Gershon Dubin asked:
Dear Rabbi Kornfeld,
Do you have an explanation why the Gemara says that Hefker B"D haya hefker, in past tense?
The Kollel replies:
Old versions of the Gemara actually do not include the word "Hayah." It is explained that the censors inserted the word "Hayah" in order to give the impression that nowadays, the Chachamim do not have the authority which they once had.
Best wishes,
Mordecai Kornfeld
Kollel Iyun Hadaf