We are creatures of habit. We tend to do what we have done in the past, which is why it is so…
This or the Other: Kiddushin 39
There is no more tragic figure in Talmudic literature than that of Acher, the Other. Destined for…
Pesach: Old Questions, New Answers
“Chanoch lena’ar al pi darcho, train each child according to their way” (Mishlei).
Pesach: The Wise and Wicked
The Seder night brings together Jews from all orientations and perspectives. The future redemption…
A Strange Song: Kiddushin 31
In our last post we discussed the extraordinary efforts to which Dama ben Netinah went to…
Let Your Parents Sleep: Kiddushin 31
There are few mitzvoth more important than that of kivud av veim, honouring parents…
Shabbat Hagadol: Redemption is Near?
Historians and sociologists have long debated whether it is historical trends that determine the…
Pass the Pepper: Kiddushin 30
Our evil inclination is most powerful and capable of causing so much harm.
Where is Mommy?: Kiddushin 29
Practice what you preach is always sound advice, especially if one hopes to have any influence on…
I Don't Know: Kiddushin 25
"More than the calf wants to suck, the cow wants to give milk.…
Tazria: Back to the Beginning
Perhaps there is no parshaless studied than Tazria (and its often partner Metzora).…
Where is it Written: Kiddushin 24
One of the best-known "facts" about the Torah is that it contains 613 mitzvoth.…
He's My Master: Kiddushin 20
"From here it was said: Whoever acquires a Hebrew slave is as if they acquired a…
A Second Marriage: Kiddushin 13
One of the sacred and most enjoyable aspects of the rabbinate is being amesader kiddushin, …
Shushan Purim: From Purim to Pesach
“When Adar enters, we increase our joy” (Taanit 29a). Presumably, the increased joy is due to the…
Purim: One Is More Than Many
"It was contemptible in his eyes to harm Mordechai alone; for they identified for him the people of…
Wordplay:Kiddushin 2
One of the "new" approaches to Tanach study today is the use of literary tools and…
Some Concluding Thoughts on Masechet Gittin
After 90 double-sided pages, Masechet Gittin is coming to a close. We have discussed in…