Jewish History Soundbites

201

Jews of the Maghreb: The Uniqueness of Moroccan Jewry

May 28, 2021

25:59

There is a certain uniqueness to the storied and ancient Jewish community of Morocco. At least 2,000 years old, it became the numerically largest Sephardic community in the world by the mid 20th century. On the other hand, for several centuries the community and many of its Torah leaders were relatively unknown beyond the confines of Moroccan Jewry. This was primarily due to its relative isolation. Nestled on the western edge of the African continent, it remained distant from both Europe as well as the vast Ottoman Empire. This isolation assisted in preserving and enriching the heritage and culture unique to Moroccan Jewry, as well as limiting the scope of its influence within the wider Jewish world. Medieval Morocco was host to luminaries such as the Rambam for several years while he was on the run from the Almohads, as well as the tzadik Rabi David UMoshe who arrived initially to fundraise for the Jewish community of Jerusalem and stayed on to lead the Berber Jewish community of the Atlas Mountains. This episode has been sponsored by Legacy Judaica. Join the upcoming auction on Sunday, May 30, for a chance to bid on some fascinating treasures of Jewish history: http://legacyjudaica.bidspirit.com/ For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

202

Great American Jewish Cities #21: Monsey Part II

May 24, 2021

44:24

From the early days of Bais Medrash Elyon and its prominent alumni, Monsey continued to develop both up and down "the hill". Rav Yaakov Lipschutz, Rav Chaim Flohr and others were prominent rabbis, as Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky still had a large impact on the town overall. Diverse schools opened up from ASHAR to Bais Dovid for boys and Bais Yaakov to Bais Rochel for girls. Soon Satmar arrived on the scene and first joining the Chareidim Shul, they then opened up an entire empire of their own institutions. Even Neturei Karta US headquarters were in Monsey led by Moshe Ber Beck and Yisroel Dovid Weiss. With its diversity and all kinds, Monsey developed into a unique suburban Jewish community. This has been generously sponsored in honor of Reb Shayala's Kitchen. An organization which helps middle class families going through temporary hardship to get back on their feet through a great Grocery Assistance program; Financial Coaching Business coaching; Any assistance to help a hardworking family get back on their feet. https://rsk.org/ For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

203

Great American Jewish Cities #21: Monsey Part I

May 18, 2021

44:22

Monsey. Rockland County. The Hudson River Valley. The image of suburbia. This small town across the Tappan Zee Bridge somehow developed into one of the largest Jewish Orthodox enclaves worldwide. Though the area had some minor Jewish beginnings from the end of the 19th century, it was with the vision of Rav Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz that Monsey began to develop as a Jewish community. Rav Shraga Feivel built Bais Medrash Elyon and his family and students laid the foundations of many Torah institutions including Yeshiva of Spring Valley and Bais Shraga. Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik was an early rabbi in Spring Valley, while his wife Rebbetzin Shoshana was a pioneer in girls education, standing at the helm of the Monsey Bais Yaakov for decades. Great personalities who resided in the town and contributed to its development included Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky, Rav Mordechai Schwab, Rav Nosson Horowitz, Ronnie Greenwald, the Vizhnitz Rebbe Rav Mottele Hager, Rav Moshe Neuschloss in nearby New Square and many others. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

204

Torah for Eternity: Stories of Rav Shmuel Rozovsky

May 16, 2021

33:18

Rav Shmuel Rozovsky (1913-1979) was perhaps the most influential teacher of Torah in the rebuilding of the post war Yeshiva world. Born into a rabbinic family in Grodno, he eventually moved to Palestine to escape the Polish army draft. There he joined the Lomza Yeshiva in Petach Tikva, later becoming the first rosh yeshiva in Ponovezh in Bnei Brak. When he was diagnosed with cancer, he sought out treatment in the United States, spending several months in Boston. Through the many challenges he faced in life, he continued to see his primary focus as a teacher of Torah. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

205

The Kabbalists of Komarno: Part II

May 13, 2021

31:51

In keeping with the mystical leanings of the Komarno dynasty, it is interesting to note the frequency in which the leaders of the dynasty passed away during the time of Sefiras Haomer, a fact which has mystical significance as well. Their involvement in Kabbalistic practice made the Zhiditchov-Komarno courts a prime target of Yosef Perl and other Galicia maskilim in the 19th century. Undeterred, the Komarno Rebbes continued to teach what they saw as the authentic mysticism of the Baal Shem Tov, refusing to adapt to the downplay of mysticism becoming so common throughout the chassidic movement of the 19th century. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

206

The Kabbalists of Komarno: The Komarno Dynasty Part I

May 11, 2021

29:55

One of the most unusual dynasties in the annals of the Chassidic movement is the Komarno dynasty. Closely related to the Zhiditchov dynasty, it carved out its own niche in Galicia and beyond, with its emphasis on the study of Kabbalah and deep mysticism. The primary personality of the movement was Rav Yitzchak Eizek Safrin of Komarno (1806-1874), who was a prolific writer. Among his works are the acclaimed Heichal Habracha and the Shulchan Hatohar. He was in turn succeeded by his son Rav Eliezer Tzvi Safrin (1830-1898), known by his famous work the Damesek Eliezer. Though much of the dynasty was tragically wiped out during the Holocaust, one grandson of the Damesek Eliezer had immigrated to the United States prior to the war's outbreak. Rav Chaim Yaakov Safrin set out to reestablish the Komarno court, and his son Rav Shalom ultimately rebuilt it in Jerusalem. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

207

Stories Of Ner Israel Part III

May 5, 2021

28:54

Another installment of stories of the Ner Israel Yeshiva in Baltimore throughout its history. Led by its legendary Rosh Yeshiva Rav Yaakov Yitzchak Ruderman, the Yeshiva grew and was to have a lasting impact on the American Torah landscape. Listen to the two previous installments on the history of Yeshivas Ner Israel here: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/stories-of-ner-israel-part-i/ https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/stories-of-ner-israel-part-ii/ For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

208

Nathan Gutwirth & the Dutch Rescue Scheme

Apr 30, 2021

29:44

Nathan Gutwirth was a Dutch yeshiva student at the Telz Yeshiva in Lithuania when he was thrust onto the stage of history. He was someone at the right place, at the right time, who did the right thing. When the Second World War broke out, he sought a way for he and his fiancée to escape to one of the Dutch overseas possessions and away from the developing inferno. Corresponding with the local Dutch consul Jan Zwartendijk and the Dutch ambassador in Riga LPJ De Decker, the island of Curacao became a possible destination. Ultimately, this would seem to be a possible destination for non-Dutch citizens as well, and many were saved as a result. He himself ended up in Indonesia, and was later interned by the Japanese. Following the war he immigrated to the United States before returning to Antwerp, where he lived out his remaining years. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

209

An Angel Amid the Ashes: The Klausenberger Rebbe Part I

Apr 27, 2021

41:18

Rav Yekusiel Yehuda Halberstam (1905-1994), known as the Sanz-Klausenberger Rebbe was a scion of the Sanz dynasty & rabbi in prewar Klausenburg (Kluj), but achieved renown for his heroic experiences during the horrors of the Holocaust and rebuilding efforts in its aftermath. After losing his wife and all his children, he survived Auschwitz, a labor camp in Warsaw, Dachau and Mühldorf, all the while refraining from consuming non-kosher food. Following liberation, he threw himself into rebuilding Jewish life in the Displaced Persons camps of Feldafing and Foehrenwald. Upon immigrating to the United States he remarried and attempted to carry out his vision of rehabilitation and rebuilding, all while being a father to the many survivors who had become attached to him. In the shadow of the destruction of the Holocaust, he modified his stance on the State of Israel, for which he entered into a dispute with his uncle the Satmar Rov and his followers, and even met with the Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. In 1956 he laid the cornerstone of the Kiryat Sanz community in Netanya, and he later had the unique distinction of being a chassidic rebbe who built a hospital. The Laniado Hospital was dedicated in 1975 and fulfilled his vision as a place which would preserve life on Jewish principles, as an answer to the destruction of life which had been sustained in the Holocaust. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

210

Great American Jewish Cities #20: Toronto Part III

Apr 22, 2021

37:17

The founding of the Toronto Kollel in 1970 was a turning point in the development of the Toronto Jewish community, and was just one of the many institutions built and supported by the Reichmann family. A Bais Yaakov for girls opened as well, which was headed by Rabbi Akiva Stefansky. Postwar Toronto contained a large contingent of Holocaust survivors, and one of the close knit communities was the Clanton Park community, headed by Rabbi Nachum Rabinovitch and later Rabbi Yitzchak Kerzner. Going back to prewar Jewish culture, Yiddish culture and education flourished, and Jewish politics covered the full gamut from socialists to Zionists. On August 16, 1933, the Toronto Jewish community experienced the infamous Christie Pits riot, bringing the issue of anti-Semitism to the forefront. Postwar immigration brought a large influx of Sephardic Jews from Spanish Morocco, which has become a burgeoning community as well. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

211

Great American Jewish Cities #20: Toronto Part II

Apr 19, 2021

29:37

Jewish Toronto in the post war saw a development of the community in its leadership and institutions. Rav Dovid Ochs replaced Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky at the helm of the Toras Emes community, and Chabad began to have a presence in town as well. A rising rabbinic leader at this time was Rav Gedalya Felder, while at the same time there started to arrive a large influx of Holocaust survivors, with Rav Meir Grunwald, the Teitcher Rov as a leader in the community as well. The Holy Blossom Synagogue started off as Orthodox and gradually shifted towards Reform in the early decades of the 20th century. As shuls and shtiebels increased with the arrival of Eastern European Jews, educational institutions were built. The Eitz Chaim schools became the premier mechanism of educational development for the Jewish youth of Toronto. Some of the greatest philanthropists of 20th century Jewish life resided there as well. The Reichman and Tannenbaum families are just two examples of this, as Joe Tannenbaum emerged as a patron of Jewish institutions both locally and worldwide. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

212

Great American Jewish Cities #20: Toronto Part I

Apr 17, 2021

35:20

Jewish immigrants in the late 19th century populated 'The Ward', an immigrant neighborhood in Toronto, Canada, formulating the nucleus of the fast growing Toronto Jewish community. Eventually the Jewish population shifted to Kensington Market. Rabbinic leadership in the early years was provided by Rav Yosef Weinreb, Rav Yaakov Gordon, and later Rav Yehuda Leib Graubart. The latter headed the Polish faction of the community and clashed with the former two in their efforts to organize the chaotic kashrus situation and in the organization of the Toronto Kehilla. Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky served as a rabbi in Toronto for several years during the 1940's. One of the most influential rabbis in post war Toronto, was Rabbi Avraham Aharon Price, who led the Toronto Jewish community for over a half century, and was also the Rosh Yeshiva of the Toras Chaim Yeshiva. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

213

Building the 'Kehilla': The Leadership of Rav Dr. Joseph Breuer

Apr 13, 2021

49:37

Rav Dr. Joseph Breuer (1882-1980) was a visionary leader who successfully rebuilt the Kheilla of Frankfurt of Kahal Adas Jeshurun on American shores. Born to his parents Rav Dr. Solomon Breuer and Sophie Hirsch, daughter of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch, he moved from Hungary to Frankfurt as a child. He later became the Rosh Yeshiva of the Frankfurt Yeshiva. Following Kristallnacht in November 1938, he managed to escape with his family, arriving in the United States in February 1939. He immediately set out to establish a fully structured kehilla, not limiting his position to congregational rabbi. With a goal of establishing institutional completeness, offering the full gamut of religious, educational and social services within the kehilla infrastructure, while maintaining its total independence. The twin goals of Austritt (separation from communities who didn't share Torah values), along with Torah Im Derech Eretz (integration into surrounding society without compromising on Torah values) were to be the guiding lights of the kehilla, and would permeate its myriad of institutions. Incredibly, with the assistance of a dedicated cadre of members of the community, within a few years he built a mikva, schools, shul, kashrus supervision, Bais Din, secondary schools, a publication society and much more, while the membership grew to over 800 families. He passed away at the ripe old age of 98. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

214

Great American Jewish Cities #19: Worcester & Boston

Apr 8, 2021

41:07

Jewish History Soundbites is back to launch season two of our popular series "Great American Jewish Cities"! We commence with Worcester, Massachusetts which has a prominent Jewish history. Boasting 13 active shuls in the early decades of the 20th century, it also was home to one of the first Lubavitch Yeshivas in the United States. Visionaries such as Rav Zorach Hurwitz and Rav Hershel Fogelman invested in Jewish education at a time when in out of town America it didn't seem possible. Other notables of Jewish Worcester includes the leader of the counterculture movement Abbie Hoffman, while Clark University is the home of the first Holocaust studies in the United States, as well as being the host of Sigmund Freud's lectures on his only visit to the United States. Boston Jewish History personalities included rabbis such as Ramaz (Rav Moshe Zevulun Margolis), Rav Zalman Yaakov Friderman, Rav Gavriel Zev Margolis, Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, Rav Mordechai Savitsky, and the chassidic dynasties of Boston and Tolna. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

215

Rav Hakollel: The Tragic Story of Rabbi Jacob Joseph Part I

Apr 5, 2021

23:11

The Rav Hakolel or Chief Rabbi of New York City, was the title held by Rabbi Jacob Joseph (1841-1902). A student of the Volozhin Yeshiva and later of Rav Yisrael Salanter, he enjoyed a successful rabbinic career in Lithuania which culminated with his appointment to be the Maggid of Vilna. In 1888 he was invited to become the chief rabbi of a federation of synagogues in Manhattan's Lower East Side. Although it wasn't a very successful venture, behind it lies the story of a great rabbinical leader. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

216

From Oberland to Boro Park: The Arugas Habosem & His Descendants

Mar 31, 2021

30:22

Chust, Tzeilem, Pupa, Satmar. All towns associated with Hungarian Jewry. All were towns where one of the most prominent rabbinical families had representatives who served in its rabbinate. Rav Moshe Greenwald (1853-1910), known by his work the 'Arugas Habosem' was the patriarch of the Greenwald family dynasty. As the family made the transition from the world of Oberland/Chasam Sofer to Hungarian Chasidism, they made their mark as rabbis in Chust, Tzeilem, Pupa and as Roshei Yeshiva as well. This continued through the Holocaust, where several of them narrowly escaped after losing their families and communities. They ultimately were successful in rebuilding in Brooklyn, New York after the war. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

217

Back to his Roots: The Novominsker Rebbe & His Predecessors

Mar 25, 2021

34:58

In honor of the first yahrtzeit of the late Novominsk Rebbe Rav Yaakov Perlow (1930-2020), we'll explore a bit more about his illustrious and diverse career and leadership. His first stint was in the Skokie Yeshiva was in the 1960's, forging close relationships with his talmidim whom he taught and inspired there. This was followed by more than a decade as Rosh Yeshiva in Yeshivas Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch (Breuer's) in Washington Heights, where he developed a close relationship with Rav Joseph Breuer. Later in life he was known as a leader in Agudas Yisroel and for Jews worldwide. His illustrious roots included the great tzadikim of the Novominsk dynasty, including some of the lesser known ones. In addition, his maternal grandfather was the Sokolov Rebbe, Rav Yitzchak Zelig Morgenstern, scion of the Kotzk dynasty. The Novominsker Rebbe was also connected to the Zidichov dynasty through his wife, who was hailed from the prestigious Eichenstein family. Enjoy last year's tribute episode to the Novominsk Rebbe and the Novominsk dynasty here: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/the-heritage-of-a-leader-the-story-of-novominsk-in-america/ Sponsored in honor of the first yahrtzeit of the Novominsker Rebbe Rav Yaakov Perlow by Duvi Silberstein. For all back office needs and nursing home Billing, contact - Care Network Health: phone/text 908-305-0595 For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

218

The History of the Kiruv Movement Part I

Mar 21, 2021

41:17

The Kiruv movement, or the Baal Teshuva movement, or the movement of Jewish Outreach, is a curious postwar historical phenomenon. In the counter culture environment of the 1960's, many youth began searching for their Jewish identity and roots, and pioneers and eventually institutions began to fill the role of providing them. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Bostoner Rebbe, Reb Shlomo Carlebach, Rabbi Shlomo Freifeld, Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis, Rabbi Pinchos Stolper with NCSY, are just some of the many pioneers in the United States. In Israel the movement gained more steam following the Yom Kippur War. Rav Reuven Elbaz, Rav Shlomo Wolbe and many others pioneered it there. Eventually American kiruv institutions were established in Israel such as Ohr Samayach and Rav Nota Schiller, Aish Hatorah and Rav Noach Weinberg, Diaspora Yeshiva and Rav Mordechai Goldstein and Dvar Yerushalayim with Rav Boruch Horowitz to name a few. Sponsored by Ohr Somayach who is proud to announce a new series on the Ohr Somayach Podcast Network: “The History of the Baal Teshuva Movement” by Rabbi Nota Schiller, Founder and Rosh HaYeshiva of Ohr Somayach. Join the journey at podcasts.ohr.edu https://plnk.to/ospodcast For more information email: [email protected] For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

219

British Royals, Baalei Tosfos & Blood Libels: The Story of London Part I

Mar 18, 2021

40:48

Medieval Jewish London commences with the Norman conquest in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Jews were brought over from France to engage in moneylending. Officially the property of the kings, this gave them privileges and protection, while at the same time put them in a very precarious situation. The first blood libel in history was at Norwich in 1144. The Ri of Orleans was killed in the London Massacre in 1189, in the events surrounding the coronation of Richard the Lionhearted. On shabbos hagadol, March 16, 1190 the York Massacre took place at Clifford's Tower. As the situation for English Jewry got worse, it finally came to a tragic end in 1290 when King Edward I promulgated the edict of expulsion. Leaving from the Tower of London, there ceased to be a Jewish public presence until their reacceptance under Oliver Cromwell in 1655. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

220

Branching out of Sanz: The Shinive & Gorlice Dynasties

Mar 14, 2021

30:06

Among the many branches which emerged from the children of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, Shinive & Gorlice were important and influential dynasties. Rav Yechezkal Halberstam of Shinive (1815-1898) was the oldest of the Divrei Chaim's children. He emerged as a brilliant and popular leader in his own right, as he charted an independent path from his father. On a famous visit to the Land of Israel in 1869, he established the Sanz shul in Tzfas. One of his sons founded the Stropkov chassidic dynasty. The youngest son of the Divrei Chaim's first marriage, Rav Boruch Halberstam of Gorlice (1829-1906) was his father's attendant and right hand man. With a combative personality, Rav Boruch was one to take a strong leadership stance on the many issues facing modern Jewish life of the late 19th century. He would go on to become one of the most influential leaders of both Galicia & Hungarian Jewry of his time. One of his sons, Rav Elisha, succeeded him in the Gorlice rabbinate, and made a rare visit to the United States in 1927. He passed away in Siberia in 1940, but several of his children immigrated to the US. Be sure to listen to the other popular episodes from the House of Sanz: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/king-of-galicia-the-divrei-chaim-of-sanz/ https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/the-light-of-sanz-rav-shulem-eliezer-of-ratzfert/ For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

221

They Called him Dr. Joe: The Life & Stories of Dr. Joseph Kaminetsky Part I

Mar 10, 2021

29:15

Dr. Joe Kaminetsky (1911-1999) was one of the greatest architects of Jewish education in the post war era. His role in the leadership of Torah Umesorah spearheaded the Day School Movement. Born in Brooklyn into a home where his parents sold their house to ensure a Jewish education for their children, he later attended the first class of Yeshiva College in 1928. There he had a close relationship with Rabbi Leo Jung, the visiting Slabodka Rosh Yeshiva Rav Isaac Sher, and later on with Rav Soloveitchik. Together with Rav Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz who was the founder of Torah Umesorah and the one who hired him, all of these people would have a decisive influence on Dr. Joe's life. Dr. Joe wrote a fantastic and perceptive memoir entitled: “Memorable Encounters: A Torah pioneer's glimpses of great men and years of challenge ” (1995). Artscroll has generously offered a 25% discount to our listeners and Mishpacha readers, on the paperback edition (hardcover is sold out) Use code FTR2021 at Artscroll.com: https://www.artscroll.com/Details.aspx?itemNo=9780899066189) For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

222

Bekeshas, Boots & Blue Shirts: Jewish Dress in Modern Times

Mar 6, 2021

39:17

What is distinctive Jewish dress? Is it distinctive? How is Jewish traditional fashion influenced by the surrounding society? When did chassidic dress develop? Why does Chassidic and traditional Jewish fashion still follow modes of Eastern European Jewish fashion? What makes the rabbinic frock Jewish and why is it for rabbis? Why are there different types of shtreimels? What is a 'tarbush'? Fashion and accepted clothing styles in traditional Jewish communities was and is a mode of expression of Jewish and distinctive communal identity throughout Jewish history. Through the challenges of modernity, this was brought into much sharper focus in the last century. In this episode we'll explore some of the trends of Jewish fashion in modern Jewish history. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

223

Leader of His People: The Life of the Dvar Avraham

Mar 2, 2021

35:35

The last rabbi of pre war Kovno, Rav Avraham Dovber Kahana-Shapira (1870-1943), was known by the name of the sefer he authored, the Dvar Avraham. Born into the Lithuanian rabbinic elite, and having studied at the Volozhin Yeshiva, he was appointed rabbi of Kovno (Kaunas) in 1913. He remained at his post until his passing in the Kovno Ghetto three decades later. During this time he was recognized as one of the greatest leaders of Lithuanian Jewry, managing to navigate the various factions of the Kovno Jewish community, execute his rabbinical duties and serve as a worldwide posek fielding halachic questions. He even found the time to make a historic visit to the United States in 1924. When the war broke out he was in Switzerland, and his son in New York offered to bring him over to safety. He declined, insisting that his place was with his beloved community in Kovno. Returning to the war zone, he courageously led the Jews of the Kovno Ghetto even as his health worsened and the situation became precarious. His passing in 1943 was marked by a public funeral, which thousands attended despite the risks it entailed. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

224

Myths & More: Deciphering the Haskalah

Feb 24, 2021

37:04

The Haskala movement, was a Jewish movement of the 18th and 19th centuries which sought to implement changes in Jewish life and society. Often discussed yet just as often misunderstood, it is intriguing as it is confusing. Was the haskala the Jewish Enlightenment? When was this movement? Where did it take place? Can it even be classified as a 'movement'? How so? Who were its primary personalities? How did they impact Jewish life? Is the rise of Jewish nationalism at the end of the 19th century related to haskala movement of the earlier decades? When did the haskala end? If there is one unifying characteristic of this very dispersed 'movement', it is the use of the written word as the primary mechanism and tool to get their message across. The rise in maskilic literature took the form of newspapers, journals, poetry, novels, short stories and satire. The haskala movement sought to bring change to Jewish life in the modern world, and it played a significant role in the Jewish history of the 19th century. Test your Jewish History trivia with the For the Record Purim quiz of Mishpacha Magazine: https://mishpacha.com/quiz-for-the-record/ For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

225

Talking Jewish History with Moish Francesa: Purim Episode 2021

Feb 23, 2021

17:18

Jewish History Soundbites is proud to present a special Purim episode, for some good Jewish History enjoyment and fun. Honored to host a special guest, one of the most influential and historic figures of contemporary Jewish entertainment -- Moish Francesa. Enjoy and a Happy Purim to all! For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

226

Warring Words: The Nefesh Hachaim & the Opposition to the Chassidic Movement

Feb 20, 2021

35:53

The Sefer Nefesh Hachaim authored by Rav Chaim of Volozhin (1749-1821) was published posthumously by his son Rav Itzele in 1824, with an expanded version including eight additional chapters published in 1837. This was a theological work, as well as a polemical one, with Rav Chaim addressing issues he saw in the chassidic movement which he sought to oppose, correct and establish an alternative value system for his followers. This signified a shift in the opposition to the Chassidic movement. Whereas Rav Chaim's teacher the Vilna Goan sought to excommunicate the chassidim completely, his student saw them as members of the Jewish community. He rather sought to maintain an ideological dispute while presenting a complete world view of his own. Check out the story of the earlier stage of the dispute regarding the Chassidic movement here: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/warring-brothers-the-opposition-to-the-chassidic-movement/ This episode has been generously sponsored by the Jewish History Uncensored Podcast, by Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein. Join in weekly at, http://bit.ly/jhu-jhs , to gain in depth knowledge of Jewish History. Join his Nach Yomi via: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BwtD6W4Hjhc1BR6nNQUwIk. Or email at [email protected] For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

227

From Vienna Flight to Meron Lights: The Boyan Dynasty

Feb 17, 2021

37:57

With roots in the regal courts of Ruzhin/Sadagora the Boyan dynasty continued that legacy while also forging some uniquenesses of its own. Founded by Rav Yitzchak Friedman (1849-1917), the Pachad Yitzchak, who fled to Vienna with the outbreak of World War One. He was succeeded by his four sons: Rav Menachem Nachum of Czernowitz, Rav Yisroel of Leipzig, Rav Avraham Yaakov of Lvov (Lemberg) and Rav Mordechai Shlomo of the Lower East Side (1890-1971). Another prominent Boyan Rebbe at this time was Rav Moshenyu Friedman who became one of the interwar leaders of Polish Jewry, until his martyrdom in Auschwitz in 1943. The connection of Boyan to the Land of Israel had always been strong, and the Rebbes had always utilized their rights to the annual lighting of the fire by the gravesite of the Tanna Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron on Lag Baomer. The rebuilding of the dynasty naturally took place in Israel as well, where it continues to flourish until today. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

228

The Jews of Scandinavia Part I

Feb 13, 2021

36:21

The more recent and relatively small Jewish communities of Scandinavia serve as an interesting chapter in Jewish history. While Finland was part of the Russian Empire for a time, the other Scandinavian countries had Jewish communities as well. This episode will primarily focus on Sweden and the central Jewish story based in Stockholm in the 19th and 20th centuries. Though it was initially quite small, the Jewish community ballooned in size in the 1930's and during the war with a stream of refugees from Germany and later from Scandinavian countries under Nazi occupation. Many more survivors subsequently arrived following liberation. Legendary figures like Rabbi and Rebbetzin Binyamin Zev Jacobson along with Rav Shlomo Wolbe, were active in rescue work and then in the operation of girls school and dormitory for survivors in the Stockholm suburb of Lidingo. One of the most interesting stories of Swedish Jewish life at this time was that of Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Zuber. A Lubavitch chassid who became the Rabbi, mohel, shochet and chazzan for the nascent Orthodox community in 1932, he'd remain the mainstay of traditional Jewish life in Sweden for 15 years. Whether it was combatting assimilation, working against the shechita ban, assisting refugees from the Holocaust or being at the forefront of the post war aguna issue, Rabbi Zuber would be the defining spirit of Jewish life in Sweden during a tumultuous time. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

229

Jewish History Soundbites at 250: Reflections on Changes in Modern Jewish History

Feb 6, 2021

31:56

Jewish History Soundbites 250th commemorative episode. At this milestone, it is perhaps appropriate to take a step back and try to piece together an overview of the underlying theme of the episodes and stories of Jewish History Soundbites. Modern Jewish history is generally defined as 1500-present, with the late modern period being roughly from 1850-present. The uniqueness of this period is the sweeping changes which developed and ultimately enveloped the Jewish people over the last few centuries. Six of those primary changes are emancipation - the struggle for emancipation and equal rights in the 19th century; immigration - the Jewish People sought out new horizons in the modern era; challenges of modernity - in the form of Haskala, integration, secularization, assimilation, changes in governmental policies, advances in technology; spiritual and religious renewal - the Chassidic movement, Yeshiva movement, neo Orthodoxy, Hungarian Orthodoxy, Mussar movement, new forms of education; nationalism - Zionism, cultural autonomy, language, the State of Israel; Holocaust - the catastrophe it wrought and the changes which impacted the Jewish people as a result. For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: [email protected] Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

230

A Bridge to Brisk: The Life of Rav Dovid Soloveitchik

Feb 2, 2021

37:09

Rav Meshulam Dovid Soloveitchik (1921-2021) lived a long life, in which he successfully formed a bridge between the world of Brisk where he had grown up, to the young impressionable yeshiva students of the 21st century. Having been raised in his father the Brisker Rov's home, he narrowly escaped Europe with most of his family in the early stages of the war. He would later marry into the illustrious Sternbuch family. In the late 1970's he opened his own yeshiva in Jerusalem, where he educated generations of students. As a great Torah scholar, educator, unflinching leader and senior sage, he gained renown worldwide. His passing closes a chapter in Jewish history. For a related story of the Soloeveitchik family in Israel: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/brisk-in-the-holy-land-part-i/ Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

231

The Light of Sanz: Rav Shulem Eliezer of Ratzfert

Jan 30, 2021

35:31

Rav Shulem Eliezer Halberstam of Ratzfert (1862-1944), was one of the younger children of his illustrious father the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. Orphaned as a young child, he'd go on to become one of the great chassidic leaders of Hungarian Jewry. Known for his modesty, simplicity, care and leadership of his many followers, he would visit his chassidim in Hungary and Galicia, making an annual trip for his father's yahrtzeit in Sanz. When the war broke out, the tragedy of Polish Jewry broke him, as he attempted to do all he could to save family members and followers under Nazi occupation. With the German invasion of Hungary in March 1944, he was deported to Auschwitz where he met his end, with his dying words being to remember what had happened here. His legacy continues with the dynasties of Satmar, Bobov and others which number among his descendants. Check out the story of the Divrei Chaim here: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/king-of-galicia-the-divrei-chaim-of-sanz/ Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

232

The Soviet Struggle: The Life & Times of Rabbi Meir Kahane Part II

Jan 27, 2021

31:58

The campaigns on behalf of Soviet Jewry commenced in the 1960's with the Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry (SSSJ), but it was the onset of the next decade that the Meir Kahane led JDL jumped into the fray and things heated up. With Kahane's move to Israel, he attempted to bring the ideals that he developed over the years into fruition through entering Israeli politics. He finally got his political party Kach into the Knesset in 1984, with himself as its sole representative. There he unsuccessfully attempted to pass various legislative measures, until the Knesset ultimately passed legislation which effectively barred his party from running in subsequent elections. His assassination by a terrorist in 1990 while on a trip to New York brought his stormy life to a tragic end. His complicated legacy continues to cast a shadow on contemporary Jewish life till this very day. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

233

Never Again! The Life & Times of Rabbi Meir Kahane Part I

Jan 24, 2021

34:41

One of the most complex characters of post war Jewish history was undoubtedly Meir Kahane (1932-1990). Controversial yet lover of the Jewish people, provocative yet charismatic, endorsed violence yet known for his brilliance and sense of humor, yeshiva educated talmid chacham yet trained Jewish militias to patrol the streets of New York, author of endless articles on Jewish activism yet also a sportswriter and Yankees fan. So many facets and even contradictions. His problematic legacy continues to hover over Jewish society till today. Born into a rabbinic and Zionist family and educated at Mir Brooklyn, he went to a short stint in the rabbinate in Queens. He later went on to found the Jewish Defense League (JDL), a controversial organization that was outspoken about combating anti Semitism and active in other Jewish causes as well. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

234

Paradise Lost: The Jews of Rhodes

Jan 19, 2021

34:29

The Rhodes Jewish community was an ancient one, and it flourished with the arrival of Spanish exiles following the expulsion of 1492 and the Ottoman takeover in 1522. Prominent in Mediterranian commerce, the Jewish community grew, and had many rabbis from the Land of Israel serve at the community's helm. A tragic story in Rhodes's past was the Rhodes blood libel of 1840 which threatened the local Jew's safety. Following the Italian takeover in 1912, a steady stream of emigration increased with many settling in Seattle and Rhodesia (today's Zimbabwe). Rhodes Jews were to become pillars of the Rhodesia Jewish community for the bulk of the 20th century. Meanwhile the remaining Jews in Rhodes sustained the Nazi occupation of the island in 1943, and in the summer of 1944 were deported in its entirety to Auschwitz. The glorious Jewish community of Rhodes came to a tragic end. Listen to a related episode on Greek Jewry: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/jerusalem-of-the-balkans-the-glory-of-jewish-salonika/ Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

235

Unlikeliest of Exits: The Dramatic Escape of the Rayatz

Jan 16, 2021

34:26

In one of the most daring rescue schemes of the Holocaust era, Rav Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, the sixth Lubavitch Rebbe, the Rayatz (1880-1950) was whisked out of Nazi occupied Poland by agents of the Abwehr, the German military intelligence. His followers in the United States, along with the activist Rabbi Mordechai Dubin in Riga, orchestrated the operation. The United States government was lobbied and the State Department eventually applied pressure on the German Foreign Office to rescue the Rayatz. Chief of the Abwehr Wilhelm Canaris tapped Major Ernest Bloch - ironically an officer with Jewish ancestry - for the rescue mission. Arriving in Warsaw shortly after the commencement of the Nazi occupation, he finally was able to locate the Rebbe and his entourage. They were then brought to Berlin, then Riga, Latvia, until finally arriving in New York in March 1940. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

236

From Abbey Road to Mt. Zion: The Jewish Music Revolution Part II

Jan 14, 2021

29:07

Aside from the Rabbi's Sons discussed in Part 1 of this miniseries, the 1960's saw the first music groups in Ohr Chadash, Pirchei and the London School of Jewish Song. From Israel came Chaim Banet and Jo Amar, the latter a pioneer of Morroccan Jewish music. No less important than the performers, the production, composition and arrangements were handled by architects of Jewish music Suki & Ding, Sheya Mendlowitz, Yisroel Lamm and later Moshe Laufer, Mona Rosenblum and Yossi Green. The 1970's saw the new sounds of Diaspora Yeshiva Band and Dudu Fisher, bringing Jewish music to ever wider audiences. Abie Rottenberg commenced his illustrious career this decade with Dveykus and the soon to be crowned king of Jewish music Mordechai Ben David burst on to the scene as well. Capitalizing on their earlier involvement with Pirchei-JEP, Rivie Schwebel and Ali Scharf collaborated once again with a series of albums of Schwebel, Scharf & Levine. Check out the story of Yerachmiel Begun and the Miami Boys Choir on this popular episode of Jewish History Soundbites: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/great-american-jewish-cities-14-miami/ Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

237

Yes, We've Got the Music! The Jewish Music Revolution Part I

Jan 12, 2021

27:31

Modern Jewish music developed from the chassidic music of old to the new sound of the Jewish music revolution led by Shlomo Carlebach in the 1960's. The music world of pre war Europe was brought over to the emerging post war world by Yankel Talmud, Yom Tov Ehrlich, the Chabad niggunim, David Werdyger and Bentzion Shenker of Modzhitz. They served as the bridge to bring classic chassidic music to the new generation. This was followed by Shlomo Carlebach and the revolution of Jewish music in the 1960's. Baruch Chait with the Rabbi's Sons, Yigal Calek and the London School of Jewish Song, the Pirchei-JEP albums all contributed to the early flourishing of the new style Jewish music which would continue to develop in the ensuing decade. Check out the other Jewish History Soundbites episodes on Jewish music: Shlomo Carlebach mini-series: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/from-lakewood-to-lubavitch-the-early-years-of-shlomo-carlebach/ https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/from-all-night-learning-to-all-night-kumzitz-the-early-years-of-shlomo-carlebach-part-ii/ Chazzanus: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/yossele-rosenblatt-and-the-golden-age-of-chazzanus/ Modzhitz: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/chassidic-symphony-the-modzitz-dynasty/ Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

238

Liberated But Not Free: The Displaced Persons Camps

Jan 9, 2021

43:04

With the end of the war and the defeat of Nazi Germany, the Allied armies were confronted with one of the byproducts of the Nazi regime - millions of 'displaced persons', many of whom had nowhere to go, and some of whom were Jewish survivors of the Nazi Holocaust. Eventually Displaced Persons camps were established under the auspices of the American & British militaries in their spheres of influence in Germany, Austria and Italy. Theser were in turn later overseen by the newly established agency UNRAA which was soon followed by the IRO (International Refugee Organization). The unique situation of the Jewish survivors was recognized by the Harrison Report, and a flourishing of Jewish cultural, social, educational and religious life ensued. The Sh'eris Ha-pleita was an organization founded by the survivors themselves to provide the needs of rehabilitation in the post trauma atmosphere following liberation. Various outside organizations assisted with funding and infrastructure while some also competed for the political allegiance of the survivors. Looking to the future many survivors endeavored to marry and start families, while at the same time engaged in commemoration and testimony of the recent events they had experienced. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

239

Litvaks Gone South: South African Jewry & Rabbi Avraham Tanzer

Jan 5, 2021

38:18

South African Jewish history is unique in several ways. Composed primarily of Jews of Lithuanian origin, it grew in the early decades of the 20th century with the waves of immigration from the Lithuanian area of the Russian Empire. Entering the diamond trade and politics, they integrated into South African life, often standing at the forefront protesting the racial injustices of the apartheid system. The Bais Din had prominent rabbis such as Rav Yitzchak Kossovsky, and the chief rabbinate was led by dynamic leaders as well, but it was the investment in education in the post war which transformed the South African Jewish community. The Brooklyn born Rabbi Avraham Tanzer arrived from Telz, Cleveland to Johannesburg in 1963 on a two year contract. He'd remain for 57 years. Through his leadership of Yeshiva College, the Benhazel Hebrew Congregation and the general community, he and other dedicated educators and activists, ensured that the Jewish youth of South Africa would have a proper Torah education and that the community at large would flourish. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

240

Gangster on the Roof: Tales of the Jewish Mafia Part III

Jan 2, 2021

33:52

The Jewish mob wasn't strictly an American phenomenon born in the immigrant communities of the Lower East Side and Brownsville. It had antecedents across the ocean in the Jewish world of Eastern Europe. Jewish gangsters flourished in Warsaw, Odessa and other locales, to the embarrassment of the mainstream religious and political Jewish establishment. The Alfonse pogrom of 1905 brought the issue out into the open, but the Jewish underworld continued in the immigrant community of Buenos Aires, which maintained close ties to Warsaw. The most tragic chapter of Jewish criminal activity took place during the Holocaust when Avraham Gancwajch and his group of "the 13" collaborated with the Nazis in the Warsaw Ghetto. Part 1- https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/tales-of-the-jewish-mafia-part-i-ain-t-gonna-kill-on-saturday/ Part 2- https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/gangsters-racketeers-jewish-activists-tales-of-the-jewish-mafia-part-ii/ Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

241

Living History: The Life of Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld Part II

Dec 31, 2020

31:13

Part 2: While some people read history, there are rare people who lived history through their own lives. One such individual was Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld (1923-2020). Born in Vienna into a family of Ger chassidim from Poland, his father's position as General Secretary of the World Agudas Yisroel placed at the epicenter of traditional Jewish activism at the crucial interwar period. Eyewitness to Austria's Anschluss with Nazi Germany, he subsequently fled on a kindertransport eventually settling in London. He'd ultimately settle in the Kew Garden Hills neighborhood in Queens. Drawn to Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, he'd receive semicha from RIETS and embark on a lifelong rabbinic career with the Young Israel as well as nationally with the RCA. As someone who traversed all worlds within Jewish society, he'd be affiliated with a myriad of Jewish organizations, cultivate relationships with some of the greatest Torah leaders of the 20th century, and enjoy access to the corridors of power in both Israel and the United States. Through the prism of his long and riveting journey, the story of the Jewish People in modern times is told. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

242

Living History: The Life of Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld Part I

Dec 30, 2020

32:15

While some people read history, there are rare people who lived history through their own lives. One such individual was Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld (1923-2020). Born in Vienna into a family of Ger chassidim from Poland, his father's position as General Secretary of the World Agudas Yisroel placed at the epicenter of traditional Jewish activism at the crucial interwar period. Eyewitness to Austria's Anschluss with Nazi Germany, he subsequently fled on a kindertransport eventually settling in London. He'd ultimately settle in the Kew Garden Hills neighborhood in Queens. Drawn to Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, he'd receive semicha from RIETS and embark on a lifelong rabbinic career with the Young Israel as well as nationally with the RCA. As someone who traversed all worlds within Jewish society, he'd be affiliated with a myriad of Jewish organizations, cultivate relationships with some of the greatest Torah leaders of the 20th century, and enjoy access to the corridors of power in both Israel and the United States. Through the prism of his long and riveting journey, the story of the Jewish People in modern times is told. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

243

Yerushalayim Shel Malah: The World of Rav Zundel Kroiser

Dec 26, 2020

35:58

Rav Zundel Kroizer (1923-2014) was one of the last of the greats of the Old Yishuv of Yerushalayim. A member of a large and important Yerushalmy family, his ancestors and family members included many rabbis and activists who influenced the life of the Holy City over the generations. Renowned for his diligence, he authored a multi volume work on the entire gamut of Torah scholarship entitled Ohr Hachama. For most of his life he served as an educator for cheder children. In his later years he served as a beacon of light for all who knew him and had the privilege to bask in his presence, a throwback to purity and holiness of the ancient Yerushalayim. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

244

PROMOTED CONTENT: Halacha Headlines Podcast

Dec 24, 2020

2:29

With everything happening in the world today, it’s safe to say that as religious Jews, question arise as how to correctly deal with the situations faced in contemporary society. There's a podcast called Halacha Headlines Podcast which features a weekly topic drawn from current events. The podcast features a panel of Rabbanim & experts discuss the best way we, as a community can approach contemporary society in these topsy turvy times. It tackles controversial topics head-on, such as current events, shidduchim and dating in the era of corona, the latest Israel Peace Accords, as well as general topics such as vacations, life insurance, buying and selling stocks, police and police enforcement. What makes this podcast unique is that these issues are all explored from a Torah perspective. Halacha Headlines has provided thousands of listeners the ability to approach modern situations and its halachic implications in an educated and sophisticated way. I think this is something everyone should really listen to for themselves. Halacha Headlines podcast is available on any podcast app or you can find it online at podcast.headlinesbook.com. The podcast can also be listened to on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podbean, or wherever you get your podcasts from.

245

"Those Who Know Don't Speak" The Story of the Kotzk-Izhbitz Dispute

Dec 23, 2020

43:29

During the active years of the court of Rav Menachem Mendel Morgenstern- the Kotzker (1787-1859), one of his closest students was Rav Mordechai Yosef Leiner (1801-1854) of Izhbitz (Izbica). A series of events in 1839 led to a split in their diverging paths. As the Kotzker became more reclusive in his behaviour, Rav Mordechai Yosef felt that the chassidim needed more proactive leadership. The final break became an inevitable reality following Simchas Torah of that year. The Kotzker's most loyal chassid Rav Yitzchak Meir Alter (the Chiddushei Harim) stood at his side with many others, but the Izhbitzer went off to found his own dynasty. The story which led to this decisive split is shrouded in mystery until this very day. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/depth-innovation-misnagdim-turned-chassidim-the-dynasty-of-izhbitz/ Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

246

The Chernobyl Crisis: Chernobyl Part II

Dec 19, 2020

27:33

At the turn of the twentieth century, the various Chernobyl dynasties were flourishing though they faced financial crisis. With World War One and the subsequent Russian Revolution, they all began to face an existential crisis. Though some branches of the dynasty heroically tried to sustain life under increasingly adverse conditions within the Soviet Union, most chose emigration. Rachmastrivka to the Holy Land, Trisk to Poland, Skver to Romania, Tolna, Makarov, Chernobyl and Hornosteipel to the United States. In each of their new locales, attempts were made to rebuild Chernobyl. With the decimation of the Holocaust, it was up to places like New Square in New York to give a rebirth to the Chernobyl dynasty. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

247

One Din: Rav Simcha Zelig the Dayan of Brisk

Dec 17, 2020

35:47

One of the unique pre war Torah giants - and ultimately Holocaust victim - was the Dayan of Brisk, Rav Simcha Zelig Reguer (1864-1942). Brisk was home to a large and prestigious Jewish community, and Rav Simcha Zelig served as the beloved Dayan and posek through the tenures of both Rav Chaim Brisker and his son Rav Velvalleh the Brisker Rov. Wise and modest, he had studied in the Volozhin Yeshiva before becoming Rav Chaim's right hand man, while also overseeing the local yeshiva for many years. With the outbreak of the war, he remained in the city and was murdered along with its inhabitants by the Nazis. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

248

The Diffusion of Chernobyl: A Dynasty Spreads

Dec 13, 2020

38:34

One of the oldest dynasties in the history of the chassidic movement, Chernobyl traces its growth from Rav Nachum Twersky the Maor Eynayim (1730-1797) through his son Rav Mottel the Chernobyl Maggid (1770-1837). One of the most influential courts in all of the Russian Jewish Pale of Settlement, with the Chernobyl Maggid's passing in 1837 his empire was divided among his eight sons. Over the course of the 19th century, the various branches of the Chernobyl dynasty - Chernobyl, Tolne, Rachamastrivka, Skver, Trisk, Hornosteipel and others - would dominate chassidic life in Ukraine. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

249

A Humble Giant: The Early Years of Rav Aharon Leib Steinman

Dec 9, 2020

30:48

A greatly respected Torah leader of recent times, Rav Aharon Leib Steinman (1914-2017) spent the last 60 years of his long life in Bnei Brak. Prior to that were quite a few stops along the way, each stage shaping his development. A childhood in Brisk led to his studying in the local Toras Chesed Yeshiva of Rav Moshe Sokolovsky. Escaping the Polish army draft to Switzerland, he joined a Yeshiva there, eventually marrying and making his way to Israel. Moving to Kfar Saba, he was the head of the Chafetz Chaim Yeshiva there until moving to Bnei Brak in the 1950's. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]

250

The Mashgiach: Memories of Rav Aharon Chodosh

Dec 5, 2020

44:17

In this tribute episode following the passing of the Mir Mashgiach Rav Aharon Chodosh (1930-2020), personal memories of this great baal mussar, educator and fatherly figure. As an incredibly unique mashgiach, his relationship with his students enabled them to grow as individuals and achieve their potential. These recollections and anecdotes record interactions which express his care, wisdom and love, while at the same time also shed light on his sense of humor, down to earthness and unpretentiousness. From his aristocratic background in the Chevron Yeshiva to his uncanny ability to be able to relate to a diverse student body as the Mir mashgiach for over a half a century, through spending every Yom Tov with his joy and excitement, to witnessing his wisdom and influence on his students lives. The Mashgiach will be forever remembered and beloved by all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at [email protected]