Kosher Certification for Maccabees
It's fascinating how sources attain the status "traditional," or its equivalent level of kashrus.
Is It Forbidden To Go Barefoot?
There are a number of reasons why one should not go around barefoot. One of the reasons is that this is considered to be immodest and undignified.
Is It Proper To Obsessively Follow The News Out Of Israel?
Unfortunately, however, like other things, when such behavior is overdone and it becomes compulsive and obsessive, it is generally no longer good.
Daf Yomi
Giving Tzedakah At Night
‘Rabbi Chinena’s Mitzvah Performance’
(Shekalim 22a)
Daf Yomi
A Hot Air Blower
‘Whoever Eats Bread Without Wiping His Hands…’
(Sotah 4b)
Borrowed Costume
"My son dressed up as a lion last year," exclaimed Mrs. Kahn. "We bought this great costume. It was so realistic!"
Daf Yomi
Precisely Timed
‘It Is Impossible To Ascertain Exactly’
(Bechoros 17b-18a)
I Repaid The Loan Before Its Maturity Date. Is That A Believable Defense?...
If the debtor claims to have repaid the loan so early that day, the only possible scenario is that he actually paid it yesterday, the day prior to the maturity date.
Daf Yomi
Like Father Like Son
‘A Man Is Obligated To Train His Son’
(Nazir 29a)
Daf Yomi
A Dog’s Life
‘Raising Dogs Is Like Raising Pigs’
(Bava Kamma 83a)
Long Couch
On his way home from work, Mr. Appel pondered the issue. I sense that Mr. Berger is really disappointed, he said to himself. Is it right of us to refuse him?
Daf Yomi
Indeed, He Honored His Father
‘They Were Hired To Irrigate, But The River Dried Up’
(Bava Metzia 76b-77a)
Daf Yomi
Out On A Limb
‘One May Reset A Fracture’
(Shabbos 148a)
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.
L’chaim And Other Drinking Customs
If they thought that the person should be spared, they would reply, “L’chaim.” If, however, they thought that he deserved to die, they would reply, “L’mita,” – to death.
How Much Matzah?
Question: How much matzah must one eat at the Pesach Seder?
Daf Yomi
Leprosy?
‘… Any Kohen Who Is Not Expert …’
(Shavuos 6a)
Is it proper to do fun things during the 9 Days? (Such as gathering...
I would be comfortable with nature hikes, short family trips, small gatherings – activities that are more contemplative in character and that do not undermine the character of these days.
Use With Care
"Well, I brought over a cake for the simcha," Mrs. Kasner said. She came in and put the cake down on the counter. "Please tell your mother I'd like the serving dish back after Shabbos."
Picture For A Friend
I usually don’t accept returns, said Mr. Solomon. I very much need the income. You took two pictures, so you need to pay for them.
Daf Yomi
Hatzalah And Other First Responders
‘Your Life Takes Precedence …’
(Bava Metzia 62a)
Daf Yomi
Was She Really Married?
‘One Said Two… The Other Said Three…’
(Shevuos 48a)
Cleaners Confusion
Yaakov had spent Shabbos at his yeshiva for a few weeks running. "Don't forget to bring your suit in to the cleaners," said his mother, before he returned home. "It's been a while since it was cleaned."
How Should We Approach Taanit Esther? Are We Supposed To Be Sad On This...
The Piskei Teshuvot ruled that we can listen to music during Taanit Esther, which is generally discouraged on other fast days. This ruling indicates that Taanit Esther is not a sad day.
Is Grape Juice Acceptable For The Arba Kosos?
What about the Gemara that says you can squeeze out a cluster of grapes on Erev Shabbos and make Kiddush on Shabbos? They said that’s only if you didn’t treat the grape juice chemically to prevent it from fermenting.
Daf Yomi
Where Frequency Matters
‘… We Forbid Haircutting and Laundering...’
(Yevamos 43b)
Pandemic Parenting
Gam zeh yaavor is a beautiful Jewish wisdom. Nothing lasts forever. Not the good and not the bad. This difficult time will pass.
Daf Yomi
Shortchanged?
‘You Shall Count 50 Days’
(Menachos 65b)
Daf Yomi
The Day He Heard
‘One May Seek Revocation Of A Confimation’
(Nedarim 69a)
Is It Proper…? Is Taking a Selfie Proper?
Is taking a selfie proper?