We as a society identify people by their last name (or sadly, even if understandably, by a…
Adar Sheni: Two Redemptions
Imagine if every few years the Gregorian calendar had two Decembers. When would people shop?…
Living Together: Gittin 81
There are certain rabbinic debates where one can only say thank G-d that we do not follow a certain…
Vayakhel: Voluntary Obligations
How important is intent in the performance of mitzvoth? Is it enough to mechanically perform the…
Who is Wise?: Gittin 67
As a teacher one of my favorite parts of my work is parent teacher meetings. I (usually) find it…
Ki Tisa: Mountain Climbing
“Why should Egypt be able to say that You took them out with evil intentions, to kill them in…
The First Aliyah: Gittin 59
"These are the things that are said mipnei darchei shalom." (Gittin 59)…
A Peace of Torah: Gittin 59
Perhaps the most famous Talmudic story is that of the convert who wants to learn the…
Don't Get it in Writing: Gittin 60
“Vekatav lah sefer krietoot”, and he shall write for her a book of…
Terumah: A Lighter Load
The story is told that when the students of Rav Yisrael Salanter were preparing to bake matzah,…
What is Life Worth?: Gittin 45
In the first row of the remarkably preserved Jewish cemetery in Worms (one we will please…
Mishpatim: Talking Points
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me". This popular…
Changing My Mind: Gittin 41
One of the marks of a great person is the ability to change one’s mind. While such may end…
Yitro: A Joint Project
What kind of book is the Torah and who is it meant for? Rashi begins his commentary to…
Making the Pruzbul Work: Gittin 36
One of the most famous rabbinic enactments is that of the pruzbul, enacted by the…
Beshalach: Saving Our Enemies
When Moshe and Aharon first approached the Jewish people in Egypt, “the people believed;…
Estate Planning:Gittin 35
Two of the groups of people to whom we must show the greatest consideration are the widow…
Living in Sin: Gittin 33
"Initially one would establish a court in another place and nullify [the get].