulent contract. It states that he exerted some form of pressure and coercion in order to induce a confession, and indeed the person did confess. This brings up an interesting point of the reliability of forced confessions. As a result of DNA testing and the Innocence Project there have been numerous s …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 8th, 2024

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 …

Waiting for the Dust to Settle Bava Basra 165 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 6th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud aleph makes an observation about human nature and that certain sins are almost impossible to avoid: The majority of people succumb to sin with regard to financial dishonesty and theft, and a minority of people succumb to sin with regard to sexual matters, and everyone succumbs to sin with regard to malicious speech. The Gemara asks: Can it enter your mind that all people sin with regard to malicious speech? The Gemara answers: …

Personal Bias and Self-Awareness Bava Basra 164 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 6th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud aleph discusses various circumstances where a parchment that was erased can be reused without being vulnerable to forgery. Ordinarily, with the technology of Talmudic times, one couldn’t inkwash the contract and remove or add clauses without the discoloration being noticeable, thus signifying potential forgery. But, if the entire parchment was written on erased material, the Gemara says it would be a valid contract since …

Finding Yourself by Winging it Bava Basra 163 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 5th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the standard width of a line in order to determine the acceptable width of a blank section between the closing line of the contract and the witness’s signatures. As we discussed on daf 162, this is a safeguard against cheating, to prevent the later insertion of fraudulent obligations and conditions. The yardstick used by the rabbis is comprised of two words, which contain tall and short letters, so as to a …

Click on Accept Bava Basra 162 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 4th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis rules that the final line in the contract can only be a review of the contents, and cannot serve as evidence of any additional obligations or information. This is a safeguard against fraud, as this makes it difficult for a forger to squeeze in additional information between the bottom line of the contract and the witness’s signatures. Sefer Daf al Saf quotes Sefer Haikarim (IV:40) who uses this to add depth to the cl …

Scriptural Misappropriation Bava Basra 161 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 3rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the possibility that a witness might sign a document using his father’s name alone, without his name, as an identifier, much as different sages used symbols as a signature mark such as a fish or a palm branch. While symbols were accepted and plausible as signatory devices, the Gemara concluded that a person would not use his father‘s name as an identifier, as this would be considered disrespectful. (W …

Choices, Temperament, and Modern Mythology Bava Basra 160 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 2nd, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis explains why the rabbis instituted a variation on the typical get (divorcement bill) that required an elaborate process of folds and stitches to complete it. Essentially, it was a delay tactic: The Gemara asks: And what is the reason that the Sages instituted the tied document? The Gemara explains: There was a place where there were many priests, and they were very quick tempered, and they would seek to divorce their wives …

Biblical Russia Collusion Hoax Bava Basra 159 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

December 1st, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph grapples with why relatives are not able to testify. The logical reason is that since they have bias, their testimony is suspect.  The gemara rhetorically asks, “If so, why are Moses and Aaron disqualified from bearing witness for their father-in-law? Could this be because their testimony is not deemed credible? Are we to think that THEY could lie?”  This leads the Gemara to conclude that the disqual …

Good Vibrations Bava Basra 158 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 29th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis states that there is something about the air of the Land of Israel that inspires wisdom.  What is this really about?   From a psychological perspective, it is understandable that the sense of confidence, security and identity that comes with living unapologetically as a Jew in the Jewish homeland certainly can enhance all kinds of creativity and development. Rabbenu Bechaye (Shemos 25:39) actually says somet …

Unpaid Debts of the Dead Bava Basra 157 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 29th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the idea that there is a degree of responsibility for a child to pay his deceased parent’s debts. The poskim analyzes the nature and basis of this obligation, which also suggest ideas about the limits and obligations of the commandment to honor one’s parents. This obligation is beyond a financial lien, such as if the parent did not leave real estate (in the times of the Gemara, non-real estate holdin …

Altruism and Pragmatism in Jewish Thought Bava Basra 156 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 28th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud aleph discusses financial protections that the rabbis instituted for young adults, even though past bar mitzvah age: Rather, the Sages maintain that a child’s inclination is to be attracted to money. And if you say that his sale is a valid sale, there may be times that there are potential buyers who rattle the dinars before him in order to tempt him to sell, and he will go and sell all of his father’s property. That …

Human Dignity without God leads to Immorality Bava Basra 155 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 27th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a legal monetary dispute that could potentially be resolved via evidence gained by exhuming a corpse. The Gemara has to weigh the needs of justice versus the prohibition to disgrace a corpse.  The Gemara takes it as a given that disinterment is a forbidden desecration of the human body. The Gilyonei Hashas suggests it fits under the category of halanas hames, the prohibition against leaving a body unburied. …

Spiritual Debts Bava Basra 154 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 26th, 2024

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 25th, 2024

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 …

Don’t Shoot the Messenger Bava Basra 152 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 24th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a type of legal deed known as a dayetikei. While this document shares similarities with other legal titles and deeds, it often specifically refers to a will or an estate bequeathal. A beautiful Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni, Nach 968) uses the term dayetikei in a parable to explore humanity’s relationship with desires and the Evil Inclination (Yetzer Hara): There was a man who frequently traveled to an inn for bu …

Clothes Make the Man Bava Basra 151 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 22nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph explores whether tefillin fall under the category of nechasim. Are they excluded because of their sacred status and their unsuitability for sale, or are they included due to their utility as items worn on the body, similar to clothing? (See Rashbam, Sefer Torah.) The notion of tefillin as a type of malbush (clothing) brings to mind the Maharal’s (Be’er HaGolah 4) explanation of the metaphysical significance of …

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 22nd, 2024

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 …

You Can’t Take It With You Bava Basra 149 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

November 21st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis further discusses the status of a deathbed gift and whether such a gift is automatically retracted if the person miraculously recovers. To assume an implied condition that would reverse an explicitly granted gift, there must be unambiguous evidence that this was the giver’s intention. Therefore, the rule only applies if the person gave away all his possessions, leaving nothing behind. Such actions indicate someone wh …

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