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Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R The Daf Yomi through a Psychological Lens.
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Beautifying or Deceiving? Bava Metzia 60 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 28th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses deceitful business practices, such as feeding an animal in a certain way to make it temporarily appear more robust than it actually is, or grooming a slave and dyeing his hair so he will appear younger.  Rav Yaakov Emden (Hagahos Ya’avetz, ibid) discusses if it is permitted for a woman of marriageable age to adorn herself with make-up and other cosmetics to appear pretty, and rules that it is permitte …
Good Job, Bad Job Sotah 31 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 28th, 2023

  Our Gemara on aleph concludes that Iyov’s level of love and fear of God matched Avraham’s. תַּנְיָא רַבִּי מֵאִיר אוֹמֵר נֶאֱמַר יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים בְּאִיּוֹב וְנֶאֱמַר יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים בְּאַבְרָהָם מָה יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים הָאָמוּר בְּאַבְרָהָם מֵאַהֲבָה אַף יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים הָאָמוּר …
Sing Baby, Sing Sotah 30 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 28th, 2023

    Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the levels of prophecy that occurred at the splitting of the Red Sea and how the Jews and Moshe responded via the prophetic singing of Az Yashir: תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן דָּרַשׁ רַבִּי יוֹסֵי הַגְּלִילִי בְּשָׁעָה שֶׁעָלוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל מִן הַיָּם נָתְנוּ עֵינֵיהֶם לוֹמַר שִׁירָה וְכֵיצַד אָמ …
Yoma 18 She Is Not Your Object Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 28th, 2021

Our Gemara records a seemingly bizarre practice of Rav and Rav Nachman:  When they would travel to a foreign city without their wives, they would seek a temporary wife, so as to save them from temptation. Needless to say, this Gemara runs against modern sensibilities.  But not just for the moderns, Ben Yeyohada also cannot accept this Gemara literally as stated. He finds it repugnant that anyone, let alone rabbis, could behave in such a …
Abortion Early Pregnancy Loss Trauma and Shame
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 28th, 2020

The following is a guest post from Chaya Feuerman, LCSW-R 
You lost your baby. You’re no longer pregnant. It’s a long story. You don’t want to talk about it. The doctors. The Rabbis. The Dayan. They all said you had to do it. You can’t talk about it. Nobody knows what really happened. Your husband refuses to talk to you about the baby. He doesn’t want you to bring it up ever again. You must move on. Everyo …
Jung's Greatest Hits
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 28th, 2019

Carl Jung was a student of Sigmund Freud.  Unlike Freud, he had a deep and positive interest in spirituality, religion, and mysticism.  His psychological theories were still what we would call psychodynamic, in a sense that they involve understanding the ways that unconscious conflicts affect and determine functional or dysfunctional behavior.  However, his understanding of the inner drives and conflicts were more universal and rel …
More on the Psychology of Rabbinic and Torah Laws Sotah 29 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 27th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis, quoting our Mishna on Daf 27b, explains that Rabbi Yochanan predicted that a later generation of Sanhedrin will overturn Rabbi Akiva’s Kal V’chomer.  Maharitz Chayes on Daf 27 notes that this Gemara is a strong proof to the Rambam’s position (Laws of Mamerin (2:1) that a different Sanhedrin from a later generation can overturn rulings of a prior Sanhedrin based on derashos and limmudim, even of they …
Yoma 17 The “Right” Way to Do Things Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 27th, 2021

Our Gemara again discusses the preference of right over left. On Daf 15 we investigated this concept metaphysically. I just wanted to add some more thoughts on this matter:   What happens when we want to know what the weather is? Do we look out the window, or do we look at an app on our phone? What about if you want to know what time sunset is in order to pray? Do we look out the window or do we look at the Myzmanim app our phone? The point …
Humility or Lack of vulnerability? Bava Metzia 67 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a practice that was technically not usury, but the Talmud ruled that rabbis should abstain from it nonetheless, because they should behave according to a higher standard. The Gemara records that Ravina did not abstain from this practice and stuck with the letter of the law. Tosafos (ibid) wonders about this, and Rabbenu Tam suggests that thiswas due to Ravina’s humility in that he did not want to portray hi …
Mind Reader or Emotion Reader? Bava Metzia 66 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the implications of a person who appears calm but perhaps he is not. The Gemara sometimes rules that a verbal commitment is binding as there is a clear indication of serious intent, while other times we assume he was under some kind of duress and offered an empty verbal assurance but made no kinyan (physical act of transfer or acquisition) to solidify the transaction. The actual halachos are complex however we wi …
Extra Credit in Mitzvos Bava Metzia 65 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the legal technicalities of whether a rental or hire incurs financial obligation from commencement, or only at the end, when the rental or work contract is completed. Halachically this has implications for whether advance payment at a discount is considered charging interest or not. The halacha is that the obligation to pay a rental fee is incurred only at the end of the rental period.  The Chida (Midbar Kd …
Profiting from the Prophets Bava Metzia 64 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses the Hebrew word “Sachar” to describe the potential and likelihood for profit versus loss that one can achieve in a business venture. If he is a silent partner with another by contributing the funds and the other contributes the business efforts, whether it is categorized as charging interest via the profit or merely being in a partnership depends on many factors, including that there is equal or greater l …
The Illusion of Control Bava Metzia 63 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis conceptualizes the prohibition of charging interest as any financial compensation that is an incentive for the lender to delay payment of his debt. In essence, time is money, and the charging of interest is an enactment of the value that having access to money at one time over another brings profit. Assuming that the rate of interest is not exploitative, the Torah asks us to run against a normal instinct to manage money wi …
A Life Worth Living Bava Metzia 62 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud aleph discusses the famous moral dilemma of a circumstance where you must choose between another person’s survival or your own survival, such as you are in the desert with another person, and only have enough water for one person to survive.  Ben Petora taught: It is preferable that both of them drink and die, and let neither one of them see the death of the other. Until Rabbi Akiva came and taught that the verse sta …
Hitting Bottom Bava Metzia 61 Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses textual and theological parallels between the prohibition of charging interest, the commandment of wearing Tzitzis and maintaining honest weights and measures in commerce. Rava says: Why do I need the mention of the exodus from Egypt that the Merciful One wrote in the context of the halachos of the prohibition against interest (see Leviticus 25:37–38), and the mention of the exodus from Egypt w …
An Absorbent Jew Bava Metzia 59 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses the ways in which Dovid Hamelech was verbally tormented by his critics:   They torment me to the extent that even at the time when they are engaged in the public study of the halachos of leprous sores and tents in which there is a corpse, they say to me: David, one who engages in adultery, what form of execution do they give him? And I say to them: An adulterer who commits this sin with a married woman befor …
Inconvenient Truths Bava Metzia 58 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 26th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis gives examples of hurtful speech that taunts and belittles:   If one is a penitent, another may not say to him: Remember your earlier deeds. If one is the child of converts, another may not say to him: Remember the deeds of your ancestors. If one is a convert and he came to study Torah, one may not say to him: Does the mouth that ate unslaughtered carcasses and repugnant creatures, and creeping animals, comes to study …
Technically Not a Sin, Oh But it Is! Sotah 28 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 26th, 2023

  Our Gemara on amud aleph tells us that a husband who commits sins cannot expect the waters of Sotah to work.  He only has the right to make such moral demands on her if his own behavior is free of sin. דְּאִי אִית בֵּיהּ עָוֹן בָּדְקִי לֵיהּ מַיָּא כִּי אִית בֵּיהּ עָוֹן בְּדִידֵיהּ מִי בָּדְקִי לַהּ מַיָּא לְדִידַהּ וְהָא תַּנ …
Yoma 16 Kosher but Still Repulsive Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 26th, 2021

Our Gemara tells us that there was a chamber in the Temple where invalidated stones from the altar were stored. These were stones that were removed from the altar as a result of having been contaminated through idolatrous worship by gentile kings during the time of the Hasmoneans. Tosafos Yom Tov (Middos 1:1) questions how this is a proper rationale for demolishing part of the altar. The actual halakha is that something attached to the ground can …
You Made the Wine, I Just Made the Grapes Bava Metzia 57 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 25th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis rules that the oath and various other obligations of a watchman are not applicable when it is an item that belongs to the Temple treasury. The verse states, “His peer” (Shemos 22:6) , which excludes something belonging to the sacred coffers.    Ohr Hachaim (ibid) offers a metaphysical-legal explanation. There is a well known exemption from obligations of the watchmen or borrower when we consider the o …
Sharing the Burdens of Life Together Sotah 27 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 25th, 2023

  תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן אֲשֶׁר תִּשְׂטֶה אִשָּׁה תַּחַת אִישָׁהּ לְהַקִּישׁ אִישׁ לְאִשָּׁה וְאִשָּׁה לְאִישׁ לְמַאי הִלְכְתָא אָמַר רַב שֵׁשֶׁת כְּשֵׁם שֶׁאִם הוּא סוֹמֵא לֹא הָיָה מַשְׁקָהּ דִּכְתִיב וְנֶעְלַם מֵעֵינֵי אִישָׁהּ כָּךְ הִיא אִם …
Yoma 15 Does True Evil Exist Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 25th, 2021

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discussed the directive that one should always turn toward the right side. This is a pervasive value statement which comes up in numerous halachos. The right side is treated as more important. Pele Yoetz under the entry for “Yamin” lists several halakhic procedures that should be done right side first. The right shoe should be placed on first, and the right side of a garment should be put on first, especially E …
Unconscious Communication Bava Metzia 56 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 24th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses a scriptural derivation and comparison between real estate and Canaanite slaves. Just as the regular laws of overcharging or undercharging do not apply to real estate, so too, in regard to slaves, they do not apply.   Rav Yonasan Eibshutz (Yaaros Devash 1:17) uses this ruling to explain a deeper idea behind Esther’s plea to Achashverosh (Esther 7:4):   Had we only been sold as slaves, I would have kep …
Rewarding Bad Behavior Sotah 26 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 24th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a dispute between Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Yishmael regarding what benefits accrue for the woman who goes through the Sotah ordeal and is  proven innocent. The verse states, “And she shall be cleared, and shall conceive seed” (Numbers 5:28) but how far does this go?: דְתַנְיָא וְנִקְּתָה וְנִזְרְעָה [זָרַע] שֶׁאִם הָיְתָה עֲקָרָה נִפְקֶד …
For Morality there is no Threshold Bava Metzia 55 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 23rd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph teaches that ordinarily sums of money below a perutah are not legally pursuable, such as theft of less than a perutah.  Yet, when it comes to the Temple treasury, one must pay restitution for even less than a perutah.   Yismach Moshe (Mattos 6:2) uses this idea to explain why a gentile who steals from a Jew even less than a perutah is still held liable. The reason why theft of less than a perutah is not legally …
God Can Tolerate Many Sins So Long As We All Get Along Sotah 25 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 23rd, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses three situations where prosecution of Beis Din can be suspended if the accusing parties choose to forgive their original charges: אָמַר רַבִּי יֹאשִׁיָּה שְׁלֹשָׁה דְּבָרִים סָח לִי זְעֵירָא מֵאַנְשֵׁי יְרוּשָׁלַיִם בַּעַל שֶׁמָּחַל עַל קִינּוּיוֹ קִינּוּיוֹ מָחוּל וְזָקֵן מַמְרֵא …
Yoma 13 Letting Go, and Letting Get Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 23rd, 2021

Our Gemara discusses certain kinds of conditional divorces which are not valid: If a man says to his wife: This is your bill of divorce on condition that you will not drink wine for all the days of my life and your life, that is not severance. The bill of divorce in the Torah is called a bill of severance, meaning that for the document to be valid all connections between the husband and wife must be severed. If there is a provision in the documen …
Yoma 12 Avoiding Relationship Gridlock Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 23rd, 2021

Our Gemara discusses the problem of what happens when a new Cohin Godol is nominated due to an invalidation of the prior Cohen Godol.  When the original Cohen Godol recovers from whatever it is that invalidated him, he is restored the office. What do we do with the second appointee? The Gemara says that we cannot demote him back to ordinary service because that would be a diminution of holiness. However, he cannot remain and share the office …
Torah Prerequisites Bava Metzia 54 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 22nd, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis makes a derivation from the word, “veyassaf - he will add”, that the ⅕ penalty for redeeming a consecrated object applies even to a situation of ⅕ on ⅕. This occurs in a case where a consecrated item is redeemed with another consecrated item (now with an additional ⅕). If this item is to be redeemed, he must now add a ⅕ onto this new item, which is effectively ⅕ on ⅕.   Gilyonei Shas (Yevamos …
Yoma 11 A Kalter Litvak Rationalist Undergoes a Conversion Psychology & the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 22nd, 2021

The Gemara tells us the requirement of checking a mezuzah: The mezuza belonging to an individual is examined twice every seven years to determine whether it was stolen or became disqualified. And in order to avoid excessive burden on the community, the mezuza belonging to the public is examined twice in a fifty-year Jubilee period. I would like to tell you a story from my personal life, actually two stories, about Mezuzos. Many people have the cu …
All in a Day’s Work Bava Metzia 53 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2024

Our gemara on amud aleph discusses the well-known halachic principle, that even though often a prohibited item can be nullified in a majority or mixture of 60 times, an item whose prohibition can become permitted at some point in time, is not negated or nullified even if it is in a mixture with one thousand permitted parts.     The phrase “even a thousand times”, is not literal. It means in any amount, so to speak, even …
We Knead to Be Productive Sotah 24 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Beis uses specific terms to describe two different levels of mental incapacity that would allow Beis Din to act on behalf of the husband, should his wife be suspected of adultery. In the first case they describe a Shoteh, which is a degree of mental incapacity (see Chagigah 3b which defines a Shoteh, as well as an interesting Psychology of the Daf, Chagigah 3, click here: https://nefesh.org/SimchaFeuerman/chaggigah--talmudic-we …
The Real Pain of Social Ostracism Sotah 23 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2023

Our Gemara on amud beis discusses a difference in how capital punishment is meted out to a man versus a woman. A man is completely naked while the woman is clothed. Although our Gemara offers a proof text for this, in reality it is based on a logical analysis, as per Gemara Sanhedrin (45a and Tosafos 45a.) The reasoning is as follows, though being stoned while naked will hasten death, because the impact will be more lethal, the woman still wears …
Halakhic Explorations of the Status of Gender Reassignment Surgery Yevamos 55 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on 54b and 55b quotes a Bibllical phrase in Vayikra 18:22 where it describes sexual intercourse as “Mishkavei Isha”, the “Layings in regard to women”.  Though the pashut peshat is referring to sexual acts, the derash takes this to imply multiple forms of sexual intercourse, such as anal intercourse. Rabbenu Chananel on this verse (also quoted by Ibn Ezra) offers a creative explanation with modern relevance, …
Private Property and Propriety Yevamos 54 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on 54b and 55a analyze a Biblical idiom את מקורה הערה “her source was revealed “ (Vayikra 20:18) to teach that the violation of prohibited sexual intercourse is defined by the initial entry, which is defined as some opinions as merely contact of both sexual organs, or the entry of the glans into the vaginal canal. The actual derivation and etymology of the phrase requires some analysis.  Rashi (Bereishis 42: …
Impotent Rage Yevamos 53 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis struggles to come up with a scenario whereby a man can be considered “forced” to engage in sexual intercourse. The sages aptly observed, there is no erection of the male organ without intent. Meaning to say, though a person might be externally coerced into sexual intecourse by some kind of threat, the actual action must be with some degree of will, as otherwise how can he become erect?  (The Gemara ultimat …
The Non-Intercourse Act Yevamos 52 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on amud aleph discusses an enactment by the great Amora and Rosh Yeshiva, Rav.  Even though the Torah allows for three ways to effectuate marriage, incliuding sexual intercourse with the intent to marry (Mishna KIddushin 1:1), Rav forbids a person to marry in this manner.  It is considered unseemly and promiscuous. One might wonder, what gave Rav the right to add on to the Torah’s sensibilities?  If the Torah allow …
Minor Pangs of Conscience Yevamos 51 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quoted a Mishna on 96b that discusses the following scenario,  If two brothers who are nine years old (old enough to be anatomically capable of intercourse, but still considered halakhic minors in terms of their ability to enact legal transaction such as marriage) have an older brother who dies childless, they both are under the obligation of Yibum.  Of course, they should wait until adulthood, but the Mishna dis …
Living a Life Sentence Yevamos 50 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2022

The Gemara right at the beginning of Amud Aleph records a fundamental dispute between Rabbi Akiva and the sages regarding the allotted years in a person’s lifetime, fate, and the impact of sin and merit in relation to it:   אֶת מִסְפַּר יָמֶיךָ אֲמַלֵּא״ — תַּנָּאֵי הִיא, דְּתַנְיָא: ״אֶת מִסְפַּר יָמֶיךָ אֲמַלֵּא״,   The resolution of the third co …
Through the Looking Glass Yevamos 49 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the qualitative difference between Moshe’s prophecy and other prophets: וָאֶרְאֶה אֶת ה׳״, כִּדְתַנְיָא: כׇּל הַנְּבִיאִים נִסְתַּכְּלוּ בְּאַסְפַּקְלַרְיָא שֶׁאֵינָהּ מְאִירָה, מֹשֶׁה רַבֵּינוּ נִסְתַּכֵּל בְּאַסְפַּקְלַרְיָא הַמְּאִירָה. The Gemara resolves t …
Respect the Grieving Process Yevamos 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on this daf discusses the process of the Yefas Toar, the captive woman. The verses describe it detail (Devarim 21:12): כִּֽי־תֵצֵ֥א לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה עַל־אֹיְבֶ֑יךָ וּנְתָנ֞וֹ הֹ אֱלֹקְיךָ בְּיָדֶ֖ךָ וְשָׁבִ֥יתָ שִׁבְיֽוֹ׃  When you [an Israelite warrior] take the field against your enemies, and your God delivers them into your power and you tak …
Carpe Diem Yevamos 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on amud beis tells us that though we discourage the convert in order to determine his or her motivations, and to make sure he or she is fully committed. However, once he agrees, we begin the process immediately.  The Gemara says this is because we do not delay a mitzvah.  Once could especially imagine that as an adult, if the process also involved circumcision, it is frightening. Therefore it is a good idea to follow through …
To Find the Truth, the Ball is in Your Court Yevamos 46 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2022

Our gemara on amud beis tells us that a convert requires a court of three people to preside over the conversion in order for it to be valid.  Likuttei Halakhos (Yoreh Deah, Laws of Slaves, Chapter 2:12) offers a mystical interpretation for why conversion requires this process.  Below is my best effort to distill and translate his esoteric ideas: The scriptural derivation is that the verse uses the word “Judgment” juxtaposed …
A Man of Egyptian Extraction Yevamos 45 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us the following principle: גּוֹי וְעֶבֶד הַבָּא עַל בַּת יִשְׂרָאֵל — הַוָּלָד כָּשֵׁר. If a gentile fathers a child from a Jewish woman, the child is not a mamzer and considered a Jewish person.  The Arvei Nachal (Vayyigash 2) explains this in terms of its metaphysical implications. Let’s begin with a basic assumption that if the halakha dictates su …
Yoma 10 Some Things We Will Never Know Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2021

The Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that the Persians who rebuilt the Temple would eventually suffer a demise.  They question why it should be fair, that those who did the good deed of rebuilding the Temple should suffer a destruction.  The Gemara Offers two answers:  Such is the decree from G-d, seeming to say that some things in the world are a mystery and we cannot question them.  Or indeed, the Persians also destroyed synag …
The SHALA"H and Corona Virus
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 21st, 2020

I quoted the Rambam in a prior blog posts about his rationalist approach, even to the extent that he blames the destruction of the Temple on the Jewish government's reliance on superstition such as Astrology instead of developing military strategy.  Some might say, "Well, that is the Rambam who was a rationalist, but other more mystical minded sages and tzadikkim would trust in Hashem more."  Check out simcha feuerman's youtube channel …
Who is a Torah Ignoramus? Sotah 22 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 20th, 2023

Our Gemara on amud aleph lists various criteria that describe an ignoramus (in Torah), as called by the Gemara, an Am-Ha’aretz: תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: אֵיזֶהוּ עַם הָאָרֶץ? כֹּל שֶׁאֵינוֹ קוֹרֵא קְרִיאַת שְׁמַע שַׁחֲרִית וְעַרְבִית בְּבִרְכוֹתֶיהָ, דִּבְרֵי רַבִּי מֵאִיר. וַחֲכָמִים אוֹמְרִים: כֹּל שֶׁא …
Rivka, the Conservationist Yevamos 44 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 20th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph once again mentions the principle that one should not perform an action that will needlessly disadvantage others, and so a person should not spill out water collected in his cistern that he does not need when others might be in need of it. Ha’amek Davar (Bereishis 24:20) cleverly notices that, amongst her many admirable qualities, Rivka also followed this principle. Let us study the sequence of verses to understand …
Yoma 9 Proper and Improper Seduction Politically Incorrect Psychology & the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 20th, 2021

The Gemara on amud beis heavily criticizes the sexually provocative behavior of the women during the Second Temple: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, indicates a tall woman walking alongside a short one so that the tall woman would stand out. And walk with outstretched necks, indicates that they would walk with upright stature and carry themselves in an immodest way. And wanton eyes, indicates that they would fill their eyes with blue ey …
Mikvaos and COVID-19
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 20th, 2020

  As the COVID-19 crisis rages on, more and more women will need to go to the Mikvah and may not be allowed to do so if they still might be contagious. This matter has even reached the attention of secular news outlets, as featured in this article in the Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/04/orthodox-jews-mikvah-immersion-covid-19/610204/   I wish I had an easy solution, but while meditating on the matter of Mik …
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 …
God Leaves the Driving to You Bava Metzia 33 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 1st, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses an interesting intersection between the letter of the law and ethical obligations  beyond legal requirements:   If one finds his lost item and his father’s lost item, tending to his own lost item takes precedence.   The Gemara provides a scriptural source that alludes to the need to ensure one doesn’t save others’ possessions to the extent that he himself becomes impoverished. &n …
Journaling to Unburden the Soul Yevamos 25 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 1st, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the famous principle:
אָדָם קָרוֹב אֵצֶל עַצְמוֹ, וְאֵין אָדָם מֵשִׂים עַצְמוֹ רָשָׁע A person is his own relative. Consequently, he may not testify about himself, just as the testimony of any relative is disqualified. And furthermore, a person does not make himself wicked. His testimony with regard to his own actions is inadmissible because he is his ow …
Shekalim 11 Conspicuous Construction Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 1st, 2021

The Mishna and Gemara discuss that the Sons of the Cohanim Gedolim (presumably a phrase including their supporters and family) would pay from their own money to construct a new ramp for the procession of the Red Heifer. This was a rare occasion that perhaps a High Priest did once in an entire career, though Shimon HaTzaddik who had a long career, actually oversaw two Red Heifer rituals and paid for a brand new ramp for each one.  The Gemara …
When the Ches Points Upwards Sanhedrin Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 19th, 2025
The Psychology of Misers Bava Metzia 52 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud aleph describes a person who refuses to accept a slightly eroded coin as a “nefesh ra’ah” - “an evil soul.”  What does this term mean?  The term “ayin ra’ah” connotes stinginess, for example see Bechoros 11a.  The Maharal relates “nefesh ra’ah” with “ayin ra’ah”, except that ”nefesh ra’ah” is the inner manifestat …
If You See Something, Say Something Bava Metzia 51 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 19th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us an anecdote where Rami Bar Chamah noticed that his landlord appeared sad. He inquired of him, and ended up hearing about a mistake he made in business, and was able to offer him halachic guidance.   Noticing that a person is sad is an important factor in emotional intelligence. Being attuned enough to notice a person’s face or other subtle expressions allows for important opportunities to assist a pers …
Torah Study Versus Action Sotah 21 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 19th, 2023

  Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the protective quality of Torah study and mitzvos:  ״כִּי נֵר מִצְוָה וְתוֹרָה אוֹר״, תָּלָה הַכָּתוּב אֶת הַמִּצְוָה בְּנֵר, וְאֶת הַתּוֹרָה בְּאוֹר. אֶת הַמִּצְוָה בְּנֵר, לוֹמַר לָךְ: מָה נֵר אֵינָהּ מְגִינָּה אֶלָּא לְפִי שָׁעָה — אַף מִ …
Love Lishmah Yevamos 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 19th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis declares: Granted, from a marriage (nusuin), even without a feast, there is joy. But from a betrothal (eirusin) without a feast, is there any joy? It is merely a legal ceremony. The Meshech Chokhma (זאת הברכה י ) compares the two phases of marriage to two phases of relating to Torah. As we know, in regard to Torah and marriage, their is a famous play on words (Pesachim 49b): Moshe commanded us the Torah, an inheri …
Yoma 8 Be Wary of Spiritual Shortcuts Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 19th, 2021

This Daf discusses a number of topics that I would like to tie together thematically with a derash.  First, the sanctity of Tefilin is discussed and the requirement to be aware of them at all times while wearing them.  Second, we discussed the odd case of somebody who wrote G-d’s name on his body. The Gemara deals with the technical issue of how he may undress in front of G-d’s name (Tosafos), or possibly the fear of it bei …
The Psychology Of Torah Sheb'al Peh
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 19th, 2016

The Psychology of Torah Sheba’al Peh Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R Psychology of the Oral Torah (Originally Printed in the Jewish Press)   We read in Megillas Esther (9:27): “They affirmed and accepted upon themselves…” There is a redundancy in the phrase, “affirmed and accepted”, and based on this, the Gemara (Shavuous 39a) comments:  “We understand the Jews accepted the Torah at Har Sinai, b …
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 …
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 …
The Goldilocks Equation Bava Metzia 50 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 18th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the laws of fraudulent overcharging:   Rava said: The Halacha is that if the disparity in actual value versus amount paid is less than one-sixth, the merchandise is acquired immediately. If the disparity is greater than one-sixth, either party can demand nullification of the transaction. If the disparity is precisely one-sixth, the buyer has acquired the merchandise, and the one who benefited from the exploi …
First Impressions Last Sotah 20 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 18th, 2023

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph refers to a Rasha Arum, a cunning wicked person. The Zohar (Vayeshev) describes the Evil Inclination as the prototypical Rasha Arum, because he arrives first in a person’s life. That is when a young child only knows raw instinct, he tends toward physicality and lust. Only later, as a child develops intellectual discernment, he is capable of having a good inclination. Since the evil incarnation has already long been …
Yoma 7 Is it Permitted to Criticize Your Spouse? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 18th, 2021

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses the idiom, הֱוֵי פִּקֵּחַ וּשְׁתוֹק Be shrewd and keep silent. Here it is used in reference to a public sacrifice that would be kosher if brought while impure, given there is no other substitute. Since it is a fait accompli, and technically it is kosher, there is no value in the Cohen sharing information about the sacrifice. Why cause unnecessary despair? This terminology is used in another exam …
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 …
The Honest Weigh to Go Bava Metzia 49 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 17th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses further the importance of keeping one’s word and honoring verbal agreements:   The verse states: “You shall have an honest balance, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin.״ But wasn’t a hin included in an ephah, why is it necessary to state both measures? Rather, this is an allusion that serves to say to you that your “yes” (“hen” or “hin” m …
A Guilty Look Sotah 19 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 17th, 2023

  Our Gemara on amud beis discusses circumstances of the Sotah’s retraction of her willingness to drink from the waters. Sometimes it is considered a de-facto confession and therefore she no longer drinks, or instead we believe she is panic stricken, and her refusal is not a confession, rather she may still be innocent and thus drinks: לָא קַשְׁיָא הָא דְּקָהָדְרָא בַּהּ מֵחֲמַת רְתִיתָא ו …
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 …
Flood Assurance Bava Metzia 48 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 16th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses a particular curse that befalls one who reneges on a transaction after money was exchanged. We have learned that exchange of money alone does not accomplish acquisition without the physical object being moved or lifted. Therefore, even though technically no transfer was completed yet, and legally he can stop the process, it is an ethical violation by going back on his word after the giving and accepting of payme …
Making Lasting Change Yevamos 40 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 16th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph mentions the well-known principal that the consumption of the sacrifices by the cohanim of somehow effectuates the atonement of the owners of the sacrifice.
The Shalah (Aseres Hadibros maseches Ta’anis Torah Ohr 5:14) explains this idea in a novel manner:
Fasting is a primary form of penitence, whose aims are to repair indulgences that were not appropriate by holding back on pleasure. However, there may …
Yoma Daf 6 Sexual Satisfaction vs. Psychological Security
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 16th, 2021

The Gemara on Amud Aleph questions why the Cohen Godol should be sequestered from his wife seven days before the Yom Kippur service? The Gemara answers that since there is only one Cohen Godol (and one back-up), we worry his wife might show signs of having become niddah right after intercourse. There would then be concern that perhaps she was niddah during intercourse. When such a situation occurs and there was sexual relations, there is an impur …
Yoma 5 You Cannot Learn Character on the Job Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 16th, 2021

Our Gemara on amud aleph quotes the verse that describes the inauguration and succession plan of the Cohen Gadol.  Rashi on this verse (Vayikra 16:32) quotes a Sifra that states that the verse indicates that we appoint the Cohen’s son to be his successor so long as he follows in his father’s footsteps. Let us discuss the ethics of succession in Judaism: In secular philosophy, there is no legal or moral right for any leader to app …
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 …
The Clothes Make the Man Bava Metzia 47 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 15th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes the scriptural source for the chalifin acquisition, whereby transfer of possession is confirmed via exchange of an object, also known as kinyan sudar. In Megillas Rus, Boaz acquires the rights to the field from Plony Almoni and also presumably secures his agreement that he will marry Elimelech’s (their relative) former daughter-in-law, Rus (Rus 4:7):   Now this was an ancient custom done in Israel in cas …
Remember to Forget Yevamos 42 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 15th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses various strategies to determine paternity without requiring a woman to wait three months after a divorce, or death, to remarry.  The Gemara asks, why is it necessary to wait three months? She can wait a week or two, and then remarry.  Should she show the physical signs of pregnancy at the three month mark, it is obvious that she is pregnant from her first husband. (According to the medicine of the Gema …
Wedding Night Trauma Yevamos 41 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 15th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph references the custom in Judea (Mishna Kesuvos 1:5) of allowing the betrothed bride and groom to have a period of time to be alone together. (They are married through Kiddushin but have not yet completed nisuin.)
Rashi (“Chutz”) explains:
“That he be accustomed and playful with her, so they not be embarrassed of each other when they consummate on the wedding night.”
While this cus …
Deterioration and Development Yevamos 39 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 15th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a time when it was decided that Chalitzah is preferred over Yibum. The reason is as Yibum  is essentially a violation of marrying the wife of a brother, it should only be permitted if the mitzvah is performed with pure intentions instead of lustful ends.  The Gemara then entertains a suggestion that at a later date, they reverted back to recommending Yibum over Chalitzah, to which they Gemara incredulou …
Yoma 4 What’s in a Name? Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 15th, 2021

Our Gemara tells us that it is proper etiquette to call out to a person before speaking with him or her. We see from the fact that many verses begin with, “G-d called to Moses and said to him“, this implies that before one speaks, one should engage the person, get their attention, and see if they are interested in what you have to say. Maharsha here states that one should call by name explicitly. Mizrachi (VaYikra 1:1) implies the nam …
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 …
You Really Can’t Take it With You Bava Metzia 46 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 14th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis rules that according to Rabbi Yochanan, by Torah law, money effects acquisition. It is only a rabbinic mercantile protection that required an additional physical acquisition beyond payment for material objects, as the seller might be negligent of the merchandise, while it is still in his possession, since it was fully acquired now by the purchaser. Therefore, the rabbis enacted a protective measure that ownership does not …
Beis Shammai and Beis Hillel: Potential Versus Actual Yevamos 38 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 14th, 2022

Our Gemara on amud beis notes a dispute between Shamai and Hillel regarding the status of debt recorded in a valid note signed by witnesses. Shamai holds that a debt recorded in a bill of debt that is awaiting collection is as though it was already collected to the extent that the creditor is considered to be in possession of the debt. Hillel holds it is still considered uncollected.  
This has significance in relation to a situat …
Yoma 3 The Bedroom and the Holy of Holies Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 14th, 2021

The Gemara at the end of amud beis discusses the preparation required in order to enter in the Holy of Holies. The principal requirement is six days of separation, however ultimately it is mandated at seven days.  I heard a lovely idea from Rabbi Avrohom Blumenkrantz ZT”L. The seven days of preparation that the Cohen engages in to prepare for entry into the Holy of Holies is paralleled by the seven days of preparation that a couple hav …
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 …
Sexual Deliberation Movement Yevamos 37 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 13th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes the verse in Vayikra 19:29: אַל־תְּחַלֵּ֥ל אֶֽת־בִּתְּךָ֖ לְהַזְנוֹתָ֑הּ וְלֹא־תִזְנֶ֣ה הָאָ֔רֶץ וּמָלְאָ֥ה הָאָ֖רֶץ זִמָּֽה Do not degrade your daughter and make her a harlot, lest the land fall into harlotry and the land be filled with depravity. Rashi explains the verse as follows: Scripture speaks of one who gives his unmarr …
Daf Yoma 2 If So, There is No End to Your Fears Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 13th, 2021

Our Mishna discusses a dispute between the Sages and Rabbi Yehuda. Since the Cohen must be ritually pure in order to perform the Yom Kippur service, they would appoint a backup Cohen, lest he become ritually impure.. However, Rabbi Yehuda also required them to appoint a backup wife, presumably for each Cohen, because the Cohen who performed the service needed to be married. To this concern, the Rabbis retorted, “If so there is no end to wha …
Losing It
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 13th, 2020

A number of people have emailed me or texted me saying that they're “losing it”. Just losing it! It's really difficult these days -- but what does it mean “losing it”? Psychologically, there is a process to it. Losing it is when your Ego, which is the part of your personality, crumbles and falls apart.  It is disorienting.   What is the Ego?  It is something that you develop as a young child, maybe even …
Marriage, God, Tablets and Cryptocurrency Bava Metzia 45 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 12th, 2024

Our Gemara on amud beis describes the effectiveness and limits of the method of acquisition used via exchange (kinyan chalifin):  Money cannot be the item used to effect a transaction by means of exchange, as that form of transaction is effective only with regard to items such as produce and vessels. Rav Pappa said: What is the reason for the opinion of the one who says that money cannot be the item used to effect a transaction by means of e …
The Perspective of Youth versus Age Bava Metzia 44 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 12th, 2024

Our Mishna on amud aleph discusses when encountering an exchange of one coinage for another, what is considered the coin and what is considered the object? This has an effect on the halacha, as in Jewish commerce, payment of money alone cannot acquire a physical object without the object being acquired through some other means such as picking it up. Yet, an object that is not currency can be acquired via exchange or barter. Thus, when one purchas …
Family Planning: Quality versus Quantity Psychological Insights on the Daf Yomi Yevamos 36
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 12th, 2022

  Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the halakhic principle that one should not marry a woman who is still nursing a child, as she may become pregnant, and this could disrupt her milk supply.  The Gemara wonders why this concern is only active with the second husband, as even with her first husband she might become pregnant and interrupt the milk supply?  The Gemara concludes that in either case, the woman will use birth control.&nb …
Shekalim 22 Consistency Versus Passion Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 12th, 2021

Our Gemara discusses the famous dictum תָּדִיר וְשֶׁאֵינוֹ תָּדִיר — תָּדִיר קוֹדֵם when a frequent practice and an infrequent practice coincide, the frequent practice takes precedence over the infrequent practice. This is learned out from a verse regarding the Tamid offering that precedes the Musaf offerings (Zevachim 89a).  A similar principle is stated that the more holy choice takes precedence …
Unorthodox Trauma
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 12th, 2020

The following post is written by my wife Chaya Feuerman, LCSW-R who is guesting in this blog: Trauma takes many forms. Many people are blocked from living life as their best Selves due to past or present traumatic experiences. Some people don't even recognize that their experiences have traumatized them and are the cause of difficulties in how they respond to life's stressors including their relationships. Traumatic events are frighteni …
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 …
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 …
Repent Early, Beat the Yom Kippur Rush Bava Metzia 43 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 11th, 2024

Our Mishna on amud aleph discusses money that is placed for safekeeping by the money exchanger:   In the case of one who deposits money with a money changer, if the money is bound, the money changer may not use it. Therefore, if it is lost he does not bear responsibility for it. If the money was unbound, the money changer may use it. Therefore, if it is lost he bears responsibility for it. If he deposited money with a homeowner, whether it i …
Temporary Problems,Timeless Halakha Yevamos 35 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 11th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph noticed a problematic halakha in the Mishna. There is a three month rule regarding a woman who was married prior. She cannot marry a second man until after three months in order to avoid confusion about paternity of the child. The Mishna tells us of a case of two brides who already had Kiddushin but accidentally got mixed up at the time of nisuin. If they were minors and unable to get pregnant, they can return to their hu …
Shekalim 21 The Space in Between Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 11th, 2021

Our Gemara tells us that the two paroches partition curtains between the Holy of Holies and the Sanctuary were replaced every year.  Why was it replaced?  I would assume because the blood of sacrifices were sprinkled on it during the Yom Kippur Avodah and also in the ritual of the Public Sin offering (See Mishna Zevachim 5:1).  These curtains were costly textiles made of spun gold and precious threads, as well as having intricate d …
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 …
Torah and Paradox Bava Metzia 42 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 10th, 2024

Our Gemara on Amud Aleph makes a number of suggestions regarding money management from a practical and metaphysical point of view.   Rabbi Yitschok advises a person to keep a certain amount of money liquid, presumably, so that he can respond quickly to investment opportunities. He also states that financial blessing is found on matters that are hidden from the eye. Similarly, Rabbi Yishmael says that financial blessings are only found when & …
Beauty: Hedonistic or an Important Value? Yevamos 34 Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
April 10th, 2022

Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us Er’s motivation to prevent Tamar’s pregnancy was so that her beauty not be sullied from the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth. From the reading of this Gemara one might draw the conclusion that the idea itself of concern about the rigors of pregnancy and the impact on beauty is an unworthy thought. As if to say, we should be above all those base physical concerns. However, Bereishis Rabbah (45:4) indi …
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