In this episode, we look more carefully at some of the key evidence the Beis Din had about Spinoza. What can we learn from the type of evidence about the details of the Cherem? Were the statements attributed to Spinoza ones that one would say casually? We also start looking at the intellectual background of the times, and where Spinoza’s ideas originated 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. We are currently learning MEGILLAS ESTHER. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

In this episode we closely look at the details of the Cherem that the Amsterdam community put on Baruch Spinoza. What is the halachic definition of a Cherem? What part of the Cherem process does shofar blowing play? Are curses an integral part of the Cherem process? What made the Spinoza Cherem more serious? Is it possible that cups of blood were used in the Spinoza Cherem? 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 YEHOSHUA. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

  In this episode we look at humanity’s search for perfection and how this expresses itself in the world. Where does this very deep human drive come from? What are we supposed to do with this deep human drive? What key tools do we need to use to properly focus this basic drive?    We also look at chumras. What is a chumra? How does one accurately translate chumra into English? When should one integrate a chumra into one’s 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 YEHOSHUA. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

In this episode we look at how Spinoza’s level of Jewish education effected his ability to properly understand Chazal. We take a look at the different levels of Emunas Chachamim. We start looking at the cherem that the community of Amsterdam put on Spinoza. How common was it for the community to issue a cherem? What was different about the cherem that they issued against Spinoza? 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 YEHOSHUA. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

In this episode we look at what level of Jewish education Spinoza got to. Did Spinoza get to the level of understanding how to read and analyze Shas? Did he have any contact with Rabbi Menashe ben Israel? We also take a look at Rabbi Menashe ben Israel’s major accomplishments. What can we learn about the general cultural milieu from Rabbi Menashe ben Israel’s significant dialogues with non Jewish society? 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 YEHOSHUA. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

In this episode we look at the Jewish Educational system in Amsterdam in the times of Spinoza. The Yeshiva had a system of six grades from the age of seven until twenty one. How does this correspond to modern educational systems?    We also examine the issue of did Spinoza remember his birth mother, who died when he was six? How much of an influence should this have had on 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. We are currently learning YEHOSHUA. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

This episode is dedicated in honor of Yeshiva Torat Shraga.  In this episode we look at the deep compilations of Spinoza’s family. Spinoza’s mother died when he was six years old, and his father remarried when he was eight years old. Who was Spinoza’s step mother? What was her background? Is there any reason to believe she had significant influence on 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. We are currently learning YEHOSHUA. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

This episode is dedicated לעילוי נשמת חיה בת אלכסנדר On the occasion of her Yahrzeit י שבט In this episode we look at how one should Halachically classify the different types of suicide. Is there any time that suicide is allowed? Was Adam Cherniakow, head of the Warsaw Judenradt allowed to commit suicide?  We start looking at Spinoza’s family. Where was his father born? Where was his mother born?  What part did his father play in the Jewish Community of Amsterdam?  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 YEHOSHUA. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY:

In this episode we look at the conclusion of Uriel de Costa’s life. After writing his books against Judaism and religion, De Costa eventually attempted to rejoin the Jewish Community. The community demanded that he agree to being publicly lashed. Why was such a severe punishment done by the community? What effect did this have on De Costa? How did De Costa view his life efforts? 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 YEHOSHUA. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY:  

In this episode we continue looking at the tragic story of Uriel de Costa. De Costa moved to Hamburg where he wrote two controversial books about his position on Rabbinic authority and immortality of the soul. We look at how the community responded.  R' Yehuda Aryeh de Modena also responded. R Yehuda Aryeh de Modena is a very important historical figure. We take a quick look at his important historical contributions, including his sefer Aryeh Noham that investigated the authenticity of the Zohar. 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 YEHOSHUA. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY:  

In this episode we continue looking at the tragic story of Uriel De Costa. Some time after De Costa moved to Amsterdam and reverted to Judaism, he became disenchanted with the Rabbinic Judaism that was being practiced. He claimed to be shocked by this discovery. How should he look at his claims? Are there good reasons to believe that these claims are a later exaggeration? 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 YEHOSHUA. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY:  

 In this episode there is more response about the Yeshiva Curriculum issues.   We look at the very important issue of how to see when a  society looks at an issue as reality. How does this effect us? What can we learn from this phenomenon?    We also start looking at Uriel De Costa. De Costa was of Portuguese Jewish descent and his tragic life in a way was a precursor to Spinoza.  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 YIRMIYAHU. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY:  

In this week’s episode, we look at one of the other major Rabbis of Amsterdam in this era, Rabbi Yitzchak Abuav de Fonseca. Rabbi Abuav had a unique background, he was born in Portugal to a prominent Rabbinical family. In the 1630’s the Jewish Community of Amsterdam was engulfed in a major controversy about how to understand who has a portion in the world to come. What was the issue? What do we learn about those times from this controversy? There also is a follow up to last week’s episode. We look at some of the other issues and challenges that exist in society today and how they affect 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 YIRMIYAHU. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY:

In this episode we address the recent comments of R' Moshe Weinberger about the Yeshiva curriculum and its effectiveness. Why did the Yeshivas choose this curriculum? What makes it effective? Is there a connection between Shas and Machahava and Chassidus? How does learning Shas affect a person’s core relationship with 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 YIRMIYAHU. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY:  

In this episode we look at one of the first Rabbis of Amsterdam, Rabbi Shaul Mortera. Where did they go to find a Rabbi that would fit with their community? Is there any significance to his family background? We also look at the one of prime tools the community used to keep internal order, cherem. What is a cherem? Is it still used today? Is it accurate from a Torah perspective to use this terminology? 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 YIRMIYAHU. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY:  

In this episode we take a deeper look at the most important Historical accomplishment of the Mashgiach of Mir, R' Aharon Chadash. What critical role did R' Aharon Chadash play in the development of the Mir into the largest Yeshiva in the world? Are there any parallels between with this and the development of Lakewood into the largest Yeshiva in the USA?   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 YIRMIYAHU. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY:  

In this episode we look at more of the details of the founding of the first synagogue in Amsterdam. We are able to learn from this story and from other basic features of the Jewish Community the specific mindset that they had. One of the customs of the Jewish Community in Amsterdam was to have three names. Why did they have this custom and what is it’s significance? 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 YIRMIYAHU. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY:  

In this episode we look at the founding of the Jewish Community of Amsterdam. How was it that Amsterdam specifically came to have such a major community ? We take a careful look at the two legends about the founding of the community. Which parts of these legends are clearly documented? Which part of these legends are probably legendary but not factual? 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 YIRMIYAHU. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY:

In this episode we look at the hidden century of the Crypto Jews. The vast majority of the Crypto Jews were from the Jews who went to Portugal and were forced to convert in 1497. The Portuguese Jewish communities weren’t founded until the late 1500’s. What happened to these unfortunate Jews in this hidden century? What records do we have of them in this time? What level of commitment were they able to keep in this time?  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 YIRMIYAHU. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY:

As is well documented, Spinoza was of Marrano, crypto Jewish background. In this episode we look at the Historical Background of the Marranos.  How did this occur? We also discuss the tragic dilemma of the what to do with one’s children when in a shmad situation. What events in general Spanish History contributed to the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492? How is it that the crypto Jew issue primarily was expressed in the 1600s?    We also discuss the question of was Christopher Columbus Jewish? 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 YIRMIYAHU. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY:

In this episode we look at the famed question: why study History? We also look at why most people find the study of History so challenging. We also examine the basic differences between History and Jewish History, and how this changes the reason to study History.  We also look at one of the classic examples of how Torah connects with Jewish History. 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] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at the important issue of how to evaluate evidence. When should one accept a historical claim as true? We examine the topic by looking at the celebration of the Besht’s birthday on 18th of Elul. When did people start celebrating birthdays? Is there a difference between birthdays and Yahrzeits? We also look at the issue of machlokes, the disagreements in Shas etc. How do we understand this phenomenon? Does it have any effect on Torah?  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] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

 0:30 Is there a difference in the issues of Emuna and Bitachon between Chassidus and Hisnagdus?  6:04 What is the difference between how Chassidus and Hisnagdus views optimum fulfillment of mitzvos? 16:10 How does this apply to saying Shema? 21:03 Does the machlokes between Chassidus and Hisnagdus parallel what is the prime focus of Judaism, intellect or emotions? 27:07 Is the concept of Chassidus limited to the Baal Shem Tov? Did the Baal Shem Tov invent the idea of Chassidus?  33:27 When did real Hisnagdus start? Who were the instigators? 44:06 Was the machlokes primarily of Halacha of Hashkafa? 46:12 Was there different type of opposition to the Baal Tanya than any other types of Chassidus? 48:20 What would the Besht say about contemporary Chassidus?  55:18 How much of Nefesh Ha-Chaim is Hisnagdus? 56:02 What does it mean that Noam Elimelech is for Tzadikim, Tanya for Banonim, and Likutai Maran is for Reshaim? 1:02:01 How should we understand statements that seem to accuse Chassidus or Hisnagdus of heresy? When can we integrate these ideas into our lives? 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] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at some of the lessons we can learn from the Corona crisis of the last year and a half. We examine one of the most important Tanachic rules for understanding major events, ‘in the end of days you will be able to properly understand it’. We also examine the challenge governments have been facing in making proper rules for these times. What can we learn from this challenge about our times? What does this crisis show us about Chazal and Rabbinical commands? 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 Yirmiyahu. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at some of the practical differences between Chassidim and Misnagdim. How does affect the relationship between Torah and Tefila? What differences are there in a practical in this issue between Chassidim and Misnagdim? What attitude do we have to the occasions when one does a mitzva without proper intentions. Is this situation basically problematic or is it basically fine?  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 Yirmiyahu. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we take a deeper look at the Ari’s approach to Haalas Nitzotzim. We also examine the difference between the Ari’s application of Haalas Nitzotzim and the Besht’s application of Haalas Nitzotzim. Why did the Vilna Gaon argue with the Besht and not with the Ari? How much of the Vilna Gaon’s argument with the Besht is in the theoretical realm and how much is about practical applications?  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 Yirmiyahu. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

Episode 52 - Tzimtzum - The Vilna Gaon’s approach   In this episode we carefully look at the Vilna Gaon’s understanding of Tzimtzum. Does the Vilna Gaon in fact directly argue with those who hold Tzimtzum should not be understood literally? How does the Vilna Gaon understand the spiritual structure that gives our world the ability to exist? What exactly is he arguing with Chassidus about in this issue? We also look at R' Dessler’s comment on this controversial 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. We are currently learning Yirmiyahu. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we take a more in-depth look at Tzimtzum. We also see what stand Chassidus takes in the machlokes between R' Emanuel Chai Ricco and R' Yosef Irgus about the issue.  We exploret the connection between how Chassidus understands Tzimtzum and the issue of Hoshgocha Pratis. We also take a practical look at how different contemporary groups implement the Besht’s ideas.  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 Yirmiyahu. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we start looking at what the Gaon meant when he accused the Chassidim of infringing on, ‘Kibud Av’. We also look at the basic issues surrounding the topic of Tzimtzum. We examine the basic concepts of Tzimtzum.  We look at the machlokes between R' Emanuel Chai Ricco and R' Yosef Irgun if should we understand this issue in a literal way.  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 Yirmiyahu. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode, we take a deeper look at one of the key issues that the Vilna Gaon argued with the Besht about, Haalas Nitzotzim, raising the sparks. Where in the Vilna Gaon’s letter does he refer to this concept? We also examine the source of this statement in the Ari’s writings. We also examine how the Vilna Gaon related to the Ari and the writings of the Ari’s students. 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 Yirmiyahu. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we take a closer look at the Vilna Gaon’s personal letter against Beshtian Chassidus. What exactly was the Vilna Gaon accusing the Chassidim of? How do we understand the Vilna Gaon’s accusation that the Chassidim were, ‘revealing an explanation in Torah against Halacha’? Does this have anything to do with the changes made to prayer?    We also start looking at the letter the Baal Tanya wrote as a response to the Vilna Gaon’s letter. What can we learn about the core of the conflict from the Baal Tanya’s letter?  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 Yirmiyahu. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

This week’s podcast is sponsored by Rabbi Ari Senter לעילוי נשמת his father הרב זכריה בן אורי In this episode we look at the importance of mourning on Tisha B’Av and the very deep challenge we have relating to Tisha B’Av.  How should mourning on Tisha B’Av affect the Jewish year? How much deeper are we challenged by this ideal of mourning than people were in previous times? Why are we so deeply challenged? What are the basic steps we can take to make progress in this challenge?  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 Yirmiyahu. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode, we look at the critically important letter the Vilna Gaon wrote in 1796 that explains his opposition to the Besht’s ideas. Why did the Vilna Gaon write this letter? What is the difference between this letter and the bans of excommunication that the Vilna Gaon had already signed on?  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 Yirmiyahu. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we take a careful look at the two controversies around the Ramchal. What specifically caused each of them to happen? How did the Ramchal view the two controversies? Did the Ramchal consider the promises he made to be legally binding in each case? We also take another look at the Ramchal’s Maggid and how to understand 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 Tehillim. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we take a deeper look at the Ramchal’s youth and his first Rebbe R' Yitzchak Chaim Kantorini. We also look at the issue of the Tehillim of the Ramchal and its historical context. We look at the Ramchal’s guiding the Kabbalistic group, Mevakshai Hashem and his core principles of understanding the relationship between the Hidden and Revealed parts of Torah.  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 Tehillim. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at the Ramchal’s experiences after he moved to Amsterdam. This is where he printed his famous works, Mesilas Yesharim, Derech Hashem, and Daas Tevunos. How was he able to print these works? Why did he change his writing style? Where did the Ramchal live in Israel? Did he ever visit Jerusalem? Where is he buried? How did the Ramchal achieve his colossal historical 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. We are currently learning Tehillim. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at how R' Moshe Chagiz was successfully able to challenge the Ramchal and force him to stop publicly teaching and give up his early writings.    We also look at the tumult in the Rabbinic world about the authenticity of the Zohar, and specifically R' Yehuda de Modena’s sefer, ‘Ari Noham’. We look at how the Ramchal got involved and how R' Moshe Chagiz reacted to the Ramchal’s involvement. 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 Tehillim. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at how the Ramchal came to Reggio and the founding of the chabura Mevakshai Hashem. We also look at the Ramchal’s writings, when were they written, and how we have them today.  We also discuss the style of the Ramchal’s writings.    We look at the Ramchal’s Maggid, heavenly messenger. What is a maggid? How does it relate to Prophecy and Ruach Ha-Kodesh? We look at the massive growth of the Ramchal’s group, R Moshe Chagiz’s opposition, and the outcome of the first confrontation between the Ramchal and R' Moshe Chagiz.  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 Tehillim. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

 In this episode we look at the contemporary evidence about the location of the lost Ten Tribes. How much solid evidence is there? Is it possible that they are to be found in Western India? What can we learn from early modern interest in this issue?   We start looking at the Ramchal’s life.  Where was he born? Where did his family originate from? Who were his Rebbeim? Is there a direct connection between the Ramchal and the Ari zl?  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 Tehillim. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at end of R' Imanuel Chai Ricco’s life and his tragic death. Why did people consider him as dying for Kiddush Hashem?  We start looking at the issue of the Ten Tribes. What happened to them after they were exiled? What does it say in Tanach about them? What does it say in Shas about them? Is there other Midrashic information about where the Ten Tribes were exiled to? How do we reconcile R Akiva’s opinion that the Ten Tribes aren’t coming back with the places in Tanach that strongly imply they are coming back? We look at the legendary story of Eldad Ha-Dani.  When did this story happen? Did everyone accept the story as true? Is there a connection between Eldad Ha-Dani and the Ethiopian Jews?  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 Tehillim. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at the challenge of internalizing the authenticity of Torah in our challenging times.  Is there a difference between how we see Tanach and it’s narrative and the other words of Chazal? What can we do in order to see the Torah as being the ultimate of substantial?  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 Rus. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we take a careful look at how R Emanuel Chai Ricco’s sefer, ‘Mishnas Chassidim’, gained very deep influence on the learning of Kabbala in the 1700’s. We look at the basic structure of the Kloiz of Brody and how this connects to the Mishnas Chassidim. We also look at one of the key ideas in one of R Emanuel Chai Ricco’s other sefarim about when Mashiach should come and how this impacted the Jewish 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. We are currently learning Tehillim. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we will look at the golden era of Italian Mekubalim in the 1700’s. We start by looking at the basic community structure in Italy. In terms of Historical Legacy, the relativity unknown R' Emanuel Chai Ricco is incredibly important. In this episode we look at his early life, how he came to become one of the most important Kabbalists of his times and what led him to write his seminal work, ‘Mishnas Chassidim’.  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 Tehillim. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at R Levi Yitzchok’s Historical Legacy as the ultimate defender of the Jewish People. We examine some of the famous legends and stories that are said about him. We also start looking at the debates with the Misnagdim, and how R' Levi Yitzchok and R' Shmelke responded to the accusations.  We also examine the issue of how to determine which legendary stories should be considered substantial evidence. 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 Shir Hashirim. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

This episode looks at R' Levi Yitzchok’s earlier Rabbinic positions in Ritiswall, Lobertov, and Pinsk. How much systematic opposition did R Levi Yitzchok face in these cities? What can we learn about the general phenomenon of hisnagdus from R' Levi Yitzchok’s experiences? What can we learn about R' Levi Yitzchok as a Rabbinical figure from these 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. We are currently learning Shir Hashirim. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at the Yom Ha-Shoah and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Why did the Knesset establish Yom Ha-Shoah on the 27th of Nisan? Is this the best time to remember the Holocaust? Was the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising historically justified? What was the Historical footprint of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising? Did the Germans react to it? Did it make any change in how the Poles interacted with the Jews?   Research notes:   The best one volume book on the Holocaust is Martin Gilbert’s famed volume, The Holocaust https://www.amazon.com/dp/0006371949/ref=cm sw r cp api glt fabc XGSZNQTJE7NN9HAFHKF3, weaves narrative and has an incredible amount of very important information.  His narrative on The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising is only based on Zuckerman’s narrative and makes no mention of ZZW.    Saul Freidlander’s The Years of Extermination: Nazi Germany and the Jews, 1939-1945 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UZQH8E/ref=cm sw r cp api glt 7VZ62R64562HH89CPRGM is another very important one volume work on the Holocaust that was consulted.    In terms of understanding the general attitude in Germany at the time Goldhagen’s somewhat controversial book, Hitler's Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust https://www.amazon.com/dp/0679772685/ref=cm sw r cp api glt fabc SG1BJQR7SS2JW8EH98SS, is very key. Similarly, Lawrence Rees, Auschwitz: A New History https://www.amazon.com/dp/1586483579/ref=cm sw r cp api glt fabc 98YXQ14TSASRW4VDB01S, is outstanding and has many unique interviews that a Jewish Historian would never get.      One of the most important digests of general information that I use on the Warsaw Ghetto pre uprising is, Kiddush Hashem: Jewish Religious and Cultural Life in Poland During the Holocaust (English and Yiddish Edition) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0881251186/ref=cm sw r cp api glt fabc MR266PFSBV6RZMCYHN5W.       In terms of the basic story of the Great Deportation of summer 42, The Warsaw Ghetto Diaries by Hillel Seidman (1997-12-04) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FIZQO9M/ref=cm sw r cp api glt fabc MH06VM2CX040AG2P2T2Q     Moshe Arens carefully and relatively objectively examines the ZOB vs ZZW issues and also most of the basic story from before the Great Deportation through the Revolt in his monumental Flags Over the Warsaw Ghetto https://www.amazon.com/dp/1094763284/ref=cm sw r cp api glt fabc SNN0RM9WXAJWBBV0EQ9E     The information about the Sobibor revolt and about Toibi Thomas Blatt’s experiences is from the standard work on Sobibor, Escape from Sobibor: Revised and Updated Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1480458511/ref=cm sw r cp api glt fabc 1X0J722H02NFM19J0BQ4, which also is full of very important interviews of most of the Sobibor survivors.  Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein is a well known Torah scholar, Tanach expert, and Historian. He has lectured in the Mir Yeshiva, Torat Shraga, and and many Shuls internationally. These podcasts integrate his broad knowledge of many different facets of Torah and History. Join in weekly to gain accurate & in depth knowledge of some of the most important and controversial topics in Jewish History. 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 Shir HaShirim. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at the claim that R' Pinchas Horowitz wasn’t really a talmid of the Maggid of Mezritch. Why do some attempt to say this? Is there anyway we can disprove this? We also look at the printing of his sefer on Chumash, Panim Yafos. We also look at why it R Pinchas Horowitz didn’t try to spread the teachings of the Maggid of Mezritch in Frankfurt.    We start looking at R' Levi Yitzchok of Berdichov.  Is there any proof that he learnt with R' Yosef Tuemim Frankel, the Pri Megadim? How did he come to learn by the Maggid? 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 Shir Hashirim. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at the phenomenon of Disconnection. Human culture has been significantly destabilized for the last hundred years. One of the primary reasons for this is that there has been a cutting off from our Historical Roots. How does this affect us? What challenges does this create for us? What can we do to counteract 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 Tehillim. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at one of the most legendary stories in Jewish History, R' Pinchas Horowitz becoming the Rabbi of Frankfurt. Frankfurt was one of the most ancient and prestigious Jewish Communities in Europe. Was it an anomaly that R' Pinchas Horowitz, one of the primary Talmidim of the Maggid of Mezritch became the Rabbi there?  Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein is a well known Torah scholar, Tanach expert, and Historian. He has lectured in the Mir Yeshiva, Torat Shraga, and and many Shuls internationally. These podcasts integrate his broad knowledge of many different facets of Torah and History. Join in weekly to gain accurate & in depth knowledge of some of the most important and controversial topics in Jewish History. 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 Tehillim. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

#29 - The Maggid and his Talmidim In this episode we look at the Maggid of Mezritch’s greatest accomplishment, attracting Talmidim. How did the Maggid attract Talmidim? What kind of Talmidim did he attract? Was there competition between the Maggid and the Gaon in this? Was there any difference in who the Maggid would accept as a Talmid and who the Gaon would accept as a Talmid? Are there any Historical questions on the famous story of R Shmelke of Nikolsburg initially learning by the Gaon?   We also examine the out of proportion place that the Chief Rabbi’s of England have played in the last forty years.  Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein is a well known Torah scholar, Tanach expert, and Historian. He has lectured in the Mir Yeshiva, Torat Shraga, and and many Shuls internationally. These podcasts integrate his broad knowledge of many different facets of Torah and History. Join in weekly to gain accurate & in depth knowledge of some of the most important and controversial topics in Jewish History. 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 Tehillim. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)