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Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R The Daf Yomi through a Psychological Lens.
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Loaves and Priorities Menachos 80
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April 1st, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud aleph explains why there is a difference if one volunteered to bring a thanks offering and said: This animal is a thanks offering and this flour is designated for its loaves—and then, if the loaves were lost, he brings other loaves. Yet, if the thanks offering was lost, he does not bring another thanks offering, and the loaves are not sacrificed. Why? It is because the sacrifice is considered the main item, and the loaves are …
Gratitude Attitude Menachos 79
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March 31st, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis makes a distinction between an obligatory thanksgiving offering and a voluntary one. Since the thanksgiving sacrifice is considered a voluntary sacrifice, the commentaries must explain: what does the Gemara mean by an “obligatory thanksgiving”? Rashi says it’s referring to after the vow was made to bring a thanksgiving offering; now it is a full obligation. However, Rashi in the ksav yad version offers another interp …
Promotion or Transformation: Same Kohen, New Person? Menachos 78
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March 30th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the number of Mincha sacrifices that a priest would bring if he was simultaneously anointed as a regular priest and a high priest. He would end up bringing three sacrifices: one for his anointing as a regular priest, one for his anointing as a high priest, and one for the daily sacrifice brought by the high priest.
Ohr Sameach (Klei Mikdash 5:17) discusses a lomdishe question: Do we consider a high priest to …
Grasping Straws or Holding Ground: How Much Is Enough? Menachos 77
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March 29th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses possible scriptural sources for the percentage given as terumah (generally for the kohanim) from the loaves of the thanksgiving offering. In one part of the discussion, there is a suggestion to learn from the terumah that was taken from the spoils of the war against Midyan.
In Bamidbar (31:28–30), there were two terumos. Those who went to war kept half the spoils, and from that half had to give 1/500 as teru …
Hotel Universe: Five-Star Stewardship Menachos 76
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March 20th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis mentions an oft-quoted rabbinic principle: “The Torah is careful to spare the money of the Jewish people.”Why is such a principle operative? On a simple level, we can say it is a function of humility. God provides for a minimum of structure and commitment in our relationship to Him and leaves it to us, to voluntarily add more tribute. Additionally, it might be related to the principle we discussed in Psychology of the …
Breaking Bread (and the Self) Menachos 75
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March 20th, 2026

Our Mishna on Amud Beis describes the process by which the Mincha offering was broken into pieces, as per the verse in Vayikra (2:6), “pasos osah pittim—break it into pieces.” The Mishna adds that the pieces were a kzayis (volume of an olive).
The process of breaking the Mincha into pieces, like other sacrificial rituals we have discussed throughout Zevachim and Menachos, can be seen symbolically. In a broad sense, breaking a whole into …
It is All Greek to Me But it Still is Holy Menachos 74
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March 29th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses how the wafer Mincha offerings were smeared with oil:“The oil is smeared in a shape similar to the Greek letter chi.”There is some debate amongst the commentaries about what this letter was and what shape it was:The letter “X” (Rambam, Klei Mikdash 1:9)The Hebrew letter “Tes” (Rashi, Menachos 75a)Or Gimmel, Nun, or Chaf (Tosafos ibid.)Or Chaf (Rashi Horiyos 12a), which could be a Delta (a triangle) or …
Peace Offerings and Piece Offerings: Who Gets a Slice? Menachos 73
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March 25th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses that though sacrifices can be accepted as offerings from gentiles, they can only be fully burnt offerings but not shelamim. There is an interesting Midrash Tanchuma (Tzav 1–4) that records a dialogue between the gentile nations and Bilaam regarding sacrifices:“Balaam the wicked was an advocate for the nations of the world. … We (gentiles) offer Him ten thousand times ten thousands rivers of oil. What did Ab …
Time and Tide (and Karbanos) Wait for No Man Menachos 72
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March 24th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph observes the value of a mitzvah performed at its proper and initial time. For example, the burning of the sacrificial fats and limbs is valid all night, and therefore it is possible to wait until the conclusion of Shabbos and burn them at night, but nevertheless one would not wait with them until nightfall; rather, one burns them immediately, even on Shabbos.There is something about the incumbency of the mitzvah itself th …
Cutting Down the Ego: The Hard Work of Middos Menachos 71
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March 23rd, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references the verse (Devarim 16:19) that discusses the counting of the Omer and begins “from the time the sickle is first put to the standing grain.”
The choice of words to describe this time, “from the time the sickle is first put to the standing grain,” seems to hint at something. Likkutei Torah (Bamidbar 17) explains that the giving of the Torah is a repair of the original sin of Adam, which was with grain. …
Messiah Mindset: Living Like Redemption Is Tomorrow Menachos 70
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March 22nd, 2026

Our Mishna on Amud Aleph speaks of a separate prohibition, aside from eating, that it is also prohibited to cut the new grain until the grain designated for the Omer sacrifice is cut (or possibly offered; see the Gemara’s debate on Amud Beis). The proof text is the verse which describes the Omer as “first cut” (Vayikra 23:10).
The Sefas Emes raises a question: in our times, since there is no sacrifice, does this restriction apply? He sug …
Holy Hardware: Stoneware and Software Hacks Menachos 69
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March 20th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis notes that certain vessels made out of dung, earth, and stone are not susceptible to ritual impurity.Impurity equals death and traumatic lack of connection to the Godly life force, and therefore chaos. This is why, in general, the more complex or functional a vessel is, the more it is susceptible to impurity. Disposable or simple vessels such as the ones above are not receptors of impurity because they do not have enough r …
Takkanos and Takeaways: Hope vs. Homesickness in the Churban Menachos 68
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March 20th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses one of the enactments made by Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai after the Temple was destroyed:“From the time that the Temple was destroyed, Rabban Yoḥanan ben Zakkai instituted that partaking from the new crop on the day of waving the omer, the sixteenth of Nisan, is completely prohibited and one may partake of the new crop only the next day.The Gemara analyzes this statement. What is the reason for this? It is tha …
Deep Pockets, Hidden Blessings Menachos 67
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March 19th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph speaks of a rabbinic enactment in order to thwart a tendency of wealthy landowners (ba’aley kissim) to use a loophole of gentile ownership to exempt them from tithing.It’s an interesting psychology that the wealthy people are the ones who are looking to save money. But it is something that we do see sometimes: people with less money are more generous because they don’t feel a need to hold onto it. Rashi does offer a …
Sifting for Sense: Thirteen Ways to Refine the Soul Menachos 66
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March 18th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the extensive process by which the flour for the Omer offering is prepared. One part of the process was that it was an ephah of barley flour that was sifted through thirteen sifters. The number 13 is a significant number in Jewish mystical thought. There are thirteen principles that the rabbis derive laws from the verses in the Torah, thirteen attributes of God’s mercy, and thirteen tribes (when you count the …
Lost in Translation and the Seventy Aspects Menachos 65 Psychology of the Daf
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March 17th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph speaks of Mordechai, who was praised for knowing all 70 languages. In Jewish mystical thought, the 70 languages and 70 nations are not merely the geographic and sociopolitical reality. There is an idea that these 70 languages and peoples represent modes of thought or channels of spiritual dimensions. The Great Sanhedrin was also comprised of 70 sages, I presume in order to have the fullest perspectives on the most complex …
Object Relations and Respect Menachos 64 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
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March 16th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes an interesting scenario. It is considered a requirement to choose a sacrificial animal that is fitting and honorable, and not scrawny. This is based on a verse in Malachi (1:8): “Offer such an offering even to a governor, and would he accept it?” Yet assuming the animal is reasonably fit, it would not be invalid. Still, if it is scrawny relative to another animal that can be obtained, it is wrong to bring th …
Pan-demonium: Flat Faith vs. Deep Fry Piety Menachos 63 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
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March 15th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses two kinds of meal offerings that differ in the shape of their vessel and process. One was more of a flat pan (machavas), so it was shallowly fried and dry and crisp. The other was a deep-fry pan (marcheshes), which produced something probably like a sufganiya.
In the Shabbos table liturgy we sing:“Hashomer Shabbos, Haben Im Habas, La-keyl Yeratzu, ka-mincha al machavas. One who keeps the Shabbos, son and da …
Playing with Matchbox Cars Menachos 62 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
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March 13th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a requirement to have three kohanim perform the inaugurating sacrifices. The Gemara cites Mishle (14:28): “In the multitude of people is the King’s glory.”
We see this principle in many areas of halacha, that when there are more people it brings more honor and intensity to the mitzvah. Such as a blessing out loud for a group eating together is superior to each individual reciting the blessing (Berachos …
Wave Reviews: Prayer in Motion Menachos 61 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
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March 13th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the ritual of waving of the two loaves and bikkurim offerings on Shavuos, back and forth, up and down. What is the significance of this waving? The Gemara offers two ideas:
Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Abba says that Rabbi Yoḥanan says: He extends the lambs and brings them back in order to dedicate them to He to Whom the four directions belong. He raises and lowers them in order to dedicate them to He to Whom the heav …
Barley Bonds: From Animal Appetite to Sacred Union Menachos 60 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
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March 12th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis notes a parallel between the meal offering of the Sotah and the meal offering of the Omer (from barley and brought on the second day of Pesach), in that they both are brought through hagasha (a ritual of bringing the offering to the altar).
What connection is there between the Omer and Sotah offerings? The Zohar (Emor, end of Ra’ayah Mehemna) compares the Omer to a Sotah, literally. They are non-coincidentally both ma …
Oil and Incense: The Sweet Smell of Character Menachos 59 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
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March 11th, 2026

Our Mishna on Amud Aleph discusses the various recipes and ingredients for the meal offerings.“There are four types of meal offerings: those that require both oil and frankincense, those that require oil but not frankincense, those that require frankincense but not oil, and those that require neither frankincense nor oil.”
Mei Hashiloach (Vol. I, Bamidbar, Shlach) interprets these types of Menachos as representative of different states of …
A Lighter Lash: When a Lav Loses Its Bite Menachos 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
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March 10th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the principle that certain prohibitions are not liable for flogging, while most are (when done with full intention and warning in front of witnesses). Abaye is of the opinion that one is not flogged for a general prohibition (lav shebchlalos), i.e., a single mitzvah in the Torah that includes many different prohibited acts.Presumably, since the prohibition is more general and broad, the severity is lesser. Imagin …
Traumatic Abandonment and Nidda Menachos 57 Psychology of the Daf
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March 9th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a proof text for the prohibition of even putting chametz on the ramp of the altar. The verse states (Vayikra 2:12), “Towards (El) the altar”. 
The Hebrew word “El” does not translate perfectly to English, however, it has a connotation similar to “toward” or “adjacent”.
The Meshech Chochmah (Vayikra 18:19) uses this linguistic feature of Hebrew to explain another proof text related to th …
Symbolism Is Not Trivial Menachos 56 Psychology of the Daf
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March 8th, 2026

Our Gemara on this daf discusses the requirement of certain sacrifices to be slaughtered on the north side of the courtyard in the Temple. 
Meshech Chochma (Vayikra 1:10-13) notes that the Torah explicitly states the requirement of slaughtering on the north side (tzafon) in regard to the sacrifice brought from sheep and goats (Hebrew “tzoan”), even though through scriptural derivations, it was required in many sacrifices. Meshech Choc …
Do Your Part Menachos 55 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
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March 6th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the extent of the prohibition of chametz in the Mincha offering. Even after the kometz portion is offered on the altar, the remainder is still prohibited to have chametz. The proof text is: 
“It shall not be baked with leaven. I have given it as their portion of My offerings made by fire” (Vayikra 6:10). This section of the verse can be read as a single sentence, to indicate: Even their portion of me …
Mitzvos in the World to Come Menachos 54 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
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March 6th, 2026

Our Gemara discusses the concept of “dichui”, a disqualification in eligibility, and how it affects prohibitions. The concept of “dichui” is more commonly used throughout the Talmud in regards to sacrifices and positive Commandments. That is, if a dedicated sacrifice becomes ineligible for whatever reason and then reverts back to eligibility, is it still able to be offered as a sacrifice. The possible problem is that there was a period in …
Innocent But Not Righteous Menachos Psychology of the Daf
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March 12th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis relates an interesting dialogue between God and Avraham at the time of the destruction of the Temple:“Rabbi Yitzḥak says: At the time when the First Temple was destroyed, the Holy One, Blessed be He, found Abraham standing in the Temple…”“Abraham said to God: I have come over matters concerning my children, to discover why God is destroying the Temple and exiling them from Eretz Yisrael. God said to Abraham: The …
Red Heifers and Quack Cures Menachos 52 Psychology of the Daf
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March 4th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph where people had a tendency to misuse the ashes of the Red Heifer as a segulah cure for wounds.
It is important to know, that it was an ancient cure to put generic ashes on a wound (see Beitzah 28b). Scientifically speaking, such a treatment was an excellent bandage because freshly burnt ashes are certainly sterile, and also dry and absorbent. Additionally, when wood ash comes in contact with water it creates bleach. B …
Self-Delusion is Baked Right In Menachos 51 Psychology of the Daf
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March 3rd, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes who was responsible to fund the Cohen Godol’s daily Mincha offering, on the day he died if he did not get a chance to bring it. There were various stages in history where the rabbis required the heirs to pay or it was paid from Temple funds. 
We will focus on one stage:
“Initially, they acted in accordance with that which is prescribed by Torah law, and if a High Priest died and a new High Priest h …
What was the Gra so Incensed About? Menachos 50 Psychology of the Daf
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March 2nd, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the famous principle that one who brings the incense receives a special benefit of becoming wealthy via supernatural means.
Because it was associated with the benefit of wealth, the custom was to allow each cohen to perform this service only once in a lifetime (Yoma 26a).There is a tradition that serving as a sandek (the one who holds the baby) during the Bris is considered as if he is offering the incense. B …
Four Days to Humility: Inspecting the Korban Within Menachos 49 Psychology of the Daf
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March 1st, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the rule that the daily offering requires inspection four days prior to its slaughter, which is derived from the requirement of the Paschal offering, which also requires four days of inspection. As the verse states: “On the tenth day of this month they shall take for them every man a lamb…and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month” (Shemos 12:3–6).
Even if this rule applies to the dai …
Your Sin is Anothers Mitzvah Menachos 48 Psychology of the Daf
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February 27th, 2026

Our Gemara discusses a technical piece regarding the Shavuous sacrifice that has interesting moral and halachic implications. However, to fully appreciate them, we must first understand the basic text and legal reasoning. The Gemara states:“Rabbi Ḥanina Tirata taught a baraisa before Rabbi Yoḥanan: If one slaughtered four sheep for Shavuos, rather than the required two, accompanied by two loaves, he draws two of the sheep out of the four an …
Chametz Therapy Making Peace With the Yetzer Menachos 47 Psychology of the Daf
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February 21st, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis reports that the thanksgiving sacrifice is a subset of the genus of shelamim sacrifice. Let us take a closer look at the qualities of these sacrifices.
Maharal (Derashas Shabbos Hagadol 22) states that a shelamim sacrifice represents shalom, or peace, and a wish to connect and be at peace with Hashem. The thanksgiving sacrifice, as a subset, comes after surviving a life-threatening situation. It is notable that this typ …
Custom Made Minhagim Menachos 46 Psychology of the Daf
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February 21st, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an opinion regarding the shelamim and bread sacrifice of Shavuous. Ordinarily, the loaves must be brought together with the sheep sacrifice. However, if there are no sheep available, the loaves may be brought independently. The Gemara goes on to say that technically, in such a case, the loaves would be permitted. However, there is a rabbinic decree forbidding their consumption; instead, we must wait until their …
Eliyahus Footnotes When Prophets Need Commentary Menachos 45 Psychology of the Daf
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February 25th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph makes reference to a verse in Yechezkel (45:18) that one day Eliyahu HaNavi will explain.The Rashba (ibid) raises a question. If we are referring to the Messianic future, whereby there will be resurrection of the dead, why have Eliyahu explain it? Why not have Yechezkel himself explain it? One answer the Rashba offers is that Eliyahu’s arrival, which occurs at the beginning of the Messianic era, may precede the period o …
stringing yourself along Menachos 44 Psychology of the Daf
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February 24th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells a famous story about a man who was in the throes of temptation, how his tzitzis saved him, and the subsequent good fortune that followed. The story speaks for itself; however, I will focus on a few interesting details:
“There was an incident involving a certain man who was careful about the mitzvah of tzitzis. This man heard that there was a prostitute in one of the cities overseas who took four hundred gold co …
Fringes, Frailty, and the Oldest Temptation: When Holiness Meets Reality 43 Psychology of the Daf
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February 16th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a halacha that one is not permitted to sell a cloak with ritual fringes to a gentile until he unties and removes its tzitzis.The Gemara offers two reasons. The most notable is as follows: “There is a concern that the gentile who wears these tzitzis will visit a prostitute.”Rabbenu Gershom and one opinion in Rashi explain that the prostitute would then slander Jews, claiming that a falsely pious person engage …
The Wandering Jew- A Twisted Tale Menachos 42 Psychology of the Daf
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February 15th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph relates a requirement to arrange the tzitzis as follows:
“One is required to separate the ritual fringes like a gentile’s lock of hair, part of which is braided and the rest of which is allowed to hang loose.”
It is interesting, but possibly insignificant, that Abaye uses an example of a gentile hairstyle to describe how to arrange tzitzis.
Yet this type of comparison is also used for another halacha of tzi …
Fringe Benefits Missed Mitzvos and Sudden Accountability Menachos 41 Psychology of the Daf
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February 13th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph relates an interlude in which an angel rebuked Rav Ketina for wearing a garment that was exempt from tzitzis. Rav Ketina asked why he should be liable: the garment was of an exempt nature, and at worst he merely neglected an opportunity to fulfill a positive commandment. The angel responded that at a time of divine wrath (perhaps when a person is in imminent danger or in a dangerous situation), one can still be liable. Th …
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