Daily Mishna by Jack Doueck

Pirkei Abot Chapter 1 Mishnah 4. Advice to stay faithful to the oral tradition

Pirkei Abot Chapter 1 Mishnah 3. The importance of doing good out of love

Pirkei Abot Chapter 1 Mishnah 2. The world stands on three pillars. Listen in and find out what they are.

Pirkei Abot Chapter 1, Mishnah 1: Three important ethical tips for judges (and everyone else)!

This is the introduction to the six chapters that comprise "Pirkei Abot" - otherwise known as "Chapters of Our Fathers" which is a compilation of ethical teachings from the sages of the Jewish Tradition.

Introduction to the laws of Maaser Sheni

Introduction to Masechet Demai. Some of the laws of Gifts to the Kohanim, Leviim, and the poor. "Terumah Gedolah" - the first 2% goes to the Kohen "Maaser Rishon" the next 10% goes to the levi "Maaser Sheni" - the next 10% on years 1,2,4,5 of the 7-year shemitah cycle - gets taken to Jerusalem and eaten there or redeemed for money which is spent in Jerusalem. "Ma...

This Mishnah concludes Masechet Peah. It discusses the beautiful blessings that are bestowed on poor people who refuse to take charity and on righteous judges who refuse to take bribes. A fitting ending to a Masechet dealing with gifts to the poor, charity and discretion.

Who is considered poor enough to take Leket, Shichehah, Peah and Ma'asser Ani? Interesting material!

Introduction to the Jewish law of charity. The communal charity. How the Rabbis tried to mitigating fraud risk in collecting and distributing charity funds.

More revolutionary legislation dealing with taking care of the poor, the hungry, the disadvantaged in society. The beauty of Judaism that changed the world thousands of years ago.

In years 3 and 6 of the 7 year Shemitah cycle, we replace Ma'aser Sheni with Maaser Ani. The Tithe for the Poor. This Mishnah discusses the amount we are requited to give to each poor person when they come for their tithes in these years.

This Mishnah discusses the case where the entire vineyard is completely made up of tiny clusters that are called "Ollelot" which normally must be left for the poor and not gleaned by the landlord. In this case, does the landlord forfeit his entire vineyard?

This Mishnah provides the introduction to the special Misvah of "Kerem Rebai" - otherwise known as "Neta Rebai" - the fruits in the fourth year of the tree and the related laws.

What do we consider the poor that are entitled to our "Peah" and other gifts we are required to leave them? Do they have the legal status of our "partners" or are they legally similar to "purchasers" who buy the products from us (albeit for free)? This argument has wide-ranging ramifications as this Mishnah will discuss and highlight.

Introduction to the laws of “Ollelot” - orphaned, tiny clusters of grapes that must be left for the poor.

General principle of stipulations that apply to all misvot of the Torah

How heavy can the "Omer" (sheaf of grain) be and still be considered "Shichehah"?

How many sheavesof wheat or fruits or vegetables or grapes are considered "shichehah" or "leket" (or "peret" for grapes)? This Mishnah discusses the argument between Bet Hillel and Bet Shamai -- where the latter takes a stronger stand for the poor and needy.

When does the law of "Shichehah" apply? At what stage of the reaping or gathering process does the produce become liable to the Misvah?

Introduction to the Misvah of "Shich’hah": Leaving the forgotten sheaves ("omer" = sheaf of wheat), or forgotten vegetables or fruits for the poor. Why is this Misvah so special, so unique?

Do we have the right to decide which poor person will receive our gifts to the poor (Leket, Shichehah, Peah and Ma'aser Ani)? Is it like today's charity where we decide who we would like to receive the benefit?

Is it possible for a person to be considered a rich landowner and a poor man - simultaneously? This Mishnah discusses this 'hybrid' possibility and the legal ramifications of this situation.

Can a landlord with property in one city, benefit from the gifts to the poor (Leket, Shichecha, Peah or Ma'sser Ani) if he is on the road and ran out of money? If he does benefit from it, does he have to make restitution? This is in the days without wiring/Zelle/Paypal/Venmo etc. Maybe an analogy would be - if a man becomes poor temporarily and takes charity - and then strikes it rich -- must...

What is considered “Leket” and what is NOT considered Leket?