Popular Shows by Mordechai Dinerman

1

A Scandal on Har Habayis: The Montefiore Story

Mar 16, 2026

1:02:39

There’s a well-known story about Sir Moses Montefiore going up onto Har Habayis during one of his seven legendary trips to Eretz Yisrael. But once you begin looking into it, you quickly discover that there are several versions of the story, each one telling it a bit differently: when he went up, why he did it, how he did it, and what the rabbinic community’s reaction was. As we’ll see, a great deal depends on who is telling the story. In this class, we’ll return to the sources and try to piece together what actually happened. This is the first installment in a series about going up onto Har Habayis. A Scandal on Har Habayis: The Montefiore Story

2

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

3

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

4

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)

5

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

6

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

7

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

8

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

9

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

10

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

11

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

12

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

13

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

14

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

15

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

16

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

17

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

18

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

19

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

20

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

21

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

22

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

23

The Hostage Dilemma: Part II

Nov 25, 2025

1:07:27

Today, we’re returning to the topic of hostages in Jewish history. Last time, we spent most of our attention on the exceptions to the rule. This time, we’re looking at cases where the Mishnah’s ban on overpaying played at least a partial role in shaping actual halachic decisions and communal policy. And yet, as we will see, the overarching conclusion that we reached in the prior class will hold: overpaying often occurred. And it’s all a step closer to discussing this dilemma in the contemporary context, which we will do in an upcoming class. The Hostage Dilemma: Part II

24

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

25

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

26

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

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

28

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)

29

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

30

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

31

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

32

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)

33

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

34

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?

35

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

36

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

37

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

38

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

39

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.

40

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

41

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

42

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

43

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

44

The Meaning of Dreaming: Talmudic Perspectives | Favorite Episodes

Dec 12, 2023

1:02:37

Favorite Episodes 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

45

The Scandalous History of Aleinu

Dec 19, 2023

1:06:18

When we examine medieval manuscripts that feature Aleinu, we uncover intriguing instances of censorship within this ancient prayer. What motivated these textual alterations, and can they be linked to a specific historical event? Delving into this subject unveils a significant episode from the year 1390, shedding light on the numerous amendments and erasures made to the text. These changes continue to influence various minhagim to the present day. Relevant links: Michael Machzor https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/b3f2d1d5-ff07-4a6e-87ea-281c41957925/surfaces/2df6a671-c677-4e7d-a5df-e722f28f4c60/# Esslingen Machzor https://digitalcollections.jtsa.edu/islandora/object/jts%3A2173#page/43/mode/1up Tripartite Machzor https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/9e481d9a-06e6-41e8-ae36-a58d445a1ffa/surfaces/f6ca5ba3-7c09-4b1f-a288-3d3c052e65e9/# Machzor from the Rhineland https://bibliophilly.library.upenn.edu/viewer.php?id=CAJS%20Rar%20Ms%20382#page/489/mode/1up Worms Machzor https://www.nli.org.il/he/manuscripts/NNL ALEPH000044560/NLI?volumeItem=2#$FL21059450 The Scandalous History of Aleinu - New Episode

46

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

47

The Climate Clash: Rain, Rabbis, and Rulings for the Southern Hemisphere

Nov 22, 2024

1:04:27

In the 1630s, pioneering Jewish immigrants in Brazil asked when they should daven for rain, given that their seasons were reversed from those in Europe. Their question sparked a fascinating rabbinic debate that takes us back to a dramatic showdown in 14th-century Toledo, which continues to resonate today. Join us as we explore how Halachah navigates the balance between tradition and reality. The Climate Clash: Rain, Rabbis, and Rulings for the Southern Hemisphere

48

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

49

The Scandalous Marriage, 1348

Jan 24, 2025

1:04:42

On the fifteenth of Shevat, 1348, in the city of Tudela, a man named Yosef performed kidushin with a young woman named Belita. What began as a seemingly ordinary wedding ceremony quickly became a shocking controversy. People who were present asked Belita whether she was truly consenting, and instead of her confirming, it was her father who spoke on her behalf. Further investigation revealed that Belita had previously stated her refusal to this marriage not once but twice, and, in fact, was already married to her uncle Avraham. To complicate matters, she was also engaged to a third man! On the eve of the Black Death sweeping through Europe, this tangled web of relationships turned into a halachic dilemma that ultimately reached the desk of Rabbi Yehudah, son of the Rosh. The Scandalous Marriage, 1348

50

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

51

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

52

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

53

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

54

The Hostage Dilemma: Part III (Israel, 1970–1976)

Dec 9, 2025

1:04:00

In this class (third of a four-part series), we look at the halachic debate over freeing hostages as it unfolded in Israel during the 1970s. After the September 1970 triple hijacking, several poskim weighed in on whether it was permitted to meet the terrorists’ demands. The discussion resurfaced a few years later after the Yom Kippur War, and then again in the wake of the famous Entebbe raid in 1976. The Hostage Dilemma: Part III (Israel, 1970–1976)

55

The Hostage Dilemma: Part IV (Israel, 1979–1987)

Jan 1, 2026

51:28

In this final class of the series, we explore the Rebbe’s comments about Israel’s lopsided hostage deals during the late 1970s and 1980s, alongside the perspectives of other poskim during that period. The Hostage Dilemma: Part IV (Israel, 1979–1987)

56

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

57

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

58

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)

59

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

60

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

61

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

62

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?

63

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)

64

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

65

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

66

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

67

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

68

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

69

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

70

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

71

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

72

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

73

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

74

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

75

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

76

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

77

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?

78

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

79

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?

80

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

81

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

82

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

83

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)

84

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)

85

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

86

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

87

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

88

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

89

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

90

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

91

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

92

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

93

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

94

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

95

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

96

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

97

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

98

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

99

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

100

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

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