Popular Shows by Mordechai Dinerman: Page 2

101

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

102

The Printers’ Clash: The Battle Over Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, Venice 1550

Apr 7, 2024

1:01:04

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

103

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

104

The Printers’ Clash: The Battle Over Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, Venice 1550

Apr 8, 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

105

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

106

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

107

Grain Matters: Navigating the Chadash Predicament Across the Centuries

May 15, 2024

1:08:50

Throughout history, Jewish communities have thrived in diverse locales, each presenting unique agricultural schedules. While adhering to the prohibition against eating chadash proved feasible in some regions, in others, it posed significant obstacles to daily life. This class delves into the strategies employed by the Ashkenazi rishonim and the legendary Acharonim of Poland, exploring five approaches to justify non-compliance, particularly in circumstances where adherence would be exceptionally challenging. Grain Matters: Navigating the Chadash Predicament Across the Centuries

108

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

109

Yom Tov Burial: The Talmud, the Rishonim, and the Baal Shem Tov

Jun 5, 2024

1:08:49

The Baal Shem Tov passed away on Shavuos in 1760, but the exact day of his passing and the time and manner of his burial have long been subjects of controversy and mystery. In this class, we explore this subject by learning about two major debates regarding yom tov burials that emerged during the Middle Ages. Through this journey, we aim to deepen our appreciation for the laws and values related to yom tov observance and the proper dignity afforded to those who have passed away. Yom Tov Burial: The Talmud, the Rishonim, and the Baal Shem Tov

110

The Provocative Portrait: Unveiling the True Face of Moshe Rabbeinu

Jun 18, 2024

1:12:19

Rabbi Yisrael Lifshitz, a well-known commentator on the Mishnah, included a provocative legend about Moshe Rabbeinu in his writings, suggesting that Moshe naturally possessed negative character traits. Over the following decades, some rabbis strongly opposed this legend, arguing that its claims were baseless and defamed Moshe’s revered image. In this class, we’ll talk about the origins of this controversial story, look at both sides of the debate, and explore why this account struck a chord with many Chasidic authors. The Provocative Portrait: Unveiling the True Face of Moshe Rabbeinu

111

Unconditional Love: A Commemorative Study of a Talk by the Lubavitcher Rebbe

Jul 2, 2024

1:06:07

As we approach Gimmel Tammuz, marking the Rebbe’s thirtieth Hilula, we’re doing something different: a text-based class on an important talk by the Rebbe from Shabbos Korach 1988, a talk that captures a lot of the Rebbe’s hashkafah. The aim is to find inspiration and wisdom in his words, which can be applied to our daily lives and shared with others. Unconditional Love: A Commemorative Study of a Talk by the Lubavitcher Rebbe

112

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

113

Dreams of Revision: The Role of Dreams in Altering Halachic Rulings

Aug 21, 2024

1:09:49

In the 1970s, a Chabad journal in Israel published a story about the Alter Rebbe reversing a halachic ruling based on a dream, sparking significant controversy. This incident opens the door to a fascinating exploration of a practice that was surprisingly common among Ashkenazic rabbis in the 12th and 13th centuries—using dreams to guide halachic decisions. Dreams of Revision: The Role of Dreams in Altering Halachic Rulings

114

Fowl Play: The Great Turkey-Chicken Debate of the 19th Century

Sep 4, 2024

1:07:25

In the 1860s, European Jewish communities faced a unique halachic challenge: the arrival of new chicken breeds from distant lands. As these exotic fowl entered the marketplace, rabbis debated their kosher status, igniting an adjacent discussion on how and why the turkey became accepted as kosher. Fowl Play: The Great Turkey-Chicken Debate of the 19th Century

115

Art of the Blast: Shofar Blowing Customs in Medieval Manuscripts

Sep 11, 2024

1:07:10

In this episode, we’re diving into fascinating early 16th-century woodcut images and priceless medieval machzor manuscripts to see how they portray the mitzvah of blowing the shofar. We’ll explore the unique details in these images that reveal interesting minhagim of the time, though some might leave us with more questions than answers. Let’s uncover the stories these images tell about our tradition. Links: Book on Jewish Confession (Nuremberg 1508) https://sammlungen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de/freimann/content/thumbview/6515799 Der Juden Spiegel (Cologne 1508) https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k1911061m/f39.double Luzzato Machzor https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-luzzatto-high-holiday-mahzor-1 Machzor – Bavarian State Library https://www.digitale-sammlungen.de/en/view/bsb00034975?page=82 Kaufmann Machzor - Hungarian Academy of Sciences http://kaufmann.mtak.hu/en/ms388/ms388-012v.htm Machzor – Cambridge University Library https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-ADD-00662/127 Machzor – Austrian National Library https://www.nli.org.il/en/discover/manuscripts/hebrew-manuscripts/viewerpage?vid=MANUSCRIPTS#d=[[PNX MANUSCRIPTS990001692630205171-1,FL21854414]] Art of the Blast: Shofar Blowing Customs in Medieval Manuscripts

116

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

117

Lost in the Geniza: An Anonymous Teshuvah on the Two-Day Yom Tov Debate

Sep 28, 2024

1:07:26

From the Cairo Geniza, we uncover an ancient Judeo-Arabic rabbinic essay offering unique insights into the history and development of the Jewish calendar, particularly the observance of the second day of yom tov outside the Land of Israel. As we delve deeper, this document emerges as part of a broader debate, addressing the Karaites’ opposition to the two-day yom tov tradition. By comparing this text with Rambam’s perspective, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of this critical issue and a window into a pivotal moment in Jewish history. Lost in the Geniza: An Anonymous Teshuvah on the Two-Day Yom Tov Debate

118

Rooted in Tradition: The Calabria Esrog Story

Oct 10, 2024

1:18:14

Why has the Chabad community favored esrogim from Calabria? In this class, we’ll explore the backstory, diving into the halachic debates about grafted esrogim and why they matter. We’ll also take a closer look at the big discovery in 1955—when it turned out that even Calabria esrogim weren’t completely immune to grafting—and what that meant moving forward. We’ll unpack the history and the questions that still linger today. Rooted in Tradition: The Calabria Esrog Story

119

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

120

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

121

Benches, Bargains, and Bickering: Shul Seating in the Middle Ages

Nov 29, 2024

1:01:54

We kick things off with seven fascinating stories from the teshuvos of medieval Spain, where we discover shul seats being treated like real estate: bought, sold, inherited, mortgaged—and sometimes the center of heated disputes. Then, we shift our focus to Ashkenaz, where this phenomenon is noticeably absent, suggesting a very different set of attitudes and conventions about shul seats. Finally, we dive into how the poskim tackled some of these disputes, applying Halachah to their contemporary realities. Benches, Bargains, and Bickering: Shul Seating in the Middle Ages

122

The Titanic Question: The Halachic Dilemma of Men Lost at Sea

Dec 13, 2024

1:01:36

When a shipwreck in the 1500s left families wondering about the fate of their loved ones, rabbinic authorities debated whether the wives of the missing passengers could remarry. This centuries-old question resurfaced in 1912 with the famous sinking of the Titanic, reigniting the discussion of applying Halachah in tragic circumstances. The Titanic Question: The Halachic Dilemma of Men Lost at Sea

123

Lost Lights of Chanukah: Exploring the Books of Maccabees

Jan 2, 2025

1:00:42

The Books of Maccabees tell the dramatic story of the Chanukah revolt and the heroism of the Jewish fighters. But who wrote these books, and why were they left off the Jewish bookshelf? We’ll discuss the history of these texts, explore their reception among Jews throughout the ages, and probe the role they played—or didn’t play—in shaping Jewish memory of the Chanukah story. Lost Lights of Chanukah: Exploring the Books of Maccabees

124

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

125

Taxes and Tensions: The Story of Jewish Tax Disputes in Medieval Spain

Jan 17, 2025

1:06:26

Rabbi Shlomo ben Aderes, the legendary rabbi and leader of Barcelona, received countless questions during his tenure, many of which have been preserved to this day. In this class, we discuss six compelling cases of tax disputes. They reveal remarkable insights into the political and economic realities of the time, the dynamics within Jewish communities, and their interactions with the surrounding non-Jewish world. Taxes and Tensions: The Story of Jewish Tax Disputes in Medieval Spain

126

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

127

Rambam to the Rescue: His Legendary Letter to Yemen

Feb 28, 2025

1:03:31

In the 1170s, the Jewish community in Yemen faced an existential crisis: a radical ruler forced them to convert to Islam, an apostate Jew spread anti-Jewish propaganda, and a self-declared Messiah sowed confusion. In response, the Rambam penned one of his most powerful letters, offering guidance and encouragement. As we approach the 44th Siyum HaRambam, we revisit this extraordinary letter, its historical context, and its enduring lessons. Rambam to the Rescue: His Legendary Letter to Yemen

128

Rambam, the Almohads, and the Secret Jews

Mar 13, 2025

1:09:09

In the mid-12th century, the Almohads swept across North Africa and Spain, driven by a vision of a strictly unified Muslim society. For the Jewish communities under their rule, the choice was stark and unforgiving: convert, flee, or face death. Many outwardly embraced Islam while secretly maintaining their Jewish faith. A rabbi from afar denounced these covert Jews, insisting that their hidden devotion was meaningless. Rambam, however, fiercely rejected this view. In his Igeres Hashmad, he offered a scholarly and compassionate perspective, guiding his brethren through one of the most harrowing dilemmas in Jewish history. Rambam, the Almohads, and the Secret Jews

129

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

130

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

131

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

132

The Doctored Talmud: Prague, 1728

May 6, 2025

1:21:15

There’s a long and painful history of the Gemara being censored in Christian lands, but in 1728, a draconian form of censorship led to the publication of a heavily redacted Maseches Berachos. A fierce debate erupted within the Jewish community: was it better to print a mutilated Gemara, or not to print it at all? In this class, we explore the rabbinic voices on both sides, the arguments they advanced, and actual examples of the edits. It’s a compelling glimpse into a community grappling with impossible choices under the weight of galus. Link to this 1728 edition: https://books.google.com/books?id=IW9iAAAAcAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs ge summary r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=true The Doctored Talmud: Prague, 1728

133

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

134

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

135

Up High or Down Low? The Battle Over the Proper Trop for the Aseres Hadibros

May 28, 2025

1:13:41

In 1725, Rabbi Zalman Hena published Shaarei Tefilah and sparked controversy by calling for a complete stop to the use of taam ha’elyon—the unique system of trop traditionally used for reading the Aseres Hadibros. Rabbi Yaakov Emden wasn’t having it and fired back forcefully in his Luach Eresh. This class unpacks their debate, the sources they cite, the Alter Rebbe’s position, and what we know about the two competing systems of trop for reliving Matan Torah. Up High or Down Low? The Battle Over the Proper Trop for the Aseres Hadibros

136

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

137

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

138

The Four Halls That Never Were: A Critical Look at Yosifun’s Design of the Beis Hamikdash

Jul 30, 2025

1:05:49

In this class, we will delve into the architectural anomaly of the “four halls” described in Yosifun’s account of the Beis HaMikdash. This description contradicts the sources in Chazal, and as we will discover, there is a fascinating history behind how this peculiar design came to be. The Four Halls That Never Were: A Critical Look at Yosifun’s Design of the Beis Hamikdash

139

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

140

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

141

Bidding Wars: Inside the History of Selling Shul Honors

Oct 24, 2025

1:15:29

In this class, we’ll trace how the sale of mitzvos in shul began, why it caught on, and how it spread across the Jewish world. We’ll look at halachic debates about selling on Shabbos and Yom Tov and at the fiery disputes that erupted over bidding rights, auction miscommunications, and the occasional auctioneer mischief. We’ll also hear from the voices who opposed the practice and what their protests reveal about their communities and times. Bidding Wars: Inside the History of Selling Shul Honors

142

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

143

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

144

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)

145

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)

146

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

147

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

148

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

149

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

150

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

151

The Controversial History of Mechiras Chametz

Mar 26, 2026

1:10:16

Mechiras chametz is today a standard part of observing Pesach. But how did this practice come to be, and how has it evolved over the centuries? In this class, we analyze the relevant sources in Ashkenazic and Sefardic texts, revealing two distinct approaches to this topic. We’ll then find how the more the sale was refined to accommodate the seller, the more complications it introduced, requiring a series of complex adjustments and, eventually, triggering voices of opposition. All along, we’ll wrestle with a central issue—drawing the line between legal creativity and legal fiction. The Controversial History of Mechiras Chametz

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