יום חמישי, ט״ז אב תשפ״וThursday, July 30, 2026
Follow Us
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)
Consider the fact that when we pray, we are conversing with the Creator of the universe, the One who holds the key to life and death, the One who can grant our deepest desires. Shouldn’t we be even more focused and mindful during our prayer than during a job interview?
We always have to be striving to climb our personal Har Sinai – a climb to the peak which is not too overwhelming and daunting to the top.
Marriage is a mitzvah. But so is divorce. Marriage is a mitzvah we look forward to fulfilling. Divorce is one of the many mitzvos – like cities of refuge and eglah arufah – that we hope we’ll never have to deal with.
In order to preserve the child’s respect for the institution and its instructors, the parent must exhibit that respect in the child’s presence.
We are taught that addressing one's teachers by their first name is so severe an offense that the Talmud labels one who does so as an apikores – one who has distanced himself from Jewish norms.
We all have the same father, we all have the same goals and purpose, which is to serve the Almighty in the best way possible.
If I had my way, I'd redeem it tomorrow! responded Shimon. I'm simply not interested in being a partner in the bond!
A Wonder Worm “When The Temple Was Destroyed The Shamir…Ceased” (Sotah 48a-b)
Especially given our Western culture, it’s spiritually far healthier to get married in one’s early twenties, as most frum people today do. But then you’re stuck working in the opposite direction of the Torah’s formula! As a community, is there any way we can get back on track?
Rabbi Dovid Orlofsky notes that in the post-Holocaust years there was an unverbalized message conveyed to every child that he/she was vital to the Jewish cause. As a nation we had lost so much and had endured such utter devastation and destruction that every individual was crucial for our efforts to rebuild.
Some mistakenly believe that using a multi-wick candle is a requirement, citing the wording of the blessing Borei me’orei ha’eish (Who creates the lights of fire) as proof for this position.
Some students may thrive in a secular university because they may be called upon to take on leadership roles in a religious capacity, such as to help make the minyan or to arrange Torah study opportunities, when they might not be able do so in a Jewish college setting when there are already plenty of minyanim and Torah study opportunities.
I have been going to Meron for so many years, over 20 years on this special day, I cannot imagine this day anywhere else but by Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai's side. I felt hugged, I felt loved, I felt protected, and I felt like the heavens were opened wide to all my heart's desires.
Last year, when you made the bonfire, the smoke wafted heavily toward us, said Mr. Wasser. I found it quite intolerable!
The Impropriety Of Flattery “They Flattered King Agrippas” (Sotah 41b)
An individual who is miserly and jealous of others’ material prosperity will not truly want them to be blessed.
In the years before my mother left this world she said over and over –‘kinderlach, children… I know what I am seeing. I know what I am saying. The world is on fire and we are sleeping.
It is believed that one who donates this Chai Rottel quantity of refreshments will be blessed with all forms of miraculous salvation.
Bridges do not remove the massive abyss that separates two bodies of land, but rather create specific points of connection. In a similar vein, sometimes our disagreements with other people or groups are valid, and we may not have the authority to overlook or forgive those differences.
Such public entertainment is similar to what people do during the rest of the year and thus completely undermines, and even vitiates, the mourning of the omer period.
The demonstrations from the left-wing, have been challenging. The air was filled with tension and anxiety and hate.
The Burning of Kever Yosef “Alongside Shechem” (Sotah 32a)
I placed the printer in the apartment with intention that it should be Shimon's, said Reuven. He may have already acquired it! We are learning now in yeshiva about kinyan chatzer, acquisition through one's property.
Although one might think that a day of fasting and introspection would be in order for the yahrzeit of a tzaddik, as is the case regarding the yahrzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu, Lag Ba'Omer is uniquely different.
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 often pain, are par for the course.
It is clear that the prohibition obtains only when one dyes his hair to achieve the same result as women who dye their hair.
As we moved around the country to different locations, every section had its own beautiful way of celebrating on this special day. I was so proud. And felt so honored to be living here in the holy land of Israel.
If we have seats, and charge someone for using them for Shabbos, answered Sol, perhaps it's like we're charging rent for the seats for the Shabbos games!
Incurring Lashes? “On That Day Rabbi Akiva Expounded” (Sotah 27b)
Almost all contemporary halachic authorities rule that in our day, when sefarim are abundant and relatively inexpensive, it is permitted to ship or otherwise take sefarim out of Eretz Yisrael without exception.
There were some key phrases she used that resonated with me; quips such as, It’s a no brainer and Have your money do the work for you.
Dubai was so majestic and picturesque that it gave me clarity and strengthened my faith how royal I am as a Jew, and just how beautiful and wonderful the true and final Redemption will actually be.
A Special Syllabus ‘As One Who Is Exempt, But Nevertheless Does’ (Sotah 21a)
Judaism does not necessarily laud one who knows many facts. When the Torah refers to a chacham it refers to one who possesses a deep desire for knowledge.
The Stepfather In A Kesuba “He Was the Stepson of Kenaz” (Sotah 11b)
If the Jew accepts responsibility for the chametz – that of shomer sachar or, according to some, even that of a shomer chinam – he violates bal yimatzei (O.C. 440:1).
July 31, 2026 
