Popular Shows by Mordechai Dinerman מרדכי דינרמן
157 episodes
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Name
Release Date
Duration
1
A Blast From the Past: The Shabbos Shofar Showdown in the Early 1900s (Part II)
A Blast From the Past: The Shabbos Shofar Showdown in the Early 1900s (Part II)
Sep 9, 2026
1:08:28
Today we pick up where we left off: it's just before Rosh Hashanah 1904, and Rabbi Akiva Yosef Shlesinger's plan to sound the shofar on Shabbos looks promising. Today we find out what actually happened that Rosh Hashanah and why, and how the conversation carried on through the following year, up to Rosh Hashanah 1905, which was also on Shabbos. And finally, we’ll reach the last scene of the story: the conversation leading up to Rosh Hashanah 1908. As we go, we'll see how the balance of Rabbi Shlesinger's reasoning shifted, and we’ll also examine how some of his colleagues answered him on his own terms. Click here for the handout A Blast From the Past: The Shabbos Shofar Showdown in the Early 1900s (Part II)
2
The Halachic Status of Christianity: Insights from Newly Discovered Passages of the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch
The Halachic Status of Christianity: Insights from Newly Discovered Passages of the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch
Mar 9, 2022
1:02:44
For centuries, Halachic authorities have debated how to designate Christian theological beliefs. In recent weeks, a new manuscript of the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch has surfaced, providing us with an important new voice in this conversation. The Halachic Status of Christianity: Insights from Newly Discovered Passages of the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch
3
Is the Dome of the Rock Where the Mikdash Stood?
Is the Dome of the Rock Where the Mikdash Stood?
Jun 4, 2026
1:14:25
Whether Jews may enter Har Habayis largely depends on whether we know where the Beis Hamikdash stood. A common assumption is that we don’t know for sure, but that assumption has a history. This class traces the story of this uncertainty, primarily through the accounts of Jewish travelers who visited Eretz Yisrael and recorded what they saw and heard. This is the third installment in a series about going up onto Har Habayis. Is the Dome of the Rock Where the Mikdash Stood?
4
Kosher Pig? Analyzing a Mysterious Midrash (Part 2)
Kosher Pig? Analyzing a Mysterious Midrash (Part 2)
Mar 27, 2022
50:59
Continuing to explore whether there can ever be a time when mitzvos are suspended, and how this relates to the mysterious teaching that the pig will one day become kosher. Kosher Pig? Analyzing a Mysterious Midrash (Part 2)
5
The Marranos’ Secret Pesach
The Marranos’ Secret Pesach
Apr 2, 2025
1:11:27
Sometime in the mid-1400s, Rabbi Shlomo Duran of Algiers penned a remarkable teshuvah directed at a group of conversos in Spain. These individuals, who had been forced to embrace Christianity since the 1391 persecutions, had managed to maintain their Jewish faith in secrecy. Their question centered on how they could refrain from the worst forms of chametz on Pesach without drawing the suspicion of the authorities—an endeavor fraught with challenges. This teshuvah touches on many halachic elements regarding chametz and reveals the Marranos' historical struggles in mid-fifteenth-century Spain. The Marranos’ Secret Pesach
6
What Did the Rebbe Say About Going on Har Habayis?
What Did the Rebbe Say About Going on Har Habayis?
Jun 16, 2026
1:11:05
In this final class of the series, we will examine the Rebbe’s statements and correspondence regarding going up to Har Habayis. By studying the available sources, we will seek to better understand what the Rebbe did—and did not—say about this complex and significant question. This is the fourth and final installment on this topic. What Did the Rebbe Say About Going on Har Habayis?
7
The Rabbi-Doctor Who Wrote a Sefer on the Beis Hamikdash with Both Hands Tied Behind His Back
The Rabbi-Doctor Who Wrote a Sefer on the Beis Hamikdash with Both Hands Tied Behind His Back
Jul 16, 2026
1:04:54
In 1612, Avraham Portaleone of Mantua published a landmark work of encyclopedic proportions covering all things Beis Hamikdash. Reading through four of his discussions, we meet a man working under far-from-ideal conditions. His sefer turns out to be part of a larger story about the struggles of Jewish printing and book possession in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Italy. The Rabbi-Doctor Who Wrote a Sefer on the Beis Hamikdash with Both Hands Tied Behind His Back
8
Rabbinic Police Powers, Love and Hate, and Stern Censorship: Insights from Newly Discovered Passages of the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch
Rabbinic Police Powers, Love and Hate, and Stern Censorship: Insights from Newly Discovered Passages of the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch
Mar 9, 2022
56:02
The Czarist regime forbade rabbinical courts from employing coercive measures and adopted policies to promote assimilation. This led to the censoring of Jewish texts, and a recent discovery has shown that this also affected the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch. Rabbinic Police Powers, Love and Hate, and Stern Censorship: Insights from Newly Discovered Passages of the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch
9
Dominating Wives, Suffering, and Reincarnation: The Debate About Gilgul and It’s Connection to Pesach
Dominating Wives, Suffering, and Reincarnation: The Debate About Gilgul and It’s Connection to Pesach
Apr 13, 2022
1:00:01
While the kabbalists embraced the concept of reincarnation, other rabbis were skeptical. What lies at the root of this dispute? And how did the kabbalists address the various challenges raised about this doctrine? Dominating Wives, Suffering, and Reincarnation: The Debate About Gilgul and It’s Connection to Pesach
10
Blatant Disregard of a Torah Law? On the Prohibition Against Settling in Egypt
Blatant Disregard of a Torah Law? On the Prohibition Against Settling in Egypt
Apr 18, 2022
1:01:32
Some of the greatest Torah sages lived in Egypt even as the Talmud ruled that this was forbidden. Over the years, numerous justifications have been provided. Which will resonate with you? Blatant Disregard of a Torah Law? On the Prohibition Against Settling in Egypt
11
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?
12
The Cairo Genizah: Shedding Light on the Life and Works of the Rambam
The Cairo Genizah: Shedding Light on the Life and Works of the Rambam
May 18, 2022
56:21
The Cairo Geniza unveils much about Rambam’s communal activism, teaching, authorship, lost works, and overall life. The Cairo Genizah: Shedding Light on the Life and Works of the Rambam
13
Rambam’s Menorah: Insights from Ancient Hebrew Manuscripts | Favorite Episodes
Rambam’s Menorah: Insights from Ancient Hebrew Manuscripts | Favorite Episodes
Dec 6, 2023
1:09:07
Click here to view the class PowerPoint slides. Favorite Episodes | Initially released in July 2023. We are all acquainted with the renowned depiction of the menorah created by the Rambam. In this class, we dig into the story of this image. Where did it come from? Can we trust its accuracy? When was it discovered? Did later artists and copyists treat it as just a doodle or something more meaningful? Rambam’s Menorah: Insights from Ancient Hebrew Manuscripts
14
The Rabbi Who Wouldn’t Wait: A Proposal to Reinstate the Korbanos
The Rabbi Who Wouldn’t Wait: A Proposal to Reinstate the Korbanos
Aug 8, 2024
1:19:10
In the 1830s, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer penned an extensive letter to one of the Rothschilds, seeking his support for an ambitious plan to reinstate the korbanos on the Temple Mount. The rabbi contended that awaiting Moshiach was neither necessary nor prudent. This proposal ignited a debate among his rabbinic contemporaries, a discourse that continued well into the 20th century. Today, this story invites us to delve into many of the laws involving the Beis Hamikdash, a particularly fitting endeavor during the Three Weeks. The Rabbi Who Wouldn’t Wait: A Proposal to Reinstate the Korbanos
15
Dreams of Revision: The Role of Dreams in Altering Halachic Rulings
Dreams of Revision: The Role of Dreams in Altering Halachic Rulings
Aug 21, 2024
1:09:49
In the 1970s, a Chabad journal in Israel published a story about the Alter Rebbe reversing a halachic ruling based on a dream, sparking significant controversy. This incident opens the door to a fascinating exploration of a practice that was surprisingly common among Ashkenazic rabbis in the 12th and 13th centuries—using dreams to guide halachic decisions. Dreams of Revision: The Role of Dreams in Altering Halachic Rulings
16
The Vanishing Verses: Curious Cases of Textual Tampering in Our Machzor
The Vanishing Verses: Curious Cases of Textual Tampering in Our Machzor
Sep 24, 2024
1:09:41
In this class, we will analyze four beautiful piyutim that we chant on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, uncovering some structural oddities along the way. As we raise questions and examine older prints and medieval manuscripts, we’ll uncover a story of mysterious censorship. While we’ll piece together what happened, understanding why it happened will prove to be more challenging. Links: Machzor, Lublin 1551 https://www.nli.org.il/en/books/NNL ALEPH990011638640205171/NLI Bodleian Library, MS. Michael 619 https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/9e481d9a-06e6-41e8-ae36-a58d445a1ffa/surfaces/2e65041c-333b-4c90-9b54-c3566fbf73d8/# Bodleian Library, MS. Heb. e. 39 (Geniza) https://hebrew.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/fragments/full/MS HEB e 39 4b.jpg Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Hébreu 631 https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b105392732/f25.item Bodleian Library MS. Laud Or. 321 https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/268d1688-4523-4aed-962a-75f24c8cbfd0/surfaces/0b534075-2679-4a1e-88ca-998acfad9899/# Bodleian Library, MS. Michael 627 https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/b3f2d1d5-ff07-4a6e-87ea-281c41957925/surfaces/ed999873-315d-46dc-a134-c50ca6f24362/# Bavarian State Library, Cod. Hebr. 69 https://www.nli.org.il/en/discover/manuscripts/hebrew-manuscripts/viewerpage?vid=MANUSCRIPTS#d=[[PNX MANUSCRIPTS990001265200205171-1,FL50147206]] Basel University Library, MS. R II 2 https://www.nli.org.il/en/discover/manuscripts/hebrew-manuscripts/viewerpage?vid=MANUSCRIPTS#d=[[PNX MANUSCRIPTS990001730950205171-1,FL61239499]] Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Hébreu 621 https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b105420719/f70.planchecontact State Library Berlin, MS. OR 4200 https://www.nli.org.il/en/discover/manuscripts/hebrew-manuscripts/viewerpage?vid=MANUSCRIPTS#d=[[PNX MANUSCRIPTS990000819800205171-1,FL55910250]] The Vanishing Verses: Curious Cases of Textual Tampering in Our Machzor
17
Rooted in Tradition: The Calabria Esrog Story
Rooted in Tradition: The Calabria Esrog Story
Oct 10, 2024
1:18:14
Why has the Chabad community favored esrogim from Calabria? In this class, we’ll explore the backstory, diving into the halachic debates about grafted esrogim and why they matter. We’ll also take a closer look at the big discovery in 1955—when it turned out that even Calabria esrogim weren’t completely immune to grafting—and what that meant moving forward. We’ll unpack the history and the questions that still linger today. Rooted in Tradition: The Calabria Esrog Story
18
Benches, Bargains, and Bickering: Shul Seating in the Middle Ages
Benches, Bargains, and Bickering: Shul Seating in the Middle Ages
Nov 29, 2024
1:01:54
We kick things off with seven fascinating stories from the teshuvos of medieval Spain, where we discover shul seats being treated like real estate: bought, sold, inherited, mortgaged—and sometimes the center of heated disputes. Then, we shift our focus to Ashkenaz, where this phenomenon is noticeably absent, suggesting a very different set of attitudes and conventions about shul seats. Finally, we dive into how the poskim tackled some of these disputes, applying Halachah to their contemporary realities. Benches, Bargains, and Bickering: Shul Seating in the Middle Ages
19
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
20
Josephus
Josephus
Jan 9, 2025
1:05:23
The book known as Yosifun, cherished in traditional Jewish circles, and the books of Josephus, preserved in Greek and Latin by non-Jewish hands, spark challenging questions about authorship, reliability, and reconstructing the Jewish past. This class explores how rabbis throughout the ages evaluated these works, their role on the Jewish bookshelf, and how to navigate the apparent discrepancies between their accounts and the teachings of chazal. Josephus
21
The Dilemma of Handing Over One to Save Many
The Dilemma of Handing Over One to Save Many
Jun 20, 2025
1:09:12
Can a Jewish community surrender one of its own to save the many? This class explores three cases from the 1600s and 1700s, where this wrenching question was brought before leading rabbanim. We’ll learn about the details of each case, the rulings the rabbis issued, and the Talmudic sources that shaped their decisions. The Dilemma of Handing Over One to Save Many
22
Did Rambam Actually Set Foot on Har Habayis?
Did Rambam Actually Set Foot on Har Habayis?
Apr 23, 2026
1:03:21
In the late 1920s, a Jerusalem rabbi cited an obscure passage describing a certain Rabbi Moshe’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land, including what appeared to be a visit to the Temple Mount itself. He seized on it as proof that going there was halachically permitted. This sparked a fierce debate over the passage: Was it even credible? Who exactly was this Rabbi Moshe? Did the text actually refer to the Temple Mount? And if a great rabbi really did go there, what would that mean for us today? This is the second installment in a series about going up onto Har Habayis. Did Rambam Actually Set Foot on Har Habayis?
23
The First Crusade: The 1096 Massacres and the Rituals They Created
The First Crusade: The 1096 Massacres and the Rituals They Created
May 6, 2026
1:06:42
In the spring of 1096, crusading armies swept through the Jewish communities of the Rhineland, leaving devastation in their wake. This class traces how those events gave rise to rituals of memory. In the community of Worms, fast days were proclaimed on the 23rd of Iyar and Rosh Chodesh Sivan, accompanied by elaborate mourning customs. We’ll see how in 1716, when Rosh Chodesh Sivan fell on a Friday, rabbinic authorities clashed over davening Maariv early that afternoon. We conclude by tracing the demise of these fast days while noting how other rituals, such as the recitation of Av HaRachamim, have endured to this day. The First Crusade: The 1096 Massacres and the Rituals They Created
24
A Chasidic Letter on Anxiety
A Chasidic Letter on Anxiety
Aug 14, 2026
1:12:05
A man wrote to the Tzemach Tzedek, the third Rebbe of Chabad, about fears he couldn’t shake in matters of health and money. What came back was a long letter working through Torah sources to explain how fear takes hold and how to loosen its grip. This class takes this remarkable letter line by line, setting the scene, tracing the sources, and drawing out what it asks of us today. Click here to for the handout A Chasidic Letter on Anxiety
25
A Blast From the Past: The Shabbos Shofar Showdown in the Early 1900s (Part I)
A Blast From the Past: The Shabbos Shofar Showdown in the Early 1900s (Part I)
Sep 4, 2026
1:09:32
As Jews prepared for Rosh Hashanah 1904, Rabbi Akiva Yosef Shlesinger took up his pen and wrote to a rabbinic journal in Hungary, laying out why he believed the shofar should be sounded on Shabbos despite the rabbinic ban. In this class, we examine his account of the attempt leading up to Rosh Hashanah 1882, and then again leading up to Rosh Hashanah 1904. We'll trace the steps he took, the halachic and extra-halachic reasoning behind them, and how other famous rabbis reacted. Click here for the handout A Blast From the Past: The Shabbos Shofar Showdown in the Early 1900s (Part I)
26
Purim Class - The Manos Halevi by Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz: Overview and Highlights
Purim Class - The Manos Halevi by Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz: Overview and Highlights
Mar 13, 2022
57:45
One of the most important commentaries on Megilas Esther was authored by Rabbi Shlomo Halevi Alkabetz (d. 1576), the famed author of Lecha Dodi. We explore eight memorable teachings from Manos Halevi and examine how they are cited and explained in Chabad sources. Purim Class - The Manos Halevi by Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz: Overview and Highlights
27
Purim Through the Lens of Historic Jewish Art
Purim Through the Lens of Historic Jewish Art
Mar 16, 2022
1:11:13
The Jews throughout the ages who employed art to depict the Purim story left us a legacy rife with messaging. Synagogue walls, biblical manuscripts, and medieval machzorim can teach us a lot about what Purim used to mean and what it can still mean today. Purim Through the Lens of Historic Jewish Art
28
Kosher Pig? Analyzing a Mysterious Midrash (Part 1)
Kosher Pig? Analyzing a Mysterious Midrash (Part 1)
Mar 20, 2022
59:47
There’s a well-known tradition that it will be permissible for Jews to consume the meat of a pig when Moshiach comes. What is the source for this teaching and what is its logic? Can there ever be a time when mitzvos are suspended? There are multiple approaches to these questions. Kosher Pig? Analyzing a Mysterious Midrash (Part 1)
29
The Letter and Spirit of the Law vis-a-vis Imitation Products
The Letter and Spirit of the Law vis-a-vis Imitation Products
Mar 23, 2022
57:40
Is it appropriate for a Jew to eat kosher imitation bacon, crab, or shrimp? Is this undermining the spirit of Kashrus? Central to the contemporary discussion is a fascinating Talmudic passage about a conversation between Yalta and Rav Nachman, which deserves analysis and exploration. The Letter and Spirit of the Law vis-a-vis Imitation Products
30
Evolution of the Haggadah: A Pictorial History, from the Cairo Genizah, to the Medieval Art Workshop, to the Modern Printing Press
Evolution of the Haggadah: A Pictorial History, from the Cairo Genizah, to the Medieval Art Workshop, to the Modern Printing Press
Mar 30, 2022
1:01:09
The Story of the Haggadah is synonymous with the story of the Jewish people. Observe how this most famous Jewish liturgical work has evolved in its appearance from one generation to the next. Yes, things do change, but they also stay the same. Evolution of the Haggadah: A Pictorial History, from the Cairo Genizah, to the Medieval Art Workshop, to the Modern Printing Press
31
Finders Keepers? Halachic Implications From Tzaraas In the Home
Finders Keepers? Halachic Implications From Tzaraas In the Home
Apr 3, 2022
56:38
Every so often we hear of someone who is blessed with a true windfall. In such instances, we often find multiple parties claiming a stake in the bonanza. How do we determine ownership when there are conflicting claims to life’s valued surprises? Finders Keepers? Halachic Implications From Tzaraas In the Home
32
The Old, the New, the Forgotten: Halachah and Minhag In Haggadah Art
The Old, the New, the Forgotten: Halachah and Minhag In Haggadah Art
Apr 6, 2022
58:47
Medieval illuminated Haggadahs shed light on how the observance of the past was both similar to and different from the present. Taking this journey is an excellent way to review some of the laws and customs of Pesach. The Old, the New, the Forgotten: Halachah and Minhag In Haggadah Art
33
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
34
A Jewish Guide to Demons and Spirits
A Jewish Guide to Demons and Spirits
Apr 27, 2022
59:35
Do demons exist? Did they ever exist? Is adultery with a demon considered adultery? (Yes, poskim addressed that question.) Jewish sources are not of one voice on this topic. A Jewish Guide to Demons and Spirits
35
A Jewish Guide to Horoscopes and Astrology (Part 1)
A Jewish Guide to Horoscopes and Astrology (Part 1)
May 1, 2022
58:21
Continuing our series of classes on Judaism and the paranormal, this class begins a three-part deep dive into the topic of astrology. As with all of these mysterious topics, two divergent pathways emerge. A Jewish Guide to Horoscopes and Astrology (Part 1)
36
A Jewish Guide to the Evil Eye
A Jewish Guide to the Evil Eye
May 4, 2022
1:06:07
The background and origins of red strings, kinora, and “poo-poo”; Rambam’s position on the matter; and two models for how Jews understood this mysterious phenomenon. A Jewish Guide to the Evil Eye
37
A Jewish Guide to Horoscopes and Astrology (Part 2)
A Jewish Guide to Horoscopes and Astrology (Part 2)
May 8, 2022
42:09
Continuing to explore astrology from a Jewish perspective. What are the theological problems with accepting astrology and how did the rabbis address this? We will discover a range of opinions about how easy or difficult it is to subvert an astrological outcome. A Jewish Guide to Horoscopes and Astrology (Part 2)
38
A Jewish Guide to Horoscopes and Astrology (Part 3)
A Jewish Guide to Horoscopes and Astrology (Part 3)
May 15, 2022
59:06
The final class of the series, in which we introduce Rambam’s position, Chasidic sources, and wrap up the topic with the key takeaways. A Jewish Guide to Horoscopes and Astrology (Part 3)
39
Mishneh Torah: A Biography
Mishneh Torah: A Biography
May 22, 2022
1:09:19
We can document how the Mishneh Torah was drafted, finalized, updated, disseminated, illuminated, critiqued, printed, and censored. Mishneh Torah: A Biography
40
Explaining the Holocaust? Multiple Approaches by the Frierdiker Rebbe and Rebbe
Explaining the Holocaust? Multiple Approaches by the Frierdiker Rebbe and Rebbe
May 25, 2022
1:06:31
Many assume that "explaining" and "Holocaust" are never to be seen in the same sentence. How did we get here? And was it always this way? Explaining the Holocaust? Multiple Approaches by the Frierdiker Rebbe and Rebbe
41
Shavuos Through the Lens of Historic Jewish Art
Shavuos Through the Lens of Historic Jewish Art
May 29, 2022
1:08:25
Why animal heads replace human heads; why the luchos morph into a Torah scroll; and the origins of the areinfirenish and dairy on Shavuos. Shavuos Through the Lens of Historic Jewish Art
42
Shavuos Art, and the Strange History of Akdamus
Shavuos Art, and the Strange History of Akdamus
Jun 1, 2022
1:14:47
By examining the liturgy and art in a tiny medieval machzor, we learn how hearing the Aseres Hadibros was experienced seven hundred years ago, and how it's both similar and different today. Shavuos Art, and the Strange History of Akdamus
43
Spelling Hashem’s Name in Hebrew Manuscripts
Spelling Hashem’s Name in Hebrew Manuscripts
Jun 8, 2022
1:02:52
We are used to seeing two Yudin as a substitute for G-d’s ineffable name. But it wasn’t always that way. Spelling Hashem’s Name in Hebrew Manuscripts
44
The Rebbe’s Reshimas Hamenorah: An Overview
The Rebbe’s Reshimas Hamenorah: An Overview
Jun 12, 2022
1:00:04
Rabbi Elazar and Rabbi Yehudah (Rebbi) debated how the furniture in the Beis Hamikdash was situated, and this reflected their philosophies about life. The Rebbe’s Reshimas Hamenorah: An Overview
45
Remembering and Forgetting: The History of Chof Sivan
Remembering and Forgetting: The History of Chof Sivan
Jun 15, 2022
1:00:01
This day has a sad history of persecution, but also an interesting tendency to be taken seriously at first, only to peter out after some time. Remembering and Forgetting: The History of Chof Sivan
46
The Curious Case of the Desert Dead
The Curious Case of the Desert Dead
Jun 19, 2022
57:43
The Talmud famously recounts how one of its sages discovered the “dead of the desert.” Drawing on a range of sources, the Rebbe explained this Talmudic tale with symbolic depth and personal relevance. The Curious Case of the Desert Dead
47
The Scandal of the Missing Line: Allegations of Textual Corruption against Chabad
The Scandal of the Missing Line: Allegations of Textual Corruption against Chabad
Jun 22, 2022
1:05:36
The Tzemach Tzedek wrote about the proper brachah to make on a talis katan, but some have alleged that we tampered with his text. The Scandal of the Missing Line: Allegations of Textual Corruption against Chabad
48
Who Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls? A Talmudic Approach
Who Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls? A Talmudic Approach
Jun 26, 2022
56:36
The first of a three-part series analyzing how the Dead Sea Scrolls can deepen our understanding of the Mishnah and Talmud. Who Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls? A Talmudic Approach
49
Gun Control: Talmudic Perspectives
Gun Control: Talmudic Perspectives
Jun 29, 2022
1:01:54
The Supreme Court recently issued a landmark decision regarding the “right to bear arms.” What does Halachah offer on this topic? Gun Control: Talmudic Perspectives
50
The Dead Sea Scrolls (Part 2): An Alternative Jewish Calendar
The Dead Sea Scrolls (Part 2): An Alternative Jewish Calendar
Jul 3, 2022
55:49
The Dead Sea Scrolls present a sectarian system for measuring time and celebrating the festivals, and it may help us understand an enigmatic line in our Mishnah. The Dead Sea Scrolls (Part 2): An Alternative Jewish Calendar
51
Paris 1240: Disputation and Devastation
Paris 1240: Disputation and Devastation
Jul 6, 2022
1:04:02
Rabbi Yechiel of Paris was forced to defend the Gemara before a Christian tribunal. Despite his courageous efforts, the Talmud was condemned to the flames. Paris 1240: Disputation and Devastation
52
The Dead Sea Scrolls (Part 3): The Philosophical Dispute
The Dead Sea Scrolls (Part 3): The Philosophical Dispute
Jul 10, 2022
1:02:26
The abundance of name calling in some of the Dead Sea Scrolls exposes diverging worldviews about how halachic interpretation should operate. The Dead Sea Scrolls (Part 3): The Philosophical Dispute
53
Predicting the Redemption: What About the Talmudic Prohibition?
Predicting the Redemption: What About the Talmudic Prohibition?
Jul 12, 2022
1:00:58
The Talmud tells us to refrain from predicting when Moshiach will come, and Rambam affirms this ruling in his code of law. But Rambam himself, and so many other rabbinic sages, issued messianic predictions. Why? Predicting the Redemption: What About the Talmudic Prohibition?
54
The Day After: Reacting to Moshiach’s Not Coming in Chabad History
The Day After: Reacting to Moshiach’s Not Coming in Chabad History
Jul 20, 2022
59:34
How have Jewish sages responded when a predicted Messianic time didn’t materialize? Here we focus on this phenomenon within Chabad history. The Day After: Reacting to Moshiach’s Not Coming in Chabad History
55
Does Israel Amount to (the Beginnings of) Kibutz Goliyos?
Does Israel Amount to (the Beginnings of) Kibutz Goliyos?
Jul 24, 2022
1:07:27
The Rebbe Rashab addressed this issue when confronted with Zionism, and the Rebbe did the same a few decades later after the State of Israel was established. Does Israel Amount to (the Beginnings of) Kibutz Goliyos?
56
The Mekashya Mystery
The Mekashya Mystery
Jul 27, 2022
1:01:17
Tunisian Jews used to refer to Tanach as Mekashya, but few understood why. Fortunately, illuminated medieval Jewish manuscripts can help solve this mystery, revealing a unique perspective on the study of Tanach. The Mekashya Mystery
57
The Barcelona Disputation: Was Moshiach Born on Tisha B’Av?
The Barcelona Disputation: Was Moshiach Born on Tisha B’Av?
Aug 3, 2022
1:06:41
At two medieval disputations, a famous Midrash was invoked to argue that Moshiach had already come. The rabbinic approaches to this Midrash unveil different approaches to Talmudic Aggadah. The Barcelona Disputation: Was Moshiach Born on Tisha B’Av?
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The Rebbe Rashab, Zionism, and Expediting the End
The Rebbe Rashab, Zionism, and Expediting the End
Aug 10, 2022
1:02:18
The Rebbe Rashab invoked “dechikas haketz” as one reason to be against Zionism. What are the contours of this prohibition? Does it still apply? The Rebbe Rashab, Zionism, and Expediting the End
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The Cracow Couple and Rama's Remarkable Responsum
The Cracow Couple and Rama's Remarkable Responsum
Aug 31, 2022
1:03:29
A controversial wedding ceremony ca. 1550 sheds important light on the inner rabbinic process, the history of Jewish marriage, and the limits of rabbinic law. The Cracow Couple and Rama's Remarkable Responsum
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Buried Alive: The 18th-Century Halachic Debate
Buried Alive: The 18th-Century Halachic Debate
Sep 7, 2022
1:03:12
In 1772, the Duke of Mecklenburg decreed that Jews could not bury their dead until three days after death. The Jewish community faced difficult questions about the mitzvah of burial. Buried Alive: The 18th-Century Halachic Debate
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The Battle Over Machnisei Rachamim (Part 1)
The Battle Over Machnisei Rachamim (Part 1)
Sep 14, 2022
52:59
It’s a beloved piece of liturgy, recited as we begin the new year. But some of the greatest halachic figures waged war against it, suggesting that it expresses quasi-heretical beliefs. In Part 1 we hear the voices of the opponents, and Part 2 will examine the defense. The Battle Over Machnisei Rachamim (Part 1)
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The Battle Over Machnisei Rachamim (Part 2)
The Battle Over Machnisei Rachamim (Part 2)
Sep 21, 2022
55:28
In the previous episode, we witnessed some of the greatest halachic figures waging war against Machnisei Rachamim and a number of other piyutim. In Part 2, we hear the voices of the supporters. The Battle Over Machnisei Rachamim (Part 2)
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After A Decade of Barrenness: What Actually Happens
After A Decade of Barrenness: What Actually Happens
Nov 2, 2022
1:04:38
The Talmud famously rules that a childless couple must divorce after ten years of infertility. Yet, this law has often been overlooked, a reality that goes back many centuries. This class explores how, when, and why this occurred. After A Decade of Barrenness: What Actually Happens
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Friday Night Kiddush Between 6 and 7
Friday Night Kiddush Between 6 and 7
Nov 9, 2022
56:56
This class traces the minhag of avoiding the recitation of the Friday night kiddush during the seventh hour after midday. When and why did this custom begin? Friday Night Kiddush Between 6 and 7
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Is It Kosher To Elope? Marriage Without Parental Consent
Is It Kosher To Elope? Marriage Without Parental Consent
Nov 16, 2022
58:46
Does the mitzvah of honoring parents imply that parents wield halachic control over their children’s marriage? Intriguingly, this question became a factor in the tensions that arose with the advent of the Chasidic movement in the eighteenth century. Is It Kosher To Elope? Marriage Without Parental Consent
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Liturgical Warfare Among 16th-Century Italian Jews
Liturgical Warfare Among 16th-Century Italian Jews
Nov 23, 2022
1:02:38
As Italian Jews immigrated to the Ottoman Empire during the sixteenth century, many wanted to switch to the Sephardic liturgical style. The question then was whether it was permitted to abandon well-entrenched communal customs—a question that’s very much relevant today. Liturgical Warfare Among 16th-Century Italian Jews
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The Meaning of Dreaming: Talmudic Perspectives
The Meaning of Dreaming: Talmudic Perspectives
Nov 30, 2022
1:02:24
Are our dreams significant? Do they have predictive value? Should we pay heed to their warnings? The Talmud seems to offer contradictory teachings on this subject, and this will lead us toward two classic approaches to this matter. The Meaning of Dreaming: Talmudic Perspectives
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Between Ashkenaz and Sefard: Medieval Women, Biblical Dena, and the Public Square
Between Ashkenaz and Sefard: Medieval Women, Biblical Dena, and the Public Square
Dec 7, 2022
56:37
We can learn about the public presence of women in a given society by examining how various rabbis understood the story of Dina. We’ll witness the difference between Ashkenazic and Sefardic commentaries, between the Tanchuma and Bereishis Rabah, and between Ashkenazic and Sefardic halachic norms. Between Ashkenaz and Sefard: Medieval Women, Biblical Dena, and the Public Square
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When A London Rabbi Was Accused of Heresy
When A London Rabbi Was Accused of Heresy
Dec 16, 2022
57:11
In November 1703, Rabbi David Nieto delivered a controversial sermon at the Bevis Marks Synagogue in London, causing a rift in the local Jewish community. The cause of the feud may have been mundane politics, but it forced a thought-provoking rabbinic responsum about nature, G-d, deism, and pantheism. When A London Rabbi Was Accused of Heresy
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Evolution of the Tanya: Timely Lessons from the Eighteenth-Century Battle against Chasidism
Evolution of the Tanya: Timely Lessons from the Eighteenth-Century Battle against Chasidism
Jan 4, 2023
1:03:58
The pre-print manuscripts of Tanya shed light on what the Alter Rebbe added to this seminal text at a later stage. Curiously, three of the most notable updates involve interpersonal relationships. This lecture was recorded live by Jewish Multimedia Library, a.k.a. JML, Melbourne Australia. Many additional recordings are available from their website: www.jml.org.au. Evolution of the Tanya: Timely Lessons from the Eighteenth-Century Battle against Chasidism
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The Nile on Trial: 16th-Century Rabbis and Aquatic Science
The Nile on Trial: 16th-Century Rabbis and Aquatic Science
Jan 12, 2023
1:00:30
In 1549, the rabbinical court in Cairo held hearings and engaged in extensive research to learn about the source of the annual flooding of the Nile. The rabbis of the day found themselves on different sides of this scientific question and vehemently defended their respective positions. But why did they care? The Nile on Trial: 16th-Century Rabbis and Aquatic Science
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Burning of the Books: The Alter Rebbe, the Gra, and the Tzimtzum Tussle
Burning of the Books: The Alter Rebbe, the Gra, and the Tzimtzum Tussle
Jan 18, 2023
1:10:01
In 1796, a work of the Baal Shem Tov’s teachings was consigned to the flames. What were the specific passages in this book that some deemed objectionable? This will help us uncover the most fundamental theological difference between Chasidim and non-Chasidim at the turn of the nineteenth century. Burning of the Books: The Alter Rebbe, the Gra, and the Tzimtzum Tussle
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Loathing Our Clothing: The Despot’s Decree and Rabbinic Response
Loathing Our Clothing: The Despot’s Decree and Rabbinic Response
Jan 25, 2023
1:04:41
In 1844, the Czar of Russia issued a ban on traditional Jewish clothing worn by Eastern European Jews for centuries, leaving the community with a dilemma: should they adhere to their cultural customs, or comply with the government’s decree? Loathing Our Clothing: The Despot’s Decree and Rabbinic Response
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Secrets of a Chozer: An Interview with Rabbi Simon Jacobson
Secrets of a Chozer: An Interview with Rabbi Simon Jacobson
Jan 30, 2023
2:36:02
(0:38) – General Introduction (3:08) – Rabbi Jacobson’s introduction about תורת חב"ד (7:36) – Introduction about himself (18:41) – How he got started in חזרה (21:31) – Getting more involved in תשל"ח as Reb Yoiel’s sidekick (25:34) – Becoming an official מניח in winter תשל"ח (26:27) – First הנחה (28:12) – The nightmare of מקץ תש"מ (35:23) – How הגהה worked (37:01) – How to tell if a random page is מוגה (40:31) – Sichos that were difficult to remember/understand (43:06) – The difficulty of the pre-הקפות farbrengen (45:08) – Why they didn’t divide the task of remembering (45:49) – His role in מאמרים (46:56) – Keys to memory (51:43) – Making a mental map; numbering ideas (54:03) – Demonstrating samples (58:23) – A sharp מענה to a complicated question (1:01:43) – How he took the sharp מענות (1:03:33) – Edits to באתי לגני תש"מ, and the mysterious cutting of the page (1:08:18) – The Rebbe’s כתי"ק about radio (1:14:06) – Did you ever get a galley back from the Rebbe without any corrections? (1:15:03) – Cases when the Rebbe wrote מבהיל (1:23:48) – Working relationship with Reb Yoel (1:26:23) – Defying others to ask the Rebbe a personal question—and it paid off – Yiddish, Hebrew, and other languages – Adapting the spoken word to the written word – Transitioning to a computer in the mid-1980s – The Rebbe choosing fonts – Identifying sources – Sources that have not been found – The struggle and adrenaline rush to keep up with the Rebbe – The science and history of השמטות – When the Rebbe said that certain things should not be printed – Overview of ש"פ פנחס תשמ"ה – Overview of ליל שמח"ת תשמ"ז – The value of the בלתי מוגה even when there’s מוגה – About באתי לגני תשכ"ג Secrets of a Chozer: An Interview with Rabbi Simon Jacobson In honor of shnas hakhel, Unzer-Chadash Shul hosted Rabbi Simon Jacobson and had the opportunity to ask him about his work of remembering, transcribing, and publishing the Rebbe’s sichos. Posted in honor of Yud Shvat.
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Dividing Tanach into Chapters: A Historical Overview
Dividing Tanach into Chapters: A Historical Overview
Feb 8, 2023
1:08:18
The division of Tanach into chapters didn’t originate with Jewish scholars or rabbis. This class surveys when, how, and why this became an accepted and standard Jewish division. We will also hear the voices of those who rejected this system and, on the other hand, those who embraced it. Dedicated in memory of Yaakov Koppel ben Elimelech Hakohen Dividing Tanach into Chapters: A Historical Overview
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Debating the Death Penalty
Debating the Death Penalty
Feb 15, 2023
1:10:58
In 1615, the Jewish community in Poland was confronted with a disturbing accusation of murder against one of its members. At the time, contemporary rabbis engaged in a dialogue on the most suitable course of action, debating whether the accused should face capital punishment. This discussion provides insight into the methods employed by rabbinic courts in addressing grave criminal offenses like murder and the criteria they applied in determining when the death penalty was a justifiable judicial response. Additionally, this analysis remains relevant today, as it prompts us to evaluate whether any of these principles and teachings have the potential to inform contemporary debates on the death penalty. Debating the Death Penalty
77
History and Development of the Talmudic Page
History and Development of the Talmudic Page
Feb 22, 2023
1:05:06
Join us on a journey through the rich history of Talmudic manuscripts and print editions. You will learn that although we don’t have manuscripts that can be definitively dated to before the twelfth century, a discerning eye can use extant manuscripts to hear distinct echoes of much older ones. Delve into the fascinating stories linked to the little-known Spanish and Portuguese printings that coincided with the end of Jewish life on the Iberian Peninsula and to Soncino’s controversial decision to place Tosafos on the page of the Gemara. Discover the introduction of folio numbers by Daniel Bomberg, and join us in the search for the first rabbi to utilize this revolutionary system. Finally, we’ll delve into the heartbreaking story of the burning of the Talmud in 1553 and the draconian censorship that followed, culminating in the notorious Basel edition. This lecture was recorded live by Jewish Multimedia Library, a.k.a. JML, Melbourne, Australia. Many additional recordings are available from their website: www.jml.org.au. History and Development of the Talmudic Page
78
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
79
The King’s Prayer: A Controversial Statement by a 19th-Century Rabbi
The King’s Prayer: A Controversial Statement by a 19th-Century Rabbi
Mar 15, 2023
1:06:40
In today’s episode, we will step back in time to explore the controversy that erupted when a famous rabbi made a controversial statement about Dovid Hamelech and the role of Tehilim in Jewish life. We will dive into the heated discourse and the familiar fault lines it revealed within the Jewish community. We will gain insight into the differing views on the function and place of Torah study versus other forms of Jewish worship and the divergent attitudes about the image of the tzaddik in Jewish life. The King’s Prayer: A Controversial Statement by a 19th-Century Rabbi
80
Vanished Hero: Exploring the Absence of Moshe in the Haggadah
Vanished Hero: Exploring the Absence of Moshe in the Haggadah
Mar 22, 2023
1:14:01
Join us for an in-depth discussion exploring the enigmatic absence of Moshe’s name from the Haggadah text. While his name does appear once in the text, this fact alone may not entirely resolve the mystery. We will scrutinize various explanations that have been presented over the past two centuries and analyze what they reveal about their proponents. Vanished Hero: Exploring the Absence of Moshe in the Haggadah
81
First Edition: The Rebbe’s References to the 1485 Soncino Haggadah
First Edition: The Rebbe’s References to the 1485 Soncino Haggadah
Mar 29, 2023
57:04
In his commentary on the Haggadah, the Lubavitcher Rebbe referenced many different sources from the vast library of Judaism, but three of them stand out from a bibliographic perspective: three references to the first dated printed edition of the Haggadah. Join us as we learn more about this edition, its historical context, and how the Rebbe used it to sort out some of the famous questions relating to the mah nishtanah, dayeinu, and the wisdom of the wise son. First Edition: The Rebbe’s References to the 1485 Soncino Haggadah
82
The Fate of the Marranos
The Fate of the Marranos
Apr 19, 2023
59:15
In 1636, the Sephardic Jewish community in Amsterdam was embroiled in a heated debate over the fate of their converso relatives residing as Christians in Spain and Portugal. Would those who refuse to emigrate to reembrace Judaism be denied entry into the World to Come? In this class, we will explore the rich tapestry of sources both sides invoked during this intriguing chapter in Jewish history. We will delve into the arguments presented by both sides, gaining insights into the religious and social complexities that confronted Sephardic Jewry during this period. The Fate of the Marranos
83
Censoring Rambam’s Mishneh Torah in Czarist Russia
Censoring Rambam’s Mishneh Torah in Czarist Russia
Apr 26, 2023
1:01:21
In 1850, an unusual edition of Rambam’s Mishneh Torah was published in czarist Russia. A perusal of this work reveals that it was censored in a peculiar and unprecedented fashion. But what lies behind this story of suppression? Who was responsible for this censorship? And what does it reveal about the tensions in Jewish life at that time? Through a nuanced analysis of the key players and their motivations, we gain a deeper understanding of the internal and external challenges faced by the Jewish community in Czarist Russia in the mid-19th century. Censoring Rambam’s Mishneh Torah in Czarist Russia
84
Rashba’s Rebuttal: Defending Judaism in Medieval Barcelona
Rashba’s Rebuttal: Defending Judaism in Medieval Barcelona
May 3, 2023
1:04:40
Rabbi Shlomo ben Aderes (Rashba) took a maximalist position about the eternality of mitzvos, arguing that none of them could ever be suspended, not even in the era of techiyas hameism. But a faction of his rabbinic peers dissented. In this class, we examine the primary sources that are central to this discourse and also analyze the underlying dynamics—namely, the attempt at the time of Christian missionaries to undermine Judaism. This exploration will show how the greatest rabbinic minds responded to this threat and grappled with the more controversial passages of the Talmud and Midrash. Rashba’s Rebuttal: Defending Judaism in Medieval Barcelona
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The Lion and the Snake: Tensions Over Artistic Expression in the Medieval Sanctuary
The Lion and the Snake: Tensions Over Artistic Expression in the Medieval Sanctuary
May 17, 2023
1:00:11
Step back in time as we delve into a fascinating story about the Jewish communities of Cologne and Mayence around the period of the First Crusade. We will learn of an uproar caused by an extension to a synagogue adorned with imagery of lions and snakes. We will examine the halachic discussion of whether this violated the command against graven images. The Lion and the Snake: Tensions Over Artistic Expression in the Medieval Sanctuary
86
Women and the Study of Talmud
Women and the Study of Talmud
May 31, 2023
1:10:49
Over the past century, significant changes have occurred in the area of women’s Torah education, but a vibrant and ongoing debate about this subject persists. By exploring the treatment of this matter in the Talmudic sources and throughout Jewish history, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the current landscape, the factors that have shaped it, and the pathways that lie ahead. Women and the Study of Talmud
87
In the Wake of Shabtai Tzvi’s Betrayal
In the Wake of Shabtai Tzvi’s Betrayal
Jun 7, 2023
1:04:34
In the summer of 1666, Shabtai Tzvi’s conversion to Islam shattered hopes and dreams, leaving Jewish communities grappling with the aftermath of a false redeemer. One contentious issue arose in Amsterdam, where leaders debated whether to continue the performance of Birchas Kohanim each Shabbos, initiated during Shabtai’s self-proclaimed messianic era. Rabbi Yaakov Sasportas penned a series of halachic responsa on this matter, tackling the challenge of ideas proposed by flawed individuals and customs initiated by misguided beliefs. In the Wake of Shabtai Tzvi’s Betrayal
88
Remembering and Forgetting: The History of Chof Sivan | Replay
Remembering and Forgetting: The History of Chof Sivan | Replay
Jun 8, 2023
1:00:46
This day has a sad history of persecution, but also an interesting tendency to be taken seriously at first, only to peter out after some time. Remembering and Forgetting: The History of Chof Sivan | Replay
89
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
90
The Missing Section in the Shulchan Aruch
The Missing Section in the Shulchan Aruch
Jun 28, 2023
1:09:05
It’s truly astonishing: the Shulchan Aruch, the most important work of Jewish law, doesn’t codify the mitzvah of ahavas Yisrael and many of its related laws, including rechilus, lashon hara, nekamah, and others. In this class, we’ll examine the background and history that may help us come to grips with this curious omission. The Missing Section in the Shulchan Aruch
91
Techeles: A Tangled Tale
Techeles: A Tangled Tale
Jul 5, 2023
1:05:01
During the late 1880s, an audacious endeavor was set forth by the Radziner Rebbe, aimed at renewing the ancient legacy of techeles through his arduous quest to rediscover the elusive chilazon. However, amidst his fervor, a tide of opposition emerged. In this class, our attention turns to the objections raised by the Rebbe Rashab, carefully outlined in a letter authored in 1907, after having perused the works of the Radziner Rebbe. Techeles: A Tangled Tale
92
The Controversial Haskamah
The Controversial Haskamah
Jul 19, 2023
1:06:44
Starting in the 1870s, a visionary Jerusalem rabbi was consumed by the idea of resurrecting the ancient mitzvah of guarding the site of the Beis Hamikdash. But his fervor was met with indifference and opposition from others, sparking a halachic debate of significant proportions. As the narrative unfolds, unexpected connections emerge, revealing the curious involvement of the Chabad rebbes in this intriguing tale. The Controversial Haskamah
93
Rambam’s Menorah: Insights from Ancient Hebrew Manuscripts
Rambam’s Menorah: Insights from Ancient Hebrew Manuscripts
Jul 26, 2023
1:08:55
We are all acquainted with the renowned depiction of the menorah created by the Rambam. In this class, we dig into the story of this image. Where did it come from? Can we trust its accuracy? When was it discovered? Did later artists and copyists treat it as just a doodle or something more meaningful? Rambam’s Menorah: Insights from Ancient Hebrew Manuscripts
94
Dancing with History: The 15th of Av and Its Legacy in Renaissance Jewry
Dancing with History: The 15th of Av and Its Legacy in Renaissance Jewry
Aug 2, 2023
1:04:47
This class delves into the story of Jews during the 1500s who were drawn to the Renaissance and embraced immodest dancing. They sought justification in the ancient custom of vineyard dancing on the 15th of Av and Yom Kippur in the Land of Israel. Examining how 16th-century rabbis expressed their disapproval leads us to discuss various interpretations of the ancient vineyard dance and how rabbis grappled with this extraordinary ritual through the ages. Dancing with History: The 15th of Av and Its Legacy in Renaissance Jewry
95
The Politics of Divorce: King Henry’s Wives and the Italian Rabbis
The Politics of Divorce: King Henry’s Wives and the Italian Rabbis
Aug 25, 2023
1:41:38
Delve into the riveting saga of King Henry VIII’s marital turmoil as he sought to dissolve his marriage in order to marry a second queen. We’ll discover the intriguing intersection of politics, religion, and royal prerogatives as this notorious English monarch sought the counsel of Italian rabbis to help his cause while other powerful figures tried to impede them. This will lead us toward the lone surviving Hebrew letter by an Italian rabbi that was dispatched to the king and to additional arguments by contemporary Jews as conveyed by the dispatches of European diplomats. The Politics of Divorce: King Henry’s Wives and the Italian Rabbis
96
Troubling Tales: The Rebbe’s Approach to Controversial Stories
Troubling Tales: The Rebbe’s Approach to Controversial Stories
Aug 31, 2023
1:00:10
The Lubavitcher Rebbe raised an interesting question on the renowned tale of Rabbi Amnon and Unesaneh Tokef. We’ll show that this comment was just the tip of the iceberg as we delve into the Rebbe’s reaction to ten distinct stories that raised halachic or ethical concerns. Stories mirror cherished values and shape communal norms, underscoring the significance of this exploration. Troubling Tales: The Rebbe’s Approach to Controversial Stories
97
The History and Evolution of the Chabad Machzor
The History and Evolution of the Chabad Machzor
Sep 13, 2023
1:26:32
What is the story behind the Chabad Machzor? In the first part of this class, we find ourselves comparing two sacred machzorim. The current Chabad Machzor is open before us, focusing on the Shachris of Rosh Hashanah. Concurrently, we have images of an Ashkenazi machzor dating back to the 1200s. Our purpose is to discern the commonalities and distinctions between the two. We then attempt to learn about how the Chabad machzor developed. We show that during the nineteenth century, there were diverse perspectives within the Chabad community concerning the role of the piyyutim. Ultimately, the transformative moment in this story is the official publication of the Lubavitch Machzor in 1941. To see the images of the medieval machzor, click here: https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/268d1688-4523-4aed-962a-75f24c8cbfd0/surfaces/f381f605-74ae-4eea-8383-948ab02ff422/ To see the first print of the Alter Rebbe's siddur, click here: https://viewer.rsl.ru/ru/rsl01006554275?page=1&rotate=0&theme=white The History and Evolution of the Chabad Machzor
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The History of Kol Nidrei
The History of Kol Nidrei
Sep 20, 2023
1:09:39
Kol Nidrei has been associated with controversy since its inception, and we’re here to delve deep into its intriguing story. We’ll unravel the criticisms it faced, the defenses it inspired, and the persistent misconceptions that have colored its long history. But that’s not all. We’ll also embark on a journey to trace the theory that links Kol Nidrei to the Marranos. The History of Kol Nidrei
99
The Puzzle of Peshat: Rashbam’s Controversial Commentary
The Puzzle of Peshat: Rashbam’s Controversial Commentary
Oct 11, 2023
57:37
In 1158, Rabbi Avraham ibn Ezra found himself disturbed by a provocative dream, which ultimately inspired him to author a treatise concerning the proper start time of the halachic day—evening. One possibility is that this work was a polemical discourse aimed at Rashbam’s Torah commentary. This prompts us to delve into the story of this commentary, examining some of the controversial passages that have sparked confusion throughout the ages. Ultimately, we emerge from this exploration with an empowering revelation: the fact that the halachic day commences at nightfall teaches us about becoming resilient in times of crisis. The Puzzle of Peshat: Rashbam’s Controversial Commentary
100
The Heartless Chicken
The Heartless Chicken
Oct 18, 2023
1:01:30
We examine the tale of the heartless chicken that ignited lively discussion among rabbinic authorities in the year 1709. We introduce the pivotal figures in this intriguing narrative, examine the framing of the question, analyze the diverse range of answers proposed, and learn about the captivating research endeavors undertaken by these rabbis in their quest for a definitive solution. This engaging study about the interplay between science and tradition offers unique insights into the intellectual landscape of the time. The Heartless Chicken