יום רביעי, ט״ו אב תשפ״וWednesday, July 29, 2026
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The Longest Mesechta? ‘We Shall Return To You…’ (Bava Basra 176b)
It seems that Rabbi Yitzchak may have approached the disagreement with Rabbi Abba as if it were an abstract halachic debate rather than a personal dispute.
The lesson is that living according to the mandates of G-d is not to confine and restrict, but to ensure that we live an elite connected life within the confines of biblical morality.
While there may not be a direct prohibition against looking at holiday lights and enjoying them, I think it’s important for us to always keep in mind some of the history of our people and of this very long exile.
Among contemporary poskim, Hashavas Aveidah K’halacha (2:16c) writes that Shulchan Aruch maintains that the halacha applies even when there are identifying features, such as a ring, whereas Pischei Choshen (Aveidah 2:11) cites this halacha when there aren't identifying features, like the Rambam.
A Shidduch Solution ‘Known In A Town For Thirty Days…’ (Bava Basra 167b)
At that moment both Avraham and Yitzchak created a cosmic reality that had never existed before. They gave birth to the spiritual gene within Am Yisrael of mesiras nefesh. From that moment on we were given the fortitude to walk through fire, to resist those who wish to extinguish our light.
Because the Talmud pointed out that thorns are not necessarily destructive but may even be worth maintaining with human intervention, like pre-Industrial Revolution gas stations, we now have two additional reasons to be thankful on Thanksgiving and on every other day of the year – for the cacti and for the camels.
I try to employ true understanding of Biblical Hebrew to decontaminate from subtle incorrect cultural attitudes and beliefs. These mindsets and worldviews are unconsciously incorporated as a result of powerful influences on thought that come from the implicit categorization and depictions in each language.
The problem is that we don’t really feel like we are talking to anyone when we are davening. Rav Pinkus quips that a person only needs a siddur when he’s talking to the wall!
Since the sums were small, we didn’t draft loan documents, replied Mr. Judah. We relied on text messages when I lent him, and when he repaid I would write a confirmation message. I’m sure, though, that Mr. Samuel didn’t repay. I can show you that there is no confirmation of paying.
Rash And Impulsive ‘A Place Inhabited By Many Kohanim …’ (Bava Basra 160b)
One question in the poskim arises regarding if the parent left no assets at all. Some argue that since a child is only obligated to honor his parents using their funds and not his own, here he would be exempt.
Utilizing this day as a day to thank Hashem for providing us with the United States of America as a haven of freedom to be able to observe Torah and mitzvos is definitely proper.
Crossing The Divide ‘Then The Two Men Shall Stand…’ (Bava Basra 155b)
Our Gemara on amud beis notes that most people who fall ill eventually recover. This observation has legal implications in cases where a person on their deathbed bequeaths their estate to someone else, but later recovers.
We would like to serve Hashem with a clear mind, when we feel relaxed and calm. In fact, to some degree we expect that when we try to do what is right, G-d should ensure that life is smooth and easy. After all, if we are trying to do His Will, shouldn’t He at least make it convenient to do so?!
It is important that, in addition to our divine mandate, our presence in Eretz Yisrael is justified according to broadly accepted principles of justice and fairness.
When Hashem created the world and mankind, He intended for there to be peace and harmony amongst all with holiness, goodness and truth to rule over the whole world.
I understand that you now want two copies, Levi said. However, you already told Shimon to give your Ketzos to me, so now it’s mine. You can’t retract unilaterally!
The Priest Forbade Chametz ‘Acquired By Admission’ (Bava Basra 149a)
This discussion touches on a fundamental question: Are individuals truly self-made, or does familial and social support often play a role in their success?
Specifically, the daf discusses inheritance rights, and we are not talking about what kind of economy a presidential candidate inherited, but simply a question of inheritance of a private estate.
We didn’t think much about it, and, in fact, we wouldn’t have even noticed that he didn’t bring anything. But then on Sunday night we discovered many candy wrappers on the floor and an empty platter on the floor in Shalom’s room.
From a halachic and ethical perspective, it is appropriate to use legal methods to reduce tax obligations. If the government considers a certain tax deduction or credit inappropriate, it has the authority to amend or eliminate it.
Shulchan Aruch rules that a borrower is believed that he repaid an IOU, even if the lender still holds it, unless the IOU includes a clause granting credibility to the lender that it was not repaid (ne’emanus), replied Rabbi Dayan.
What Pidyon Haben? ‘To Me, Daughters Are Dearer Than Sons’ (Bava Basra 141a)
I believe that if we take just one life lesson from this tragedy we have the ability to infuse purpose into the pain. We can see glimmers of light that shine through the shards of glass that cut into the very heart of our nation.
If we accumulate extraordinary merit, Mashiach will come before the destined time. Without such merit, at the appointed time Hashem will bring events that stir us to repent.
The words that the mesaymim (one making the siyum) recites beautifully laud the greatness of Torah and our privilege in meriting to study its timeless wisdom.
The fan was fine, Mr. Green told Mr. Abrams the following day. It just needed a new plug. Then I’d like the fan back, said Mr. Abrams. I disposed of it because I thought the motor went. It was in error.
A Dramatic Change ‘Where His Son Traveled Overseas…’ (Bava Basra 132a)
In discussing the swords, the bows, and the arrows, we may also note that the only time we read of Jacob actually fighting in the Torah, in any depth or detail, he was fighting an angel, and with no weapon at all.
Ever since I first learned this Rashi (in third grade), I’ve been troubled by the apparent illogic of Yaakov’s argument. After all, if Yaakov's claim were valid in the legal sense, then by that reasoning, every firstborn twin should lose his rights to the second-born twin.
Who’s On First? ‘Who Is Considered A Firstborn?’ (Bava Basra 126b)
It is the beginning – not only of our annual Torah reading which we recommenced with Bereishis – but the beginning of our efforts to effect lasting changes. It is the beginning of an opportunity to really make this the year we truly hope it will be.
If the person decides not to buy the item, some consider him henceforth a shomer sachar, liable also for theft, like a borrower after the time, while others consider him a shomer chinam, liable only for negligence, since it turned out that he had no benefit (Sma 200:31).
Priorities ‘According To Their Wisdom And Their Age’ (Bava Basra 120a)
One must not give one’s lulav to a child, even one’s own child, to shake on the first day of Sukkot. This is because according to Torah law, a child is able to acquire ownership of something (in this case, the lulav), but is not able to transfer ownership to someone else.
Rabbi Yoshiya, who holds that Eretz Yisrael was divided among those who left Egypt, is of the opinion that the Jews merited the land of Israel as a result of the increased suffering in Egypt.
I am always intrigued by people who are handy. I am also intrigued by people who are artistic. I guess it’s because I’m so untalented in those areas.
He places his fine furnishings and fine mattresses and couches in the sukkah as well as his fine drinking vessels, bottles and cups. However, cooking utensils such as pots and pans are to be kept outside the sukkah.
Aharon took a seat in the back for Kol Nidrei. When Maariv began, after the Rav’s drasha, Mr. Neiss still hadn’t come. Aharon moved next to his father.
Final And Proper Honors ‘In A Grave Not His Own?’ (Bava Basra 112b)
Yismach Moshe explains that Avraham was concerned about his spiritual heir. If he had no son, the man who would carry on his teachings and his philosophy was Eliezer, his servant. While Eliezer was a righteous person and could have done some of the job, no one can carry on the legacy of a father’s teachings as well as a son.
The rabbis clearly concluded that if any information gets into the wrong hands, it can cause harm, but that doesn’t mean that devices or information for the benefit of humanity – or for the protection of innocent people – should never be invented, activated, or shared, even if there will be collateral damages.
On Yom Kippur, the kittel takes on added meaning. In addition to reminding one of the day of one's death and arousing feelings of humility and repentance, kittels are worn to emulate the angels who, we are told, wear white.
Shulchan Aruch rules in accordance with the Rishonim who maintain that the prohibition against wearing shoes on Yom Kippur applies only to leather shoes.
There is no issue of ribbis in locking in the rental price through prepayment, certainly here where the price uncrease was not known when paying (see Y.D. 176:6; Taz and Nekudos Hakesef 176:7; Bris Yehuda 26:1[2], 26:4[13]).
At First Glance ‘While You Were Feasting On The Dates Of Babylon…’ (Baba Basra 107b)
We are allowing others to define us, blood libel us and tell our story. We must give our children Jewish pride, identity and roots.
In the physical world, we are often warned that smoke kills before fire. In the spiritual world too, the spiritual smoke generated by our sins is more noxious and damaging than even the sins themselves.
If we compare the words in the blessing of Hagafen (He who creates the fruit of the vine) to Hamotzi (He who takes bread out of the ground), we will notice something odd. He who takes bread out of the ground – really?
There seems to be nothing wrong with creating new simanim; the real questions is, what is the significance of the simanim.
Law Of Averages ‘Catacombs Are Four Cubits Long’ (Bava Basra 100b)
I understand that there is a problem – I’m not belittling it, said the landlord. But the problem is not with the house itself; it’s something external.
Historically, it has been considered a blessing to live in the United States of America, though all too many people have been feeling cursed lately – some literally – for a variety of different reasons, an intolerable situation which will hopefully be resolved soon.
There are many people who feel similarly about selichos and the many special tefillos recited during this time of year. It’s not easy reciting added prayers, many of which contain unfamiliar words.
When it comes to practical matters, reality is often about consensus.
Consequential Limitations ‘Seeds That Did Not Sprout’ (Bava Basra 92a)
I’m willing to consider paying, but calm down, replied Yossi. I’m not convinced that I am liable for the phone. I never accepted responsibility for it, and I held it in the regular manner. On what basis am I liable?
Beis Hillel's argument seems to be that it is a given that it would be under the category of hurtful speech to denigrate something that another person purchased.
One of the simplest yet most profound pieces of advice I ever heard is you don’t drown by falling into the water; you drown by staying there.
When we come before Hashem, with only one page in our hands to offer, it might be a good page with a lot of good deeds, but it doesn't represent or reflect who we really are. On the contrary, the judge might look at that one page and say this doesn't show Him who we really are. There's not enough information here.
Rabbi Nechunia’s Prayer ‘… Even So, An Actual Incident Is Greater’ (Bava Basra 83a)
One can’t help but speculate about what happened in Israel on October 7, which led many people around the world to conclude that they were safe only as far as they could get away from Israel and Gaza...
It is vital that we never forget that our goal is growth, not perfection! As long as we can honestly state that we are doing the best we can with what the Aibishter has given us, we can feel confident that we are doing our part.
Rashi’s experience is reminiscent of a number of great thinkers and scientists who described their breakthroughs as coming from imaginative visions.
Having children of any sex is a gift of unimaginable kindness. I know of people who have been trying to have a child for such a long time who would give anything to have a child male or female.
Each year Hashem grants us only one year ahead, which means every year our lease ends completely and we have to ask again for a new life.
You found the money this afternoon, but it was lying all day in the shul’s premises, replied Mr. Shatz. I locked the shul after the last Shacharis minyan, so – if there is no obligation of hashavas aveidah – the shul should acquire the $20 bill, since it was secure in the shul’s premises.
An Implacable Foe ‘Therefore Those Who Speak In Parable Say …’ (Bava Basra 78b)
I would never get to hear my bubby’s voice as she sang me a lullaby. My bubby would never hold me in her arms. I would never get to see her smile. I would never get to taste her delicious Hungarian cakes and delicacies. I would never feel her hand in mine. So many ‘nevers’.
Law helps society, even if certain individuals do not benefit, or even suffer.
I had always dreaded color war. What had suddenly changed? The obvious answer was that for the first time I had been involved in color war.
We had a year of sorrow, and bloodshed and it's time for our salvation. It feels almost unfair what we are going through.
Must A Typical Sale Be Generous? ‘A Seller Sells Generously’ (Bava Basra 71a)
The Talmud notes that when the Beit HaMikdash was destroyed for the second time, there was an increase in the number of ascetics within the Jewish community, who decided to limit themselves by not eating meat or drinking wine. Rabbi Yehoshua asked them why they restricted themselves in this way.
I have observed younger people who will not speak English in front of their elderly grandparents. Those gestures and degree of respect are lost on most of us. Kids today are brought up to feel that their teachers are like buddies and friends.
When I walked into the pizza shop not too long ago, I noticed two high school girls holding bentchers and reciting beracha acharona meticulously. It was a chizuk to me about the importance of reciting berachos carefully even in a public and somewhat harried setting.
Hung Out To Dry ‘A Roof With A Parapet 10 Tefachim High Is Not Included’ (Bava Basra 63b-64a)
It is notoriously difficult to fully prove or disprove the level of helplessness and depression the person has versus possible laziness and avoidance. Because of this, and the frustration, embarrassment, and confusion, it is difficult for loved ones to respond objectively.
I have a hard enough time balancing all of the responsibilities in my own life. Am I obligated to strive to fully internalize the pain of others? If I am, how can I ever be happy and dance at a wedding or appreciate a sunny day, when there is so much suffering and sadness in this world?
This is a lesson we must pass on to all to learn from. As dark as it gets, do not despair since the light is right around the corner.
I’m hesitant, though, to move tzedakah money out of the bank account, said the gabbai. What if we suddenly had a great need for the funds around the Yamim Tovim, or if the market crashes…?
A Matter Of Priority ‘Lands Shown By Hashem To Moses Are Subject To Tithes’ (Bava Basra 56a)
The paradox of unwanted thoughts is that by trying not to think them, we are automatically reinforcing them. Thoughts are electrical impulses in the nervous system.
No one in this generation has any clue. This makes me so sad to tell you but it’s true. Either they don’t know or they don’t care. They are clueless.
The fact that the rebbe knows that his students are looking up to him, and that he serves as an example for them, compels him to act the part, even if he would not otherwise do so.
All the prophecies and all the events that have been going on in the land of Israel, and all over the world, in the past year, all point the finger in the same direction, to Hashem.
I usually don’t accept returns, said Mr. Solomon. I very much need the income. You took two pictures, so you need to pay for them.
What Was She Thinking? ‘I Did So Only To Please My Husband’ (Bava Basra 49b)
Both the U.S. and Israel signed a document in support of the ICC under pressure, but neither of these countries ratified the treaty that established the ICC, and as such neither is obligated to submit to the ICC’s jurisdiction.
When one realizes he is sinning, there is a psychological urge to either rationalize the behavior, or deny obligation or connection to G-d.
Letting things go is generally a virtue, at least regarding releasing acrimonious feelings towards others. However, when it comes to personal struggles and overcoming negative character traits or following through with a life-long dream and aspiration, letting it go in the face of adversity is not a virtue at all.
Our thoughts now must be directed to those families who are still suffering, whose loved ones are still in captivity, and to our brave soldiers who are fighting for our very existence – and to the hope that we are nearing the end of our galut when the Jewish people will be redeemed with the coming of Mashiach.
How could my best friend have left? I didn't say goodbye, I screamed and cried but he was gone.
The Gemara (Kesubos 34b) presents two opinions on whether a guardian becomes liable for the entrusted item only from when the loss occurs, or retroactively from when the item was entrusted, Rabbi Dayan replied.
A Tax-Free Meal ‘A Town Whose Torah Scroll Was Stolen…’ (Bava Basra 43a)
How does Tisha B’Av and its meaning endure when we have little understanding of what we are missing? It’s because of the laws of mourning that we observe.
July 24, 2026 
