Category Archives: Uncategorized

The SD is a monarchist. One of the commentators on the Queen’s death on the TV this morning mentioned that she always listened to criticism and tried to change. In a famous speech she said “criticism is good for people … Continue reading →

At the bottom of page 62b and continuing on 63 is the famous story of R. Akiba and his rise from ignorant shepherd to great sage of the Talmud. We are told that R. Akiba was a shepherd of Calba … Continue reading →

Ketubot page 49 presents a rather harsh mishna. The mishna says that a father is not obligated to feed or provide for his minor daughter while he is alive. If he dies, the daughter is supported from the assets of … Continue reading →

We are finishing the tractate. The first part of the tractate focused on relationships which permit or prohibit the act of Yibum or marrying your dead brother’s wife. The second main theme is when a woman may remarry in the … Continue reading →

The Mishna on 116 cites a ruling of Hillel who says that if a woman says her husband died and there are specific circumstances which are similiar to a prior ruling- she is believed. Hillel says the circumstances must be … Continue reading →

Parsha Emor starts with the statement: Tell the Kohanim -sons of Aharon (priests) not to become Tuma-impure by death defilement (contact with dead.). Ishbitz has a unique understanding of tuma (impurity). He starts by saying “kohanim” refers to all people … Continue reading →

The parsha of Kedoshim has the famous line: “Love your neighbor as your self”. What is often forgotten is what comes immediately before: -Do not hold a grudge. Interestingly, Yevamos 62 which is the next day after reading of Kedoshim … Continue reading →

The Bostoner Rebbbetzin was quoted as saying: “May the Simcha of your Purim not get in the way of your Kashrus of your Purim; and the Kashrus of Your Pesach not get in the way of the Simcha of your … Continue reading →

In parsha Shemini at the height of the inauguration of the Miskan (Tabernacle), two sons of Aharon the hight priest bring a “strange fire” into the Tent. They are immediately consumed. It kills the joy of the time. The commentaries … Continue reading →

The last pages of Chagiga argue about the status of the altar and table in the Temple. The discussion is whether these items are in essence “wood” or does the gold plaiting makes them different and subject to Tumah. Frankly … Continue reading →