“The ox and goat of Yom Kippur are slaughtered in the north” (Zevachim 47a). As we discussed in our last post, the fifth perek …
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Zevachim 47: I Agree!
Other than belief in G-d, there is almost nothing in Judaism that is not subject to debate. Does G-d have a body? Should Biblical stories be…
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Zevachim 46: What's On Your Mind?
One of the classic debates of the Talmud – and one with no clear resolution – is whether or not mitzvoth tzreechot kavanah. The term…
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Zevachim 38: Do it Right
One of the first innovations of the Reform movement was the removal from the siddur of all references to Zion and the Temple. The emerging…
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An Introduction to Seder Kodshim
One of the benefits of learning Daf Yomi is that it “forces” one to learn subject areas that would otherwise be ignored. Each one of the…
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Horayot 14: Seeking Kavod
We have often commented on the fact that our tradition does not shy away from pointing out the weaknesses and failings of our great Sages. This idea…
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Horayot 14: Standing for Eliyahu
Not every question has an answer and not every problem has a solution. This may be depressing for some, especially the young and idealistic (all…
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Horayot 10: A Pure Sin
Judaism has long rejected the notion that the ends justify the means. One of the most basic of Talmudic rules is that a mitzvah haba b’…
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Horayot 6: You Call This A Temple?
In his best-selling book, Predictably Irrational, Dan Ariely notes how very rare it is for humans to make decisions in absolute terms. Rather,…
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Horayot 2: What Do You Think?
In the days before instant replay took over much of sports officiating[1], the rule of thumb was that the ‘umpire is right even when he is…
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An Introduction to Masechet Horayot
One of the most inspiring aspects of the Torah is its very real portrayal of its personalities. People—heroes and villains alike – are…
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Avodah Zarah 54: The Wise Men of Rome
It is the rare business that looks to create competition for itself. In fact, the success of a CEO is often judged less by profits than by market…
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Avodah Zarah 27: Time for a Haircut
Imagine going to the barber and fearing that barber may take his razor and slit your throat. Or going to a doctor who may purposely give you medicine…
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Avodah Zarah 36: By the Rabbis; For the People
It is axiomatic that Biblical laws are of greater importance than rabbinic laws. After all, the former emanate from a Divine Creator, whereas the…
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Avodah Zarah 19: The Right Person for the Right Job
Considering the amount of time one spends at work, there is little sadder than being in a job one does not like. How wonderful it is when…
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Avodah Zarah 19: Learn What You Like
“The age of five for the study of Tanach, the age of ten for Mishna and the age of fifteen for Talmud[1]” (Pirkei Avot 5:21). Our Sages…
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Avodah Zarah 18: Too Much Torah!
While we often tend to view the ancient Romans as evil enemies out to eradicate Judaism and kill Jews, the truth is that the relationship between…
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Avodah Zarah 18: The Power of the Letters
One of the differences between Ashkenazic and Sephardic culture, both religiously and otherwise, is in their view of the mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem,…