Do We Need to Suffer for Torah?
Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow The Gemara (Bava Kama 61b) expounds a story recorded in Shmuel and Divrei Hayamim. Dovid HaMelech was fighting the Philistines. A halachic question arose whether his army was permitted to destroy an individual’s property to save the lives of his men. The Philistines were taking cover in a privately owned field. Dovid […]
When Is Poisoning Allowed?
Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow There is a well-known phenomenon that occurs in communal refrigerators and shelves. Food seems to disappear from them mysteriously. This occurs in dormitories, offices, and schools. This author humorously recalls standing next to an individual who had been relieved of all of his Swiss Fudge cookies. The victim remarked, “I understand the […]
It Looks Like Shabbos
Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow One Shabbos, a woman was at her wit’s end when her baby refused to nurse. Looking for guidance, she went to see the Rogochover Gaon. The Rogochover looked up from his sefer and told her not to worry, “It’s a Yeushalmi.” He then continued learning. Somewhat relieved but totally perplexed, she exited […]
Sweet and Salty
Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow The following is based on a true story. Chaim the Customer: Shaya, do you have any sugar in stock? Shaya the Shopkeeper: Sure, and it’s on sale today! Chaim: Sweet! I’d like 5 pounds, please. Shaya measures the sugar, pours it into a bag, and hands it to Chaim. Chaim returns home, […]
Roaring Lions and Goring Oxen
Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow Kimby wandered the streets of Ladispoli, Italy, in early November. It was evening, and few people were around. Kimby didn’t get into any trouble. It was a good thing too, since Kimby was an escaped circus lion. Residents who found out about the escaped lion roaming their residential streets were obviously nervous. […]
Dinim on Damages
Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow The following stories and the rulings that follow are based on the Chashukei Chemed and Pninei Halacha on Bava Kama. They are not intended to be relied on for practical halacha. 1. Shimshon had a venomous snake as a pet. One day, it managed to escape its cage. Levi was walking by […]
Breaking Point
Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow The Chasam Sofer says that studying Seder Nezikin can save a person from coming to harm, both physical and financial. If someone, chas v’shalom, has a harsh heavenly decree against him, that decree can be fulfilled by just learning the laws of damages, instead of actually coming to harm. Studying Seder Nezikin […]
Of Cats, Cattle, and Craters
Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow There is a worrying epidemic called “high-rise syndrome” that affects many New York families. Cases are more prevalent in the summer months. One New York City hospital reported three to five new cases a week in the summer. The sad part is that, according to experts, it is almost entirely preventable. The […]
A Stamping Ground
Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow Boruch: Mazel tov on finishing Seder Nashim and half of Shas with daf yomi! Shimon: Thank you. Our continued learning should be a tremendous source of merit for the salvation of klal Yisrael. Boruch: Amen. In honor of your siyum, I want to show you this Israeli stamp I just bought. It […]
Bar Mitzvah Bewilderment
Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow 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! I can’t wait for the yummy kichel after you lain. Shimon: I don’t think I’ll be […]