Halacha & Hashkafa

The Plucked Apple ‘…Which Cannot Become Permitted’ (Nedarim 58a)

"But I'm already dwelling in the apartment," said Mr. Gold. "Shouldn't that count? I'm no worse than a neighbor!"

Going Public ‘From A Wealthy Roman Lady’ (Nedarim 50a)

The combination of the severity of the punishment and the ease with which the prohibition may be forgotten require that the smallest amount of chametz – chametz bemashehu – be prohibited.

This Land Is ‘My’ Land ‘[If The Vow Was Imposed] In The Seventh Year…’ (Nedarim 42b)

If the sick person is thrust into a situation where he is compelled to face his sickness head on, we who are not yet sick can encourage him by facing it with him.

"Is there a difference between rescuing and other services?" asked Ploni.

Less clear, however, is whether the concept applies to the area of civil law such as the law of transfer of property.

My Plate, My Food ‘My Loaf Is Forbidden To You’ (Nedarim 34b)

"What difference does that make?" replied Shraga. "What counts is the agreement that we made. I said two hundred fifty and you accepted."

Not As An Asmachta? “An Asmachta [In Beis Din] Does Acquire” (Nedarim 27b)

"Is the invoice signed by the students?" asked the principal. "They said they didn't get the pizza."

Conversely, no part of the Land within the boundaries delineated in Numbers 34 may be relinquished for any purpose whatsoever.

Ulla’s Murderous Companion ‘Yes! Cut Him Even Deeper’ (Nedarim 22a)

Although it is true that the Final Redemption will be accelerated when all Jews repent and accept the rule of Torah, there is also another scenario for the Final Redemption.

"The answer depends on the terms of the purchase agreement and local customs," replied Rabbi Dayan.

An Enduring Text ‘If One Vows By The Torah...’ (Nedarim 14b)

"I wasn't really thinking," replied Levi. "Things in the backyard usually don't need watching. I also didn't expect you to be away so long. One thing is clear, though: I never accepted responsibility for the cake."

Should just a few communities settle the Land of Israel? Should there be a mass emigration of all Jews worldwide to Israel?

Why did so many of our great sages from the Rambam to Rabbi Moshe Feinstein live outside Israel?

Casting A Doubt ‘Shall We Say [They] Are Not Valid?’ (Nedarim 5a-7a)

"What do you mean?" asked the secretary. "We already issued a ruling and closed the case."

God and the divine origin of His Torah are facts even though we do not fully comprehend them.

The Honor Of Reading The Kesubah ‘Witnesses Sign Only After Reading…’ (Kesubos 109a)

Twice Promised “Such And Such [I Give My Son]…” (Kesubos 102b)

"A person who borrowed without a written loan document, even in the presence of witnesses, is believed with a heses – rabbinic – oath to say that he repaid,"

During the course of the year, though, political events in the Persian Gulf caused the cost of gasoline to rise. Prices climbed from $2.50 a gallon to $4.00.

Seller’s Remorse ‘He Sold Because He Ostensibly Needed The Funds’ (Ketubbot 97a)

"There is a diamond necklace that I wear on special occasions," Mrs. Miller told her husband. "It was recently appraised at $6,000. If need be, we can give that as collateral."

The Debt Lives On ‘The Orphans’ Mitzvah To Repay Their Father’s Debts’ (Ketubot 91b)