יום שישי, כ״א תשרי תשפ״זFriday, October 2, 2026
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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.
When the Mishna rules that visitors to a new place must continue to observe all the restrictions that are normally observed in their hometown, it only refers to customs that are or can be practiced in the new location by the residents of that place.
To avoid potential violation, when a person commits to give ma’aser kesafim or designates money for tzedaka, poskim recommend that he stipulate to distribute it slowly or that the money not be considered tzedaka until he is ready to give it.
Polite And Respectful “It Is Audacious to Appoint One’s Father a Shaliach” (Kiddushin 45b)
There is much good that we do with our cell phones, and they help us in so many ways. But how often do we take them out to look at them during davening in shul, during family meal times, or at any time when we are conversing with another person?
The long lines and rushed atmosphere typical of erev Yom Kippur Kapparot gatherings frequently lead to invalid slaughter and render the chickens, which are later distributed to the poor, as non-kosher.
To be honest, even wearing running shoes which many of us, myself included, do on Yom Kippur often feels a bit strange to me.
When someone buys something for a price stated in the local currency but pays later in a different currency, replied Rabbi Dayan, the exchange rate is determined by the time of payment.
A Year And A Day ‘Hashem ... Completes the Years of the Righteous' (Kiddushin 38a)
As a child I was sure that it was our saying of tashlich that caused the East River to be so murky and polluted. After all, the river contained all of the discarded sins of all of Manhattan on one side, and all of Brooklyn and Queens on the other.
It is also explained that performing Tashlich alongside a body of water is intended to recall that kings were historically inaugurated alongside a body of water.
In general, the simanim are not magical entities whose consumption on Rosh Hashana automatically transforms a sinner into a penitent. Rather, these foods are reminders of the kedushat hayom, the unique holiness of Rosh Hashana that reflects the Heavenly judgment that is the essence of the holiday.
The yearning for the redemption is so deep inside of us all, and the hardships and tragedies from all the year's gone by are so great to carry, that we simply have no strength left for punishment.
It was nice of your neighbor to allow you use of the alley, responded Mr. Stein, but did you ever buy the rights to that strip of property?
Both Rise To The Occasion ‘What if his son is his teacher?’ (Kiddushin 33b)
We who can bring Shabbos in each week with ease. We who have the opportunity to bring the light of Shabbos into our homes, to welcome the malachei shalom to our tables, to bless our children and plug into the menucha that Shabbos brings – how do we welcome the Shabbos Malka?
We have all experienced the frustration of not following through on our goals, and feeling we are right back where we started. But hopefully we have also experienced some modicum of success and self-improvement. Wherein lies the difference?
It is suggested that unmarried girls stopped lighting Shabbat candles because it was difficult and costly to get candles during and even between the two world wars. With this disruption the custom was lost, and unfortunately not reignited in the New World.
To be brief, the overwhelming rabbinic opinion presented is that one should only say Selichot after Chazot or in the early morning hours before davening.
Throughout history there have been great leaders and great rabbis who passed on to us the beautiful ways of life. Through these leaders we've been able to seek higher levels in worshiping Hashem and simply higher spiritual levels.
Moshe’s Request ‘I Love My Master, My Wife, My Children …' (Kiddushin 22a)
If the seller knew the buyer's intent to move, the seller is responsible for returning the merchandise. If not, the buyer is responsible for returning defective merchandise when he could have checked before distancing it, but seemingly not for mistaken merchandise.
It was the greatest gift I personally received then, because it was something that I really wanted/needed and was not able to take care of myself. Had he asked me if he should do it for me, I undoubtedly would have told him not to, not wanting to bother him so much.
Nevertheless, there are authorities who justify leaving Eretz Yisrael for the Uman pilgrimage and other similar trips, arguing that doing so can be no worse than leaving Eretz Yisrael for business purposes, which is permitted.
Ultimately, it is through knowledge of and dedication to the truth that we draw closer to Hashem.
It’s In The Will ‘A Non-Jew Receives His Father’s Estate’ (Kiddushin 17b)
Every appointment every week was anxiety provoking. It was like having Yom Kippur constantly.
If one is confronted with many charities that one does not know, it behooves the giver to first find out if the charity is authentic.
She Ate Unwittingly ‘If She Married A Kohen She Eats Teruma’ (Kiddushin 10b)
The mitzvos associated with prompt payment apply to a Jewish employee, although a non-Jewish employee should also be paid according to his contractual terms.
We often speak about having emunah peshuta – ‘simple faith,’ or some might say blind faith, in G-d. The truth is that we are not charged to merely believe. We are charged to develop faith that stems from knowing the truth in our hearts.
Filling In The Blanks ‘Esrog Similar To a Tree in Three Ways…’ (Kiddushin 2b-3a)
We face challenges with technology, social media, and a culture devoid of values. At the same time, we are trying to build character and instill middos and derech eretz within our children.
On some level, we remain skeptical and don’t really believe it. We maintain this inner feeling that we would be different. If only we made it big and had it all we would defy the statistics of high rates of depression, empty lives, and broken homes.
My wife and I used to say that winning a $100,000 lottery would be a real bracha if no one, and I mean no one, knew about it. If one person found out about it, it wouldn’t be worth it.
Excluding The Excluded ‘You Are Permitted To Any Man But My Father …’ (Gittin 85a)
The measure of greatness is not when one performs when he's at his best, but how much he is able to produce when his resistance is low and he's not feeling his best.
He turned around and saw a huge wave heading quickly towards him. Before he knew it, the wave hit the beach and crashed against the shore, spreading up the sand sixty feet. It saturated the towel and unfurled it, sopping the phones with seawater.
Deliberate Humiliation “Take Care of My Father” (Gittin 75b)
In thanking Hashem for preparing the steps of man, we are essentially admitting and thanking G-d for running our lives according to His Master Plan.
One who accepts tzedakah should not spend money on things that are considered unnecessary luxuries. However, if the things one spends money on are considered normal expenditures in the society one lives in, then it is ok.
A transaction made initially in error is void, replied Rabbi Dayan. However, this does not apply here, since when Mr. Joseph gave the tickets, the concert was still planned as scheduled.
Viewing Competency “A Deaf Person Able to Speak” (Gittin 71a)
Why, if we have so many masterful presentations which resonate so deeply and create such a deep impression, do we seem to struggle so much with the very issues these videos are targeting?
Shlomo looked at his watch. It was already late afternoon; he wouldn't have time to go to the garage and get back to shul for Mincha. On the other hand, he knew that there was a mitzvah to pay wages promptly, on that day, and a prohibition – bal talin – to delay payment.
Completing An Assignment ‘A Get May Be Written And Given Even One Hundred Times’ (Gittin 63b)
One of the more painful components of having struggling children is that the families often feel judged and at a loss of how to properly relate to and with their precious child. The feeling that they are not alone and there are others who can listen and commiserate is invaluable.
Of course, having slick professional lawyers attempt to outwit one another in court is not the Torah way. Nevertheless, we still find a halachic mandate to seek to exonerate the accused if any doubt exists as to his or her guilt.
If the Singers share a single account, Mr. Cooper could certainly offset his obligation to Mrs. Singer with Mr. Singer's debt to him. It is pointless to pay $600 to the joint account, and then withdraw $600 from it.
In The Aftermath Of The Betar Massacre ‘Forty Se’ah Of Phylactery Casings Were Found…’ (Gittin 57b-58a)
Unconditional love means that you are my cherished neshamala. You are a gift to me from Above.
We want our children to be deeply attached to our traditions, our family’s values and ideals. We also want them to grow into strong, healthy human beings who will live as responsible adults.
Even if she earns more than the required amount, the husband is entitled to the extra earnings in lieu of the additional money that he provides her for personal expenses, beyond her basic sustenance of food, shelter, and clothing (E.H. 70:3).
Splitting Grains? “Mixed Untithed Produce” (Gittin 47b)
It is a completely secular holiday... As such, it is acclaimed as a joyous day by those who reside in and appreciate the advantages of this land regardless of the religious or other belief system to which they may subscribe.
Suddenly, a ferocious-looking dog ran towards him, barking menacingly. Yitzi dodged as the dog grabbed one of the balls and ran off.
A Public Figure’s Commitment ‘A Matter That Does Not Yet Exist' (Gittin 42b)
Remarkably, its shira is Hodu laHashem kir’u b’shemo – Praise Hashem, call out in His name. I don’t know of any other animal’s shira that seems more directly connected to the recitation of brachos.
In truth, the way I translated the first clause in Moses’ defense against Korach’s campaign actually follows the explanation of Rashi and Targum Onkelos, who explain the word echad as referring to one of the people, as in Moses did not even repossess a donkey from even one Jew.
It is interesting to note that one is only truly required to address one's rav muvhak with a title while all other rabbis can theoretically be referred to by their first name.
It is very difficult to provide anything more than general guidelines regarding when one should take sides in a family fight.
I wanted to tell you, though, that I misread the price list. $28 was the line above, but this sefer is actually $31, so you owe another $3, said Yehuda. You can't change the price now, objected Shlomo. I already gave my cousin the sefer!
A Signature Dispute ‘Signing… for Tikkun Olam’ (Gittin 34b)
It depends what type of politics is being discussed. If it is politics that has a direct effect on Jewish interests and has therefore Torah issues involved, then as the Chofetz Chaim was reported to say Hashem also has His politics.
Most Ashkenazic authorities rule leniently in case of need. This is especially true with today’s high-quality household appliances that make very little noise and often cannot even be heard in an adjacent room.
I now opened my eyes that were wet with tears of the past, the present, and the future and saw how beautiful Hashem's world is and how perfect the cycles of life are. How little of the circle we see at a time.
But you lent me the money, and, in the end, it was never returned to you, insisted Levi. I don't want you to be out the money. But it's also not fair to make you pay double, replied Menachem. I took the risk, so it's my loss.
Presumption Of Life? ‘The Husband Was Elderly or Ailing...’ (Gittin 28a)
More recent halachic authorities, however, recognize that hats and jackets are no longer a component of standard dress, especially in warmer climates.
It could well be that their goal in visiting the zoo was not (only) for simple entertainment or leisure, but to be able there to marvel at the wondrous creation of Hashem’s world.
For best result, ensure plenty of good consistency.
Mr. Berger is considered a shomer chinam since he has no gain, even incidental, from guarding the calculator.
Painting Tefillin Straps Black “He May Go Over the Letters With a Pen” (Gittin 20a)
In front of me the story of Am Yisrael came alive. The world may proclaim our end but here we are. One must only kindle the flame. The spark is never extinguished.
It is noted that in past generations there were very few individuals who had semicha, let alone were practicing rabbis, while today everyone seems to have semicha.
The more complicated question is whether we should give our children a smartphone at all or at a young age.
When it comes to both parenting and teaching, we don’t like to watch children make mistakes. We also don’t like having to take the time and energy to enforce the consequences of those mistakes.
At the time of Megillas Rus, the Yovel – Jubilee year – was in force, replied Rabbi Dayan. If a person sold a field that was his sedei achuza – ancestral heritage from when the Land of Israel was first divided – it would return to him in Yovel.
Last Will And Testament “A Deathbed Request Is As Sealed And Delivered” (Gitin 14b)
If a person is wealthy enough to own a field, why would he think that he would be able to keep the corner of the field, which is designated for poor people? Presumably, he would be excluded from the corner of any field, let alone his own!
During the years when the commercial was popular, my Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Berel Wein, quipped, What can you expect from a generation whose slogan is to ‘Be like Mike’?
The popularity and interest in pursuing semicha studies has surged in recent years, and there is even a widespread practice for men to make an effort to receive semicha before marriage. This is true even if one has no intention of serving professionally as a rabbi.
Since the minhag of Klal Yisrael has been to stay up all Shavuos night and learn Torah in preparation for our yearly reacceptance of the Torah, it is definitely proper to fulfill the minhag.
Mr. Eisner arranged to meet with Rabbi Dayan. He showed him the terms-of-use agreement and asked: Are these terms acceptable and binding according to halacha? Do the borrowers need to sign?
Repulsive And Disgraceful “The Holy One … Does Not Cause Mishaps To The Righteous” (Gittin 7a)
October 2, 2026 
