When Repenting Do Not Cut it Too Close Chulin 131

Author:

September 8th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph cites the verse that instructs Jewish farmers to leave aside certain produce from the vineyard: the peret (grapes that drop during the harvest), the olelos (undeveloped clusters that grow singly rather than on branches), forgotten clusters, and pe’ah (the corner of the vineyard or field left for the poor). It states in Vayikra (19:9–10):
“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to t …

The Real Reason for the Mitzvos Eruvin 31 Psychology of the Daf

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 9th, 2020

Eruvin 31 דְּכוּלֵּי עָלְמָא מִצְוֹת לָאו לֵיהָנוֹת נִיתְּנוּ The Gemara answers that Rava could have said to you: If they hold that one may establish an eiruv only for the sake of a mitzva, all would agree that the eiruv may be placed on a grave because mitzvot were not given for benefit. for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Eruvin 31 The Maharal in Tiferes Yisrael beginn …

Beitzah 10 Alive and Unpredictable Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 9th, 2021

Our Gemara on Amud Beis Discusses assumptions to make about the states of various items. For example if one set aside $100 of tithes, but then came back and found $200. Shall he assume this is a totally new $200 and it’s not sacred, or shall he assume that $100 is still from the tithe? And a similar question came up regarding live animals, such as if one designated three doves for slaughter and use on Yom Tov, and he came back and found onl …

Beitzah 9 Yom Tov Depression Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 9th, 2021

Our Gemara discussed various leniencies that can be enacted in order to maintain a feeling of joy on Yom Tov, such as making sure certain foods are available.  This got me wondering about people who find it challenging to enjoy Yom Tov. The Shalah (Aseret HaDibrot Shabbos Ner Mitzva) quotes a Kol Bo that discusses a state of being called “Yiush Simchas Yom Tov”, giving up on the the joy of Yom Tov.  There are people who expe …

Mixed Motives Kesuvos 66 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 9th, 2022

There are times where we must do distasteful things. The overall good or needs of the moment may override certain moral or ethical sensitivities. What should be your mindset so the experience is less corrupting? Mei HaShiloach (Lech Lecha 7) darshens our Gemara to elaborate on this theme. Avraham finds himself in a position where he was victorious in the war to win back his nephew, Lot. He is offered the spoils yet declines to take them because ( …

Loosening Up Kesuvos 65 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 9th, 2022

I want to address a sensitive topic regarding sexual challenges that can affect couples of all ages, especially but not exclusively, the newly married. A person may have a degree of misplaced piety and be overly scrupulous about sexuality, or just plain feel uncomfortable with sexual feelings and sensuality. Sometimes, being overscrupulous in the area of intimacy and halakha can be the result of naiveté and/or anxiety. After all, if a reli …

The Oral Torah and Blank Spaces Bava Basra 76 Psychology of the Daf Yomi

Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R

September 9th, 2024

There are certain conventions in the Talmud that are difficult for the new learner to comprehend. Frankly, they would be difficult for many seasoned lamdanim as well, but after years and years of seeing the same phrase being used, I suspect that some have ceased to become curious or troubled by it. Yet, I am unsure if they became particularly wiser as to what it means and how it works – just more accepting of it. One of the most troubling c …

Commandment or Prerequisite Psychology of the Daf Horiyos 8

Author:

September 9th, 2025

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

Tongue with Mustard: And Avraham’s Prayer Chulin 132

Author:

September 9th, 2026

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses how the priestly gifts are to be consumed by the Kohanim (that is, the foreleg, the jaw, and the stomach from animals that are eaten, this portion are given to the Kohanim). They should be eaten in the manner that kings eat—roasted and with mustard.
According to tradition, Avraham served the visiting angels three calves, and specifically tongue with mustard. Is there a connection?
The Gemara (Bava Metzia …

Sort By:Reset All

title +

A to ZZ to A

date +

NewestOldest

Results per page: 10 20 40 50 100