Jewish History Uncensored

101

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

102

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

103

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

104

#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

105

#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

106

#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

107

#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

108

#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

109

#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

110

#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

111

#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

112

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

113

#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

114

#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

115

#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

116

#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

117

#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

118

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

119

#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

120

#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

121

#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

122

#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

123

#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

124

#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

125

#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

126

#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

127

#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

128

#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

129

#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

130

#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

131

#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

132

#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

133

#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

134

#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

135

#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

136

#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

137

#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

138

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

139

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

140

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

141

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

142

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

143

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

144

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

145

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

146

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

147

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

148

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

149

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

150

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

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