Legends of the Talmud

Dangerous Oaths 04.09.2024 12:49 ↓

A survey of the dangers of taking an oath, even truthfully, in our tractate and elsewhere in the Talmud.

A Harsh Eastern Wind 08.08.2024 12:55 ↓

A discussion of the eastern wind, a blistering breeze that warps wood and harms fertility in the Talmud and in Chassidus.

A Harsh Southern Wind 08.08.2024 17:02 ↓

A discussion of the southern wind, a hot breeze that silences all other winds, in the Talmud and in Chassidus.

Gabriel vs the Angel of Persia 05.08.2024 11:54 ↓

The Rabbis protest a Persian holiday; Writing G-d's name with intent; Why the Persian exile was worse than the Roman exile.

Self-Preservation 05.08.2024 12:27 ↓

Lips in Kabbalah; How one rabbi survived a transaction that went south.

Mt Amnon & Our True Borders 05.08.2024 15:55 ↓

Whether islands like Cyprus are considered part of Biblical Israel; Israel's geography; A Kabbalistic discussion of Mt. Amnon, a Messianic part of our northern border.

Charity That You Can't Afford 30.07.2024 15:00 ↓

The reward for poor people who give charity in spite of their hardships; Kabbalah on the names of Talmudic rabbis; The Rebbe's answer to people facing financial hardship

An Idol in the Temple 29.07.2024 13:41 ↓

Outlawing bridal outfits; R. Chisda, Kohanim, and kindness; a survey of hyperbole regarding idols in the Temple

How to Act When Justifiably Angry 29.07.2024 21:25 ↓

Outlawing music; Responding to those who harm you or take away your livelihood; the power of self-control

Let G-d Handle Your Enemies 25.07.2024 13:17 ↓

How Mar Ukva defeated his enemies by waking up earlier and going to bed later; The Rebbe's message to Hasidim who were engaging directly with those who opposed them

Don't Yell At Your Family 24.07.2024 15:54 ↓

The Talmud lists the dire consequences of instilling "excessive fear" within one's family.

All Opinions Are Holy 17.07.2024 16:28 ↓

Trusting R. Evyatar; The Concubine in Giva; the inner meaning of "Eilu ViEilu"

Siyum on Tractate Sotah 16.07.2024 17:40 ↓

Mazal Tov! The final Shiur on Ein Yaakov Sotah

Greek Wisdom 04.07.2024 13:44 ↓

How a Hasmonean Civil War led to the banning of Greek wisdom, and an explanation in Chassidus

Before Moshiach Comes 03.07.2024 11:42 ↓

The Talmud describes the state of decline of the world in the days leading up to the coming of Moshiach

The Power of Ein Yakov 02.07.2024 21:36 ↓

Lost flavors and recurring curses since the Temple was destroyed; How Kaddish after Ein Yakov keeps the world afloat.

Torah and Poverty 01.07.2024 11:44 ↓

The importance and power of learning Torah despite challenges

Can I have faith and a savings account? 28.06.2024 15:12 ↓

"After the destruction of the Temple, men of faith ceased to exist". An explanation of "faith" in Talmud, commentaries, and Chassidus.

Lost Sweetness 27.06.2024 15:43 ↓

After the Temple was destroyed even delicacies, fine fabrics, and fancy glassware disappeared. Plus, a mystical deep dive into the Kabbalah of honey.

The Shamir Worm 27.06.2024 13:40 ↓

All about the miraculous worm that helped Solomon build the Temple--and a bit on the demon king (and wild rooster) that reluctantly facilitated it.

Deep dive on the Urim ViTumim 27.06.2024 20:30 ↓

Another casualty of the destruction of the Temple: what happened to the Urim ViTumim from the Kohen Gadol's vestments?

The End of Music 27.06.2024 21:22 ↓

After the Temple was destroyed, we phased music out of Judaism. How does this work with modern Halacha?

A Slippery Slope 13.05.2024 17:51 ↓

How one bad attribute led to another after the Destruction, culminating in the loss of many of our finest attributes

No One Asked 13.05.2024 11:10 ↓

The inner meaning of the words "there is no inquirer, requester, or asker".

What We've Lost 13.05.2024 18:38 ↓

A journey through a long Mishna that lists the many things that have changed since the destruction of the Holy Temple