Popular Shows by Mordechai Dinerman מרדכי דינרמן
144 episodes
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Name
Release Date
Duration
1
Censoring the Rambam: Part II
Censoring the Rambam: Part II
Feb 27, 2026
1:00:24
The Mishneh Torah printed in Venice in the 1570s was the product of a broad and deliberate program of censorship. Beyond removing the handful of references to the Christian founder, which we discussed in the prior class, the censors altered many other words and phrases. In some places, entire laws disappear; in others, the language is carefully adjusted to soften its force. In this class, we trace the principles that guided the censors and examine how their work left a lasting imprint on one of Judaism’s foundational texts. Censoring the Rambam: Part II
2
Beis Yosef vs. Kesef Mishneh: Following the Paper Trail
Beis Yosef vs. Kesef Mishneh: Following the Paper Trail
Feb 13, 2026
1:13:33
The class follows the paper trail in Rabbi Yosef Caro’s Kesef Mishneh to reconstruct how and when this major commentary actually came into being. After examining its printing history and the author’s stated purpose, the discussion turns to a key flashpoint: whether Kesef Mishneh represents Rabbi Yosef Caro’s final halachic word. We work through the evidence—internal cross-references, page numbers, textual features, and colophons—and ultimately arrive at a tentative conclusion. As one of the central commentaries on the Rambam, this investigation is a fitting and meaningful way to mark the start of the new Rambam learning cycle. Beis Yosef vs. Kesef Mishneh: Following the Paper Trail
3
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
4
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
5
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)
6
Jews and Booze: Uncorking the Wine Debate During the Age of Prohibition
Jews and Booze: Uncorking the Wine Debate During the Age of Prohibition
Feb 5, 2026
56:08
Today, we explore Jewish life during Prohibition, when the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages were banned in the United States. While the U.S. government granted religious exceptions for wine, both the Reform and Conservative movements distanced themselves from this loophole, endorsing the use of grape juice instead. One contemporary posek passionately rejected grape juice, and we’ll examine the central arguments that shaped this debate. As we’ll see, this issue became a defining point for Orthodox Judaism in the early 20th century. Jews and Booze: Uncorking the Wine Debate During the Age of Prohibition
7
Censoring the Rambam
Censoring the Rambam
Feb 19, 2026
1:01:03
In October 1949, The New York Times announced a sensational discovery: an ancient manuscript of Mishneh Torah was discovered and it contained a long-lost provocative passage about the Christian founder. The headline sparked excitement, but the story was riddled with errors. In this class, we trace the real history of that controversial passage and examine when, how, and why it was cut by the censor. Censoring the Rambam
8
The Machine Matzah Controversy
The Machine Matzah Controversy
Apr 2, 2025
1:19:21
In the 1850s, a groundbreaking innovation was introduced in Galicia: machines to facilitate matzah production. What followed was a fierce and dramatic conflict that shook the Jewish world. Pamphlets were published on both sides, each defending its position with vigor, leading to intense debates over halachah, minhag, and economic policy. In this class, we jump into the heart of the controversy as it played out in the late 1850s—the first phase of this conflict—and then explore how later Chabad sources engaged with this issue. The Machine Matzah Controversy
9
Isaiah 53 on Trial: The 1863 Vienna Case That Split Jewish Leadership
Isaiah 53 on Trial: The 1863 Vienna Case That Split Jewish Leadership
Jan 7, 2026
1:01:56
In the mid-1860s, a wave of rabbinic correspondence swept across central and eastern Europe as leading rabbis grappled with a vexing dilemma: how to respond to an antisemitic trial that touched directly on core points of Jewish theology. This case pitted antisemites against Jews, and within the Jewish community, enlightened progressives against traditionalists. Navigating this reality proved deeply contentious. Isaiah 53 on Trial: The 1863 Vienna Case That Split Jewish Leadership
10
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)
11
The Masada Martyrs: Halachic Perspectives on History’s Hardest Choices
The Masada Martyrs: Halachic Perspectives on History’s Hardest Choices
May 22, 2024
1:12:11
How does a halachic mind interpret the harrowing events at Masada, where Jewish rebels chose death at their own hands over surrender? In this class, we delve into this question, exploring not only the tragic case at Masada but also similar ethical dilemmas faced by Jews during the Middle Ages when confronted with forced conversions under Christian rule. The complexities of these historic moments offer deep insights into the moral and spiritual struggles that have shaped Jewish resilience and identity. The Masada Martyrs: Halachic Perspectives on History’s Hardest Choices
12
The Great Semicha Controversy, 1538
The Great Semicha Controversy, 1538
May 13, 2025
1:13:59
After the Spanish Expulsion, a group of leading rabbis in Tzfas, led by Rabbi Yaakov Beirav, set out to revive semichah—the original form of judicial ordination that linked back to Moshe Rabbeinu. They planned to reestablish semichah through broad rabbinic consensus, but not everyone was on board. In Jerusalem, Rabbi Levi ibn Chabib strongly objected, raising serious questions about the halachic basis and the broader implications of the move. This class explores the halachic arguments, the historical backdrop, and the deeper motivations behind one of the boldest and most controversial rabbinic initiatives. The Great Semicha Controversy, 1538
13
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)
14
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
15
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
16
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
17
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
18
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
19
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
20
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
21
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
22
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
23
In the Dungeons of the Inquisition
In the Dungeons of the Inquisition
Oct 25, 2023
58:41
In this episode, we explore the intriguing narrative of a Jew named Shlomo, also known as Fillipo, who found himself ensnared by the Inquisition in Venice during the 1580s. Raised as a Christian in Portugal during a period when Jews were prohibited from residing there, Shlomo’s journey took a profound turn when he embraced Judaism in Venice, a choice that carried substantial risks. His captivating story can be learned through the archives of the Venetian Inquisition but also through two rabbinic responsa. In the Dungeons of the Inquisition
24
The Printers’ Clash: The Battle Over Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, Venice 1550
The Printers’ Clash: The Battle Over Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, Venice 1550
Apr 7, 2024
1:06:26
In the year 1550, two non-Jewish printers published competing editions of Rambam’s Mishneh Torah. One of them partnered with an esteemed rabbi from Padua, who, in his quest for support, turned to Rabbi Moshe Isserlis. Rama’s response along with a careful examination of the printed volumes unveil the details of this dispute. Rama’s scholarly answer also sheds light on various areas of commercial Halachah as well as the Noahide laws. The Printers’ Clash: The Battle Over Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, Venice 1550
25
The Kittsee Haggadah
The Kittsee Haggadah
Apr 10, 2024
58:24
The library of Agudas Chasidei Chabad houses a remarkable manuscript crafted in 1760 by the talented scribe and artist Chaim ben Asher Anshel of Kittsee, near present-day Bratislava. We’ll trace the journey of this Haggadah from its creation to its acquisition by the Frierdiker Rebbe. Opening this manuscript, we’ll examine its layout, artwork, nusach, and style of nikud, seeking to uncover the influences that shaped Chaim ben Asher’s masterpiece through a comparative analysis with other Haggadahs of that period. To purchase a facsimile of the Kittzee Haggadah: https://store.kehotonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HP-HAGG.KITZEE To view it online, visit the following link and insert card number “1950”: https://chabadlibrary.org/catalog/index.php?catalog=mscatalog Additional Links: Kittzee Haggadah 1748, Gross Collection https://www.nli.org.il/en/discover/manuscripts/hebrew-manuscripts/viewerpage?vid=MANUSCRIPTS#d=[[PNX MANUSCRIPTS990000632400205171-1,FL54685621 Kittzee Haggadah 1768, Hebrew Union College https://mss.huc.edu/phpviewer/index.php?path=MS 451 Kittzee Haggadah 1769, Jewish Museum London https://www.nli.org.il/en/discover/manuscripts/hebrew-manuscripts/viewerpage?vid=MANUSCRIPTS#d=[[PNX MANUSCRIPTS990001792760205171-1,FL28179029 Kittzee Haggadah 1771, Hungarian Academy of Sciences https://www.nli.org.il/en/discover/manuscripts/hebrew-manuscripts/viewerpage?vid=MANUSCRIPTS#d=[[PNX MANUSCRIPTS990001920270205171-1,FL59161404 Kittzee Haggadah 1772, JTS Library https://digitalcollections.jtsa.edu/islandora/object/jts%3A62343#page/41/mode/1up Amsterdam 1695 https://www.nli.org.il/en/books/NNL ALEPH990013798840205171/NLI#modal-downloadModal Prague 1713 https://www.nli.org.il/en/books/NNL ALEPH990013798850205171/NLI Offenbach 1721 https://www.hebrewbooks.org/4923 Frankfurt 1724 https://www.nli.org.il/en/books/NNL ALEPH990010665310205171/NLI
26
The Frankist Blood Libel
The Frankist Blood Libel
May 8, 2024
1:04:03
In 1759, a clandestine faction of Shabetai Tzvi’s followers in Poland committed a startling act: they collectively converted to Christianity while simultaneously accusing Jews of the age-old fabrication of using blood in matzah production. Despite the longstanding existence of the blood libel, this marked the first instance where the accusation was made by citing and distorting Talmudic and halachic sources. In this class, we examine the specific passages they employed and learn the response of the Jewish leadership during that era. As Ber of Bolochov, the chronicler of this event, emphasized, recording this narrative was essential to ensure that future generations would understand the suffering and trials of their ancestors and how it was notably worse when it emanated from within the Jewish community. The Frankist Blood Libel
27
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
28
The Warder Cresson Story
The Warder Cresson Story
Nov 8, 2024
1:08:33
In 1848, a man in Jerusalem on a journey to Judaism was devastated when told he must desecrate Shabbos because, despite undergoing a bris, he wasn’t yet considered Jewish until completing the final step of immersion. His heartbreak ignited a halachic controversy, which we’ll explore in this class. We’ll uncover the identities of the key figures involved and delve into the moving story of a man willing to sacrifice everything for his newfound faith. The Warder Cresson Story
29
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
30
The Regensburg Blood Libel
The Regensburg Blood Libel
Feb 21, 2025
1:06:22
In the 1470s, a series of outrageous blood libels were leveled against Jewish communities in the Germanic lands, including one in Regensburg. To secure their acquittal, the Jews of Regensburg needed an enormous sum of money—far beyond their means. The rabbis gathered in Nuremberg to strategize and ultimately turned to Rabbi Yosef Colon in Pavia with a pressing question: Could they obligate all Jewish communities in the Holy Roman Empire to contribute to helping the Jews in Regensburg? Rabbi Yosef Colon’s response is a masterful work of Talmudic analysis and a sobering reflection on the historical realities of the time. The Regensburg Blood Libel
31
The Story of the Alter Rebbe’s Script
The Story of the Alter Rebbe’s Script
Mar 26, 2025
1:19:50
The Alter Rebbe’s unique script for safrus has a rich and winding history. It has been inked, shelved, revived, and debated—and everyone seems to have an opinion. So, what is the story behind this ksav? What sets it apart? Why do some embrace it wholeheartedly while others remain unsure? This class explores its historical trajectory, some of its writing nuances, and the ongoing conversation around its adoption. Links to images: Megilah of Rebbe Maharash in Aguch library: https://hebrewstam.blogspot.com/2013/03/blog-post 120.html Megilah attributed to Rebbe Maharash, Carlebach family: https://yeshivasstam.com/maharash Tefillin of the Frierdiker Rebbe: https://hebrewstam.blogspot.com/2012/11/blog-post 19.html#comment-form Tefillin attributed to Reb Reuven Sofer, Gurary family: https://hebrewstam.blogspot.com/2016/01/blog-post 21.html The Story of the Alter Rebbe’s Script
32
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
33
The Great Semicha Controversy, Part II
The Great Semicha Controversy, Part II
May 20, 2025
1:14:56
Today, we’re picking up where we left off in the story of chidush hasemicha. We’ll look at what unfolded after Rabbi Levi ibn Chabib pushed back against Rabbi Yaakov Beirav’s plan and how the controversy evolved in the decades that followed. We’ll dive into Rabbi Yosef Caro’s role in the debate and then turn to the remarkable mission in the 1830s, spearheaded by Rabbi Yisrael of Shklov, to find the Ten Lost Tribes in a bold attempt to revive semicha. The Great Semicha Controversy, Part II
34
The Rabbi Who Couldn’t Quit Gambling
The Rabbi Who Couldn’t Quit Gambling
Jun 10, 2025
1:07:01
Today, we’ll examine the debate in Venice in 1630 over a communal ban against gambling. Local leaders moved to outlaw games of chance, but Rabbi Yehuda Aryeh Modena pushed back, arguing that the community had no right to restrict a Jew’s freedom in this area. Along the way, we examine the authorship of an anonymous 1595 dialogue on gambling, offering an overview of the halachic arguments and a window into public attitudes about his subject at that time. The story comes full circle as we turn to explore Rabbi Modena’s unique and candid autobiography. The Rabbi Who Couldn’t Quit Gambling
35
The Draft Dilemma: The Chilling Reality of Jews Deciding Who Gets Drafted
The Draft Dilemma: The Chilling Reality of Jews Deciding Who Gets Drafted
Jul 4, 2025
1:19:35
What do you do when the government demands soldiers and says you have to choose who goes? That’s exactly what Jewish communities in the late 1700s faced when the Austrian-Hungarian Empire started drafting Jews into the army. In this class, we look at how the rabbanim responded to this impossible situation and uncover the moral struggle beneath their rulings. The Draft Dilemma: The Chilling Reality of Jews Deciding Who Gets Drafted
36
The Cantonist Crisis
The Cantonist Crisis
Aug 22, 2025
1:23:33
In 1827, Czar Nicholas I decreed that Jewish boys and young men be conscripted into the Russian army, a policy that shook Jewish life in Russia to its core. Communities debated and attempted various strategies to confront this crisis, and in that context, the Tzemach Tzedek was asked whether a particular approach was permissible. In this class, we’ll explore the historical backdrop, unpack the Tzemach Tzedek’s responsum, and work together to understand its meaning. The Cantonist Crisis
37
We’ve Been Singing It All Wrong? Solving the V'chol Maaminim Mystery
We’ve Been Singing It All Wrong? Solving the V'chol Maaminim Mystery
Sep 19, 2025
1:07:49
Ever feel like some piyutim just don’t flow right, as if the stanzas are out of order? Join us for a historical detective journey as we trace the piyut V'chol Maaminim and explore its possible connection to the enigmatic poet Yannai, whose true genius was hidden for centuries. We’ll uncover forgotten clues from the Cairo Geniza and reveal the song’s original, elegant structure. Finally, we’ll explore how key ideas from Chasidus unlock profound messages within its stanzas—a perfect way to enter the new year. We’ve Been Singing It All Wrong? Solving the V'chol Maaminim Mystery
38
The Hostage Dilemma: Part I
The Hostage Dilemma: Part I
Nov 17, 2025
1:10:10
This class takes up one of the most challenging moral questions in Halachah: how far should we go to redeem captives? We’ll look at how this issue unfolded in Jewish communities around the world during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries—what actually happened, and how the poskim grappled with the Mishnah’s rule against paying more than market value. In a future class, we’ll revisit this topic in the modern context of Israel and its ongoing struggle against terrorism. The Hostage Dilemma: Part I
39
Wine: Blind Tastes, Price Controls, and the Most Regulated Wine Market You’ve Ever Seen
Wine: Blind Tastes, Price Controls, and the Most Regulated Wine Market You’ve Ever Seen
Jan 14, 2026
1:04:22
This class takes us inside the Jewish wine economy of earlier centuries. We will see communities enforcing price ceilings, outlawing seller collusion, and appointing assessors to protect community members from being overcharged. In some places, the system became so aggressively strict: monopoly-style selling rights, blind tastings, barrels sealed by wine assessors, community-owned measuring jugs, and stiff fines for anyone who tried to sell wine off the books. Wine: Blind Tastes, Price Controls, and the Most Regulated Wine Market You’ve Ever Seen
40
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
41
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
42
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
43
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
44
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
45
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
46
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
47
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
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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
49
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
50
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)
51
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?
52
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)
53
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
54
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
55
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
56
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
57
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
58
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
59
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
60
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
61
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
62
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
63
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
64
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
65
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
66
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
67
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?
68
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
69
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?
70
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
71
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?
72
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
73
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)
75
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
76
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
77
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
78
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
79
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
80
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
81
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
82
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
83
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
84
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
85
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.
86
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
87
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
88
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
89
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
90
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
91
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
92
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
93
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
94
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
95
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
96
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
97
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
98
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
99
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
100
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