יום שישי, ג׳ אב תשפ״וFriday, July 17, 2026
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It is taught that dogs have the ability to see the angel of death.
One can become a believer by appreciating the wonder of the food he eats.
What are we, a nation of sailors? We are a kingdom of priests and a holy nation!
The truth is, I barely used that sweatshirt, replied Hillel. If you lost mine, I'd rather you pay me its value. I'm almost the next size already.
An Outcast “He Shall Dwell Outside His Tent” (Moed Katan 7b)
One should take the opportunity afforded by Tu B'Shvat to reflect and thank G-d for the fruits that He has created for our enjoyment.
Perhaps the most important idea to know about spiritual growth is that it’s never all or nothing.
If one fears possible threats against Jews, it is prudent not to flaunt one’s Jewishness.
In today’s age, it can be particularly challenging when much of our communicating takes place through typing or texting, where we may allow ourselves to use words digitally we wouldn’t use verbally
The financial arrangements between landlords and tenants are contractual, replied Rabbi Dayan. Therefore, they depend mostly on the contract between the two parties.
Pondering A Kapandria “It Should Not Be Used As A Shortcut” (Megilla 29a)
Yes, you are so lucky. Hashem made such a big beautiful world and here you are able to see it.
Of course, he could have just told them. But he wanted them to have the written note that they could reread many times.
What is often overlooked, however, is that not only does bread take priority over wine, but cake (mezonot) takes priority over wine as well.
Not only is it improper to reject a shidduch on that basis, it is foolish, and not just because marrying outside one’s ethnic heritage broadens the gene pool.
In many situations a court order of bankruptcy would exempt the debtor from his debt also according to halacha.
The Gender Factor ‘…Where There Is Loss Of Work…[Only] Three Are Called To The Torah’ (Megillah 22b)
It is not widely known that the practice of securing and publishing haskama letters originated with the Catholic Church.
One of our greatest needs is for validation. No one likes feeling like he or she is crazy or out of control.
For some, the new year is a purely secular event; for others, it has religious significance.
I recently heard a shiur about the laws of ribbis, replied Mr. Rosenberg. I remember that there was an issue with prepayment discounts or 'early bird' specials, but I don't remember the details.
Unintended Consequences ‘Mordechai Was Second To The King...’ (Megilla 16b)
While those who are superstitiously inclined may prefer to avoid sleeping with their feet facing the door, there does not seem to be any halachic basis for this.
How do we take that first step when, for the mourner, the immediacy of loss is such an unbearable, paralyzing weight?
Alex was the best camper in the camp. He was deeply motivated and loved davening and learning . . . But Alex didn’t have a bris milah.
Hallel On Purim? “Its Reading Is Its Praise” (Megilla 14a)
Despite efforts to reach an agreement, Rabbi Gross and the landlord remained at odds. They came before Rabbi Dayan and asked: Does the landlord have to pay? Alternatively, can the yeshiva remove what it installed?
Intellectually we appreciate that everyone is different. But in our daily interactions we lump our children, our students, even entire communities together as if they are a single entity.
As a result of the difficulties with many of his rulings, it has been widely suggested that Rabbi Yehuda HaChassid wrote the tzava’a specifically for his own family and future descendants to follow and that it was never intended to be observed by the masses.
When the Chofetz Chaim felt the slightest tinge of anger welling up within him, he would excuse himself, walk away, and would talk to himself: “Yisroel Meir, why are you becoming angry? Calm yourself.”
In our case, Izzy asked Chaim to buy the laptop for him, so it was Izzy's from the time of purchase. Chaim was only a guardian of it.
The Investment Of Sanctity ‘When They Came To Jerusalem The Bamoth Were Prohibited’ (Megillah 10a)
If it's legal does that mean it's also permissible according to Jewish law and Jewish values?
The intense darkness of Egypt was the result of the fact that ‘no man could see his brother.’ They were too busy caring only for themselves.
Vihi noam and v’atah kadosh should be recited slowly and prolonged somewhat. This is because punishment in Gehennom is suspended from the beginning of Shabbat until the end of Ma’ariv after Shabbat.
A person who embarks on a two-hour journey 90 minutes before Shabbat starts is an obvious sinner. He cannot claim that pikuach nefesh (preservation of life) justifies his subsequent Shabbat violations.
Ancient Cities, Ancient Walls ‘A Dwelling House Sold In A Walled City’ (Megillah 3b-4a)
We fill their space with toys and gadgets instead of moments together. Do we ever get down on the floor to enjoy the games we bought? Parenting is about more presence and less presents.
One may not make any use of the Chanukah lights whatsoever. They are only to be looked upon in order to arouse praise and thanksgiving to G-d for the miracles that He performed for us.
The moral of the story is that we should be like Nike and just do it, except for those times when we shouldn’t just do it.
The greatest gift we can give our children is remembering that however much we are watching them to see what they are doing with their lives, they are watching us to see what we are doing with ours.
The fact that I allowed you passage in the past, does not require me to continue allowing you, countered Mr. Schwartz.
A Siyum Validates It ‘… Thereupon The Decrees Were Annulled…’ (Ta’anis 18a)
For the app to be more effective, they should use words like geshmak, gefilte fish, heimishe, and gezunt.
The majority of the agricultural sector of the State of Israel as it exists in the present reality – with most kibbutzim and moshavim being non-religious – is not willing to fully abide by the Shemittah laws.
Many halachic authorities opposed the custom of lighting the menorah in the synagogue. The Chatam Sofer would decline the "honor" of lighting the menorah in the synagogue for this reason.
The Aruch HaShulchan’s suggestion is extremely difficult, since roasting garlic does not require any particular expertise. Furthermore, there is no indication whatsoever in the words of Chazal that raw garlic is fundamentally unacceptable for takkanat Ezra.
Wolfing down mass quantities is inadvisable and is gluttony masquerading as some sort of religious fulfillment.
After davening, Mr. Shapiro took down the hand luggage and went through it carefully. The envelope with the money was missing!
A Unique Challenge “Tithe, You Shall Tithe…” (Ta’anis 9a)
Like the city of Shechem, the shechem (shoulder) in the body can be embracing or distancing; it all depends on one’s attitude and approach.
Vihi noam and v’atah kadosh should be recited slowly and prolonged somewhat. This is because punishment in Gehenom is suspended from the beginning of Shabbat until the end of Ma’ariv after Shabbat.
Like the bayit, she’er also refers specifically to one’s spouse. This may be because of the sacred bond of flesh that exists between man and wife.
Bars, by definition, are places where people gather to drink alcoholic beverages … a classic place for idle chatter, gossip, and excessive frivolity.
The whole idea of an auction is to see what price I can get for the item. You chose, of your own volition, to pay $10 and outbid the previous bidder!
Pidyon Haben In The Afternoon? ‘…The First Reads Aloud The Hallel’ (Rosh Hashana 32b)
If we try to force our children (and adults) to follow a narrow and rigid one-size-fits-all derech, then we are guilty of creating a metaphorical Sodom bed.
It is noted that according to gematria the phrase "Elokei Avraham, Elokei Yitzchak, V'elokei Yaakov," has the same numerical value as the names of the Matriarchs.
It is worth reiterating that playing these games should be a temporary pause from the more spiritual pursuits of the day – and not the focus of Shabbat itself. That focus is properly divine service and the perfection of our souls.
The Shofar On Shabbos “Rosh Hashana That Occurred on Shabbos” (Rosh Hashana 29b)
I would like the cassettes back! said Yuval. There are some collector's items in the collection, and I still use a cassette player.
…when we invariably resort to our old habits, we think we have failed…Rosh Chodesh is a monthly renewal to “get up and come” back on track.
When someone close to us is suffering we are often at a loss. What should I say? What should I do? We do not want to be the cause of any more pain.
Another explanation for the custom is based on a concern that a woman's hair might become unintentionally exposed from under her wig or other hair covering.
Even though we are two Jews with three opinions, we must always maintain one heart.
Sanctified For Now And Thereafter “In Front of the Sun or Behind It?” (Rosh Hashana 23b)
"The report does not show any violation," Chaim told Josh. "If there were any sidewalk violations, this report would show them!"
Within that degenerate ocean, however, are islands – paradise islands for the soul and oases of divine connection.
The ban on doing business with non-kosher foods was instituted as a precautionary measure to help ensure that one does not come to accidentally eat them. It is permitted, however, to do business involving foods that are only non-kosher due to rabbinic decree.
We as Jews should be more sensitive to racial/ethnic jokes and slurs when we take into account our long history – and the persecution we encountered in the course of our long exile.
Appreciating His Infinite Mercy ‘I Am He Before The Person Sins…’ (Rosh Hashanah 17b)
I'm willing to take responsibility for the check, offered Yossi. If the issuer defaults, I will remain obligated to you.
Laughing together at a Shabbos table helps bring the family together and allows the beautiful kedusha of the seudah to penetrate more and be more memorable.
It is permitted to engage in routine activities or movements even if one’s intention might be for the exercise.
Obviously, it is at least a Rabbinic mandate to love one's spouse in addition to the love one must have for every other Jew.
"To be honest, I don't remember clearly," replied Mr. Silver. "We did discuss repaying, but I don't remember whether in the end Mr. Kaplan paid. I assume, though, that since I didn't return the loan document to him, the loan was not paid, but cannot say for sure."
Sanctified For Its Time… ‘Within Thirty Days Of The Shemittah Year’ (Rosh Hashana 10b)
If these past 18 months taught us anything it is that no one knows what the day holds. We are not in control.
In no area of halacha should one assume that an action is permissible just because there is no punishment for its violation.
I tell my students that now the words in their new Gemara look like they are in a foreign language. (To be fair, they are written in a foreign language.…)
Does it really pay to jaywalk even if you reason that the odds are on your side? Do you really want to place your life in odds hand?
Hillel’s Innovation “The Second Month Of Solomon’s Rule” (Rosh Hashana 2b)
One who knows of Jews who are counterfeiting money is required to report them to the authorities. So, too, Jews who engage in activities that will endanger the well-being of the Jewish community may be informed upon as well.
What do you want from me? asked the contractor. I was not involved in doing the damage. If the worker was careless, you can sue him; speak with him directly.
The visiting woman was so shaken by the tragic story that she began to sob. She couldn’t get over what happened to Yosef.
Is it proper to fill one's sentences with "baruch Hashem,” "im yirtzeh Hashem," and "bli neder"?
I don't know whether to give you my Hebrew or English name, explained David, my first name or full name, with my father's name and nickname or without.
A Woman’s Oneg Yom Tov “You Shall Call The Shabbos A Delight” (Beiza 34b)
There is even a view that one who forgot to recite asher yatzar after relieving oneself and then remembers the omission after relieving oneself again some time later is to recite asher yatzar twice, one after the other. However, the halacha is not in accordance with this view.
When I was young, despite my protestations, my parents insisted that I eat gefilte fish. On one difficult occasion, I forced down the gefilte fish. As soon as I did, I felt that the fish was davening to Hashem to be rescued from inside my stomach.
The first option was clearly the cheapest, but Mendy didn't have the $4,000 readily available and didn't know how much he would sell. He considered the other two options and consulted with his chavrusa, who had some experience selling arba’ah minim.
Altered States “Examining A Bechor Is Not The Same As Examining A Tereifa” (Bezah 27a)
A woman who does not have the custom to drink some of the wine upon which Kiddush was recited is certainly permitted to answer amen to the shehecheyanu blessing.
Reckoning Time “Three Festivals Even Out Of Order” (Beizah 19b)
The shemittah year cancels outstanding loans that are past due, although nowadays, we usually write a pruzbul to allow collecting loans past shemittah, based on an enactment of Hillel.
Today, when we enjoy the benefit of a fixed calendar, we continue to observe two days of Yom Tov in the Diaspora even though we know exactly when the holidays are to be observed. This is based on the requirement to “follow the customs of our ancestors."
If a person who lived in a place without the ability to build a sukkah still had access to a communal sukkah, there would be no limitation on renting or buying such a domicile.
Belaboring The Point “Since It Is Permitted Where Necessary, It Is Permitted Even Where Not Necessary ” (Bezah 12a)
Although one might think that the solution to this problem is to allow one’s child to recite the blessing on one’s lulav with the explicit condition that the child does not acquire the lulav, this is incorrect.
What is the connection between my clothless haircuts, new shoes, barehanded weed whacking and this time of year?
July 17, 2026 
