Over the Moon
The Gemara in Avodah Zarah discusses the fact that Rabban Gamliel owned pictures of the moon. These images facilitated the questioning of witnesses who came to testify about the new moon.
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Beis Din and Halachic Process
Testimony
Witnesses: who may testify and how testimony works.
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.
Harping on Divided Real Estate
Tavi had a strong passion for musical instruments, and when he saw Pafi’s harp, he was determined to acquire it. He resorted to extreme measures and placed Pafi in a tree, refusing to let him down until he agreed to…
Lashon Hara: “Say It Ain’t So, Joe”
An avid Mets fan used to love to talk about the Mets at every opportunity. Back in 1997, they had a pitcher named Barry Manuel. In his spring training debut for the Mets, Manuel faced three batters and walked them all…
Bar Mitzvah Bewilderment
The following story takes place many years ago in Europe. It’s a true story that just hasn’t happened yet. Shimon: My father told me that my bar mitzvah is this week Parshas Noach. Boruch: Mazel tov!
Sounds Fishy
All those teachers who complain that their students frequently doodle may find some solace in the Gemara (Gittin 36a). The Gemara says that Rav would frequently draw a picture of a fish.
The Accidental Aveirah
Unfortunately, there was recently a restaurant that was found to be serving treif under the guise of kosher. Rav Moshe, zt”l, ruled that if an individual had a halachic basis to believe a restaurant was kosher and it…
On Amtrak, Alabama, and Assumptions
An accounting joke has an employer ask several accountants applying for a job: “What is one plus one?” “Two,” one accountant answers. “Eleven,” another accountant answers.
'Draw' Your Own Conclusion
The Gemara in Avodah Zarah discusses the fact that Rabban Gamliel owned pictures of the moon. The images facilitated the questioning of witnesses who came to testify about the new moon.
App-ortioned Learning
A frum businessman was returning home from a busy day at work. The seat next to him on the train was empty. A young man who presumably spent the entire day learning at a yeshiva in Manhattan boarded the train at one of…
Hitting A Nerve
There is a popular sefer titled What If? It is based on questions and stories in Rav Zilberstein’s sefarim which are organized according to the weekly parashah.
Department Of Redundancy Department
Everyday conversation is replete with redundancy. Two of the most common offenses are the use of the phrases “ATM machine” and “PIN number.” When the acronyms are spelled out, the phrases become “automated teller…
Gemara stories on Testimony
Rava Trusts His Wife but Not Rav Papa
Rava changes a ruling on his wife's word about a litigant, but rejects Rav Papa's lone testimony. Rav Ada bar Masna asks him why.