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Art: Moses by Pietro Novelli

Kiddushin 6 - Say what you mean

The standard procedure of getting married is a man saying to a woman, "Behold, you are betrothed to me." But if he uses a different unequivocal formula, it also works. For example, "Behold, you are my wife," "You are my betrothed," and "You are acquired to me" are all valid declarations of kiddushin.

What if he uses expressions that hint at the language of the Torah but can be interpreted otherwise? For example, "You are singled out for me," "You are my helpmate," "My taken one?" The Talmud resolves at least the last question positively because the Torah said, "When a man shall take a woman."

Let's return to the "You are singled out for me" question. What are the exact circumstances here? If they are talking in general about the subject of marriage, and then he gives her the money, even if he does not say anything else, she is betrothed. And if they were not talking about marriage, what is she agreeing to? The answer is that if he is silent, she is indeed betrothed. It is when he adds these words, does he maybe mean to hire her for work? And here, the Talmud does not have an answer.

Art: The Betrothal by Jacobus Buys

Kiddushin 39 - Reward for a Mitzvah is Another Mitzvah

Orlah (prohibition of the first 3 years of a tree's fruit) reads as follows: in Israel, it is forbidden; if in doubt, it is also prohibited. Outside of Israel, one can go to the field where the Orlah tree grows and buy the fruit, provided that one does not see it being picked.

One who performs an extra mitzvah is getting the goodness of performing another mitzvah, and his life is extended to do it. Thus, the reward for a mitzvah is only another mitzvah, except for respect for the parents and sending away the mother bird, for which extended life is promised.

Art: Still Life with Three Birds' Nests  by Vincent van Gogh

Kiddushin 37 - Mitzvot Done in the Land of Israel and Outside

Every commandment that is dependent on the land applies only in the Land of Israel, and every commandment that is not dependent on the land applies both in the Land of Israel and outside the Land, except for the commandments of Orlah (prohibiting first 3 years of tree's fruit) and forbidden mixtures of planting. 

Then why, in connection with the Mitzva of Tefillin, does the Torah say, "And it will come to pass when God brings you to the Land of Canaanaties...?" - It means to say, "Perform this commandment, for on account of it you will merit to enter the Land."

Art: Apple Picking by Homer Winslow