Jewish History Uncensored

101

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

102

#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

103

#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

104

#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

105

#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

106

#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

107

#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

108

#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

109

#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

110

#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

111

#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

112

#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

113

#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

114

#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

115

#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

116

#177 - The Gaza War - Understanding the Governmental Crisis

Feb 9, 2024

51:20

In this episode, we look at the basic structure of how modern government works, and how this creates a challenge in governance. We also look at why specifically there is a challenge now. We also discuss where in Torah we can find information that can give us direction in these issues. 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

117

#176 - Gaza War - Accomplishments & Crisis

Feb 1, 2024

53:59

In this episode we look at the Historical factors than have enable Israel to largely conduct this war in a successful way. How is it that the IDF has become such a trusted institution? Which policies brought it to this place? Who was involved in making these decisions? We also look at the cause of lack of trust in the motivations of some of the major political figures. What defines a responsible and capable political figure? How had Netanyahu’s legacy been affected by the events? 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

118

#175 - Gaza War - The Looming Crisis

Jan 28, 2024

52:00

In this episode we take a look at how our understanding of this event has been affected over the last months. We examine the unique facets of this conflict as opposed to the other Israeli Arab conflicts. We also look at the looming crisis that is brewing on how to deal with this conflict. 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

119

#174 - Zman Tefila & The Vilna Gaon’s Opposition to Chassidus

Jan 18, 2024

51:23

In this episode we examine more of the technical details of zman Tefila. How late is one allowed to start Shachris? What defines starting Shachris? We also start taking a new look at the Vilna Gaon’s opposition to Chassidus. How many elements were there to his opposition to Chassidus? What was the Vilna Gaon’s attitude to practical Kaballa? Does this have anything to do with his opposition to Chassidus? 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

120

#173 - Nusach HaTefila & Zmanai Tefila

Jan 14, 2024

54:15

In this episode we take a more in depth look at the origins of the different Nusachs. Can someone change from Ashkenaz to Sefard, or from Sefard to Ashkenaz? What is the issue connected to? We also look at the issue of does Chassidus have any antinomian element to it? Where does the practice of davening after, ‘the time of Tefila’, come from? 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

121

The Sabbatean Accusations Against Chassidus

Jan 5, 2024

50:54

In this episode we take a more in depth look at the second arrest of the Baal Tanya. We look at how the Russian government generally dealt with the Jewish community in those times and how this affected this story. We also focus on the Sabetian accusations. Why would the Czarist government consider this a serious accusation? 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

122

Release of the Baal Tanya & the Second Arrest

Dec 28, 2023

56:33

In this episode we look at why the Russians decided to release the Baal Tanya. We similarly look at the second arrest. What caused the second arrest? Why was it shorter than the first one? We similarly look at some of the Baal Tanya’s statements on tefila. Similarly we look at his expert leadership in dealing with the issue of separate minyanim. 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

123

The Arrest of the Baal Tanya

Dec 21, 2023

52:36

In this episode, we look at the first arrest and imprisonment of the Baal Tanya. What events caused this to happen? Where was he held in jail? Why was he held in jail for so long? How much danger was he in? How involved was the Csar Paul involved in the case? We also clarify what I mean when I refer to the theological machlokes between the Gra and Chassidus. 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

124

Kissinger - Youth & Legacy - Baal HaTanya - His Involvement in The Machlokes

Dec 14, 2023

51:59

In this episode, we examine Kissinger’s youth more carefully based on a documentary produced by people in the KAJ community. We also look at the challenge of morality. We also look at R Shnuer Zalman of Liozna’s part in the machlokes between the Chassidim and the Misnagdim. What affect did R Shneur Zalman have on this machlokes? When did he become one of the primary figures in the machlokes? What caused the new outbreak of hostilities in 1798? 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

125

Henry Kissinger - Legacy, Lessons & Controversy

Dec 6, 2023

1:00:42

Henry Kissinger was one of the most important American diplomats of the twentieth century. He aroused very strong feelings and opinions in many circles. Why is this true? What is his key legacy? What lessons can we learn about life from Kissinger and his legacy? 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

126

Torah Lishma - Synthesizing the Gra and R' Chaim Volozhin

Nov 30, 2023

51:49

In this week’s episode we take a deeper look at how to properly understand R Chaim Voluzhin’s comments on the issue of Torah Lishma. We also discuss how to synthesize the comments we saw from the Vilna Gaon with R Chaim Voluzhin’s presentation 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

127

Torah Lishma - The Vilna Gaon’s Approach

Nov 21, 2023

48:49

Many assume that R Chaim Volozhin completely argues with the Tanya about how to understand Torah Lishma. In this episode, we take a closer look at the issue. We specifically look at a number of statements from the Vilna Gaon in Mishley that discuss the issue. How does this affect how we understand R Chaim Volozhin’s comments on the issue? We also take a closer look at the custom of wearing hats and jackets for davening, and how people relate to this is a practical sense. 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

128

Tanya - Torah Lishma: A Deeper Look

Nov 16, 2023

52:20

In this episode we take a deeper look at the potential benefits of proper Torah learning. How does this have the potential to give us the tools to deal with the challenges of maintaining commitment in our times? We also look at how there are parallelisms between Tanya and Nefesh HaChaim in their understanding of high level Avodas Hashem. We also examine if there is a connection between the Chassidic practice of wearing a bekesh or jacket when they learn and the Tanya’s definition of Torah Lishma. Or is there another reason for this practice. 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

129

Tanya - Torah & Dveikus

Nov 8, 2023

50:23

In this episode we look at how Tanya understands the process of learning Torah and how this is connected to Dveikus. According to the Tanya, how do we understand the ideal of focusing on Dveikus when learning Torah? According to Tanya is there a connection between the process of understanding a sugya and Dveikus? We also look at the Ramchal’s statements about this issue. Is Tanya closer to the Ramchal on this or to the Nefesh HaChaim? 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

130

Torah Lishma and Focused Direction in Avodas Hashem

Nov 2, 2023

57:06

In this episode, we start looking at the famed machlokes between the Tanya and Nefesh HaChaim about Torah Lishma. In order to properly understand R Chaim Volozhin’s approach it is necessary to understand what place, ‘Avodas Hashem’, plays in the Misnagdic world. How important did the Vilna Gaon and R Chaim Volozhin think this was? We similarly examine the famed statement of R Yisroel Salanter on the obligation to learn Mussar. Would R Yisroel say the same thing today? 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

131

The Tanach Translations

Oct 26, 2023

1:04:39

Most of this episode looks at the basic challenge of translation. The beginning of the episode has some important insights into the issues we have discussed about the Gaza war. We examine why the challenge of translation is even more difficult when translating from Hebrew to English. We also examine the major English translations of the last hundred years. Which translation is the best? What flaws do the different translations have? 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

132

The Gaza War, Politics & Relating to News

Oct 19, 2023

52:52

In this episode we more carefully examine why Israel is calling this a war. We take a look at one of the basic parts of politics, compromise. Is compromise a necessary evil, or is it a standard part of national cohesion and cooperation? We also look at the basic challenge of understanding the news and how to properly relate to news. What are the basic challenges in relating to the news? 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. We are currently learning DIVREI HAYAMIM Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

133

The Gaza War

Oct 12, 2023

54:39

In this week’s episode we look at how to understand The Gaza War. What lessons can we learn from this war? What is the difference between this and the Yom Kippur War? What major factor will play a significant part in determining how long this war goes on for? Is this part of the War of Gog? What tools do we have to cope better with the difficulties of the situation? 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. We are currently learning KOHELES Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

134

#159 - The Spinoza Documentary

Oct 3, 2023

1:03:39

In this week’s episode we look at the recent documentary about Spinoza. Spinoza made the news a couple of times in the last couple of years because of this documentary. What level tool of knowledge is a documentary? What are the limits of a documentary in general? How does this documentary do in terms of the limits of a documentary? 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. We are currently learning KOHELES Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

135

158 - Vilna Gaon on Beinonim - Definition & Advice

Sep 27, 2023

1:06:49

In this week's episode we take a deeper look at how the Vilna Gaon understands Tzadikim, Banonim and Reshaim. How much of a difference is there between the Vilna Gaon and Tanya on this topic? We also look at the basic advise and recommendations the Vilna Gaon has for us on these topics. 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. We are currently learning KOHELES Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

136

#157 - Confrontation of 1771, Vilna Gaon on Tzadikim,Beinonim & Reshaim

Sep 21, 2023

58:42

In the first half of this episode we look at some of the legends that people say about the famed confrontation between the Vilna Gaon and R Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk and the R Shnuer Zalman of Liozna. Is it possible that the Vilna Gaon challenged R Menachem Mendel to a debate? In the second half of the episode we go back to look more at the Vilna Gaon’s definition of Tzadikim, Banonim, and Reshaim. We see how the Gaon illustrates the basic, ‘Nefesh’ level difference between these categories. 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. We are currently learning MELACHIM I Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

137

#156 - Relating to the Judgment of Rosh HaShana

Sep 12, 2023

58:59

In this week’s episode, we look at some of the key events of this year, the tumult of the reforming of the Israeli Supreme Court and the advances of AI. What lessons can we learn from these events? How can we use these lessons to improve or ability to relate to Rosh HaShana? 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. We are currently learning MELACHIM I Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

138

#155 - Tanya - Beinoni & Tzadik + Vilna Gaon on Beinoni

Sep 6, 2023

49:14

In this week’s episode, we take look at the Tanya’s distinction between the level of Banoni and the level of Tzadik. Is there a practical way to know who is has a soul that is the level of Tzadik? Why is it that people are so interested in this? We start looking at the Vilna Gaon’s statements in Mishley on these issues. Was the Vilna Gaon directly responding to the Tanya? Where does he agree with Tanya and where does he argue? 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. We are currently learning MELACHIM I Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

139

#154 - Tanya and the Definition of "Beinonim"

Aug 31, 2023

53:14

In this episode we look at the issue of how to define the term, ‘Banoni’. Tanya has a well known and fascinating way to define the term. In order to understand the issue better, we examine the different places in Shas that this term is used and also look at how the term was classically defined. We specifically take a deep look at the sugya of, ‘The three Books of Rosh HaShana’. Is there any relationship between R Hutner’s understanding of banoni and Tanya’s understanding of banon 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. We are currently learning Melachim I Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

140

#153 - Tanya - Importance of Lishma

Aug 24, 2023

52:06

In this episode we take a deeper look at how the Tanya explains the importance of doing a mitzva properly. We also look at the response of R Chaim Volozhin to this. We also take a practical look at when a person should be adding on extras to their mitzva performance. 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. We are currently learning MELACHIM I Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

141

#152 - Tanya, Authority, Neo Chassidus & Pursuit of Perfection

Aug 17, 2023

56:49

In this week’s episode we look at how the Tanya explains the importance of doing a mitzva lishma. We also look at why there is more interest in what are called, ‘pnimius of Torah’, today than there was in the past. How is authority and duty viewed today? How did it used to be viewed in the past? How does this affect our commitment to Torah? We also look at what is called Neo Chassidus. Why has this become more popular? 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. We are currently learning MELACHIM I Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

142

#151 - Tanya as Philosophy

Aug 10, 2023

56:30

In this episode we discuss the statement found in many contemporary publications that call Tanya, Chassidic Philosophy. Is this an accurate description of Tanya? What is the basic difference between how people in the Chassidic world and people in the Litvish world will try to improve their fulfillment of mitzvas? How does this relate to the basic differences between the Besht and the Gaon? 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. We are currently learning Melachim I Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

143

#150-The Tanya Controversy

Aug 3, 2023

56:22

In this episode we look some of the basic issues that Tanya discusses. We similarly look at how commonly are the Tanya’s statements included in general discussion of these issues. One of the Vilna Gaon’s greatest historical legacies is the primacy of the sugya. How does the Vilna Gaon define the sugya? Should the Tanya be included in the sugya in the issues he discusses? 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. We are currently learning Melachim I Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

144

#149 - Relating to Tisha b’Av & the Kinnos

Jul 25, 2023

56:30

In this episode we look at some of the key reasons we have difficulty relating to Tisha b’Av. We also look at why we find the Kinos so difficult to relate and even to say. We also look at some tools we can employ to better relate to both Tisha b’Av and the Kinos. This is the link to the Kinos shiurim in Rabbi Menachem Spira’s shul in Passaic: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16Xv10Gm0Am1mNH-2DGYWMvwILQEJdj-R 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. We are currently learning MISHLEY Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

145

148-JHU-Chassidic Reaction to AI & R' Shnuer Zalman

Jul 20, 2023

51:43

In the episode, we look at how contemporary Chassidic groups have reacted to the AI advances. Why have the American Chassidic groups reacted and not the Israeli ones? We continue looking at R Shnuer Zalman development as a leader. What was one of his deepest hesitations to becoming a Chassidic leader? What important innovations did he come up with? Is there a way to document his success as a leader? 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. We are currently learning MISHLEY Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

146

#147 - R' Shnuer Zalman - Ascension to Leadership

Jul 12, 2023

51:43

In this episode we look at the process of R Shnuer Zalman of Liozna becoming the founder of what is called today Chabad Chassidus. When did R Shneur Zalman actually found a Chassidus? Did this happen immediately after the petira of the Maggid of Mezritch? What caused R Shnuer Zalman to become a Chassidic Rebbe? How long of a process was it? 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. We are currently learning MISHLEY Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

147

#146 - AI - Challenges to Amailus & Society

Jul 6, 2023

1:08:06

In this episode we take a different look at the way AI is different from human intelligence and how this creates a challenge for us at a very basic level. We also look at how AI is affecting the economy and office work and how this will probably affect productivity. We conclude by examining one of the key issues here in terms of our attitude to AI and how this fits into the greater picture of 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. We are currently learning MISHLEY Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

148

#145 - AI - Understanding the Depth of the Challenge

Jul 2, 2023

1:04:46

In this episode, we look at how the advances in AI will affect us in a deep way. Is there any ways that AI has similarity to kishuf? One of AI’s greatest strengths is its ability to produce a clear and convincing presentation. How will this ability complicate life? How is this related to the basic core definition of what defines man as man? We also look at how a clear presentation without deep understanding of an issue can lead to deep distortion of understanding the issue. And the classic example of this is understanding Dovid!! 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. We are currently learning MISHLEY Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

149

#144 - AI & Human Accomplishment

Jun 22, 2023

57:03

Podcast Sponsored by Otzar HaChochma 30% OFF Summer Sale! Click here! In this episode we take another look why many are deeply unsettled by AI. We also look at the key differences between AI and Human Intelligence. How does Aristotle define the ultimate Human Accomplishment? How did the Rambam modify this concept? What is the ultimate goal of Human ability and accomplishment? Can AI play any significant part in 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. We are currently learning MISHLEY Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

150

#143 - Understanding Reaction to AI & ChatGPT

Jun 15, 2023

53:48

Podcast Sponsored by Otzar HaChochma 30% OFF Summer Sale! Click here! In this episode we look at the new innovation of AI, Chat GPT. Why do people feel threatened by this development? Does this have anything in common with the fear of nuclear warfare during the Cold War? How close to human intelligence is this? What is the very basic difference between this and human intelligence? 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. We are currently learning MISHLEY Click here to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Jewish History Uncensored

היסטוריה יהודית לא מצונזרת

More by Cedar Media Studios