Skipping Steps or Grabbing Dessert?
The Gemara (Chullin 105a) records a fascinating statement by Mar Ukva: “I am like vinegar from wine compared to my father. For if my father ate meat one day, he would not eat dairy for another 24 hours!
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Mitzvos
Kibbud Av VaEm
Honoring and fearing parents, and its limits.
When a Father Is Named “Abba”
There are many endearing names a person can call their father: Dad, Daddy, Tatty, Ta, Papa, Pop, or Abba. But a fascinating question arises: Can a child use the endearing nickname “Abba” if his father’s actual, given…
One Small Half-Step
Is the correct number three, as stated in the Gemara in Sanhedrin, or four, as stated in the Midrash? The Chofetz Chaim suggests that neither is entirely accurate.
Hitting Rock Bottom
We have just learned extensively about the subject of the death penalty in the Gemara. What follows is a concise recap of many of the relevant laws, focusing primarily on stoning based on the Rambam.
Abba, My Dear
There are many endearing names one can call his father: Dad, Daddy, Tatty, Ta, Pappa, Pop, Poppy, Abba. The question that many have pondered is: can someone call his father by the endearing name Abba, if his actual name…
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…
Beyond The Letter Of The Law
What is the definition of a chumrah? It is an optional stringency in halachah that one takes upon himself. There are certain practices that some may view as chumros, but which others view as halachic requirements.
Gemara stories on Kibbud Av VaEm
Esav Serves His Father in Royal Garments
Esav wore Nimrod's royal garments to serve Yitzchak, and Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel admits he never honored his own father a hundredth as well.
Rabbi Tarfon and His Mother
Rabbi Tarfon bends down so his mother can climb into bed, and when her sandal tears on Shabbos, he places his hands under her feet all the way home.
Sancheirev's Army Burned From Within
When Sancheirev besieges Yerushalayim, Chizkiyahu prays and 185,000 officers die by fire within, their bodies spared as a reward for Shem honoring Noach.