Jewish History Uncensored

51

Understanding Pshat

Feb 20, 2025

54:57

In this episode we examine the claims that Rashi’s commentary to Tanach isn’t a Pshat based commentary. How should we view the concept that we should attempt to understand Tanach only via the text of Tanach? Who was the originator of this idea? What does this tell us about this conception? What makes Rashi’s accomplishments in Tanach unparalleled? How seriously have Talmidai Chachomim throughout the generations taken Rashi’s commentary to Chumash? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

52

Gaza Wars Lessons, The Passuk Focus & Parsha Concept

Feb 13, 2025

51:55

We start this episode with some more lessons from the Gaza War and the ceasefire agreement. We examine when is it proper to learn from others. We go on to look at the basic rules of understanding a possuk. What is a possuk in Tanach? How important is it in understanding what is being told to us? What is the difference between possukim in the prose parts of Tanach and the poetic parts of Tanach? We also start looking at the very important concept of a parsha. What is a parsha? How important is it in understanding Tanach? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

53

The Rule of Pshat & Rashi

Feb 6, 2025

53:20

In this week’s episode we take a deeper look at the first rule of Pshat - understanding the meaning of the words. How broad is our understanding of Tanachic Hebrew? What are the differences between the different dialects of Hebrew? We also discuss why Rashi only wrote an introduction to Shir HaShirim. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

54

Academia & Midrashim: First Rule of Pshat

Jan 30, 2025

47:12

In this week’s episode we take a closer look at the fundamental problem most academics have when it comes to understanding Midrashim. We also start looking at the Five Basic Elements of learning Tanach. The first element is understanding the words and their meaning. Classically we start this with Rashi and the Ramban. Why do we do this? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

55

The Gaza Ceasefire

Jan 23, 2025

56:13

In this episode we look at the Ceasefire Agreement recently signed. Was it a mistake to sign this agreement? Is it possible to fully solve the issue militarily? What policy changes could have brought a better outcome? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

56

Carter’s Israeli Admirers + Midrash and Mesora

Jan 16, 2025

53:20

In this episode we look at Carter’s Israeli admirers and what was motivating them to admire him. Why were they so deeply moved by this quixotic figure? We go back to the issue of Midrashim and Mesora and flesh out the issues more. When can we say there is an absolute Mesora about an issue? We also look at the issue of did Ashkenazi Rishonim learn Midrashim that seem to humanize G-d literally? Is this fundamental of Judaism an invention of the Rambam? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

57

Jimmy Carter’s Mixed Legacy

Jan 9, 2025

55:12

In this episode we look at Jimmy Carter’s mixed legacy. Should we be surprised by his lack of success as President and his severe defeat by Ronald Reagan? How much credit for the Peace Agreement between Israel and Egypt does he get? Is there any fundamental reason for his post Presidential behaviors? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

58

Rationalism, Pshat, & Mesorah

Jan 2, 2025

51:54

In this episode we look at the definition of Pshat, the basic meaning of the possukim. Is there any connection between this and Rationalism? How much is it possible to apply the contemporary concept of Rationalism to Torah? We similarly look at the issue of understanding when a Midrash is absolute Mesorah, passed down directly from Moshe. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

59

Nach in the Haredi World

Dec 25, 2024

50:03

In this episode we look at why all the different parts of the Haredi world have deep hesitance with basic pshat and Tanach. Why is this true? Is this an example of the cure is worse than the disease? What is worse over simplifying Midrashim or treating Midrashim disrespectfully? This week’s episode is dedicated by Mr and Mrs Pinchas and Malka Friedman in honor of their parents Mr and Mrs Heshy and Raizy Friedman and Mr and Mrs Chaim and Toby Ginsberg. And also by an anonymous donor לרפואה שלימה ליונתן איתן בן בת שבע ברכה Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

60

Balancing Midrash with Pshat

Dec 19, 2024

52:14

In this episode we look at the historically controversial issue of balancing the Midrashim with the basic meaning of the text. The first factor we need to understand is what is the importance of basic pshat, and why did Rashi put so much work into it. We similarly examine what lesson we should learn from Israeli advances in Syria. Is this connected to Moshiach? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

61

Fall of Assad : Perspectives and Lessons

Dec 11, 2024

52:15

In this episode we look at the fall of Bashir Assad. What caused his fall? How does this affect the general Israel Arab conflict? How much do we know about it? How does this affect how we understand the situation in Iran? What lessons can we learn from this? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

62

The Vilna Gaon’s Edits & Understanding Midrashim II

Dec 5, 2024

50:55

In this episode we take a closer look at the Vilna Gaon’s editing work. What was his basic methodology of editing? How novel was his work? How would the Vilna Gaon have used the many manuscripts that we have today? We start looking at the issue of when should one understand a Midrash literally? What is Rashi’s approach to this issue? We also discuss the question of did Rashi have Kabbalah. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

63

Understanding Midrashim

Nov 27, 2024

50:43

In this episode we look at the issue of analyzing and editing Midrashim. What is the difference between how the Vilna Gaon edited Midrashim and how his son edited Midrashim? Why did R Avrohom Vilner have a different way of editing Midrashim? We also examine the issue of which Midrashim Rashi had. This week’s episode is dedicated לזכות שמעון הירש בן אברהם דוב that he should be successful in all his endeavors. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

64

Facets of Emuna & Authorship of Midrashim

Nov 20, 2024

51:53

In this episode we look at another one the lessons of the Presidential election - how fidelity is an important facet of Emuna. How should a person use that Emuna tool. One of R Avrohom Vilner’s key life accomplishments was his work on Midrashim. We look at one the very basic issues, which is how and why people in the Torah World view the authorship of these Midrashim. This week’s episode is dedicated as a רפואה שלימה for משה צבי אייזיק בן גולדה. It is also dedicated in honor of Daniel and Tova Plaut, בנימין בן אשר וטובה מזל בת בילה חשה for their work in strengthening and protecting the Jewish Community. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

65

Elections 2024 - Lessons & Perspectives

Nov 13, 2024

53:20

In this episode we look at the recent Presidential election in the USA. How shocked should we have been by the outcome? What lessons can we learn from this? What is the Torah perspective on the relationship between leadership and the masses? This episode is dedicated by Global Property Services, serving the NY area’s pest control since 1997. It is also dedicated l’ilui nishmas R Noson Tzvi Finkel, the Mir Rosh Yeshiva. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

66

Types of Wars & The Ultimate War

Nov 7, 2024

52:53

In this episode we look at the different categories of war according to the Torah. Is there any proof that the Torah considers war a legitimate national policy? Why is the War of Gog considered the ultimate war? What other major Tanachic event is it connected to? This week’s episode is dedicated to inspire more spreading of Torah though technology by an anonymous donor Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

67

War, Casualties & Morality

Oct 31, 2024

55:12

In this episode we continue looking at the issue of casualties in war. Is it normal for an army to suffer casualties, is there a time when an army shouldn’t suffer casualties? How does the Gaza War fit into this? We also look at the issue of morality and war. How should we understand the level of immortality of war? This week’s episode is dedicated in honor of all the Torat Shraga Rebeiim, sons of Rebeiim, and former Talmidim out there defending us by a former Talmid Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

68

War: According to The Torah

Oct 22, 2024

54:35

This week’s episode is dedicated in honor of all the Torat Shraga Rebeiim, sons of Rebeiim, and former Talmidim out there defending us by a former Talmid. In this episode we start looking at the issue of Torah and War. What does the Torah hold about military training? How much efforts did the Kings of Yehuda put into this? What was Dovid’s policy about this? What types of training was Dovid willing to do? What type of training was he not willing to do? How does this relate to the IDF? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

69

Torah & Science - R' Avrohom Vilner & His Father The Vilna Gaon

Oct 14, 2024

52:01

This week’s episode is dedicated as a merit for peace for Israel, and healing by all those injured by a listener, and also by an anonymous listener. In this episode we look at the attitude of the Vilna Gaon and his son to science. Was it abnormal for the Vilna Gaon’s son to translate a science book into Hebrew? How did they understand the relationship between science and Torah? How do we understand this issue? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

70

Gaza War Lessons II & Be’er Avrohom on Tehillim

Oct 9, 2024

48:47

In this episode we look at another of the important lessons of the Gaza War. What can we learn from the extreme obsession people have about Israel? What is the Tanachic precedent for this? We go back and look at R Avrohom Vilner’s commentary on Tehillim ch 23 - ה׳ רועי לא אחסר. What style of parshanut is he using? What important insights can we see from his explanations about him? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

71

The Gaza War - A Rosh HaShana Perspective

Sep 25, 2024

51:15

This episode is sponsored by Ben and Talia Silver Mr Gerald Wittenstein לעילוי נשמת יוסף בן משה #207 - The Gaza War - A Rosh HaShana Perspective In this episode we look at the Gaza War from a Rosh HaShana perspective. What is special and different the Gaza War from a Jewish History perspective? How does this event differ from Covid? What are the lessons we can learn from this unprecedented Historical Event we are living through? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

72

#206 - R' Avrohom Vilner - Life & Accomplishments

Sep 20, 2024

49:42

In this episode we look at R Avrohom Vilner, the Vilna Gaon’s youngest son. What positions did he hold? What does this tell us about him? What lessons can we learn from this? What Sefarim did he print? What do we see from his Sefer, ‘Gevolos HaAretz’? How common was it for Rabbanim to know European languages? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

73

#205 - Maalos HaTorah - Applications of The Ideas

Sep 12, 2024

51:16

This week’s episode is sponsored לעילוי נשמת אריה מרדכי בן אברהם יצחק In this episode we take a deeper look at how the ideals of Torah learning mentioned in Maalos HaTorah played a significant part in creating the original Ashkenazi Jewish Community in Israel. We also take a deeper look at how to properly understand the concept of Historical Inertia. Similarly we look at how the Maalos HaTorah discussed, ‘bitul Torah’. We also discuss the challenge of implementing this practically in Yeshivas and in life. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

74

#204 - Maalos HaTorah - Defining Mitzvah

Sep 5, 2024

49:58

This week’s episode is dedicated לעילוי נשמת ר אליהו בן ר יוסף. In this week’s episode we take a closer look at what the Vilna Gaon meant when he said there are more than 613 mitzvos. Similarly we look at a number of his very novel applications of this concept. We also look at how there is a certain overlap with what many would consider Chassidus. We also look at the concept of Historical Inertia and how this concept applies to a number of the ideas in Maalos HaTorah. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

75

#203 - R Avrohom the Vilna Gaon’s Brother - Maalos HaTorah

Aug 28, 2024

52:18

This week’s episode is sponsored לעילוי נשמת ר חיים רפאל יוסף דוד בן צבי מרדכי on the occasion of his Yahrzeit This week we look at the sefer of R Avrohom the Vilna Gaon’s brother, Maalos HaTorah. The main topic of the sefer is the importance of learning Torah. We discuss why the sefer isn’t as popular as Nefesh HaChaim Shaar Daled, even though it is written in an easier way to understand. We similarly discuss how to understand many of the ideas mentioned in the sefer in terms of the greater sugya. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

76

#202 - R Avrohom Brother of the Vilna Gaon - His Life

Aug 22, 2024

47:00

This week’s episode is sponsored by Mr and Mrs Avi Meir לרפואה שלימה לעדו יחיאל בן ציונה This week we look at the life of R Avrohom Rogeler, the Vilna Gaon’s brother. Where did he live? Why is he called R Avrohom Rogeler? What were his significant accomplishments? What are the important lessons we can learn from his life? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

77

#201 - Understanding the Rebbe & Talmid Connection

Aug 15, 2024

51:52

This week’s episode is sponsored לעילוי נשמת ר שלום אליעזר בן ר ישראל ראגאזין a member of the Voluzhin Kollel This week we are starting a new series about the Talmidai HaGra. We start by looking at the classic understanding of the dynamic and application of Rebbe and Talmid. How did the Vilna Gaon and his Talmidim fit into the classic structure of Rebbe and Talmid. Does Chassidus see this issue differently? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

78

#200 - Understanding Tisha B’Av & National Tragedy

Aug 8, 2024

56:04

This week’s episode is sponsored לעילוי נשמת עלקא עליזה בת ר יעקב by her family on the occasion of her Yahrzeit In this week’s episode we discuss the question is it proper to mention the events of last October 7 on Tisha B’Av? What level of National tragedy is fitting to mention on Tisha B’Av? Do the tragic events of October 7 fit into this? Similarly is it proper to remember and discuss the 2006 withdrawal from Gaza on Tisha B’Av? We also discuss the issue of are we able to write Kinos today. Here is a link to the Kinos shiurim by Rabbi Wittenstein: Kinos Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

79

#199 - Israel, Daf Yomi & Supporting Torah - Lessons From My Father’s Life

Aug 1, 2024

54:30

This episode is dedicated by the family l’ilui nishmas my father R Yosef ben Moshe HCM. In this episode, we look at my father’s experiences after they moved to Israel in 1986 and how he interacted with, ‘Old Israel’. We also look at how he learnt Daf Yomi for about thirty years and why he was able to successfully do this. We also look at his decision to go back to the USA in order to help his sons learn. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

80

198 - Skylab & Atlanta Opportunities - Lessons From My Father’s Life

Jul 25, 2024

50:28

In this episode we look how when our family moved to Atlanta, my father took advantage of all the opportunities in a larger Jewish community. We also look at his deep involvement in the Skylab re-enter project. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

81

#197 - Shabbos, Tefillin & Torah - Lessons From My Father’s Life

Jul 18, 2024

50:13

In this episode we look at how my father slowly integrated more mitzvos in to his life. And how he had a very dramatic dream that he connected to the Mitzva of wearing Tefillin. We also look at how he recognized the importance of Shas and took steps to master the skills of learning Gemara. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

82

#196 - Lessons From My Father’s Life - Teaching Torah & The IDF

Jul 11, 2024

52:46

In this episode we look at how my father ended up taking a real role in teaching Torah in Huntsville and how this affected him. Did this have any connection to his training as a scientist? We also look at how the presence of IDF soldiers in Huntsville played a major part in his spiritual growth, especially the Shomer Shabbos ones. How common was it in the early 70s for an IDF officer to be shomer Shabbos? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

83

#195 - Lessons From My Father’s Life - Moon Landing & Affects of Rocket Science

Jul 8, 2024

51:58

In this episode we take a deeper look at NASA and the cultural crisis of the 60s. We also look at the Moon Landing. Was Neal Armstrong the author of his famous statement? How did Gedolai Torah view the issue? We also look at how a career in Rocket Science can change how a person sees the world. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

84

#194 - Lessons From My Father’s Life - The Apollo Program & Early Steps in Yiddishkeit

Jun 27, 2024

54:38

In this episode we look at my father’s career in NASA in the heroic era, and some fascinating lessons we can learn from them. We also look at my father’s early steps in Yiddishkeit, and how inspiration can come from the most unlikely sources. This is a link to related documents and pictures: Apollo 8 Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

85

#193 - Lessons From My Father’s Life - College & Marriage

Jun 21, 2024

49:00

In this episode we look at some more aspects of the Von Braun issue. We also look at my father’s college experiences and how he grasped opportunity when it came his way. We also look at how my parents met, which was a critical factor in the families spiritual development. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

86

192 - Rocket Science & the KKK - Lessons From My Father's Life

Jun 7, 2024

52:01

In this episode we look at my father hcm’s early life. How did he get to a very small town in Alabama? What was it like to grow up in a small southern town? What lessons did my father hcm learn from successfully playing High School football? Why did my father decide to become a rocket scientist? Should the USA have prosecuted Wehner Von Braun for war crimes ? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

87

#191 - The Baal HaTanya in Liadi & Attitude Towards the French Russian War of 1812

May 24, 2024

48:21

Baruch Dayan Emes: Unfortunately Rabbi Wittenstein is sitting Shiva for his father until Wednesday morning (May 29) in Arzei HaBira in Jerusalem. [email protected] In this episode, we look at how the Baal HaTanya got to Liadi. Similarly we look at why he didn’t return to his home town of Liozna? We also start looking at the issue of why the Baal HaTanya sided with the Russians when the French invaded Russia in 1812. What was the classic Jewish attitude to such situations? What Historical precedents were there that probably influenced how the different Jewish leaders reacted? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

88

#190 - Korczak, Heroism & Kiddush Hashem

May 16, 2024

52:35

In this episode we at Korczak’s life and how in many places he had very classic Jewish reactions to things despite his lack of Jewish education. We look at his refusal to wear the Jewish star. And also of course look at his legendary Kiddush Hashem. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

89

#189 - October 7th, The Holocaust, Heroism, & Korchak

May 5, 2024

52:02

In this episode we look carefully compare and contrast the events of October 7th and the Holocaust. How much do they have in common? Is it proper to add the events of October the seventh to Holocaust Day? We also look how to define heroism. How do we understand the greatest of Human accomplishments? Where should this apply? We start looking at the life and accomplishments of one of the legendary figures of the Warsaw Ghetto, Janusz Korchak. How did a Jewish Doctor and Ophanage Director become one of the most influential and respected people in Poland. This week’s episode is dedicated in honor of Dr Phillip Klein Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

90

#188 - Challenges & Lessons of Egyptology

Apr 25, 2024

47:39

This week’s episode is dedicated in honor of Rav Dr Howie Apfel In this episode we take a closer look at the basic challenges of understanding the History of Ancient Egypt. How deeply is the Ancient Egyptian documentation connected with Egyptian Avoda Zara? How much will this connection complicate our attempts to understand the documentation? What are the real and clear lessons can we learn from Egyptology? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

91

#187 - Egyptology & History

Apr 16, 2024

59:06

In this episode we take a deeper look at why the phenomenon of Egyptology has such an attraction to people. Why are people more interested in Egyptology than Greek and Roman History? Similarly, we look at how to reconcile Egyptology with Tanach? Did the ancient Egyptians value History? How does this affect the way we understand Ancient Egyptian History? This week’s episode is sponsored as a רפואה שלימה לאיתן לב בן תמרה יפית Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

92

#186 - Understanding Reality: Egyptology & Reality

Apr 11, 2024

52:12

In this episode we look at how perception of reality affects our lives. We also look at how different people have different perceptions of reality. Why do some people pursue brochas from Rabbanim more than others? We also start looking at how people in the world at large have out of proportion interest in Ancient Egypt. What are the basic reasons for this? We also look at the difference between, ‘aitza’ and ‘hadracha’. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

93

#185 - Final Complications: R' Avrohom Kalisker vs Baal Tanya

Apr 4, 2024

56:46

In this episode, we look at the basic methodology of how to examine Historical stories. When should we accept a story as factual and when should we reject a story. We also look at how and why the machlokes of R Avrohom Kalisker and the Baal HaTanya was never resolved. And what part did Elazar of Disna play in this complicated situation? Similarly why did the Baal HaTanya protest R Avrohom Kalisker wanting to start his own tzedaka organization? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

94

#184 - The Challenge & Limits of Education

Mar 30, 2024

51:11

In this episode we take a deeper look at the challenges and limits of education. How do we understand the ideal of education? How does an ideally educated person see himself? What lesson should most of us take from the basic challenge of true education and knowledge? How does this relate to the machlokes between R Avrohom Kalisker and the Baal HaTanya? We also start looking at some of the important details of the machlokes. Who were the secondary figures in this machlokes? What part did these figures play in this machlokes? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

95

#183 - R' Avrohom Kalisker vs the Baal HaTanya

Mar 20, 2024

50:08

In this episode we look at R' Avrohom Kalisker’s part in establishing the Ashkenzi community in Israel. We look at why R' Avrohom Kalisker initially attacks R' Shnuer Zalman. We similarly look at how this was part of a greater question of how the average Chassid should focus his efforts in Avodas Hashem. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

96

#182 - Charisma and Leadership: R Avrohom Kalisker & the Vilna Gaon

Mar 17, 2024

49:16

In this episode we take a more careful look at the part charisma plays in communal leadership. We also discuss why the Rambam tried to avoid communal leadership. We take a careful look at R Avrohom Kalisker time with the Vilna Gaon. And we similarly discuss why R Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk didn’t try to bring him to his attempted meeting with the Vilna Gaon in 1772. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

97

#181 - Charisma, Rabbinic Decisions & Leadership

Mar 10, 2024

50:03

In this episode we look at the part that charisma plays in History. Was every great Rabbi by definition a charismatic figure? Is it possible that charisma was a significant factor in the Vilna Gaon’s decision not to meet with R Menachem Mendal of Vitebsk and the Baal HaTanya in 1772? Was charisma a factor in R Avrohom Kalisker’s leadership? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

98

#180 - The Vilna Gaon’s Theory of Incongruent Actions - A Deeper Look

Feb 29, 2024

53:41

In this episode we take a more careful look at the Vilna Gaon’s theory of, ‘Incongruent Actions’? How many places does he apply this to? Is there a difference between where this concept is working at a behavioral level and when it is working at the Nefesh level. We also examine the issue of when we can say that History can be a proof to questionable actions. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

99

#179 - The Vilna Gaon’s Theory of Incongruent Actions

Feb 22, 2024

50:23

The main topic of this episode is the Vilna Gaon’s theory about, ‘Incongruent Actions’. The episode starts with a quick synopsis of my comments of the crisis of solution in the Gaza War. What was the real cause of Nathan of Gaza’s fall? Was the entire issue a result of the lack of commitment to Torah and similarly lack of Yiras Hashem? Or is there a deeper issue that is part of this? We will look at a number of the Vilna Gaon’s comments in Mishley to properly understand this. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

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#178 - Gaza War - Israel & the World

Feb 14, 2024

1:00:43

In this episode we look at the deep complexities of how the world relates to the State of Israel. What are the main elements of this very complicated phenomenon? How should that effect how Israel should conduct its Foreign Policy? We also look at the basic tension that exists in a Democratic country between popular will and responsible governance. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

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