יום ראשון, ב׳ תשרי תשפ״זSunday, September 13, 2026
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Staying Alive Underwater ‘She Has Already Ascended’ (Bava Kamma 50a)
Honoring A Father’s Wishes ‘ He Shall Give It To Whom He Has Trespassed’ (Bava Kamma 40b)
Yehuda hit the brakes – but they didn't respond. He veered into the shoulder and crashed into the barrier.
A Matter of Anticipation ‘A Stone Flew From His Hand, And Another Put Out His Head From A Window …’ (Bava Kamma 33a)
When an illegal act incurs corporal punishment or lashes (malkot) and monetary liability, the rule of kam lei also applies.
After Mr. Weiser left, Mr. Lander opened the envelope. He counted the money and found $600. There were five one-hundred dollar bills and five twenties. "That's strange," Mr. Lander said. "He only owed $480."
Taking The Law Into One’s Own Hands ‘Break His Teeth And Tell Him I Am Taking Mine’ (Bava Kamma 27b)
Are all dogs inherently vicious? Is there such a thing as a tame dog?
After some deliberation, the judge dismissed the case. Mr. Braun walked out feeling great.
Is It Trespass? ‘Reuven Didn't Benefit And Shimon Didn't Lose’ (Bava Kamma 20a)
What is the nature of chetzi nezek? Is it compensation or is it a fine?
"I can't stop you from using the whole apartment," reasoned Moshe. "But if you're making money on it, I'm still a partner and entitled to half the amount!"
Limited Liability ‘It Excludes An Ox That Gored…’ (Baba Kamma 13b)
In the case of a loan, witnesses are not required to make the loan transaction legally effective. The loan can be legally effective without them.
Is It A Penalty? ‘Why Not Deal With False Evidence?’ (Bava Kamma 5a)
Mr. Abrams turned to Rabbi Dayan: "Whom should I honor with the bris?" he asked.
A Ruling Too Novel? ‘One Who Ate Nevelah On Yom Kippur Is Exempt’ (Kiddushin 77b)
"That happens," said Shaindy. "We're always breaking dishes in my house, too."
In Spite Of The Consequences ‘There Is Birtha di’Satya In Babylon’ (Kiddushin 72a)
"Do you really think it's theirs?" asked Shlomie. "They're only kids."
"I'll deal with Levi later," said Reuven. "I'll explain to him that my brother needs it."
The Recanted Testimony ‘A Solitary Witness Said To Him’ (Kiddushin 65b)
The parents, by straining the tolerance of their children to the breaking point, pushed them to the brink of disrespect.
You Are That Man! ‘A Poor Man Looking For A Griddlecake…’ (Kiddushin 59a)
When performing the duties of kibbud av va'aim in front of one’s parents, one should do so with a smile, not begrudgingly.
The Snatched Zuz ‘None Pay Regard To R. Shimon’s Dictum …’ (Kiddushin 52b)
"But doesn't a person's property acquire for him, even without his awareness?" asked Mr. Laufer. "Since the chametz is sitting in my house, wouldn't I acquire it automatically?"
The first and perhaps broadest permitted category is known as “Tzorach HaMoed,” meaning work that enhances the joy of Chol HaMoed.
By Tzvi Fishman
Jews of the exile cannot truly understand Passover, a festival of national faith, of a free people returning from exile to their home.
Polite And Respectful ‘It Is Audacious To Appoint One’s Father A Shliacht’ (Kiddushin 45b)
Since this action is for the other person's clear benefit, you are considered a 'self-appointed' agent.
A Year And A Day ‘Hashem...Completes The Years Of The Righteous’ (Kiddushin 38a)
"Preventing loss is also included in the mitzvah of hashavas aveidah," answered Rabbi Dayan.
"I found the loan document," Mr. Naiman notified Mr. Shuker. "You clearly lied in beis din and owe the full amount that I claimed!"
Both Rise To The Occasion ‘What If His Son Is His Teacher?’ (Kiddushin 33b)
By Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo
The laws of shechita and tzaar ba’alei chayim were meant for Jewish communities who would eat meat occasionally, not for the huge industry we have today
Moshe’s Request ‘I Love My Master, My Wife, My Children…’ (Kiddushin 22a)
"What was that?!" exclaimed the surprised patron, Mr. Jacobs. "There goes my lunch!"
By Tzvi Fishman
The Jews of Hevron sanctify His Name daily by living in the resting place of our holy Forefathers, sacrificing their own comfort for the greater good of the Nation
It’s In The Will ‘A Non-Jew Receives His Father’s Estate’ (Kiddushin 17b)
After a year of being on his best behavior, Chaim asked his father if he would be willing to cancel the stipulations. "I walk around nervous thinking that if I slip on the conditions I lose the car," he said.
She Ate Unwittingly ‘If She Married A Kohen She Eats Terumah’ (Kiddushin 10b)
"But when you buy two items, each one costs less," reasoned Mrs. Simcha. "How can you say that Mr. Sasson's was full cost and ours half-price?!"
According to the Shach, the prohibition against erka’ot akum does not apply when Jewish litigants agree to litigate in front of a named non-Jewish judge.
By Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo
The quality of our prayers may have to take precedence over quantity, some may no longer work for us
Filling In The Blanks ‘Esrog Similar To A Tree In Three Ways…’ (Kiddushin 2b-3a)
"Similarly, aside from the amount that is certain, you don't know whether anything more was put in the container." (C.M. 75:9)
By Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo
A Gavra Rabba, an extraordinarily great person, is one who reduces the pain of fellow human beings!
Excluding The Excluded ‘You Are Permitted To Any Man But My Father…’ (Gittin 85a)
"The value of silver, in comparison to other items, has dropped precipitously in the past few centuries," replied Rabbi Dayan.
Mr. Braun notified the landlord. "We'll cover the air-conditioning repair," the landlord said. "That's included in house repairs."
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Deliberate Humiliation ‘Take Care of My Father’ (Gittin 75b)
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Viewing Competency “A Deaf Person Able to Speak” (Gittin 71a)
"Do you have witnesses who can support this allegation?" asked Rabbi Dayan.
The father does not need to worry about his daughters when they marry because the family bank of the husband’s family unit will support them.
If the general rule is hamotzi machavero alav harayah, why do we not apply it to the $50,000 the defendant denies?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Completing An Assignment ‘A Get May Be Written And Given Even 100 Times’ (Gittin 63b)
"Mr. Stein is believed that he repaid," answered Rabbi Dayan, "since the loan document is invalid."
By Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo
Judaism's about bold ideas & actions. Its goal isn't finding the truth but honestly searching for it
By Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo
One is also obligated to destroy a mixture of meat & milk even if there's no intention to consume it
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
In The Aftermath Of The Betar Massacre ‘Forty Se’ah Of Tefillin Casings Were Found…’ (Gittin 57b-58a)
The philosophical explanation may be that the Torah itself sometimes tells us which mitzvah is more important in God’s eyes.
"What are you talking about?" asked Moshe. "I wasn't aware that the kesubah entailed payment of such sums."
By Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo
Chess reminds one of Talmudic halachic debate with its "deliberate" tendency to make life harder
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Splitting Grains? ‘Mixed Untithed Produce’ (Gittin 47b)
“But what do you want from me?” argues Shlomo One. “I acted responsibly. I gave the Porsche to a shomer sachar who has an even greater duty of care toward you than I do.”
"I understand you point of view," said the brother, "but if seems wrong to me. I'd like to consult Rabbi Dayan on this."
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Futures ‘A Matter As Of Yet Non-Existent’ (Gittin 42b)
"Is there any ethical issue in accepting the enhanced offer of the second employer?" asked Nate.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Signature Dispute ‘Signing…For Tikun Olam’ (Gittin 34b)
"What's the difference?" argued Mr. Fine. "You caused me a loss in both ways!"
One Shabbat afternoon, Mr. Cohen, who was perfectly healthy and sipping tea at the time, turned to his son Jack and said, “You know that I love your sister, Jill, as much as I love you. So when I die, I would like her to have half of my estate together with you.” Later, when […]
A healthy person cannot effectively say, “When I die, you will get my property.”
Moses’ mission to convey the terms of redemption to the people also meets with disaster.
"There are differences between the halachic concept of mekach taus, or mum b'mekach, and that of a warranty," answered Rabbi Dayan.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Presumption of Life? ‘The Husband Was Elderly Or Ailing...’ (Gittin 28a)
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Painting Tefillin Straps Black ‘He May Go Over The Letters With A Pen’ (Gittin 20a)
Mr. Shapiro summoned Benny to a din Torah before Rabbi Dayan, demanding immediate payment of the bill.
If the husband cannot find an agent who agrees to travel with the Get to where the wife resides, the husband may appoint an agent who resides where the wife lives.
What is the exact meaning of “amen” and where does the word come from? David H. (Via E-Mail)
"Well, in that case," said Itzik, "just tell Jake that I paid back the money and it was stolen.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Last Will and Testament ‘A Deathbed Request Is Considered Sealed And Delivered’ (Gitin 14b)
While so doing the husband says, “This is your Get, please accept it, you are divorced from me as of this moment and you are free to marry another man.”
Although the Torah requires the Get to be delivered in front of two witnesses, the Torah, according to the Rambam, does not require the witnesses to sign the Get.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Repulsive And Disgraceful ‘The Holy One…Does Not Cause Mishaps To The Righteous’ (Gittin 7a)
"What is the problem, then?" asked Mrs. Rhein. "We can pay $5,000; the payment from the summer and what we owe for now."
"No, I trusted you," replied Mr. Isaacs. "I'm sure that I paid the first half, though."
A Wonder Worm ‘When The Temple Was Destroyed…’ (Sotah 48a-b)
The Talmud tells us that a lamp is lit over the head of each unborn child in its mother’s womb, enabling it to perceive all the ways of God throughout the world.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Impropriety Of Flattery ‘They Flattered King Agrippas’ (Sotah 41b)
"This doesn't seem right," Chaim's mother said. "I'm going to have to check with the bakery." She put that doughnut aside and took a different flavor.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Burning Of Kever Yosef ‘Alongside Shechem’ (Sotah 32a)
When a person who has given in to his or her animal instincts wishes to bring a sacrifice to atone for such conduct, the sacrifice should be as basic and unadorned as the instincts to which he or she gave in.
"Does Mr. Goodman have to pay me the $1,000 he agreed to for learning with my son?" Danny asked.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Incurring Lashes? ‘On That Day Rabbi Akiva Expounded’ (Sotah 27b)
Today, in the absence of the Temple, our prayers are a substitute for the korbanot.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Special Syllabus ‘As One Who Is Exempt, But Nevertheless Does’ (Sotah 21a)
"I'm not interested in doing anything with the apartment," said Reuven. "If you're my partner in the apartment, you're welcome to use it with me."
"Maybe," acknowledged Benny. "But I didn't do anything wrong. I rode the bike in the normal manner, and this accident occurred."
September 11, 2026 
