Berachot

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

Brachot 35: No, Thank You!

Rabbi Jay Kelman

The opening Mishnah of the sixth chapter of Brachot discusses the various blessings one makes on different types of food. The Talmud attempts, but is unable, to find a scriptural source that tells us that one must make a blessing before eating,…
Article
Sep 9, 2012

Brachot 34a: Respect for the Congregation

Rabbi Jay Kelman

In Talmudic times, the norm was that the chazzan literally prayed on behalf of the congregation. The people would listen and answer "amen," thus fulfilling their obligation of prayer. In addition to the tefillot of the chazzan, there was (and is, at…
Article
Sep 9, 2012

Brachot 32a: Forcing G-d to Forgive

Rabbi Jay Kelman

One of the exciting aspects of Talmud study is the range of ideas presented, and the openness to expressing radical ideas—including those bordering on the heretical. Even more fascinating is that the Talmud finds license for such views in the…
Article
Sep 4, 2012

Brachot 31: Where to Pray

Rabbi Jay Kelman

The Talmud spends a good deal of time discussing the proper frame of mind for prayer. In a rather obvious remark (yet, much easier said than done), the Gemara notes that “One must aim their thoughts towards heaven” (Brachot 31a). As…
Article
Sep 4, 2012

Brachot 27: Too Close for Comfort?

Rabbi Jay Kelman

The Gemara (Brachot 27a), in discussing the propriety of making an “early Shabbat”, records that Rav Yirmiya davened just behind his teacher, Rav, on Friday afternoons while Rav was reciting the prayers for Shabbat. The Gemara …
Article
Sep 4, 2012

Daf Yomi Thoughts: Going for Gold

Rabbi Jay Kelman

"Mei’emati korin et hashema b’arvit, from what time may one begin reciting the evening shema?" So begins the Talmud Bavli, the first volume of the Gemara and the page that will be studied by hundreds of thousands of Jews around…
Article
Aug 2, 2012