tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35395591069130915062024-03-25T08:58:30.206-05:00Talmud Illuminated<a href="https://mkerzner.blogspot.com/p/about-talmud-illuminated-blog.html">About</a><br>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.comBlogger2403125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-26291111865011305982024-03-03T08:24:00.008-06:002024-03-03T11:31:43.065-06:00Shabbat 5 - Airspace, is it the same as resting on the ground?<p>So, after all, why is the poor man liable for violating Shabbat when <a href="https://talmudilluminated.com/shabbat/shabbat2.html" target="_blank">he brings an object from the street into the hand of the householder inside</a>? Complete Shabbat violation includes taking an object from a significant area of four by four "arms," and a hand lacks these dimensions.</p><p>The Talmud tries to ascribe this rule to Rabbi Akiva, who considers being in the airspace the same as resting on the ground. By extension, an object in the hand is resting on the ground. But it considers such attribution too tenuous. </p><p>Then, it tries to say that it is the opinion of Rabbi Yehudah the Prince, who seemingly did not require the area of four by four. That does not work either because Rabbi Yehudah only talked about an area with a roof, and we have no roof in the street.</p><p>It tries to change the ruling, saying it should be "basket in his hand." The problem is that the rule needs to mention a basket, and it does not.</p><p>Finally, the Talmud concludes that because the hand can grasp things, it is considered by the person as if it were four by four "arms" (amot) - and that is why the poor man is liable.</p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-8404631000023792362024-02-05T10:51:00.004-06:002024-02-06T21:50:10.167-06:00Shabbat 4 - Do not confuse a scholar<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0qQqi0BkMsvMksqTLio64T-VGsqqZUs9n1u6SYJLQmHdAXPIP-LDbuBQMQ7anBpavplTP2KtsYaRM_4pdxUPjyQDau2o1YuFVzOUNM_57biA8gV9WWVN4cu0RMGX5i_q0RhPc-qMIKolzEFE78s-rTZeau4FSXD5NzLyIt7y2186YQjH4r5-0f9zyFjc/s600/a-boy-carrying-food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="348" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0qQqi0BkMsvMksqTLio64T-VGsqqZUs9n1u6SYJLQmHdAXPIP-LDbuBQMQ7anBpavplTP2KtsYaRM_4pdxUPjyQDau2o1YuFVzOUNM_57biA8gV9WWVN4cu0RMGX5i_q0RhPc-qMIKolzEFE78s-rTZeau4FSXD5NzLyIt7y2186YQjH4r5-0f9zyFjc/s320/a-boy-carrying-food.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>Rav asked Rabbi Yehudah the Prince (his uncle) a question: if someone loaded a person with food and drink, and then this person carried his load into the street on Shabbat, what is the law? Since this person did not pick up the food, he did not perform the complete carrying on Shabbat, which requires both picking up and then putting it down. Or when he started moving his body, it was akin to picking up, and the person is liable.<p></p><p>Rabbi Yehudah replied, "He is liable." He added, "It is not the same as a hand." Rabbi Yehudah was anticipating a question of why <a href="https://mkerzner.blogspot.com/2021/07/shabbat-2.html" target="_blank">putting it in his hand does not make him liable</a>, but putting it on his shoulder does."</p><p>Rabbi Chiya (son of Rabbi Yehudah) addressed himself to Rav, "Son of scholars! When Rabbi Yehudah is teaching another area of law, do not distract him with questions about Shabbat. What if he does answer right? It might prove an embarrassment. Here, however, he answered correctly." His hand, unlike his body, is not at rest. So, it never performs the start of the first part of the Shabbat violation.</p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-16592081938897033032024-01-19T05:09:00.007-06:002024-02-06T21:38:45.442-06:00Shabbat 3 - Two that are four<a href="https://talmudilluminated.com/shabbat/shabbat2.html" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://talmudilluminated.com/shabbat/shabbat2.html" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisToJi9M_Ms9BgxP7yvK5XW13EnmS35NLdZNyXuudQGAex_z-7EJuMBb82Dj0tM3BaIuZ-m-nlj8S4korrlWLBWt9NudPBvK0URqsFOC332rTiBrVEHpvvNA-iMJo-zJu0Za_HKFoyBIVj9c9ACL0bxY56o68RTXiCT0lenXyTA9mq9m9BqQYe6ph5y-P3/s712/Shabbat-by-Marc-Chagal.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="712" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisToJi9M_Ms9BgxP7yvK5XW13EnmS35NLdZNyXuudQGAex_z-7EJuMBb82Dj0tM3BaIuZ-m-nlj8S4korrlWLBWt9NudPBvK0URqsFOC332rTiBrVEHpvvNA-iMJo-zJu0Za_HKFoyBIVj9c9ACL0bxY56o68RTXiCT0lenXyTA9mq9m9BqQYe6ph5y-P3/s320/Shabbat-by-Marc-Chagal.png" width="320" /></a></div>On the previous page, we discussed two ways to break Shabbat, which are really four. Thus, there are four ways for one outside and four more for one inside, with a total of eight cases.<div><br /></div><div>However, in another place in the Talmud where the idea of "two that are four" is discussed, only four cases of Shabbat violations are mentioned, and not eight. Here is what it says <a href="https://talmudilluminated.com/shevuot/shevuot2.html" target="_blank">there</a>. There are two kinds of oaths to violate: to do something in the future or not to do it. These are really four - adding oaths that he did or did not do something in the past. The list continues - two ways to remember that one was ritually impure when he went to the Temple, which is four. Two ways the spiritual leprosy (tzaraat) can look, which is four. So it is four or eight?</div><div><br /></div><div>The Talmud answers: here in tractate Shabbat, it describes all the variations and details; thus, there are eight. But in another list, where the subject is oaths and Shabbat is only incidental, only the four major categories are discussed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Art: Shabbat by Marc Chagall</div>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-75682855449774402642023-11-20T00:00:00.017-06:002023-11-29T09:29:58.206-06:00Brachot 63 - When to Nullify the Torah and When to Uphold It - (Blessings)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4NE4exj6AmOKP3PkyzhkIsrClizSvub66EzZc6C4eMV7QIP7A90ppgXuJ8PL1UVuT5JIBA6G7dNr5EqHoliZ0IvQ8H-4bvsQPpZ4LjS7xqlA6ezXQAtx5vjILKjmSk0VYQ9CdG0m0oTdRROWyoyCfRJxhYIyrSN4UkHbzzt0jC48U563NHYY1AZWJ1jB/s800/DUR_DBM_627-001.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="800" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4NE4exj6AmOKP3PkyzhkIsrClizSvub66EzZc6C4eMV7QIP7A90ppgXuJ8PL1UVuT5JIBA6G7dNr5EqHoliZ0IvQ8H-4bvsQPpZ4LjS7xqlA6ezXQAtx5vjILKjmSk0VYQ9CdG0m0oTdRROWyoyCfRJxhYIyrSN4UkHbzzt0jC48U563NHYY1AZWJ1jB/s320/DUR_DBM_627-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>There are times when one must nullify the Torah. The key is in the phrase, "<a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/119-126.htm" target="_blank">Time to act for God; they have nullified Your law</a>." It should be understood as thus: the righteous nullified the Law! Why? Because the time has come to act for God.<p></p><p>The classic example is Elijah bringing a sacrifice on Mount Carmel while it is prohibited outside the Temple. Another example is writing down the Talmud. Initially, it was forbidden to commit Talmud to writing. But when people's memory weakened, the Sages permitted it based on the same rule.</p><p>In general, learning the Torah is the source of strength and also of pleasure. But to understand and remember it, one must die for it. It says, "<a href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/19-14.htm" target="_blank">This is the Torah of a man who dies in a tent.</a>" On the surface, it talks about the purity laws for a corpse. But the Torah gives many lessons, and this one can be obtained by analyzing the phrase and seeing a different meaning in it.</p><p>One who wants to become wise should study monetary judgments because they require patience and exact knowledge of the Law. One should never be ashamed to ask even stupid questions.</p><p>Art: The Sacrifice of Elijah by Aert Jansz. Marienhof</p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-18846988797597060462023-10-22T11:29:00.012-05:002023-11-05T23:12:56.877-06:00Brachot 61 - All that God does is for the good (Blessings)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-XOEM-eQIX5Zi67DPVQOMKuV5cwhL61NRRRvLNeQaF_QgW76scmfEzYnqD8iWy5XrHsgKNcmunk9Cvwf6RBTmtzdNzMT7VpMofLVJfGX0trLjUFMYSLVKk8Czv6jedf5r40sGipwIDsaUePt4D6hzHOlHLkedRFlEwZU38oNv4gEoU2TfS6IRz_FDRTi/s898/760px-Rembrandt_-_A_Scholar_in_his_Study_-_NG.M.01365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="760" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-XOEM-eQIX5Zi67DPVQOMKuV5cwhL61NRRRvLNeQaF_QgW76scmfEzYnqD8iWy5XrHsgKNcmunk9Cvwf6RBTmtzdNzMT7VpMofLVJfGX0trLjUFMYSLVKk8Czv6jedf5r40sGipwIDsaUePt4D6hzHOlHLkedRFlEwZU38oNv4gEoU2TfS6IRz_FDRTi/s320/760px-Rembrandt_-_A_Scholar_in_his_Study_-_NG.M.01365.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>A person should accustom himself to saying, "All that God goes is for the good," like in the following story.<div><br /></div><div>Rabbi Akiva was once traveling. He reached a city where no one would provide lodging for him. He said, "All that God does is for the good." He went to sleep in the fields. He had a rooster, a donkey, and a lamp. The wind came and blew out the lamp; a cat came and ate the rooster; a lion came and ate the donkey. At night, the army came and captured the city. He told his students, "Didn't I tell you, all that God does is for good."</div><div><br /></div><div>Once, the Roman Empire decreed that Jews should not engage in Torah study. Pappus came and found Rabbi Akiva publicly teaching the Torah. Pappus said, "Akiva, are you not afraid of the regime?" Akiva answered with a parable. A fox saw schools of fish looking for a refuge. It said, "Why are you running away?" The fish replied, "From the people spreading their nets." The fox said, "Come live with me on dry land." The fish replied, "If we are in danger in water, how much more so would be on land!" </div><div><br /></div><div>If now, when we study the Torah, which says, "<a href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/30-20.htm" target="_blank">For it is your life and the length of your days</a>," we are in danger, if we stop studying, how much more so!?</div><div><br /></div><div>Art: A Scholar in His Study by the School of Rembrandt</div>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-33542124477368254922023-09-26T00:17:00.012-05:002023-12-25T00:02:43.346-06:00Bava Kamma 108 - Unpaid custodian (Torts)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zYibRpJxu-Y2vyLY0xRfDn0uLCm9cExOWPMYOPE64QKVAmxmkH46O4UjAirzBRAIK3owTpxYhDoxhxoc8TO1RG6bOXoUe0rShJfClxCmPMNbAEQCCNzPlsDMnv4KINInVf2JzKXYDrpUjSjNJcPDUelBbOBwqtf3BBbEYbuaRXNehvrkQBg1mbF-DJMl/s900/the-last-moments-of-christopher-columbus-claude-jacquand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="900" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zYibRpJxu-Y2vyLY0xRfDn0uLCm9cExOWPMYOPE64QKVAmxmkH46O4UjAirzBRAIK3owTpxYhDoxhxoc8TO1RG6bOXoUe0rShJfClxCmPMNbAEQCCNzPlsDMnv4KINInVf2JzKXYDrpUjSjNJcPDUelBbOBwqtf3BBbEYbuaRXNehvrkQBg1mbF-DJMl/s320/the-last-moments-of-christopher-columbus-claude-jacquand.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When one entrusts an item to his fellow, the fellow becomes an unpaid custodian. If one then comes to retrieve the object and his fellow says, "It is lost," the fellow is not obligated to pay since he was doing a favor. But if one insists and asks his fellow to swear and the fellow accepts an oath, things become more complex.<p></p><p>If witnesses come and testify that the custodian consumed the deposit himself, he is obligated to pay for it double what he stole. If the custodian repents and confesses his false oath, he must pay the total amount, plus one-fifth of the value, and bring a guilt offering to the Temple.</p><p>What if one robs his father and swears to him that he did not do it, the father dies, and the son then repents his false oath? The son pays the principal plus one-fifth to his father's heirs (his brothers and uncles.) If he does not have the money to repay, he can borrow from others and give it to his brothers; his creditors will come and collect from his portion of the inheritance.</p><p>Art: The Last Moments of Christopher Columbus by Claude Jacquand</p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-76448222806854175752023-09-24T11:23:00.011-05:002023-12-25T00:01:38.534-06:00Bava Kamma 105 - Flaky Humans (Torts)<p><a href="https://talmudilluminated.com/bava_kamma/bava_kamma104.html" target="_blank"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRoSnHNj2KtgCpgJaiDAZHiHHg6YAufN1UvPY9neyJfG9QNXgk5KESOpyKGvR1du5Po7fnsi2j_4QTDCTQOyCHO1_w5161_9EsOl-TsK_Q6EZJ4Ru6BmtrXFYS7Olp0XhW8kOWMZfE_56Ue6i7wQ47IoscBIMTHr2_KtKkIFXOsI05NkMVBLzkJUQ9TsA/s900/train-robbery-frederick-lyle-morris-disabled-veteran.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="694" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRoSnHNj2KtgCpgJaiDAZHiHHg6YAufN1UvPY9neyJfG9QNXgk5KESOpyKGvR1du5Po7fnsi2j_4QTDCTQOyCHO1_w5161_9EsOl-TsK_Q6EZJ4Ru6BmtrXFYS7Olp0XhW8kOWMZfE_56Ue6i7wQ47IoscBIMTHr2_KtKkIFXOsI05NkMVBLzkJUQ9TsA/s320/train-robbery-frederick-lyle-morris-disabled-veteran.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>We remember that one who robs his fellow of money, either by stealing, robbing, or not returning something deposited with him - <b>and swears that he did not do it</b> - but then repents, needs to fix it in a special way. He has to find the victim, restore what he stole, add one-fifth, and bring a guilt offering to the Temple.<p></p><p>What if he returned the principal but not the fifth and now swears that he returned the fifth? If he then confesses that he again took a false oath, he must restore the amount, add one-fifth, and bring another guilt sacrifice. This process can continue until the principal amount is reduced to less than a prutah (about five cents.)</p><p>Art: Train Robbery by Frederick Morris</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-56235145145578845122023-09-20T10:15:00.010-05:002023-12-25T00:02:31.643-06:00Bava Kamma 103 - Title insurance using the name of the king (Torts)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEKQZUABFm3YEULTpwmXSI4orz11PPHekx_wifgGbO2hN_J6oCtS1_mSjI_ByBCU9MJzWkxYT6dh0xCmrBhnKNWxyfr5Tzw_APL2kLdBaKBYbcobzuY9LIKpFE9hkHKT6C1y9yQkqVKiPXtAUv5wm4ZeCYx3rgLUQMNJgDBVu8uEuiS177fZT5a0arpUl/s900/the-ploughed-field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="900" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEKQZUABFm3YEULTpwmXSI4orz11PPHekx_wifgGbO2hN_J6oCtS1_mSjI_ByBCU9MJzWkxYT6dh0xCmrBhnKNWxyfr5Tzw_APL2kLdBaKBYbcobzuY9LIKpFE9hkHKT6C1y9yQkqVKiPXtAUv5wm4ZeCYx3rgLUQMNJgDBVu8uEuiS177fZT5a0arpUl/s320/the-ploughed-field.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A cryptic ruling: if one buys a field in the name of his fellow, we do not force him to sell; if he said "on condition," we force him to sell. Rav Sheshet explained it.<p></p><p>One comes to buy a field and says that he is buying it for the Exilarch (who was given a semi-royal authority over the Jews in Babylon.) He is really buying the land for himself, but he wants the deed to be written in the name of the Exilarch. He is doing it to discourage protesters to the sale, who might claim that they are the true owners of the land and not the seller. </p><p>The ruling then says we do not force the seller to write another bill of sale with the buyer's name. The seller might not want to write two bills of sale because it may look like he is selling the field twice. However, if the buyer stipulated that he would want two bills of sale, the seller has to produce them. But that is obvious? The seller can say that he thought the buyer was talking to the witnesses.</p><p>Art: The Ploughed Field by Van Gogh</p><p><br /></p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-6016309409046726622023-09-19T09:51:00.013-05:002023-11-09T18:02:56.616-06:00Bava Kamma 8 - What is considered the best land? (Torts)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4QvuFmYcY46zrKYC8GdNp3qACB_w3_ZxekV5o8WwnAs1vTMel9P83xBsqN44mbYzYo_QLY43dw6i-hBtULnCHG5GWslhGviL4L1I4YILNJ10mnXlxhRFjTVIgySttSATnTV8NoBidq0Mg06CvSCbsosZGnO4pbaT4fJTAtx0GZ4g039SPU8PI_yW94jH/s1280/Landscape%20with%20a%20Stone%20Bridge%20%20Rembrandt%20Harmensz%20van%20Rijn.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1280" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4QvuFmYcY46zrKYC8GdNp3qACB_w3_ZxekV5o8WwnAs1vTMel9P83xBsqN44mbYzYo_QLY43dw6i-hBtULnCHG5GWslhGviL4L1I4YILNJ10mnXlxhRFjTVIgySttSATnTV8NoBidq0Mg06CvSCbsosZGnO4pbaT4fJTAtx0GZ4g039SPU8PI_yW94jH/s320/Landscape%20with%20a%20Stone%20Bridge%20%20Rembrandt%20Harmensz%20van%20Rijn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>If one causes damages to his fellow, he must compensate for it. Furthermore, "<a href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/22-5.htm" target="_blank">He shall pay from the best of his land</a>." With that instruction, we still have many questions open. <a href="https://talmudilluminated.com/bava_kamma/bava_kamma7.html" target="_blank">We already discussed</a> whether it should be the damaged party's best land or the damager's best land.<p></p><p>The next question is this. When the court assesses land to determine which one is superior, do they look at the damager's lands and choose the best? Or do they look at the land quality in general? Perhaps the damager's lands are so excellent that even his worst land is still the best by the world's standard. </p><p>Rav Abba gave an answer. Since the Torah said, "<b>His</b> best land," the quality of the world's lands has nothing to do with it! Still, they challenged his answer, contrasting it with the rule of paying to different categories of people: creditors, damaged parties, and widows <a href="https://talmudilluminated.com/ketubot/ketubot89.html" target="_blank">claiming their Ketubah payment</a>. But Rav Abba deflected their questions.</p><p>Art: Landscape with a Stone Bridge by Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn</p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-87251960702624829332023-09-13T20:40:00.007-05:002024-03-02T22:32:00.502-06:00 Bava Metzia 4 - The case of "here, it (your money) is yours" (Finds)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg246oYIBpgsN3duCGSCXnIe4L7B-cX8FSJBvbw00nhD9xY3l9PC678KiDGMUkY-GdzkpQu4c5lQpC4dEfy9VVNEK_xgKd6S-gGRrEU4usSw9J_IDUuE_v0n4aYtSmWgvC7DyjW7nz-LiKWJoJc6ELA6jKgR_XKUA5CHHfbJIxbNxSH94apaPZxLR1GR4zP/s338/Norman%20Rockwell%20-%20The%20Argument.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="338" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg246oYIBpgsN3duCGSCXnIe4L7B-cX8FSJBvbw00nhD9xY3l9PC678KiDGMUkY-GdzkpQu4c5lQpC4dEfy9VVNEK_xgKd6S-gGRrEU4usSw9J_IDUuE_v0n4aYtSmWgvC7DyjW7nz-LiKWJoJc6ELA6jKgR_XKUA5CHHfbJIxbNxSH94apaPZxLR1GR4zP/s320/Norman%20Rockwell%20-%20The%20Argument.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A plaintiff claims to a defendant, "You owe me a hundred zuz ($5000)," and the defendant says, "I owe you only fifty zuz, and here, it is yours – I haven't spent them, and they are in your legal possession."<p></p><p>Rabbi Chiya says that the defendant has admitted part of the claim and has to take an oath.</p><p>Rav Sheshet says the fifty zuz are viewed as if the lender is holding them. The defendant admits nothing about them and completely denies the other fifty. Thus, there is no oath, and he is not liable for anything else.</p><div>Art: The Argument by Norman Rockwell</div>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-80398321509533471822023-09-10T20:33:00.005-05:002023-12-25T00:03:45.920-06:00Bava Kamma 102 - Question about the laws of Shmita year (Torts)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSokf-mnvIWiG13G-y1esK99T4C_pYbZR4hdMUmCHuX9H4zuaEWbQWLLULVVfDTY4m7rYvVVuuSaffuNoCEvl_GdBneLxruZ7Nf5tWCkI61m5TZIA-SZjKMyKJeuuNCgqjnDLNO4vznZpW5fR9I-XqMxcQ97vIlt3t0Uo7_uvc8j5P45_owbKl0zFyl4O8/s729/the-harvest-1883.jpg!Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="729" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSokf-mnvIWiG13G-y1esK99T4C_pYbZR4hdMUmCHuX9H4zuaEWbQWLLULVVfDTY4m7rYvVVuuSaffuNoCEvl_GdBneLxruZ7Nf5tWCkI61m5TZIA-SZjKMyKJeuuNCgqjnDLNO4vznZpW5fR9I-XqMxcQ97vIlt3t0Uo7_uvc8j5P45_owbKl0zFyl4O8/s320/the-harvest-1883.jpg!Large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Every seven years, a farmer in Israel is supposed to give rest to the land. Foodstuff that grew of itself can be collected and eaten, but after the harvest is over, one cannot keep it in his home but should put it out in the street for everybody's consumption. Wood is included in the laws of shmita.<p></p><p>However, Rava noticed a contradiction. A rule about cane reeds and grapevine leaves states that if these are gathered for food, then they have the laws of shmita, but if they are gathered for kindling - they do not have the laws of shmita. He resolved the contradiction: the laws of shmita apply to produce where the benefit and consumption come simultaneously, just like with food. </p><p>For example, wood is burnt (and destroyed) in an oven, but the benefit (baking) comes later. On the other hand, dyestuff is destroyed when dissolved in water, and the benefit - dying the cloth - comes simultaneously. The laws of shmita apply only to stuff that is destroyed simultaneously with giving benefit.</p><p>Art: Harvest Camille Pissaro</p><div><br /></div>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-76781277184494786652023-08-22T09:50:00.006-05:002023-09-10T22:40:05.526-05:00MosesAI answers questions<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysa5TciaTjeJwNakP0ubGqmQqd-rwxgWAPhD1EPMbLMvF-Yrt-mhYnXCNsNKyRZlbUf3SJGXUVf4fe5VYQNOQOzkujoxG1LTH5o_QPzLKLNfmvrgWLz377K8heFXHzuTp7ASIg0mFRfD7MDgrfaoMbYp9qtkqp4-ZuFV0SY9q-h3wDe1GIHr_zGH-L0cK/s1067/800px-Mos%C3%A8,_Pietro_Novelli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysa5TciaTjeJwNakP0ubGqmQqd-rwxgWAPhD1EPMbLMvF-Yrt-mhYnXCNsNKyRZlbUf3SJGXUVf4fe5VYQNOQOzkujoxG1LTH5o_QPzLKLNfmvrgWLz377K8heFXHzuTp7ASIg0mFRfD7MDgrfaoMbYp9qtkqp4-ZuFV0SY9q-h3wDe1GIHr_zGH-L0cK/s320/800px-Mos%C3%A8,_Pietro_Novelli.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>MosesAI is a conversational chatbot trained on <a href="https://talmudilluminated.com/" target="_blank">Talmud Illuminated</a>. It knows all of Talmud, so ask any question.<p></p><p>Here: <a href="https://mosesai.org/">https://mosesai.org/</a></p><p>Art: Moses by Pietro Novelli</p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-61070379950902848572023-08-20T11:00:00.010-05:002023-08-20T15:25:13.787-05:00Kiddushin 6 - Say what you mean<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWaEp27NXt2e8e0MtHG8K1a-ArRGQxIPKijVW8C06ba1cAiQCd6KlAXsSA_3SUliCQLIvkgZJLpgeBUtN24uGYbFF4uLI3NNwINGprD0JkzcU4e_8ByfkfpRRmk_TBXooYCWy1Csmu30DUpcUeT6VjfZmRGgFKKSZdSqpLZfRHxQLAsxX6vmcCIqHN-I_/s1200/Jacobus_Buys_(1724-1801)_-_The_Betrothal_-_1298226_-_National_Trust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="852" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWaEp27NXt2e8e0MtHG8K1a-ArRGQxIPKijVW8C06ba1cAiQCd6KlAXsSA_3SUliCQLIvkgZJLpgeBUtN24uGYbFF4uLI3NNwINGprD0JkzcU4e_8ByfkfpRRmk_TBXooYCWy1Csmu30DUpcUeT6VjfZmRGgFKKSZdSqpLZfRHxQLAsxX6vmcCIqHN-I_/s320/Jacobus_Buys_(1724-1801)_-_The_Betrothal_-_1298226_-_National_Trust.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>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.<p></p><p>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 <i>taken</i> one?" The Talmud resolves at least the last question positively because the Torah said, "When a man shall <i>take</i> a woman."</p><p>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.</p><p>Art: The Betrothal by Jacobus Buys</p><p><br /></p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-46161730129414032632023-08-16T21:38:00.000-05:002023-08-16T21:38:14.294-05:00Kiddushin 39 - Reward for a Mitzvah is Another Mitzvah<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f-lRd9JCiLR__1YmxPX0O3YJ_qknY4Qyu517rsITzogKoB76Be0f3xknsQtaS6WNcLXEVzMS1m9PYoAG8vrO6Xorcz45r8uOS_RsCp-rvMSXpAdbfbgD1ElJWMPdm6aBzT61Gofd2tdQo5NBRvJzEsk7FD3U8uYFrgv7kHMsrGFA5wSJ10f9ibcVZT6t/s750/Vincent%20van%20Gogh%20-%20Still%20Life%20with%20Three%20Birds'%20Nests.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="750" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f-lRd9JCiLR__1YmxPX0O3YJ_qknY4Qyu517rsITzogKoB76Be0f3xknsQtaS6WNcLXEVzMS1m9PYoAG8vrO6Xorcz45r8uOS_RsCp-rvMSXpAdbfbgD1ElJWMPdm6aBzT61Gofd2tdQo5NBRvJzEsk7FD3U8uYFrgv7kHMsrGFA5wSJ10f9ibcVZT6t/s320/Vincent%20van%20Gogh%20-%20Still%20Life%20with%20Three%20Birds'%20Nests.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>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.<p></p><p>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.</p><p>Art: Still Life with Three Birds' Nests by Vincent van Gogh</p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-43467307642785010912023-08-16T14:40:00.004-05:002023-08-16T14:40:31.385-05:00Kiddushin 37 - Mitzvot Done in the Land of Israel and Outside<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8azyoyXRH2XmyMn7RnGZ64LVfyxc4SiqBhrXgroEVoZrvCdcVE0fhNfF7zV6lCN7BMsWCZ5XMhUDGk1M7Jlpb1-KqQHCQMUmyqAJpBbzuftKWdi1FPUG1_Rhxh93Gb5EHyp04Kw6F2NjZ7PYWf0MDUMNjajS6vTjj8TWnqgJ_Vqu2KCI96Npo4y5xTGQ/s484/Homer%20Winslowapple%20-%20Apple%20Picking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="484" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8azyoyXRH2XmyMn7RnGZ64LVfyxc4SiqBhrXgroEVoZrvCdcVE0fhNfF7zV6lCN7BMsWCZ5XMhUDGk1M7Jlpb1-KqQHCQMUmyqAJpBbzuftKWdi1FPUG1_Rhxh93Gb5EHyp04Kw6F2NjZ7PYWf0MDUMNjajS6vTjj8TWnqgJ_Vqu2KCI96Npo4y5xTGQ/s320/Homer%20Winslowapple%20-%20Apple%20Picking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>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. <div><br /></div><div>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."</div><div><br /></div><div>Art: Apple Picking by Homer Winslow</div>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-729743909077503692023-06-07T11:37:00.009-05:002023-06-07T21:48:16.214-05:00Gittin 37 - For the benefit of both rich and poor <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1gZJywH6_0HUtEkUoxBPDQ0ilptYnvNNTVKUFtB65mybrz6VdlsZWbpwiNCGIIXRTiI2ttD5SffxWRFs0sZbJw0VwxcFN59LXOPU_1pCQaJjyGGU0GgJ0Kf6kG78xTHtOpwgFqMuhsHmjmW2TieHg4MrndPakNH5XXVbdjYeK5Sv-qeOz1PVBjG_vQ/s900/the-thankful-poor-c-1894-henry-ossawa-tanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="900" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1gZJywH6_0HUtEkUoxBPDQ0ilptYnvNNTVKUFtB65mybrz6VdlsZWbpwiNCGIIXRTiI2ttD5SffxWRFs0sZbJw0VwxcFN59LXOPU_1pCQaJjyGGU0GgJ0Kf6kG78xTHtOpwgFqMuhsHmjmW2TieHg4MrndPakNH5XXVbdjYeK5Sv-qeOz1PVBjG_vQ/s320/the-thankful-poor-c-1894-henry-ossawa-tanner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The term "prosbul" is related to the Greek prosbuleibutei (a council to protect people from harm) and means "benefit or rich and poor." Rich - because they do not transgress - do not refrain from helping with a loan. Poor, because it helps them obtain a loan.<p></p><p>Prosbul works by assigning the loan to court for collection. It is then "as if collected," and such a loan is not canceled by the 7th year.</p><p>Only unsecured loans are canceled and thus require prosbul. Even if a debt is canceled by the 7th year, it is meritorious to return the money as a gift.</p><p>Art: The Thankful Poor by Henry Ossawa Tanner</p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-82548484492504001752022-05-24T22:45:00.011-05:002022-05-24T23:37:06.911-05:00Yevamot 78 - Can a mamzer survive?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimZ8Vc-a9D5vf2ZJ_VUwM0C2W0p0kW0Z93ASfZgamNSJHi8d_Ahex-D-T9rY-dgN1cLoXLuY8g2tS67qUGlG16qOHbBExDEiwXSLFva7VC6_Yh3Dvlgw-sw6hlutcJEm8NIzYUhQ8QtuHAySYDLafc0yjkXQV2IbzkYGD1DtE7KsND5OUPLpB-Rwpzg/s640/Two%20Sisters%20and%20a%20Brother%20of%20the%20Artist%0Aby%20Sofonisba%20Anguissola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="640" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimZ8Vc-a9D5vf2ZJ_VUwM0C2W0p0kW0Z93ASfZgamNSJHi8d_Ahex-D-T9rY-dgN1cLoXLuY8g2tS67qUGlG16qOHbBExDEiwXSLFva7VC6_Yh3Dvlgw-sw6hlutcJEm8NIzYUhQ8QtuHAySYDLafc0yjkXQV2IbzkYGD1DtE7KsND5OUPLpB-Rwpzg/s320/Two%20Sisters%20and%20a%20Brother%20of%20the%20Artist%0Aby%20Sofonisba%20Anguissola.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A mamzer (bastard) is a child born from a union where the man and the woman were prohibited to each other and where the prohibition led to being spiritually cut off from the people. An example of this could be another man's wife or one's own sister. Once a man is a mamzer, he cannot marry a Jewish woman. That prohibition extends to all generations and applies equally to men and women.<div><br /></div><div>From here, we start having divergent opinions. "<a href="http://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=5&CHAPTER=23#P5497" target="_blank">Even until the tenth generation</a>" is interpreted as "forever," but Resh Lakish says it literally means the tenth generation. They asked Rabbi Eliezer's opinion on this, but he answered, "Who can give me even the third generation mamzer, and I will purify him." He meant that Heaven watches over him and causes him to die before he produces the third generation - so that the Jews would not unknowingly intermarry.</div><div><br /></div><div>That rule only applies to a mamzer who was not known publicly. But if he is known, people would not intermarry anyway. To support this, here is a story. There was one mamzer whose status was not known. Rabbi Ami announced his status to the public. The man went about crying. Rabbi Ami consoled him, "I gave you life!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Rabbi Tarfon tells us how a <a href="https://mkerzner.blogspot.com/2008/12/kiddushin-69-ten-genealogical-classes.html" target="_blank">mamzer can purify himself</a>. Today, it is hard to prove that anyone is a mamzer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Art: Two Sisters and a Brother of the Artist by Sofonisba Anguissola</div>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-6153059710131992682022-04-07T09:42:00.007-05:002022-04-13T23:12:02.851-05:00Yevamot 31 - Did I really marry you?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJdpnzgtHQF1fNFlJ4gBCIR612yOx2Uk9Fu4l_ZNiFEXHEt6tTCN1aBYgfHndiiQ2Mq8n4hAuv5an8YVCVbiCBqdYNH_QlujIeEutRbOiIL8IC6FTXnoIVDJi1UgcmvWB1qqZ09iieCxPtsXZ6LOJI2hnw5JfCHwuMIYx_uNpe2BbqqM34NUrOAyabw/s1039/1024px-1822_Ramboux_Die_Br%C3%BCder_Eberhard_anagoria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJdpnzgtHQF1fNFlJ4gBCIR612yOx2Uk9Fu4l_ZNiFEXHEt6tTCN1aBYgfHndiiQ2Mq8n4hAuv5an8YVCVbiCBqdYNH_QlujIeEutRbOiIL8IC6FTXnoIVDJi1UgcmvWB1qqZ09iieCxPtsXZ6LOJI2hnw5JfCHwuMIYx_uNpe2BbqqM34NUrOAyabw/s320/1024px-1822_Ramboux_Die_Br%C3%BCder_Eberhard_anagoria.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>Several times, we have seen that if a man dies, his brother needs to marry the deceased man's wife or let her free. If he marries her, it is called a yibum, and if he lets her free, it is called a chalitzah.<p></p><p>The first complication may arise if the now-deceased had two wives, one of which happens to be forbidden to the live brother. For example, she could be the brother's daughter, the dead man's niece. The brother cannot marry his daughter, and the other wife is automatically released from either yibum or chalitzah.</p><p>The second complication may arise when we are in doubt whether the deceased man married his niece or not. This doubtful marriage is the focus of our investigation here. How could it happen? Here is how. Instead of giving his bride the betrothal document, he threw it at her, and it fell to the ground. Now, if it fell closer to her, she would be married. If it fell closer to him, she is not. If it fell in the middle, we have a doubt. </p><p>The solution? The alive brother should release both wives and cannot marry either. Thus, he does the halitzah to both but cannot do a yibum.</p><p>Art: The Brothers Konrad und Franz Eberhard by Johann Anton Ramboux</p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-18092575251250559942022-03-16T08:53:00.012-05:002022-03-16T13:54:27.743-05:00Yevamot 4 - Looking for a permission to marry one's daughter<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbzEPRkVQcYOgLpGia9fTKVb1Os-guQWX7wVCoJdM0KFg-mCAfJfEqIBJGPbdhaPM8sedUwV6Dvt-w5VcKZdkSYPJALXZp85zysTe9MliNq71QE0MU9y12CnnwNQWIeeQmYwKwCc7sDLKA6VJmYTONLXDyi_ua_tplCbhuumMU1ZDVkZ5cW1DfzFU1oA=s900" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="900" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbzEPRkVQcYOgLpGia9fTKVb1Os-guQWX7wVCoJdM0KFg-mCAfJfEqIBJGPbdhaPM8sedUwV6Dvt-w5VcKZdkSYPJALXZp85zysTe9MliNq71QE0MU9y12CnnwNQWIeeQmYwKwCc7sDLKA6VJmYTONLXDyi_ua_tplCbhuumMU1ZDVkZ5cW1DfzFU1oA=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The logic about not marrying one's daughter could be completely reversed. Here is what a man trying to find the permission to do so could argue.<p></p><p>He will marry his daughter off to his brother (the Torah law allows marriage with the niece.) Then, when his brother dies, he gets to marry his daughter as his brother's wife or a "yevamah." True, there is a prohibition against marrying one's daughter, but it is overwritten by a positive commandment to marry a yevamah.</p><p>His source? Two verses: "<a href="https://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=5&CHAPTER=22#P5476" target="_blank">You should not wear wool and linen together</a>" and next to it, "<a href="https://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=5&CHAPTER=22#PP5477" target="_blank">You shall fringes on your garment</a>." For your fringes (tzitzit), you can use wool and linen together. In fact, that is what they did in the Temple, making the priests' belts. This teaches us that "do" overwrites "don't do." </p><p>He seems to have built his case? We answer that "do" overwrite "don't do" only for relatively light prohibitions, such as wearing wool and linen together. Marrying one's daughter - or any other similar ban - is more strict. So even the mitzvah of yibum does not help him turn the forbidden into permitted.</p><p>Art: Henri Rouart and his Daughter Helene by Edgar Degas</p><p><br /></p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-77748636633979571622022-03-10T11:41:00.008-06:002022-03-10T22:53:12.628-06:00Yevamot 3 - Sleeping with one's daughter<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1W9ySzFC-Pa5ZqrSOt4SVQ6_VeGSQ4vVWCc0ILn_teZPHmvLY60zzSNH696IUS0oloXPbSHLSLPP8yp0p5KGxiBfA4Ncsnixd8UeykkjJhiZLj5y3eLIltQxj7nhFOjDRS_gd2oc0ss-tInJaOQN55QtCsBFc_4wOYDBQlOCaRPGX7DcSAzxCYNgiYA=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="969" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1W9ySzFC-Pa5ZqrSOt4SVQ6_VeGSQ4vVWCc0ILn_teZPHmvLY60zzSNH696IUS0oloXPbSHLSLPP8yp0p5KGxiBfA4Ncsnixd8UeykkjJhiZLj5y3eLIltQxj7nhFOjDRS_gd2oc0ss-tInJaOQN55QtCsBFc_4wOYDBQlOCaRPGX7DcSAzxCYNgiYA=s320" width="258" /></a></div>Most people would agree that a man should not sleep with his daughter. However, this is not mentioned in the Torah directly. Instead, this prohibition is derived by connecting with another ban in two steps.<p></p><p>We are not talking about his legitimate daughter because she is "his wife's daughter," and it is indeed prohibited. Instead, we are talking about his out-of-the-wedlock daughter from his lover who is not his wife. Why can't he sleep with her? </p><p>First, <a href="view-source:https://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=3&CHAPTER=18" target="_blank">one should not marry a woman and her daughter because they are close relatives</a>, and it is a shame. Second, <a href="https://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=3&CHAPTER=18#P3259" target="_blank">one should not sleep with his son or daughter's daughter</a> because it is a shame. Since these two phrases include a similar word, "shame" or "heinnah" in Hebrew, we can combine the prohibitions and derive that sleeping with one's daughter, even born out of wedlock, is incest.</p><p>The teacher (Tanna) who taught this law loved involved logic. Since this law is a perfect example, the teacher has put one's daughter as the first in the list of the <a href="https://mkerzner.blogspot.com/2014/10/yevamot-2-sister-in-law.html" target="_blank">fifteen women</a> who are automatically released from yibum or chalitzah.</p><p>Father and Daughter by Charles H. Moreau</p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-87316932680448908672022-02-18T11:29:00.009-06:002022-02-18T15:19:00.486-06:00Chagigah 9 - What is right and what is wrong<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidztbmv-har8Jg-b4LbnBogCB348i97DE3TAssYjgXPzFV4Oz-Z3Fbny4P7SPalQiZuEL8F231nNd8N9vXdUqAaPCkjbUPSNMgRFlbTFQmjdSsdoyk4DnwXdcIL8rdDrefZfnzyTZpNttTTU7s-XPweYf-9JP-wGnIjIhYhU52PJamdd4-4Cgi5X7eMA=s824" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidztbmv-har8Jg-b4LbnBogCB348i97DE3TAssYjgXPzFV4Oz-Z3Fbny4P7SPalQiZuEL8F231nNd8N9vXdUqAaPCkjbUPSNMgRFlbTFQmjdSsdoyk4DnwXdcIL8rdDrefZfnzyTZpNttTTU7s-XPweYf-9JP-wGnIjIhYhU52PJamdd4-4Cgi5X7eMA=s320" width="199" /></a></div>Jews traveled to Jerusalem three times a year, visited the Temple, and offered a sacrifice there. This sacrifice was called "Chagigah" or Celebration. Ideally, one should bring this sacrifice on the first day of the Festival. However, if he missed doing it on the first day, he can still complete the celebration by offering (and then eating) it on any of the remaining days of the Festival.<p></p><p>What happens if he went to Jerusalem, visited the Temple, but did not bring a Chagigah sacrifice, and the Festival is now ended? He missed his chance, and nothing can be done now. The following statement by King Solomon applies to him, "<a href="https://mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt3101.htm" target="_blank">A crooked thing cannot be straightened, and a lack cannot be counted</a>."</p><p>What are the other examples of irreparable losses? One misses the time to say the prayer of "Shema, Israel!" in the morning or evening. One who has relations with a woman who is forbidden to him (like a sister or another man's wife) and she gives birth to an illegitimate child (mamzer.) But some people do not agree that this phrase refers to these cases. They say to become crooked, one must start out straight. Who is this? - This is a Sage who went to the bad side.</p><p>Art: Motherly love by Albert Neuhuys</p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-322601915957842212022-02-12T23:10:00.011-06:002022-02-13T09:58:53.446-06:00Kabbalah of Chagigah 3<p><a href="https://mkerzner.blogspot.com/2014/09/chagigah-3-case-of-deaf-mute.html" target="_blank"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjKMXXA1DnGBegJ7qQt4S-Sz_E08apeBAq60wsmxmJPC0tWkJHrCJ2xVF84fLceW3IT5F3gKC_wXHXWIv3bpL8F1euHLIMmZ-eSdhsZS7lddoXDCby76vQOgz2uJEH17b0Tx2-cTodc1iCEk-19XzA5cReSqnqBBeZpYKNaRs-Bq4pni6tParUEmOEEg=s600" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="429" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjKMXXA1DnGBegJ7qQt4S-Sz_E08apeBAq60wsmxmJPC0tWkJHrCJ2xVF84fLceW3IT5F3gKC_wXHXWIv3bpL8F1euHLIMmZ-eSdhsZS7lddoXDCby76vQOgz2uJEH17b0Tx2-cTodc1iCEk-19XzA5cReSqnqBBeZpYKNaRs-Bq4pni6tParUEmOEEg=s320" width="229" /></a></div><a href="https://mkerzner.blogspot.com/2014/09/chagigah-3-case-of-deaf-mute.html" target="_blank">Chagigah 3 mentions two mute brothers</a>. They wanted to learn Torah and attended the teacher's lessons. In the end, the teacher saw their desire and prayed for them, and they started talking. <p></p><p>These two brothers were the reincarnation of Eldad and Medad. Eldad and Medad are among the seventy-two sages who <a href="https://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=4&CHAPTER=11#P4048" target="_blank">prophesied in the camp</a>. They were also brothers, sons of Yocheved whom she bore while being divorced from Amram.</p><p>There were two reasons why they were born mute in this reincarnation. Amram did not give Yocheved a <a href="https://mkerzner.blogspot.com/2015/12/gittin-2-messenger-of-divorce.html" target="_blank">Get</a> with a whole heart. The second was that their prophecy was about Moses' death and thus inappropriate without permission. Thus, in the new incarnations, they were born mute, and they first suffered and then corrected this defect through Torah study. This, then, was their Tikkun (correction.)</p><p>Art: Two Brothers by Maurice Leloir</p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-74691761722107876152022-02-03T18:31:00.007-06:002022-02-03T22:27:38.773-06:00Moed Katan 22 - The stages of mourning<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDHbpgl0v7vQzEBvm5guy5SK3lbIppQCAwuoKrduhTM5B5Dg5ecx0shi40cf9VMHwuy2y9rViqbRGdjJbfNMBob6p2AAvzDzPEK_sWZ0IBkWvc1GT2ArnxUrU3GjquNg3iIIGbZSOSTXJNDxicTFgXtt0cXM5EMZlJF3PLZaFb01ULcrDUbi3IdtwZYw=s599" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="475" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDHbpgl0v7vQzEBvm5guy5SK3lbIppQCAwuoKrduhTM5B5Dg5ecx0shi40cf9VMHwuy2y9rViqbRGdjJbfNMBob6p2AAvzDzPEK_sWZ0IBkWvc1GT2ArnxUrU3GjquNg3iIIGbZSOSTXJNDxicTFgXtt0cXM5EMZlJF3PLZaFb01ULcrDUbi3IdtwZYw=s320" width="254" /></a></div>If one's close relative dies, one enters the period of mourning. The day of the death is the hardest. He does not wear tefillin and does not say the regular blessings spoken throughout the day. This bereavement lasts until the burial - which ideally should be on the day of death.<p></p><p>With the closing of the casket begins the "shivah," which lasts for seven days. When the body is buried without a coffin, shiva starts with the closing of the grave. If the body is taken to a different city, those mourners who do not accompany the body begin shivah as soon as they take leave of the body.</p><p>Burying and mourning for one's parents are different from the other close relatives. For all other relatives, the sooner he buries them - the better. For his father and mother, one who eulogizes them is praiseworthy. In the former times, the pallbearers would stop many times on the way, and at each stop, some additional eulogizing and mourning would take place.</p><p>Art: Mourning by Jules Charles Boquet</p><div><br /></div>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-6845383244326790372022-02-02T22:21:00.006-06:002022-02-02T23:55:04.465-06:00Moed Katan 21 - For whom to mourn<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAEA9B57m1hUi5l5CcaMkLPv3txb6NbzJx-yJMD5vTjULXmXeBmXeSHJQHkmUdSgLf9IByoUFrqHpt_1kheDMlESzj3N0zfTKR5Y5FRQSoH_gtSCBO0yh-beukZiXd_fAHwIdiTHrXQkeJLM40KqQUg-4Z-erhbjYP1W4AnaUbcpYV5KfjvDUfSeHIlw=s600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="473" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAEA9B57m1hUi5l5CcaMkLPv3txb6NbzJx-yJMD5vTjULXmXeBmXeSHJQHkmUdSgLf9IByoUFrqHpt_1kheDMlESzj3N0zfTKR5Y5FRQSoH_gtSCBO0yh-beukZiXd_fAHwIdiTHrXQkeJLM40KqQUg-4Z-erhbjYP1W4AnaUbcpYV5KfjvDUfSeHIlw=s320" width="252" /></a></div>A priest (Kohen) must not go to the cemetery. He must also avoid contact with the dead bodies or being under the same roof. Even today, when people cannot observe the purification with the ashes of a red heifer, the priests still must follow these laws.<p></p><p>However, when his close relatives die, the priest must, on the contrary, become impure and take part in the funeral. Who are these close relatives? - His mother and father, his son and his daughter, his brother, his unmarried sister, and his wife.</p><p>The same list of seven close relations applies to ordinary people who mourn a relative. How does one express his mourning? He makes ritual clothes rending, does not work, does not bathe, does not engage in marital relations, does not wear shoes, does not wear tefillin, and does not study Torah. </p><p>Art: Artist`s Parents, by David Wilkie</p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539559106913091506.post-49383395647324540372022-02-01T09:00:00.011-06:002022-02-03T18:42:34.905-06:00Moed Katan 20 - Not to be the bearer of bad news<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd3m-Qso5KNvGPHLtDBm17aLDHjaq3F1MTgVRLsMnliI4aELt5iaruzp0rod1hqz4RnhTRDzfvG87CbR_e_8nogNTWVokjqlQjsgXskEVqlWYIm850i4U4k66ob2U4fYdae8q00bQQx7sxqjs3g-aHzopyVLz1R_Xnli3pJS6C_4aiV_PlcKzxgo_JRQ=s940" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="940" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd3m-Qso5KNvGPHLtDBm17aLDHjaq3F1MTgVRLsMnliI4aELt5iaruzp0rod1hqz4RnhTRDzfvG87CbR_e_8nogNTWVokjqlQjsgXskEVqlWYIm850i4U4k66ob2U4fYdae8q00bQQx7sxqjs3g-aHzopyVLz1R_Xnli3pJS6C_4aiV_PlcKzxgo_JRQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div>When Rav came to Israel from Babylonia, he visited Rabbi Chiya, his relative. Rabbi Chiya asked Rav, "Is your father alive?" Rav answered, "You should better ask about my mother." Rabbi Chiya then asked, "Is your mother alive?" To that, Rav answered, "Is my father alive? - I have not answered you that."<p></p><p>Rav did not want to report bad news. At that point, Rabbi Chiya understood that both Rav's parents had passed away. Both Rav's parents were relatives of Rabbi Chiya from his parents' previous marriages. Now, Rabbi Chiya had to observe the laws of mourning (shivah) for both of them. Rabbi Chiya said to his attendant, "Help me take off my shoes and carry my clothing after me to the bathhouse."</p><p>From the words of Rabbi Chiya, we learned three laws. First, a mourner is prohibited from wearing shoes. In the case of Rabbi Chiya, it was "delayed news," so he only had to take his shoes off for a short time. Second, in the case of delayed news, a mourner observes the shivah only for a day and not seven days. Therefore, even though usually a mourner is prohibited from bathing, Rabbi Chiya was allowed to bathe after a day. And third, part of the day is counted as a full day, and Rabbi Chiya already demonstrated his mourning by taking off the shoes.</p><p>Peasant Burial by Erik Werenskiold</p>Mark Kerznerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141058882531144922noreply@blogger.com0