Nazir 30
The question addressed in today’s daf (Nazir 30b) is whether the Nezirut fund of a father (i.e. funds that a…
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Nedarim 91
Today those studying daf yomi complete their study of Massechet Nedarim.Over the past three months, our study of Nedarim has…
Nedarim 90
The Mishna (Nedarim 11:12) that is quoted and discussed in today’s daf (Nedarim 90b), the penultimate daf in our Massechet,…
Nedarim 89
We are told a story at the end of today’s daf (Nedarim 89b) about someone who made a vow that…
Nedarim 88
The Mishna (Nedarim 11:8) quoted in today’s daf (Nedarim 88a) addresses the topic of strained relationships between parents-in-law and a…
Nedarim 87
Today’s daf (Nedarim 87a) quotes a fascinating Beraita which teaches us that, ‘someone who has a relative who is ill…
Nedarim 86
Today’s daf (Nedarim 86b) explores the relationship between the promise made by someone to donate an item or items for…
Nedarim 85
Today’s daf (Nedarim 85a) discusses the topic of טובת הנאה ממון – literally ‘whether the benefit of doing good is…
Nedarim 84
I’d like to summarise the Mishna (Nedarim 11:3) in yesterday’s daf (Nedarim 83b) because understanding what was said there will…
Nedarim 83
Today’s daf (Nedarim 83b) references Kohelet 7:2 which teaches us that, ‘[it is better to go to a house of…
Nedarim 82
Sometimes all it takes are a few extra words to change the meaning of a statement. Both yesterday (Nedarim 81b)…
Nedarim 81
Today’s daf (Nedarim 81a) delineates five contributory factors which are apparently part of the divine ‘calculations’ and ‘considerations’ as to…
Nedarim 80
Today’s daf (Nedarim 80b) contains a case which has been applied to various Triage situations. And to explain, I’d like…
Nedarim 79
Today’s daf (Nedarim 79a-b) discusses the ways in which behaviours within the category of עִנּוּי נֶפֶשׁ (self-affliction) can affect our…
Nedarim 78
Much of today’s daf (Nedarim 78a) draws on the various interpretations ascribed to the expression זֶה הַדָּבָר – ‘this is…
Nedarim 77
As we know, a major focus of Massechet Nedarim is language. Yet as we also know, language can be both…
Nedarim 76
We are taught at the end of today’s daf (Nedarim 76b) that Chiya the son of Rav would shoot an…
Nedarim 75
Today’s daf (Nedarim 75b) informs us that we cannot revoke our own vows (שֶׁאֵין מֵיפֵר נִדְרֵי עַצְמוֹ). In fact, we…
Nedarim 74
The final words of today’s daf (Nedarim 74b) touch on a topic that I’ve often emphasized, and that – as…
Nedarim 73
There is a fascinating rule stated in today’s daf (Nedarim 73b) which I believe provides a powerful lesson for all…
Nedarim 72
Most of us have seen books, articles and videos where well-known authors, athletes, musicians, home-organisers, and models offer insights into…
Nedarim 71
The Mishna (Nedarim 10:3) in today’s daf (Nedarim 71a) describes a scenario where a young woman, who we shall call…
Nedarim 70
Before offering some thoughts on today’s daf I would like to reflect on today – the Fast of the 10th…
Nedarim 69
The question was raised in yesterday’s daf (Nedarim 68a) whether, when a husband of a young woman with whom he…
Nedarim 68
Today’s daf (Nedarim 68a) discusses the laws of הפרת נדרים as they apply to an engaged young woman (נערה המאורסה)…
Nedarim 67
Before delving into our daf it is important to acknowledge that the modern ear struggles to reconcile the laws ofהפרת…
Nedarim 66
In my commentary on yesterday’s daf I emphasized the importance of fulfilling both mitzvot being adam l’makom and mitzvot bein…
Nedarim 65
Imagine the following situation: Yossi and Shimon are neighbours, and in response to a disagreement between them three weeks ago…
Nedarim 64
The theme of today’s daf (Nedarim 64a) is התרת נדרים, meaning ‘the annulment of vows’, with our Mishna (Nedarim 9:1)…
Nedarim 63
What do you do when you have friends who won’t accept a gift from you? Well, as the Mishna (Nedarim…
Nedarim 62
Today’s daf (Nedarim 62a) quotes a powerful Beraita where Rabbi Eliezer the son of Rabbi Tzadok makes four powerful statements:…
Nedarim 61
Within its discussion about ambiguous vows, today’s daf (Nedarim 61a-b) posits that the debate between Rabbi Meir and Rabbi Yossi…
Nedarim 60
On a number of occasions in Massechet Nedarim (14a, 21b & in today’s daf 60a), we encounter the phrase שאלה…
Nedarim 59
Today’s daf (Nedarim 59b) raises a question about the repetition of the word עַשֵּׂר (meaning ‘tithe’) in the verse: עַשֵּׂר…
Nedarim 58
Last night I spoke with a spiritual-coaching client who was wrestling with a difficult decision. They already knew what they…
Nedarim 57
When I learn daf yomi and other texts, I see my task as trying to understand both the content of…
Nedarim 56
The Mishna (Nedarim 7:5) in today’s daf (Nedarim 56b) teaches us that someone who has made a vow prohibiting them…
Nedarim 55
Today’s daf (Nedarim 55a) includes an insight, or to be more accurate, an outlook and a philosophy, which I endeavour…
Nedarim 54
If you’ve ever done an online order with a supermarket, then you’ve likely experienced receiving a product which, rather it…
Nedarim 53
‘If someone makes a vow while they are in Israel prohibiting themselves from oil, then they are permitted to have…
Nedarim 52
The Mishna (Nedarim 6:6-7) in today’s daf (Nedarim 52a) presents us with a general rule about the flavour (טעם) of…
Nedarim 51
Within its discussion about the meanings of words used in vows, today’s daf (Nedarim 51b) addresses the question of the…
Nedarim 50
In my commentary to today’s daf (Nedarim 50a), I would like to reference some of the ideas that I previously…
Nedarim 49
Today’s daf (Nedarim 49b) relates how a certain Roman noblewoman who saw Rabbi Yehuda with such a radiant face that…
Nedarim 48
Today’s daf (Nedarim 48b) tells a story of a father whose son was known to steal bundles of flax. Frustrated…
Nedarim 47
A Beraita is quoted in today’s daf (Nedarim 47b) stating that, ‘If one says to his wife, “Benefiting from me…
Nedarim 46
In this attempt to explain the Mishna (Nedarim 1:5) in today’s daf (Nedarim 46a), I would like to highlight a…
Nedarim 45
The Mishna (Nedarim 5:1) in today’s daf (Nedarim 45b) informs us of a situation of partners (שּׁוּתָּפִין) of a courtyard…
Nedarim 44
Have you ever sent an email which you then wanted to take back before it was received? Nowadays, Gmail has…
Nedarim 43
Imagine Judy is the kind of person who is easily angered and who, in the heat of her anger, can…
Nedarim 42
The Mishna (Nedarim 4:6) at the end of today’s daf (Nedarim 42b) tells us that someone who is bound by…
Nedarim 41
Today’s daf (Nedarim 41a) relates how Rebbi (Rabbi Yehuda HaNassi) – who would learn his Torah out loud (nb. on…
Nedarim 40
We are taught by Rav Dimi in today’s daf (Nedarim 40a) that the act of visiting the sick significantly enhances…
Nedarim 39
Today’s daf (Nedarim 39b) includes a teaching of Resh Lakish who asks: רֶמֶז לְבִיקּוּר חוֹלִין מִן הַתּוֹרָה מִנַּיִן? – ‘Where…
Nedarim 38
Today’s daf (Nedarim 38b) makes reference to a כּוֹס שֶׁל שָׁלוֹם (literally, ‘a cup of peace’). However, we are then…
Nedarim 37
As a continuation of its explanation of Mishna Nedarim 4:3, yesterday’s daf (Nedarim 36b) quoted a statement of Shmuel that…
Nedarim 36
There is a fascinating discussion in today’s daf (Nedarim 36b) about whether doing a mitzvah which benefits another needs their…
Nedarim 35
Today’s daf (Nedarim 35b) raises the question of whether Kohanim are שלוחי דרחמנא (agents of God), or שלוחי דידן (agents…
Nedarim 34
A case is presented by Rav Chiya bar Avin in today’s daf (Nedarim 34b) about someone who makes a vow,…
Nedarim 33
As part of our Gemara’s discussion about the making of oaths, reference is made in today’s daf (Nedarim 33b) to…
Nedarim 32
Today’s daf (Nedarim 32a) records, on the basis of Bereishit 15:5, how Avraham gazed at his Mazal (his astrological signs)…
Nedarim 31
The Mishna (Nedarim 3:11) in today’s daf (Nedarim 31b) contains a statement that calls for further explanation. Specifically, we are…
Nedarim 30
(TRIGGER WARNING: In this piece I make reference to childlessness, miscarriages and the loss of a child)Chodesh Tov!There are times…
Nedarim 29
There is a fascinating phrase which is used twice in today’s daf (Nedarim 29a-b): ‘physical sanctity (literally, ‘the sanctity of…
Nedarim 28
Is it permissible to make a vow about the status of your property when confronting thieves who enter your home…
Nedarim 27
I previously explained in my commentary to Nedarim 23a that certain vows, known as נִדְרֵי אֳנָסִים, are considered to be…
Nedarim 26
“Had I known that…” (אִילּוּ הָיִיתִי יוֹדֵעַ שֶׁ…). These are the words used in today’s daf (Nedarim 26a) which discusses…
Nedarim 25
Today’s daf (Nedarim 25a) mentions a foundational principle of Jewish thought and Jewish practice which is referenced in passing during…
Nedarim 24
In a previous Mishna (Nedarim 3:1) we were taught about various vows which, given the circumstances in which they were…
Nedarim 23
I’ve always been interested in exploring the human stories which have served as springboards for the development of halacha. And…
Nedarim 22
Today’s daf (Nedarim 22b) contains a teaching from Rabbah bar Rav Huna that, ‘whoever gets angry [indicates that] even the…
Nedarim 21
So far in our study of Massechet Nedarim we have spoken about the specific words that are needed to be…
Nedarim 20
Today’s daf (Nedarim 20a-b) records a startling episode which leads me to suggest that there is much more to it…
Nedarim 19
Today’s daf (Nedarim 19b) compares the laws of a נזיר ודאי – ‘a definite nazir’ with a נזיר ספק –…
Nedarim 18
The Mishna (Nedarim 2:4) in today’s daf (Nedarim 18b) draws two parallel distinctions between those residing in Judea and those…
Nedarim 17
If you want to understand the difference between muti-tasking and muti-focussing, a good place to start is the Mishna (Nedarim…
Nedarim 16
The Mishna (Nedarim 2:2) in today’s daf (Nedarim 16a) contrasts שבועות (oaths) with נדרים (vows) and states that if someone…
Nedarim 15
We were previously taught in the Mishna (Nedarim 2:1) about certain situations when someone utters words that, though they may…
Nedarim 14
Why do people make vows, especially when those vows express their desire to make positive changes in their Jewish life?Admittedly,…
Nedarim 13
There is an interesting debate between Rabbi Meir and Rabbi Chanina ben Gamliel as recorded in Mishna Kiddushin 3:4 and…
Nedarim 12
I would like to share a teaching from today’s daf (Nedarim 12a) whose application motivates so much of what I…
Nedarim 11
The previous Mishna (Nedarim 1:3; Nedarim 10b) raises the question of the efficacy of someone using the term כִּירוּשָׁלָיִם –…
Nedarim 10
Having previously been taught that vows can be made through invoking formal vow-making formulas as well as certain alternative expressions…
Ketubot 112
The final daf of Massechet Ketubot (daf 112b) discusses two topics that are very dear to my heart: Torah study…
Ketubot 111
There is a teaching of Rabbi Elazar in today’s daf (Ketubot 111b) which calls for further elucidation. Specifically, we are…
Ketubot 110
As we near the end of our study of Massechet Ketubot, today’s (Ketubot 110b) – along with the upcoming dapim…
Ketubot 109
Oftentimes we keep upcoming significant personal, professional and financial transitions and decisions private to just us, our spouse (where relevant),…
Ketubot 108
There is a concept in the Gemara, itself based on a biblical verse (see Shemot 22:8), of מודה במקצת –…
Ketubot 107
If you studied today’s daf (Ketubot 107a) with care, you will have noticed that on four separate occasions reference is…
Ketubot 106
A story – spanning the end of yesterday’s daf (Ketubot 105b) and the beginning of our daf (Ketubot 106a) –…
Ketubot 105
“A rabbi whose community does not disagree with him is no rabbi. A rabbi who fears his community is no…
Ketubot 104
Today’s daf (Ketubot 104a) records the parting words of Rebbi from his deathbed who, with his ten fingers extended heavenward,…
Ketubot 103
Two days ago, I received a message from someone whose closest friend is unfortunately at the end stages of her…
Ketubot 102
Within the halachic codes and responsa literature we find an ongoing debate about whether כתיבה כדיבור דמי – ‘writing is…
Ketubot 101
The Mishna (Ketubot 12:1) in today’s daf (Ketubot 101b) describes a situation where a man marries a woman with a…
Ketubot 100
Today’s daf (Ketubot 100a) discusses the situation when a Beit Din makes an error in terms of the amount of…
Ketubot 99
As part of its discussion about the laws of agency (שליחות), reference was made in yesterday’s daf (Ketubot 98b) to…
Ketubot 98
Towards the end of yesterday’s daf (Ketubot 97b) we read the view of Rabbi Shimon who teaches that if a…
Ketubot 97
We learn in today’s daf (Ketubot 97a) that if a person sold land because they needed money, and then circumstances…
Ketubot 96
Up until now, Gemara Ketubot has made it clear that while land (קרקע) can be taken from an estate, movable…
Ketubot 95
It has been said by Rav Chaim of Volozhin (see his Ruach Chaim commentary on Avot 5:22) that the study…
Ketubot 94
Sometimes we can learn a story in the Gemara that has so many holes in it that it requires us…
Ketubot 93
As the cases concerning ketubah law become more and more complex, with the Mishna (Ketubot 10:5) in today’s daf (Ketubot…
Ketubot 92
Today is the day after Yom Kippur, and as I study today’s daf (Ketubot 92) – which speaks about the…
Ketubot 91
I hope you all had a meaningful Yom Kippur, and having made Havdalah, had something to eat, checked in with…
Ketubot 90
While I strive to learn the daf every day, I also strive to live with the daf every day. Consequently,…
Ketubot 89
The Mishna (Ketubot 9:9) in today’s daf (Ketubot 89a) quotes a ruling of Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel who states that…
Ketubot 88
Today’s daf (Ketubot 88a) informs us that debts can be collected even in a debtor’s absence due to the consideration…
Ketubot 87
There is a lovely phrase used in today’s daf (Ketubot 87b) describing a situation when a husband and wife have…
Ketubot 86
I want to share something personal: my feet are both long and wide which therefore makes shoe shopping a challenge…
Ketubot 85
A question addressed in today’s daf (Ketubot 85b) concerns the way in which decisions are made when someone dies having…
Ketubot 84
As we know, Rosh Hashanah is known as יום הדין, ‘the Day of Judgement’. Yet notwithstanding the awesomeness of Rosh…
Ketubot 82 & 83
Shana Tova & I hope you had an uplifting start of 5783!In terms of Daf Yomi, over Rosh Hashanah we…
Ketubot 81
Three times in today’s daf (Ketubot 81a-b) we read how one scholar sent a halachic query to another – and…
Ketubot 80
A phrase that appears three times in today’s daf (Ketubot 80b) during its discussion about the usages of financial resources…
Ketubot 79
Today’s daf (Ketubot 79a) teaches us that in a situation where a couple have money to invest, and one spouse…
Ketubot 78
There is a remarkable halacha discussed in today’s daf (Yevamot 78a) that if a pregnant woman immerses in a mikveh…
Ketubot 77
Towards the end of today’s daf (Ketubot 77b) is a line that sent shivers down my spine – especially given…
Ketubot 76
Some years ago I came across a stunning interpretation of an oft-cited halachic principle that is referenced in today’s daf…
Ketubot 75
Within today’s daf (Ketubot 75a) is a commentary of Rabbi Meyasha the grandson of Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi on a…
Ketubot 74
One of the various well-known rules of a wedding is that the gift that the groom gives his bride –…
Ketubot 73
Today’s daf (Ketubot 73a) makes reference to the Talmudic presumption of אין אדם עושה בעילתו בעילת זנות – which means…
Ketubot 72
Today’s daf (Ketubot 72b) is a key source for the laws of hair covering for married women, and a close…
Ketubot 71
Imagine this situation: A woman vows not to have marital relations with her husband, and upon hearing her vow, her…
Ketubot 70
Much of today’s daf (Ketubot 70b) examines the question of agency and, in particular, the halachic question of when someone’s…
Ketubot 69
Towards the end of today’s daf (Ketubot 69b), and as part of a demonstration of his Torah knowledge, Ilfa proclaims…
Ketubot 68
Today’s daf (Ketubot 68a) quotes a Beraita which teaches that someone who ‘[temporarily] blinds their eye, or bloats their stomach,…
Ketubot 67
Towards the end of today’s daf (Ketubot 67b) we are told a story that highlights the great lengths with which…
Ketubot 66
Today’s daf (Ketubot 66b) relates two stories about Miriam who was the daughter of the incredibly rich Nakdimon ben Guryon…
Ketubot 65
Among the phrases of the Mishna (Ketubot 5:9) which are analysed in today’s daf (Ketubot 65b) includes ואוכלת עמו –…
Ketubot 64
The Mishna (Ketubot 5:8) in today’s daf (Ketubot 64b) details what a husband must give his wife as part of…
Ketubot 63
Sometimes a Talmudic story can be read in two radically different ways. Early on in today’s daf (Ketubot 63a) we…
Ketubot 62
Earlier this week I started a conversation with someone and asked them how they were doing. Their response was just…
Ketubot 61
Today’s daf (Ketubot 61a) quotes a number of teachings from Rav Yitzchak bar Chananya, including one which states that if…
Ketubot 60
We live in a time where we fundamentally believe that each situation should be addressed and determined on its individual…
Ketubot 59
Among the various reasons for tension and strife in a marriage is ‘expectations’, and specifically, where the expectations of one…
Ketubot 58
There is a debate in today’s daf (Ketubot 58b) about the principle of whether אדם מקדיש דבר שלא בא לעולם…
Ketubot 57
The Mishna (Ketubot 5:2) in today’s daf (Ketubot 57a) records the practice of a bride having a year of preparation…
Ketubot 56
While speaking about a bride and groom’s wedding night, a beraita quoted in today’s daf (Ketubot 56a) uses the phrase…
Ketubot 55
Today’s daf (Ketubot 55b) raises an important question about the Talmudic principle of אומדנא, or what we may describe as…
Ketubot 54
Knowing your prefixes is necessary – both when studying biblical Hebrew, and speaking modern Hebrew, and one of the most…
Ketubot 53
Central to Massechet Ketubot are the personal and financial responsibilities that a husband accepts upon himself as delineated in the…
Ketubot 52
The Mishna (Ketubot 4:12) in today’s daf (Ketubot 52b) relates how אנשי ירושלים, the men of Jerusalem, would include the…
Ketubot 51
The opening words of the Mishna (Ketubot 4:7) in today’s daf (Ketubot 51a), which speak of a case of לא…
Ketubot 50
In the instances when I have suggested a Torah interpretation and I have subsequently found the same interpretation in the…
Ketubot 49
A major theme in today’s daf (Ketubot 49a-b) relates to a father’s duty to sustain his children both during his…
Ketubot 48
Twice in today’s daf (Ketubot 48a) reference is made to what Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (in his commentary to Shemot…
Ketubot 47
Today’s daf (Ketubot 47b) cites Shemot 21:10 which emphasises how a husband is obligated to provide his wife with שְׁאֵרָהּ…
Ketubot 46
When we think of the word רע – which is often translated as ‘bad’ or ‘evil’ – we generally presume…
Ketubot 45
Today’s daf (Ketubot 45b) discusses the punishment due to an adulteress and a defamer and it notes how זו מעשיה…
Ketubot 44
While discussing the punishment given to a Jewish woman who committed adultery having formally married her husband (kiddushin) but not…
Ketubot 43
Today’s daf (Ketubot 43a) touches on an important topic which talks to me very personally. Specifically, what will happen to…
Ketubot 42
Having just started the fourth chapter of Massechet Ketubot titled נערה שנתפתתה meaning ‘a girl who was seduced’, and given…
Ketubot 41
The Mishna (3:9) in today’s daf (Ketubot 41a) informs us that while those responsible for causing personal harm or for…
Ketubot 40
The Mishna (Ketubot 3:6) in today’s daf (Ketubot 40a) invokes the opinion of Rabbi Elazar about the fines that…
Ketubot 39
A beraita is cited in today’s daf (Ketubot 39a) which lists a number of at-risk situations (eg. a pregnant or…
Ketubot 38
Sometimes, notwithstanding the subject of a daf being one topic, certain words or phrases leap out because they speak to…
Ketubot 37
Today’s daf (Ketubot 37b) dedicates much of its time to discuss various punishments that were meted out by the Sanhedrin.…
Ketubot 36
Whispers, gossip, and rumours. Nobody wants to be spoken about behind their back and especially if what is being said…
Ketubot 35
There is one biblical word that has been the focus of attention in recent dapim (Ketubot 30a, 33a, 34b, 35a):…
Ketubot 34
Today’s daf (Ketubot 34a) cites a beraita – quoted in at least six other places in the Talmud (eg. Shabbat…
Ketubot 31-33
We were previously taught in Ketubot 31b about the punishment of lashes, while much of Ketubot 32b focuses its attention…
Tisha B’Av
What daf am I to study today?Since today is Tisha B’Av, the study of today’s daf yomi (Ketubot 32) must…
Ketubot 30
Today’s daf (Ketubot 30a) quotes a verse from Mishlei 22:5 which states: צִנִּים פַּחִים בְּדֶרֶךְ עִקֵּשׁ שׁוֹמֵר נַפְשׁוֹ יִרְחַק מֵהֶם…
Ketubot 29
The primary focus of discussion in today’s daf (Ketubot 29) is the financial penalty for those who have committed the…
Ketubot 28
The Mishna (Ketubot 2:10) in today’s daf (Ketubot 28a) lists the realms of testimony where an adult is relied upon…
Ketubot 27
Today’s daf (Ketubot 27b) recounts how the brother of Mari bar Isak, who had spent his early years with Mari…
Ketubot 26
In the first few lines of today’s daf (Ketubot 26a), reference is made to a fascinating halachic principle called מסיח…
Ketubot 25
Today’s daf (Ketubot 25a) references the mitzvah of חלה (challah) – which is the portion of dough given to Kohanim…
Ketubot 24
Given that today’s daf (Ketubot 24a-b) discusses the reliability of someone who claims they are a Kohen in terms of…
Ketubot 23
Do you know what is going on in the life of your close neighbour?There are some people who presume that…
Ketubot 22
‘We cannot control what others say or do, but we should strive to do what we can so that others…
Ketubot 21
Today’s daf (Ketubot 21b) relates how Rabbi Abba taught that a witness can become a judge. In response, Rav Safra…
Ketubot 20
Amidst its wide-ranging discussion about evidence, testimony and memory, today’s daf (Ketubot 20a) draws a fascinating distinction between the concept…
Ketubot 19
Embedded in its discussion concerning the dangers of holding onto already paid-up notes of indebtedness, today’s daf (Ketubot 19b) quotes…
Ketubot 18
Within today’s daf (Ketubot 18b), reference is made to the principle of אין אדם משים עצמו רשע – ‘a person…
Ketubot 17
Basing himself on today’s daf (Ketubot 17a), the Rambam (Hilchot Avel 14:8) rules that: ‘in a situation where someone is…
Ketubot 16
In general, I am averse to making generalizations about any groups of people, and I am particularly averse to making…
Ketubot 15
Given that today’s daf (Ketubot 15a-b) includes a substantive discussion about fundamental principles of halachic doubt – such that Moshe…
Ketubot 14
Early on in today’s daf (Ketubot 14a), reference is made to the position of Rabban Gamliel who – as I…
Ketubot 13
A curious phrase is used in a Mishna (Ketubot 1:6) found in today’s daf (Ketubot 13a) – which is also…
Ketubot 12
Today’s daf (Ketubot 12b) references the halachic principle of ברי ושמא ברי עדיף – which literally means ‘certain and possible,…
Ketubot 11
Today is the (postponed) fast of the 17th of Tammuz which commemorates five tragic events that occurred on this date…
Ketubot 10
Today’s daf (Ketubot 10b) tells a story where a halachic question is asked by a husband to Rabbi Yehuda HaNassi…
Yevamot 122
Mazal Tov! Today, those studying Daf Yomi complete their study of Massechet Yevamot which has spanned 4 months! and which…
Yevamot 121
If you have ever walked around the national cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, you may have noticed the memorial…
Yevamot 120
Amid a discussion seeking to resolve an apparent contradiction between a Mishna in Massechet Yevamot (16:3) and a Mishna in…
Yevamot 119
I previously explained in my commentary to Yevamot 99a (see https://rabbijohnnysolomon.com/yevamot-99/ how the seemingly improbable case described in that Mishna…
Yevamot 118
Today’s daf (Yevamot 118a), while discussing the laws of testimony about the death of a husband by co-wives where one…
Yevamot 117
Today’s daf (Yevamot 117a) contains a stunning insight about our relationship with Torah – as derived from a verse in…
Yevamot 116
A story is told in today’s daf (Yevamot 116b) which is the basis for an important Talmudic rule:‘It occurred at…
Yevamot 115
Today’s daf (Yevamot 115a) states a principle that people don’t lie about facts that are likely to become known in…
Yevamot 114
The Mishna (Yevamot 15:1) in today’s daf (Yevamot 114b) discusses the circumstances where a woman testifying to the death of…
Yevamot 113
Today’s daf (Yevamot 113a) informs us how ‘there was once a certain deaf-mute who was living in Rav Malkiyo’s neighbourhood.…
Yevamot 112
Today’s daf (Yevamot 112a) quotes a Mishna from Massechet Nedarim (11:12) that uses a very powerful phrase. Specifically, in the…
Yevamot 111
Oftentimes, instead of writing a commentary to the Mishna and Gemara, I simply just try and listen to the emotions…
Yevamot 110
Today’s daf (Yevamot 110b) touches on a topic that I have addressed every year in my ‘Jewish Moral Dilemmas course’,…
Yevamot 109
In today’s daf (Yevamot 109a), Bar Kapara teaches a Beraita which states how: ‘A person should always cleave to three…
Yevamot 108
Three dapim ago (Yevamot 105b) we read the dramtic story which Jeffrey L. Rubenstein calls, ‘The Shaming of Abdan’ (see…
Yevamot 107
Early on in today’s daf (Yevamot 107a), in seeking to provide a rationale for Beit Shammai’s position who asserts –…
Yevamot 106
The final lines of today’s daf (Yevamot 106b) elaborate upon Devarim 25:10 which informs us, concerning the Yavam who refuses…
Yevamot 105
Today I would like to elaborate on my commentary to Rosh Hashanah 18a (see https://rabbijohnnysolomon.com/rosh-hashanah-18/) and address the teaching found…
Yevamot 103-4
A review of Yevamot 103-104 informs us that the Halitzah ceremony must involve the removal of a shoe from the…
Yevamot 102
Six months ago in my commentary to Megillah 16a (see https://rabbijohnnysolomon.com/megillah-16/) I spoke about the importance of us being prepared…
Yevamot 101
A few weeks ago the Jewish world mourned the death of Rabbi Nota Greenblatt (1925-2022) who, aside from being the…
Yevamot 100
We are taught in today’s daf (Yevamot 100a) how Rava changed his Beit Din prioritisation policy in response to hearing…
Yevamot 99
Sometimes all it takes is a few words to help make sense of what seems to be an unnecessarily confusing…
Yevamot 98
I would like to share what I believe to be an original reading of a cryptic story in today’s daf…
Yevamot 97
Following the discussion initiated on Yevamot 96b about the importance of attributing Torah insights to their original composers, today’s daf…
Yevamot 96
The Mishna (Yevamot 10:5) in today’s daf (Yevamot 96a) begins by telling us about a man who, having been informed…
Yevamot 95
Yevamot 95a-b examines the human cost of forbidden sexual relationships, and specifically, how a marriage is halachically impacted when the…
Yevamot 94
In response to the interpretation given by Rabbi Elazar ben Matya in Mishna Yevamot (10:3, 92a) to Vayikra 21:7, our…
Yevamot 93
Much of the focus of today’s daf (Yevamot 93a) concerns the question of אדם מקנה דבר שלא בא לעולם, i.e.…
Yevamot 89-92
While I generally endeavour to write an individual post on every page of daf yomi, in very rare instances –…
Yevamot 88
There is a lovely phrase used repeatedly in today’s daf (Yevamot 88b) that I feel is a wonderful message for…
Yevamot 87
The Mishna (Yevamot 10:1) in today’s daf (Yevamot 87b) describes one of those terrible ‘what-if’ cases, where a woman whose…
Yevamot 86
Today’s daf (Yevamot 86b) quotes a verse (Ezra 8:15) describing an event which ostensibly only took place because of a…
Yevamot 85
We were previously taught in the Mishna (Yevamot 9:3, 84a) that marriages forbidden by Torah law (eg. a Kohen Gadol…
Yevamot 84
Among the various cases recorded in the Mishna (Yevamot 9:2) in today’s daf (Yevamot 84a) are cases of women ‘who…
Yevamot 83
In today’s daf (Yevamot 83a), reference is made to Mishna Shevi’it 2:6 which discusses the permitted timeline for planting and…
Yevamot 82
One of my favourite films is Cast Away which tells the story of Chuck Noland, a systems analyst for Fedex…
Yevamot 81
Today’s daf (Yevamot 81b) makes reference to a fascinating halachic principle of כל דבר שבמניין אינו בטל – literally ‘any…
Yevamot 80
Much of today’s daf (Yevamot 80a-b) addresses the physical סימנים (signs) indicating how a woman or a man have reached…
Yevamot 79
For some people, Yevamot 78-79 (i.e. yesterday and today’s daf) are simply more of the same technical halachic debates relating…
Yevamot 78
There is a remarkable halacha discussed in today’s daf (Yevamot 78a) that if a pregnant woman immerses in a mikveh…
Yevamot 77
One of the most frequently quoted verses in Orthodox girls’ schools and Seminaries are the words of Tehillim 45:14: כָּל…
Yevamot 76
Today’s daf (Yevamot 76b) informs us that while the mistreatment of Bnei Yisrael by the male Amonites and Moabites led…
Yevamot 75
Much of today’s daf (Yevamot 75b) deals with the laws of a פצוע דכא – someone with wounded or crushed…
Yevamot 74
Today’s daf (Yevamot 74a) focusses on the restrictions of various individuals such as an אונן (someone whose close relative has…
Yevamot 73
For reasons which I’ve yet to fully understand, many Jews don’t consider the terrifying statistics of assimilation as being something…
Yevamot 72
There is a remark in today’s daf (Yevamot 72b) which serves as a powerful reminder about the need for time,…
Yevamot 71
I previously noted in my commentary to yesterday’s daf that those who are ערלים (uncircumcised) are not permitted by Torah…
Yevamot 70
Today we begin Chapter 8 of Massechet Yevamot titled הערל which is often translated as ‘an uncircumcised person’, and it…
Yevamot 68 & 69
If I had to pick a theme that emerges from our study of Yevamot 68 & 69, it would be…
Yevamot 67
Throughout today’s daf (Yevamot 67a), reference is made to the laws of inheritance, and specifically, to the laws of inheritance…
Yevamot 66
Today’s daf (Yevamot 66b) quotes from Mishna Terumot 11:9 to teach us that a cow rented by a Israel from…
Yevamot 65
In today’s daf (Yevamot 65b), Rabbi Abba quotes from Mishlei 9:8 which states, אַל תּוֹכַח לֵץ פֶּן יִשְׂנָאֶךָּ הוֹכַח לְחָכָם…
Yevamot 64
The Mishna (Yevamot 6:6) in today’s daf (Yevamot 64a) states that if a couple are married for ten years and…
Yevamot 63
Many of us – myself included – worry. Still, among the various teachings from the Book of Ben Sira that…
Yevamot 62
Today’s daf (Yevamot 62a) tells the story of the death of Rabbi Akiva’s students, and while I have previously attempted…
Yevamot 61
Of those who read my daily daf insights, they differ significantly in terms of age, background, and location. Yet beyond…
Yevamot 60
Early on in today’s daf (Yevamot 60a) an attempt is made to understand the reasoning of one of Rabbi Eliezar…
Yevamot 59
Much of today’s daf (Yevamot 59a) focusses on the laws of marriage for a Kohen Gadol about whom the Torah…
Yevamot 58
Today’s daf (Yevamot 58b) discusses the complex halachot concerning a woman who is a בת כהן (the daughter of a…
Yevamot 57
While various cases are presented in today’s daf (Yevamot 57a) relating to Kohanim, I would like to focus on just…
Yevamot 56
Three years ago I attended a conference where Rabbi Dr. Rafi Feuerstein spoke about a topic close to his heart;…
Yevamot 55
The Torah’s model of yibum, which our Massechet has discussed at length, involves a woman marrying her deceased husband’s brother…
Yevamot 54
Amid the various complex and – at times – startling cases discussed in today’s daf (Yevamot 54a), Rav Ashi teaches…
Yevamot 53
If you’ve been following my commentary on Massechet Yevamot (and especially my remarks on Yevamot 3 – https://rabbijohnnysolomon.com/yevamot-3/, Yevamot 8…
Yevamot 52
Today is Yom HaZikaron LaShoah VeLaGevurah, and though – as every day – my task is to study today’s daf…
Yevamot 51
Early on in our study of Massechet Yevamot (see for example my commentary to Yevamot 8b) we explained that though…
Yevamot 50
We were previously taught in the Mishna (Yevamot 4:13, 49a) that ‘if a man’s wife died, he is permitted to…
Yevamot 49
In most houses and apartments, the glass used in toilet and bathroom windows differ from those in the rest of…
Yevamot 48
The final teaching in today’s daf (Yevamot 48b) states that once a non-Jew has decided to convert to Judaism, they…
Yevamot 46&47
One of the most profound perspectives in the teachings of Rav Soloveitchik is his examination, in ‘Kol Dodi Dofek’, of…
Yevamot 45
The final teaching in today’s daf (Yevamot 45b) was said by Rav Chama bar Gurya, quoting Rav, stating that: ‘If…
Yevamot 44
Throughout my posts on Massechet Yevamot I have emphasised how the mitzvah of Yibum is fraught with moral and ethical…
Yevamot 43
Towards the end of today’s daf (Yevamot 43b) we find a Beraita listing what may or may not be done…
Yevamot 42
A Beraita is cited in today’s daf (Yevamot 42b) which makes reference to a ruling מפי חכמים בכרם ביבנה –…
Yevamot 41
Embedded in the Mishna (Yevamot 4:10) in today’s daf (Yevamot 41a) is a fascinating remark reflecting – at least according…
Yevamot 40
As we are in the midst of the festival of freedom, and having just had our Pesach Seder, it seems…
Yevamot 39
In my commentary to Yevamot 3a (see https://rabbijohnnysolomon.com/yevamot-3/), I referenced Yevamot 39b, because it is here where Abba Shaul teaches…
Yevamot 38
While not the only example, it is rare for a Mishna to appear verbatim as a Mishna in two different…
Yevamot 37
I have often said that halachic sayings and teachings contain and seek to convey Jewish values and philosophy, and upon…
Yevamot 36
The final lines of today’s daf (Yevamot 36b), continuing onto tomorrow’s daf (Yevamot 37a), raises an oft-overlooked and highly misunderstood…
Yevamot 35
A principle discussed in today’s daf (Yevamot 35b) and stated explicitly in a later Mishna (Yevamot 4:10, 41a) is that…
Yevamot 34
In today’s daf (Yevamot 34b) we find a curious teaching of Rav Yochanan that: כל ששהתה אחר בעלה עשר שנים…
Yevamot 33
Both in today’s (Yevamot 33b) and yesterday’s (Yevamot 32b) daf, reference is made to the level of transgression committed by…
Yevamot 32
Today’s daf (Yevamot 32a) makes reference to the biblical verse (Devarim 25:9) describing the halitzah procedure where the woman makes…
Yevamot 31
Much of today’s daf (Yevamot 31) explores the difference between קידושין (marriage) and גירושין (divorce) and, specifically, the differences between…
Yevamot 30
The first Mishna (Yevamot 1:1) in Massechet Yevamot (2a) discusses the situation where a man with more than one wife…
Yevamot 29
The Mishna (Yevamot 3:5) in today’s daf (Yevamot 29a) describes a case of three brothers, where two of the brothers…
Yevamot 28
We were previously taught in the Mishna (Yevamot 3:1, 26a) about a case of four brothers, where two of them…
Yevamot 27
Earlier on in Massechet Yevamot (14b-15a) we learnt a Beraita where we were informed of Rav Yochanan ben Nuri’s attempt…
Yevamot 25
The Mishna (Yevamot 2:9) in today’s daf (Yevamot 25a) informs us that if a man brings a Jewish divorce bill…
Yevamot 24
I have previously explained that Massechet Yevamot contains much material about conversion, and given this, I would like to make…
Yevamot 23
In previous posts I have spoken about my method of learning and writing my thoughts on the daily daf, and…
Yevamot 22
A topic that is regularly addressed in Massechet Yevamot which, as those currently studying it have come to discover, is…
Yevamot 21
We are taught in Massechet Moed Katan 28a that Rav Chisda was blessed with good Mazal, and this is affirmed…
Yevamot 20
As part of its discussion about the various biblically and rabbinically prohibited relationships, today’s daf (Yevamot 20a) quotes a remarkable…
Yevamot 19
As we know, almost all of Massechet Yevamot is about relationships, and specifically, the closeness or distance of relationships that…
Yevamot 18
A week ago the Jewish world lost a beacon of Torah dedication and Torah scholarship, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky zt’l, who…
Yevamot 17
Today’s daf (Yevamot 17a) contains a brief teaching which, depending on how it is interpreted, has radical implications.The question posed…
Yevamot 16
Today’s daf (Yevamot 16a) records an exchange between Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Yonatan ben Harkinas – who was a student…
Yevamot 15
It is possible that you have an accent that clearly informs those who speak with you about the location where…
Yevamot 14
As we know, the Gemara is replete with over 300 disagreements between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai. However, what we…
Yevamot 13
Within its discussion about the different Yibbum and Halitzah policies of Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai as recorded in the…
Yevamot 12
Today’s daf (Yevamot 12a) contains a teaching of Rebbi which, though said with respect to the laws of Yibbum and…
Yevamot 11
The Beraita towards the end of today’s daf (Yevamot 11b) tells us about a very particular situation where a couple…
Yevamot 10
Purim Sameach! Yesterday’s daf (Yevamot 9a) contained an insult said by Rebbi about his student Levi – כמדומה לי שאין…
Chagigah 27
Today we finish our study of Massechet Chagigah and consequently our study of all of Seder Moed! And to say…
Chagigah 26
Today’s daf (Chagigah 26a) – the penultimate page in Massechet Chagigah – contains an exquisite teaching about the way people…
Chagigah 25
We were taught in the Mishna (Chagigah 3:4, see Chagigah 24b) that wine and oil brought by those who are…
Chagigah 24
We were previously taught in the Mishna (Chagigah 3:2) that ‘with regard to teruma (priestly food), if one of one’s…
Chagigah 23
Today’s daf (Chagigah 23a) informs us of an unsettling story: ‘There was an incident involving a certain person who was…
Chagigah 22
An age-old question in the world of rabbinics is what should be the right psak and policy when at least…
Chagigah 21
We were previously taught in Mishna Chagigah 3:1 (20b) about a variety of stringencies concerning the laws of spiritual purity…
Chagigah 20
What happens if someone plans to travel to a particular destination and, given their excess luggage, they hire donkey drivers…
Chagigah 19
In today’s daf (Chagigah 19a) we are taught the principle of אין מטבילין באויר – ‘we do not do immersion…
Chagigah 18
One of the first questions that a gym instructor or personal trainer might ask a new client is what is…
Chagigah 17
Basing itself on Devarim 16:7, we learn in today’s daf (Chagigah 17a-b) that having come to Jerusalem and consumed the…
Chagigah 16
While evil which is witnessed by others can be testified about by others, today’s daf (Chagigah 16a) raises the question…
Chagigah 15
Almost all of today’s daf (Chagigah 15a-b) examines the personality of Elisha ben Ayuva – otherwise known as ‘Acher’ (literally,…
Chagigah 14
Today’s daf (Chagigah 14b) informs us how four different Torah scholars – Ben Azzai, Ben Zoma, Acher and Rabbi Akiva…
Chagigah 13
Much of today’s daf (Chagigah 13b) compares and seeks to interpret the prophetic visions of Yeshayahu (Isaiah) and Yechezkel (Ezekiel).…
Chagigah 12
Reflecting on how God uses the name “I am El Shaddai” (Bereishit 35:11), today’s daf (Chagigah 12a) records the opinion…
Chagigah 11
There are some subjects which are so delicate, and so open to misunderstanding, that they should only be taught in…
Chagigah 10
Having reached Mishna Chagigah 1:8 in today’s daf (Chagigah 10a) which, though it does refer to the laws of the…
Chagigah 9
What choices of your past that you cannot fix do you most regret?This, fundamentally, is the question posed in the…
Chagigah 8
The Mishna (Chagigah 1:5) in today’s daf (Chagigah 8b) states that someone with many dependents and a more limited budget…
Chagigah 7
Today’s daf (Chagigah 7a) repeatedly references Mishlei 25:17 which states: הֹקַר רַגְלְךָ מִבֵּית רֵעֶךָ פֶּן יִשְׂבָּעֲךָ וּשְׂנֵאֶךָ – ‘Let the…
Chagigah 6
Today’s daf (Chagigah 6a-b) explores a dispute between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai referenced in the first daf of Massechet…
Chagigah 5
We all know that there is a prohibition called לשון הרע (Lashon HaRa, whose primary biblical prooftext is Vayikra 19:16),…
Chagigah 4
There are times when an item or experience that we want is, for various reasons, not available to us. There…
Chagigah 3
According to Rambam’s 8th ‘Principle of Faith’, it is essential to consider every word of the Written Torah to be…
Chagigah 2
The first daf of Massechet Chagigah (2a) focusses on the mitzvah of ראייה, meaning the ‘appearing’ and ‘being seen’ at…
Moed Katan 29
Mazal Tov! Today we complete our study of Massechet Moed Katan which, over the past month, has taught us a…
Moed Katan 28
This Shabbat we will be reading Parshat Tetzaveh, which teaches us about the various בגדי כהונה (priestly clothes), and it…
Moed Katan 27
Sometimes you can read about an incident that took place in the past and not fully appreciate the impact that…
Moed Katan 26
Today’s daf (Moed Katan 26a) informs us that קריעה should be performed not only on the death of one’s mother…
Moed Katan 25
Early on in today’s daf (Moed Katan 25a) a ‘suggestion’ is made that children die young because their parents did…
Moed Katan 24
The Mishna (Moed Katan 3:7) at the end of today’s daf (Moed Katan 24b) states that only the seven closest…
Moed Katan 23
We are taught in today’s daf (Moed Katan 23a-b) that there was a dispute between בני יהודה (the Judeans) and…
Moed Katan 22
Today’s daf (Moed Katan 22b) speaks about קריעה – the tefach-long tear that a mourner rips into their clothes upon…
Moed Katan 21
Today’s daf (Moed Katan 21b) informs us that a mourner is forbidden בשאילת שלום (which is generally translated as meaning…
Moed Katan 20
It is a concept which I began exploring many years ago, and one that is explicitly discussed by a range…
Moed Katan 19
The Mishna (Moed Katan 3:3) in today’s daf (Moed Katan 18b) lists a variety of procedures and actions that may…
Moed Katan 18
The Mishna (Moed Katan 3:3) in today’s daf (Moed Katan 18b) lists a variety of procedures and actions that may…
Moed Katan 17
Today’s daf (Moed Katan 17a, and also repeated in Chagigah 15b) contains an oft-cited yet nevertheless cryptic teaching about the…
Moed Katan 16
Sometimes you can look at the same text many times, each time thinking that you have understood it, but then…
Moed Katan 15
Today is International Holocaust Memorial Day when many people around the world will learn about, and reflect upon, the horrors…
Moed Katan 14
We are taught by Rav Yosef in today’s daf (Moed Katan 14b) that the Sanhedrin would try capital cases on…
Moed Katan 13
A topic that arises in today’s daf (Moed Katan 13a) relates to the types of business deals and other work…
Moed Katan 12
We are taught in today’s daf (Moed Katan 12b) in the name of Rav that it is permitted to cut…
Moed Katan 11
Massechet Moed Katan, which spans three chapters, primarily addresses the laws of Chol HaMoed. However, much of its third chapter…
Moed Katan 10
Today’s daf (Moed Katan 10) addresses a range of activities that people may want – or feel that they need…
Moed Katan 9
It happens twice in our daf (Moed Katan 9b). A son is encouraged by his father to receive a bracha…
Moed Katan 8
We are taught in the Mishna (Moed Katan 1:7) that weddings may not be held on Chol HaMoed. However, as…
Moed Katan 7
The Mishna (Moed Katan 1:5) and the subsequent discussion in today’s daf (Moed Katan 7a), contains what I believe to…
Moed Katan 6
Having been taught in the Mishna (Moed Katan 1:2) that ויוצאין אף על הכלאים – ‘[agents of the court] also…
Moed Katan 5
We were previously taught in the Mishna (Moed Katan 1:2) that it is permissible to fix markers on an unmarked…
Moed Katan 4
We were previously taught in the Mishna (Moed Katan 1:2) that ומתקנין את המקולקלת במועד – ‘we may repair a…
Moed Katan 3
Much of today’s daf (Moed Katan 3a-b) explores the various activities which are prohibited during the Shemitta year, and it…
Moed Katan 2
To be a ‘Shaliach’ is generally translated, at least in the purely halachic sense, as a ‘messenger’ whose task it…
Megillah 32
Mazal Tov! Today we completed our study of Massechet Megillah, and in the final daf (Megillah 32a) we are taught…
Megillah 31
Today’s daf (Megillah 31b) contains a pithy teaching that conveys a lesson derived from an episode in Sefer Melachim (The…
Megillah 30
We were taught in the Mishna (Megillah 3:4) that on the second of the series of the four special Shabbatot…
Megillah 29
Much of today’s daf (Megillah 29a) explores the concept that, even absent of the Temple, God’s presence (Shechina) remains with…
Megillah 28
Much of Megillah 27b-28a is filled with the responses of various elderly Talmudic masters to the question posed to them…
Megillah 27
Sometimes we can learn a text and do a double-take because either we suspect that we haven’t understood the text…
Megillah 26
We generally assume that once an item has been sanctified for sacred purposes, it is then considered to be sacred.…
Megillah 25
Today’s daf (Megillah 25a-b) contains two Mishnaic teachings that – on first glance – are contradictory, while – at the…
Megillah 24
A fascinating discussion in today’s daf (Megillah 24b) relates to a verse in Devarim 28:29 which warns the Jewish people…
Megillah 23
There are times when the word ‘Torah’ is used to exclusively refer to the Pentateuch (חמישה חומשי תורה), times when…
Megillah 22
Today is Rosh Chodesh Shvat, and today’s daf (Megillah 22b) teaches us that on Rosh Chodesh there is an extra…
Megillah 21
We are taught in today’s daf (Megillah 21a) that one must stand when reading the Torah for a congregation, and…
Megillah 20
The Mishna (Megillah 2:4) in today’s daf (Megillah 20a) lists a variety of mitzvot that need to be performed in…
Megillah 19
The Mishna (Megillah 2:3) in today’s daf (Megillah 19a) records a debate between Rabbi Meir, Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Yosi…
Megillah 18
We are taught in today’s daf (Megillah 18b) that a Megillah or, in fact, even one letter of the Megillah,…
Megillah 17
Today’s daf (Megillah 17a) contains many fascinating and profound teachings. But since the daf opens with a teaching – echoed…
Megillah 16
In recent weeks I’ve been listening to the podcast ‘A Slight Change of Plans’, and when I studied a particular…
Megillah 15
Today’s daf (Megillah 15a) includes the teaching of Rabbi Elazar in the name of Rabbi Chanina that the blessing of…
Megillah 14
Much of today’s daf (Megillah 14a-b) teaches us about the שבע נביאות – the seven biblical prophetesses (Sarah, Miriam, Devorah,…
Megillah 13
Today’s daf (Megillah 13b) provides us with a stark reminder that the Jewish people are in danger when those with…
Megillah 12
Today’s daf (Megillah 12b) decodes the information that we are told about Mordechai in the beginning of the Megillah (Esther…
Megillah 11
Throughout the Tanach we find people or groups of people who presume that they can know, with both precision and…
Megillah 10
While not experienced by all those who had the displeasure of COVID, nevertheless one of the oft-discussed side effects of…
Megillah 9
In today’s daf (Megillah 9a-b) we are taught that beyond a Torah scroll being written in the classic כתב אשורית,…
Megillah 8
Today’s daf (Megillah 8a-b) contains many of the Mishnayot in the first chapter of Massechet Megillah where each of them…
Megillah 7
Today’s daf (Megillah 7b) includes the oft-quoted teaching of Rava that: ‘It is the duty of a man to intoxicate…
Megillah 6
Today’s daf (Megillah 6b) contains a blunt yet important teaching by Rabbi Yitzchak that I often cite:‘If someone tells you…
Megillah 5
In one of his stand-up performances, British comedian Ashley Blaker speaks of those Jews who go to synagogue just twice…
Megillah 4
Today’s daf (Megillah 4a) records a fascinating rule taught by Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi which, though codified by many of…
Megillah 3
Today’s daf (Megillah 3a-b) records how those serving in the Beit HaMikdash must temporarily cease doing so in order to…
Megillah 2
Today we begin Massechet Megillah whose opening Mishna informs us that while residents of walled cities (כרכין המוקפין) read Megillat…
Rosh Hashanah 25
Rabban Gamliel was a remarkable Torah scholar and religious leader. He was a direct descendent of Hillel, and he was…
Rosh Hashanah 24
Today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 24a-b) explores what witnesses must see in order for their testimony about the new moon be…
Rosh Hashanah 23
Today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 23a) contains a teaching by Rav Yochanan that ‘whoever learns Torah and does not teach it…
Rosh Hashanah 22
Having discussed some laws relating to testifying about a new moon, the Mishna (Rosh Hashanah 1:8) in today’s daf (Rosh…
Rosh Hashanah 21
The Mishna (Rosh Hashanah 1:6) found in today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 21b) describes a fascinating situation concerning the halacha which…
Rosh Hashanah 20
The sole focus of our daf today (Rosh Hashanah 20a-b) are the laws pertaining to Rosh Chodesh and the various…
Rosh Hashanah 19
The theme of much of today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 19a) is the Jewish Calendar and the sanctity of the festivals,…
Rosh Hashanah 18
We are taught a profound idea in today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 18a) that Torah study, together with acts of kindness…
Rosh Hashanah 17
Much of the discussion in today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 17a) relates to God’s final judgement of our deeds at the…
Rosh Hashanah 16
Today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 16b) contains many profound theological teachings, including many associations with Parshat Vayera that we just read…
Rosh Hashanah 15
We have previously learnt (Sukkah 35a) that one of the reasons why an Etrog is referred to with the word…
Rosh Hashanah 14
Today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 14b) quotes an oft-cited Beraita – capturing a unique period in Jewish history where personal halachic…
Rosh Hashanah 13
In today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 13a), as part of a broader discussion about the time it takes for fruit to…
Rosh Hashanah 12
Almost every year, at some point on January 1st, we read of a similar story highlighting one of the most…
Rosh Hashanah 11
Every Friday night, as part of the Kiddush, we recite the words of Bereishit 2:1-3 which begins with the phrase:…
Rosh Hashanah 10
Today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 10a-b) explores the question of whether periods shorter than a year can, in particular circumstances and…
Rosh Hashanah 9
Much of Massechet Rosh Hashanah explores the concept of time, and in today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 9a) we encounter a…
Rosh Hashanah 8
We are taught in today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 8a) that Rav Nachman bar Yitzchak said that the first of Tishrei…
Rosh Hashanah 7
Many years ago I read a unique book which unfortunately has few parallels before or since. Titled ‘One People, Two…
Rosh Hashanah 6
Much of today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 6a) explores the laws of נדרים (vows), and it is here that a Beraita…
Rosh Hashanah 5
Yesterday, the 7th of Cheshvan, was the 88th yartzheit of Rav Meir Shapiro (1887-1933) who is regarded by many as…
Rosh Hashanah 4
Today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 4b) contains a rabbinic aphorism that I regularly invoke which, though mentioned in our daf as…
Rosh Hashanah 3
There is an interesting phrase used in today’s daf (Rosh Hashanah 3b) in relation to Daryavesh (Darius) who, as is…
Rosh Hashanah 2
Having been taught in the Mishna (Rosh Hashanah 1:1) that the first of Nissan is the New Year for kings,…
Beitzah 40
When considering what should be my thought for today’s daf (Beitzah 40b) – the final in the Massechet – I…
Beitzah 39
Having previously explained how the laws of ‘techumin’ (i.e. the prohibition of walking more than 2,000 amot beyond a town…
Beitzah 38
Today’s daf (Beitzah 38a-b) contains one of the most confusing and cryptic exchanges in the entire Gemara.We are told that…
Beitzah 37
A fascinating principle relating to ‘techumin’ (boundaries) is taught in the Mishna (Beitzah 5:4) found in today’s daf (Beitzah 37a)…
Beitzah 36
The Mishna (Beitzah 5:2) in today’s daf (Beitzah 36b) lists a variety of activities which our Sages forbade on Shabbat…
Beitzah 35
The Mishna (Beitzah 5:1) in today’s daf (Beitzah 35b) informs us that “We may put a vessel under dripping water…
Beitzah 34
In today’s daf (Beitzah 34a) we are taught a Beraita which describes an unusual situation where a number of people…
Beitzah 33
Today’s daf (Beitzah 33b) makes reference to woods with a fragrance, noting that ‘we may handle fragrant woods [on Shabbat]…
Beitzah 32
Today’s daf (Beitzah 32b) informs us of a halacha that we may be מוחט a wick on Yom…
Beitzah 31
Today’s daf (Beitzah 31b) raises the question of whether food may be taken on Yom Tov from a room that…
Beitzah 30
The Mishna (Beitzah 4:1), as cited in today’s daf (30a), rules that in order to distinguish between Yom Tov and…
Beitzah 29
Today is Isru Chag (in Israel) which is when we reflect on the Yamim Tovim that we have experienced throughout…
Beitzah 28
Having been taught in today’s daf (Beitzah 28a) that the only difference between the Shabbat and Yom Tov laws is…
Beitzah 27
Quite often, while explaining a particular halachic ruling, the Gemara will make a statement which is rich with theological meaning…
Beitzah 26
Today’s daf (Beitzah 26b) records a question posed by [the Amora] Hillel to Rava concerning יש מוקצה לחצי שבת –…
Beitzah 25
Having just read the Kriat HaTorah this morning of VeZot HaBracha, it was lovely to see one of the beautiful…
Beitzah 24
Much of today’s daf (Beitzah 24a) explores the prohibited melacha of ציד (trapping) on Shabbat and Yom Tov, during which…
Beitzah 23
Early on in today’s daf (Beitzah 23a) we are taught that ‘inverting a fragrant cup on silk garments on Yom…
Beitzah 22
We were previously taught in the Mishna (Beitzah 2:6, 21b) that on three matters Rabban Gamliel ruled strictly in accordance…
Beitzah 21
In today’s daf (Beitzah 21a) we read that Rav Avya the Elder asked Rav Huna a technical and theoretical question…
Beitzah 20
Today’s daf (Beitzah 20a) recounts a dramatic story where the elderly sage and disciple of Shammai, Baba ben Buta, prevented…
Beitzah 19
Early on in today’s daf (Beitzah 19a), we are introduced to a fascinating Talmudic principle of מחשבתו נכרת מתוך מעשיו…
Beitzah 18
In today’s daf (Beitzah 18a-b), reference is made to the mitzvah of immersing in a mikvah where the Gemara raises…
Beitzah 17
I remember the first time I learnt today’s daf (Beitzah 17a) because through the journey I went on then, I…
Beitzah 16
It is just over an hour after Yom Kippur has finished. I’ve had something to eat with the family, and…
Beitzah 15
It is Erev Yom Kippur, and I am looking at today’s daf (Beitzah 15b) which informs us that what we…
Beitzah 14
In seeking to explain the distinction drawn by Beit Hillel in the Mishna (Beitzah 1:7) in today’s daf (Beitzah 14a)…
Beitzah 13
We learn in today’s daf (Beitzah 13a) that the obligation to take terumah only begins once grain, fruit and vegetables…
Beitzah 12
In today’s daf (Beitzah 12b), reference is made to terumah – which may not be separated on Yom Tov, and…
Beitzah 11
The Mishna (Beitzah 1:5) in today’s daf (Beitzah 11a) notes how Beit Hillel permitted placing an animal hide on Yom…
Beitzah 10
Today’s daf (Beitzah 10a) explores the Talmudic principle of ברירה (‘Bereira’ – meaning ‘clarification’) which concerns an ambiguous situation…
Beitzah 7-8
Among the laws discussed in the two dapim we studied over Rosh Hashanah (Beitzah 7-8) is the mitzvah of כיסוי…
Sukkah 10-11
While learning yesterday (Sukkah 10) and today’s daf (Sukkah 11) over Shabbat (given that today was Tisha B’Av), I was…
Shekalim 22
As our study of Massechet Shekalim draws to a close, the final lines of Shekalim (22b) refer to the fact…
Shekalim 21
In explaining the position of Rabbi Yosi in the Mishna (Shekalim 8:1), today’s daf (Shekalim 21b) quotes a Beraita describing…
Shekalim 20
Today’s daf (Shekalim 20a) records a curious exchange between Rabbi Mana and Rabbi Yosi about the mitzvah of Hashavat Aveida…
Shekalim 19
Today we begin Chapter Seven of Massechet Shekalim (Shekalim 19a) whose opening Mishna (Shekalim 7:1) addresses the question of how…
Shekalim 18
In today’s daf (Shekalim 18b), and basing itself on the seemingly superfluous word קרבן in the verse ‘if a person…
Shekalim 17
Today’s daf (Shekalim 17a) begins with a Mishna (Shekalim 6:3) and it specifies the location by each of the gates…
Shekalim 16
Much of today’s daf (Shekalim 16) explores the dimensions and manufacture of the Aron (Ark), and it is here where…
Shekalim 15
While the Gemara’s method of communicating various teachings and rulings often involves lengthy dialogues and discussions, as well as detailed…
Shekalim 14
We were previously taught (see Mishna Shekalim 5:1) that the House of Garmu were responsible for the production of the…
Shekalim 13
The Mishna (Shekalim 5:1) in today’s daf (Shekalim 13a) tells us about Petachiah – better known to use as Mordechai…
Shekalim 12
The Mishna (Shekalim 4:6) found in today’s daf (Shekalim 12a) informs us of a dispute between Rabbi Akiva and Ben…
Shekalim 11
Having made reference in the previous Mishna (Shekalim 4:2) to the special ramp that was built for the transportation of…
Shekalim 10
The Mishna (Shekalim 4:2) found in today’s daf (Shekalim 10b) begins by listing three items that were purchased מתרומת הלשכה…
Shekalim 9
Having informed us of the importance of being “נקיים (literally ‘clean’, but generally understood to be ‘free from sin and…
Shekalim 8
We are taught in the Mishna (Shekalim 3:2) found in today’s daf (Shekalim 8a) that someone who withdraws money from…
Shekalim 6-7
A central theme in both yesterday’s (Shekaim 6) & today’s daf (Shekalim 7) is the status of מותר – (surplus)…
Shekalim 5
The Mishna (Shekalim 2:1) found in today’s daf (Shekalim 5a) informs us that just as there were half-shekel donation boxes…
Shekalim 4
Today’s daf (Shekalim 4) informs us that donations for the upkeep of the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) should not be sought…
Shekalim 3
The Mishna (Shekalim 1:1) quoted in today’s daf (Shekalim 3a) informs us that the Beit Din in each city were…
Shekalim 2
As part of its discussion about the contribution of the half-shekel for the maintenance of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later…
Massechet Pesachim Siyum Video
Every day I endeavour to share a thought on the daf that is thoughtful and meaningful. Here is a video…
Pesachim 121
Today’s daf (Pesachim 121b) – the final page of Massechet Pesachim – concludes with a discussion about Pidyon HaBen (the…
Pesachim 120
Today’s daf (Pesachim 120b) records a disagreement between Rabbi Elazar Ben Azariah and Rabbi Akiva concerning the time up to…
Pesachim 119
Shavua Tov! Towards the end of today’s daf (Pesachim 119b) the Gemara quotes and discusses the Mishna (Pesachim 10:8) which…
Pesachim 118
Among the excerpts from Tehillim which form the Hallel is chapter 116 which begins with the words אהבתי כי ישמע…
Pesachim 117
We often think of Hallel as merely being a collection of joyous songs of praise. However, today’s daf (Pesachim 117a)…
Pesachim 116
The Mishna (Pesachim 10:5) found in today’s daf (Pesachim 116b) contains the remarkable teaching – which was to then become…
Pesachim 115
Towards the end of today’s daf (Pesachim 115b) we are informed that early on in the Pesach seder, the table…
Pesachim 114
As part of the Gemara’s explanation (Pesachim 114a) for the position of Beit Hillel (see Mishna Pesachim 10:2) that text…
Pesachim 113
Whenever we read a written record of spoken words, it should be clear to us that a dimension of those…
Pesachim 112
Today’s daf (Pesachim 112a) contains a stunning expression that exquisitely captures the passion and emotions of a teacher. To give…
Pesachim 111
There are many Jewish practices which evolve from considerations expressed in Jewish texts, and in general, the more those texts…
Pesachim 110
In order to make sense of today’s daf (Pesachim 110), we must begin by taking a moment to reflect on…
Pesachim 109
Today’s daf (Pesachim 109a) informs us that ‘a person is obligated to bring joy to his children and to the…
Pesachim 108
Today’s daf (Pesachim 108b) cites a Beraita which informs us that the wine used at the Seder ‘must have the…
Pesachim 107
Have you ever had the experience of really wanting to consume a certain food or drink, but afterwards coming to…