The Transformative Daf

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Whether you've been doing Daf Yomi for years or you're not quite ready to commit but want to be part of the global movement, there's something in The Transformative Daf for everyone!

Rabbi Daniel Friedman


    • Sep 1, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 397 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from The Transformative Daf with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Transformative Daf

    Holy Body

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2023 8:05


    They say that a small hole in the body is a large hole in the soul. Today we learn why in our tradition our bodies are considered so holy.

    Trifold Prayer (Gittin 51)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2023 5:59


    When you make a spontaneous prayer, what's the first thing you say to God? What's your final thought? Today we learn that prayer has three integral elements: praise, ask, thanks.

    God the Shadchan (Gittin 50)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2023 5:40


    How many shidduchim have you made? How many singles are on your list to assist right now? Today we learn the importance of getting involved in God's primary occupation and the very first mitzvah to humankind.

    One for the Team (Gittin 49)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2023 5:50


    Who should suffer more the righteous or the wicked? Should the righteous suffer on behalf of the wicked? Today we learn that the righteous view challenge and pain in this world as a privilege.

    Safekeeper (Gittin 48)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2023 5:56


    Have you ever lent out an item and received it back in poor condition? How bad was it? What did you say to the borrower? Today we learn that we must treat others' property as well as our own, if not better.

    More Valuable Than Diamonds (Gittin 44)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2023 7:59


    What's the dollar value of a mitzvah? Which would you rather: a mitzvah or a diamond? Today we learn the value of diamonds in the World of Truth.

    The Pruzbul Loop-hole (Gittin 37)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2023 5:45


    How many interest-free loans do you currently have outstanding? How do you feel about the pruzbul “loop-hole”? Today we ask how many people actually lend interest-free to begin with, let alone stop lending in the sixth year!

    Boiling Hot Days (Gittin 36)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2023 7:16


    What are some ways you avoid answering back when someone insults you? Today we learn that just like the sun doesn't get angry when people curse out the hot days, you too must stay focused knowing that you're here to serve the greater good.

    Try Knitting (Gittin 34)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2023 7:27


    Have you ever sent an email in the heat of the moment you just wish you could take back? Today we learn that when you're about to act impetuously and irresponsibly, you need to switch to some other activity until your heart and mind have calmed down and you're able to respond rationally.

    Not in God's Name (Gittin 33)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2023 7:16


    What motivates a religious man to use God as a tool in his divorce kit as he withholds the gett? Today we learn that while we are all human and prone to improper conduct, we must never drag God into the fight.

    Why do birds fly south? (Gittin 31)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2023 8:31


    Why do birds fly south? Why do we say they fly south when they eventually also fly north? Today we learn that birds protect us and never question God when He sweeps them away from their natural habitat. Ultimately, they realize that God is carrying them to a better place.

    Mitzvos Need Wings (Gittin 7)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2023 9:21


    How much FEAR OF GOD should you instill in your children? Today we learn that parents give their children wings to bring their mitzvos to heaven. Mother gives the love and father gives the fear. But each must give the right amount. Otherwise the mitzvah bird will be lopsided. (li”n Joar bat Yehuda)

    Just a Pea (Gittin 6)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2023 7:12


    How would you react if you found a piece of hair or a fly in your soup? Today we learn to avoid letting tiny disturbances ruin our relationships.

    Chemistry & Attraction (Sotah 47)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 5:58


    Do chemistry and attraction make any sense? Should rationalists believe in such superstitious magic? Today we learn that chemistry is a gift from Heaven to help you identify your spouse.

    Red Carpet Departure (Sotah 46)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 5:55


    How do you make your guests feel welcome when they arrive? How do you accompany them when they leave? Today we learn that the true test of love and care is accompanying your guests even after the novelty has worn off.

    Organ Donation (Sotah 45)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 6:09


    May one donate one's organs? Should one donate one's organs? Today we learn that it all depends on where life begins and where life ends.

    Fast Track Life

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 6:55


    Should all kids finish school at 18? Or should we allow kids to finish at their own pace, some quicker, some slower? Today we learn that the current western cultural norms do not align with our Torah needs.

    Travel Light (Sotah 43)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 6:45


    Does wearing a head covering feel like an honor or a hassle? Today we learn that tzitzis aren't a hassle, they're a tassle. And upon your reflection, the kippah grants protection.

    The Power of Shema (Sotah 42)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2023 5:45


    If you were to describe the Shema in one word, what would that be? Powerful? Awesome? Enigmatic? Today we learn that the key word is PROTECTIVE.

    False Flattery (Sotah 41)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2023 6:57


    Will FLATTERY get you ANYWHERE or NOWHERE? Today we learn that false flattery is an excuse for not taking the time to appreciate the other person's true qualities.

    Gratitude Spectrum (Sotah 40)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2023 7:17


    How much does someone need to do for you to warrant an expression of gratitude? Today we learn that each of us naturally sits somewhere different along the appreciation spectrum. Like all character traits, we must constantly strive to improve our attitude of gratitude and learn to thank people for even the tiniest nice gestures they do for us.

    Torah is a Distraction (Sotah 39)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2023 5:04


    How do you keep yourself busy during the Torah reading? Today we learn that even Torah can be a distraction from Torah!

    Absolute Prosperity (Sotah 38)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2023 5:45


    Why do people envy others? What's the meaning of having a good eye? Today we learn that the key to rid yourself of jealousy is to think in terms of absolute prosperity instead of relative prosperity. When that's your mindset, you won't envy your neighbor's success, you'll rejoice!

    Princely Airs (Sotah 36)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 5:25


    Have you ever dreamed of life as a princess or prince? Today we learn that you ARE a child of the Supreme King of Kings, making you a supreme prince or princess. Are you living up to the expectations of your exalted position?

    Gravity is the Law (Sotah 35)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 4:55


    Why should you never cast stones up at God when you feel He's let you down? Today we learn that those who cast stones at Heaven are only making things more difficult for themselves. Sadly, thanks to Newton, those rocks end up landing back on your head. Life is filled with ups and downs, but Hashem is always in control.

    God's Test Drive (Sotah 34)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2023 5:14


    When things aren't going well in your life, do you ask God for a sign He's still in control? Today we learn that “emunah” means recognizing all the signs He's already given you, all the blessings and good times in your life!

    Praying in Hebrew (Sotah 33)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 6:04


    Is it better to pray in Hebrew or a language you understand? Today we learn the importance of praying in the original. If you're not there yet, it's something you must strive to attain!

    Full of Hot Air (Sotah 5)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2023 7:00


    What's one obvious way to identify a haughty person? Today we learn that arrogant people get upset at the smallest irritations. When you realize that God fills the universe, there's never any reason to lose your cool.

    Live with Intention (Sotah 4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2023 4:25


    Why do we wash our hands before eating bread? Today we learn that netilas yodayim is a reminder to step out of our mundane lives and prepare ourselves to sanctify the world.  

    Antidote to Anger (Sotah 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2023 7:17


    What's the opposite of anger in a relationship? Today we learn that some people think the opposite of blowing up in anger is to respond with passive aggression. No, the antidote to anger is generosity.  

    Every pot has a lid (Sotah 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2023 5:56


    Build on their success (Nazir 66)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2023 6:00


    Have you ever had a brilliant idea and then found out that someone beat you to the punch? Today we learn that one should never be deterred by another person's success. The challenge is to build upon their successes!

    Destroying Desire (Nazir 48)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2023 5:12


    Have you ever wished you could eradicate your temptation for a certain desire? Today we learn that desires are what fuels our ability to live and function in this world. We don't seek to destroy them, but to transform them!

    No Silver Spoon (Nazir 47)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2023 4:59


    Do you feel held-back in life and limited by the choices offered to you based on your background and upbringing? Today we learn that you have the ability to rise even higher than those born with a silver spoon in their mouths!

    Tiny Little Mitzvah (Nazir 46)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2023 5:22


    Have you ever wondered what can my one little mitzvah accomplish? Today we learn that it may be the one mitzvah that tips the scales and transforms the universe.

    Modesty: MY problem or YOURS? (Nazir 45)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2023 6:51


    Is the mitzvah of modesty incumbent upon the wearer or on the gazer? Today we learn that while we should all strive to dress modestly, we must also do our best to avoid situations where our eyes may go astray.

    Eternal Reminder (Nazir 44)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2023 6:56


    What do you carry with you to remind yourself that this world is merely a corridor for the eternal life? Today we learn that constant reminders ensure that nothing in life gets us down. After all, this world is just the prep room!

    Touch Purity (Nazir 43)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2023 6:02


    When you're feeling kind of blah how do you get yourself reenergized? If you're not in the mood to do a mitzvah, how should you move forward? Today we learn that the moment you touch purity, you'll find your entire being recharged and reinvigorated.

    Super-Athlete (Nazir 42)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2023 5:51


    Why does the Hadran say ‘we toil & get reward, they toil & don't? Do you know what Messi makes? Today we learn that most athletes get paid nothing for all their efforts.

    K-I-S-S (Nazir 41)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2023 6:15


    How do you avoid becoming enmeshed in complicated life dramas? Today we learn to KISS – Keep It Simple, Schlemiel.

    How rich are you? (Nazir 40)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2023 6:55


    How rich am I? Today we learn that asking that question will never produce satisfaction with what you have. The right question is: How poor am I? Compared to most of the world, the answer is not poor at all.

    Pesach programs (Nazir 39)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2023 8:02


    Remember how you felt after summer camp as a kid? Or after gap-year in Israel? How do you keep the energy flowing today? Today we learn about the importance of finding regular and special ways to keep you soul refreshed and alive, such as inspirational classes and retreats.

    Midas Touch (Nazir 37)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2023 7:55


    Do you have superhero powers? Ever dreamed of having the Midas Touch? Today we learn that your superhero powers are far greater!

    Bentchaphobia (Nazir 36)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2023 6:22


    Do you suffer from Bentchaphobia? (Make sure the bread's mezonos!) Or Fleishiphobia? (Pizza in 6 hrs!) Today we learn that bentching isn't a curse. It's a blessing!

    Tame your inner beast (Nazir 35)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2023 8:34


    Real-Aish-On-Ship (Nazir 33)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2023 7:43


    What's the difference between anniversary date night and regular date night? Do you discuss different things? Today we learn that your anniversary is the annual occasion to reminisce about how you met, courted, and chose your spouse!

    Red Flags (Nazir 31)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2023 6:39


    How can you tell if someone is internally beautiful? Should you judge a person based on red flags? Today we learn that while flags may not be the only determinant, they're helpful in assessing another person's character and should never be ignored.

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