Matmonim: Daf Yomi by Rabbi David Lapin

The way we view the world will impact the choices we make. But the opposite is also true: The choices we make impact the way we view the world  Sources

The choice to do something is only a value if you also have the choice not to do it. If you are motivated to do something by your survival instinct, that is not a value choice. The Torah gives us choice to ensure that what we choose to do is an expression of our beliefs and values.  Sources

Poverty is a tragic reality in society. It creates classes and barriers that can be hard to bridge for generations. The Torah creates a brilliant mechanism to do so in certain situations.  Sources

We explore the ways to grow wealth using the powers of beracha , blessing.  Sources

We can only forgive that over which we have ownership. We can forgive what others owe us. But we cannot forgive what others have done to us – only Hashem can.  Sources

A Jewish marriage is more than agreement that applies during the lifetimes of the parties. Jewish marriage effects cosmic changes in the woman and in their relationship which have implications after death as well. This is so much so that the Gemara queries the default assumption that after a man’s death the woman may remarry.  Sources

There cannot be inclusion unless there is exclusion. Only by admitting people to an exclusive group, are they truly included. If no one is excluded then inclusion loses its value. What are the boundaries of privacy and when does it become exclusive?  Sources

On a  kabbalistic, spiritual level, our engagement is with the intangible world of Hashem. How we access that world and engage with it though, is through the tangible. Halacha teaches us how to do this.  Sources

Kiddushin changes a woman’s halachik status, but nissu’in creates their union.  Sources

A woman is not a commodity and Kiddushin is not a transaction.  Sources

People judge importance by social, political, and economic importance. But a truly important person is one who radiates their importance in ways that are palpable.  Sources

Introducing negative images into positive experiences can be destructive – unless in the process we convert the negative into positive.  Sources

Gender is not about how an individual chooses to identify; nor is it only about individuals’ physiology. Gender is about an individual’s essence, their feelings, their spiritual beings, their energies, and their respective capacities. Relationships are only possible between individuals with separate identities. Kiddushin is only possible between individuals of separate genders.   Sources

The act of giving a gold ring under the Chupah is not an act of acquisition, exchange or barter, but one of investment and empowerment. Sources

Soul level connection between a man and a woman takes more than a ritualistic transaction.    Sources

A “kosher” reputation protects individuals from rumor.  Sources

Should there be meaning in a logo?  Sources

Signatures and handwriting are unique to each individual. How reliable are they to prove identity in Halacha?  Sources

There are times to “sugar-coat” a communication in a diplomatic way. However, by the end of the communication there should be no ambiguity or uncertainty about the meaning of the message.  Sources The reference to Charkov (Ukraine)  in the Shiur is an error, and should be Crackow (Poland).

Is Torah observance a moral choice or an or an irrefutable necessity?  Sources

Is freedom an “all or nothing” idea, or is some freedom better than none? Sources

Design more than content alone,  reflects the inner intention of the author.  Sources

We have ownership of and responsibility for the entire planet. Yet at the same time we should know our ownership is for restricted use and for limited time.  Sources

How the Torah recognizes a person’s personal space even when in the public domain.  Sources

Separation entails loss and sadness. But there is also a gift in separation – the gift of freedom, independence, and new beginnings. It is important to empower the person separating with this sense of freedom.  Sources