Popular Shows by Yehuda Geberer יהודה גברר
507 episodes
#
Name
Release Date
Duration
201
Window To A Lost World: The Early Years of Rav Shach
Window To A Lost World: The Early Years of Rav Shach
Nov 14, 2019
27:45
One of the most famous and dynamic Torah leaders of recent times was undoubtedly R' Elazar Menachem Shach (1899-2001). Although he lived a very long life, his famous actions in the public sphere cover less than a third of a very fruitful career of teaching Torah. His early years saw him studying under some of the greatest Lithuanian luminaries of his day. He then spent a colorful 30 year career teaching at various pre war and post war Torah institutions. Perhaps the varied experience he gained in these diverse positions prepared him for his central position of leadership he was to later assume. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
202
A Sisterhood Of One: The Story of the Woman Who Sustained Europe's Yeshivas
A Sisterhood Of One: The Story of the Woman Who Sustained Europe's Yeshivas
Nov 21, 2019
26:27
During the interwar period, against all odds, an American women took a leading role in the funding of the great Yeshivas of Eastern Europe. Her name was Mrs. Necha Golding. As an organizer of women's auxiliary groups for various Yeshivas or as a hostess to the Roshei Yeshivas themselves when they came on fundraising trips, she was always at the forefront of activities on behalf of building Torah. She and her family forged ties to greats like the Chofetz Chaim, Rav Boruch Ber, Rav Elchonon Wasserman and Rav Aaron Kotler. She didn't just host them, she helped sustain them and they never ever forgot. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
203
To Save A World: Rav Aharon Kotler's Endless Activism
To Save A World: Rav Aharon Kotler's Endless Activism
Nov 28, 2019
25:38
Kletzker Rosh Yeshiva, Agudist, member of Agudas Harrabonim, head of Vaad Hatzala, Rosh Yeshiva of Lakewood/BMG, founder and head of Chinuch Atzmai, Torah Umesorah & more. Rav Aharon Kotler (1891-1962) wore many hats in the diverse array of initiatives that he undertook to build the future of the Jewish people worldwide. With his boundless energy and devoted lieutenants, he partnered with people from all types and backgrounds to further the projects that he spearheaded. With his bold vision, he set out to invest in Jewish education in both the United States and Israel. In 1956, he led a campaign launch a Torah School network in Israel in the form of Chinuch Atzmai. The guest of honor at the inaugural dinner was Rav Yoshe Ber Soloveitchik, and was a historic event in the annals of the American Jewish community. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
204
More Than Just A Gadol: The Story of Rav Yitzchok Hutner Part I
More Than Just A Gadol: The Story of Rav Yitzchok Hutner Part I
Dec 17, 2019
28:35
One of the most multifaceted individuals in Torah leadership of the last century was R' Yitzchak Hutner. Arriving from Warsaw to Slabodka in the wake of World War I, he eventually followed the Yeshiva on it's sojourn in Chevron. During this time he enjoyed a close relationship with Rav Kook. Following a stint in University in Germany, he eventually made it across the Atlantic, where he obtained a position in Yeshivas Chaim Berlin in Brownsville. As a charismatic leader and scholar with penetrating depth, the diversity of his thought and teachings is almost unmatched in contemporary Rabbinic writing. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
205
The Siyum! From Feldafing To The World’s Most Famous Arena: The History of Daf Yomi Part III
The Siyum! From Feldafing To The World’s Most Famous Arena: The History of Daf Yomi Part III
Dec 31, 2019
29:20
The movement spread around Europe and even across the world. Upon each completion of a cycle, the custom began of celebrating the occasion with a communal Siyum Hashas. The association of the Daf Yomi as well as the personality of Rav Meir Shapiro with the Agudas Yisroel led to limited opposition in some circles. Rav Meir Shapiro envisioned however, that the Daf Yomi would rise above politics and be a unifier among the factions of the Jewish community. Each successive Siyum Hashas brought more innovation, ever larger numbers of participants and new venues. Tracing the development of the various Siyum Hashas's over the 20th century is a window into the growth of the Torah community over the century. From the early and modest Siyum Hashas celebrations, following the destruction of the majority of the participants in the Holocaust, to the massive gatherings in the last quarter of the 20th Century and early part of the 21st, the story of the Siyum Hashas is a chapter in the story of the Eternal People. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
206
It's All in the Family: The Curious Case of Mary Ben-Gurion
It's All in the Family: The Curious Case of Mary Ben-Gurion
Jan 4, 2020
24:35
Amos Ben-Gurion was the son of David & Paula Ben-Gurion. While serving in the Jewish Brigade in the British Army during World War II, he was wounded and wound up in a Liverpool hospital. While there, he was taken care of by a nurse named Mary Callow. They eventually decided to get married despite the fact that Mary was Christian. There thus followed a sage of the attempted conversion of Mary to enable her to become Mary Ben Gurion. The conversion was eventually done by a German born American Reform Rabbi named Joachim Prinz, known for his activism in the Civil Rights Movement. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
207
Rudolf's Rescue Scheme: Kastner & The Attempts To Save Hungarian Jewry
Rudolf's Rescue Scheme: Kastner & The Attempts To Save Hungarian Jewry
Jan 7, 2020
29:24
Asara B'Teves is known in Israel also as "Yom Hakadish Haklali", and is a day which the victims of the Holocaust are commemorated with the recital of Kaddish. When focusing on the attempted rescue efforts during the Holocaust, one of the most controversial sagas is undoubtedly that of the one known as the "Kastner Train". Rudolf Kastner, a Hungarian Zionist leader, attempted to save a trainload of Jews from the deportations to Auschwitz. Ultimately, through direct negotiations with the Nazis, a train with over 1,600 Jews were saved. In doing so, Kastner did not reveal to the Jewish masses about the impending deportations that were to commence. Had he done so, his train would not have been saved. What was the responsibility of a Jewish leader at the time? To warn the many or to save the few? Was his identity as a secular Zionist a catalyst for his actions? And the ultimate question which perhaps might never be answered: Was he a hero or a villain? Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
208
A Kindled Flame: The Life of Rav Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg Part I
A Kindled Flame: The Life of Rav Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg Part I
Jan 11, 2020
26:48
Please Support the work of Jewish History Soundbites by rating us and writing a review for us on Apple Podcasts. Thank You!!! One of the most multi faceted Jewish personalities of the last century was the Seridei Aish, Rabbi Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg (1884-1966). A prodigy in Slabodka, who was embedded in the world of the Mussar movement, he later found himself in the Rabbinate in a small Lithuanian town. A complicated family situation eventually led him to leaving that position and moving west in both a literal and metaphorical sense. From the University of Giessen he moved on to a position in the Hildesheimer Rabbinical Seminary in Berlin. His story is reflective of the challenges faced by the thinking youth at the turn of the 20th century. The personality that he formed for himself is a unique expression in resolving that inner conflict. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
209
While Six Million Perished: FDR, Stephen Wise & American Jewry
While Six Million Perished: FDR, Stephen Wise & American Jewry
Jan 23, 2020
30:56
For the American Jewish community, President Roosevelt seemed almost Messianic. The New Deal was worshiped as the wave of the future, American Jews were overwhelmingly liberal - even Socialist - Democrats, and he seemed to be the only hope against the isolationist Republicans, for future intervention in the European War. In many ways, the American Jewish establishment, with Rabbi Stephen Wise at it's helm, felt that the President was beyond criticism. But was he?In the late 1930's, and even at certain stages of the war itself, a refugee crisis faced many Jews trapped in Europe. Was Roosevelt the man of the hour to ease immigration policy for these refugees? What went on throughout the War between the President of the United States and the Jewish People- both at home and abroad? Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
210
To Save A World: The Storied Life of Rav Avraham Kalmanowitz Part II
To Save A World: The Storied Life of Rav Avraham Kalmanowitz Part II
Feb 24, 2020
22:18
With the arrival of the war, Rav Kalmanowitz was dispatched to the United States in an attempt to raise funds for the Mir Yeshiva who were now refugees in Lithuania, having escaped from Soviet occupied Eastern Poland. This evolved into an attempt to assist other Yeshivas and their Rabbis, and later on in the war extended to overall rescue activities within the framework of Vaad Hatzalah. A dynamic rescue activist, he spearheaded many of the rescue activities during those trying times. Following the rebuilding of the Mir in the US after the war, he then turned to a new phase of activism - both physical and spiritual - within the Sfardic communities in Morocco, Syria & Egypt. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
211
The Holy Scholars of Sochatchov
The Holy Scholars of Sochatchov
Feb 29, 2020
30:24
The Sochatchov Chassidic dynasty holds a special place in Jewish history. As flag bearers of the legacy of Kotzk, they were the elite of Polish Chassidus. In addition, led by the Rebbes of the dynasty, they strove to create a scholarly atmosphere through the building of elite Yeshivas as part of the chassidus. The Avnei Nezer, the Shem Mishmuel and Rav Dovid of Sochatchov were leaders of Polish Jewry and great teachers of Torah at the same time. Their influence reached far beyond the confines of their own followers. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
212
A Word From Our Listeners Part I
A Word From Our Listeners Part I
Mar 8, 2020
20:48
In this unique episode in honor of Purim, we'll explore the best of the feedback to Jewish History Soundbites. -The Unknown Talmidim of Rav Shayale -Who to vote for in the WZO elections? -The greatest Maagidei Shiurim of our generation? -How does general history cross with Jewish history? -What type of biographies are recommended? -Did immigrants toss their Tefillin at Ellis Island? -Is there a real story behind Chassidic Rebbes who have become segulas? This and more, as the exciting comments come to the fore and are carefully analyzed for relevance and Purim entertainment. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
213
The History of Volozhin Yeshiva Part IV: Talmudists, Zionists and The Golden Age
The History of Volozhin Yeshiva Part IV: Talmudists, Zionists and The Golden Age
Mar 12, 2020
54:35
With the Netziv solidifying his control, the Yeshiva entered it's Golden Age. Attracting the best and the brightest from across the Pale of Settlement, the Yeshiva was producing the Rabbinical greats of the Jewish world. With Rav Chaim Brisker's appointment in 1881 as the assistant Rosh Yeshiva, he raised the scholarship in the Yeshiva to a whole new level. Around the year, Volozhin continued with a regular routine of intensive study, with the Yamim Tovim offering a short respite with their accompanying excitement. Alongside these accomplishments, under currents were brewing as well. Secret societies were formed promulgating early forms of Zionism. Haskala literature became popular and got passed around by the students of the Yeshiva. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
214
When Shabbos Was Sunday: The International Dateline Controversy
When Shabbos Was Sunday: The International Dateline Controversy
Mar 21, 2020
32:32
There are times when a Halachic, legalistic discussion is played out on the stage of history. Such was the dispute in regards to the positioning of the Halachic International Dateline. What conceivably was a theoretical discussion, or at most relevant to the few Jewish travelers to the Far East, became a reality for thousands of refugees who were stranded in Kobe, Japan in 1941. The question of when to observe Shabbos divided the refugee community, with kiddush and havdala being recited simultaneously by different individuals. With Yom Kippur around the corner, a larger question loomed. Two days of shabbos was manageable, but fasting for two days straight was not an exciting prospect. It was a question that was heard around the world. And the answers came in from all sides. The dateline controversy would leave an indelible mark on the memory that refugees had from their sojourn in Kobe, Japan. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
215
Wisest of Men: Stories of Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky
Wisest of Men: Stories of Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky
Mar 23, 2020
29:43
Known by his colleagues as the "wise man of the Jewish People", Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky (1891-1986) was one of the important Rabbinical leaders of the 20th century. Though raised in the environment of Minsk and Slabodka and leading a Rabbinic career in rural Lithuania, his influence was primarily in the post war world of the United States. Arriving in the US when his bid for the Vilkomir Rabbinate fell through, he immediately began to lead, guide and advise the American Jewish community as a whole and to individuals who sought his counsel. From the storekeepers in Toronto, to the non Jewish children in Monsey, from the podium of the Agudah convention to the party politics in Israel, Rav Yaakov always had an novel perspective and insight for any situation. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
216
A Tzadik For All Of Time: The Story of Rav Aryeh Levin
A Tzadik For All Of Time: The Story of Rav Aryeh Levin
Apr 4, 2020
27:06
Few people were as beloved by all who knew him as was Rav Aryeh Levin (1885-1969). Titled "The Tzadik of Jerusalem", "the Rabbi of the Prisoners", "Mashgiach of Eitz Chaim" or simply Reb Aryeh, his warmth and influence traversed the whole spectrum of society. With a simplicity and sincerity, he cared for each individual irrespective of class or background. The stories in this regard are simply limitless, and here are presented a few anecdotal gems about this remarkable individual. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
217
Kaput or Kapust: Chabad Splits Up
Kaput or Kapust: Chabad Splits Up
Apr 11, 2020
27:21
The Chassidic dynasty is called Chabad, but it's home for close to a century was the Russian town of Lubavitch. It reached a peak of influence under the able leadership of the Tzemach Tzedek, Rav Menachem Mendel (1789-1866). Following his passing, while his youngest son the Maharash continued in Lubavitch, various other Chabad courts were founded by his siblings. Settling in towns rich in Chabad history, a court was founded in both Lyady and in Nizhyn. There was even one with a Chernobyl flavor in Avrutch. The largest and most influential of the offshoots was in Kapust. Lasting more than a half a century, the Kapust Rebbes took a leading role both within Chassidus and the external struggles facing Russian Jewry. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
218
My Father The Netziv: The Extraordinary Life of Rabbi Meir Bar-Ilan
My Father The Netziv: The Extraordinary Life of Rabbi Meir Bar-Ilan
Apr 18, 2020
25:37
As the youngest child of the Netziv, Rav Meir Bar Ilan (1880-1949) grew up in the world of Volozhin. With the closing of the Yeshiva and the loss of his father while he was still a child, he moved on to further horizons. From Telz to Berlin where he commenced his literary career in the city that bore his name. He was a rising leader of the Mizrachi and in that capacity he moved to New York. As an activist in both Mizrachi Zionist endeavors, as well as Jewish education and other communal efforts, he left his mark in America. This was followed by his move to Israel - then Palestine - in 1926. Once again assuming a leadership role, he remained in the public sphere in politics, economics and Rabbinical. Among his many initiatives was spearheading the monumental Talmudic Encyclopedia project. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
219
Great American Jewish Cities #1: Far Rockaway
Great American Jewish Cities #1: Far Rockaway
Apr 27, 2020
37:06
With this new series, Jewish History Soundbites seeks to explore the growth of various Jewish communities both within the great urban centers and across the golden plain. Our pilot episode touches on the community of Far Rockaway, lying somewhere in between Queens and Long Island. This resort area which had a Jewish presence even prior to the War, began a growth spurt along with the so called "white flight" to the suburbs in the two decades following the war. Personalities like Rabbis Zelig Fortman, Ralph Pelcovitz, Emanuel Rackman, Nachman Bulman, Shlomo Freifeld, and ybl"ch Rabbi Yechiel Perr, and many more, planted the seeds of a vibrant Orthodox community. Institutions like the White Shul, HILI, Shor Yoshuv, Young Israel, Yeshiva of Far Rockaway, even the Mir made a showing, and later on Yeshivas Darchei Torah. Events from a bygone era like the reception for Rav Kook or the Kovna Rov, the Agudas Harabonim conventions at the kosher hotels all come together to paint a picture of this special Jewish town. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
220
Great American Jewish Cities #2: Baltimore
Great American Jewish Cities #2: Baltimore
May 5, 2020
42:33
One of the most storied Jewish communities in the United States, Baltimore has a fair amount of "firsts". First ordained Orthodox Rabbi to serve in the US - Rabbi Joseph Rice, first Day School outside of NY and first kosher Hot Dog stand at a Major League Baseball stadium. Home to famous institutions like Ner Israel and Talmudical Academy - Chafetz Chaim, and famous individuals like Rav Yaakov Yitzchak Ruderman, Rabbi Herman Neuberger and Rabbi Moshe Heineman, Baltimore has made its on American Jewish life. At the same time, less famous aspects of the city's past come to life as well, such as the pioneering girls education with the Bais Yaakov of Rabbi Binyamin Steinberg, the Glen Ave Synagogue, and personalities like Rav Michoel Forshlager and Rav Yitzchak Sternhell. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
221
Great American Jewish Cities #4: Cincinnati
Great American Jewish Cities #4: Cincinnati
May 19, 2020
40:07
The oldest Jewish community west of the Allegheny's, Cincinnati wasn't just the home of the Big Red Machine. In the 19th century, Isaac Mayer Wise and Max Lilienthal made Cincinnati the center for the emerging movement of Reform Judaism in the United States. This was culminated in the infamous "Trefa Banquet" incident in 1883. Later on it became a center of Orthodoxy with Rabbis like Rav Avraham Lesser and Rav Leizer Silver pioneering efforts in kashrus, education and leadership positions in the American Rabbinic world. A place of many Jewish firsts on the American Jewish scene, Cincinnati was also home to some of the first kosher food products like Manischewitz machine matza. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
222
The Prophet of Doom & The Prophetess of Comfort: The Story of the Leibowitz Siblings
The Prophet of Doom & The Prophetess of Comfort: The Story of the Leibowitz Siblings
Jun 13, 2020
34:07
Two siblings who were high achievers and shared similar life paths. Yet the two couldn't be more different. Nechama Leibowitz (1905-1997), with all of her academic positions, saw herself as simply a teacher. One who strove to encourage the study of Tanach with its diverse range of commentary. Coupled with her love for the Hebrew language and her desire to teach and reach others wherever they may be, made her a beloved figure and teacher for generations of students. Her elder brother Yeshayahu(1903-1994), having grown in the same home in Riga, took his academic career early on in Germany towards a host of sciences - organic chemistry, biochemistry, neuro physiology and others. What gained him renown however was his radical views in philosophy, political philosophy and the philosophy of religion. Fearless in promulgating provocative ideas, he was wont to stir controversy in many circles for his political and religious beliefs. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
223
Great American Jewish Cities #11: The American South Part I
Great American Jewish Cities #11: The American South Part I
Jul 14, 2020
45:51
With a foray into the south, we examine the stories of some great Jewish communities south of the Mason-Dixon line. Charleston, South Carolina is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities stretching back to colonial times. In the Antebellum South, it achieved renown as the largest Jewish community in the United States for many years. Charleston has the distinction of being the home of the oldest continuous Orthodox Ashkenazi Shul in America, along with being the home of the origins of Reform Judaism on that side of the Atlantic. The city was to play a central role in the Civil War, which was a war which had far reaching ramifications for Jews in other areas of the south as well. Nearby Savannah has a colonial era history as well with Sephardic Jews arriving in the 18th century. Polish Jews established an Orthodox community before the Civil War, and generations of the Garfunkel family played a role in the community's development with some impressive Rabbinical figures having served there. We wrap up with Memphis, where we meet Rabbis Ephraim & Nota Greenblatt, Rafael Grossman, Meir Belsky and many others. Elvis makes an appearance as well on this journey down south. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
224
A Lithuanian Mystic: Rav Shlomo Elyashiv
A Lithuanian Mystic: Rav Shlomo Elyashiv
Jul 16, 2020
17:55
Rav Shlomo Elyashiv was one of the greatest Kabbalists in recent Jewish history. Settling in the town of Shavl, he proceeded to author his magnum opus the Leshem Shevo Veachlama, and influencing young Rabbis like Rav Kook in kabbalistic teachings. In 1924, he moved to Eretz Yisroel together with his daughter and son in law Rav Avraham Levinson who changed his name to Elyashiv at this time. They were accompanied by their Bar Mitzvah age son, the future Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, they became an influential family, with Rav Avraham Elyashiv founding the Tiferes Bachurim organization, which provided a framework for Torah study for the young working men of the Old Yishuv. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
225
Maharam Brisk & the Hungarian Yeshiva World
Maharam Brisk & the Hungarian Yeshiva World
Jul 18, 2020
28:12
The title "Yeshiva World" usually conjures images of the great citadels of Torah of Lithuania, but parallel to that development was the Yeshiva world in Hungary. Large in size and unique in style, the Hungarian Yeshiva world provided generations of Hungarian communities with Rabbis, teachers and a rich traditional life. One of the most prominent of these Yeshivas in the generation before the war was that of the Maharam Brisk in Toshnad (Tasnad), Transylvania. As one of the leading Rabbis of his day, he did much to strengthen Jewish life in the entire district. His Yeshiva became one of the largest - over 300 students - and from the most prestigious in the entire country. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
226
Treacherous Brothers: The Yevsektsia Destryoys Jewish Life in Russia
Treacherous Brothers: The Yevsektsia Destryoys Jewish Life in Russia
Jul 29, 2020
37:35
Few stories among the many tragedies of Jewish history are as heartbreaking as the destruction of Jewish life in Russia by the Yevsektsia. While the majority of these occurrences were perpetrated from enemies on the outside, the Yevsektsia was an entirely Jewish organization. It's a story of Jews waging war on traditional Jewish life. Following the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, the Yevsektsia was established as a Jewish section of the Communist party, with the mandate to galvanize the Jewish workers in support of the Revolution and communism. At their own initiative, these primarily young Jewish revolutionaries extended their mandate to suppress all that was perceived to be counter revolutionary activity. The Kehillas, Cheders, Yeshivas, Shuls, Rabbinical leadership, Zionism, culture, Hebrew language, Jewish political parties and any other vestige of Jewish life was brutally suppressed and wiped out. By 1929 they were disbanded, but the damage was done. Once the world center of world Jewry, Russian Jewish traditional life was obliterated. It's 3 million Jews stuck behind the Iron Curtain. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
227
Great American Jewish Cities #16: Los Angeles
Great American Jewish Cities #16: Los Angeles
Aug 19, 2020
49:25
The rich Jewish past of Tinseltown is worth at least a full length feature. The architects of Hollywood were Jewish immigrants, who were joined by many talented Jews heading west, who created an entire industry and cultural revolution. Orthodox Judaism took a bit longer to strike roots, but Rabbi Simon Dolgin and other intrepid pioneers planted the first seeds which blossomed with the arrival of many survivors in the post war era. From Beth Jacob to YICC, from Toras Emes to YULA, from Venice Beach to Pico Robertson, LA has a Jewish story to tell. Rav Simcha Wasserman built a Yeshiva named for his illustrious father, Rabbi Marvin Heir built the Wiesenthal Center, and philanthropists from Sam Menlo to Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz funded one initiative after another. One of the first community Kollels in the United States had a great impact on the community's growth as well. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
228
Voice of the Silent Generation: The Life & Times of Rabbi Berel Wein
Voice of the Silent Generation: The Life & Times of Rabbi Berel Wein
Aug 31, 2025
53:16
The recent passing of Rabbi Berel Wein (1934-2025) is an opportunity to reflect on the Jewish world in which he grew up and later had such a wide impact. A child of Lithuanian immigrants, he grew up at a crossroads of American Jewish history. The children of the immigrant generation were overwhelmingly secularizing, and yet he emerged from the yeshiva in Chicago with a deep connection to his parents and teachers world of prewar Lithuania. In serving as a bridge between generations, he greatly amplified the role of Jewish history and continuity in transmitting the values of the past to future generations. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
229
Rav Fishel of Strikov & the Spread of the Chassidic Movement
Rav Fishel of Strikov & the Spread of the Chassidic Movement
Mar 7, 2026
42:16
Although not as well known as some of his contemporaries, Rav Efraim Fishel of Strikov (1745-1825) served in a crucial role during the formative stages of the chassidic movement. Like his father before him he was a student of the Maggid of Mezritch. He later was a pioneer in establishing one of the first formal chassidic courts in Congress or central Poland. As a charismatic holy figure, as well as a rabbinical scholar serving as a communal rabbi, he gained followers, some of whom went on to emerge as some of the greatest leaders of 19th century Polish chassidus. Among his many descendants was Rav Shmuel Abba, who established the Zichlin chassidic dynasty which flourished until its decimation in the Holocaust. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
230
Tribute to Rav Dovid Kamenetsky
Tribute to Rav Dovid Kamenetsky
Sep 20, 2025
46:37
Torah scholar, author of many acclaimed seforim on the Torah of the Vilna Gaon and others, historian and author of the definitive work on Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, are just a few of the many accomplishments of Rav Dovid Kamenetsky. His untimely passing leaves a void in the realm of his important historical research, but more importantly in what he represented as a person. He was beloved by all who knew him, whether it was in the National Library where he conducted his research for over four decades, or in his many interactions in his personal and professional life. This modest tribute is but a slice of his legacy and accomplishments, and may it serve as an albeit small contribution in cementing the legacy of this great man. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
231
Self-hating Jews in Jewish History
Self-hating Jews in Jewish History
Nov 1, 2025
44:46
Unfortunately the phenomenon of isolated instances of Jews consumed with self hatred, while projecting antisemitic stereotypes on their brethren is nothing new. It has existed in one form or another throughout Jewish history. This historical saga is worth examining, coupled with specific stories of Jewish self hatred during the Nazi era. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
232
Come on and Ride the Train: The Kastner Story Part III
Come on and Ride the Train: The Kastner Story Part III
Dec 20, 2025
59:55
On April 7, 1944 two Slovakian Jews named Rudolf Vrba & Alfred Wetzler made a daring escape from Auschwitz and made their way back to Slovakia. They submitted a detailed and accurate report of the horrifying truth of the Auschwitz extermination facilities, along with details regarding the transports arriving in the camp and the overall camp structure. The Slovakian Jewish leadership attempted to pass on the vital information to the outside world, and crucially to the Hungarian Jewish leadership as well. Although the Hungarian Jewish leadership received the information by the end of April, the truth about Auschwitz was not disseminated to the Hungarian Jewish masses by the time the deportations from Hungary to Auschwitz commenced on May 15. Till the end of his life, Rudolf Vrba bitterly accused both the Slovakian and Hungarian Jewish leadership of not spreading the truth about Auschwitz to the Hungarian Jewish masses. Rudolf Kastner was one of many Hungarian Jewish leaders who received the Vrba-Wetzler report. What did he do with the information he received? What could he have done? Was his actions different in any way from other leaders who had access to this information? Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
233
Come on and Ride the Train: The Kastner Story Part IV
Come on and Ride the Train: The Kastner Story Part IV
Dec 27, 2025
55:00
What were the actual negotiations between Kastner and other Jewish rescue leaders and Eichmann and the SS? How were the negotiations initiated and how did they develop? When did they take place? Who were the personalities on the negotiating team on each side? What were the goals of the SS in the negotiations and what were the goals of the Jewish rescue leaders like Kastner? The tense negotiations proceeded over the course of April-June 1944 in Budapest, and went through several stages. Understanding the who, when and why of the negotiations themselves, will broaden our understanding of the entire Kastner story. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
234
Come on and Ride the Train: The Kastner Story Part V
Come on and Ride the Train: The Kastner Story Part V
Jan 3, 2026
59:31
Who ultimately got rescued on the Kastner train? How was the list assembled? What were the SS criteria for those Jews to be included on the list? How diverse was the representation of the various factions of Hungarian Jewry on the train? Who financed the bribes to the SS in order for the train to be rescued? On this episode the discussion shifts to the actual composition of those rescued on the train, what role did Rudolf Kastner himself play in assembling the final list, the SS perspective on who should be included on the train and how it was financed and by whom. In addition, several of the greatest Hungarian rabbis who were rescued on the train are profiled, although the most famous of all - the Satmar Rav - will not be discussed on this installment, and will have to wait for next episode. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
235
Come on and Ride the Train: The Kastner Story Part VI
Come on and Ride the Train: The Kastner Story Part VI
Jan 10, 2026
1:04:37
The Satmar Rav, Rav Yoel Teitelbaum, was rescued on the Kastner train. How did this great leader of Hungarian Orthodoxy and chassidic community, who was well known for his vocal opposition to Zionism, receive a place of rescue on the train which was organized by the secular Zionist Aid and Rescue Committee of Budapest? Insights into his inclusion broadens our understanding of how the rescue train story developed. Other famous individuals were rescued on the Kastner train as well. In conclusion it’s worth summarizing the entire story of the negotiations with the SS and the rescue train’s departure from Budapest, through its stay in Bergen-Belsen. Clarifying the chronological sequence of events will provide a good review of the entire train story, so that we can transition to the story of the trial in the next installment. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
236
Urban Rabbinate: The Kornitzers of Krakow
Urban Rabbinate: The Kornitzers of Krakow
Jun 27, 2026
56:48
Four generations of the Sofer/Kornitzer family served as venerable rabbis of the historic and prestigious Krakow community during the 19th & 20th centuries. The Chasam Sofer’s son Rav Shimon Sofer was later followed by his son in law and nephew Rav Akiva Kornitzer. Decades later, in 1925, Rav Yosef Nechemiah Kornitzer (1880-1933) accepted the invitation of the Krakow Jewish community to succeed the vacant position of his father and grandfather before him. Rav Yosef Nechemiah’s illustrious career and capable leadership left a lasting imprint on Krakow and the wider Torah world. He in turn was succeeded by his son Rav Shmuel Shmelka Kornitzer who was killed in the Holocaust. Beyond the rabbinical dynasty itself, this succession provides insight into the complex workings of the rabbinate in a major urban center during the age of modernity and urbanization. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
237
The Radoshytz Chassidic Dynasty
The Radoshytz Chassidic Dynasty
Jun 20, 2026
1:02:21
A large chassidic community across central Poland prior to its decimation during the Holocaust, Radoshytz was founded by Rav Yissachar Dov Ber Baron (1765-1843). Known as the Saba Kadisha of Radoshytz, he gained renown throughout the region as a holy miracle worker. The Radoshytz dynasty continued through his offspring, and was an influential chassidic dynasty until the war. All of the Radoshytz Rebbes and almost the entire community was wiped out during the Holocaust, but the Radoshytz legacy is a compelling historical narrative until this very day. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
238
The Jews of Argentina
The Jews of Argentina
Jun 6, 2026
49:19
Sephardic Jews first arrived during the age of exploration, but the community didn’t really flourish until the arrival of European Jews in the 19th century. Eastern European Jews arrived in great numbers towards the end of the 19th century, making Argentina one of the greatest destinations of Jewish immigration. Some immigrants settled in agricultural colonies established by Baron Maurice de Hirsch, becoming Jewish gauchos. Despite rising antisemitism in the postwar era, and experiencing negative migration, the Argentinian Jewish community continued to flourish through the 20th century. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
239
[RERELEASE] The 1837 Tzfas Earthquake (replay)
[RERELEASE] The 1837 Tzfas Earthquake (replay)
Jan 24, 2026
55:42
Reposted with a new introduction, this episode will serve as a temporary break from the ongoing series on the Kastner train. On January 1, 1837, a devastating earthquake hit the upper Galilee and southern Lebanon, destroying towns, villages, property and roads, disrupting commerce and claiming the lives of thousands of victims. The ancient and mystical city of Tzfas was essentially destroyed at the epicenter of the earthquake’s damage, with most of its citizens killed, and the remainder being rendered homeless and penniless in the wake of this natural disaster. The traumatic event left a decisive impact on the trajectory of the Old Yishuv, with the wider social, economic and religious ramifications of this displacement being felt for decades. The rise of Yerushalayim with the downfall of Tzfas, messianic tension and subsequent disappointment, the funding apparatus of the Old Yishuv, and many other elements of Jewish life, would be heavily influenced by this one natural disaster which changed the Jewish history of the Holy Land. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
240
The Development of American Postwar Yeshivos
The Development of American Postwar Yeshivos
Feb 14, 2026
44:09
Reflecting upon the phenomenal growth of the American Yeshiva society in the second half of the 20th century, one tends to focus on the great accomplishments of individual leaders such as Rav Aharon Kotler, Rav Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Satmar Rav, institutions such as Torah Umesorah, RIETS, RJJ, BMG and other internal development within American Orthodoxy. However there's a broader narrative, with gradual processes taking place in broader American society which facilitated the growth of yeshivos during this time. Economic, social and demographic changes in the United States in the postwar era, LBJ's Great Society and the Vietnam War draft, are all external factors which facilitated the growth of the American yeshiva community. External factors are often overlooked but are no less important in understanding Jewish history. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
241
[RERELEASE] The Life of the Chofetz Chaim: Personalities & Publications (replay)
[RERELEASE] The Life of the Chofetz Chaim: Personalities & Publications (replay)
May 9, 2026
41:25
The Chafetz Chaim influenced the Jewish People in many ways, among them through his Yeshiva in Radin and through the many popular books which he authored. Through his Yeshiva he influenced generations of students, while hiring a staff of Roshei Yeshiva par excellence. Rav Moshe Londinski, Rav Naftali Trop, Rav Yerucham Levovitz, the Chafetz Chaim's own sons in law Rav Hirsh Levinson and Rav Mendel Zaks, to mention a few. Though the Yeshiva experience a bit of downturn with passing of the old generation, the name lived on in other Yeshivas founded to carry his memory. The Mishna Berura was the Chafetz Chaim's famous work, which had an impact on halacha across the Jewish world and increased in influence over time. The impetus of his writing was to fill a need and reflected on the great responsibility he felt towards his people. Such was his work Machaneh Yisrael geared towards Jewish soldiers in the Czar's army. Nidchei Yisroel was a companion for the Jewish immigrant, while other pamphlets were geared towards Jewish women. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
242
[RERELEASE] The Chofetz Chaim & His Attempts to Move to the Holy Land (replay)
[RERELEASE] The Chofetz Chaim & His Attempts to Move to the Holy Land (replay)
May 2, 2026
32:44
Rav Yisrael Meir of Radin, better known as the Chofetz Chaim (1838-1933), is one of the most beloved historical figures in recent memory. His storied life convers many aspects, and in this episode the focus is on the saga of his attempts at immigrating to the Land of Israel. While yearning to move there for many years, he laid practical plans to carry it out as well. Over the course of a half a century, several attempts were made but none brought to fruition. In 1925 his bags were packed and a home was even purchased for him in Petach Tikvah, but again it didn't work out. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
243
[RERELEASE] The Chofetz Chaim: Myths Abound (replay)
[RERELEASE] The Chofetz Chaim: Myths Abound (replay)
Apr 25, 2026
21:16
As one of the greatest and most beloved leaders in recent times, the Chofetz Chaim's legacy has attracted much legend. Join us as we reexamine some of the stories that are a bit heavy on the legend side. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
244
[RERELEASE] Simplicity, Complexity & Enormity: The Family of the Chafetz Chaim (replay)
[RERELEASE] Simplicity, Complexity & Enormity: The Family of the Chafetz Chaim (replay)
Apr 18, 2026
26:51
The primary focus on the Chofetz Chaim's (1839-1933) legacy to the Jewish People is understandably his seforim and various public policy initiatives. He bequeathed a more personal legacy as well- his family. His descendants form quite a diverse group. Some of his progeny played pivotal roles in both the writing, editing and selling of his seforim, while others assisted with the administration of the Radin Yeshiva. Still others accompanied him through his communal activist work. And yet others forged their own path. With an overview of the Chofetz Chaim's family, and how he related to them as a husband, father & grandfather, we can get a glimpse of a more personal side of the influence and impact of arguably the greatest Jewish leader in recent history. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
245
The Beirach Moshe of Satmar
The Beirach Moshe of Satmar
Mar 28, 2026
55:58
Rav Moshe Teitelbaum (1914-2006), the Beirach Moshe of Satmar, spent most of his life in the shadow of his illustrious uncle Rav Yoelish Teitelbaum, the Satmar Rav. His first family was wiped out in the Holocaust, and he barely survived multiple concentration camps. For decades he quietly and modestly led a small Sighet community in Boro Park. When his uncle passed away in 1979, many in the Satmar community prevailed upon him to succeed his uncle. Despite opposition and his own feelings of unworthiness to fill his uncle’s position, he assumed the helm of Satmar, leading it with the same humility, practicality and simplicity as he had led his entire life. In honor of his upcoming 20th yahrtzeit, this episode explores the life and leadership of the Beirach Moshe of Satmar. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
246
Rav Avraham Landau of Chechenov & the Strikov Chassidic Dynasty
Rav Avraham Landau of Chechenov & the Strikov Chassidic Dynasty
Feb 28, 2026
57:33
One of the most influential rabbinical and chassidic leaders of central Poland in the 19th century, Rav Avraham of Chechenov (1784-1875) served as a rabbi of Chechenov for 55 years, while also playing an important role in the development of the chassidic movement in Poland. His descendants founded the prominent Strikov dynasty, among others, and served in crucial roles during challenging times facing Polish Jewry. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
247
Expulsion from Moscow 1891
Expulsion from Moscow 1891
Mar 14, 2026
50:48
The Jewish community of Moscow in the late 19th century was composed of Russian Jews who were permitted residence outside of the Pale of Settlement. In 1891 the Czarist government reversed its policy of selective integration and about 30,000 Jews were expelled from Moscow. This expulsion was a tragedy for the refugees, and a sense of disillusionment for Russian Jewry at large. Its reverberations were felt in the realm of emigration, radicalization and the rise of Zionism. More broadly, the phenomenon of expulsion itself as a recurring tragedy in Jewish history, is a bit unique in the case of Moscow. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
248
Come on and Ride the Train: The Kastner Story Part VIII
Come on and Ride the Train: The Kastner Story Part VIII
Jan 31, 2026
1:17:16
Who were the primary characters involved in the Kastner trial and how did their personal life stories impact the trial proceedings? What did the witnesses at the trial reveal about the Kastner negotiations? What was discussed and what wasn’t discussed about the Holocaust in Hungary at the trial? What was the verdict of the trial? How did the Supreme Court react to the verdict of the lower court? All this and more as we continue to explore the contentious history of the Kastner train and trial. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
249
Come on and Ride the Train: The Kastner Story Part IX
Come on and Ride the Train: The Kastner Story Part IX
Feb 7, 2026
1:06:39
In this final installment of the Kastner train series, the legacy of the Kastner trial is explored in three ways. In a series of interviews in 1957 known as the Sassen documents, Adolf Eichmann described his view of the role that Kastner played in the negotiations. In 1961 famed Hollywood screenwriter and novelist Ben Hecht authored Perfidy, a harsh critique of Kastner and the Zionist leadership. Who was Ben Hecht and what are the limitations of Perfidy. Finally, a broad swath of scholars, historians, historical figures and writers are presented in a sweeping summary of the spectrum of views criticizing and defending Kastner. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
250
[Rerelease] In the City of Death: The 1903 Kishinev Pogrom (replay)
[Rerelease] In the City of Death: The 1903 Kishinev Pogrom (replay)
Jul 18, 2026
50:07
Special Tisha Ba'av Episode with an all new introduction. The 1903 Kishinev Pogrom was a tragic massacre, with reverberations within the wider Jewish world remaining until this very day. Goaded on by antisemitic newspapers with cries of 'Death to the Jews', a blood libel was fabricated and a mob was unleashed on Easter Sunday, April 19, 1903. Leaving 49 killed, hundreds maimed and injured in its wake, Jewish property was destroyed and looted as well. Claims of complicity of the police and government were voiced in many quarters. But it was primarily the after effects of this pogrom which had a long term transformative effect on Jewish society in Russia and worldwide. The great immigration to the United States was already long underway, but it significantly intensified in the years following Kishinev and the subsequent 1905 revolution. American Jewry was galvanized to assist the victims, and this cemented the relationship US Jewry was to have with their brethren back in Eastern Europe. Within Russia, many of the Jewish youth became radicalized as a result of the massacre, joining clandestine revolutionary organizations with the goal of overthrowing the Czar. The most profound impact was felt within the nascent Zionist movement. Chaim Nachman Bialik was dispatched by the historian Shimon Dubnow to gather testimonies from survivors. Following his five week stay in Kishinev, Bialik penned 'Be'ir Hahareiga' - In the City of Death, a poem about the pogrom. Powerfully written, it also included strongly worded accusations in regards to the perceived passivity of the victims. The poem and its message was to have an immense impact, as it was published and translated and became immensely popular. Vladimir Jabotinsky's conclusion was to organize Jewish self defense, and Theodore Herzl's conclusion was the Uganda proposal at the Sixth Zionist Congress. The shadow of the Kishinev tragedy was to hover over the many subsequent, and ever greater tragedies of the bloody 20th century. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
251
Jews & Muslims in Moroccan Jewish History
Jews & Muslims in Moroccan Jewish History
Feb 21, 2026
29:34
Despite discrimination against Jews under Muslim rule throughout Moroccan Jewish history, there was still an unusual relationship that Jews and Muslims had in Morocco. This was especially true with the native Berbers. From Muslims praying at the graves of Jewish tzadikim, to close business ties, sharing festivities, prayers and other life cycle events, Muslims and Jews in Moroccan Jewish history had an interesting relationship. The seeming downside of this closeness was the prevalence of conversion of Jews to Islam, both forced and even voluntary. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
252
Tourbites: Paris
Tourbites: Paris
Sep 13, 2025
44:01
Aside from the generic tourist attractions & fantastic restaurants, Paris is also rich in Jewish history. Some locations evoke tragedy such as the Drancy transit camp which was the point of deportation during the Holocaust, and the Place Hotel de Ville where the Talmud was burnt on the orders of King Louis IX in 1242. Others are more quaint, such as the Pletzl, the historic neighborhood of Eastern European Jewish immigrants in the heart of the city. We also visit the gravesite of Rav Yosef David Zintzheim (1745-1812), a towering leader of French Jewry during the challenging times of the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror, emancipation of French Jewry and the Napoleonic era. As the head of Napoleon’s ‘Sanhedrin’ in 1806-1807, he navigated the challenging questions posed by Napoleon regarding integrating France’s Jews without compromising an iota of Halacha or Jewish tradition. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
253
Book Review: Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski Volume II By Rav David Kamenetsky
Book Review: Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski Volume II By Rav David Kamenetsky
Sep 6, 2025
50:23
The newly published excellent book in Hebrew about the life and times of Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski (1863-1940) by Rav David Kamenetsky, entitled Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski: Rabban shel Kol Bnei Hagola Volume 2, is a great contribution to our historical understanding both of this great leader and the entire era in which he operated. This second volume covers the years 1910-1930, and - just like the first volume - utilizes the vast repository of Rav Chaim Ozer’s own many letters to tell his story using his own words. This meticulously researched work organizes Rav Chaim Ozer’s and his correspondent’s letters for the first time, allowing the narrative of major events in the Jewish world to be told by the protagonists themselves. Topics include the Katowice conference of Agudas Yisrael in 1912, World War I and its aftermath, the first Knessiah Gedola of Agudas Yisrael in Vienna in 1923, the Vilna Jewish community, the Vaad Hayeshivos & its Dos Vort newspaper, the dispute surrounding the Vilna rabbinate, and many others. This highly recommended book is a vital contribution to our understanding of Jewish history of that era. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: [email protected]
254
The Ruzhin Dynasty & the Age of Succession
The Ruzhin Dynasty & the Age of Succession
Aug 22, 2020
26:56
With Sadigura in the news, here's an overview of the Ruzhin dynasty and which branches are still active today. Some like Shtefanesht, Husyatin and Chrotkov are pretty much gone. Boyan is here but without the Friedman name. Buhush and of course Sadigura are still around with the direct Friedman link. Interestingly enough, there have been young successors to positions of power throughout history. Rav Chaim Brisker, Rav Moshe Feinstein, Rav Ovadiah Yosef, the Ben Ish Chai, Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer, the Yenuka of Stolin, the Belzer Rebbe, Rav Nachman of Breslov, the Ruzhiner himself, King Hussein of Jordan, Michael Dell and many, many others, have risen to leadership at a young age, with each once being another unique piece of history. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
255
Great American Jewish Cities #17: The Catskills
Great American Jewish Cities #17: The Catskills
Sep 2, 2020
46:04
The Mountains, the Catskills, the Borscht Belt, upstate, the country. Monticello, Liberty, Woodridge, Swan Lake, Woodbourne, Fallsburg. A place of many names with one thing in common: a place rich in Jewish history and lore. As a summer destination, the Catskills would be home to countless bungalow colonies as city Jews organized their communities for a mountain air getaway. Generations of children attended the many summer camps that dotted Sullivan County. Camps included Mesivta, Agudah, Munk, HILI, Kol Rinah, Torah Vodaath, Ohr Shraga, Sternberg and many more including the Betar Jewish self defense camp where Vladimir Jabotinsky died in 1940. It was also famously known as the Borscht Belt, and the legendary hotels/resorts/country clubs like Grossinger's, Kutscher's and the Concord made their mark as vacation sites. Most Jewish comedians of the time commenced their careers there. In addition to the summer crowd, the Catskills were home to many year round Jewish communities over the years. These towns built shuls, mikvas, hired Rabbis and even Jewish owned farms burgeoned for a time. This included Yeshivas as well such as the Mountaindale Yeshiva of Rav Yehuda Davis and the famous Yeshiva of South Fallsburg. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
256
The Life of the Chofetz Chaim: Part IV Personalities & Publications
The Life of the Chofetz Chaim: Part IV Personalities & Publications
Sep 12, 2020
41:25
The Chafetz Chaim influenced the Jewish People in many ways, among them through his Yeshiva in Radin and through the many popular books which he authored. Through his Yeshiva he influenced generations of students, while hiring a staff of Roshei Yeshiva par excellence. Rav Moshe Londinski, Rav Naftali Trop, Rav Yerucham Levovitz, the Chafetz Chaim's own sons in law Rav Hirsh Levinson and Rav Mendel Zaks, to mention a few. Though the Yeshiva experience a bit of downturn with passing of the old generation, the name lived on in other Yeshivas founded to carry his memory. The Mishna Berura was the Chafetz Chaim's famous work, which had an impact on halacha across the Jewish world and increased in influence over time. The impetus of his writing was to fill a need and reflected on the great responsibility he felt towards his people. Such was his work Machaneh Yisrael geared towards Jewish soldiers in the Czar's army. Nidchei Yisroel was a companion for the Jewish immigrant, while other pamphlets were geared towards Jewish women. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
257
Great American Jewish Cities #18: Boro Park Part I
Great American Jewish Cities #18: Boro Park Part I
Sep 15, 2020
44:11
The most Jewish place outside of Israel? The center of the universe? Boro Park seems to be the epicenter of Jewish life in many ways. As it developed pre war, it was an out of town upscale neighborhood for those distancing themselves from Manhattan and Williamsburg. The original shuls like Shomrei Emunah, Temple Beth-El, Anshe Sfard, Bnei Yehuda and others grew at the time. Eitz Chaim Yeshiva and the Shulamis school for girls were the first schools of its kind in the neighborhood, and in the case of the latter in the entire country. Slowly the neighborhood attracted different kind of crowd. The Chernobyl Rebbe established the first chassidic shtiebel in the 1930's. After the war, Rav Avraham Joffen opened the Novardok Yeshiva, Rav Aharon Kotler became a neighborhood resident and a group of Mir students from Shanghai established the Mir Minyan on 16th Ave & 54th St. Moshe Koussevitzky was the Chazzan at Beth-El during this time. It wasn't long before the Chassidim began arriving in ever greater numbers. The Munkatch court was revived there, and the Bobover Rebbe arrived in the late '60's from Crown Heights. Novominsk, Sighet, Ger, Belz, Spinka and dozens of other dynasties had their headquarters, the Rebbe or at least a shtibel in the neighborhood. Mendelssohn's Pizza, Biegeleisen's sforim store, Maimonides Hospital and the shopping of 13th Ave all became fixtures of Boro Park and into the realm of legend. Rav Moshe Sherer's efforts to rehabilitate the neighborhood in the late 1970's led to further growth and expansion. Great poskim like Rav Menashe Klein, Rav Moshe Bick, the Debrecen Rov and many others called Boro Park home. A comprehensive list of the people and places in Boro Park's storied history would be too vast, and a small peek into the sights and sounds of the neighborhood will suffice. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
258
Great American Jewish Cities #18: Boro Park Part II
Great American Jewish Cities #18: Boro Park Part II
Sep 20, 2020
44:54
The most Jewish place outside of Israel? The center of the universe? Boro Park seems to be the epicenter of Jewish life in many ways. As it developed pre war, it was an out of town upscale neighborhood for those distancing themselves from Manhattan and Williamsburg. The original shuls like Shomrei Emunah, Temple Beth-El, Anshe Sfard, Bnei Yehuda and others grew at the time. Eitz Chaim Yeshiva and the Shulamis school for girls were the first schools of its kind in the neighborhood, and in the case of the latter in the entire country. Slowly the neighborhood attracted different kind of crowd. The Chernobyl Rebbe established the first chassidic shtiebel in the 1930's. After the war, Rav Avraham Joffen opened the Novardok Yeshiva, Rav Aharon Kotler became a neighborhood resident and a group of Mir students from Shanghai established the Mir Minyan on 16th Ave & 54th St. Moshe Koussevitzky was the Chazzan at Beth-El during this time. It wasn't long before the Chassidim began arriving in ever greater numbers. The Munkatch court was revived there, and the Bobover Rebbe arrived in the late '60's from Crown Heights. Novominsk, Sighet, Ger, Belz, Spinka and dozens of other dynasties had their headquarters, the Rebbe or at least a shtibel in the neighborhood. Mendelssohn's Pizza, Biegeleisen's sforim store, Maimonides Hospital and the shopping of 13th Ave all became fixtures of Boro Park and into the realm of legend. Rav Moshe Sherer's efforts to rehabilitate the neighborhood in the late 1970's led to further growth and expansion. Great poskim like Rav Menashe Klein, Rav Moshe Bick, the Debrecen Rov and many others called Boro Park home. A comprehensive list of the people and places in Boro Park's storied history would be too vast, and a small peek into the sights and sounds of the neighborhood will suffice. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
259
Chassidic Symphony: The Modzitz Dynasty
Chassidic Symphony: The Modzitz Dynasty
Sep 23, 2020
32:55
Renowned in the Chassidic world and beyond for their legacy of song, Modzhitz was a large and important dynasty in the heart of pre war Polish Jewry. Founded by Rav Yechezkal of Kuzmir, it would be his grandson Rav Yisrael of Modzhitz who would give the dynasty its name, as well as developing song as its trademark. Rav Shaul Yedidya Taub further expanded the court, moving to Otwock outside of Warsaw. With the arrival of the Second World War, he escaped to Vilna then Japan, before arriving in the United States. He attempted to rebuild his decimated court, passing away a few years later. This was continued by his descendants in Tel Aviv, and later in Bnei Brak and in Brooklyn. Read more about the topic in a captivating book by a scion of the Modzhitz dynasty: https://www.amazon.com/Perilous-Escape-Journey-Europe-Freedom/dp/160280351X Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
260
Unfathomable Greatness: The Life & Times of Rav Boruch Ber Part I
Unfathomable Greatness: The Life & Times of Rav Boruch Ber Part I
Oct 1, 2020
28:34
His impact on the Yeshiva world was immense. His learning approach continues to have immeasurable influence. His holiness was legendary and his greatness uncontested. Rav Baruch Ber Leibowitz (1870-1940) in many ways seemed larger than life. Yet the story of his life and the stories about his life, bring out the humanity, the world that he lived and acted in and the context of the times, to bring this great personality alive and paint a fuller picture of his achievements. From his days in Volozhin to a young Rabbi in Halusk. From Slabodka to Kremenchuk to Vilna to Kamenitz. Rav Baruch Ber had many stops and it also included a long fundraising journey to the United States. As a teacher, as a lover of his fellow Jew, as a fighter for tradition and in many other ways, Rav Baruch Ber's spirit reverberates within the Jewish world to this very day. Part II- https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/unfathomable-greatness-the-life-times-of-rav-boruch-ber-part-ii/ Part III- https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/unfathomable-greatness-the-life-times-of-rav-boruch-ber-part-iii/ Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
261
Unfathomable Greatness: The Life & Times of Rav Boruch Ber Part II
Unfathomable Greatness: The Life & Times of Rav Boruch Ber Part II
Oct 4, 2020
30:01
Part II in the Rav Boruch Ber mini-series. His impact on the Yeshiva world was immense. His learning approach continues to have immeasurable influence. His holiness was legendary and his greatness uncontested. Rav Baruch Ber Leibowitz (1870-1940) in many ways seemed larger than life. Yet the story of his life and the stories about his life, bring out the humanity, the world that he lived and acted in and the context of the times, to bring this great personality alive and paint a fuller picture of his achievements. From his days in Volozhin to a young Rabbi in Halusk. From Slabodka to Kremenchuk to Vilna to Kamenitz. Rav Baruch Ber had many stops and it also included a long fundraising journey to the United States. As a teacher, as a lover of his fellow Jew, as a fighter for tradition and in many other ways, Rav Baruch Ber's spirit reverberates within the Jewish world to this very day. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
262
The Birth of Proto-Zionism: The World of Rav Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer
The Birth of Proto-Zionism: The World of Rav Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer
Oct 17, 2020
25:34
As a student of both Rav Akiva Eiger and Rav Yaakov Loberbaum (author of the Nesivos Hamishpat), Rav Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer (1795-1874) grew up in the world of the Polish rabbinate, eventually becoming the rabbi of Torun. Yet his life path would bring him to propound new ideas in regards to redemption, national settlement of the Land of Israel and even a radical idea to renew the bringing of korbanos on the Temple Mt. A man of action more than just theory, he attempted to garner support from rabbis as well as the rising new class of wealthy influential Jews in emancipated western Europe such as Adolphe Cremieux and Moses Montefiore. In 1860 founded an organization to promote the settlement of the Land of Israel, and was successful at prevailing on the Paris based Alliance organization to build an agricultural school there. Influenced by Messianism and modern nationalism, Rav Kalischer played a decisive role in the development of proto-Zionism. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
263
A Historic Vote: The 1935 Tel Aviv Rabbinate Elections
A Historic Vote: The 1935 Tel Aviv Rabbinate Elections
Oct 24, 2020
36:13
A seemingly local and insignificant event, the election for the Tel Aviv rabbinate in 1935 had an impact on the future of Jewish life in many ways and places. The first Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv was Rav Shlomo Ahronson. With his passing, three primary candidates arose over the summer of 1935 - Rav Moshe Avigdor Amiel, who was the ultimate winner, Rav Yitzchak Isaac Herzog and Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, at that time a young Rabbi in Boston. The leaders of the Mizrachi backed Rav Amiel, though Rav Moshe Soloveitchik wrote a strong letter of support on behalf of his son. Rav Soloveitchik made his only visit to the Land of Israel that summer, and met the ailing Rav Kook. Meanwhile the nascent Tel Aviv based Poalei Agudath Israel was eager to participate in the upcoming elections. Wary of the official Agudah position of non participation with the Zionist establishment, the PAI leadership penned a letter to the Ger Rebbe the Imrei Emes asking his opinion about voting in the election. The final result ensconced Rav Moshe Avigdor Amiel as the Chief Rabbi. He would go on to have a major impact on religious life in the first Hebrew city. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
264
Around the Maggid's Table: The Disciples of Rav Dov Ber of Mezeritch
Around the Maggid's Table: The Disciples of Rav Dov Ber of Mezeritch
Oct 27, 2020
37:19
With the passing of the Baal Shem Tov in 1760, several of his students continued transmitting his teachings to groups of followers. After several years, Rav Dov Ber the Maggid of Mezritch (1704-1772) emerged as the dominant chassidic leader in what seemed to be on the cusp of a mass movement. It was under his leadership that several distinctive features came to be identified with the growing movement, such as the pilgrimage to the "chatzer" the court of the tzadik. He attracted an elite group of outstanding individuals - known as the "Heilegeh Chavraya" or holy society - who went on to become leaders in their own right, spreading the light of Chassidus across Eastern Europe. These included the the brothers Rav Elimelech of Lizhensk & Rav Zusha of Annapol, Rav Mendel of Vitebsk, Rav Avraham of Kalisk, Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the brothers Rav Shmelke of Nikolsburg & Rav Pinchas of Frankfurt, Rav Aharon of Karlin and Rav Shneur Zalman of Liadi, to name just a few. Diverse in leadership style, in their promulgating the message of chassidus as well as in geographic dispersion, they each continued the legacy of the Maggid in their own way. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
265
A Guiding Light: The Life of the Chazon Ish Part I
A Guiding Light: The Life of the Chazon Ish Part I
Nov 1, 2020
26:59
Hidden from the public view by his own choice for the majority of his adult life, Rav Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz (1878-1953) - the Chazon Ish - nevertheless achieved immortality in the traditional Jewish world. As a unique Torah scholar who wrote on the entire gamut of Torah law, he left an impact as one of the greatest poskim in modern times. Born into a rabbinical family in Kosava, Belarus, he resided in several towns across Lithuania and Belarus in the ensuing years before settling in Vilna. In his later years he resided in the Land of Israel, and it was there that he gradually gained renown. With the founding of the State of Israel, the Chazon Ish played a decisive role in formulating policy and trailblazing new societal direction for religious minority attempting to rebuild after the devastation of the Holocaust. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
266
Rebbe! The Life of Rav Nochum Partzovitz
Rebbe! The Life of Rav Nochum Partzovitz
Nov 5, 2020
42:17
Rav Nochum Partzovitz (1923-1986), was most known for his approach to Talmudic study, which gained renown within the Yeshiva world. Having grown up in the Vilna suburb of Trakai, he proceeded to study at the great Yeshivas of Baranovitch, Kamenitz and finally Mir, from which he never left. Through the war years in Shanghai, where he studied together with Rav Leib Malin, through the post war years in New York, he established himself as the elite of the Mir Yeshiva student body. This reputation was cemented with his marriage to Rebbetzin Ettel, daughter of Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz, and Rav Nochum's subsequent appointment to the position as Rosh Yeshiva. With his simplicity, modesty and his popular shiurim, Rav Nochum was a beloved Rebbi in the Mir Yeshiva and a beloved individual to all who knew him. This yahrtzeit episode was originally recorded exclusively for Mir Yeshiva Yerushalayim. It is now being included for the benefit of Jewish History Soundbites listeners. If you enjoy this podcast and would like to donate to Mir Yeshiva Jerusalem, you can do so here: https://secure.themir.org/donate/ Thank you! Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
267
From Strength to Strength: The Life of Rav Dovid Feinstein
From Strength to Strength: The Life of Rav Dovid Feinstein
Nov 8, 2020
28:30
The passing of Rav Dovd Feinstein (1929-2020) is a great loss to the Jewish world. With his simplicity, able leadership and as a senior posek in all halachic matters, he will not be easily replaced. Rav Dovid was born in Luban in the Soviet Union, where his father Rav Moshe was the Rabbi. Under communist rule, his parents maintained a strong Jewish home and he remained one of the last communal rabbis in all of Russia in ever trying conditions. By 1936 the future for his children's Torah education seemed quite bleak, and it was for that reason that Rav Moshe decided to leave Russia. With his eventual settlement on the Lower East Side, Rav Moshe and later Rav Dovid would ultimately become synonymous with the neighborhood, the Yeshiva MTJ and with the leadership of the American Torah community. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
268
From Vilna to Rechavia: The Life of Rav Yisroel Zev Gustman
From Vilna to Rechavia: The Life of Rav Yisroel Zev Gustman
Nov 14, 2020
31:52
As the youngest dayan of the acclaimed Vilna rabbinical court, Rav Yisroel Zev Gustman (1908-1991) charted out a path to future greatness. He was both a close student of Rav Shimon Shkop during his days in Grodno, as well as a close confidante of Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski on the Vilna Beis Din. He experienced the worst horrors of the Holocaust in the Vilna Ghetto. Surviving both the Ghetto and later as a partisan fighter in the surrounding forests, he then arrived in the United States. Following a short but fruitful stint as the Rosh Yeshiva of Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch, Rav Gustman opened his own Yeshiva in 1950 naming it for the Remailless Yeshiva in Vilna. In 1971 he moved to Israel and transplanted his Yeshiva to the Rechavia neighborhood of Jerusalem. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
269
The Life of Rav Aharon Kotler Part I: Origins of Greatness
The Life of Rav Aharon Kotler Part I: Origins of Greatness
Nov 17, 2020
31:39
Though he came from an illustrious rabbinic family, Rav Aharon Kotler (1891-1962) was faced with the challenge of being orphaned from both parents as a child. After a brief stint in Krinik, he arrived in Minsk where he formed a lifelong friendship with Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky and Rav Reuven Grozovsky. With his arrival in Slabodka, he enjoyed a closeness with the Alter of Slabodka, while also attending the shiurim of Rav Baruch Ber Leibowitz in the other Slabodka Yeshiva. His marriage to Rebbetzin Chana Perl, the daughter of Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer, firmly ensconced him in a career as a teacher of Torah. After an initial commencement as a Rebbi in Slutzk, the Soviet takeover and repression forced him to cross the border and reestablish the Yeshiva in Kletzk in 1921. Sponsored by 20 Minute Daf. Check out 20minutedaf.com for a clear and concise daily daf yomi shiur. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
270
The Life of Rav Aharon Kotler Part II: Rebuilding Anew
The Life of Rav Aharon Kotler Part II: Rebuilding Anew
Nov 21, 2020
33:58
Sponsored by 20 Minute Daf. Check out 20minutedaf.com for a clear and concise daily daf yomi shiur. As the Yeshiva in Kletzk grew, a building was built and dedicated and Rav Aharon had to travel to the United States to fundraise. Aside from being the youngest and yet one of the most prominent Roshei Yeshiva at the time, he also rose to be among the leadership of the Polish Agudas Yisroel, participating in the third Knessia Gedolah in Marienbad in 1937. With the outbreak of the War, Kletzk fled to Vilna along with most other Yeshivas at the time. Ultimately settling in Yanova, with the Soviet takeover of the Baltic States in the summer of 1940 the Yeshiva dispersed to several Lithuanian shtetls with Rav Aharon and the largest group in Salock. By the end of 1940 the Sovietization of Lithuania made it difficult to maintain the continuation of the Yeshiva. Rav Aharon felt that he'd be able to accomplish more from the outside headed out of the Soviet Union in February 1941, arriving in Penn Station in New York City in April of that year. Though he threw himself full time into the rescue work of the Vaad Hatzalah, Rav Aharon emerged as an overall rabbinical leader on the American Orthodox scene. In 1942 Rav Nosson Wachtfogel along with a group of like minded friends, founded a kollel in White Plains, NY, eventually inviting Rav Aharon Kotler to serve as its head. With the move a year later to the resort town of Lakewood, New Jersey the American Torah world would be transformed forever. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
271
A Tzadik Arrives in Tzfas: The Life of the Bas Ayin
A Tzadik Arrives in Tzfas: The Life of the Bas Ayin
Nov 28, 2020
27:17
Rav Avraham Dov of Ovruch (yidd. Ovrutsch) (c.1765-1840) is known for his highly acclaimed chassidic work 'Bas Ayin'. As he has become something of a more popular figure in recent years, it's an opportunity to study his life and illustrious career. He was a follower of the Chernobyl chassidic dynasty, and served as a communal rabbi and chassidic leader in Ovruch and Zhitomir, Ukraine. In his later years, he settled in the Land of Israel, where he became the leader of the chassidic community of Tzfas. During the ensuing decade of the 1830's, the community faced great upheavals with the Syrian Peasant Revolt, the great earthquake of 1837 and the Druze revolt. Through it all, the Bas Ayin was a responsible and charismatic leader, rebuilding the community through times of crisis. Though he passed away in 1840 during a cholera epidemic, and left no descendents, his legacy lives on through his accomplishments and writings. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
272
From Brooklyn to Beit Safafa: The Incredible Life of Rabbi Mordechai Elefant
From Brooklyn to Beit Safafa: The Incredible Life of Rabbi Mordechai Elefant
Dec 2, 2020
28:36
One of the most energetic and at the same time eccentric characters on the Jewish scene of the post war was Rabbi Mordechai Elefant (1930-2009). Growing up in New York in the 1940's he became a student of both Rav Aharon Kotler and Rav Leib Malin. Moving to Israel in the 1950's, he forged a connection with the Rav Velvel Soloveitchik - the Brisker Rov and with other leading rabbis of the day. He immediately threw himself into a lifelong objective of building and fundraising for Torah institutions. The nucleus of what was to become his ITRI Yeshiva began in the Romema neighborhood of Jerusalem. He would later build a small neighborhood there aptly named Kiriyat Itri. The Yeshiva itself eventually settled in its permanent campus on the outskirts of the Beit Safafa neighborhood following the Six Day War. Renowned for his fundraising talent, political connections with Israeli politicians like Moshe Dayan and Teddy Kollek, United States politicians like Hubert Humphrey and Gerald Ford, his eccentricities and antics, and most of all his boundless energy and desire to build Torah. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
273
A Humble Giant: The Early Years of Rav Aharon Leib Steinman
A Humble Giant: The Early Years of Rav Aharon Leib Steinman
Dec 9, 2020
30:48
A greatly respected Torah leader of recent times, Rav Aharon Leib Steinman (1914-2017) spent the last 60 years of his long life in Bnei Brak. Prior to that were quite a few stops along the way, each stage shaping his development. A childhood in Brisk led to his studying in the local Toras Chesed Yeshiva of Rav Moshe Sokolovsky. Escaping the Polish army draft to Switzerland, he joined a Yeshiva there, eventually marrying and making his way to Israel. Moving to Kfar Saba, he was the head of the Chafetz Chaim Yeshiva there until moving to Bnei Brak in the 1950's. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
274
The Diffusion of Chernobyl: A Dynasty Spreads
The Diffusion of Chernobyl: A Dynasty Spreads
Dec 13, 2020
38:34
One of the oldest dynasties in the history of the chassidic movement, Chernobyl traces its growth from Rav Nachum Twersky the Maor Eynayim (1730-1797) through his son Rav Mottel the Chernobyl Maggid (1770-1837). One of the most influential courts in all of the Russian Jewish Pale of Settlement, with the Chernobyl Maggid's passing in 1837 his empire was divided among his eight sons. Over the course of the 19th century, the various branches of the Chernobyl dynasty - Chernobyl, Tolne, Rachamastrivka, Skver, Trisk, Hornosteipel and others - would dominate chassidic life in Ukraine. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
275
The Chernobyl Crisis: Chernobyl Part II
The Chernobyl Crisis: Chernobyl Part II
Dec 19, 2020
27:33
At the turn of the twentieth century, the various Chernobyl dynasties were flourishing though they faced financial crisis. With World War One and the subsequent Russian Revolution, they all began to face an existential crisis. Though some branches of the dynasty heroically tried to sustain life under increasingly adverse conditions within the Soviet Union, most chose emigration. Rachmastrivka to the Holy Land, Trisk to Poland, Skver to Romania, Tolna, Makarov, Chernobyl and Hornosteipel to the United States. In each of their new locales, attempts were made to rebuild Chernobyl. With the decimation of the Holocaust, it was up to places like New Square in New York to give a rebirth to the Chernobyl dynasty. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
276
Living History: The Life of Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld Part I
Living History: The Life of Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld Part I
Dec 30, 2020
32:15
While some people read history, there are rare people who lived history through their own lives. One such individual was Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld (1923-2020). Born in Vienna into a family of Ger chassidim from Poland, his father's position as General Secretary of the World Agudas Yisroel placed at the epicenter of traditional Jewish activism at the crucial interwar period. Eyewitness to Austria's Anschluss with Nazi Germany, he subsequently fled on a kindertransport eventually settling in London. He'd ultimately settle in the Kew Garden Hills neighborhood in Queens. Drawn to Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, he'd receive semicha from RIETS and embark on a lifelong rabbinic career with the Young Israel as well as nationally with the RCA. As someone who traversed all worlds within Jewish society, he'd be affiliated with a myriad of Jewish organizations, cultivate relationships with some of the greatest Torah leaders of the 20th century, and enjoy access to the corridors of power in both Israel and the United States. Through the prism of his long and riveting journey, the story of the Jewish People in modern times is told. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
277
Living History: The Life of Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld Part II
Living History: The Life of Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld Part II
Dec 31, 2020
31:13
Part 2: While some people read history, there are rare people who lived history through their own lives. One such individual was Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld (1923-2020). Born in Vienna into a family of Ger chassidim from Poland, his father's position as General Secretary of the World Agudas Yisroel placed at the epicenter of traditional Jewish activism at the crucial interwar period. Eyewitness to Austria's Anschluss with Nazi Germany, he subsequently fled on a kindertransport eventually settling in London. He'd ultimately settle in the Kew Garden Hills neighborhood in Queens. Drawn to Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, he'd receive semicha from RIETS and embark on a lifelong rabbinic career with the Young Israel as well as nationally with the RCA. As someone who traversed all worlds within Jewish society, he'd be affiliated with a myriad of Jewish organizations, cultivate relationships with some of the greatest Torah leaders of the 20th century, and enjoy access to the corridors of power in both Israel and the United States. Through the prism of his long and riveting journey, the story of the Jewish People in modern times is told. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
278
Paradise Lost: The Jews of Rhodes
Paradise Lost: The Jews of Rhodes
Jan 19, 2021
34:29
The Rhodes Jewish community was an ancient one, and it flourished with the arrival of Spanish exiles following the expulsion of 1492 and the Ottoman takeover in 1522. Prominent in Mediterranian commerce, the Jewish community grew, and had many rabbis from the Land of Israel serve at the community's helm. A tragic story in Rhodes's past was the Rhodes blood libel of 1840 which threatened the local Jew's safety. Following the Italian takeover in 1912, a steady stream of emigration increased with many settling in Seattle and Rhodesia (today's Zimbabwe). Rhodes Jews were to become pillars of the Rhodesia Jewish community for the bulk of the 20th century. Meanwhile the remaining Jews in Rhodes sustained the Nazi occupation of the island in 1943, and in the summer of 1944 were deported in its entirety to Auschwitz. The glorious Jewish community of Rhodes came to a tragic end. Listen to a related episode on Greek Jewry: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/jerusalem-of-the-balkans-the-glory-of-jewish-salonika/ Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
279
The Light of Sanz: Rav Shulem Eliezer of Ratzfert
The Light of Sanz: Rav Shulem Eliezer of Ratzfert
Jan 30, 2021
35:31
Rav Shulem Eliezer Halberstam of Ratzfert (1862-1944), was one of the younger children of his illustrious father the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. Orphaned as a young child, he'd go on to become one of the great chassidic leaders of Hungarian Jewry. Known for his modesty, simplicity, care and leadership of his many followers, he would visit his chassidim in Hungary and Galicia, making an annual trip for his father's yahrtzeit in Sanz. When the war broke out, the tragedy of Polish Jewry broke him, as he attempted to do all he could to save family members and followers under Nazi occupation. With the German invasion of Hungary in March 1944, he was deported to Auschwitz where he met his end, with his dying words being to remember what had happened here. His legacy continues with the dynasties of Satmar, Bobov and others which number among his descendants. Check out the story of the Divrei Chaim here: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/king-of-galicia-the-divrei-chaim-of-sanz/ Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
280
The Jews of Scandinavia Part I
The Jews of Scandinavia Part I
Feb 13, 2021
36:21
The more recent and relatively small Jewish communities of Scandinavia serve as an interesting chapter in Jewish history. While Finland was part of the Russian Empire for a time, the other Scandinavian countries had Jewish communities as well. This episode will primarily focus on Sweden and the central Jewish story based in Stockholm in the 19th and 20th centuries. Though it was initially quite small, the Jewish community ballooned in size in the 1930's and during the war with a stream of refugees from Germany and later from Scandinavian countries under Nazi occupation. Many more survivors subsequently arrived following liberation. Legendary figures like Rabbi and Rebbetzin Binyamin Zev Jacobson along with Rav Shlomo Wolbe, were active in rescue work and then in the operation of girls school and dormitory for survivors in the Stockholm suburb of Lidingo. One of the most interesting stories of Swedish Jewish life at this time was that of Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Zuber. A Lubavitch chassid who became the Rabbi, mohel, shochet and chazzan for the nascent Orthodox community in 1932, he'd remain the mainstay of traditional Jewish life in Sweden for 15 years. Whether it was combatting assimilation, working against the shechita ban, assisting refugees from the Holocaust or being at the forefront of the post war aguna issue, Rabbi Zuber would be the defining spirit of Jewish life in Sweden during a tumultuous time. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
281
From Vienna Flight to Meron Lights: The Boyan Dynasty
From Vienna Flight to Meron Lights: The Boyan Dynasty
Feb 17, 2021
37:57
With roots in the regal courts of Ruzhin/Sadagora the Boyan dynasty continued that legacy while also forging some uniquenesses of its own. Founded by Rav Yitzchak Friedman (1849-1917), the Pachad Yitzchak, who fled to Vienna with the outbreak of World War One. He was succeeded by his four sons: Rav Menachem Nachum of Czernowitz, Rav Yisroel of Leipzig, Rav Avraham Yaakov of Lvov (Lemberg) and Rav Mordechai Shlomo of the Lower East Side (1890-1971). Another prominent Boyan Rebbe at this time was Rav Moshenyu Friedman who became one of the interwar leaders of Polish Jewry, until his martyrdom in Auschwitz in 1943. The connection of Boyan to the Land of Israel had always been strong, and the Rebbes had always utilized their rights to the annual lighting of the fire by the gravesite of the Tanna Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron on Lag Baomer. The rebuilding of the dynasty naturally took place in Israel as well, where it continues to flourish until today. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
282
Warring Words: The Nefesh Hachaim & the Opposition to the Chassidic Movement
Warring Words: The Nefesh Hachaim & the Opposition to the Chassidic Movement
Feb 20, 2021
35:53
The Sefer Nefesh Hachaim authored by Rav Chaim of Volozhin (1749-1821) was published posthumously by his son Rav Itzele in 1824, with an expanded version including eight additional chapters published in 1837. This was a theological work, as well as a polemical one, with Rav Chaim addressing issues he saw in the chassidic movement which he sought to oppose, correct and establish an alternative value system for his followers. This signified a shift in the opposition to the Chassidic movement. Whereas Rav Chaim's teacher the Vilna Goan sought to excommunicate the chassidim completely, his student saw them as members of the Jewish community. He rather sought to maintain an ideological dispute while presenting a complete world view of his own. Check out the story of the earlier stage of the dispute regarding the Chassidic movement here: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/warring-brothers-the-opposition-to-the-chassidic-movement/ This episode has been generously sponsored by the Jewish History Uncensored Podcast, by Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein. Join in weekly at, http://bit.ly/jhu-jhs , to gain in depth knowledge of Jewish History. Join his Nach Yomi via: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BwtD6W4Hjhc1BR6nNQUwIk. Or email at [email protected] For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
283
Leader of His People: The Life of the Dvar Avraham
Leader of His People: The Life of the Dvar Avraham
Mar 2, 2021
35:35
The last rabbi of pre war Kovno, Rav Avraham Dovber Kahana-Shapira (1870-1943), was known by the name of the sefer he authored, the Dvar Avraham. Born into the Lithuanian rabbinic elite, and having studied at the Volozhin Yeshiva, he was appointed rabbi of Kovno (Kaunas) in 1913. He remained at his post until his passing in the Kovno Ghetto three decades later. During this time he was recognized as one of the greatest leaders of Lithuanian Jewry, managing to navigate the various factions of the Kovno Jewish community, execute his rabbinical duties and serve as a worldwide posek fielding halachic questions. He even found the time to make a historic visit to the United States in 1924. When the war broke out he was in Switzerland, and his son in New York offered to bring him over to safety. He declined, insisting that his place was with his beloved community in Kovno. Returning to the war zone, he courageously led the Jews of the Kovno Ghetto even as his health worsened and the situation became precarious. His passing in 1943 was marked by a public funeral, which thousands attended despite the risks it entailed. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
284
Bekeshas, Boots & Blue Shirts: Jewish Dress in Modern Times
Bekeshas, Boots & Blue Shirts: Jewish Dress in Modern Times
Mar 6, 2021
39:17
What is distinctive Jewish dress? Is it distinctive? How is Jewish traditional fashion influenced by the surrounding society? When did chassidic dress develop? Why does Chassidic and traditional Jewish fashion still follow modes of Eastern European Jewish fashion? What makes the rabbinic frock Jewish and why is it for rabbis? Why are there different types of shtreimels? What is a 'tarbush'? Fashion and accepted clothing styles in traditional Jewish communities was and is a mode of expression of Jewish and distinctive communal identity throughout Jewish history. Through the challenges of modernity, this was brought into much sharper focus in the last century. In this episode we'll explore some of the trends of Jewish fashion in modern Jewish history. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
285
They Called him Dr. Joe: The Life & Stories of Dr. Joseph Kaminetsky Part I
They Called him Dr. Joe: The Life & Stories of Dr. Joseph Kaminetsky Part I
Mar 10, 2021
29:15
Dr. Joe Kaminetsky (1911-1999) was one of the greatest architects of Jewish education in the post war era. His role in the leadership of Torah Umesorah spearheaded the Day School Movement. Born in Brooklyn into a home where his parents sold their house to ensure a Jewish education for their children, he later attended the first class of Yeshiva College in 1928. There he had a close relationship with Rabbi Leo Jung, the visiting Slabodka Rosh Yeshiva Rav Isaac Sher, and later on with Rav Soloveitchik. Together with Rav Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz who was the founder of Torah Umesorah and the one who hired him, all of these people would have a decisive influence on Dr. Joe's life. Dr. Joe wrote a fantastic and perceptive memoir entitled: “Memorable Encounters: A Torah pioneer's glimpses of great men and years of challenge ” (1995). Artscroll has generously offered a 25% discount to our listeners and Mishpacha readers, on the paperback edition (hardcover is sold out) Use code FTR2021 at Artscroll.com: https://www.artscroll.com/Details.aspx?itemNo=9780899066189) For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
286
Branching out of Sanz: The Shinive & Gorlice Dynasties
Branching out of Sanz: The Shinive & Gorlice Dynasties
Mar 14, 2021
30:06
Among the many branches which emerged from the children of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, Shinive & Gorlice were important and influential dynasties. Rav Yechezkal Halberstam of Shinive (1815-1898) was the oldest of the Divrei Chaim's children. He emerged as a brilliant and popular leader in his own right, as he charted an independent path from his father. On a famous visit to the Land of Israel in 1869, he established the Sanz shul in Tzfas. One of his sons founded the Stropkov chassidic dynasty. The youngest son of the Divrei Chaim's first marriage, Rav Boruch Halberstam of Gorlice (1829-1906) was his father's attendant and right hand man. With a combative personality, Rav Boruch was one to take a strong leadership stance on the many issues facing modern Jewish life of the late 19th century. He would go on to become one of the most influential leaders of both Galicia & Hungarian Jewry of his time. One of his sons, Rav Elisha, succeeded him in the Gorlice rabbinate, and made a rare visit to the United States in 1927. He passed away in Siberia in 1940, but several of his children immigrated to the US. Be sure to listen to the other popular episodes from the House of Sanz: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/king-of-galicia-the-divrei-chaim-of-sanz/ https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/the-light-of-sanz-rav-shulem-eliezer-of-ratzfert/ For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
287
The History of the Kiruv Movement Part I
The History of the Kiruv Movement Part I
Mar 21, 2021
41:17
The Kiruv movement, or the Baal Teshuva movement, or the movement of Jewish Outreach, is a curious postwar historical phenomenon. In the counter culture environment of the 1960's, many youth began searching for their Jewish identity and roots, and pioneers and eventually institutions began to fill the role of providing them. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Bostoner Rebbe, Reb Shlomo Carlebach, Rabbi Shlomo Freifeld, Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis, Rabbi Pinchos Stolper with NCSY, are just some of the many pioneers in the United States. In Israel the movement gained more steam following the Yom Kippur War. Rav Reuven Elbaz, Rav Shlomo Wolbe and many others pioneered it there. Eventually American kiruv institutions were established in Israel such as Ohr Samayach and Rav Nota Schiller, Aish Hatorah and Rav Noach Weinberg, Diaspora Yeshiva and Rav Mordechai Goldstein and Dvar Yerushalayim with Rav Boruch Horowitz to name a few. Sponsored by Ohr Somayach who is proud to announce a new series on the Ohr Somayach Podcast Network: “The History of the Baal Teshuva Movement” by Rabbi Nota Schiller, Founder and Rosh HaYeshiva of Ohr Somayach. Join the journey at podcasts.ohr.edu https://plnk.to/ospodcast For more information email: [email protected] For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
288
Back to his Roots: The Novominsker Rebbe & His Predecessors
Back to his Roots: The Novominsker Rebbe & His Predecessors
Mar 25, 2021
34:58
In honor of the first yahrtzeit of the late Novominsk Rebbe Rav Yaakov Perlow (1930-2020), we'll explore a bit more about his illustrious and diverse career and leadership. His first stint was in the Skokie Yeshiva was in the 1960's, forging close relationships with his talmidim whom he taught and inspired there. This was followed by more than a decade as Rosh Yeshiva in Yeshivas Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch (Breuer's) in Washington Heights, where he developed a close relationship with Rav Joseph Breuer. Later in life he was known as a leader in Agudas Yisroel and for Jews worldwide. His illustrious roots included the great tzadikim of the Novominsk dynasty, including some of the lesser known ones. In addition, his maternal grandfather was the Sokolov Rebbe, Rav Yitzchak Zelig Morgenstern, scion of the Kotzk dynasty. The Novominsker Rebbe was also connected to the Zidichov dynasty through his wife, who was hailed from the prestigious Eichenstein family. Enjoy last year's tribute episode to the Novominsk Rebbe and the Novominsk dynasty here: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/the-heritage-of-a-leader-the-story-of-novominsk-in-america/ Sponsored in honor of the first yahrtzeit of the Novominsker Rebbe Rav Yaakov Perlow by Duvi Silberstein. For all back office needs and nursing home Billing, contact - Care Network Health: phone/text 908-305-0595 For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
289
From Oberland to Boro Park: The Arugas Habosem & His Descendants
From Oberland to Boro Park: The Arugas Habosem & His Descendants
Mar 31, 2021
30:22
Chust, Tzeilem, Pupa, Satmar. All towns associated with Hungarian Jewry. All were towns where one of the most prominent rabbinical families had representatives who served in its rabbinate. Rav Moshe Greenwald (1853-1910), known by his work the 'Arugas Habosem' was the patriarch of the Greenwald family dynasty. As the family made the transition from the world of Oberland/Chasam Sofer to Hungarian Chasidism, they made their mark as rabbis in Chust, Tzeilem, Pupa and as Roshei Yeshiva as well. This continued through the Holocaust, where several of them narrowly escaped after losing their families and communities. They ultimately were successful in rebuilding in Brooklyn, New York after the war. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
290
Great American Jewish Cities #19: Worcester & Boston
Great American Jewish Cities #19: Worcester & Boston
Apr 8, 2021
41:07
Jewish History Soundbites is back to launch season two of our popular series "Great American Jewish Cities"! We commence with Worcester, Massachusetts which has a prominent Jewish history. Boasting 13 active shuls in the early decades of the 20th century, it also was home to one of the first Lubavitch Yeshivas in the United States. Visionaries such as Rav Zorach Hurwitz and Rav Hershel Fogelman invested in Jewish education at a time when in out of town America it didn't seem possible. Other notables of Jewish Worcester includes the leader of the counterculture movement Abbie Hoffman, while Clark University is the home of the first Holocaust studies in the United States, as well as being the host of Sigmund Freud's lectures on his only visit to the United States. Boston Jewish History personalities included rabbis such as Ramaz (Rav Moshe Zevulun Margolis), Rav Zalman Yaakov Friderman, Rav Gavriel Zev Margolis, Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, Rav Mordechai Savitsky, and the chassidic dynasties of Boston and Tolna. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
291
Building the 'Kehilla': The Leadership of Rav Dr. Joseph Breuer
Building the 'Kehilla': The Leadership of Rav Dr. Joseph Breuer
Apr 13, 2021
49:37
Rav Dr. Joseph Breuer (1882-1980) was a visionary leader who successfully rebuilt the Kheilla of Frankfurt of Kahal Adas Jeshurun on American shores. Born to his parents Rav Dr. Solomon Breuer and Sophie Hirsch, daughter of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch, he moved from Hungary to Frankfurt as a child. He later became the Rosh Yeshiva of the Frankfurt Yeshiva. Following Kristallnacht in November 1938, he managed to escape with his family, arriving in the United States in February 1939. He immediately set out to establish a fully structured kehilla, not limiting his position to congregational rabbi. With a goal of establishing institutional completeness, offering the full gamut of religious, educational and social services within the kehilla infrastructure, while maintaining its total independence. The twin goals of Austritt (separation from communities who didn't share Torah values), along with Torah Im Derech Eretz (integration into surrounding society without compromising on Torah values) were to be the guiding lights of the kehilla, and would permeate its myriad of institutions. Incredibly, with the assistance of a dedicated cadre of members of the community, within a few years he built a mikva, schools, shul, kashrus supervision, Bais Din, secondary schools, a publication society and much more, while the membership grew to over 800 families. He passed away at the ripe old age of 98. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
292
Great American Jewish Cities #20: Toronto Part I
Great American Jewish Cities #20: Toronto Part I
Apr 17, 2021
35:20
Jewish immigrants in the late 19th century populated 'The Ward', an immigrant neighborhood in Toronto, Canada, formulating the nucleus of the fast growing Toronto Jewish community. Eventually the Jewish population shifted to Kensington Market. Rabbinic leadership in the early years was provided by Rav Yosef Weinreb, Rav Yaakov Gordon, and later Rav Yehuda Leib Graubart. The latter headed the Polish faction of the community and clashed with the former two in their efforts to organize the chaotic kashrus situation and in the organization of the Toronto Kehilla. Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky served as a rabbi in Toronto for several years during the 1940's. One of the most influential rabbis in post war Toronto, was Rabbi Avraham Aharon Price, who led the Toronto Jewish community for over a half century, and was also the Rosh Yeshiva of the Toras Chaim Yeshiva. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
293
Great American Jewish Cities #20: Toronto Part II
Great American Jewish Cities #20: Toronto Part II
Apr 19, 2021
29:37
Jewish Toronto in the post war saw a development of the community in its leadership and institutions. Rav Dovid Ochs replaced Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky at the helm of the Toras Emes community, and Chabad began to have a presence in town as well. A rising rabbinic leader at this time was Rav Gedalya Felder, while at the same time there started to arrive a large influx of Holocaust survivors, with Rav Meir Grunwald, the Teitcher Rov as a leader in the community as well. The Holy Blossom Synagogue started off as Orthodox and gradually shifted towards Reform in the early decades of the 20th century. As shuls and shtiebels increased with the arrival of Eastern European Jews, educational institutions were built. The Eitz Chaim schools became the premier mechanism of educational development for the Jewish youth of Toronto. Some of the greatest philanthropists of 20th century Jewish life resided there as well. The Reichman and Tannenbaum families are just two examples of this, as Joe Tannenbaum emerged as a patron of Jewish institutions both locally and worldwide. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
294
Great American Jewish Cities #20: Toronto Part III
Great American Jewish Cities #20: Toronto Part III
Apr 22, 2021
37:17
The founding of the Toronto Kollel in 1970 was a turning point in the development of the Toronto Jewish community, and was just one of the many institutions built and supported by the Reichmann family. A Bais Yaakov for girls opened as well, which was headed by Rabbi Akiva Stefansky. Postwar Toronto contained a large contingent of Holocaust survivors, and one of the close knit communities was the Clanton Park community, headed by Rabbi Nachum Rabinovitch and later Rabbi Yitzchak Kerzner. Going back to prewar Jewish culture, Yiddish culture and education flourished, and Jewish politics covered the full gamut from socialists to Zionists. On August 16, 1933, the Toronto Jewish community experienced the infamous Christie Pits riot, bringing the issue of anti-Semitism to the forefront. Postwar immigration brought a large influx of Sephardic Jews from Spanish Morocco, which has become a burgeoning community as well. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
295
An Angel Amid the Ashes: The Klausenberger Rebbe Part I
An Angel Amid the Ashes: The Klausenberger Rebbe Part I
Apr 27, 2021
41:18
Rav Yekusiel Yehuda Halberstam (1905-1994), known as the Sanz-Klausenberger Rebbe was a scion of the Sanz dynasty & rabbi in prewar Klausenburg (Kluj), but achieved renown for his heroic experiences during the horrors of the Holocaust and rebuilding efforts in its aftermath. After losing his wife and all his children, he survived Auschwitz, a labor camp in Warsaw, Dachau and Mühldorf, all the while refraining from consuming non-kosher food. Following liberation, he threw himself into rebuilding Jewish life in the Displaced Persons camps of Feldafing and Foehrenwald. Upon immigrating to the United States he remarried and attempted to carry out his vision of rehabilitation and rebuilding, all while being a father to the many survivors who had become attached to him. In the shadow of the destruction of the Holocaust, he modified his stance on the State of Israel, for which he entered into a dispute with his uncle the Satmar Rov and his followers, and even met with the Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. In 1956 he laid the cornerstone of the Kiryat Sanz community in Netanya, and he later had the unique distinction of being a chassidic rebbe who built a hospital. The Laniado Hospital was dedicated in 1975 and fulfilled his vision as a place which would preserve life on Jewish principles, as an answer to the destruction of life which had been sustained in the Holocaust. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
296
Nathan Gutwirth & the Dutch Rescue Scheme
Nathan Gutwirth & the Dutch Rescue Scheme
Apr 30, 2021
29:44
Nathan Gutwirth was a Dutch yeshiva student at the Telz Yeshiva in Lithuania when he was thrust onto the stage of history. He was someone at the right place, at the right time, who did the right thing. When the Second World War broke out, he sought a way for he and his fiancée to escape to one of the Dutch overseas possessions and away from the developing inferno. Corresponding with the local Dutch consul Jan Zwartendijk and the Dutch ambassador in Riga LPJ De Decker, the island of Curacao became a possible destination. Ultimately, this would seem to be a possible destination for non-Dutch citizens as well, and many were saved as a result. He himself ended up in Indonesia, and was later interned by the Japanese. Following the war he immigrated to the United States before returning to Antwerp, where he lived out his remaining years. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
297
Stories Of Ner Israel Part III
Stories Of Ner Israel Part III
May 5, 2021
28:54
Another installment of stories of the Ner Israel Yeshiva in Baltimore throughout its history. Led by its legendary Rosh Yeshiva Rav Yaakov Yitzchak Ruderman, the Yeshiva grew and was to have a lasting impact on the American Torah landscape. Listen to the two previous installments on the history of Yeshivas Ner Israel here: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/stories-of-ner-israel-part-i/ https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/stories-of-ner-israel-part-ii/ For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
298
The Kabbalists of Komarno: The Komarno Dynasty Part I
The Kabbalists of Komarno: The Komarno Dynasty Part I
May 11, 2021
29:55
One of the most unusual dynasties in the annals of the Chassidic movement is the Komarno dynasty. Closely related to the Zhiditchov dynasty, it carved out its own niche in Galicia and beyond, with its emphasis on the study of Kabbalah and deep mysticism. The primary personality of the movement was Rav Yitzchak Eizek Safrin of Komarno (1806-1874), who was a prolific writer. Among his works are the acclaimed Heichal Habracha and the Shulchan Hatohar. He was in turn succeeded by his son Rav Eliezer Tzvi Safrin (1830-1898), known by his famous work the Damesek Eliezer. Though much of the dynasty was tragically wiped out during the Holocaust, one grandson of the Damesek Eliezer had immigrated to the United States prior to the war's outbreak. Rav Chaim Yaakov Safrin set out to reestablish the Komarno court, and his son Rav Shalom ultimately rebuilt it in Jerusalem. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
299
The Kabbalists of Komarno: Part II
The Kabbalists of Komarno: Part II
May 13, 2021
31:51
In keeping with the mystical leanings of the Komarno dynasty, it is interesting to note the frequency in which the leaders of the dynasty passed away during the time of Sefiras Haomer, a fact which has mystical significance as well. Their involvement in Kabbalistic practice made the Zhiditchov-Komarno courts a prime target of Yosef Perl and other Galicia maskilim in the 19th century. Undeterred, the Komarno Rebbes continued to teach what they saw as the authentic mysticism of the Baal Shem Tov, refusing to adapt to the downplay of mysticism becoming so common throughout the chassidic movement of the 19th century. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]
300
Great American Jewish Cities #21: Monsey Part I
Great American Jewish Cities #21: Monsey Part I
May 18, 2021
44:22
Monsey. Rockland County. The Hudson River Valley. The image of suburbia. This small town across the Tappan Zee Bridge somehow developed into one of the largest Jewish Orthodox enclaves worldwide. Though the area had some minor Jewish beginnings from the end of the 19th century, it was with the vision of Rav Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz that Monsey began to develop as a Jewish community. Rav Shraga Feivel built Bais Medrash Elyon and his family and students laid the foundations of many Torah institutions including Yeshiva of Spring Valley and Bais Shraga. Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik was an early rabbi in Spring Valley, while his wife Rebbetzin Shoshana was a pioneer in girls education, standing at the helm of the Monsey Bais Yaakov for decades. Great personalities who resided in the town and contributed to its development included Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky, Rav Mordechai Schwab, Rav Nosson Horowitz, Ronnie Greenwald, the Vizhnitz Rebbe Rav Mottele Hager, Rav Moshe Neuschloss in nearby New Square and many others. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]