A Procrastinators Dream and their Spouses nightmare Zevachim 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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October 5th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes two separate reminders for the cohanim to begin the service in the Temple: (1) the noise of the wheel machinery that drew the Basin out of the well, and (2) Gevini the crier, who would notify the priests of the beginning of the service.
The Gemara comments that it is acceptable and not overly redundant to utilize two reminders. Rashash (ibid) notes that there is a similar idea expressed in Succah (55a), where …

Use It or Lose It Zevachim 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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October 3rd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph raises a question regarding the lasting effects of the ablution from the waters of the Basin in the Temple:
“Ilfa raises a dilemma: According to the statement of Rabbi Elazar, son of Rabbi Shimon, who says that the disqualification of being left overnight is not determinative with regard to sanctification of the hands and feet, what is the halacha with regard to the water in the Basin? Is it disqualified by being lef …

Hands Down, Feet First Zevachim 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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October 3rd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the process by which the cohanim performed the required ablutions:
“The Sages taught: How is the mitzvah of sanctification of the hands and feet performed? The priest lays his right hand on top of his right foot, and his left hand on top of his left foot, and sanctifies them with the water flowing from the Basin.
Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Yehuda, says: He lays both his hands one on top of the other, and l …

Sober Reflections Zevachim 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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October 2nd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses Rav’s reluctance to teach publicly after drinking even a small amount of wine:“Rav would not place an interpreter before him, i.e., he would not lecture in public, from the time that he drank wine on one Festival day until the other, the second Festival day, due to drunkenness.”
The Gemara in Kerisus (13b) raises an obvious question: Let Rav teach his lecture, but not issue specific halachic rulings, or …

Whine About Wine Zevachim 17 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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October 1st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a series of verses (Vayikra 10:9–11) used as proof texts both to prohibit a cohen from performing the Temple service after drinking wine, and also to forbid a judge or rabbi from rendering a halachic ruling while under its influence:
“Drink no wine or other intoxicant, you or your sons, when you enter the Tent of Meeting, that you may not die. This is a law for all time throughout the ages, for you must disti …

Standing Room Only Zevachim 16 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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September 30th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the requirement that a cohen stand when he performs the Avodah, and if not, the service is invalidated. Based on this, the Magen Avraham (beginning of Siman 48, OC) rules that when reciting the liturgy that contains the verses and teachings regarding the sacrifices, one must also stand, because the recitation of the relevant portions is considered a substitute for the Avodah.Sefer Daf Al Daf quotes the Tevuos Sh …

The Eye of the Shteiger Zevachim 14 Psychology of the Daf

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September 28th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states that the doorway space of the Temple is considered part of the Temple. 
This Gemara about the entrance to the sanctuary brings to mind a famous adage regarding repentance, and may also give us more insight into its text:
“God says, make an opening the size of the point of a needle, and I will make you an opening the size of the hallway into the Temple.”
Actually, this adage appears in a number of …

Clothes make the man Zevachim 15 Psychology of the Daf

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September 29th, 2025

Our Mishna on Amud Beis rules that a Cohen who performs a sacrificial service without the appropriate priestly investments is considered as if he is a non-Cohen, and the service is invalidated. Gemara Sanhedrin (83b) states, “So long as their priestly investments are upon them, they are considered to be of the priestly caste. If they are not wearing their investments, their priestly status is no longer upon them.”
Indeed the clothing makes …

Mixed Motives Zevachim 13 Psychology of the Daf

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September 26th, 2025

Our Mishna on Amud Aleph discusses the case of one had two mixed intentions in the critical parts of the sacrificial offering that require Lishmah. For example, if one sprinkled the blood of a chattas offering having in mind the owner/sinner who dedicated the sacrifice, and to slaughter it for another person as well, it would still be invalidated.
On a simple level, we see that when there are mixed intentions, the invalidating intention is not …

No-Return Policy? Zevachim 12 Psychology of the Daf

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September 26th, 2025

Our Gemara discussed the concept of diychuy, which means that if a animal is set aside for a sacrifice, and then for various reasons, it becomes ineligible. Even if the animal reverted back to a technical eligibility, it is tainted and cannot be any more used for a sacrifice. On the surface, this is an issue of honor and respect. By the way of metaphor, would one offer to a king a “like new open box special” even if technically the item …

Oily or Late Zevachim 11 Psychology of the Daf

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September 25th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the requirement that the Menorah in the Temple must have a measure of oil so that it will burn from evening until morning. Everyone is familiar with the famous question of the Beis Yosef (O.C. 670) regarding the miracle of Chanuka. Why do we light for eight days to commemorate a miracle that lasted eight days, when if there was enough oil for only one day, the miracle would actually be seven days? One of the …

Spiritual Northstar Zevachim 10 Psychology of the Daf

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September 24th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses that certain sacrifices, including the chattas, requires that it be slaughtered in the North side of the Temple courtyard (Tzafon).
A number of sacrifices must be slaughtered on the north side, with some having it stated explicitly in the relevant verses in the Torah, and other others being derived from derashos. The Bas Ayin (Vayikra 17) raises an interesting question: The verses for the chattas of the King …

A Sin by Any Other Name Zevachim 9 Psychology of the Daf

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September 23rd, 2025

Our Gemara describes the offerings that the nesi’im brought when the Mishkan was inaugurated as Chattas Nachshon. Even though all the nesi’im brought this sacrifice, it was named after Nachshon, the Nasi of Shevet Yehuda because Yehuda was the leader and the first one to bring it.
A typical chattas is to achieve atonement for a sin committed out of ignorance or forgetfulness that would incur the kares punishment if done intentionally. Acco …

Timing Is Everything: Pesach, Shelamim, and the Window of Redemption Zevachim 8

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September 22nd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the unique quality of the Pesach sacrifice. The Korban Pesach has a quality similar to that of the sin offering, in that if it is slaughtered with the intention of a different sacrifice it is rendered invalid. Other sacrifices, such as Shelamim and Olah, if they are slaughtered with the intention of a different sacrifice, they are still kosher.
The Korban Pesach has a twist which is different even than the sin …

Slow Burn: Why Change Takes Time Zevachim 7

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September 21st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discussed the order and priority of a chattas sacrifice in comparison to an Olah sacrifice.
For what reason is a Chattas brought before an Olah in all circumstances where both are brought? Rabbi Shimon answered: It is comparable to an advocate [lifraklit] who enters before the king to convince him to pardon the defendant. Once the advocate has appeased the king, the gift is brought in after him.
By comparison, the Ch …

That New Car Smell (and the First Scratch) Zevachim 6

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September 12th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis notes that the two goats sacrifices brought on Shavuous serve as atonement for defiling of the Temple — by entering it while ritually impure, or for defiling its sacrificial foods by partaking of them while ritually impure.
The Gemara asks: once the blood of the first goat is sprinkled on the altar, thereby atoning for this defilement, for what sin is the second one sacrificed?
The Gemara answers the second goat is …

Spiritual BOGO: Buy One Atonement, Get One Free Zevachim 5

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September 12th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis notes that unlike a chattas sacrifice, which is for one specific sin, an Olah sacrifice can bring atonement for a number of sins simultaneously.The idea that certain atonements can be bundled while others must be performed separately is discussed by the Baal HaTanya (Iggeres HaTeshuva III:3). In prior times when people had greater spiritual fortitude and physical stamina, they followed the practice of teshuvas ha-mishkal, …

Power-Assisted Steering Zevachim 4

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September 18th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis speaks of the responsibility and obligation to fulfill a pledge:
“Once a person said: It is incumbent upon me to bring an offering, it is considered as though the offering is loaded upon his shoulders.”
The idea of a spiritual obligation being felt as a burden upon one’s shoulders is a real phenomenon, but according to Mei Shiloach (Bo) and Sod Yehar (Rosh Hashanah 44), it also changes with time. Just as the Ar …

Too Close for Comfort Zevachim 3

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September 17th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph observes that in Halacha, often that which is similar can be more disruptive than that which is alien. Thus, a chattas offering that is slaughtered with the intention of an Olah offering is rendered invalid, yet a chattas offering that is slaughtered with the intention of eating standard profane food remains a valid chattas. Somehow the thought of a profane food offering is so alien to the chattas that it has no power to …

The Rambam’s Personal Anguish and Resilience Zevachim 2

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 12th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud aleph refers to a Tanna with an unusual descriptor added to his name: Shimon the Brother of Azariah. Usually, people are identified by their father, not their brother. Rashi notes this and gives us the historical back story. Azariah, a businessman, supported his brother Shimon, the scholar. Because they were literally partners in Torah and finances, sharing both, Azariah merited the honor by association in his brother’s title …

Height and Leadership Horiyos 14 Psychology of the Daf

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September 15th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph records a discussion between the sages Abaye, Rava, Rabbi Zeira, and Rabba bar Mattana about who would lead their learning group. As it became apparent that Abaye’s skill was superior, it was conceded that he should lead. The Gemara uses an interesting term: “Rabba saw that Abaye’s head was elevated,” to connote observing this superior quality.A simple reading of the elevated head is a metaphor for being uplifted, …

Earner Learner Horiyos 13 Psychology of the Daf

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September 14th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the hierarchy of various castes and roles in society, such as who receives priority in being rescued, in saving their objects, and other privileges. However, Judaism’s caste system, like its economic system, defies simple categorization. There is a strong free market, but also certain socialistic regulations such as debt cancellation in shemitta, prohibition against usury, and return of ancestral property in y …

Holy Ark-Tifacts Horiyos 12 Psychology of the Daf

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September 12th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes various holy artifacts that were sequestered and hidden along with the Holy Ark so that they would not be plundered when the prophecy of the exile came to pass:When the Ark of the Covenant was sequestered, the anointing oil, the jar of manna (see Shemos 16:33), Aaron’s staff with its almonds and blossoms (see Bamidbar 17:23), and the chest that the Philistines sent as a gift to Israel were all sequestered with …

Birth Order and Your Lot in Life Horiyos 11 Psychology of the Daf

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September 12th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the relative merits of Lot’s daughters, who for the most part had good intentions, thinking the world had come to an end and only they were left to repopulate the Earth. Nevertheless, the younger one was more modest and chose a name that hinted to her child’s incestuous origins in a veiled manner, as opposed to the older daughter who called her son Moav, which straightforwardly means “from my father.” …

Telescopes and Projections Horiyos 10 Psychology of the Daf

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September 11th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph recounts a story where Rabban Gamliel, who frequently journeyed on the sea, was informed by Rabbi Yehoshua about “a star that rises once in seventy years and misleads sailors.”
It is fascinating to note that the Rabbis apparently knew about Halley’s Comet. While this is indeed impressive, it is possible that the Babylonians also knew about Halley’s Comet, as they were sophisticated astronomers. Keep in mind, if …

Status: Default or Earned? Horiyos 9 Psychology of the Daf

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September 10th, 2025

Our Gemara discusses the unique sin offerings brought by a King and a Cohen Godol. The King brings a male goat and the Cohen Godol brings a bull. These sacrifices are unlike that of a private citizen, who brings a female lamb or goat.
The Gemara also discusses what happens when the Cohen Godol and the King commit a sin subsequent to their reign or appointment. The Cohen Godol still must bring his unique offering and not that of a private citiz …

Commandment or Prerequisite Psychology of the Daf Horiyos 8

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September 9th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis suggests that idolatry was the first command given to the Jewish people by Moshe from Hashem. This idea is rejected because there is a tradition that other mitzvos were taught earlier at Marah. Regardless, we see that at least in the Aseres Hadibros, the Ten Commandments, the first mitzvos were regarding idolatry.The verses state (Shemos 20:2–3):
I the LORD am your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, the hou …

Leader or Led? A Shame Blame Game Horiyos 7 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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September 1st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis cites a verse in Vayikra (4:3) that refers to the erroneous sin of the Cohen Gadol as “Ashmas Ha-Am”, which roughly translates as “the guilt of the people.” What does this phrase connote?
The simple reading is that if the spiritual leader sins, it brings shame and even possibly spiritual consequences upon the people. Taken deeper, it can also mean that the sin of the leader is, in some sense, the fault of the pe …

Public and Private Immortality and Technology Horiyos 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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September 7th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a verse in Ezra that refers to a series of sacrifices brought in Ezra’s time to atone for the idolatry committed during the time of Tzidkiyahu.
The Gemara asks: but we do not bring an atonement sacrifice after the sinner is deceased, so how could they have brought a sacrifice for the people of a previous generation? The Gemara answers that this applies only to the sin offering of an individual. Regarding a con …

Eye-Conic Leadership Horiyos 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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September 5th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse (Bamidbar 15:24) that refers to the Sanhedrin as the “Eyes of the Congregation.” This is a curious term, and let us study the implications of describing the Sanhedrin or its leadership as the Eyes of the Congregation.
The entire Jewish people are as one body, with different personalities, castes, and roles serving various parts of the whole. The Cohanim, Levites, common folk, royalty, sages, and craft …

Judgment Calls and Subjectivity in Halacha Horiyos 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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September 4th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis continues to discuss the criteria for an erroneous ruling that would require the Sanhedrin to bring a sacrifice. Since it first needs to be a fully qualified ruling, if it later turned out one of the judges was unfit, no obligation for a sacrifice is incurred since the ruling was never complete. One example given of a judge who is unfit is an “old man, no longer fit to have children.”
There is some dispute among com …

Do Not Mix the Pleasure of Business With the Business of Pleasure Horiyos 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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September 4th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references the verses that describe King Solomon’s inauguration of the Temple (I Kings 8:65). Although our Gemara uses these verses as proof for what constitutes a distinct “congregation,” the Gemara Moed Kattan (9a) uses this as a proof text for the concept of ein me’arvin simcha b’simcha—we do not combine two joyous events. Solomon first celebrated the inauguration and then Succos for a total of 14 days, ins …

Right, Left, and Everything in Between Horiyos 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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September 3rd, 2025

Our Gemara on this daf, and many pages in this mesechta, discuss situations where the judges of the Sanhedrin make a mistaken ruling. All humans can make mistakes—even great sages, and even the entire supreme body of Torah law—though we shall soon see this is nuanced.For example, we learn on our daf that an ordinary person who is told by the Sanhedrin that a particular kind of fat is permitted is exempt from a private sacrifice because he was …

Slave to Desire Avodah Zarah 76 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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September 2nd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us about two Jewish persons who encounter King Shapur:Mar Yehuda, an important personage of the house of the Exilarch, and Bati bar Tuvi, a wealthy man, who were sitting before King Shapur, the king of Persia.
The king’s servants brought an esrog before them. The king cut a slice and ate it, and then he cut a slice and gave it to Bati bar Tuvi. He then stuck the knife ten times in the ground (to scour away any n …

Grains of Truth: Sand, Glass, and Jewish Destiny Avodah Zara 75 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 25th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses whether glass vessels require ritual immersion, like metal vessels, which Biblically require immersion when purchased from a gentile—or whether they do not, like earthenware vessels. The Gemara reasons they are similar to metal, because if exposed to enough heat, they melt and can be reformed. (Glass, after all, is made by superheating sand until it liquefies.)
This quality of sand to melt into glass is note …

Rebuke, Rinse, Repeat: The Art of Preaching Avodah Zara 74 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 31st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis uses an interesting linguistic term to refer to the tank that holds the wine in the wine press: na’ava.This usage also appears in a verse (Shmuel I 20:30), when Shaul erupts at his son Yonasan. The trigger for this rage was Yonasan’s defense of David:“Saul flew into a rage against Jonathan. ‘You son of a twisted, rebellious woman—na’avas hamardus!’ he shouted. ‘I know that you side with the son of Yishai— …

Trigger Warning: When One Pain Awakens Another Avodah Zara 73 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 22nd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph continues the discussion regarding nullification of forbidden substances. Another rule emerges: even though an amount sixty times greater can nullify a smaller amount of forbidden substance, if on two different occasions a forbidden substance was poured in—especially if it was prior to the permitted substance—then we look at them as one unit instead of two separate amounts. Therefore, we require sixty times the sum of …

Go With the Flow: Nitzok Chibbur Avodah Zara 72 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 29th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses whether a stream pouring from one vessel to another constitutes a halachic connection (nitzok chibbur)—such that wine in the upper vessel remains kosher even if poured into yeyn nesech.Rav Hunah rules that regarding yeyn nesech, a downward stream is considered a connection. Even though gravity ensures the flow never returns upward, the continuum binds them. In modern terms, we might think of it like electrical …

A Peruta for Your Thoughts Avodah Zara 71 Psychology Of the Daf Yomi

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August 28th, 2025

Our Gemara discusses a halachic rarity: sometimes being Jewish and part of the covenant brings leniency. A Jew who steals less than a peruta’s worth is exempt, while a gentile is fully liable.
Why? Rashi explains that Jews are forgiving about such a small amount; less than a peruta is not considered money.
Likutei Halachos (Choshen Mishpat, Laws of Stealing 1:1) expands: holiness requires boundaries. A person sensitive to holiness places …

Dough and Behold: Fine Flour, Fine Boundaries Avodah Zara 70 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 27th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph relates a teaching of Rebbe Yitschok: “One who finds a wallet on Shabbos may carry it in increments of less than four cubits.”Rebbe Yitschok makes an allowance to violate rabbinic proscriptions because the fear of financial loss is too difficult for the average person. In order to forestall a greater violation, this exception is allowed (see Shabbos 153a).
This is not the only time Rebbe Yitschok makes judgments th …

Square Meals and Circular Logic Avodah Zara 69 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 26th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the halachic phenomenon of bitul, the nullification of prohibited substances. The Gemara states that the basic assumption is that sixty times the permitted substance will nullify the non-kosher material. There are exceptions, such as when the non-kosher food has a distinctive quality that interrupts its nullification, such as an item sold by number (not weight or volume), or chametz on Pesach, which is never nul …

Manna, with Ketchup Please Avodah Zarah 68 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 25th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses ta’am lifgam — when a non-kosher substance mixes in but imparts a foul taste, which may permit it.
The Boruch She’amar Haggadah applies this to the Dayyenu liturgy. For Dayyenu to make sense, each kindness from God in the poem must be valuable on its own. “If God gave us french fries, it would be enough; but He also gave us ketchup” makes sense. The reverse doesn’t, “If God gave us ketchup, we wo …

Kosher on the Inside as well as the Outside Avodah Zarah 67 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 24th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes (Devarim 14:21):
You shall not eat anything that has died a natural death; give it to the stranger in your community to eat, or you may sell it to a foreigner. For you are a holy people (am kadosh) consecrated to your God.
In another verse (Shemos 22:30) referring to an animal torn apart by beasts:
You shall be holy people to Me (anshei kodesh): you must not eat flesh torn by beasts in the field.
The Kes …

Cask and You Shall Perceive Avodah Zarah 66 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 22nd, 2025

Over the next two dappim, various conceptualizations arise about the nature of what transfers or actualizes prohibited food substances. Is it the taste? Is it the name — that is, if two substances are both called “wine” but have different flavors, are they considered a mixture of distinct items or of similar items? This impacts whether or not they can be nullified in majority. Furthermore, if the non-kosher substance mixes but it has — or …

Neurotic Anxiety and Fear of God Avodah Zarah 65 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 22nd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about an encounter between Rava and a Gentile, Bar Sheshakh, who was not an idolator, but may have been an atheist, cynical of all religion:
Rava brought a gift to a minister named Bar Sheshakh on their festival day. Rava said: I know of him that he does not worship idols. Rava went to him and found him sitting up to his neck in rose water, with naked prostitutes standing before him.
Bar Sheshakh said to hi …

Leniency with Limits Avodah Zarah 64 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 21st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses rabbinic allowances for a convert, such as permitting him to exchange idolatrous portions of an inheritance with gentile siblings for permitted items — something normally forbidden, since money from idolatry retains its prohibition.
Chasam Sofer (ibid) explains that the inheritance of a convert is a rabbinic enactment, not biblical; otherwise, the Sages could not permit such an exchange. The leniency is to …

The Worlds Oldest Profession and the Oldest Rationalization Avodah Zarah 63 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 20th, 2025

Our Gemara continues the discussion about Esnan Zonah from the previous Daf. On Amud Aleph, it debates whether the zonah in question is Jewish or gentile. This invites a deeper look: why does the Torah devote attention to the esnan prohibition, when the act itself is already forbidden?
Our Gemara continues the discussion about Esnan Zonah from the previous Daf. On Amud Aleph, it debates whether the zonah in question is Jewish or gentile. Later …

Heresy and Harlots Avodah Zarah 62 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 19th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the prohibition of Esnan Zonah, the object used to pay for a prostitute. This object has a negative spiritual halo that makes it forever prohibited for use in sacrifices, and may even extend to other sacred objects (see Shulchan Aruch OC 153:21). Our Gemara explores the moment the object becomes forbidden, which depends on when the transaction is finalized.
There is a fascinating Aggadah (Avodah Zara 16b–17a …

Double Doors and Crossbars: The Fortified Inner City Avodah Zara 61 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 17th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses a phrase to describe a city with fully secured borders so inhabitants would know when any new person enters. The city is described as having “double doors and a crossbar” — in Hebrew, delasayim ubariach.
This phrase, delasayim ubariach, is a paraphrase from a biblical verse describing the fortified cities of the Canaanites (Devarim 3:5): “All those towns were fortified with high walls, gates, and bars… …

Blessings on the Head: Crowned with Continuity Avodah Zara 60 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 17th, 2025

In our Gemara on Amud Beis, Rav Adda bar Ahava makes a declaration: “May blessings rest upon Rabbi Shimon’s head.”What is the significance of this phrase? What does it mean, “Blessings upon the head” as opposed to simply “blessings upon him”?
This phrase is not only used regarding Rabbi Shimon; the Gemara (Megillah 25b) states that blessings will rest upon the head of one who praises an esteemed person.
Ben Yehoyada (ibid) exp …

Turmusa Trouble: The Bitter Brew of Jewish Boldness Avodah Zara 59 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 15th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the preparatory and cooking process of the Turmusa (lupine) bean, and how this affects its halachic status if cooked by a gentile. Apparently, for this bean to become edible, it requires an extensive process of cooking and re-cooking.A different Gemara (Beitzah 25b) uses the metaphor of the cooking process of the Turmusa to describe the stubbornness of the Jewish people:The lupine [turmus], an extremely bitter l …

A Well-Mixed Maseches Avodah Zara 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 15th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis ponders the exact definition of a particular Aramaic word for mixing wine and its relation to its Hebrew form. In the process, it cites a verse from Mishlei (9:2):
“She has prepared the feast, mixed the wine, and also set the table.”
The Aramaic mazag and Hebrew masach both refer to the process of diluting wine with water. In the ancient world, wine was apparently a kind of syrup or thick concentrate, mixed with …

Twelve Months to Forget Avodah Zara 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 8th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses one who buys a slave from an idolatrous gentile household. As per Jewish law, the servant now becomes obligated in mitzvos. The question is: When can we safely allow him to touch wine without fear of yayin nesech?
Rav Naḥman said in the name of Shmuel: Even if the slaves were circumcised and immersed, they still render the wine forbidden, as they are accustomed to idolatry, until reference to idol worship d …

Brilliant but Not Yet Bar Mitzvah Avodah Zara 55 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 13th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the case of a child prodigy who, at a young age, mastered the entire tractate of Avodah Zarah. The simple reading implies that they even relied on his halachic rulings. This raises a halachic question: Can one rely on a learned minor?
Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein (Peninei Chashukei Chemed, Vaera, 5779; see also Shulchan Aruch CM 7:3) notes that while Tosafos here understands they were actually asking the child for …

Punishment and Forbearance Even When It Looks Bad Avodah Zara 55 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 12th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph records a polemical discussion with Rabbi Akiva:Zunin said to Rabbi Akiva: Both my heart and your heart know that there is no substance to idol worship. Nevertheless, don’t we see people who are lame go to worship idols and come back with restored function? What is the reason for this?
Rabbi Akiva said to Zunin: I will relate a parable to you. To what is this matter comparable? It is comparable to a trusted person wh …

Man Must Finish the Job Avodah Zarah 54 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 12th, 2025

The Mishna on Amud Beis records a polemic between Roman philosophers and our Jewish sages:
The gentiles asked the Jewish Sages who were in Rome: If it is not God’s will that people should engage in idol worship, why does He not eliminate it?
The Sages said to them: Were people worshipping only objects for which the world has no need, He would eliminate it. But they worship the sun and the moon and the stars and the constellations. Should …

Eye Witnesses Avodah Zarah 53 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 10th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis uses an interesting phrase uttered by Ullah, expressing admiration and respect for Rav and Shmuel:Who shall give us of the dust of the graves covering Rav and Shmuel? We would fill our eyes with that dust, as they were great and holy men.What did Ullah wish to convey with this choice of words? Another Amora, Rav Chanina bar Pappi (Bava Basra 171b), makes the same declaration, so it’s a known idea, but we don’t know exa …

Power Beyond the Stones Avodah Zarah 52 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 8th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis reports on the way in which the Temple was desecrated by the Greeks prior to the Chashmonaim rebellion, victory, and miracles of Chanukah:
They desecrated the stones by using them for idol worship.
This indicates that Temple vessels that were used in idolatrous worship can no longer be used and must be sequestered.
The Maharal (Ner Mitzvah II:8) reflects on the miracles of Chanukah. In reality, the true miracle wa …

The Path of Rationalization Avodah Zarah 51 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 8th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis (through the following daf) records a dispute between Rabbi Yishmael and Rabbi Akiva regarding an idol that was crafted but not yet worshipped. According to Rabbi Yishmael, a gentile’s object of idol worship is not prohibited until it is worshipped, but a Jew’s object of idol worship is prohibited immediately. According to Rabbi Akiva, a gentile’s object of idol worship is prohibited immediately, but a Jew’s object …

Border Patrol Avodah Zarah 50 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 7th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the status of stones near the pile of stones that make up the deity Markulis. If they are within four cubits, they are close enough that they are assumed to be part of the deity and just became detached.The area of four cubits manifests itself with regularity in Halacha. Whether for commerce, mitzvos, or even idolatry, this space around an object has a particular significance of meaning and attachment.
The Ge …

Rock Solid Attitudes Avodah Zara 49 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 6th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis begins a discussion regarding a particular deity known as Markulis. It is not necessarily Mercury, because the way in which the Gemara describes the worship and what we know from Greek mythology does not perfectly match. Regardless of its actual identity, the Gemara and commentaries describe it as being formed by a pile of two rocks and then one rock on top. An aspect of its worship seems to be throwing a rock at it. Inter …

For Whom the Baal Tolls Avodah Zara 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 5th, 2025

On this Daf, there are various discussions of how to negotiate the intrusion of idolatry in public spaces. In earlier times of less material wealth and technology, it was not uncommon for the entire town to rely on the town clock, which was typically located on the tallest building—usually a church. Since it is forbidden to receive material benefit from idolatry and idolatrous objects, Poskim have discussed whether it is permissible to tell the …

Impure Motives Avodah Zara 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 4th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the halachic impurity of idolatrous material. Rabbi Akiva equates it to tumas niddah.
Chanukas Hatorah (32) uses this to explain Rachel’s evasion when Lavan searched for his stolen idols (Bereishis 31:35). Rachel, hiding them under her, claimed she couldn’t rise due to her period. Though not niddah, she wasn’t lying, as the idols’ impurity equated to tumas niddah.
Impurity in Jewish theology ties to …

Memory That Holds Water Avodah Zara 46 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 3rd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis relates that Rabbi Eliezer taught, forgot, and was reminded by Rabbi Akiva of a rabbinic ban against using the red heifer purification ritual on Shabbos, even if it prevents timely purification for the Paschal offering.
Rav Dovid Kochav asks how Rabbi Eliezer could forget, given Pirke Avos (2:8), where Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai praises him as “a plastered cistern that does not lose a drop,” indicating a powerful memo …

We Have Met the Enemy and He Is Us Avodah Zara 45 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 1st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis cites Devarim (12:2–3), urging vigorous eradication of idolatry’s traces.While this exhorts removing pagan worship, Arvei Nachal (Lech Lecha 3 5668) explains a deeper theology: The Jewish people, God’s chosen, channel spiritual life to the world, as stated (Bereishis 12:13): “All the nations of the Earth shall be blessed through you.” The Jewish psyche embryonically contains all nations’ traits, manifesting pos …

The Road to Perfection Contains Much Imperfection Avodah Zara 44 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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August 1st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph cites a verse about David’s initiation as king (Shmuel II 12:30), capturing a crown from the Ammonite kingdom, with halachic implications for idolatrous images. It also symbolizes David’s ascendancy and leadership process.Shem MiShmuel (Bamidbar), quoting the Kotzker Rebbe, observes that this crown represented a secular aspect from the Ammonites, necessary for David’s rule.
The Gemara (Yoma 22b) states:Rav Yehud …

Menorah of Mettle Avodah Zara 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 31st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes the makeshift Menorah used by the Chashmonaim after liberating the Temple:
During that era, the Menorah’s branches were fashioned from iron spits [shappudin], covered with tin [beva’atz]. Later, when richer, they made it from silver. When even wealthier, they crafted it from gold.
Pri Tzaddik (Chanukah 7), citing Pesikta Rabbasi (2), explores the Menorah’s structure. Pesikta Rabbasi suggests finding …

Hands-Off Idols Avodah Zara 42 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 30th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses whether finding a hand or foot figure constitutes an idol or merely a fragment:If one found an object shaped like a hand or foot, it is forbidden, as similar objects are worshipped. Rabbi Yoḥanan asks: Why are they forbidden? Aren’t they fragments, which Reish Lakish permits?The Gemara answers: Shmuel interprets the mishna as referring to objects standing on pedestals, showing they were designed as idols ini …

Trojan Dinosaurs Avodah Zara 41 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 29th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph enumerates which statues have indications of idolatry and must be destroyed:
 Any statue holding a staff, bird, or orb symbolizes dominion, indicating it is designated for idolatry.
 The Gemara explains that each item reflects the statue’s supposed divinity, signifying its rule over the world: A staff symbolizes dominion, as the idol rules the entire world, like one rules an animal with a staff. A bird s …

Fin and Dandy: Swimming with the Signs Avodah Zara 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 28th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the signs of a kosher fish, which are having fins and scales. It is largely held true that every fish with scales also has fins. This leads the Gemara (Niddah 51b and Chulin 66b) to question the redundancy: why does the Torah need to mention fins if scales alone would suffice to indicate a kosher fish?The Gemara answers: This is in accordance with the verse: “The Lord was pleased, for His righteousness’ …

The Jewish Surrendered Wife Roles, Rules and Relationships Avodah Zara 39 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 20th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses an aphorism to illustrate the idea of loyalty and support from a wife to a husband, which transcends a particular religious status:There was an incident involving a certain woman who married a chaver (a sage who belonged to a society of sages who accepted certain vows of piety, such as eating all food with purity requirements as if it were Terumah). This woman would faithfully tie his Tefilin on his hand. She later m …

Religion or Superstition? Avodah Zara 38 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 18th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis recounts a remarkable story about how the officials of the Reish Galusa took murderous revenge against Rav Zvid. (The Reish Galusa is the Jewish person appointed by the Babylonian authorities to lead the Jewish community and depending on the era, could be more or less God fearing.) In this story, Rav Zvid imposed a prohibition upon eggs roasted by a gentile (which at the time was unclear if it was a sufficiently distinct f …

Impure Playdates and Taboos Avodah Zara 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 18th, 2025

Our Gemara on the top of Amud Aleph continues its discussion why there is a rabbinic decree that Gentiles have a status of tumas zav. Really Gentiles are not subject at all to the laws of purity, and they are not carriers of tumah (Nazir 62b). So why did the rabbis impose this strict form of impurity upon them?
The Sages were concerned about Jewish children being exposed to inappropriate sexual contact during playtime with their gentile neighb …

The Horse, Heart and Rider Avodah Zara 36 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 24th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph cites a prooftext from Daniel (1:8), which indicates a prototype of the prohibition against gentile wine, oil and other products:
Daniel set the matter upon his heart not to defile himself with the king’s food or the wine he drank, so he sought permission of the chief officer not to defile himself.
Daniel, a young Jewish exile groomed for the royal court, found the strength, resolved in his heart, to create a barr …

The Secret Life of Decrees Avodah Zara 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 23rd, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a leadership and governance practice that is alien to modern thinking. As with many ideas and wisdoms in the Gemara, there is no pretense of political correctness — instead, it presents a hierarchical, though generally benevolent, perspective on society.
The Gemara discusses the following rabbinic practice:
When the Sages decreed a decree in the West, Eretz Yisrael, they would not reveal the reason behin …

Kiln Me With Teshuvah Avodah Zara 34 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 22nd, 2025

Our Gemara on the top of Amud Aleph continues a discussion about the qualities of earthenware clay vessels. Unlike metal vessels, which can be purged via boiling water and fully expel the contents absorbed in the walls, earthenware clay vessels absorb foodstuffs and flavors, but cannot be fully purged. Therefore, they are difficult to kasher and can as only be restored by being broken and reformed in a kiln.
Symbolically, some mystics see the …

Observance Fatigue Avodah Zara 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 21st, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an incident where a halachic mistake was made, and the sage’s response—or rather, his non-response.
The topic under discussion is that, although certain jugs may contain the absorbed flavor of gentile wine, it is permitted to store beer in such jugs. This is because the nature of beer is to disrupt and neutralize the taste of wine. Thus, the person derives no benefit from the leftover prohibited wine flav …

The Walking Dead Avodah Zara 32 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 20th, 2025

One of the strongest taboos in Judaism is its revulsion of idolatry. Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses another aspect of this intense aversion:
“They joined themselves also unto Baal of Peor, and ate zivchei meisim—the offerings to the dead” (Tehillim 106:28).
Just as a corpse imparts ritual impurity by means of a tent, so too idolatrous offerings impart ritual impurity by means of a tent.
This idiom for idolatrous sacrifices, zivc …

The Oy in Anxiety Avodah Zara 31 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 18th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the danger of uncovered water, which might contain venom from a snake. The question arises: If so, how do gentiles who don’t follow these precautions not regularly die from such exposure?
The answer:
“They eat repugnant creatures and creeping animals, which heat their bodies and thereby render them less susceptible to the venom.”
The sages believed that non-kosher food created bodily heat that neut …

Alls Well That Ends Well Avodah Zara 29 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

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July 17th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the verse that describes Rivkah as she goes to the well and encounters Eliezer. To recap, Eliezer prays for God to guide events, asking that the maiden who will offer him and his camels to drink be the appropriate bride for Yitschok (Bereishis 24:15):
“He had scarcely finished speaking, when Rebekah, who was born to Besuel, the son of Milcah, the wife of Avraham’s brother Nachor, came out with her jug on her …

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

Author:

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: …

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