יום רביעי, ט״ו אב תשפ״וWednesday, July 29, 2026
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Goodman points out the Rambam is clearly hinting at his own suffering from his life – sea-voyage, or service of kings, indeed perhaps even a self-rebuke in the line they complain of the decrees and judgments of G-d. We are left speechless regarding the Rambam’s emotional courage, self-honesty, and humility.
We take it so for granted that we judge, that it doesn’t even occur to us that it’s not our place to always decide matters relating to other people’s lives.
There is certainly a value in preserving one’s family nusach, minhagim, and even niggunim. Those, too, are compelling aspects of the mesorah. Fidelity to the past is not only comforting, but familiarity with the davening also enhances the spiritual experience.
Several Acharonim resolve the matter by ruling that if the recipient is needy, it becomes a tzedakah pledge so that we are stringent to interpret the commitment for as long as he needs...
The great month of Elul has begun. The spirit of preparation for the Days of Mercy and Judgment have begun to envelop us, and with it the knowledge that it’s time to focus on teshuvah.
Halacha L’Ma’aseh A ‘Sinai’ Or ‘Oker Harim’? (Horayos 14a)
Every person who has leadership status – a governor, a parent, a teacher, or an employer –must consider that even the highest official, the king, is only who he is by virtue of what he does.
Hashem is merciful – are we showing mercy? He doesn’t repay evil with evil – do we hold back and try to give kindness even when it isn’t deserved? He is slow to anger – are we working on patience? He is truthful – do we live with honesty? The list isn’t only about Him; it is a mirror held up to us.
Once it fell, it’s like the other candies, Sruli said. The same way you grabbed what was thrown, I grabbed what fell from you. He popped the candy into his mouth.
A Convert’s Benefit ‘Blemishes Are Only Post Sinai’ (Horayos 10a)
This article refers to the classic coin and usage, and does not address the fact that an actual Judean Bronze coin now can fetch hundreds of dollars or more on the open market.
How many beautiful souls have given their lives for Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael as their seats remain mournfully empty? How many broken families, and broken hearts?
It’s all illusion. The players aren’t from your neighborhood. They’re often hired from across the globe. The team is just a business. The connection you feel is manufactured by marketing departments. You, the fan, are the product.
G-d is not in a popularity contest. In fact, He Himself endows man with the ability to deny His Presence or to believe in any falsity he chooses. That itself is the epitome of awesomeness, in its true meaning.
Even though Pinchas explicitly cancelled the agency before witnesses (the other friends), since David was not aware and purchased the pizza as instructed, Pinchas is liable to reimburse David for what David laid out with reliance on him (Nesivos 182:3).
The Mitzvah To Obey The Wise ‘If Beis Din Issued A Ruling’ (Horayos 2b)
The idea that a prohibited substance is nullified by 60 is portrayed pictographically by a mem (square) surrounded by a samech (circle).
It’s an understatement to say that Rabbi Wein has been a major influence in my life. I find myself quoting him constantly. When I had questions about Torah outlook or life matters, I would ask Rabbi Wein. Now that opportunity is lost.
Not Wanted – Dead Or Alive ‘A Mouse That Fell into A Cask Of Beer’ (Avodah Zarah 68b)
In reality, every color is actually all the colors except that one – because the surface is absorbing all wavelengths except for one, and reflecting that one back to us.
Promoting ruach (team spirit) and hype are extremely important to help fire up and motivate the team to feel they can win Color War. It’s always fascinating to see a relatively quiet staff member standing on a bench, his face painted his team’s color, screaming a chant with hundreds of campers excitedly following his lead.
Who’s The Boss? ‘One Hired A Laborer To Assist Him In Yayin Nesech’ (Avodah Zarah 62a)
Disenfranchised and prolonged grief often require additional support, as they involve barriers – emotional, social, or both – to normal mourning.
A person would think twice before he spoke about someone else, knowing that one statement of lashon hara can cause him to contract tzaraas.
Our Turn ‘A Gentile Nullifies His Idolatrous Relic...’ (Avodah Zarah 52b)
If a person has an optimistic attitude, the cognitive bias will seek reasons to feel better. It is an inescapable factor in human consciousness that the attitude itself shapes the outcome.
Regarding payment of wages, there is an explicit mitzvah to pay wages promptly (b’yomo titen scharo) and a prohibition to withhold them (bal talin) (Vayikra 19:13; Devarim 15:15; C.M. 339:1).
An Idolatrous Eruv ‘Wood From An Asheira’ (Avoda Zara 49b)
In a world saturated with the stench of antisemitism, the Gemara puffs a pleasant breath of fresh air.
How often do we see suffering before our eyes, but somehow we do not notice what is happening?
We are guardians over our bodies, not their owners.
Psychologically and sociologically, a conspiracy need not involve maniacal villains plotting world control. It can be an unconscious collusion of interests.
There’s a limit to how long a person can survive when he is outside of his natural element. When the earthly provisions are depleted, it isn’t long before he will die, unless he returns to a natural earthly environment.
When the borrower refuses to return the borrowed item and continues to use it wrongly, he is considered sholei’ach yad, one who misuses an entrusted item, or sho’el shelo mida’as, one who borrows without permission, and is tantamount to a thief.
When Is Chalav Akum Allowed? ‘Milked By A Gentile’ (Avodah Zarah 39b)
The Gemara states that one should turn south during prayer if he wants wisdom, and north if he wants wealth. There is no explanation given in the Gemara...
During the years that I was a division head, 98% of the campers in my division who were homesick were completely fine and enjoying camp within a week. But that first week can be gut wrenching.
In principle, certain sins indeed leave a mark and are absorbed so deeply that the body must be destroyed. Yet, if the internal actions and repentance reach a level that rationalizations peel away – or at least significantly weaken – the vessel is reformed without actual destruction.
Even investments, which do belong to the person in his lifetime, should ideally be divided according to the beneficiaries. Although these investments are part of his estate, since the person designated beneficiaries, the principle of mitzvah lekayem divrei hames applies.
An Essential Agent ‘Set In The Skin Of The Rennet Of Nevela’ (Avodah Zarah 35a)
We might think ancient society was cruel to women – and in many ways, the ancient world did not sufficiently protect individual rights – but I can’t think of anything more cruel than the modern conception that a woman should feel obligated to compete in the employment marketplace and jump back into work six weeks or three months after the most profound experience of childbirth.
It’s that sense of altruism and unity that gives us hope that we will merit to witness Mashiach.
I understand that halacha frowns on engaging in personal needs before Shacharis, including travel, Eliyahu said. But I have a choice between davening at home and then fighting traffic, often getting late to work, or joining a minyan near work and avoiding traffic. Rabbi Dayan listened attentively. Eliyahu asked, Can I drive to work and daven Shacharis there?
A Matter Of Time ‘One Who Is Recognized As An Expert...’ (Avoda Zarah 26b)
One may not sell lions to Gentiles, according to the Talmud, because lions can cause injury to the public (Avodah Zarah 16), to put it mildly.
Though the Shulchan Aruch agrees with the Rambam’s broad prohibition, his final clause might offer some room for an answer. It is permitted to note the beauty of an idolator if the focus of the comment is to praise G-d and not the person.
Rabbi Sauber told his class, We are about to learn about the greatest act of self-sacrifice that ever occurred.
If the borrower slipped payment through the mail slot without prior arrangement, and somehow it got lost in the household shuffle or some other manner, it is unclear whether this is considered valid repayment, replied Rabbi Dayan.
Exchanging Land? ‘Nor Shall You Show Them Favor’ (Avodah Zara 20a)
We are living in a world of chaos, never sure what tomorrow brings. As I write these words it is impossible for me to know what our days will look like by the time you read my message.
Like many Israeli leaders, Netanyahu often peppers his speeches with biblical verses, usually used as cultural or historical touchstones rather than as expressions of personal religiosity. Keinon points out that Netanyahu’s use of the Shema prayer is less typical and perhaps indicative of a deeper religious arousal.
Obviously, staying up all night isn’t about qualitative learning, but about demonstrating excitement. One only stays up late, or all night, for something truly important or exciting.
The common practice is to use silver coins, whether silver dollars minted in the U.S. or special silver coins minted now in Israel with the proper silver content, concluded Rabbi Dayan. Where this is not possible, though, you can redeem with other movable items or possibly even cash of the requisite amount.
To Have Or To Hold ‘Renting Is Not Owning’ (Avodah Zarah 15a)
In a balanced and nurturing environment, sacrifice enhances rather than detracts from quality of life.
Who is the biggest victim of identity theft? Every one of us. One of the greatest tactics that our evil inclination employs is to confuse us about who we really are, and what defines us.
Of course, our monetary funds are limited. There are so many worthy causes and we cannot support them all. However, we have a responsibility, halachically and morally, to assist those in greatest need.
As long as the other side of the string remains intact, the tzitzis are still kosher. But you tore one of the expensive techeiles strands – these aren’t easy to replace.
Don’t Tread On Me ‘If One Consulted A Sage, He May Not Consult Another’ (Avodah Zara 7a)
Everything, from quarks to consciousness, emanates from Divine will and intellect.
It’s vital that a fielder and batter know how many outs there are. Whether a fielder will make a play to second or decide to hold the runner, and whether a runner will be running if there is a pop-up, depends on how many outs there are.
I acknowledge that I shouldn’t have left the skateboard there, Simcha responded, but you should have looked where you were running. You sent the skateboard rolling!
Was She Really Married? ‘One Said Two… The Other Said Three…’ (Shevuos 48a)
I believe that the books that are opened on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur contain the more permanent decrees and judgments of our fate for the rest of our lives or death, be that as it may.
If he never davened, it will be very challenging for him to start getting into the habit of doing so. If a person goes through the motions, however, even without feeling it, when the inspiration eventually sets in, it will be far easier for him to become a serious ben Torah.
Gifts or bonuses should only be given collectively by the class as a group. Individual gifts during the school year can create discomfort and an unintended sense of favoritism.
On one occasion, Reuven demanded payment in the presence of witnesses. I admit fully that I owe you $500, replied Hillel, but unfortunately I’m still not able to pay you; my financial situation remains very difficult.
A Talmida Chachama ‘If He Is A Scholar, He Is Not Sworn’ (Shavuos 41a)
The students who harassed Jewish students, destroyed property, disrupted classes, and ruined graduations with their blood libels against our nation. Your misguided protests have blurred the lines between truth and falsehood.
We see that it is a Torah value to maintain composure, even under the most dire circumstances. When we look at the commentaries, we see different ideas as to why this is so, each reflecting on the human condition. Rashi says that remaining calm rattles and humiliates the enemy.
If we want to savor life, the only way is to slow things down.
It’s not my fault that the Chofetz Chaim card was ruined; it’s your loss!
The road to Gehinnom is paved with good intentions – such as the unwarranted benefit of the doubt that too-credulous well-intended leaders and negotiators give their undeserving counterparts.
If one can embrace it without compromising the rest of the day, the experience of Torah learning on this night can deepen one’s connection to Torah for the whole year to come.
Start And Final ‘Aleph Lamed Chol, Yud Keh Kodesh’ (Shavuos 35b)
The conflict between different parts of our mind and the denial of certain thoughts provide a tidy explanation for the contradictory ways in which people behave.
If you wouldn’t have a spare copy, you’d have to pay cash, so it’s not fair to make me accept your spare copy!
Posthaste ‘And He Simply Uttered Bread’ (Shavuos 26b)
What is this oath that was made at Mount Sinai? We might assume that it is referring to the covenant that the Jewish people made there. While not literally an oath, and certainly not one actually made by each inhabitant of every century, it is somehow considered binding on the entire people and its descendants.
Perhaps when [Mashiach] comes, we will all sing hava nagila together.
I don’t see why this should be ribbis. I’m not gaining anything; I’m just recouping my loss...
K’vod HaBriyos – Human Dignity ‘… Excluding Where He Was Preoccupied’ (Shavuos 18b-19a)
Both Kayin and Hevel are flawed in this narrative. Kayin, consumed by lust and evil, has will and determination. Hevel, free of evil, lacks drive or purpose.
The common thread between those who persevere beyond all odds and accomplish incredible things is that they have an unyielding sense of mission and responsibility. They aren’t merely doing what they want to do; they are striving to accomplish what they feel needs to be done. They feel the weight upon their shoulders.
Shulchan Aruch (C.M. 232:4) rules that when merchandise is defective, the sale can be voided entirely, replied Rabbi Dayan. Even if the depreciation is small and the seller is willing to refund the differential, the buyer can return the item and claim that he wants an intact item.
Siddurim On A Bimah ‘The Heart Of Beth Din Provides For It’ (Shavuos 11a)
It is an interesting question whether, from the Torah’s perspective, there exists wisdom outside the Torah. Logically speaking, there is no theological need for the Torah to encompass all wisdom, so long as what it commands, as pertinent to us, is wise.
It is not coincidental that both national periods of mourning are connected with deficiencies in interpersonal relationships.
Leprosy? ‘… Any Kohen Who Is Not Expert …’ (Shavuos 6a)
He recalled that a week earlier, a thug had robbed the laden shopping cart that his wife was using in the supermarket, with all its contents. Rabbi Dayan had explained why his wife was not liable for the shopping cart, but did not address the question of the groceries.
We see that cutting oneself out of overwhelming pain is a basic human response, not a new phenomenon. However, in different eras and cultures, mental illness manifests differently based on perceptions, beliefs, and ego defenses.
There is always going to be times of maror in our lives. But we have to continue to wait and daven for the incredible seudah that is to follow.
Although the cart was stolen, when the renter is present and unable to save the item, she is not liable – certainly if she tried unsuccessfully to do so (C.M. 303:2,5).
A Threat To Life And Limb ‘How Many Lashes Are Given Him? Forty Save One’ (Makkos 22a-b)
There are instances in the Gemara where, though corporal punishment is accepted as a practice, there is a disapproving response when it is done unfairly or excessively...
Entitlements ‘Not Returned To His Former Prominence’ (Makkos 12a)
I don’t remember when that way of talk began, but I’m pretty sure it was only in the twenty-first century. In our culture, being a thing has become the basic unit of cultural ontology.
When a person forgot to sell his chametz and does not want to destroy it, the poskim write that he should grant it as a gift to a gentile, because this is a gift for the purpose of a mitzvah – to avoid the prohibition of possessing chametz on Pesach.
The Red Sea’s Argument ‘Elai And Toviah: Relatives Of A Guarantor’ (Makkos 7a)
The trial court denied the shul’s application for a tax exemption, concluding, among other things, that the property was not intimately related to the [petitioner’s] religious objectives.
July 24, 2026 
