Popular Shows by Rabbi Dr. Dovid Katz Rabbi Dr. Dovid Katz
1670 episodes
#
Name
Release Date
Duration
501
The Chasam Sofer, the Yad haMelech, and the "overused" esrog. Haredi vs. Maskilic notions of aesthetics
The Chasam Sofer, the Yad haMelech, and the "overused" esrog. Haredi vs. Maskilic notions of aesthetics
Oct 10, 2025
37:45
Intra-Jewish ideological politics underneath the dry discourse of the responsa literature
502
The Strage history of Hoshanah Rabbah in the Temple: TheWillow vs. the Palm Frond ( הַלּוּלָב שֶׁנִּפְרְדוּ עָלָיו)
The Strage history of Hoshanah Rabbah in the Temple: TheWillow vs. the Palm Frond ( הַלּוּלָב שֶׁנִּפְרְדוּ עָלָיו)
Oct 13, 2025
40:40
What is the meaning of striking the ground?
503
Parshas Bereishis: The world was created for a UNITED Klal Yisroel
Parshas Bereishis: The world was created for a UNITED Klal Yisroel
Oct 16, 2025
33:06
In a Jewish world with unbridgeable divisions, we must be alert to divinely-sent "opportunities that pass"
504
הַפְטָרָה פָּרָשַׁת בְּרֵאשִׁית תשפ"ו - Israel will survive (Al Aqsa) Floods and even the fires of internal strife
הַפְטָרָה פָּרָשַׁת בְּרֵאשִׁית תשפ"ו - Israel will survive (Al Aqsa) Floods and even the fires of internal strife
Oct 16, 2025
21:54
Who is it that 'has eyes but does not see, ears but does not hear"? https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
505
Rabbeinu Tam and Count Henry I of Champagne (and Countess Marie)
Rabbeinu Tam and Count Henry I of Champagne (and Countess Marie)
Oct 19, 2025
42:50
Was Rabbeinu Tam a kind of French nobleman? Why did he practice falconry ? Why did the Count of Champagne turn to him to explain the David-Saul story?
506
Is Donald Trump a "Second Cyrus"?
Is Donald Trump a "Second Cyrus"?
Oct 19, 2025
27:15
The first Cyrus was a complex figure in Jewish history. The battle of the lobbyists at the ancient Persian Court. A playbook for Qatar? https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
507
פָּרָשַׁת נֹחַ תשפ"ו - Noah and "the day after"
פָּרָשַׁת נֹחַ תשפ"ו - Noah and "the day after"
Oct 20, 2025
27:09
Noah walked "with God," but could not get ahead of God, that is, he did not establish rules for the survivors of the Flood to ensure they would not revert to sin. IOW Noah was good but not great. https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
508
הַפְטָרַת פָּרָשַׁת נֹחַ תשפ"ו "כִּי מֵי נֹחַ זֹאת לִי" - The Flood as a metonymy for Jewish suffering down the Ages...
הַפְטָרַת פָּרָשַׁת נֹחַ תשפ"ו "כִּי מֵי נֹחַ זֹאת לִי" - The Flood as a metonymy for Jewish suffering down the Ages...
Oct 20, 2025
23:32
Just as God promised no more floods that can destroy the entire human race, so too He promises not to destroy the entire Jewish People.
509
Abarbanel's general thoughts on the stories in Genesis: The relationship between literal and symbolic meanings of Scripture
Abarbanel's general thoughts on the stories in Genesis: The relationship between literal and symbolic meanings of Scripture
Oct 26, 2025
24:03
When did full-blown idolatry begin? AFTER the Flood. Isn't that strange? https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
510
"פָּרָשַׁת לֶךְ-לְךָ תשפ"ו "וְהוּא יִהְיֶה פֶּרֶא אָדָם
"פָּרָשַׁת לֶךְ-לְךָ תשפ"ו "וְהוּא יִהְיֶה פֶּרֶא אָדָם
Oct 27, 2025
24:23
Resh Lakish "Yishmael will be into kidnapping people and taking hostages"! https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
511
הַפְטָרָה פָּרָשַׁת לֶךְ לְךָ תשפ"ו - Drawing inspiration from Abraham's victory over the Four Kings
הַפְטָרָה פָּרָשַׁת לֶךְ לְךָ תשפ"ו - Drawing inspiration from Abraham's victory over the Four Kings
Oct 28, 2025
24:48
Though outnumbered, Klal Yisroel will rip through the enemy like a thresher. So do not succumb to enemy efforts to undermine your morale https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
512
Part 1: The Other "Hellenistic Judaism" - not the Chanukah villains
Part 1: The Other "Hellenistic Judaism" - not the Chanukah villains
Oct 30, 2025
30:10
The other Hellenistic Judaism, not identical with Talmudic Judaism (but not un-frum) but more widespread, once upon a time . Part 1 of a 2 part series https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
513
The Current Wave of Antisemitism in Italy - My reaction to a podcast
The Current Wave of Antisemitism in Italy - My reaction to a podcast
Nov 2, 2025
36:08
Are we seeing a long-internalized resentment by Italian Catholics to the liberalized theology towards the Jews adopted by The Church in 1965?
514
Part 2: The Other "Hellenistic Judaism" - not the Chanukah villains
Part 2: The Other "Hellenistic Judaism" - not the Chanukah villains
Nov 2, 2025
43:09
The fight over the language of קְרִיאַת הַתּוֹרָה בְּבֵית הַכְּנֶסֶת
515
פָּרָשַׁת וְיֵרָא תשפ"ו - The Rashbam's unique take on Abraham's encounter with the Three Angels
פָּרָשַׁת וְיֵרָא תשפ"ו - The Rashbam's unique take on Abraham's encounter with the Three Angels
Nov 3, 2025
28:28
According to Rashbam, there is no תִּקּוּן סוֹפְרִים in this parsha! https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
516
Psalm 83 and the current coinciding of שִׂנְאַת יִשְׂרָאֵל on the part of the Antisemitic Christian influencers and their counterparts in the בני ישמעאל world
Psalm 83 and the current coinciding of שִׂנְאַת יִשְׂרָאֵל on the part of the Antisemitic Christian influencers and their counterparts in the בני ישמעאל world
Nov 4, 2025
26:16
כִּי הִנֵּה אוֹיְבֶיךָ יֶהֱמָיוּן וּמְשַׂנְאֶיךָ נָשְׂאוּ רֹאשׁ:ד עַל עַמְּךָ יַעֲרִימוּ סוֹד וְיִתְיָעֲצוּ עַל צְפוּנֶיךָ:ה אָמְרוּ לְכוּ וְנַכְחִידֵם מִגּוֹי וְלֹא יִזָּכֵר שֵׁם יִשְׂרָאֵל עוֹד:ו כִּי נוֹעֲצוּ לֵב יַחְדָּו עָלֶיךָ בְּרִית יִכְרֹתוּ:ז אָהֳלֵי אֱדוֹם וְיִשְׁמְעֵאלִים
517
הַפְטָרָה פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּרָא תשפ"ו אֱלִישָׁע וְהַשּׁוּנַמִּית
הַפְטָרָה פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּרָא תשפ"ו אֱלִישָׁע וְהַשּׁוּנַמִּית
Nov 7, 2025
23:13
Elisha does not blame the death of the child on the woman's sins. "The Buck stops here!"
518
Parshas Chayei Sarah: Why does Avrohom adjure Eliezer not to take a wife from the Bnos Knaani for Yitzchok?
Parshas Chayei Sarah: Why does Avrohom adjure Eliezer not to take a wife from the Bnos Knaani for Yitzchok?
Nov 10, 2025
34:32
Abraham's visit to his relatives in אֲרַם נַהֲרַיִם https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
519
הַפְטָרָה פָּרָשַׁת חַיֵּי שָׂרָה תשפ"ו Adonijah vs. Shlomo: the Background
הַפְטָרָה פָּרָשַׁת חַיֵּי שָׂרָה תשפ"ו Adonijah vs. Shlomo: the Background
Nov 13, 2025
28:01
Was it just a case of political intrigue? Or did people sincerely distrust Nathan re: the David Bathsheba story?
520
Rabbi Michoel Forshlager of Baltimore: His recent yahrtzeit and some thoughts on this remarkable gadol
Rabbi Michoel Forshlager of Baltimore: His recent yahrtzeit and some thoughts on this remarkable gadol
Nov 13, 2025
54:09
Whole busloads come to Baltimore every week to pray at the kever of a person who, a short time ago, was unknown...
521
Parshas Toldos: Was Yitzchak Avinu poverty-stricken (Ibn Ezra)?
Parshas Toldos: Was Yitzchak Avinu poverty-stricken (Ibn Ezra)?
Nov 17, 2025
26:13
Yaakov acquires claim to Israel through purchase, a sale subsequently resented by the seller. Sounds like Jewish History in Israel 1880-1948 https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
522
Manasseh Ben Israel's (very recently translated from the Latin) "Thirty Problem Concerning מַעֲשֵׂה בְּרֵאשִׁית"
Manasseh Ben Israel's (very recently translated from the Latin) "Thirty Problem Concerning מַעֲשֵׂה בְּרֵאשִׁית"
Nov 18, 2025
28:24
Giving the Jewish POV of Genesis to the world of European Intellectuals in the 17th Century
523
Haftarah Toldos: Quantity vs. quality in the performance of mitzvos. An age-old problem. Sigh
Haftarah Toldos: Quantity vs. quality in the performance of mitzvos. An age-old problem. Sigh
Nov 19, 2025
26:16
"אֶת עֵקֶב אָהַבְתִּי וְאֶת עֵשָׂו שָׂנֵאתִי" - ?Why
524
Today's Posthumous Promotion of Alfred Dreyfus to General in the French Army
Today's Posthumous Promotion of Alfred Dreyfus to General in the French Army
Nov 20, 2025
47:23
Was Alfred Dreyfus really a self-hating or self-denying assimilated Jew?
525
Answering a listener's query re: allegorical interpretations of Biblical stories in ultra-orthodox sources
Answering a listener's query re: allegorical interpretations of Biblical stories in ultra-orthodox sources
Nov 24, 2025
27:15
If the Hebrew language pre-existed the physical world, then it is not subject to the rules of linguistic evolution, and if is constitutive of the physical world and its history, then the non physical interpretations are NOT at the expense of the literal meanings. https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
526
Some thoughts on Self-Hating and Self-Denying Jews in the current antisemitic climate, now and a century ago
Some thoughts on Self-Hating and Self-Denying Jews in the current antisemitic climate, now and a century ago
Nov 25, 2025
33:20
When Arabs slaughtered (literally) the Jew in Hebron in 1929, the Communist Party said it was the fault of the Jews and the Arabs were in the right. And Jewish Communists sided with the Party! Similar things are happening today ... https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
527
November 25, 2025
November 25, 2025
Nov 25, 2025
30:52
528
Parshas VaYeitzei: What is Yaakov afraid of?
Parshas VaYeitzei: What is Yaakov afraid of?
Nov 25, 2025
30:52
Let's examine the image of the ladder closely
529
What's with this Israeli preoccupation with the bodies of their dead, killed by Hamas & Co.?
What's with this Israeli preoccupation with the bodies of their dead, killed by Hamas & Co.?
Nov 27, 2025
32:05
Why does Israel release live Arab terrorists (who admit they will kill again if they can!) in exchange for the corpses of Jewish dead? Is this a Halachic thing? A Zionist thing?
530
Haftarah VaYeitzei: Hoshea 11:7, an extremely difficult verse to parse
Haftarah VaYeitzei: Hoshea 11:7, an extremely difficult verse to parse
Nov 27, 2025
30:24
Sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Mordy Gardyn 'in honor of my parents may they have אֲרִיכַת יָמִים וְשָׁנִים and sponsored by "a member of the local fan club"🙂 How can you get a unified response to crisis when the theological causes are not clear? וְאֶל עַל יִקְרָאֻהוּ יַחַד לֹא יְרוֹמֵםhttps://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
531
The "בַּת עַיִן" in Historical Context (1765-1840)
The "בַּת עַיִן" in Historical Context (1765-1840)
Dec 1, 2025
1:11:47
The challenges of living in צְפַת in the terrible 1830s How to live in the old אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל without being victimized by the חֲלֻקָּה system
532
"פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּשְׁלַח תשפ"ו "תַּרְיָ"ג מִצְווֹת שָׁמַרְתִּי - Why does Jacob say this to Esau?
"פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּשְׁלַח תשפ"ו "תַּרְיָ"ג מִצְווֹת שָׁמַרְתִּי - Why does Jacob say this to Esau?
Dec 2, 2025
27:22
Why didn't Jacob send messengers to his father Yitzchak? Instead of to Esau? https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
533
Chanukah 2025: Was the oil in the jar in the Temple the only kosher oil available?
Chanukah 2025: Was the oil in the jar in the Temple the only kosher oil available?
Dec 3, 2025
34:28
If you go by the Talmudic literature, there was other oil available, but they started with the oil in the famous jar and it burned for eight days. https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
534
Israel & France (and Syria) : Connecting Dots
Israel & France (and Syria) : Connecting Dots
Dec 4, 2025
35:12
The two faces of France in its dealings with Israel
535
הַפְטָרָה פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּשְׁלַח תשפ"ו מִי הָיָה עוֹבַדְיָה? - Who exactly was Ovadiah?
הַפְטָרָה פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּשְׁלַח תשפ"ו מִי הָיָה עוֹבַדְיָה? - Who exactly was Ovadiah?
Dec 5, 2025
27:04
Past history PLUS future historical (cyclical?) patterns https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
536
The Current Big Threat to Israel from ... Turkey
The Current Big Threat to Israel from ... Turkey
Dec 7, 2025
30:27
Turkey today is more of a threat than Iran!
537
Chanukah 2025: The Story of the Greeks depriving the Jews of doors and windows
Chanukah 2025: The Story of the Greeks depriving the Jews of doors and windows
Dec 8, 2025
43:03
From (apocryphal?) non-mainstream midrashim on the Hellenistic persecutions. This one is mentioned by Rambam in his אִגֶּרֶת הַשְׁמַד
538
פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּשֶׁב תשפ"ו - The remarkable tale of the character-development of Joseph
פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּשֶׁב תשפ"ו - The remarkable tale of the character-development of Joseph
Dec 8, 2025
28:40
From oblivious to the impact of his actions and words on others (in Canaan) to the extreme-opposite in Egypt. A lesson for us all? https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
539
הַפְטָרַת פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּשֶׁב תשפ"ו - Amos blasts the social injustice prevalent in his time
הַפְטָרַת פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּשֶׁב תשפ"ו - Amos blasts the social injustice prevalent in his time
Dec 8, 2025
27:38
NOT the idolatry! Although there WAS idolatry, it is the abuse of the poor and helpless that will cause the חֻרְבַּן!
540
How the Judith Story in the Apocrypha (or a different version of the story) entered orthodox rabbinic literature AND practice
How the Judith Story in the Apocrypha (or a different version of the story) entered orthodox rabbinic literature AND practice
Dec 9, 2025
42:03
Some old widespread chanukah customs had no source in REGULAR rabbinic literature, but were accepted (despite some opposition) by basing them on sources in IRREGULAR Jewish literature
541
פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּשֶׁב תשפ"ו חֵלֶק ב - Yaakov and Yosef "wake up," but too late!
פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּשֶׁב תשפ"ו חֵלֶק ב - Yaakov and Yosef "wake up," but too late!
Dec 11, 2025
27:51
Yosef was one his way to talk to his brothers in an altogether different tone, but they never gave him a chance. Yaakov was going to by colored coats for the other brothers too, but the bloody coat killed THAT plan! https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
542
Some thoughts on the Chanukah Story and its historiosophical relation to גָּלוּת יָוָן
Some thoughts on the Chanukah Story and its historiosophical relation to גָּלוּת יָוָן
Dec 15, 2025
31:33
Two opposite models: A.) Alexander bows to the Kohen Gadol B.) Antiochus forces the High Priest and the Temple to "bow" to him https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
543
Chanukah, the Maccabean Wars, and the Civil wars in Seleucid Syria
Chanukah, the Maccabean Wars, and the Civil wars in Seleucid Syria
Dec 17, 2025
24:42
The Jews' final victory was due to the political disintegration of the Syrian state at that time
544
פָּרָשַׁת מִקֵּץ תשפ"ו - Yosef, the first "Court Jew"
פָּרָשַׁת מִקֵּץ תשפ"ו - Yosef, the first "Court Jew"
Dec 18, 2025
25:47
Comparing & Contrasting Yosef with Hasdai ibn Shaprut, Shmuel haNagid, Benjamin Disraeli, and Henry Kissinger
545
Haftarah Shabbos Chanukah: The Vision of Zachariah and its relevance to Chanukah
Haftarah Shabbos Chanukah: The Vision of Zachariah and its relevance to Chanukah
Dec 18, 2025
29:04
The Menorah that stayed lit for eight days was being fueled by the two (spiritual) olive trees in Zachariah's prophetic vision https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
546
Another Apocryphal "Midrash" on the Chanukah Story, with interesting takes on the discovery of the jar of oil
Another Apocryphal "Midrash" on the Chanukah Story, with interesting takes on the discovery of the jar of oil
Dec 21, 2025
35:41
The jar of oil was located under the altar. Had they not torn down the existing altar (as an act of piety, to replace it with a new, unblemished altar), they would not have found the famous פַּךְ שֶׁמֶן https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
547
Final Chanukah 2025 Thoughts: וּלְךָ עָשִֽׂיתָ שֵׁם גָּדוֹל וְקָדוֹשׁ בְּעוֹלָמֶֽךָ
Final Chanukah 2025 Thoughts: וּלְךָ עָשִֽׂיתָ שֵׁם גָּדוֹל וְקָדוֹשׁ בְּעוֹלָמֶֽךָ
Dec 22, 2025
26:04
"Olamecha" also means hidden or invisible. Through the miracle of the oil, an Invisible God became "visible" (so to speak)
548
פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּגַּשׁ תשפ"ו - Was Joseph actually the VICEROY, the ruler of Egypt? Or just the czar of the economy?
פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּגַּשׁ תשפ"ו - Was Joseph actually the VICEROY, the ruler of Egypt? Or just the czar of the economy?
Dec 22, 2025
33:28
The roe of the Jew in the Egyptian economy foreshadowed the role of the Jew in later economies: find a niche not occupied by the native inhabitants. לע"נ יששכר מאיר בן ברוך סטפנסקי
549
R Katz discussesa fasinating siddur published in Greece in 1941 who omits the word יָוָן from עַל הַנִּסִּים
R Katz discussesa fasinating siddur published in Greece in 1941 who omits the word יָוָן from עַל הַנִּסִּים
Dec 23, 2025
27:53
At that moment, Greece under the Metaxas Regime was saving the Jews from Hitler and Mussolini
550
הַפְטָרַת פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּגַּשׁ תשפ"ו - The vision of grafting the two trees together
הַפְטָרַת פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּגַּשׁ תשפ"ו - The vision of grafting the two trees together
Dec 24, 2025
24:02
Will the tribes retain their individual identities and consciousness in the future Messianic Utopia?
551
Parshas VaYigash: Not saying dumb things that will hurt the Jewish People
Parshas VaYigash: Not saying dumb things that will hurt the Jewish People
Dec 24, 2025
29:16
See how Joseph doesn't trust his brothers. He stage-manages their encounter with Pharaoh and the Egyptians, micromanaging every aspect of the conversation, like a trial-lawyer with a client. (יוֹסֵף הַפִּקֵּחַ not יוֹסֵף הַצַּדִּיק)
552
The Israel-Somaliland Connection: Why is this so controversial?
The Israel-Somaliland Connection: Why is this so controversial?
Dec 28, 2025
40:20
The extraordinarily complex geopolitical situation in the "Horn of Africa," and its relation to Israel and Israel's haters. A classic case of international hypocrisy on the part of the latter., https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
553
The Fast of the Ninth of Teves and the Toldos Yeshu
The Fast of the Ninth of Teves and the Toldos Yeshu
Dec 30, 2025
33:55
More excursions into the world of the "Frum Apocrypha." Sigh
554
Parshas VaYechi: What was the “Acharis HaYamim” that Yaakov wanted to reveal to his sons?
Parshas VaYechi: What was the “Acharis HaYamim” that Yaakov wanted to reveal to his sons?
Jan 1, 2026
35:53
Why didn't Joseph ask Pharaoh directly for permission to bury his father in Canaan?
555
Some thoughts about שִׂנְאַת חִינָם in Jewish History
Some thoughts about שִׂנְאַת חִינָם in Jewish History
Jan 1, 2026
38:41
A problem that cannot be solved, only managed. Some preliminary observations.
556
הַפְטָרָה פָּרָשַׁת וַיְחִי תשפ"ו -- David, Solomon, Joab - the problem of getting the right kind of subordinates
הַפְטָרָה פָּרָשַׁת וַיְחִי תשפ"ו -- David, Solomon, Joab - the problem of getting the right kind of subordinates
Jan 2, 2026
29:08
David, who came to the throne in his 30s, was confident enough to surround himself with strong personalities who didn't always obey . Shlomo, a boy of 12, cannot afford to do so, though the alternative is to be surrounded by "yes-men"
557
Prayer in the Mishkan: Music? Singing? Lyrics? What Happened to the Songs?
Prayer in the Mishkan: Music? Singing? Lyrics? What Happened to the Songs?
Feb 9, 2022
30:44
Is music an essential part of prayer? For all? For some?
558
The Golden Calf: Who Exactly Made It? (Parshas Ki Sisa)
The Golden Calf: Who Exactly Made It? (Parshas Ki Sisa)
Feb 16, 2022
43:16
Why does Moses tell them to run around the Jewish community and kill at will?
559
G-d Shows Moses How to Pray and How He Likes to be Prayed to (Tefilah)
G-d Shows Moses How to Pray and How He Likes to be Prayed to (Tefilah)
Feb 17, 2022
31:57
The two meanings of מָקוֹם I'm the context of prayer
560
Compare & contrast Moshe and Eliyahu on how they dealt with idolatry
Compare & contrast Moshe and Eliyahu on how they dealt with idolatry
Feb 18, 2022
31:02
Why is this the haftorah, and not the story of the reappearance of the Golden Calf in the time of Jeroboam?
561
The 16th of Adar: An Enigmatic Date in Megilas Taanis….R’ Katz Speculates
The 16th of Adar: An Enigmatic Date in Megilas Taanis….R’ Katz Speculates
Feb 20, 2022
39:18
How would the triumph of Mordecai have affected the king's hostile policy re: Jerusalem and the Temple?
562
Parshas VaYakhel: Was the Mishkan a Physical "Substitute" for Moshe to Steady the People?
Parshas VaYakhel: Was the Mishkan a Physical "Substitute" for Moshe to Steady the People?
Feb 23, 2022
36:14
Naming the grandson of Chur as project manager was a piece of fundraising genius
563
The Gold and Silver: Was It Originally From the Egyptians or From the Jews? (Parshas VaYakhel)
The Gold and Silver: Was It Originally From the Egyptians or From the Jews? (Parshas VaYakhel)
Feb 23, 2022
32:38
Which gold was used for the Golden Calf, and which for the Mishkan?
564
Who Exactly was This Guy Hiram? How Many People With That Name Were There? (Haftarah VaYakhel)
Who Exactly was This Guy Hiram? How Many People With That Name Were There? (Haftarah VaYakhel)
Feb 24, 2022
35:03
Was he from שֵׁבֶט דָּן בִּזְמַן הַפֶּסֶל מִיכָה? Would that matter?
565
רָאָה בְּעָנְיֵנוּ, רָפְאֵנוּ: Prayers for Health? Or for Help in Crises?
רָאָה בְּעָנְיֵנוּ, רָפְאֵנוּ: Prayers for Health? Or for Help in Crises?
Feb 24, 2022
27:37
What should one pray for today in light of the Russo-Ukranian war breaking out?
566
Why Did Shlomo Reject the Money His Father Had Amassed for Constructing the Temple? (Haftarah Pikudei)
Why Did Shlomo Reject the Money His Father Had Amassed for Constructing the Temple? (Haftarah Pikudei)
Mar 2, 2022
33:48
What furniture from the Mishkan did Shlomo retain in the Temple?
567
Parshas Pikudei: When Moshe Spoke to G-d, Why Did He Care What All the Hockers Were Saying?
Parshas Pikudei: When Moshe Spoke to G-d, Why Did He Care What All the Hockers Were Saying?
Mar 3, 2022
33:15
What did Moshe do with the surplus funds from the fundraising drive?
568
A Tosafistic History of the Use of the #15 in Prayer
A Tosafistic History of the Use of the #15 in Prayer
Mar 4, 2022
28:18
The 15 praises in Yishtabach are Moshe's 15 words of joy and relief when his financial rectitude was publicly vindicated
569
The Rivam (R' Yitzchak ben Mordechai) vs. Rabbeinu Tam on the Esther Story - Teacher Disproven by Student
The Rivam (R' Yitzchak ben Mordechai) vs. Rabbeinu Tam on the Esther Story - Teacher Disproven by Student
Mar 6, 2022
43:58
A glimpse into tensions between “Yeshiva-Learning” and the venerable מִנְהַג אַשְׁכְּנַז in 12th century France and Germany
570
Queen Esther - Bacon or Veggies?
Queen Esther - Bacon or Veggies?
Mar 7, 2022
47:04
Rabbi Katz analyzes the medieval Ashkenazic Purim custom of זֵרְעוֹנִים
571
Parshas Zachor and Parshas Vayikra: Contrasting the Rhetoric in Vayikra and the Rhetoric of Samuel's Criticism of Saul
Parshas Zachor and Parshas Vayikra: Contrasting the Rhetoric in Vayikra and the Rhetoric of Samuel's Criticism of Saul
Mar 9, 2022
37:56
Did people follow the rules of וַיִּקְרָא during the period of the בָּמוֹת?
572
The Amalekites Turning Themselves into Sheep - A Midrash?
The Amalekites Turning Themselves into Sheep - A Midrash?
Mar 9, 2022
30:04
King Saul, Amalek, and the intrinsic chronological limitations of rationalism
573
The Famous and Controversial Piyut of אָץ קוֹצֵץ, Hated by the Maskilim
The Famous and Controversial Piyut of אָץ קוֹצֵץ, Hated by the Maskilim
Mar 11, 2022
32:00
When piyutim had to replace both קְרִיאַת הַתּוֹרָה וּקְרִיאַת הַהַפְטָרָה
574
R Shlomo Alkabetz (1505-1584). Author of the Purim Classic מָנוֹת הַלֵּוִי
R Shlomo Alkabetz (1505-1584). Author of the Purim Classic מָנוֹת הַלֵּוִי
Mar 13, 2022
56:38
Author of לְכָה דּוֹדִי , probably the most famous poem in Jewish history. When Safed was "white hot"
575
The Establishment of Public Prayer in Judaism After the Purim Story. A Coincidence?
The Establishment of Public Prayer in Judaism After the Purim Story. A Coincidence?
Mar 13, 2022
30:19
What Caused the Purim Miracle? Esther or Public Prayer?
576
Parshas Tzav: Why Does Hashem Want Presents (מְנָחוֹת)?
Parshas Tzav: Why Does Hashem Want Presents (מְנָחוֹת)?
Mar 14, 2022
29:20
How is the sacrifice/present system a model for inter-human conduct?
577
Purim: The Theme of אֹנֶס in the Purim Story
Purim: The Theme of אֹנֶס in the Purim Story
Mar 15, 2022
20:11
One of Rabbi Katz's numerous analyses of different aspects of the Purim story
578
Did You Notice Esther Never Actually Bows?
Did You Notice Esther Never Actually Bows?
Mar 16, 2022
46:10
The lingering resentment against Mordecai
579
Jeremiah Blasts the Degeneration of the Korbanos-System to the Point of Human-Sacrifice
Jeremiah Blasts the Degeneration of the Korbanos-System to the Point of Human-Sacrifice
Mar 18, 2022
35:03
The fascinating interpretation of The Guide to the Perplexed on Jeremiah's message in this Haftarah
580
The Unknown Story of Rabbi Margulies and the Fight for Yiddishkeit in Modern Italy and Florence
The Unknown Story of Rabbi Margulies and the Fight for Yiddishkeit in Modern Italy and Florence
Mar 20, 2022
1:38:47
A Conservative Rabbi who inspired cultured Italian Jews to Emunah, Torah, and Mitzvos
581
Parshas Shmini: Aaron was Publicly, Ashamed, But Not Moses! (The Noam Elimelech vs. the Kli Yakar)
Parshas Shmini: Aaron was Publicly, Ashamed, But Not Moses! (The Noam Elimelech vs. the Kli Yakar)
Mar 23, 2022
30:14
Why was the innovation of the two sons fatal, but not the innovation of Aaron?
582
Haftarah Shmini: A Bitter Prediction of a Glorious Future for an Undeserving Jewish People
Haftarah Shmini: A Bitter Prediction of a Glorious Future for an Undeserving Jewish People
Mar 24, 2022
24:08
The classic bitter prophecy about a Redemption that is בְּעִתָּהּ וְלֹא בְּאֲחִישֶׁנָּה
583
The Famous Piyut of Kaliri on the The Red Heifer Ceremony: אֲצוּרָה וּמֻפְרָשָׁהּ
The Famous Piyut of Kaliri on the The Red Heifer Ceremony: אֲצוּרָה וּמֻפְרָשָׁהּ
Mar 25, 2022
29:47
For Parshas Parah, Kaliri imitates the piyutim describing the Yom Kippur ceremony
584
The Maharal on the Egyptianized Jews and Rabbi Katz’ Reflections
The Maharal on the Egyptianized Jews and Rabbi Katz’ Reflections
Mar 27, 2022
44:57
The plagues forced assimilated Jews (spared, unlike their neighbors) to acknowledge their Jewish identity
585
Origins of the Passover Seder: An Analysis on the Creation of the Seder and Its Historical Context
Origins of the Passover Seder: An Analysis on the Creation of the Seder and Its Historical Context
Mar 29, 2022
46:38
The Seder - a response to an outraged Egyptian counter-narrative of the Exodus
586
Parshas Tazria: Lashon Hara and צָרַעַת. Did Everyone Who Spoke It Get Tzaraas? It Doesn't Seem So
Parshas Tazria: Lashon Hara and צָרַעַת. Did Everyone Who Spoke It Get Tzaraas? It Doesn't Seem So
Mar 30, 2022
27:48
If it requires a miracle to combat לָשׁוֹן הָרַע, what are we to do nowadays?
587
Rabbi Katz discusses Red Wine on Passover and the Blood Libel
Rabbi Katz discusses Red Wine on Passover and the Blood Libel
Mar 31, 2022
53:45
Rabbi JS Bloch of Vienna, the champion against the blood libelers
588
The Strange and Controversial Passage in Ezekiel That Almost Got the Book Buried (Haftara HaChodesh)
The Strange and Controversial Passage in Ezekiel That Almost Got the Book Buried (Haftara HaChodesh)
Mar 31, 2022
28:13
Who is this mysterious נָשִׂיא? Rashi vs. מְנַחֵם בֶּן חֶלְבּוֹ
589
Rav Moshe A. Amiel of Antwerp and Tel-Aviv (1882-1946)
Rav Moshe A. Amiel of Antwerp and Tel-Aviv (1882-1946)
Apr 3, 2022
1:40:58
Talmid of R’ Chaim Ozer, but a leading Zionist author of a unique intro to lomdus
590
The Historic Evolution of the Seder Over the Centuries: An Analysis by Rabbi Katz
The Historic Evolution of the Seder Over the Centuries: An Analysis by Rabbi Katz
Apr 4, 2022
37:04
The changes after the חֻרְבָּן. The manipulations of the narrative for reasons of time and dignity.
591
The Connection Between Charoses and the Blood Libel: An Argument by Rabbi Katz
The Connection Between Charoses and the Blood Libel: An Argument by Rabbi Katz
Apr 4, 2022
36:12
Originally, it was not Maror that was the symbol of the suffering, it was Charoses
592
What Exactly is the Nature of Eliyahu HaNavi's "Kiruv-Project?" (Haftarah Shabbos HaGadol)
What Exactly is the Nature of Eliyahu HaNavi's "Kiruv-Project?" (Haftarah Shabbos HaGadol)
Apr 5, 2022
31:12
The jaded Jews say God is "on the take," but then comes Judgment Day!
593
The Special-Role of Hyssop in Purifying Tzaraas and in the Original Passover (Parshas Metzora)
The Special-Role of Hyssop in Purifying Tzaraas and in the Original Passover (Parshas Metzora)
Apr 6, 2022
34:48
The elaborate purification ritual: it is easier to contract leprosy than to be purified from it!
594
Piyut for Shabbos Hagadol by R Yosef Bonfils, pre-Rashi. Not the halachic poem
Piyut for Shabbos Hagadol by R Yosef Bonfils, pre-Rashi. Not the halachic poem
Apr 7, 2022
33:41
The poet evokes the original Shabbos, the Saturdays the exhausted slaves rested and ate, with no time for spirituality
595
Pesach: Why Exactly Did the Jews Leave Early?
Pesach: Why Exactly Did the Jews Leave Early?
Apr 11, 2022
44:52
How did Pharaoh's new policy of infanticide trigger the end of slavery?
596
Erdogan and Turkey’s Jew-Policy in Light of the History of the Last Century
Erdogan and Turkey’s Jew-Policy in Light of the History of the Last Century
Apr 11, 2022
29:47
The Yad Hashem in the formation of the modern Middle East
597
Rabbi Yaakov Mazeh of Moscow (1858-1924: The Best of the רַבָּנִים מִטַּעַם in Czarist Russia
Rabbi Yaakov Mazeh of Moscow (1858-1924: The Best of the רַבָּנִים מִטַּעַם in Czarist Russia
Apr 11, 2022
58:51
Defender of Judaism in the Beilis Trial. Author of scintillating Jewish memoirs, which everyone should read
598
The Cause of the Slavery and Suffering: The Abarbanel's Masterful Essay
The Cause of the Slavery and Suffering: The Abarbanel's Masterful Essay
Apr 12, 2022
35:56
Were Joseph's brothers buried in Egypt? Are they still there today?
599
Rambam vs. Raavad - Why the Egyptians Were Punished If It Was All Prophecied Beforehand
Rambam vs. Raavad - Why the Egyptians Were Punished If It Was All Prophecied Beforehand
Apr 12, 2022
32:29
Pharaoh brought it all on himself with his big fat mouth
600
Seder Thoughts: The Difference Between the Sedorim of B'nai Brak and Lud (Rabbam Gamliel)
Seder Thoughts: The Difference Between the Sedorim of B'nai Brak and Lud (Rabbam Gamliel)
Apr 13, 2022
41:25
What do you emphasize? The horrors? Or the miracles of that miraculous night?