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

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June 16th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 15th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 13th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 13th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 12th, 2025

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

What is Torah? Shavuous 41 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 11th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 10th, 2025

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

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 9th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 8th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 6th, 2025

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

The Nuances of Disgrace Shavuous 36 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 6th, 2025

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

The Weight of Words Shavuous 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 5th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 4th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 31st, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 1st, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

June 1st, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 30th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 30th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 29th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 28th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 27th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 26th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 25th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 22nd, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 23rd, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 22nd, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 21st, 2025

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

Cut Out Sinning Shavuous 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 20th, 2025

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

Avoiding the Unavoidable Sin Shavuous 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 19th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 18th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 16th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 16th, 2025

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

State of the Union Shavuous 14 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 15th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 14th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 13th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 2nd, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 11th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 9th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 9th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 8th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 7th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 6th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 5th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 4th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 2nd, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 2nd, 2025

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

Lashes and Learning Makkos 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 1st, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 30th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 29th, 2025

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

God Does Not Cut Corners in Creation Makkos 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author:

April 18th, 2025

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

Stairway to Heaven Makkos 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2025

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

Commission Impossible Makkos 18 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2025

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

Oral Arguments Makkos 16 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2025

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

Lashes and Loopholes Makkos 14 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

May 2nd, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

August 22nd, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 18th, 2025

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

Six Mitzvos, One Sanctuary: Your Portable Divine GPS Makkos 9 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 17th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the six cities of refuge designated for the person who commits involuntary manslaughter. These cities functioned as a form of exile and punishment because there was negligence involved, but also as a protection from a relative who might kill him in retribution. This is why the cities’ names have an implication of refuge, with the literal translation of Arei Miklat being “cities of being gathered in.&r …

Spare the Rod, Spoil the Mitzvah? Talmud’s Take on Tough Love Makkos 8 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 16th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an exemption for the punishment of exile for involuntary manslaughter. Even though there was still enough negligence that ordinarily would incur exile, if the person was involved in a mitzvah, he receives a special dispensation. The Gemara says this includes a father who disciplines his son via corporal punishment. Should his son die as a result of these blows, since he was performing a mitzvah, the father is ex …

Death Penalty Debates: Sanhedrin’s Mercy or Anarchy? Makkos 7 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 15th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph relates a dispute between Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Tarfon versus Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel. Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Tarfon seem to understand the Torah practice of capital punishment as largely a threat and deterrent, but in a practical manner, avoided at all costs via legal mechanisms and various defenses to acquit: Rabbi Tarfon and Rabbi Akiva say: If we had been members of the Sanhedrin, we would have conducted trials in a …

Too Hard to Resist Makkos 6 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 14th, 2025

The Torah requires two witnesses to convict someone of a capital crime. Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a scenario: if two witnesses in a capital case observe two separate parts of a sinful act, can they join to be considered one set of witnesses? Rashi explains how this could be, such as if witnesses observed a forbidden sexual intercourse, where one saw the beginning and the other the end. Meaning, the sex act can happen over a period of time …

Thoughts vs Actions Makkos 5 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 13th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the famous principle that “eidim zommemim” (perjured witnesses) who testified in a capital case only receive the death penalty if they were caught after the court’s verdict but before the accused was executed. If the accused was executed though, the witnesses do not receive any punishment.   Commentaries have offered various explanations for this seemingly unfair law. Some suggest tha …

Slave to Desire Makkos 4 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 11th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a legal principle: anyone who pays as punishment for a transgression is not flogged for that same transgression. In other words, in most situations, a person does not incur multiple penalties for the same infraction. The Mekhilta (Shemos 21:6) discusses why the Jewish servant who is sold to repay stolen goods, and then chooses to stay in servitude beyond his indenture, must have his ear pierced by the door: What …

Return Policy Makkos 3 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 11th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes a nuanced halacha: though one may not make a condition that contradicts a Torah rule, financial stipulations are a matter of convention and can be reconfigured. However, even so, the language must not undermine or reject the Torah rule—it must simply add a clause, reduction, or increase. For example, overcharging is forbidden in a sale, but one may stipulate the sale on condition that “you have no cla …

Don’t Start Up with Me Makkos 2 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 10th, 2025

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the concept that one who confesses to a crime is exempt from punitive fines (though he must still make financial restitution).     Ein Yitschok (Bereishis) explains that this is why God did not directly accuse Adam of eating from the Tree of Knowledge, but instead engaged in discussion and asked questions (see Rashi, Bereishis 3:9). God was giving Adam a chance to confess, thereby avoiding aspects …

When the Ches Points Upwards Sanhedrin Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 19th, 2025

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 8th, 2025

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

One Mitzvah Short of a Full Tank: Torah’s Fine Print Sanhedrin 111 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 11th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 6th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 4th, 2025

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

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

Too Holy to Handle Sanhedrin 108 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 4th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 3rd, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 2nd, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

April 1st, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 31st, 2025

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

Tunnel Vision and Repentance Sanhedrin 103 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 30th, 2025

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

Poisonous Routes Sanhedrin 102 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 28th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 28th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 27th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 26th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 25th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 24th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 23rd, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 21st, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 21st, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 20th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 19th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 18th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 17th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 16th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 14th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 14th, 2025

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

Stolen Identities and Sinai Sanhedrin 86 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 13th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 12th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 11th, 2025

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

Megillas MAGA

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 1st, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 10th, 2025

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

King Size Sin Sanhedrin 82 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 9th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 7th, 2025

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

Halachic Fetal Positions Sanhedrin 80 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 7th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 6th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 5th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 4th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 3rd, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

March 2nd, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 28th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 28th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 27th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 26th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 25th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 24th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 23rd, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 21st, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 21st, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 20th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 19th, 2025

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

How Desire Becomes Doctrine Sanhedrin 63 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 18th, 2025

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

The Accidental Heretic Sanhedrin 62 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 17th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 16th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 14th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 14th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 13th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 12th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 11th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 10th, 2025

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

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

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

February 9th, 2025

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

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