One in a Million
The Rema’s cryptic comment, the final one in Ohr HaChaim, has sparked centuries of contemplation. He states, “Some say that one is obligated to increase in joy and feasting on the 14th of Adar I; however, this is not…
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Middos and Mussar
Simchah
Joy: in mitzvos, on Yom Tov and in life.
The Simcha of a Siyum
A mishnah in Ta’anis declares that the most joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar are Yom Kippur and Tu B’Av. The Gemara says that Yom Kippur was joyous because the nation was forgiven for its sins.
Drunk on Mitzvos
Those who study the daf will notice that the last word of Friday’s daf (Bava Metzia 23b) can be translated as “bed” or “Purim.” Rashi translates it as bed. The Maharsha says it means Purim.
The Key to Success in Chinuch
Rav Yitzchak bar Bisna was the gabbai in charge of opening the doors to the beis midrash. He did his job without fail, until one fateful day when he lost his keys.
The Simcha of a Siyum
The Mishna at the end of Taanis (26b) quotes Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel who declares that the most joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar are Yom Kippur and Tu B’Av.
True Treasure of 10 Tzaddikim
One particularly moving part of the Yom Kippur Mussaf service is the story of the Ten Martyrs. Ten great tzaddikim were tragically killed by the Roman government, and their deaths serve as atonement for Klal Yisrael.
Illuminating The Shabbos Blessing
There is a controversy that has been around for some time, and a passage from our daf may ameliorate it somewhat. There is a mitzvah of hadlakas neiros every Friday before the onset of Shabbos.
Who Knows Fifteen?
The last mishnah in Maseches Taanis says that the most joyous holidays of the Jewish calendar were Tu B’Av and Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur was understandably a holiday because it is the day that Hashem forgives Klal Yisrael…
Gemara stories on Simchah
Rabbi Zelig Pliskin and the One in a Million
A listener tells Rabbi Zelig Pliskin no one could be happy fixing a flat tire in the rain. The man beside him just did, glad he could lift again after surgery.