יום שלישי, י״ח תשרי תשפ״זTuesday, September 29, 2026
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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.
We see, then, that not all sacrifices are rejected, nor are they rejected from all people.
Notice that we do not speak in the past tense. Omdim alainu – they stand against us attempting to wipe us off the face of this earth. As we sit down to our seder, we discover the eternal secret of the Jew.
In short, not only is it proper to incorporate current events into the Seder, but it is likely a fulfillment or at the very least an enhancement of the mitzvah to recount the Exodus from Egypt. However, this is true only if we subsume those current events into the broader retelling and view them as part of an ongoing fulfillment of Hashem's redemption.
In 2011 the Maxwell House Haggadah translation underwent its first significant update since its original publishing. “Art, thou, and hast” were replaced with more conversant contemporary English.
We should also recognize that mechirat chametz as it is performed today was originally intended for sh’at hadchak – it was an emergency measure necessitated by Jews owning large quantities of chametz, which was a particular problem once Jews had entered the liquor business.
While Dani was washing the floor mats, a branch fell from a tree and hit the vacuum cleaner, cracking it!
Without Warning ‘… But You Were With Us…’ (Makkos 2a)
Originally, Menashe behaved so badly that he seemed to have forfeited his place in the World to Come. But then he did such teshuva that not only did he earn a place in the World to Come, but G-d himself interfered with the nature He had created and made a special opening or tunnel through which Menashe could come into the World to Come.
A person should never bring himself to undergo a test of faith, as David, king of Israel, brought himself to undergo a test of faith and failed.
It was well known that Jack Benny celebrated his thirty-ninth birthday every year. When Benny died in 1974, he had turned thirty-nine a total of forty-one times.
As we sit at our seders this year, we are not only reliving the past; we are living in the present. We are living through a time when the Jewish people are once again fighting for freedom.
Even if it was my idea, if Reuven’s ball broke the window, he’s liable – not me! Shimon argued. Who’s to say that I have to pay?
Silence Golden? ‘Iyov, Who Was Silent…’ (Sanhedrin 106a)
If one believes in a Divine plan and the natural ups and downs of life, they will feel less anxious and hypersensitive.
Shlomo HaMelech is teaching that chinuch is not just about compliance, but more about instilling values into our children’s souls, so that it becomes part of them for life.
Hashem will show me the way, though I don't know how it will happen. But I know in my heart, that I am meant to return.
Rare items, such as a Parah Adumah, do not have a definable ‘fair market value,’ replied Rabbi Dayan. Therefore, according to many authorities, there is no ona’ah (unfair pricing) claim (Hilchos Mishpat 227:29[28]).
As We Come Closer And Closer ‘… Like The Face Of A Dog’ (Sanhedrin 97a)
One of the Ten Commandments outlaws kidnapping, though, unfortunately, the death penalty imposed by the Bible did not and is not likely to deter the forces of Hamas – even though they are subject to the Noahide laws which include setting up court systems which should theoretically mete out justice...
One major criticism of the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment is that it presupposes that the child trusts the adult conducting the experiment to actually deliver the promised reward.
Throughout sefer Mishlei, Shlomo HaMelech contrasts the fool with the wise man. According to the wisest of men, the fool doesn’t refer to one with limited intellectual capacities, but rather one who doesn’t think through the consequences of his actions.
One of the key concepts in Judaism is the idea of impartiality in judgment. In the context of leadership, the Torah calls for the appointment of leaders who are wise, understanding, and respected, without reference to familial ties.
We shift from costumes and joy to cleaning and preparing. But if we only focus on scrubbing floors and kashering kitchens, we’re missing the bigger picture.
If I donate an average of $1,000 a month by credit card, that’s $12,000 a year; a 2% fee comes to $240, explained Mr. Freilich. Is this included in my maaser kesafim, or do I need to deduct this amount from my calculation?”
The Greatest Reward Of Public Service ‘…[He] Who Leads The Public Gently …’ (Sanhedrin 92a)
The father may indeed be a poor father, and his neglectful behavior may lead the child to reject him, but those reactions should stem solely from the dynamic between father and child, without anyone else inciting the alienation.
When we think of who we are and what defines us we often think of our physical bodies. Ask someone who he is, and he will generally point towards his heart. But is that really who we are? Is our body what defines us?
Purim is a day of celebrating with friends, family, community, and even strangers. It is a day of revelry and study, a day to give as generously as we can, a day of recognizing G-d’s watchful providence and love. Can we really do all of those things and work?
There is a dispute whether nowadays beis din is halachically authorized to enforce payment of ‘fire’ damage; many maintain that the answer is yes.
What You Pray For ‘… Acts As Befitting Your People’ (Sanhedrin 85a)
The real question is where was man? Where was man when six million were being shoved into cattle cars and burned in the crematoria? We were waiting for someone to say something, do something, bomb the railway stations as we were taken to the concentration camps. No one did a thing. The world remained silent.
Nowadays, there is more than enough violence around even without drunkenness. And, of course, an all too contemporary translation of violence happens to be chamas (Hamas).
Our Gemara on amud aleph continues its discussion of various indirect forms of murder, including the case of one who causes a snake to bite a person. There is a dispute regarding how direct this action is, and according to our Gemara’s analysis, it depends on where the venom is located.
How often do we try to live life on our terms, even when the reality of the situation is clearly otherwise?
Even drinking for adults on Purim needs to be directed to enhance the festive nature of Purim and not be a cause of revelry or lead to inappropriate behavior.
When a person passes away, we tear our clothing. It’s a sign of mourning, of the unbearable loss. And when we are buried, we are dressed in tachrichim, simple linen shrouds. Clothing marks every stage of life – from birth to mourning to the final journey. And each type of clothing holds meaning.
The following month, Mr. Gold again approached Mr. Neuman for the money. What do you mean?! asked Mr. Neuman. You said that I don’t have to pay and that you don’t need my money. That was mechila on your part – you relieved me of the need to pay!
One’s Lifetime Partner ‘The Only Poor In Israel [Are] The Subtly Wicked...’ (Sanhedrin 76a)
Doge, the Department of Government Efficiency is in the process of cutting government programs, and openly doing so with a chain saw rather than with a scalpel, and it is clear that what is good and ideal to many of us is bad and wasteful to many others of us.
Clearly, the Torah anticipates that the gentiles will be impressed with the Torah’s laws, and they would not be impressed if those laws didn’t reflect common-sense morality and justice.
In life, we are constantly seeking out the proper path to follow. But this world is somewhat fluid and unstable, with new challenges and vicissitudes arising constantly.
Jewish tradition does not shy away from acknowledging the importance of justice, and that includes expressing righteous indignation against acts of evil.
A tiny baby, a bright spark of light in the darkness. A reminder that even now, Hashem is weaving together the pieces of our redemption. That He has not abandoned us. That our story is still unfolding. That the day will come when the suffering will end, when the exiles will return home, not in sorrow, but in joy.
What difference does that make? asked Mr. Isaacs. You’re not a relevant party to the case. Mr. Weintraub is not related to any of the relevant parties: lender, borrower, or guarantor!
Withholding The Rod ‘A Rebellious Son Never Occurred And Never Will’ (Sanhedrin 71a)
Clothing serves as a metaphor for how a human is cloaked. Just as clothes cover the body, the body itself is a kind of cloak for the soul.
The problem was that after years of being neglected by his father because of football, Mike didn’t have any love for the game. Still, despite his resentment towards football, he loved his father, and so after Joe’s passing, Mike began to attend every game.
Whether or not it is proper to go by one’s English name is not a question that can be answered in a vacuum. Whatever the case, I would strongly recommend choosing names that express high and traditionally Jewish aspirations for children and for ourselves. Ultimately, G-d desires our hearts more than our names.
As Jews, we hold onto the knowledge that Hashem is always with us. Just as He was with the hostages, He is with each and every one of us. Even when the world seems dark, we are never truly alone.
On the way to the store, though, Mr. Davis was accosted by two thugs, who beat him and forced him to hand over his wallet, which contained over $500. The thugs fled and were not caught. Mr. Davis required medical attention for his cuts but fortunately had no lasting injury.
Start Of The Yeshiva Semester “Today Is Propitious…” (Sanhedrin 65b-66a)
I believe that Agam and her mother were bequeathed with the moral courage needed in these times from the days that our mothers stood tall in Mitzrayim.
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.
When fear and panic spiral out of control, even well-intentioned caution can lead to the unjust suppression of legitimate questions and concerns.
Were it not for [King] David, who was engaged in Torah learning, Yoav would not have been successful in battle, and were it not for Yoav’s skills as a warrior, [King] David would not have been able to study the Torah.
The greatest challenge is to recognize one’s inner greatness and get past all the impediments that get in the way of that growth.
I’d like to believe the trendiness of these minhagim is coming from the same good place – a yearning for more spirituality, and these practices are one way to express it.
Despite the limited time I spent with him, my grandfather’s warm and loving personality left a permanent mark on me. His kindness, humility, and wisdom are values I carry with me every day.
The Torah disqualifies relatives of a litigant from testifying, replied Rabbi Dayan. This applies whether they want to testify to their relative’s benefit or detriment, and even if they are righteous like Moshe and Aharon, who are not suspect to lie (C.M. 33:10).
Global Shabbos – Everywhere Simultaneously? Departing After Shabbos, Arriving On Shabbos (Sanhedrin 58b)
As I often remark, the spiritual, physical, and emotional patterns of life are the same, since they are all designed by the same Creator. The image of the smaller flame being drawn to the larger flame reflects the same principle of spiritual excess.
Based on those advertisements, I have come to a realization of the ideal manner in which a person in our community should spend his year. I may have missed some events, so don’t take any omission to mean they shouldn’t be on this list:
If you are attending one or you are sponsoring one, make sure that at minimum kosher food is served, and there is no behavior contrary to Jewish modesty.
Most people will not initially see the former hostages in person. At best, we will see videos but not much more. For those of us in that category, does seeing the hostages returning home online or hearing the news warrant a beracha?
Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz discusses the Drafting of Yeshiva Students to the IDF in the eyes of Halacha.
September 25, 2026 
