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)

Episode 28 - The Maggid and the Besht  In this episode we look at when the Maggid of Mezritch met the Besht. We also examine how the Besht convinced the Maggid to become his talmid. Did the Besht openly appoint the Maggid as his successor? Or did it take time for the Maggid to become recognized as the successor of the Besht? Did anyone contest the Maggid’s place as successor of the Besht? 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)

This episode looks at which part the Holy Letter caused the storm to break out.  We  also look at the phenomenon of ascension of the soul. Is this the same as Prophecy?  Can one consider the Besht a false prophet for making such claims?  We also examine how the different parts of the Charedi world look at Mashiach.  We start looking at the Maggid of Mezritch’s early life. How did he meet the Baal Shem? Did the Pnei Yehoshua have any part in their meeting? 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)

In this episode we look at the historical identification of Achashveirosh. This issue is deeply connected to the discrepancy between secular history and the Tanachic system regarding the dating of the Destruction of the First Beis Ha-Mikdash. Why is there such a discrepancy? What is each chronological system based on? How should that affect how we view the issue? What can we learn about the Warsaw Ghetto uprising regarding the issue? 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 Megillas Esther. 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 issue of Torah and Science. How do we deal with contradictions between them?  Are we more challenged in this issue today than people were in the past? Is there a difference between challenges from the different scientific fields? How do we relate to different fields of knowledge? What can we do to relate to Torah as true reality?  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)

In this episode we take a close look at the Baal Shem’s Holy Letter. Why did the Baal Shem need assistance from his Rebbe to have such an experience? Why did he think that he saw a harbinger of his death?  What message did the Moshiach give him? Is there full consensus how to understand the message of the Moshiach to the Baal Shem? How did this effect the machlokes? 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)

 In this episode we look at the Cherem of 1781. What was the prime cause of the Cherem?  Did the printing of the sefarim of R Yaacov Yosef of Polna have a significant part in causing the Cherem? Or was it due to the printing of the Besht’s Holy Letter?     We also look at the phenomenon of indulgences, did this ever occur in Jewish History? We also take a look at the issue of davening shacharis late from a halachic and historical perspective. 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)

In this episode we look at the complexity of the Vilna Gaon’s practical attitude towards the Chassidim. Did the Vilna Gaon’s opposition to Beshtian Chassidus affect the way he would interact with them on a personal level? Are there any Torah precedents that apply to this situation?  We also carefully examine the difference, at a communal level, between the Cherem of 1772 and the Cherem of 1781. 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)

In this episode we look at the effects of the Vilna and Brody Cheramim. Did these cheramim effectively split Eastern European Jewry into two conflicting camps?  Or did it take longer for Eastern European Jewry to break into two conflicting camps. We closely examine the Chassidic Aliyah of 1772, and see how this sheds light on the issue.  We also take a quick look at the historical phenomenon of Chassidus in Jewish History at large.  We also look at if R' Schach considered himself a Zionist.  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)

In this episode we take a closer look at the statement that the Brody Cherem of 1772 was a product of the involvement of the Maskilim. We re-examine the statement that Yisroel of Zamosz was a Maskil. We also take a close look at the Beis Din’s scribe, R Aryeh Leib ben Mordechai. Is there any evidence that he was a Maskil, is there any evidence that he wasn’t a Maskil? We also examine some of the key details of the Cherem. What specific accusations were being made? We also look at the part the Besht played in correcting the problems that were created by the followers of Shabtai Tzvi.  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)

In this episode we look at the contemporary theory that real opposition to Beshtian Chassidus only started in 1781. We start looking at the issue of what part the Maskilim  played in the confrontation between Chassidim and Misnagdim. We look specifically at Yisroel of Zamosz. Was Yisroel of Zamosz an early Maskil? Was he one of the first opponents of Chassidus?  We also look at the different ways classic Ashkenazi last names are spelled.  We also look at Moses Montifiori and his relationship with the Old Yishuv of Jerusalem. 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] (CedarMedia Podcasting 2020)

In this episode we look at the Vilna Cherem of 1772.  We look at the broader historical context. How much of a part did the Vilna Gaon play in this Cherem?  Was the Vilna Gaon the main cause of the Cherem? Was there a connection between the Vilna community crisis and this Cherem? Were there other major causes for the Cherem? 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] (CedarMedia Podcasting 2020)

GAON #16 - The Vilna Communal Turmoil in the 1760’s The Jewish Community of Vilna in the times of the Vilna Gaon was in a state of extreme turmoil. In this episode we look at the basic details of the struggle between the last Rabbi of Vilna, Rabbi Shmuel ben Avigdor and the Kahal. What caused this conflict to start? What were they arguing about? What steps were taken to resolve the conflict? Why was it so difficult to resolve this conflict?  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] (CedarMedia Podcasting 2020)

This episode is an appreciation of the Mashgiach of the Mir Yeshiva, R Aharon Chadash זצ״ל. I had the privilege of knowing the Mashgiach for over thirty years and interacting with him in many different ways. 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] (CedarMedia Podcasting 2020)

Episode 15 - The Gaon and His Bais Medrash   In this episode we take a closer look at many of the biographical details of the Vilna Gaon. When was his Bais Medrash built?  We also look at the Vilna Gaon’s close students, especially R Chaim Volozhin. Was there a difference between how the Vilna Gaon related to his earlier students and his later ones? What can we learn from these facts about his attempted Aliyah? We also take another look at the Gaon’s synthesis of Shas and Halacha. And we also look at the Gaon’s part in the machlokes between R Yonasan Eibeshitz and R Yaacov Emden. 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] (CedarMedia Podcasting 2020)

Episode 14 -GAON V - The Vilna Gaon’s Unfulfilled Ambitious Projects  In this episode we look at the Vilna Gaon’s most ambitious projects that he ultimately was not able to complete. His project of writing a final and fully definitive version of Shulchan Aruch and his attempted Aliyah to Israel. Are these two projects connected? Is there anyway to know when they happened? How much documentation is there about his Aliya? 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] (CedarMedia Podcasting 2020)

Episode 13 -  Vilna Gaon IV - The Gaon’s editing of Rabbinical Documents One of the other key issues we look at is how to understand the Vilna Gaon’s editing of Shas and other Rabbinic material. Why did he edit some of these documents heavily and barely touch others?  How does the Vilna Gaon’s editing of Shas relate to the editing done by the other Acharonim? How would we project  the Gaon to have reacted to the manuscripts we have today? We also look at the issue of editing Tanach? Was it ever done? Would anyone have the ability to do that? 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] (CedarMedia Podcasting 2020)

Episode 12 - Vilna Gaon III - The Gaon’s Torah Accomplishments  In this episode we take a closer look at the  Vilna Gaon’s accomplishments in Torah. One of the key issues is proper understanding of the Vilna Gaon as a posek. How revolutionary was he? How much of a departure was he from the earlier poskim? One of the other key issues we look at is how to understand the Vilna Gaon’s editing of Shas and other Rabbinic material. Why did he edit some of these documents heavily and barely touch others?  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] (CedarMedia Podcasting 2020)

GAON #11 - Vilna Gaon - Legacy  In this episode we take a closer look at the image that the Vilna Gaon created in his student’s eyes. One of the primary examples is the Vilna Gaon’s legendary diligence. This is one of the most important legacy’s of the Gaon. We also discuss how to practically relate to this legacy. 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] (CedarMedia Podcasting 2020)

Unit on the Vilna Gaon This part of the series looks at the Vilna Gaon. We will examine his life, his ambitious projects , accomplishments, his contributions to Torah, and his historical legacy. We will see how the Vilna Gaon clearly influenced Polish Lithuanian Jewry and how this left a deep historical imprint.  EPISODE 10  Vilna Gaon Early Life  In this episode we look at the family background of the Vilna Gaon. We will examine some of the legendary stories about the Vilna Gaon’s youth. We will look at the period of his voluntary exile and some of the fascinating results of that period. We will examine one of the greatest legacies of the Vilna Gaon, his incredible diligence in learning.  We also will discuss how the Gaon changed the conflict with the Besht and his Chassidim.   Other topics discussed are the difference between the way Chassidim and Misnagdim say stories.  Was the Besht aware of the Gaon? What would have happened if the Gaon met the Besht? The Ramchal?  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. https://chat.whatsapp.com/BT7uWfbjk7wCMvT3UTjBbG For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMedia Podcasting 2020)

In this episode we look for the most accurate parallelism to Corona in Tanach. We also carefully look at the basic structure of the Redemption, and see how and if this applies to the Corona crisis.  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. https://chat.whatsapp.com/BT7uWfbjk7wCMvT3UTjBbG For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMedia Podcasting 2020)  

The Ramban & The Besht In this episode we take a more in depth look at the Ramban’s approach to Hoshgocha Pratit’, G-d direct involvement in the world. We examine the relationship between the Ramban and the Besht’s approaches in this important issue.   Other topics discussed are the Rambam and the controversy around the Rambam in this era. We also take another look at the important parable of the Toldos.  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 Koheles. https://chat.whatsapp.com/BT7uWfbjk7wCMvT3UTjBbG For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMedia Podcasting 2020)    

Beshtian Theology II In this episode, we take a closer look at the video way the Besht views the world. We also start looking at the Besht’s approach to, ‘raising the sparks’, and how this can be implemented into prayer. We also look at how the Besht changed the definition of ultimate piety.  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 Koheles. https://chat.whatsapp.com/BT7uWfbjk7wCMvT3UTjBbG For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMedia Podcasting 2020)

In this episode we start looking at the Besht’s thought. First we look at what is said in the academic world about the Besht’s thought and why the Vilna Gaon argues with him. We go on to examine the Besht’s ideas in the greater framework of how the classics understood the issue of Divine Providence, Hashgacha Pratit.     Other topics discussed are did Shabtai Tzvi’s apostasy have anything to do with not going to the mikva before learning Zohar? Is the thought of the Ari, Besht, and Tanya synonymous? 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 Yona. https://chat.whatsapp.com/BT7uWfbjk7wCMvT3UTjBbG For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMedia Podcasting 2020)

 In this episode, we look at the two basic types of opposition to the Besht and his spiritual heirs. The first type of opposition is communal or societal opposition. This type of opposition was due to Chassidus redefining the leadership qualifications in the communal structure. The second type of opposition was deeper and for theological reasons. We start looking at why the Besht’s innovations were considered so revolutionary.     We also will look at the famed legend of R Akiva Eiger sitting shiva for his, ‘son’, who became a Chossid.  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. For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMedia Podcasting 2020)

This shiur looks at the Besht living in Mezhobozh. Did the Besht experience any opposition when he first moved to Mezhibozh? Is there any documentation to this? What can we learn about the Besht and his communal status from this? We will also see if there is significant historical documentation to the Besht’s status during his life.    Other topics discussed are Uman and Rosh Ha-Shana, and the basic cultural structure of the Jews in Poland and Russia during the 1700’s.  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. For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] (CedarMedia Podcasting 2020)