יום רביעי, כ״ד חשוון תשפ״זWednesday, November 4, 2026
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As we only have a limited amount of space, we must decide what we want to fill our space with. This is not only true about data and stuff, but also about our relationships as well. It’s up to us to show those we care about that they have space in our lives.
I lived (as a stranger) with Lavan…and I acquired oxen and donkeys. Rashi there elaborates that Yaakov was trying to placate Esav by telling him that the blessings of the first born were not fulfilled, so he need not be angry with him for having stolen them.
On the one hand, there is the mitzvah to celebrate with the chasan and kallah or the bar mitzvah, but there is also the mitzvah (Devarim 4:15) V’nishmartem me’od l'nafshoseichem - Take heed of yourself [guard your health].
Although the renter is not liable for oness, such as natural death, whereas the borrower is, Rabi Yosei rules that the borrower pays the value of cow to the owner, not to the renter/lender, since he should not profit from the other person’s cow (C.M. 307:5).
His Father Gave The Ring ‘What About A Worker Toasting The Produce And Eating?’ (Bava Metzia 89a)
Three wars are being fought right now; the war in Gaza, the war about the War in Gaza, and the war of antisemitism against civilian Jews unprotected by human shields.
The truth is, as expensive and challenging as it is to construct a bridge across water, it is far more arduous and challenging to build bridges between people and nations.
In plain English, there are people who are more comfortable with risk, and others with security. To succeed in most goals, ranging broadly from parenting to investing, there needs to be a balance of risk-taking and caution.
Mr. Green checked the contract. Our contract doesn't specify anything about subletting, he said. It doesn’t explicitly allow it, but doesn’t rule it out. I don’t see, though, how we can avoid telling the landlord about it.
Law And Order ‘R. Elazar b. R. Shimon Would Apprehend Thieves …’ (Bava Metzia 83b)
Roi and Adan relayed the horrific happenings of October 7. As they spoke, they often had to stop and collect themselves. Their hands were shaking while recounting coming face to face with terrorists who were shooting at them. One could not help but feel as if you were there with them, hearts pounding, trying to escape death’s door.
The seasons and cycles of the Torah force us to constantly face the passing of time.
As with every question, the proper answer begins with "it depends."
Based on this, the Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 332:1) writes that if there are no Jewish poor in the area, there is no need to leave these matnos aniyim. Rema adds that, therefore, the common practice is not to leave these matnos aniyim, since mostly they will be taken by gentiles.
Indeed, He Honored His Father ‘They Were Hired To Irrigate, But The River Dried Up’ (Bava Metzia 76b-77a)
While these rituals may evoke strong emotions, they also raise important halachic questions regarding the propriety of adopting non-Jewish rituals.
What is not often noted is that the Talmud says that issuers of such insults are among the three categories of sinners who do not rise up from Gehinnom, even though this isn’t explicitly categorized as one of the 613 commandments, positive or negative (though it can be indirectly included in at least one of them).
There are specific prohibitions and damnations that befall one who mistreats an orphan. The verse (Shemos 22:21-23) states: You shall not ill-treat any widow or orphan. If you do mistreat them, I will heed their outcry as soon as they cry out to Me and My anger shall blaze forth and I will put you to the sword, and your own wives shall become widows and your children orphans.
Because we are so blessed with material comfort and convenience, we need to remember that growth and greatness only come with exertion, persistence, and effort. Discomfort and pain are often par for the course.
By Rabbi Shimshon HaKohen Nadel
The Chatam Sofer concludes that establishing a festival to mark a miraculous event is a biblical requirement, and one who does not do so is in violation of not performing a positive commandment (Teshuvot Chatam Sofer, YD 233).
Living in Israel one cannot forget the painful past since unfortunately we have constant reminders. The painful past is a part of our daily lives and not just a memory.
The Mishna (B.B. 83b) teaches that when the seller provides the buyer a different item than he ordered, the transaction is null and void, so that either party can retract, even if discovered much later, replied Rabbi Dayan.
He's A Communist! ‘He Who Calls Another Rasha’ (Bava Metzia 71a)
Hatzalah And Other First Responders ‘Your Life Takes Precedence …’ (Bava Metzia 62a)
It’s All In The Giving ‘… Five Laws Require a Minimum Peruta …’ (Bava Metzia 55a)
although Mr. Gross offered rental options for all of Pesach or per night; when Mr. Klein opted for the nightly rate and began the rental accordingly, that rate is binding. Thus, he owes $800 for the stay through Friday.
A person’s possession is not merely a thing, it is a means by which the world and he interact. Our possessions have an impact on us.
Most people will be surprised to learn that at one time a blessing was indeed recited before beginning the Haggadah. For some reason, however, the practice was discontinued.
Stevens reminds us that our children benefit from process-oriented praise, rather than outcome-oriented praise; in other words, to highlight the effort, rather than the results.
By Rabbi Shimshon HaKohen Nadel
According to Chazal, the Seder night is a night on which Hashem provides the Jewish people with additional spiritual protection. A night when we are unconcerned with harm. A night when we feel safe. This sense of safety and security finds expression in Jewish law and custom.
Pesach is not only the time to remember our initial redemption from Egypt, but it is also the time of redemption that will pave the way for our future redemption, which is the culmination of that initial redemption.
The Gemara (Gittin 29a; B.M. 29b) teaches that a person who borrows something may not lend it to others without the owner's permission, replied Rabbi Dayan. This applies even to a sefer Torah, despite the mitzvah involved (C.M. 342:1).
The Case Of The Conflicting Commitments ‘A Breach of Faith (Bava Metzia 49a)
Although today our matzot are thin and hard, they used to be made thick and soft, and this remains the custom of some Sephardim today.
Presumably, the Yerushalmi calls the mice wicked because instead of merely eating what they need to survive, they also invite their friends over to party.
Although the redemption happened over three thousand years ago, it has different meaning in every generation.
Since the beginning of the year we have been going thought so much pain and devastation. So much grief and lamentation. We have troubles from outside and troubles from within. G-d in heaven hear our cry. Master of the world, see our pain. Hashem, our Father save us.
One can say that eclipses could be different from all other created natural anomalies as a matter of Jewish law and are not covered by the general idea of a wonder such that a blessing should be made.
If a shadchan from one place went and made a shidduch elsewhere, his default fee is according to the place where he made the shidduch.
Ensnarement and Atonement: ‘The Only Proper Guarding of Coins Is in the Ground’ (Bava Metzia 42a)
I listen as one woman, Chaya, as she is being interviewed about her twin brother, Arnon. She describes how on October 7, her brother was not called up. He simply went to the Gaza border when he heard what had happened. ‘But you have no ammunition! You were not yet called!’ he was told.
Halacha is not “fact.” It is not one decision, but is determined by the Rabbi or Sanhedrin with human intellect to understand how to apply the will of G-d, as expressed by that mitzvah or halacha in a particular circumstance and time.
There are several reasons for the requirement to use mayim shelanu. According to some, the reason is that the wells and springs are warm in the springtime, and cold water must be used for baking the matzot.
When I asked my class why we give shalach manos on Purim, one of my students replied, So that our friend gives us back!
Those who are cleaning for Pesach must remember that preparation for Pesach is a mitzvah and that theme should always be portrayed so that their children will learn from their actions.
Today, in our generation there is so much confusion and promiscuity. So what do we think about when we want to prepare for such a holy holiday with so much meaning?
The book is worth more with M.F.'s autograph, insisted David. I got it autographed, so I should be able to keep the autographed copy! If you insist on getting your book back, at least pay me the added value of the book!
The Difficult Choice ‘His Father’s Lost Object and his Rebbi’s Lost Object…’ (Bava Metzia 33a)
In this column, I focus on one aspect of the war most commonly experienced by soldiers and other military service members, namely the perpetration of an act that, in the soldier’s perception, violates his moral code and inappropriately caused or contributed to the harm or death of an undeserving victim.
In her mind, all of her ancestors are swaying with her and she hears Baruch Levine singing harmony as she recites the timeless prayer for her children to be scholars and illuminators of the world. And in the middle of the spiritual euphoria (if she is lucky enough to get so far) she feels a tug on her leg. Mommy, can I have apple juice? Mommy, it’s not fair…
There is some fascinating research that seems to show that there is a social function for sarcasm, which actually can aid learning and creativity, notwithstanding the more frequent toxic effects of hostility and passive aggressiveness.
The Majority Rule “If The Majority Are Israelites…” (Bava Metzia 24a-b)
When you buy a raffle for another, even with your own money, you acquire it for him as his agent, replied Rabbi Dayan. All the more so if he asked you to lend him the money (C.M. 183:4; Divrei Chaim C.M. 2:21).
How many times do we stick to our guns because we are too proud to admit we are wrong, doubling down and doubling the damage?
Can one simultaneously discharge the mitzvot of mishlo'ach manot and matanot la'evyonim by giving a poor person a generous food package on Purim?
In honor of Purim, we open up the archives and bring to you some of the classic sheilos rabbanim have been asked this year…
As an aside, especially in our day and age, I think some careful thinking about one’s drinking is warranted. We live in a time of such excess and such abundance that unfortunately there are very many situations where people find themselves with serious drinking problems.
We are living in a generation when open miracles are not seen daily or at all. And yet our daily existence in this homeland is a natural miracle.
A Jew may not borrow money from another Jew at interest in order to lend it to a non-Jew at interest, replied Rabbi Dayan. If Shimon (the middleman) bears responsibility to Reuven, there is a lender-borrower relationship between them, so that ribbis is prohibited.
Stop, Thief ‘Are Identifying Marks Biblical or Rabbinic’ (Bava Metzia 18b)
By Rabbi Shimshon HaKohen Nadel
The Land of Israel is central to Torah observance. Hashem placed us on this land to fulfill His will.
According to Kabbalah, the spiritual effects of Haman's evil decree were never completely rescinded. As such, the purpose of the Fast of Esther is to eradicate any harmful effects of Haman's decree that may remain in the world.
Some may feel that doing loving things is enough, even if not verbally expressed. While it is a generosity of sorts, it can be maddening to the receiver who wants to feel more acknowledgement.
As Jews we understand that even after certain things become worn out, they maintain holiness, and must be disposed of properly.
The Piskei Teshuvot ruled that we can listen to music during Taanit Esther, which is generally discouraged on other fast days. This ruling indicates that Taanit Esther is not a sad day.
Women are so innocent and pure. They must be, they bring up the children of Hashem, they give love and attention physically and mentally to all the children of Israel.
There is a coin on the bimah, presumably from one of the tzedakah boxes, said Chaim. It's likely from the box for the shul, since it was near it, but I can't say for sure. What should I do with the coin?
The ‘False’ Rumor “If One Found Notes of Acquisition” (Bava Metzia 14a
One who writes his own Sefer Torah should never give that Sefer Torah away. This is because, according to some authorities, the mitzvah of writing a Sefer Torah also requires one to keep that Sefer Torah in one's possession forever.
By Rabbi Shimshon HaKohen Nadel
Historically, some challenged the permissibility of a modern aliyah, and later the validity in founding the State of Israel, based on the Three Oaths. They argued that we have no right to settle the Land of Israel before the arrival of the Mashiach; some even suggesting that the Holocaust was a punishment for re-settling the land prematurely.
If a deaf-mute and a fully rational person attempt to jointly acquire an object, neither ends up owning it. The deaf-mute cannot function as an agent for the rational person, so the rational person has no partner in acquisition.
How often in life do we think that if we only had that one more thing, then we would be truly happy and then we could really appreciate our blessings. It could be a new car, moving to a different neighborhood, having a little more money, a better boss, better employee, better behaved children, a shidduch, health, etc. That one missing commodity contains the key to our elusive happiness.
Today, IVF enables couples who, in the past, would not have been able to have children to become parents. This is an amazing blessing of our generation.
This woman of Israel. Have the fear and love of a Hashem in their heart, and in their soul. They shall be praised forever and ever.
When the lender instructs the borrower to return his item or money through someone else, replied Rabbi Dayan, the Rishonim derive from the Mishna (B.M. 98b) that the borrower is exempt if the messenger loses it.
The Split “…If There Are Witnesses They Divide Without an Oath” (Bava Metzia 2a)
Adar gives us a message of empowerment. Ani Dar – I live with you; Hashem speaks to us. No matter where we are in the world. No matter the time, the country, the generation. We must know that we are not here alone.
Rabbi Yochanan was sitting upon seven cushions. When he could not answer Rav Kahana’s questions, he removed a cushion from under himself to demonstrate that he was lowering himself out of respect.
While it may not be halachically forbidden for a bride to wear gloves at the chuppa, there are several reasons why it is frowned upon. One reason is that the custom of using a ring at the wedding ceremony is intended to represent the relationship, the bond, between the bride and groom.
By Rabbi Shimshon HaKohen Nadel
Rav Avraham Borenstein of Sochatchov explains that Rambam does indeed consider settling in the Land to be a Biblical mitzvah that applies at all times. However, like in other instances, the Rambam includes it within another, more general mitzvah (Avnei Nezer, Yoreh De’ah 454:5-6.)
The one thing I can say about the flu is that it is very loving and friendly. I don’t know anyone/anything else that can tolerate being around me without a break for over two weeks.
Truth be told, we should do our best to engage even those gentiles we encounter in our everyday course of life who unfortunately commit antisemitic acts, mostly out of ignorance.
We know that we're living for something higher. We know that there is a king and that is Hashem. We know that He's looking down on us all the time and He wants us to go in the right direction.
A thief is required to return the stolen item when it is intact. However, if it got ruined or changed significantly, the Mishna (B.K. 93b) teaches that the thief is required to pay the full value of the item, and he is left with the ruined item.
His Silence Is Deafening ‘One Seized it in Our Presence’ (Bava Metzia 6a)
It is said that greeting people with Shalom aleichem brings people closer together.6 As such, a man should not greet a woman with Shalom aleichem so that they do not become overly social with one another. According to this approach, there would be no problem for a man to greet a woman with good morning or how are you?
By Rabbi Shimshon HaKohen Nadel
While generally travel is prohibited on erev Shabbat, the Shulchan Aruch rules that if one is ascending to the land of Israel and his caravan is leaving on Friday, he may leave with them because of the mitzvah of dwelling in the land of Israel (Orach Chaim 248:4).
It was a very sweet and thoughtful gesture, and, thankfully I still have my teeth and was able to enjoy the cake.
For example, if you would normally buy an esrog for $100 and one year there are no esrogim available, if you were to give that $100 to charity, it would count as if you performed mitzvah of taking the esrog!
It is said that in Nissan we will be redeemed. It is also written that only with great joy can we be redeemed.
Most of the drivers drove carefully and obeyed traffic laws, honoring the traffic lights and giving right-of-way to pedestrians. However, he did see his fair share of poor driving and near-accidents, whether between cars or with pedestrians. He also witnessed several accidents.
The Burdensome Beast ‘He Put His Donkey on the Ferryboat’ (Bava Kamma 117b)
At the beginning of bentching we thank Hashem who sustains the entire world with goodness, grace, kindness and mercy. It’s something to think about.
What is the meaning of Man being made in G-d’s image? G-d has no body or form: You saw no form at Mount Sinai, only a voice (Devarim 4:12).
By Rabbi Shimshon HaKohen Nadel
According to the Ra’avad and Ramban, there is no Torah prohibition to fear. Instead, the Torah promises the soldier that he will not fear (see their comments to the Rambam’s Sefer HaMitzvot).
The halachic authorities are somewhat divided on the need to mention the name of a sick individual when praying for them. Several authorities rule that mentioning the name of someone when praying for them is optional.
Secular music with lyrics that are inappropriate due to heresy or lack of modesty is obviously not permitted. Otherwise, it’s not necessarily prohibited – just as secular wisdom is not prohibited merely because its source is not Jewish...
If the store allows returns, I don’t see the problem, replied Eli. If you want, you can ask Rabbi Dayan. I normally wouldn’t bother just to save $2, but I am interested in knowing the halacha, said Shimmy.
The Messenger Or The Message? ‘How Do We View This Agent?’ (Bava Kamma 104a)
At a recent shiur, I spoke of my bubby and her endless nights of tears. I asked that each of us take the time to feel the pain of the mothers, the fathers, the bubbies and zaydies who are waiting for their children to come home from this battle for the existence of our land, and of our people.
October 30, 2026 
