Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
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The Daf Yomi through a Psychological Lens.
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Succah 56 The OG OTD Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 31st, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells about the fate of one Mishmar of cohanim, known as Bilga. The entire group of Cohanim was shunned due to the actions of one daughter, whom we might call the Original OTD Kid. She ran off with a gentile soldier, and upon the Greek occupation of the Temple Mount, she kicked the altar with her sandal, and said , “Lukos, Lukos (Greek for wolf, wolf), until when will you consume the property of the Jewish people, an …
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Succah 55 Whistleblowers and Troublemakers Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 29th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis notes the irony that whilst the Jewish people had a standing center of worship, they were praying for the welfare of the entire world. Even so, their enemies destroyed this powerful beacon of Godly benefit to the entire world. â¦Rabbi Yoḥanan said: Woe unto the nations of the world that lost something and do not know what they lost. When the Temple was standing, the seventy bulls sacrificed on the altar during the festi …
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Succah 54 Is On Time Good Enough? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 29th, 2021
Our Gemara on the top of Amud Beis tells us about the third shift of the paschal sacrifice, and that it was a “light shift”, in that it was completed even before Hallel reached “Ahavti”. The Gemara in Pesachim 65a fills us in on more details: The Paschal Sacrifice was brought in the Bais HaMikdash via three shifts, by halakhic mandate. That is, the entire population of Jews who came to bring the sacrifice would be divided …
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Succah 53 Shidduch Dance Festival Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 27th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis references the famous kal v’chomer about shlom bayis, which is used as a halakhic rationale in various instances to be extra lenient and accommodating regarding marital harmony. Since on Daf 51 we mentioned the twice yearly custom of the Shidduch dance as described in Mishna Ta’anis (4:8), I will discuss it in some more depth here. There were no days as joyous for the Jewish people as the fifteenth of Av …
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Succah 52 Inner Demon or Inner Child? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 27th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us about the fate of the wicked and the righteous at the end of days. It is one of my all-time favorite psychological Gemaras: â¦In the future, at the end of days, God will bring the evil inclination and slaughter it in the presence of the righteous and in the presence of the wicked. For the righteous the evil inclination appears to them as a high mountain, and for the wicked it appears to them as a mere strand of …
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Succah 51 Obsessive Rules and Games of Cat and Mouse Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 26th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis tells us about the challenges the rabbinic administrators had in maintaining decorum during the Simchas Beis Hashoeyva. After all, it is human nature to become more loose and indiscriminate during festive times (see Be'er Mayim Chaim, Deuteronomy 16:18:11): The Sages taught in the Tosefta: Initially, women would stand on the inside of the Women’s Courtyard, closer to the Sanctuary to the west, and the men …
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Succah 50 It is Hard to Treat Daily Mitzvos with the Respect they Deserve Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 25th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph quotes a verse in Malachi (1:8) that is, in my opinion, one of the most morally challenging statements in Tanach. Malachi states in the name of God: וְכִֽי־תַגִּיש×֨וּן עִוֵּ֤ר לִזְבֹּ֙חַ֙ ×ֵ֣ין רָ֔ע וְכִ֥י תַגִּ֛יש×וּ פִּסֵּ֥חַ וְחֹלֶ֖ה ×ֵ֣ין רָ֑ע?! הַקְרִיבֵ֨הוּ × Ö¸Öœ× ×œÖ°×¤Ö¶×—Ö¸×ªÖ¶Ö—×šÖ¸ הֲיִרְצְךָ …
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Succah 49 Secrets of Torah Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 24th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis says that words of Torah are to be hidden. What does that mean, why should Torah be hidden? To the contrary, Moshe says to Yehoshua (Bamidbar 11:29): וַיֹּ֤×מֶר לוֹ֙ מֹש×Ö¶Ö”×” ×”Ö·Ö½×žÖ°×§Ö·× Ö¼ÖµÖ¥× ×ַתָּ֖ה לִ֑י וּמִ֨י יִתֵּ֜ן ×›Ö¼×‡×œÖ¾×¢Ö·Ö¤× ×™Ö°×”Ö¹×•Ö¸×”Ö™ × Ö°×‘Ö´×™×Ö´Ö”×™× ×›Ö¼Ö´×™Ö¾×™Ö´×ªÖ¼ÖµÖ§×Ÿ יְהֹוָ֛ה ×ֶת־רוּח֖וֹ עֲלֵיהֶֽ×׃ â¦But Mose …
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Succah 48 The Secret to Happiness Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 23rd, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes the mitzvah of rejoicing on Shemini Azereth. The Peri Tzaddik (Chag Succos 43) explains the unique mitzvah of joy on this holiday over others: The other holidays mention joy, but with some qualifying Language such as “Rejoice before Hashem” (VaYikra 23:40), or “Rejoice on your holiday” (Deuteronomy 16:14). However, for Shemini Azereth, it states “You will be only happy” (ibid …
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Succah 47 Chair and Chair Alike Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 22nd, 2021
The Gemara on this daf discusses the Yom Tov of Shemini Azereth, which unlike the last day of Pesach, is considered its own Yom Tov, requiring a new Shecheyanu. The Midrash calculates the number of bullocks brought on all the prior days of Succos to add up to 70, corresponding to the archetypal seventy nations. The last bullock brought on Shemini Azereth, which is a single bull, corresponds to the Jewish nation. The Gemara (Succah 55b) explains t …
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Succah 46 Learn to Listen and Listen to Learn Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 20th, 2021
The Gemara at the end of Amud Aleph going into Amud Beis tells us an important truism about Torah and spiritual attainment: Rabbi Zeira said, and some say that it was Rabbi Ḥanina bar Pappa who said: Come and see that the attribute of flesh and blood is unlike the attribute of the Holy One, Blessed be He. The attribute of flesh and blood is that an empty vessel â¦holds that which is placed within it, while a full vessel does not hold it. Howev …
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Succah 45 Afterplay Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 20th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the value of Isru Chag, the day after the Yom Tov is completed. In fact, it states that feasting on Isru Chag is akin to building an altar and sacrificing on it. There is a pattern in Judaism of savoring an experience and extending it. We find this represented in a Melave Malka after shabbos, or perhaps even the seven days of Sheva Berachos following a wedding celebration. In fact, it is a halakha to eat mo …
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Succah 44 Emptiness That Can Only Be Filled by Nothing Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 19th, 2021
Our Gemara on amud beis describes the practice of beating the aravos on Hoshana Rabbah as a custom stemming from the times of the prophets. What is a custom of the prophets ? They had the power to make takkanos decrees obligating observance, so why decide to make something a custom? It seems to occupy a place that is not a mitzvah, even rabbinically, and this is why no blessing is recited. However, the deeper question is if it is worthwhile why n …
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Succah 43 Noble Lies, COVID and the Rabbis Psychology of the Daf
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 18th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us why we do not take the Lulav on Shabbos â¦Apropos the prohibition against taking a lulav on Shabbat, the Gemara asks: Why is this prohibited? After all, taking the lulav is merely moving the object and is prohibited due to the rabbinic prohibition of set-aside. Since the mitzva to take the lulav is a mitzva by Torah law, let it override this relatively minor Shabbat prohibition. Rabba said: This prohibition is a …
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Succah 42 He Who Denies His Heritage Has No Heritage Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 17th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes the two verses a young child should be taught to say, as soon as he is able to speak. The Shema and Torah Tziva Lanu Moshe. Ben Yehoyada raises the question as to why both verses are necessary and why not the first verse in Bereishis? The Shema is obvious because it’s a credo of a Jew, declaring belief in one God who is unified. However, the verse Torah Tziva etc certainly requires some analysis. I will of …
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Succah 41 Recovery Hinges On Working WITH Your Instincts Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 16th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the concept of remembering Zion, that is remembering and awaiting a time that it can be rebuilt and we return to our homeland and autonomous rule. Obviously, there has been some restoration with the modern state of Israel, however we must concede that due to our national political and religious failings, the coming of a prophet who would lead to the rebuilding of the Temple and a world wide religious awake …
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Succah 40 Denial and Mindfulness Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 15th, 2021
The Gemara on Amud Beis describes the downfall of a person who is not mindful of the laws prohibiting commerce with produce of the Sabbatical year: A person who engages in commerce with Sabbatical-Year produce is ultimately punished with the loss of his wealth to the point that he is forced to sell his movable property and his vessels, as it is stated: “In this year of Jubilee you shall return every man unto his possession” (Leviticus …
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Succah 39 Each Jew Has The Ability To Create New Torah Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 13th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph uses an interesting idiom to refer to a Torah sage. He was called a “Moshe”, as a term of endearment. The obvious meaning is that every sage is like his own Moses. This idea is taken to the fullest extent in mystical writings. The Benei Yissachar ( ×‘× ×™ יששכר תמוז-×ב ×’-יב ) says that when each Jewish person contemplates Torah, he becomes a spark of Moshe Rabbenu’s neshama. Even more drama …
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Overconfidence Bias Vs. Shlom Bayis Vs. Shlom Bayis Psychology of the Daf Yomi Succah 38
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 13th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis rells us about King Yoshiyahu’s repentance that was aroused after hearing the words of rebuke in the Torah, which can be found in II Kings 22). Chovos Halevavos (Gate III, Avodas Elokim:10) discussed the virtue of humility, which Yoshiyahu displayed, and allowed him to take the rebuke fully to heart. Let us study the virtue of humility from a psychological perspective. According to researchers Hendijani & S …
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Succah 37 Cut Out for Heresy Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 12th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis describes the ritual motions for shaking the four species: â¦Rabbi Yoḥanan said: He moves them to and fro to dedicate them to He Whom the four directions are His. He raises and lowers them to He Whom the heavens and earth are His. In the West, Eretz Yisrael, they taught it as follows. Rabbi Ḥama bar Ukva said that Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Ḥanina, said: He moves them to and fro in order to request a halt to harmful …
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Succah 36 Break the Mold Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 11th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us a halakha that if an Esrog is grown in a mold and shaped to appear like a different entity, and it is no longer shaped like an esrog, it is unfit. Rav Moshe Avigdor Amiel 1882-1946) in his Derashos El Ami ( דרשות ×ל עמי שלש ×¨×’×œ×™× ×“×™× ×™ ×תרג ) sees a symbolic significance in this halacha. The most beautiful Esrog is the non-conventional lumpy one, not the perfectly smooth and round one. Fu …
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Succah 35 I-Thou and the High Holidays Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 10th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us in regard to identifying that the verse is referring to an Esrog: GEMARA: The Sages taught that the verse states: “Fruit of a beautiful tree,” meaning, a tree that the taste of its tree trunk and the taste of its fruit are alike. What tree is that? You must say it is the esrog tree. There is a beautiful Zohar (I:220b) on this which interprets the function of the triad of Yamim Tovim in Tishrei: …
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Succah 34 How to Enjoy Torah Study Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 9th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states: Rabbi Abbahu said that the Holy One, Blessed be He, said: I said that the Jewish people should be before Me as a plant placed by great waters, and what is that plant? It is a willow. And they set themselves as a tzaftzafa of the mountains. Ben Yehoyada interprets this allegorically to be referring to the study of Torah. Hashem wanted the Jews to be sustained by pure Torah study alone, much as the Willow is fully s …
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Succah 33 Personal Responsibility Is Eternal Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 8th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph explains, regarding the commandment to cover the blood of a slaughtered bird or wild animal: â¦With regard to one who slaughtered a non-domesticated animal or a bird and is obligated to cover the blood, if he covered the blood and it was then uncovered, he is exempt from the obligation to cover it a second time. However, if the wind blew dust and covered the blood and no person was involved, he is obligated to cover it. …
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Succah 32 The Ways of the Torah are Ways of Peace Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 6th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses how we derive which species is the correct one for the mitzvah of Lulav: And say the verse is referring to oleander, which has both characteristics. Abaye said: It is written with regard to the Torah: “Its ways are ways of pleasantness” (Proverbs 3:17), and that is not the case with the oleander tree, because it is a poisonous plant and its sharp, thorn-like leaves pierce the hand of one holding it. …
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Succah 31 The Law of Return Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 6th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us of a sad and frustrating interlude where the servants of the Exilarch stole an elderly lady’s wood and made it into Schach. She was demanding justice be served, and truthfully according to the letter of the Torah law the actual stolen object must be returned. Financial payment is insufficient, so long as the object is unchanged and available. This is true even if one built an entire house and the one main s …
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Succah 30 Stolen Spirituality Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 5th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph rules that one is not allowed to use a stolen Lulav and esrog. The Mei HaShiloach (Likkutei Shas II: Succah) notes that though a stolen Lulav cannot be used, a stolen Succah can be used, because land really cannot halakhically be stolen, as it cannot be lifted up or taken anywhere. He then notes a parallel rule regarding using a Lulav on shabbos, which is not allowed, unlike a Succah which is. Of course, the nuts an …
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Succah 29 Torah Eclipses Science? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 4th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph states: â¦When the sun is eclipsed it is a bad omen for the entire world. The Gemara tells a parable. To what is this matter comparable? It is comparable to a king of flesh and blood who prepared a feast for his servants and placed a lantern [panas] before them to illuminate the hall. He became angry at them and said to his servant: Take the lantern from before them and seat them in darkness. How can we make sense …
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Succah 28 Rashi Says, He Doesnt Know but is that True? Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 3rd, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai knew every branch of wisdom, including the conversation of ministering angels; the conversation of demons, and the conversation of palm trees. So, what exactly are these branches of wisdom? Rashi says here regarding the conversation of ministering angels; the conversation of demons, and the conversation of palm trees , “I do not know what it is.” However, other sag …
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Succah 27 Intellectual Laziness Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 2nd, 2021
Our Gemara continued discussing the middah of laziness, it’s negative and infrequently positive qualities. I was particularly struck by something the Orchos Tzaddikim (16) mentions. In categorizing various forms of laziness he mentions intellectual laziness: â¦Not only does the lazy man fail to attain knowledge of the Torah, since he does not occupy himself with the Torah as he should, but due to his laziness, false notions enter his heart …
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Succah 26 Laziness: Causes and Cures Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
August 1st, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse in Mishle (6:9): עַד־מָתַ֖י עָצֵ֥ל ×€ תִּש×ְכָּ֑ב מָÖתַ֗י ×ªÖ¼Ö¸×§Ö¥×•Ö¼× ×žÖ´×©×Ö¼Ö°× Ö¸×ªÖ¶Ö½×šÖ¸×ƒ â¦How long will you lie there, oh lazyone; When will you wake from your sleep? Let us take this time to discuss psychological ideas about laziness and its cure. There is such a thing as bad character. However, psychology, unlike mussar, looks to unders …
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Succah 25 Sex Education Begins Way Before the Wedding Day Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 30th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the concept of עוסק המצוה פטור מין המצוה one who is involved in a mitzvah is exempted from another mitzvah. One matter that comes up is that a groom, who on the night of his wedding is involved in the mitzvah of consummation of the marriage, and therefore is also exempt from the obligation to recite the Shema. There is a need for a special scriptural exemption for the groom because unlike ot …
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Succah 24 Divorce: Writing A New Life Chapter Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 30th, 2021
Our Gemara mentions a number of special and technical requirements for a Get, a Jewish divorcement bill. Unlike marriage, it can be only accomplished through a written document and the document must spell out the “סיפור דבריה The verbal description of what is occurring. Likkutei Halakhos (פריה ורביה ×ישות ×:ב) sees symbolic and metaphysical significance in these legal requirements. In order to break the marr …
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Succah 23 Flash of Insight Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 29th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the halakhic requirement that a Succah must be a temporary dwelling. The commentary of Bas Ayin (Succah 11) written by Rabbi Dov Me-Abritch (1760-1840) offers a symbolic interpretation of this halakha, similar in style to what we have been studying the past few daf. The temporary nature of the Succah reminds us that even when we reach spiritual heights they are difficult to hold onto, and necessarily temporary. …
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Succah 22 God Will Help, But You Gotta do the Work Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 28th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a dispute about one of the rules about the Schach, regarding a situation where the roofing is very thick. Shulkhan Arukh advises halakha lemaase that the covering should be open enough that one should see the stars, of course still keeping to the requirement that there be more shade than sun. Mishna Berura (636:6) Records an opinion that if the roof is so thick that rain would not even come inside, it is too clos …
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Succah 21 A Sage Lacking in Common Sense Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 27th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis states : ש×Ö¶×ֲפִילּוּ שִׂיחַת תַּלְמִידֵי ×—Ö²×›Ö¸×žÖ´×™× ×¦Ö°×¨Ö´×™×›Ö¸×” לִימּוּד Even the conversation of Torah scholars requires analysis. The Rogotchover (×¦×¤× ×ª ×¤×¢× ×— בשלח ×™×’) discusses this concept and which kind of Talmid Chacham we are referring to, in a surprising way. He first begins with quoting the famous dispute between Shimon HaAmsoni and Rabbi Akiva about wh …
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Succah 20 Sins of the Fathers Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 26th, 2021
The Gemara on Amud Aleph uses an interesting phrase, ×”×¨×™× ×™ כפרת משכבו let me be an atonement for his resting place. Rashi (here and Kiddushin 31b) explains that the suffering of a son or Talmid could somehow achieve a penance or forgiveness for the father or master. Indeed the halakha is (Ramban Shaar Hagemul 41, Kiddushin 31b, Shulkhan Arukh YD 240:9) that one says this phrase about a deceased father or mother when repeating Torah …
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Succah 19 Gender Profiling Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 25th, 2021
Our Gemara on Amud Beis mentions a structure known as כילת ×—×ª× ×™×, literally the canopy bed of the grooms. Bach ( ×ו״ח שטו:ו) describes this structure as a temporary and only made in honor of the chosson. This concept of a canopy for the Chosson is elaborated upon by Ben Yehoyada Pesachim 86b. A man must make a home for his wife so that she becomes attached to him. I know it’s unpopular and not PC to discuss male and female …
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Succah 18 Shrimps and Bullies Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 23rd, 2021
Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses non-kosher fish and various physical signs. Two of them that are most famously known as they are explicitly mentioned in the pasuk, are not having fins or scales. The Shalah (של״ה, תורה שבכתב, ויקר×, דרך ×—×™×™× ×©×ž×™× ×™ ×”) offers an explanation for why these species are not kosher. Most are familiar with the obvious concept that the non-kosher beasts and birds are predators as opposed to th …
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Succah 17 Spiritual Bent Psychology of the Daf Yomi
Author: Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, DHL, LCSW-R
July 23rd, 2021
Our Gemara discusses the various spaces that can be accounted for within the schach, that are legally kosher but not actual Schach. They are: under 3 tefachim of blank space (lavood), under four tefachim of space used by material that ordinarily is not kosher for Schach, and up to four amos contiguous from any wall of material not ordinarily kosher for Schach. The Gemara describes the latter as “Dofan Akuma”, a bent wall. That is, leg …
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