Mazal Tov So-and-So!
Mazel tov on the completion of Nazir! In recent years, some organizations have been publicizing their conclusion that it is perfectly fine according to Jewish law for men to marry women who are older than them.
Seder Nashim · dafim 2–49
Sotah
Finished May 17, 2023 in this cycle. 9 articles, 6 stories
Map of the dafim
Articles, in daf order
Whodunit?
Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein discusses an interesting incident in his sefer Chashukei Chemed on Yoma (86b). There was an apartment building in Eretz Yisrael with 16 units. Quite possibly, the building lacked an elevator.
Is Olam Haba for Sale?
A few years ago, a Jewish individual put his portion of Olam Haba, the World to Come, up for auction on eBay. The bidding started in the morning at 99 cents and had jumped to $100,000 by the afternoon.
Reward For Sale
Growing up, I consumed a healthy dose of chassidic stories. Not that my parents are chassidish, but English literature that was written for Jewish youth was very limited back then.
Can One Daven in Klingon?
Every once in a while, one reads an article that is life-changing. There may be a halacha article that raises important points the reader was not aware of.
The Power to Withstand the Pressure
HaRav HaGaon Avrohom Kanarek, zt”l, of Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim in Yerushalayim taught Torah for many years in a humble and unassuming way. He shied away from kavod.
Saying Amein to Birkas Kohanim
Rabbi Shragga Kallus delivered an enthralling and engaging lecture filled with Torah riddles. One such riddle was: “What are two scenarios where a person would answer ‘amein’ in the middle of his private Shemoneh…
A Kohen and His Colorful Socks
There are many complex halachos about interrupting one’s prayers for various responses. At some points in davening, it is forbidden to respond, “Boruch Hu u’baruch Shmo.” At other points, one cannot even respond amein.
A Miracle Within a Miracle
Elisha HaNavi miraculously solved the drinking water issue in Yericho. The water there was poisonous and bitter. A group of young entrepreneurs earned a living by supplying the city with bottled water.
Stories in Sotah
Reuven Confesses After Yehudah
After Rachel's death Reuven moves Yaakov's bed. Hearing Yehudah publicly admit his error, Reuven too publicly confesses, sparing his brothers suspicion.
Hillel and Shevna Split Their Reward
Hillel learns Torah while his brother Shevna does business, and Shevna offers half his wealth for half of Hillel’s reward until a Heavenly voice rebukes him.
Hillel Refuses to Sell Shevna a Share in His Torah
Hillel learns Torah in abject poverty; when his wealthy brother Shevna later offers money for a share in his Torah, a Heavenly voice rejects the deal.
Kalev Prays Alone in Chevron
Kalev goes alone to Chevron to pray he will be saved from the spies’ plot, stands firm against the crowd, and is rewarded with Chevron as his inheritance.
Rav Kanarek's Father Defies the Scorn of Leipzig
Neighbors in Leipzig mocked Rav Avrohom Kanarek's father for sending his boys to yeshiva. That choice let them escape the Holocaust with the Mirrer Yeshiva.
Elisha HaNavi and the Bears
Youths whose water business dried up when Elisha HaNavi healed Yericho’s water mock him, and bears from a forest attack them. Was the forest a miracle too?