https://oraysa.org/ The Oraysa Amud V’chazara program fills the growing demand for a daily Gemara learning framework that balances the accountability of maintaining a steady pace while taking account the level of learning sophistication of today’s ben Torah. Developed in collaboration with leading Roshei Yeshiva and Gedolei Yisroel, the Amud V’chazra initiative incorporates features to enhance long-term retention of the Masechtos learned through multiple, built-in reviews, tests and stipends for achievement.
Chagigah 6a: יסוד דין חינוך ויסוד מצות עליה לרגל
Chagigah 5b: כל השח שיחת חולין עובר בעשה
Chagigah 5a: The Fire of Bein Adam L'Chavero Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz zt"l teaches that even when we hurt someone l'shem Shamayim, the pain still burns like fire. Through the story of Chana and Penina, we learn that good intentions cannot erase the consequences of causing another person hurt.
Chagigah 4b: Geder of the Petur of Eved from Reieah- the famous shtickel from the Brisker Rav P2
Chagigah 4a: Geder of the Petur of Eved for Mitzvas Reieah- the famous shtickel from the Brisker Rav
In 1766, a young groom in Germany gave his wife a get just days after their wedding. Was he mentally competent — or a shoteh as defined in Chagigah 3b–4a? The answer split rabbinic Europe, with the Frankfurt beis din on one side and the Noda BiYehudah on the other. In this episode, we trace the dramatic story of the Get of Cleves, unpack the Gemara's definition of a shoteh, and explore how a centuries-old sugya became the deciding factor in one of the most famous halachic controversies of all time.
Chagigah 3a: Do you have to be Oleh LRegel by Foot?
Chazal gave a cheresh — someone deaf and mute — the status of a shoteh, exempt from mitzvos and unable to marry, divorce, or transact normally. But what if, through modern education, he learns to communicate or even speak? Some poskim, like the Divrei Chaim and Maharsham, say this could change his status. Others, like the Maharam Shik, say the chazakah remains. We'll explore the sources, the debate, and why real estate remains a unique exception.
The Mishnah teaches that *hakol chayavin b'ri'iyah… chutz mei'cheresh shoteh v'katan.* But what does that mean for mitzvos *lo sa'aseh*? Are they completely exempt, or do we treat their actions differently? In this episode we'll look at how the Gemara frames the issue — *chiyuv cheresh shoteh v'katan b'mitzvos lo ta'aseh* — and how the Rishonim understand whether there's an *onesh* or not. Do their actions count as a ma'aseh? Is there any punishment or consequence? We'll explore the sugya step by step, keeping the questions open: are they totally *patur*, or is there a nuance between *aseh* and *lo sa'aseh*? Join us as we unpack this classic halachic discussion.
Moed Katan 29a: קטן שהגדיל ודין תשלומין בהבדלה
Moed Katan 28b: גדר מצות שמחת יום טוב
Podcast Description: If a burial begins right before sunset but isn't finished until after, what's the mourner's status? Aninus means they're exempt from davening, while shiva only starts after the burial is complete. But once the casket is covered with earth, many poskim say the mourner may already daven — even before shiva has begun. This episode explores that critical difference.
Do we still tear keriah when seeing Yerushalayim today? What about when standing at the Kosel or looking toward Har HaBayis? In this episode, we break down the halacha step by step. We'll explain the debate among the poskim about Yerushalayim itself, the obligation everyone agrees to when seeing the Makom HaMikdash, and the question of whether tearing at the Kosel fulfills the mitzvah. A clear and practical guide to an emotional mitzvah many people wonder about.
Episode Description:Eliyahu HaNavi's fiery ascent into heaven left behind more than a legacy—it sparked a halachic mystery. When a man transforms into a malach, what becomes of his marriage? Could his wife have remarried, or was she bound forever? In this episode, we explore a fascinating debate among the poskim, who wrestle with the question of Eliyahu's unique status: was he considered alive, was he considered dead, or had he entered an entirely new category beyond human definition? The discussion opens a window into the intersection of halacha, aggadah, and the eternal mysteries of Eliyahu HaNavi's mission.
Is Lag BaOmer a day of joy or sadness? We explore the Chasam Sofer's perspective on the yahrzeits of tzadikim and what it teaches us about how to view this unique day.
Moed Katan 25a: מהחייב של איסורי אבילות
Moed Katan 24b: דברים שבצנעא ביום טוב
In this episode, we explore whether an avel (mourner) may leave his house during shiva. Can he go elsewhere to sleep? What about traveling in a car versus walking in a public place? We trace the halachic foundation of this prohibition—rooted in the idea that it is not appropriate for a mourner to mingle with many people—and explain the distinctions between different types of leaving. Clear sources and reasoning help us understand the balance between private mourning and public presence.
A deep dive into the halachic concept of Shiur Ge'arah — the “measure of reprimand” in aveilus. We explore whether a mourner truly needs to be rebuked by friends before taking a haircut, or if time itself sets the limit. Featuring the Igros Moshe's foundational yesod on the sugya, we unpack the classic dispute among poskim and the practical minhag of waiting three months.
If a relative passes away and the burial is postponed because the body is being flown to Israel, when does shivah actually begin? In this episode, we analyze the halachic debate, focusing on the Igros Moshe's psak and the underlying principles of whether aveilus follows the time of when they leave the body or the moment of kevurah.
Moed Katan 21b: גדר מצות איילות ואיסורי אבילות
Moed Katan 21a: אבל אסור בתלמוד תורה גדר הדין
Moed Katan 20b: שמועה קרובה גדר המחייב
Moed Katan 20a: When does Shiva end on the 7th day?
Moed Katan 19b: Tefilin on Chol Hamoed Part 2
Moed Katan 19a: Tefillin on Chol HaMoed Part 1
שמואל אומר במועד קטן: "הלכה כדברי המיקל באבל." אבל אם אבלות היא רק מדרבנן – מדוע צריך כלל מיוחד? הרי כל ספק דרבנן לקולא! מה שונה אבלות שחז״ל הדגישו בה כלל של הקלה? בפרק הזה נעלה את השאלה ונראה את ביאורם של המפרשים.
Description:The Gemara in Moed Katan (20a) teaches: “Amar Shmuel: Halacha k'divrei ha'meikil b'aveilus” — the halacha follows the lenient opinion in mourning. But if aveilus is truly a mitzvah d'Oraisa, why would Chazal establish a rule of leniency? In this episode, we'll ask that question and turn to the Minchas Chinuch and other mefarshim to uncover the reasoning.
Moed Katan 17b: Manicures on Chol Hamoed
Moed Katan 16b : Power of The Secular Judicial System
Moed Katan 16a: מקור הפקר בית דין הפקר
Moed Katan 15b: גדר דין אבל אינו משלח קרבנותיו
יחזקאל מצטווה להתאבל – אבל לא כדרך שאר אבלים. חלק מהדינים הוא נצטווה לשמר, וחלק לבטל. מתוך הבחירה מה נשמר ומה לא, מגלה הגמרא יסוד עמוק באופי איסורי אבילות: ישנם דינים שנועדו לבטל תנאי נוחות, וישנם דינים שמבטאים שלמות פנימית ושמחה – ושורש האיסור בהם שונה לגמרי. שיעור זה בוחן את הפסוקים, את הדרשות, ואת החלוקה היסודית שבבסיס כל הלכות אבילות.
If someone visits the Kosel on Erev Shabbos, does he tear kriyah? What if he's not crying—should he tear anyway? In this episode, we tackle the core question: Is kriyah a reaction to existing emotion, or a halachic tool meant to create that emotion? We explore the geder of kriyah in aveilus and for seeing the Makom HaMikdash, based on the sugya in Moed Katan and Rav Moshe Feinstein's teshuvah in Igros Moshe. A clear breakdown of the lomdus and how it plays out in halacha lemaaseh.
Sometimes work gets in the way and you miss a tefillah. What now? In this episode, we talk about whether you can say tashlumin (a makeup tefillah) if the reason you missed was because of work. We'll explain what the halacha says, when tashlumin is allowed, and what counts as a valid reason. Simple, clear, and practical.
It's a common and surprisingly tricky scenario—you live in Israel and keep one day of Yom Tov, but your guest is visiting from the Diaspora and keeps two days. It's your Chol HaMoed, their second Yom Tov—can you cook for them?This isn't just a yes-or-no halachic question. There are two sides, and the topic raises a fascinating halachic and hashkafic discussion about respecting others' observance and the boundaries of Yom Tov laws in Israel vs. the Diaspora.In this episode, we break it down clearly:• What are the opinions?• What are the options?• And what's the best way to approach it in real life?Tune in for a quick but deep dive into a relatable Chol HaMoed scenario.
היעדר מלקות על מלאכה בחול המועד אינו רק שאלה טכנית, אלא מגלה פתח לעיון בעצם מהות האיסור:מה טיבו של איסור מלאכה בימי חולו של מועד?האם הוא מדאורייתא גמור, או שמא מדרבנן בלבד?ואם מן התורה הוא – מדוע אין בו עונש מלקות?נעמוד על דברי הגמרא, ונעמיק בדברי הרמב"ן, התוספות, הריטב"א ועוד ראשונים, שביארו כי עצם השאלה אם לוקין תלויה בגדרו של האיסור – האם הוא לאו ממש, או שמא מכלל מצוות עשה של שמירת החג?נעסוק גם בלשון הפסוקים – "ושמרת את חג המצות" – האם היא נאמרה כלאו, כרמז, או כלשון של אזהרה כללית?פרק זה נוגע בשורש הסוגיא: האם איסור מלאכה בחול המועד דומה לשבת ויום טוב, או שמא יש לו אופי אחר לחלוטין – איסור שיסודו בקדושת הזמן, אך דינו קל יותר?עיון למדני שדורש הבנה עמוקה בדברי הראשונים – ולומד מתוך השמטה של מלקות את עצם מהותו של האיסור.
We often think of Chol Hamoed restrictions as revolving around melacha—but there's a separate prohibition against earning money, even when no technical melacha is involved. In this episode, we explore why that is. The answer lies in the Torah's description of the moed as a mikra kodesh — a time meant to be elevated, protected from weekday distractions. We'll examine how Chazal used this principle to build a framework that preserves the unique atmosphere of the days, and why even a perfectly permissible task becomes problematic when it becomes a paid job.
Moed Katan 11b: שיטת הרמב"ם בעניין איסור מלאכה בחול המועד
Is a porch or outdoor balcony obligated in the mitzvah of ma'akeh—the Torah command to build a safety railing? In this episode, we explore the classic sources, including the Sifri, Ritva, and Chazon Ish, and examine the major halachic debate between lenient and stringent views. We'll also clarify the difference between halachic obligation and safety requirement, whether a bracha is recited, and what practical steps homeowners should take today.
Moed Katan 10b:What Qualifies as a Davar Ha'avud on Chol Hamoed?
Are activities like horseback riding or going on a road trip allowed on Chol Hamoed? Does it matter if you're doing it for fun or just killing time? This episode breaks down the halachos of travel and leisure during Chol Hamoed—what's permitted, what's not, and what depends on your intent.
Torah vs. Mitzvah: When Learning Must Wait
Moed Katan 9a: Can you get married on Purim + the geder of Simchas Purim
Moed Katan 8b: The Brisker Rav's 2 Dinim in Sheva Brachos
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
