When Witnesses Have A Vested Interest
"Still, at the time of the loan and the subsequent meeting, both were associated with the institution," objected Mr. Gold.
Joy On Demand?
Throughout the year, many people feel they don’t belong – that they don’t measure up and therefore don’t deserve to be counted among certain other Jews.
Is It Proper…? Is It Proper To Have A Favorite Child?
Is It Proper To Have A Favorite Child?
Daf Yomi
Chametz On Shabbos Erev Pesach
(Pesachim 32a)
Should We Tell The Congregation Not To Speak Between Shofar Blasts?
In most congregations, the rabbi or other official makes an announcement immediately prior to the blowing of the shofar reminding the congregation that conversation is forbidden from this point onwards until the shofar blasts have been concluded.
Lag Ba’Omer At Meron
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.
Daf Yomi
Last Will and Testament
‘A Deathbed Request Is Considered Sealed And Delivered’
(Gitin 14b)
Can A Shul Impinge On Some By Adding An Additional Row?
When word got out to the congregants about the proposed plan, Mr. Ackerman, who sat by the break, objected to the plan.
Daf Yomi
A Woman Of Valor
Would That He [Only] Listen To Me…’
(Kesubos 63a)
Checking Clothes Before Shabbat
Question: The Talmud (Shabbat 12a) notes, “Rabbi Hanina said: One should examine one’s clothes on the eve of Shabbat before nightfall [to ensure that one is not carrying anything] for one may forget and go out [carrying]. Rav Yosef said this is an important law for Shabbat.”
You Say ‘Gashem,’ I Say ‘Geshem’
Question: In the Amidah, the phrase “Mashiv HaRuach” concludes in some siddurim with the words “umorid ha’geshem” (with a segol under the gimmel) and in other siddurim with the words “umorid ha’gashem” (with a kamatz under the gimmel). What is the practical difference between these two readings?
Bechor Boy
Indeed, the Torah requires redeeming the firstborn son (bechor), and also entitles him to a double portion in his father’s estate, but not in his mother’s, replied Rabbi Dayan (Y.D. 305:1; C.M. 277:1).
Money Found In Shul
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.
Daf Yomi
Reburial In Eretz Yisrael
‘If One Finds Three [Corpses]…This Is A Graveyard’?
(Nazir 64b-65a)
King In Search Of Crown
We must eat, sleep, work, and care for our dependants. How much time is left over after all that?
Beat The Heat
If we seek to live our lives based on our own abilities and means, we are very limited. However, if we live with the awareness that it’s Hashem’s world, and we are merely trying to play our part in the divine plan, then we tap into the infinitude of the divine.
Can You Take Advantage Of A Store’s Mistake?
When there is an apparent mistake, there is a mitzvah of hashavas aveidah to alert the store manager or staff to the error.
Opposing Claims And The Burden Of Proof
Indeed, if we were to view the two cases as one and view your supposed work for Reuven as payment of his loan, you could then demand an oath of Reuven; since he is unsure, he could not swear and collect.
The Purim Lottery Ticket Conundrum
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).
Daf Yomi
A Bride And Groom On Their Wedding Day
‘Except For The Day After Yom Kippur’
(Kerisos 25a)
Is it proper to disagree with one’s child’s Rebbe or Morah in front of...
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.
Is It Proper…? If a person believes that wearing a mask on a quiet...
If a person believes based on expert medical advice that wearing a mask on a quiet sidewalk is unnecessary, should he wear it anyways because of the chillul Hashem it will cause in some circles if he doesn’t? Does the answer depend on his motivation (convenience vs. making a political statement)?
Part of Barter
It’s not my fault that the Chofetz Chaim card was ruined; it’s your loss!
Daf Yomi
My Plate, My Food
‘My Loaf Is Forbidden To You’
(Nedarim 34b)
Can You Overcharge Someone?
The Gemara states that the rules of onaah apply only to movable items that have intrinsic value. This excludes real estate, which is not movable.
Daf Yomi
Worming Out Of This One!
“On the hem they made pomegranates…twisted scarlet wool”
(Yoma 71b)
Daf Yomi
Carrying At The Kotel
‘Sratya u’Platya’
(Eruvin 7a)
Anger Management: Avoid The Volcano
When the Chofetz Chaim felt the slightest tinge of anger welling up within him, he would excuse himself, walk away, and would talk to himself: “Yisroel Meir, why are you becoming angry? Calm yourself.”
When Drinking Wine Exempts Other Foods From Requiring A Bracha
Not only does wine exempt regular beverages from a blessing, it even exempts watery foods, such as certain yogurts and ice cream, from a blessing, as well.
Daf Yomi
The Face Of Holiness
‘Inscribed on the Tzitz HaZahav’
(Sukkah 5a)