יום חמישי, ו׳ תשרי תשפ״זThursday, September 17, 2026
Follow Us
"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."
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Stepfather in a Kesuba ‘He Was the Stepson of Kenaz’ (Sotah 11b)
When David returned, he apologized to Moshe and offered to pay for replacement of the fender.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Hot Air Blower ‘Whoever Eats Bread Without Wiping His Hands…’ (Sotah 4b)
"I stated from the beginning, 'For a friend like you – we're willing to rent.' If he's no longer a friend, the agreement is no longer binding!"
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Reburial In Eretz Yisrael ‘If One Finds Three [Corpses]…This Is A Graveyard’? (Nazir 64b-65a)
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Matter Of Health ‘He Who Rounds The Corners…’ (Nazir 57b)
"What do you expect?" asked Mr. Strauss. "That I should work for free?"
As a child, I always wanted to know what my father’s chin looked like. But I never got to see it. From the time I was born until the time he passed away 28 years later, the Dayan’s chin was always covered with a beard. The Torah forbids a man to destroy the corners of […]
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Delaying A Funeral To Honor A Deceased A Nazir may Defile Himself For A Mes Mitzvah (Nazir 47a)
Aryeh complained to Josh for handing the work over to Manny. Josh insisted, though, that he trusted Manny and that the job was done according to standard and approved by him.
"But my rebbe taught me that on the first day of Sukkos you have to own the lulav and esrog," said Levi. "If I borrow yours, how can I fulfill the mitzvah?"
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Curling Pei’os ‘Hair Of A Nazir’ (Nazir 42a)
The lulav also symbolizes the scepter of victory with which we emerge after vanquishing the Yom Kippur prosecutor.
"If there were only two possibilities, I understand following the higher amount," said Mr. Meyer. "However, here the pledge could have been any amount from $100 to $360!"
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Normal Consumption ‘Leave Aside Babylonian Kutach’ (Nazir 36b)
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Like Father, Like Son ‘A Man Is Obligated To Train His Son’ (Nazir 29a)
Leibel met his long-time friend Chaim three days before Yom Kippur. After wishing each other a G'mar chasimah tovah, Leibel asked Chaim, "How do you do kapparos?" "What do you mean?" replied Chaim. "I follow the machzor." "That's not what I meant," laughed Leibel. "Do you use money or a chicken?" "I use money," replied […]
In a number of places, our rabbis tell us that Shemita is the Key to Redemption.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Distressful Situation ‘No Lashes Are Administered’ (Nazir 23a)
The dayanim reached the conclusion that Mr. Rubin was legally liable for the full sum. Rabbi Dayan issued the ruling to the parties.
On the night immediately following the 29th day of Elul and on 30th day of Elul itself, people hedged their bets.
"This case entails two basic factors," replied Rabbi Dayan. "First, a questionable damage; second, a partial admission.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Facing The Consequences ‘Uncleanness Is Retroactive!’ (Nazir 16a)
Today, few people fast during the Days of Selichot, but the custom is to rise early to recite Selichot.
"There is a mitzvah to pay the worker on that day," answered Mr. Lerner.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Que Sera, Sera? ‘He Daubed Him With Mud’ (Nedarim 89b-90a)
Mr. Steinberg ran downstairs to the ground floor. He saw that the table had fallen onto one of the cars sitting in the parking lot below.
When Moses ascended the mountain that first, fateful day of Elul, the shofar was sounded daily in the Camp of Israel, heralding his expected return.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Truth Or Consequences ‘Consecrating The Non-Existent’ (Nedarim 85b)
"I don't understand, though," objected Mr. Weiss. "If the Torah states that the loan should be remitted, how can Hillel institute that the creditor can collect, against Torah law?"
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Most Favorable Of …Times ‘Annulling Vows For The Sake Of Shabbos’ (Nedarim 77a)
"So there's no way to lend past the shemittah year?" asked Eli.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Day He Heard ‘One May Seek Revocation Of A Confimation’ (Nedarim 69a)
The director picked up the phone to Rabbi Dayan. "One of our counselors lost his check," he said. "Do we have to issue a new one or is it his loss?"
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
‘Older’ By A Month ‘…Until The Beginning Of Adar’ (Nedarim 63a)
The two decided to approach Rabbi Dayan. "What is the halachic status of conquered territory?" asked Shalom.
On Shabbat during the nine days, one may don freshly laundered clothes, eat meat and drink wine, including Havdalah wine.
"Does that mean a person can simply renege after payment was made?" asked Benjy incredulously.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Plucked Apple ‘…Which Cannot Become Permitted’ (Nedarim 58a)
"But I'm already dwelling in the apartment," said Mr. Gold. "Shouldn't that count? I'm no worse than a neighbor!"
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Going Public ‘From A Wealthy Roman Lady’ (Nedarim 50a)
The combination of the severity of the punishment and the ease with which the prohibition may be forgotten require that the smallest amount of chametz – chametz bemashehu – be prohibited.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
This Land Is ‘My’ Land ‘[If The Vow Was Imposed] In The Seventh Year…’ (Nedarim 42b)
If the sick person is thrust into a situation where he is compelled to face his sickness head on, we who are not yet sick can encourage him by facing it with him.
"Is there a difference between rescuing and other services?" asked Ploni.
Less clear, however, is whether the concept applies to the area of civil law such as the law of transfer of property.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
My Plate, My Food ‘My Loaf Is Forbidden To You’ (Nedarim 34b)
"What difference does that make?" replied Shraga. "What counts is the agreement that we made. I said two hundred fifty and you accepted."
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Not As An Asmachta? “An Asmachta [In Beis Din] Does Acquire” (Nedarim 27b)
"Is the invoice signed by the students?" asked the principal. "They said they didn't get the pizza."
Conversely, no part of the Land within the boundaries delineated in Numbers 34 may be relinquished for any purpose whatsoever.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Ulla’s Murderous Companion ‘Yes! Cut Him Even Deeper’ (Nedarim 22a)
Although it is true that the Final Redemption will be accelerated when all Jews repent and accept the rule of Torah, there is also another scenario for the Final Redemption.
"The answer depends on the terms of the purchase agreement and local customs," replied Rabbi Dayan.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
An Enduring Text ‘If One Vows By The Torah...’ (Nedarim 14b)
"I wasn't really thinking," replied Levi. "Things in the backyard usually don't need watching. I also didn't expect you to be away so long. One thing is clear, though: I never accepted responsibility for the cake."
Should just a few communities settle the Land of Israel? Should there be a mass emigration of all Jews worldwide to Israel?
Why did so many of our great sages from the Rambam to Rabbi Moshe Feinstein live outside Israel?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Casting A Doubt ‘Shall We Say [They] Are Not Valid?’ (Nedarim 5a-7a)
"What do you mean?" asked the secretary. "We already issued a ruling and closed the case."
God and the divine origin of His Torah are facts even though we do not fully comprehend them.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Honor Of Reading The Kesubah ‘Witnesses Sign Only After Reading…’ (Kesubos 109a)
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Twice Promised “Such And Such [I Give My Son]…” (Kesubos 102b)
"A person who borrowed without a written loan document, even in the presence of witnesses, is believed with a heses – rabbinic – oath to say that he repaid,"
During the course of the year, though, political events in the Persian Gulf caused the cost of gasoline to rise. Prices climbed from $2.50 a gallon to $4.00.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Seller’s Remorse ‘He Sold Because He Ostensibly Needed The Funds’ (Ketubbot 97a)
"There is a diamond necklace that I wear on special occasions," Mrs. Miller told her husband. "It was recently appraised at $6,000. If need be, we can give that as collateral."
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Debt Lives On ‘The Orphans’ Mitzvah To Repay Their Father’s Debts’ (Ketubot 91b)
In order to be free of the negative consequences of violating a shvu’ah or a neder, the shvu’ah or neder themselves must be annulled.
"I accept the ruling," said Mr. Broyer, "but would like to understand the reasoning."
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Ramifications Of A Printers Error ‘The Note Holder’s Burden of Proof’ (Kesubos 83b)
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Oh My, It’s Copper! ‘…And One Who Is A Coppersmith’ (Kethubboth 77a)
The omer sacrifice of loose barley flour was more fitting for animal consumption than human consumption and symbolizes the depths to which the Jewish slaves had sunk.
"The problem is that the sum total is listed is $17,000. However, when you add the sums mentioned, it is clear that the total of $17,000 is an error. Thus, Mr. Broyer owes me $18,000, not $17,000."
In most communities the rabbi will perform the eruv ceremony on Erev Yom Tov for all community members.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Heiress? ‘Determining The Daughter’s Status’ (Kesubos 68b-69a)
"The guiding principle regarding work terms is: hakol keminhag hamidina – everything in accordance with the common practice," replied Rabbi Dayan.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Woman Of Valor ‘Would That He Listen To Me…’ (Kesubos 63a)
"No, I can't take more than $65," protested Mrs. Fleisher. "You may not owe me more than that."
Are you kidding? You know the non‑Jew is not going to consume your chametz. He is not really paying you for it; neither is he taking possession of it.
"If I notify people, nobody will buy the matzos!" exclaimed Mr. Mandel. "Once the halachic advisory panel ruled leniently, why can't I sell the matzos regularly?"
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Her Children, Her Whim ‘Kesubas Bnin Dichrin’ (Kesubos 52b)
First, the punishment for eating chametz on Pesach is karet, premature death at the Hand of God.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Wedding Day Fast ‘He Accepts A Ring On Her Behalf’ (Kesubos 47a)
This process, which is the most powerful form of kashering, is known as libun.
"Do we have to donate again?" some people asked. "Is it fair that we should have to pay twice?"
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Confession ‘Payment For Humiliation And Depreciation’ (Ketubbot 41a)
Hapeh is based on the fact that the person who qualifies the statement is the sole source of the unqualified statement and the court has therefore no choice but to believe her.
Menachem jumped into the car and went to the bagel store. He forgot about the sefer he had left outside.
"This sounds like a question for Rabbi Dayan," said Mr. Cohen. He took out his cell phone and called Rabbi Dayan.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
An Auto Accident ‘All Agree That They Are Exempt’ (Kesubbos 35a)
Moreover, even if the perpetrator of the capital offense is never actually executed, such as when the fatal act was unintentional, Kam Lei applies and the judge cannot award damages.
Forever After? ‘Obligated for Challahh and Not Terumah’ (Kesubos 25a)
"We really appreciate your efforts in straightening the shul," said Mr. Reiss. "How is it going?"
By Guest Author
Havdalah.com will be streaming an inspiring/live/MUSICAL/global Havdalah(NOT to fulfill obligation)
"Halacha differentiates between giving a gift, forgoing a debt [mechila], and granting permission to take something," answered Rabbi Dayan.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Threat Of Death ‘Sign or Else…’ (Kesubos 19a)
One of the purposes of the ketubah money is to make it difficult for a husband to capriciously divorce his wife.
September 18, 2026 
