It’s Never Too Late
My Rosh HaYeshiva, zt”l, would often quote a powerful Gemara in Menachos, sharing it in a way that left a lasting impression. The following is a partial paraphrase based on various commentaries.
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Mitzvos
Chesed
Kindness, hachnasas orchim and bikur cholim.
Visiting the Sick
There is a machlokes Rishonim whether the mitzvah of bikur cholim is m’d’oraysa or m’d’rabbanan. It is based on the understanding of a passage in Bava Metzia (30b).
Putting You First
The Gemara in Bava Kama (92) says that whoever davens for his friend and he needs that same relief, he will be answered first. Does this mechanism work even though one knows that he will be answered first?
The Fifth Shulchan Aruch
A stateside individual wanted to send clothing to her relative in Eretz Yisrael. She knew of someone going to Israel for an extended stay who had extra room in his luggage, so she asked the traveler if he could deliver…
The Power of Bikur Cholim
In Parshas Korach, Moshe Rabbeinu announced that the events that were about to unfold would establish clearly whether or not Korach was right in his challenge.
Sleeping Duty
The Gemara in Nedarim (15a) says that an oath not to sleep for three days is considered to be a shevuas shav, a vain oath. It is not physically possible to stay awake for three days.
A Ring of Truth
Devin McLean and his store manager were about to close the AutoZone in York County, Virginia, when a gunman barged into the store. McLean was left in a restroom while the gunman made the manager open the store safe.
A Halacha That’s Clear-Cut
In the eighth volume of the Igros Moshe, there is a fascinating teshuvah written to Rav Efraim Greenblatt, zt”l. This teshuvah, which is the 20th one in the sefer, comprises many varied and disparate topics.
Be Our Guest
The pasuk says (Bereishis 18:3), “And he [Avraham Avinu] said: ‘My master, if I found favor in your eyes, please pass not away from your servant.’” Rashi on Shavuos says that the simple explanation of “My master” is…
Korban Pesach Conundrums
There is a well-known line we recite in the beginning of the Haggadah in the paragraph of Ha Lachma Anya. “Anyone who wants, may come and eat; anyone who wants, may come and join in the Pesach.” Seemingly, this line is…
Sworn Statements
A woman was deathly ill, and her family was gathered around her. She wanted to ensure there would be no lingering or bitter disputes regarding the inheritance she was leaving to them, so she pleaded with her children to…
Word To The Wise
The Gemara in Shabbos explains that various halachos are learned from a pasuk in Yeshayah (58:13). From the words “Mimtzo cheftzecha,” we derive that one should not occupy himself on Shabbos with conducting his business…
Visitor Rewards
In Parashas Korach, Moshe Rabbeinu announced that the events that were about to unfold would establish clearly whether or not Korach was right in his challenge.
Keep Calm And Chesed On
Due to improprieties committed by the sons of Eli, a Kohein Gadol, Hashem proclaimed a curse on his descendants that they would die young. Unless some special exception was made, the descendants wouldn’t live past 20.
Prayer And Unity
In Parashas Korach, Moshe Rabbeinu announced that the events that were about to unfold would establish clearly whether or not Korach was right in his challenge.
What’s Cooking?
Many years ago, I heard an interesting trivia question asked on a radio show. “Which berachah is recited only on a Wednesday or Thursday?” I was perplexed, though any homemaker who ever had to cook meals for a so-called…
Gemara stories on Chesed
The Dubno Maggid and the Innkeeper's Midnight Meal
A poor innkeeper tells the Dubno Maggid there is no food, then his family eats in secret at night. In the morning the Maggid answers with a sly vort about Moshe.
The Chofetz Chaim Delays Shalom Aleichem for Guests
The Chofetz Chaim made Kiddush right away for hungry travelers and sang Shalom Aleichem later, explaining that angels can wait but hungry guests should not.
Rabbah, Abaye and the Curse of Eli
Descendants of Eli were cursed to die young, yet Rabbah's Torah earned him 40 years and Abaye's Torah and chesed earned him 60.
Rabbah Fears the Pangs of Mashiach
Abaye asks Rabbah why he fears the travails before Mashiach when he has Torah and chesed; Rabbah answers that his sins may still expose him.