Halacha & Hashkafa

The Recanted Testimony ‘A Solitary Witness Said To Him’ (Kiddushin 65b)

The parents, by straining the tolerance of their children to the breaking point, pushed them to the brink of disrespect.

The 'Mouse' that roars...

You Are That Man! ‘A Poor Man Looking For A Griddlecake…’ (Kiddushin 59a)

When performing the duties of kibbud av va'aim in front of one’s parents, one should do so with a smile, not begrudgingly.

The Snatched Zuz ‘None Pay Regard To R. Shimon’s Dictum …’ (Kiddushin 52b)

"But doesn't a person's property acquire for him, even without his awareness?" asked Mr. Laufer. "Since the chametz is sitting in my house, wouldn't I acquire it automatically?"

The first and perhaps broadest permitted category is known as “Tzorach HaMoed,” meaning work that enhances the joy of Chol HaMoed.

Jews of the exile cannot truly understand Passover, a festival of national faith, of a free people returning from exile to their home.

Polite And Respectful ‘It Is Audacious To Appoint One’s Father A Shliacht’ (Kiddushin 45b)

Since this action is for the other person's clear benefit, you are considered a 'self-appointed' agent.

A Year And A Day ‘Hashem...Completes The Years Of The Righteous’ (Kiddushin 38a)

"Preventing loss is also included in the mitzvah of hashavas aveidah," answered Rabbi Dayan.

"I found the loan document," Mr. Naiman notified Mr. Shuker. "You clearly lied in beis din and owe the full amount that I claimed!"

Both Rise To The Occasion ‘What If His Son Is His Teacher?’ (Kiddushin 33b)

The laws of shechita and tzaar ba’alei chayim were meant for Jewish communities who would eat meat occasionally, not for the huge industry we have today

Moshe’s Request ‘I Love My Master, My Wife, My Children…’ (Kiddushin 22a)

"What was that?!" exclaimed the surprised patron, Mr. Jacobs. "There goes my lunch!"

The Jews of Hevron sanctify His Name daily by living in the resting place of our holy Forefathers, sacrificing their own comfort for the greater good of the Nation

It’s In The Will ‘A Non-Jew Receives His Father’s Estate’ (Kiddushin 17b)

After a year of being on his best behavior, Chaim asked his father if he would be willing to cancel the stipulations. "I walk around nervous thinking that if I slip on the conditions I lose the car," he said.

She Ate Unwittingly ‘If She Married A Kohen She Eats Terumah’ (Kiddushin 10b)

"But when you buy two items, each one costs less," reasoned Mrs. Simcha. "How can you say that Mr. Sasson's was full cost and ours half-price?!"

According to the Shach, the prohibition against erka’ot akum does not apply when Jewish litigants agree to litigate in front of a named non-Jewish judge.

The quality of our prayers may have to take precedence over quantity, some may no longer work for us

Filling In The Blanks ‘Esrog Similar To A Tree In Three Ways…’ (Kiddushin 2b-3a)

"Similarly, aside from the amount that is certain, you don't know whether anything more was put in the container." (C.M. 75:9)

A Gavra Rabba, an extraordinarily great person, is one who reduces the pain of fellow human beings!

Excluding The Excluded ‘You Are Permitted To Any Man But My Father…’ (Gittin 85a)

"The value of silver, in comparison to other items, has dropped precipitously in the past few centuries," replied Rabbi Dayan.