It is amazing how a slight change in perspective can make a huge difference. "R. Hiyya taught…
Pesachim 87b: We Want Converts
We generally tend to view exile from the land of Israel as punishment for our sins, an apparent…
Sukkot: No Pain, No Gain
The Talmud classifies sukkah as a mitzvah kalla, a light and easy mitzvah. Where one must be…
Yom Kippur: 20/20 Vision
In trying to develop the potential of man, the Mussar movement[1] developed two different…
Pesachim 68b: Fasting or Feasting
The Gemara (Pesachim 68b) records a debate as to the proper way to celebrate Yom Tov. Rabbi Eliezer…
Pesachim 68: Timing Is Everything
The korban pesach entailed many steps, both before and after its slaughter; and the Mishnah lists…
Rosh Hashanah: A Matter of Time
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the new year. But strangely, it does not mark the end of the…
Pesachim 66: People Power
One of the underlying pillars of democratic thought is confidence in the people to make the right…
Pesachim 66a: A Humble Lesson for Hillel
While Korbanot tzibbur, public offerings, were sacrificed on Shabbat and Yom Tov--and serve as…
Nitzavim: Minding My Business
“Lest there be a man or a women or a family or tribe...when they hear this curse, they will bless…
Pesachim 64b: You're Out of Here!
Akavya ben Mehalelel is best known for the teaching, “Focus on three things, and you will not…
Pesachim 62: To Teach or Not to Teach
"Rav Simlai came in front of Rav Yochanan and asked him to teach him Sefer Yuchsin, the Book…
Pesachim 60: The Forest and the Tree
Some of the most fundamental mitzvoth of the Torah are stated in the vaguest of terms, with few…
Pesachim 56: Medical School
The greatest blessing one can have is that of good health. And aside from the three cardinal sins…
Ki Tavo: Real Estate Talk
The central aspect of the Pesach seder is the mitzvah of sippur yetziat mitzraim, retelling and…
Pesachim 54: The Heart of Darkness
Man, unique amongst all creations, was blessed by G-d with a soul. We are not just physical…
Pesachim 50b: The Wrong Reason
Our tradition has long taught that it is a great mitzvah to do the right thing, even if for the…
Pesachim 50: Custom-Made
This Daf Yomi Thought is dedicated in honour of the upcoming wedding of Yonah Dorfman to…