Jewish History Uncensored

251

#28 - The Maggid and the Besht

Mar 4, 2021

45:09

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)

252

#27 - The Holy Letter and the Maggid of Mezritch

Feb 25, 2021

44:35

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)

253

#26 - The Historical Identification of Achashveirosh

Feb 18, 2021

51:24

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)

254

#25 - Torah and Science - Proper Understanding of Their Relationship

Feb 11, 2021

47:19

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)

255

GAON #24 - The Besht’s Holy Letter

Feb 4, 2021

43:46

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)

256

GAON #23 - The Cherem of 1781

Jan 28, 2021

34:44

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)

257

GAON #22 - Attitudes towards Chassidim in the 1770’s

Jan 21, 2021

39:28

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)

258

GAON #21 - Effects of the 1772 Cheramim

Jan 14, 2021

45:06

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)

259

GAON #20 - The Brody Cherem II

Jan 7, 2021

36:25

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)

260

GAON #19 - The Background of the Brody Cherem

Dec 31, 2020

36:09

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)

261

GAON #18 - The Vilna Cherem of 1772

Dec 24, 2020

38:43

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)

262

GAON #17 - The Vilna Communal Turmoil in the 1760’s

Dec 17, 2020

35:58

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)

263

R' Aharon Chadash זצ״ל - Appreciating His Accomplishments

Dec 10, 2020

46:37

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)

264

GAON #15 - The Gaon and His Bais Medrash

Dec 3, 2020

41:44

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)

265

GAON #14 -The Vilna Gaon’s Unfulfilled Ambitious Projects

Nov 26, 2020

47:21

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)

266

GAON #13 - The Gaon’s Editing of Rabbinical Documents

Nov 19, 2020

37:15

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)

267

GAON #12 - The Vilna Gaon’s Torah Accomplishments

Nov 12, 2020

40:34

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)

268

GAON #11 - Vilna Gaon - Legacy

Nov 5, 2020

35:48

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)

269

GAON #10 - Vilna Gaon - Early Life

Oct 29, 2020

48:04

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)

270

Covid-19- Plague Perspectives & Messianism in Jewish History

Oct 22, 2020

39:33

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)

271

BESHT #8 The Ramban & The Besht

Oct 15, 2020

38:28

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)

272

BESHT #7 Beshtian Theology II

Oct 1, 2020

43:41

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)

273

BESHT #6 Beshtian Theology I

Sep 24, 2020

41:15

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)

274

BESHT #5 Types of Opposition to Chassidus

Sep 17, 2020

41:52

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)

275

BESHT #4 Baal Shem in Mezhibozh

Sep 10, 2020

36:21

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)

276

BESHT #3 Family Complications & Revelation

Sep 3, 2020

32:20

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)

277

BESHT #2: Development & Controversy Regarding His First Marriage

Aug 20, 2020

41:14

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]

278

GAON/BESHT #1: Mysterious Origins of the Baal Shem Tov

Aug 17, 2020

48:56

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]

279

Introducing: Jewish History Uncensored (The Gaon & the Besht)

Aug 17, 2020

10:21

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]

Jewish History Uncensored

היסטוריה יהודית לא מצונזרת

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