Mishnah & Talmud

Embark on a journey of Jewish learning and discovery, exploring the depth of our Mishnah & Talmud resources, where tagged items including audio, programs, and podcast episodes await your exploration.

Layoff Policy

Rabbi Jay Kelman

The recently announced massive layoffs at General Motors have employees at the many industries connected to the auto industry fearful for their own job security. Especially troubling to many in Ontario is the fact that one of the plants scheduled…
Article

Appointing Judges

Rabbi Jay Kelman

The role of the judiciary in North America has been at the forefront of the news in recent days. In Canada Judge Gomery has just released his report apportioning blame in the sponsorship scandal. In the United States George Bush is having difficulty…
Article

Returning Charity

Rabbi Jay Kelman

Judaism abhors outright hypocrisy. Therefore a mitzvah performed as a direct result of a transgression, mitzvah haba baveirah, loses its value. Thus the Mishna teaches that a stolen lulav may not be used. It would be quite incongruous to thank G-d…
Article

From Text to Tradition: How our Ancestors Really Learned Talmud

Rabbi Dr. Pinchas Hayman

Audio

Get it in Writing

Rabbi Jay Kelman

Get it in writing. This piece of advice has as its implicit assumption that it is the written word and not oral proclamations which carry greater legal weight. Jewish law interestingly, posits that what we say is much more important than what we…
Article

African Aid

Rabbi Jay Kelman

Should the Western world forgive African debt? The mitzvah of tzedakah contains a dual component; helping those in need and instilling in the donor the recognition that wealth is a gift from G-d. Giving money where it is politically correct and…
Article

Firing Fellows

Rabbi Jay Kelman

Providing employment for the needy – and most would be needy if not for their jobs – is considered to be the highest form of “charity” as it enables one to have a sense of dignity and self worth. It should thus be no surprise that firing workers may…
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Workers Beware

Rabbi Jay Kelman

Accepting personal responsibly for ones actions is one of the fundamental precepts of Judaism. “Man is always liable” for damages caused, the Talmud declares even if such damages were caused while sleeping. This concept applies equally to damages…
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Bureaucratic Bumbling

Rabbi Jay Kelman

The allegations emanating from the Gomery inquiry implicating the governing Liberal Party of Canada and their friends in a taxpayer funded fundraising scheme are discouraging but not to be unexpected considering the potential monetary gain involved…
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Taking Personal Responsibility

Rabbi Jay Kelman

The conviction of former Worldcom Inc. chairman Bernard Ebbers on multiple counts of fraud and the like raises the question of executive responsibility for actions of others in the company. Mr. Ebbers defence was that he did not understand the…
Article