Attitudes Of The Rich And Successful
This discussion touches on a fundamental question: Are individuals truly self-made, or does familial and social support often play a role in their success?
Daf Yomi Election Day Has Messages To Satisfy All Voters
Specifically, the daf discusses inheritance rights, and we are not talking about what kind of economy a presidential candidate inherited, but simply a question of inheritance of a private estate.
A Little Sweeter
We didn’t think much about it, and, in fact, we wouldn’t have even noticed that he didn’t bring anything. But then on Sunday night we discovered many candy wrappers on the floor and an empty platter on the floor in Shalom’s room.
Is It Proper To Use Legal Loopholes To Pay Less In Taxes?
From a halachic and ethical perspective, it is appropriate to use legal methods to reduce tax obligations. If the government considers a certain tax deduction or credit inappropriate, it has the authority to amend or eliminate it.
Deceased’s IOU
Shulchan Aruch rules that a borrower is believed that he repaid an IOU, even if the lender still holds it, unless the IOU includes a clause granting credibility to the lender that it was not repaid (ne’emanus), replied Rabbi Dayan.
Daf Yomi
What Pidyon Haben? ‘To Me, Daughters Are Dearer Than Sons’ (Bava Basra 141a)
Hold Onto Your Family
I believe that if we take just one life lesson from this tragedy we have the ability to infuse purpose into the pain. We can see glimmers of light that shine through the shards of glass that cut into the very heart of our nation.
The Messiah Is Not Late – He Is Right On Time
If we accumulate extraordinary merit, Mashiach will come before the destined time. Without such merit, at the appointed time Hashem will bring events that stir us to repent.
Around The Corner
The words that the mesaymim (one making the siyum) recites beautifully laud the greatness of Torah and our privilege in meriting to study its timeless wisdom.
Broken Fan
The fan was fine, Mr. Green told Mr. Abrams the following day. It just needed a new plug.
Then I’d like the fan back, said Mr. Abrams. I disposed of it because I thought the motor went. It was in error.
Daf Yomi
A Dramatic Change
‘Where His Son Traveled Overseas…’
(Bava Basra 132a)
Daf Yomi And “Weapons” Of War
In discussing the swords, the bows, and the arrows, we may also note that the only time we read of Jacob actually fighting in the Torah, in any depth or detail, he was fighting an angel, and with no weapon at all.
A Spitting Image Of The Father
Ever since I first learned this Rashi (in third grade), I’ve been troubled by the apparent illogic of Yaakov’s argument. After all, if Yaakov's claim were valid in the legal sense, then by that reasoning, every firstborn twin should lose his rights to the second-born twin.
Daf Yomi
Who’s On First?
‘Who Is Considered A Firstborn?’
(Bava Basra 126b)
The Beginning
It is the beginning – not only of our annual Torah reading which we recommenced with Bereishis – but the beginning of our efforts to effect lasting changes. It is the beginning of an opportunity to really make this the year we truly hope it will be.
Damaged Esrog
If the person decides not to buy the item, some consider him henceforth a shomer sachar, liable also for theft, like a borrower after the time, while others consider him a shomer chinam, liable only for negligence, since it turned out that he had no benefit (Sma 200:31).
Daf Yomi
Priorities
‘According To Their Wisdom And Their Age’
(Bava Basra 120a)
Lulav & Children
One must not give one’s lulav to a child, even one’s own child, to shake on the first day of Sukkot. This is because according to Torah law, a child is able to acquire ownership of something (in this case, the lulav), but is not able to transfer ownership to someone else.
Does Redemption Hinge On Repentance?
Rabbi Yoshiya, who holds that Eretz Yisrael was divided among those who left Egypt, is of the opinion that the Jews merited the land of Israel as a result of the increased suffering in Egypt.
Un-Handy
I am always intrigued by people who are handy. I am also intrigued by people who are artistic. I guess it’s because I’m so untalented in those areas.
Is It Proper To Bring Home Comforts’ Into The Sukkah?
He places his fine furnishings and fine mattresses and couches in the sukkah as well as his fine drinking vessels, bottles and cups. However, cooking utensils such as pots and pans are to be kept outside the sukkah.
Yom Kippur Seat
Aharon took a seat in the back for Kol Nidrei. When Maariv began, after the Rav’s drasha, Mr. Neiss still hadn’t come. Aharon moved next to his father.
Daf Yomi
Final And Proper Honors
‘In A Grave Not His Own?’
(Bava Basra 112b)
A Wealthy Bequest
Yismach Moshe explains that Avraham was concerned about his spiritual heir. If he had no son, the man who would carry on his teachings and his philosophy was Eliezer, his servant. While Eliezer was a righteous person and could have done some of the job, no one can carry on the legacy of a father’s teachings as well as a son.
Pre-Emptive Strategic Decisions
The rabbis clearly concluded that if any information gets into the wrong hands, it can cause harm, but that doesn’t mean that devices or information for the benefit of humanity – or for the protection of innocent people – should never be invented, activated, or shared, even if there will be collateral damages.
The Kittel: When And Why?
On Yom Kippur, the kittel takes on added meaning. In addition to reminding one of the day of one's death and arousing feelings of humility and repentance, kittels are worn to emulate the angels who, we are told, wear white.
Is It Proper To Wear Comfortable, Non-Leather Shoes On Yom Kippur?
Shulchan Aruch rules in accordance with the Rishonim who maintain that the prohibition against wearing shoes on Yom Kippur applies only to leather shoes.
Simcha Hall
There is no issue of ribbis in locking in the rental price through prepayment, certainly here where the price uncrease was not known when paying (see Y.D. 176:6; Taz and Nekudos Hakesef 176:7; Bris Yehuda 26:1[2], 26:4[13]).
Daf Yomi
At First Glance
‘While You Were Feasting On The Dates Of Babylon…’
(Baba Basra 107b)
Raise Your Hands If You Are Proud To Be A Jew
We are allowing others to define us, blood libel us and tell our story. We must give our children Jewish pride, identity and roots.
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