Mordechai Dinerman
מרדכי דינרמן
146 episodes 1 show
Popular Shows
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1
The Controversial History of Mechiras Chametz
The Controversial History of Mechiras Chametz
Mar 26, 2026
1:10:16
Mechiras chametz is today a standard part of observing Pesach. But how did this practice come to be, and how has it evolved over the centuries? In this class, we analyze the relevant sources in Ashkenazic and Sefardic texts, revealing two distinct approaches to this topic. We’ll then find how the more the sale was refined to accommodate the seller, the more complications it introduced, requiring a series of complex adjustments and, eventually, triggering voices of opposition. All along, we’ll wrestle with a central issue—drawing the line between legal creativity and legal fiction. The Controversial History of Mechiras Chametz
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Seduction and Sacrifice: From the Purim Story to the Responsa Literature
Seduction and Sacrifice: From the Purim Story to the Responsa Literature
Mar 20, 2024
57:05
There have been tragic instances where Jewish women felt compelled to take drastic measures to save the lives of their fellow Jews. When rabbis were presented with these real-life cases, they turned to the story of Esther for inspiration and guidance. Seduction and Sacrifice: From the Purim Story to the Responsa Literature
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The Blood Libel and Talmudic Censorship
The Blood Libel and Talmudic Censorship
Apr 10, 2022
58:30
Since ancient times, Jews have been falsely accused of killing non-Jews for ritual purposes. In medieval Europe, beginning in the twelfth century, this was often accompanied by accusations that Jews used their victims’ blood to bake matzah for the Jewish holiday of Passover. This ridiculous but deadly lie would eventually lead to subtle Talmudic Censorship. The Blood Libel and Talmudic Censorship
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Zecher vs. Zeicher: Unraveling the Parshas Zachor Mystery
Zecher vs. Zeicher: Unraveling the Parshas Zachor Mystery
Mar 1, 2023
1:05:03
Join us on this episode as we explore the centuries-old debate surrounding the placement of a tzeirei or segol in the reading for Parshas Zachor. Through the lens of ancient codices and special editions of Chumash, we’ll investigate the origins of this confusion and the reasons why communities began reciting both versions. We’ll also uncover the more profound significance of this divergence and what it can teach us about spiritual growth. Zecher vs. Zeicher: Unraveling the Parshas Zachor Mystery
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Overturning Roe v. Wade: Good for the Jews?
Overturning Roe v. Wade: Good for the Jews?
May 11, 2022
1:14:57
A leaked draft suggests that the highest court of the land is primed to overturn one of the most controversial cases in American history. It’s time to revisit what Halachah has to say on the topic of abortion and the beginning of life. Overturning Roe v. Wade: Good for the Jews?
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The Saga of Shul Shmoozing: A Historical Look at Talking in Shul Across the Centuries
The Saga of Shul Shmoozing: A Historical Look at Talking in Shul Across the Centuries
Sep 11, 2025
1:00:31
Jews have been talking in shul for centuries, and rabbis and communities have tried countless ways to stop it. From twelfth-century Cairo to the Lower East Side in the early 1900s, this struggle has played out across Jewish communities worldwide. This class offers a light yet thoughtful examination of the history of “shul chatter” and how Jews have navigated it through the ages. The Saga of Shul Shmoozing: A Historical Look at Talking in Shul Across the Centuries
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The Titanic Question: The Halachic Dilemma of Men Lost at Sea
The Titanic Question: The Halachic Dilemma of Men Lost at Sea
Dec 13, 2024
1:01:36
When a shipwreck in the 1500s left families wondering about the fate of their loved ones, rabbinic authorities debated whether the wives of the missing passengers could remarry. This centuries-old question resurfaced in 1912 with the famous sinking of the Titanic, reigniting the discussion of applying Halachah in tragic circumstances. The Titanic Question: The Halachic Dilemma of Men Lost at Sea
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The Rebbe’s Rashi: Insights from Manuscripts and Incunabula Editions
The Rebbe’s Rashi: Insights from Manuscripts and Incunabula Editions
Nov 1, 2024
1:01:51
As we mark the 60th anniversary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s sichos on Rashi, we will dive into how the Rebbe engaged with some of the earliest print editions and medieval manuscripts of Rashi’s commentary. These unique editions often reveal variant readings of Rashi’s words, each with its own story to tell. Through this journey, we’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Rashi’s foundational commentary—and the Rebbe’s unique approach to understanding it. Links to the relevant manuscripts and prints: Vatican Library, Urb. Ebr. 8 https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS Urb.ebr.8 Vatican Library, Vat. Ebr. 47 https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS Vat.ebr.47 Reggio de Calabria 1475 https://www.internetculturale.it/it/16/search/detail?id=oai%3Awww.internetculturale.sbn.it%2FTeca%3A20%3ANT0000%3APARE078580 Guadalajara 1476 https://www.hebrewbooks.org/21188 Rome, circa 1470 https://www.internetculturale.it/it/16/search/detail?instance=&case=&id=oai%3Awww.internetculturale.sbn.it%2FTeca%3A20%3ANT0000%3APARE078579 2&qt= Berliner edition https://www.nli.org.il/en/books/NNL ALEPH990020823920205171/NLI The Rebbe’s Rashi: Insights from Manuscripts and Incunabula Editions
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The Scandalous History of Aleinu
The Scandalous History of Aleinu
Dec 19, 2023
1:06:18
When we examine medieval manuscripts that feature Aleinu, we uncover intriguing instances of censorship within this ancient prayer. What motivated these textual alterations, and can they be linked to a specific historical event? Delving into this subject unveils a significant episode from the year 1390, shedding light on the numerous amendments and erasures made to the text. These changes continue to influence various minhagim to the present day. Relevant links: Michael Machzor https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/b3f2d1d5-ff07-4a6e-87ea-281c41957925/surfaces/2df6a671-c677-4e7d-a5df-e722f28f4c60/# Esslingen Machzor https://digitalcollections.jtsa.edu/islandora/object/jts%3A2173#page/43/mode/1up Tripartite Machzor https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/9e481d9a-06e6-41e8-ae36-a58d445a1ffa/surfaces/f6ca5ba3-7c09-4b1f-a288-3d3c052e65e9/# Machzor from the Rhineland https://bibliophilly.library.upenn.edu/viewer.php?id=CAJS%20Rar%20Ms%20382#page/489/mode/1up Worms Machzor https://www.nli.org.il/he/manuscripts/NNL ALEPH000044560/NLI?volumeItem=2#$FL21059450 The Scandalous History of Aleinu - New Episode
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Banned and Burned: The 1232 Controversy Surrounding Rambam’s Works
Banned and Burned: The 1232 Controversy Surrounding Rambam’s Works
Jun 21, 2023
1:08:05
In today’s episode, we turn our attention to the dispute over the Rambam’s works that took place in Europe in 1232. The controversy revolved around Rambam’s Moreh Nevuchim and Sefer Hamada, and it culminated in these works being banned and eventually burned. What was it about these works that were so controversial? What social factors led to the appalling book burning? And who was responsible for this? Some of the greatest rabbis of the day were involved in this story. By delving into their writings, we hope to disentangle fact from fiction and learn about the central themes that emerged from this dispute. Banned and Burned: The 1232 Controversy Surrounding Rambam’s Works