יום חמישי, כ״א אלול תשפ״וThursday, September 3, 2026
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Rabbi Akiva said: For what reason did the Torah say that a thief who slaughtered or sold a stolen animal pays the fourfold or fivefold payment? It is because he has become entrenched in sin by slaughtering or selling the animal he stole.
I hear my mother’s voice, in the final years of her life, that she sees her childhood visions haunting her. The world is on fire and we are sleeping, she would insist over and over again.
It is explained that each child was taught his specific verse because it began and ended with the first and last letters of his Hebrew name.
To answer the question, we need to look at the opposite end of the spectrum and ask if we Americans are too sensitive and wimpy.
Many talmidei chachamim do not observe the strict view on Chalav Yisrael, and one has a right to be lenient if he wishes to be
Between the words that are written in the Torah we must hear the voice of Hashem calling each and every one of us in our time.
Rashba (1:1028) maintains that the estate is liable for the duration of the rental term, unless the lease allows early termination, because a rental is like a sale for that period.
Suffer The Thief ‘One Stole And Another Stole It From Him …’ (Bava Kamma 68a)
By Rabbi Shimshon HaKohen Nadel
Due to the many doubts surrounding where and when this blessing should be said, many authorities rule that the blessing should not be said B'shem U'malchut - with Hashem's name.
One of the reasons we eat elaborate meals on Shabbat is based on the Talmudic teaching that anyone who partakes of delights in honor of Shabbat will be blessed with all his heart’s desires.
Just as our ancestors didn’t want to hearken to the prophet’s message then, so do many of us not pay much attention to the words of the Prophets in our time.
Regardless of the rationale for how the covenant would be originally binding, the Gemara relates that the Jews fully accepted the Torah after the miracle of Purim.
Even though I don’t believe that a technical halachic problem exists by admiring these seasonal lights, I would hope that an admiration for this display does not compare to the excitement that we have for Jewish holidays and all of the beautiful customs and decorations associated with them.
There was silence in the room, as she opened her mouth and recited,; Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokainu Hashem Echad. There wasn't an eye in the room that was left dry. To recite that phrase for the first time as a Jewish soul is the most incredible feeling one can ever imagine.
But why should we need a heter iska? asked Yaakov. I’m just covering what you pay to the bank.
A Tale Of Two Cities ‘… The Destructive Force Does Not Distinguish Between the Good and the Evil’ (Bava Kamma 60a)
Often when a relationship heads into a downward spiral, each will feel the other somehow started, and they are only reacting. While this might be technically true, it also could be that the other may have unwittingly caused hurt or distance first.
Belief in Hashem does not exonerate one from personal responsibility. It does not give one license to say, ‘well this is what was supposed to happen, and it’s not my fault.’ In fact, the very opposite is true.
By Rabbi Shimshon HaKohen Nadel
The Mishna Berurah (Orach Chaim 14:4) rules that ideally a minor may not tie tzitzit for an adult, as tzitzit must be tied with express intent for the sake of the mitzvah and a minor may not have the proper intent.
Believe it or not, the main purpose of the neshama yeteira is to facilitate the consumption of the many gastronomic treats and pleasures that are characteristic of Shabbat without being harmed by the excessive intake.
There is some merit to the argument that New Year’s Eve is no longer a religious holiday, despite its pagan and Gentile origins.
All this war is to ensure our safety in the land of Israel. This power that our soldiers possess, is the power that Yaakov passed on to his children when he did not reveal the future.
But I’m in possession of the money, Mr. Simon insisted, and your document doesn’t indicate anything.
Who Permitted Eating Turkey? ‘Geese And Wild Geese Are Forbidden Together’ (Bava Kamma 55a)
The Hebrew word chamor stems from the root, chomer, which means material matter. The Egyptian is a slave to his desires and thus servitude and chomer are metaphysically equivalent.
There are a number of reasons why one should not go around barefoot. One of the reasons is that this is considered to be immodest and undignified.
By Rabbi Shimshon HaKohen Nadel
A fascinating footnote to Israeli History: Prime Minister Menachem Begin would seek to move Yom HaShoah to Tisha B'Av following his meeting with Rav Soloveitchik in 1977.
In our house we stopped serving leftovers. It just wasn’t worth the battle. So now when our children ask on Monday what’s for supper? the answer is Shabbos delicacies! True, the foods may be the same as what graced our Shabbos table, but they aren’t leftovers; now they are delicacies!
It should be noted, though, that even when giving a gift to non-Jews is permitted, there is an additional concern with giving it on his or her holiday.
So many precious lives have already been taken from us and we do not know when this period will pass. Everything passes however. When one is in the middle of something terrible it is so hard to see the light that will eventually come.
I don’t think it’s a problem, said the secretary. Each person is probably happy to eat what he or she is used to. If I order everything kosher, it will come out $100 to $200 more.
Staying Alive Underwater ‘She Has Already Ascended’ (Bava Kamma 50a)
The original psychology that began with Freud’s work came from a western medical model, focusing on the symptoms, disorder and pathology.
By Rabbi Shimshon HaKohen Nadel
As a conditional get is shrouded in controversy, many poskim preferred instead a conventional get.
A mourner whose hair grows long as a result of the prohibition against taking a haircut, or one who decides to become a nazir, is excused from any halachic concerns related to long hair or chatzitza.
In light of the war in Israel and antisemitism rising worldwide, we must make every effort to broadcast our Judaism proudly in the public square and to communicate to the world at large that we will not be intimidated into hiding our religion or religious practices.
During these times we have the ability, the power, and the energy to see and merit the miracles that Hashem did back then during the miraculous stories of the Maccabees, unto our very days today.
Even if I said then that it would be okay, that was to placate you, so long as it didn’t make a difference, but it doesn’t grant you rights beyond the contract when I need you at 9.
Honoring A Father’s Wishes ‘ He shall give it to whom he has trespassed.’ (Bava Kamma 40b)
By Rabbi Shimshon HaKohen Nadel
Unfortunately today we find ourselves embroiled in a milchemet mitzvah, a national security situation which threatens our very existence and demands everyone’s participation.
One excellent way to combat cognitive bias in relationship communication is to constantly work on not jumping to conclusions. No matter what we think we hear, or what we believe we know, we should be careful to ask for clarification before reacting.
The rules of the dreidel game require each player to contribute some coins to a central fund, the proceeds of which are used to pay out the winners.
To be honest there were many Shabbos mornings when I fell back to sleep without saying Kerias Shema, but it made a deep impression on me. Now, years later, I still try to be particular to say Shema before the earlier time.
As we read the book of Bereshit week after week, we see how to the naked eye it seems like things just got worse from chapter to chapter. Yet all the harsh events that befall the Jewish people, especially Joseph, we're all sent forth just to save Jacob and his family, and later the entire Jewish people.
During the night, there was a thunderstorm. Strong winds broke a large branch off a tree nearby. The branch fell on Ari’s car, damaging it significantly and breaking a car seat.
A Matter Of Anticipation ‘A Stone Flew From His Hand, And Another Put Out His Head from A Window …’ (Bava Kamma 33a)
We know that we are entering the final stages of ikvesa d’Meshicha – the footsteps of Mashiach. How long it will last we cannot know.
By Rabbi Shimshon HaKohen Nadel
A report issued after Protective Edge by high-level military officials, including top generals from the U.S. and Europe, found that Israel’s conduct in the 2014 Gaza Conflict met and in some respects exceeded the highest standards we set for our own nations’ militaries.
One might wonder, why is it all worth it? Why work to attain a higher intellectual or spiritual level if it incurs greater liability.
Even the one honored with lighting the menorah in the synagogue is required to light the menorah again at home, as the mitzvah of lighting the Chanuka menorah is discharged only when performed in one's home.
The Italians enjoy their pasta, the Eskimos live in the snow, and we thrive with prayer!
Though we are motivated to be proud of our country Israel, on a personal level when it involves one’s family it is best to be safe and not invite danger in displaying the Israeli flag outside one’s home.
We cannot ignore the fact that everything is coming from the Torah at the exact time. The Torah teaches us where to look for guidance, support and anything we need.
Even though you told me to repay Moshe, argued Mr. Stern, essentially, I owe you. Giving to your son is in lieu of giving to you. If you're willing to forgo, why do we need to involve Moshe?
Taking The Law Into One’s Own Hands ‘Break His Teeth And Tell Him I Am Taking Mine’ (Bava Kamma 27b)
Carl Jung once remarked that our ability to influence others correlates with their perception of our openness to being influenced by them.
By Rabbi Shimshon HaKohen Nadel
For the families of the 240 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza – desperately waiting for their return – no price is too high, no demand too great, to get their loved ones back. But this question is far from simple, and the subject of much discussion and debate among contemporary poskim.
Isn’t that the story of our lives? Aren’t we always thinking that just around the next bend is the key to happiness?
A widespread custom is to avoid using a metallic mezuzah case. This is because metal represents the sword and the shortening of life, while a mezuzah represents mitzvot and the lengthening of life.
Although Eretz Yisrael finds itself in the midst of a war, most places there do not rise to the level of a makom sakana.
As Jewish people we must hug, love and support the families that are grieving and be strong and powerful to keep on moving forward towards destroying the enemy and evil that surrounds us from all corner.
Is It Trespass? ‘Reuven Didn't Benefit and Shimon Didn't Lose’ (Bava Kamma 20a)
When settling with the sister so that she should not claim her share, presumably the full burden should be on the bechor, because she could claim only the additional share of the bechor.
The permissibility of a ben pakua is derived from the words ba’beheima ota tocheilu, which teach that anything found inside a properly slaughtered animal is also permitted to be eaten, including another animal.
We are given a phone line, an address to turn to whenever we need help – it’s the power of prayer, the siddur, and Tehillim. If we fail to take advantage of that ability, it’s our own foolishness.
While individuals retain the autonomy to determine their actions, there is a hope that people will consider the gravity of the situation and allow their moral compass to guide their decisions.
Mishneh L’melech understands that also regarding a purchase from a non-Jew, both parties can retract until the document is written because there isn’t full intent for purchase without the document.
Limited Liability “It Excludes An Ox Which Gored…” (Baba Kamma 13b)
Several authorities rule that one who finishes the Shemoneh Esrei of Mincha after sunset should not recite Tachanun, as Tachanun should not be recited at night.
This war is not about territory. It is not about land. It is about our future and the future of our children. The very breath of every Jew who walks this planet.
A light fixture will only give off light if a compatible bulb is inserted into it. The inner light of any person, especially a child, will only shine if a compatible approach is employed.
It is not up to you to necessarily change the view of a person if the result could be deleterious to you – and perhaps even place you in danger.
If you can withdraw other money from an ATM, even if it will take time to go there, you are required to give the loan, like other mitzvos of chesed that are required even if they take some time (see C.M. 265:1; 272:6; Ahavas Chesed 1:12).
Is It A Penalty? ‘Why [Did R. Oshaia] Not Deal With False Evidence?’ (Bava Kamma 5a)
I have an ongoing debate with my Brooklyn friends. They claim Monsey is too quiet and boring; I claim it’s far more beautiful and quainter. They say I can keep the quiet beauty and they’ll keep their restaurants and all the action. I agree.
Why is it that we only modify the conclusion of the blessing when drinking wine or eating fruits that originated in Eretz Yisrael? Why isn’t it also modified when eating mezonot products that originate from Eretz Yisrael?
While it is true that there are halachos governing the giving of tzedakah and some tzedakos take precedence over others, for the most part where one chooses to give is a personal choice.
I remember so clearly when thousands of Jews were chased out of Gush Katif in the Gaza Strip so many years ago. How much they warned and begged and pleaded that moving the Jews from the Gaza Strip would lead to bloodshed, but to no avail.
When someone damages other people’s property while trying to save lives, is he liable for the financial damage to the property?
A Ruling Too Novel? “One Who Ate Nevelah On Yom Kippur Is Exempt” (Kiddushin 77b)
Rav Moshe Feinstein concludes that civil marriage, and by extension, a couple who choose to live together, is not halachically binding. He argues that the fact that a couple chose to forgo a Jewish ceremony demonstrates that they have no desire to be married according to Jewish law.
More important than all the physical succos that we construct and dismantle each year, are the spiritual structures that we construct.
The situation for Jews world over is fraught with danger, and leaving Israel to England or the U.S. does not necessarily afford one greater safety.
We are Jews and history is constantly repeating itself to help us improve ourselves, and to help us grow and learn from our mistakes. Hashem is always merciful and is always takings care of us.
Some explain this mitzvah as rooted in the need to spare the animal suffering; others explain it as rooted in the need to help a fellow Jew in distress.
In Spite Of Unintended Consequences “There Is Birtha di’Satya In Babylon.” (Kiddushin 72a)
Some argue that the Torah reading is intended to parallel and recall the giving of the Torah. According to this approach, just as the entire nation stood when the Torah was given at Mount Sinai, one should likewise stand when the Torah is read in the synagogue.
Unfortunately, however, like other things, when such behavior is overdone and it becomes compulsive and obsessive, it is generally no longer good.
On the one hand we see how true this verse really is the strongest army in the world, the best technology, the best soldiers, and yet so many slaughtered and sent to their death so brutally.
The Recanted Testimony ‘A Solitary Witness Said To Him’ (Kiddushin 65b)
Mr. Blum arranged the wire transfer. When he checked the bank statement a few days later, though, he noticed that no fee had been charged. He notified Mr. Leiner.
The beautiful Yomim Tovim of Tishrei have awakened us from our spiritual slumber and reenergized us. Now our job is to make sure we don’t fall back to sleep.
Adon Olam is said to have been authored by Shlomo ibn Gabirol, and it made its way into the siddur sometime in the fifteenth century.
What was once considered reprehensible or considered out of bounds even one generation ago, today passes as normal civility, even though it is not normal, or civil.
One of the greatest impediments to change is believing that one cannot change.
You Are That Man! ‘A Poor Man Looking For A Griddlecake…’ (Kiddushin 59a)
I remember now that one of the beams broke last year, Mr. Baum replied. Our sukkos were placed next to each other; one of my boys must have mistakenly taken a beam of yours.
The Snatched Zuz ‘None Pay Regard To R. Shimon’s Dictum …’ (Kiddushin 52b)
If the wire is frayed the connection is faulty and that spiritual power will not ignite within our souls.
September 4, 2026 
