Jewish History Soundbites

401

The Rabbis & The Zionists Part VI: Lofty Ideals & Harsh Realities

Oct 10, 2019

49:40

With the passage of time, Rabbinical espoused ideals are processed along the path of the realities and practical considerations of day to day life. It is this execution of policy that forms the basis of our final examination of the Rabbinical positions on Zionism. Specific Rabbinical figures arose in the 1960's-'70's who formulated positions, which form the basis of modern Rabbinical opinion right up to our current times. These range from the Messianic views of Rav Tzvi Yehuda Kook, to the practical considerations of the Gerrer Rebbe, through the active conservatism of Rav Shach and all the way to extreme opposition of the Satmar Rov. A summary of the diverse opinions of these and other great personalities, will enhance our understanding of Rabbinical opinion on Zionism in the modern era, as well as wrap up the series on "The Rabbis & The Zionists". 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]

402

The Sound of Silence: The 1943 Rabbis March on Washington

Oct 6, 2019

27:37

News of the Final Solution reached the west in 1942. As the horrifying reality became apparent, reactions varied both among the general public as well as within the Jewish community. While the American Government refused to relax its rigid immigration quotas, US Jewry debated as to the proper course of action. Would it be a passive acceptance of US policy, a diplomatic attempt to reach the corridors of power, or possibly an outright public protest at how little was being done for the plight of European Jewry. Prominent rescue activist Peter Bergson arranged together with the Vaad Hatzalah, an unprecedented public gathering, so unique in the annals of American Jewish History, that it would garner the publicity needed to effect change in the Governments public policy. A group of over 400 recognizably Orthodox Rabbis would march on Washington, petitioning Congress and the President to do more for Jewish refugees. On October 6, 1943, three days before Yom Kippur, the Rabbis marched. 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]

403

The Sfas Emes: Reverence of The Man & Relevance of His Teachings

Oct 2, 2019

25:44

With the seemingly timeless and growing influence of the Sfas Emes's teachings, it may be worthwhile to examine the world which shaped him and his personality. As a scion of chassidic royalty through his grandfather the Chiddushei Harim of Ger, R' Yehuda Aryeh Leib Alter (1847-1905) was expected to rise to greatness. His exposure at a young age to the great R' Menachem Mendel- the "Kotzker" only added to the atmosphere of an already intensely powerful upbringing. The Sfas Emes rose to the occasion and became one of the greatest leaders of Chassidic Poland, building up Ger into one of the largest courts of its 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]

404

The Rabbi & The Zionists Part V: To Vote or Not to Vote

Sep 26, 2019

50:46

With the founding of the State of Israel, ideological positions slowly gave way for practical considerations. The reality of day to day life in the State required a modification of the various Rabbinical positions across the spectrum. Some Rabbis, such as the Satmar Rov and the Eidah Hachareidis, persisted in the extreme position and refused to recognize the legitimacy of the State and it's functions. For their followers who were physically living in Israel, this became an increasingly untenable position. At the other extreme, the Rabbinical leadership of the Mizrachi welcomed the founding of the State as the commencement of the Messianic era. It therefore behooved active participation at both the national and individual level. In the middle were the Rabbis who were either officially or loosely affiliated with the Agudas Yisroel. Some recommended a moderate position, while others took a more extreme line. Still others preferred to be deliberately ambiguous. The question of voting became a contentious issue and evolved into the symbol of practical participation. 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]

405

Simplicity, Complexity & Enormity: The Family of the Chofetz Chaim

Sep 24, 2019

22:16

The primary focus on the Chofetz Chaim's (1839-1933) legacy to the Jewish People is understandably his seforim and various public policy initiatives. He bequeathed a more personal legacy as well- his family. His descendants form quite a diverse group. Some of his progeny played pivotal roles in both the writing, editing and selling of his seforim, while others assisted with the administration of the Radin Yeshiva. Still others accompanied him through his communal activist work. And yet others forged their own path. With an overview of the Chofetz Chaim's family, and how he related to them as a husband, father & grandfather, we can get a glimpse of a more personal side of the influence and impact of arguable the greatest Jewish leader in recent history. 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]

406

Uman Uman Rosh Hashana! The History of the Great Rosh Hashana Pilgrimage

Sep 21, 2019

22:43

With the current atmosphere being that one has to excuse oneself to justify not travelling to Rabbeinu for Rosh Hashana, it's worthwhile examining the historical roots of this phenomenon. What was the historical context in which R' Nosson of Nemirov made the Rosh Hashana pilgrimage the core of Breslov chassidus? How did the Uman visit look like throughout the years? In the interwar period, Breslov chassidim encountered a challenge that threatened the future of the movement. The Iron Curtain prevented the Chassidim in Poland from reaching Uman. How would they adapt to the new situation? Finally, in the post war era, with the resurgence of Breslov, the Rosh Hashana gathering adapts itself to new worlds and new situations till this very day. Music for this episode: “Rabeinu” by Beri Weber https://youtu.be/gJuStPunxIs 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]

407

Builder & Dreamer: The Unstoppable Vision of the Ponevezher Rav

Sep 19, 2019

24:17

Few leaders in modern times can match the sheer energy and willpower that the Ponovezher Rov- Rabbi Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman (1886-1969) possessed. From his early days in Telz to his Rabbinate in pre-war Ponevezh, to his rebuilding after the trauma of the Holocaust, he never once stopped his active building the future of the Jewish People. Blessed with natural organizational skills, combined with a talent in dealing with people, he managed to inspire others to jump onto the bandwagon of his various projects. A master fundraiser, he would become a renowned globe trotter, where he would inflame Jewish communities worldwide with his oratory skills and magnetic personality. 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]

408

Take Me Out To The Rebbe: The Great Yom Tov Pilgrimages of Yesteryear

Sep 17, 2019

24:03

From almost the beginning of the Chassidic movement, a major component of the experience has been the pilgrimage to bask in the Rebbe's presence at his court. More often than not, this took place around the Yomim Tovim. Why was it important to visit the Rebbe for the Holidays? What was the visit like? What went on there? In the inter-war period, perhaps the most famous of the Chassidic courts was in Ger (Gora Kalwaria). With tens of thousands of chassidim converging on this small town for Rosh Hashanah, the atmosphere was electric and truly festive. A fascinating feature of the pilgrimage to Ger was the means of transport. A train line ran from Warsaw to Ger that took it's place in chassidic lore. The Kulaykeh, as it was known, wasn't just a means to an end, but rather became a major component of the visit. Throngs of chassidim would crowd the train, and the Kulaykeh experience essentially transformed into part of the greater Yom Tov visit to Ger. 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]

409

The Founding of a Dynasty: The Alter Rebbe's Rise to Leadership

Sep 15, 2019

26:34

Rav Shneur Zalman of Liady (1745?-1812), known as the Alter Rebbe or the Baal Hatanya, was the founder of the Chabad Chassidus and one of most influential leaders in the history of the movement. How did he start out? Was it an easy road to leadership? He was one of the youngest among the students of the Maggid of Mezritch. Following Rav Mendele of Vitebsk to White Russia, he assisted in spreading Chassidus in that vicinity. But it was only following R' Mendele's aliyah in 1777, that R' Shneur Zalman would begin his rise to a leadership position of Chassidim. Slowly he fashioned his court, his own unique brand of Chassidic thought and began to manage the hordes of Chassidim who began arriving at his door. They came to hear his guidance in serving Hashem, his Divrei Torah and to experience the atmosphere of the court of the Alter Rebbe. 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]

410

The History of Torah Vodaath Part III: Building Up & Reaching Out

Sep 12, 2019

21:36

R' Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz (1886-1948) wasn't just a talented educator, a capable school principal, an accomplished organizer and a doer. Above all else, he was a visionary. He saw America as a land of opportunity in a spiritual sense, at a time when most could perceive only materialistic opportunity and a threat to the spiritual. He therefore structured the Yeshiva to reflect his unique philosophy and built a curriculum that had been seldom seen in the annals of the Yeshiva world. At the same time, he reached out and engaged a cadre of dedicated laymen who would form the financial backbone of the Yeshiva activities as well as managing it as the Board of Directors. These amazing people threw all their energies into realizing the vision of building Torah in the United States. Chief among this group was regional director for the IRS named Harry Herskowitz. Harry literally dedicated his life for the success of Torah Vodaath, and helped it sustain and flourish in those early years. His legacy remained in his family and with the other laymen that he influenced with the vision of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath. 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]

411

The Rabbis & the Zionists Part IV: From Deep Abyss to Glimmer of Hope

Sep 10, 2019

49:43

The great political & ideological discussions that marked the interwar period were at their peak, when the greatest calamity to hit the Jewish People instantly transformed the entire dialogue. Rabbinical opinion once again diverged in light of the national catastrophe. Some Rabbis continued with the pre-war pragmatic approach of waiting things out and seeing how the outside factors develop. Others reinforced their pre-war opinions of either support or opposition of the entire Zionist enterprise. The novelty of the post Holocaust world however, saw the emergence of a new stream of Rabbinical opinion, which stated that the calamity that had befallen European Jewry changed the rules of the game. Some mitigated their opposition of Zionism as a result, while others went still further and became full fledged supporters of the creation of a Jewish State. In May 1948, the Rabbinical world responded to yet another development of Zionism, by far the one with the most far reaching consequences- the founding of the State of Israel. Zionism was no longer an ideal or a vision. It was an established fact and a reality that had to be reckoned with. The great Rabbinical leadership from across the ideological spectrum, met the challenge and formulated their opinions accordingly. 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]

412

Birobidzhan: Stalin's Autonomous Jewish Region

Sep 8, 2019

24:45

One of the odder stories of the Jewish People under Soviet rule is the forming of the Jewish Autonomous Region of Birobidzhan. Founded by Stalin in 1928 as a territorial solution for the Jewish People, it never quite took off as planned. Harsh living conditions and eventually Stalin's purges prevented any major Jewish growth in the region. However, when Birobidzhan was conceptualized as a realistic option, it caused quite a stir in the Jewish world. Does the Jewish People need a territory to solve it's national woes? That's what the Zionist movement was proposing with the new Jewish Nationalism. Perhaps any territory would suffice, as long as the Jewish Nation had some form of territorial center- even in faraway Birobidzhan. That's how many Jewish socialists and Jewish communists reacted to it's initial founding. The Birobidzhan plan flopped, but the questions of Jewish identity and nationalism continued on as before. 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]

413

Scholar & Statesman: Rav Meir Simcha and the 1910 Conference in St. Petersburg

Sep 5, 2019

25:35

A gifted leader, with a brilliant mind and a unique approach, Rav Meir Simcha of Dvinsk (1843–1926) author of the acclaimed Ohr Somayach stands out among the personalities of his day. The 1910 Rabbinical conference in St. Petersburg, was a testing ground for how modern Jewish leadership would grapple with the hot button issues facing the Jews of the Russian Empire. Rav Meir Simcha was one of the respected participants, and he weighed in on the challenges of the time. With panoply of voices and opinions, it wouldn't be a simple matter for his view to hold sway. His Rabbinical leadership in the waning days of the rule of the Czars, gives a glimpse into the challenges of traditional Jewish life at the turn of the century. 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]

414

Rav Kook Part II: New Times, New Needs & New Movements

Sep 3, 2019

25:25

With his appointment as Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, and subsequently of all of British controlled Palestine, Rav Avraham Yitzchok Hakohen Kook (1875-1935) transitioned into his most active period in the public sphere. While garnering much support and staving off the opposition, he managed to build and accomplish in many areas of Jewish life. Along with other Rabbis, he became a primary architect of the Rabbanut to regulate religious life in the "Yishuv", he invested much in Yeshivas and Jewish education, developed working -albeit often times strained- relationships with officials in the British Government, and managed to build bridges with the secular Zionist leadership 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]

415

Beginning of the End: The 80th Anniversary of the German Invasion of Poland

Sep 1, 2019

24:23

Understanding the context of how the Second World War began can facilitate a clearer understanding of what happened to the Jewish People as a result. With the invasion of Poland, the most destructive war in the history of mankind commenced. How did the war begin? How was Poland conquered so easily? What was the immediate reaction of the Jews who were now in a war zone? What was the Soviet Union's involvement? And what was going on in the Far East at this time? A broader picture of all these issues will enhance our perception of war whose reverberations are felt to 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]

416

The Rabbis & The Zionists Part III: From Mizrachi to the Agudah and Back Again

Aug 29, 2019

49:37

With the rise of political Zionism at the end of the 19th century, Rabbinical leaders began to formally organize around their positions visa vis the nascent movement. The founding of the Mizrachi was a major milestone in clarifying at least qualified support for the Zionist program. This begat a more organized and systematic opposition, which was formalized with the founding of the Agudas Yisroel some years later. The Agudah didn't speak with one voice and there was quite a range of rabbinical opinion within it's ranks as to the extent of ideological opposition to Zionism, as well as the practical measures to be taken as a result. In addition, there were quite a number of major Rabbinical leaders who never joined the Agudah altogether for a variety of reasons- some joined the Mizrachi, some were too Zionistic for the Agudah, others felt that the Agudah wasn't extreme enough. During the tumultuous interwar period, Rabbis across the spectrum formulated their respective positions in opposition, support or neutrality on the question of the new Jewish Nationalism- Zionism. 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]

417

Shliach to Shanghai: The Life & Heroics of Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi

Aug 27, 2019

24:16

As the Jewish community in far off Shanghai developed at the beginning of the 20th century, a Rabbi and Lubavitcher Chassid named R' Meir Ashkenazi was called on to serve as the communal Rabbi in 1926. Originally serving in the ultimate "out of town" community in a far flung corner of the world, he eventually found himself the leader of a diverse and large group of refugees who began arriving in the 1930's and '40's. Being the right man in the right place at the right time, he rose to the occasion. Addressing both the material and spiritual needs of the refugee community, he was able to sustain the Shanghai Jewry during those challenging times. 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]

418

A Fatherly Warrior: The Holy Satmar Rav Part I

Aug 24, 2019

24:20

The Satmar Rav, Rav Yoel Teitelbaum will long be remembered as a great Torah Sage, builder, dedicated leader and zealot who held steadfast to strong positions, no matter the opposition. In his efforts to rebuild the destroyed world after the war, he was a visionary who thought of big and creative solutions. As a fatherly figure, he built individuals, breathing a new life and purpose for countless survivors. He also built a large and powerful following, well known for its relentless chesed and strong opposition to the State of Israel. 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]

419

Voice of Clarity: A Tribute to Rav Chaim Brisker

Aug 22, 2019

23:38

Famous for trailblazing a new analytical style of Talmudic Study at the Volozhin Yeshiva, RavChaim Soloveitchik's name is hallowed throughout the Torah world. As Rabbi of Brisk, he became known far and wide for his compassion for the downtrodden. In the public sphere, Reb Chaim became a spokesman of his people and took a stance on many issues facing the Jewish world of his day. In honor of his 101st Yahrtzeit, we'll take a glance Rav Chaim's leadership role in society. 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]

420

The Maiden of Ludmir & Notable Female Chassidic Leaders

Aug 20, 2019

22:11

Chana Rachel Verbermacher, also known as the "Maiden of Ludmir", was an anomaly in the annals of Chassidus. As a woman, and as someone who didn't have any dynastic connections to the great Chassidic courts of her day, she still attained the status of a full fledged chassidic tzadik for a period of time. Does her story teach us about women's roles in the world of early chassidus? Or is she the exception that proves the rule? Along the way, we encounter other Rebbetzins in the history of chassidus who acted in leadership roles in the courts of their husbands or fathers. 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]

421

From All-Night Learning to All-Night Kumzitz: The Early Years of Shlomo Carlebach Part II

Aug 17, 2019

22:36

Another look at the formative Yeshiva years of Shlomo Carlebach, his relationship with Rav Ahron Kotler and the complexities of his leaving the Yeshiva world for his activist work on behalf of the Jewish People. The great "Singing Rabbi" never ceased to sing and never ceased to be a Rabbi. The transitional stage of his being identified with the yeshiva as one of it's prize students, to the public persona involved in Jewish outreach, is crucial to understanding his later approach and wide reaching influence. 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]

422

From Lakewood to Lubavitch: The Early Years of Shlomo Carlebach

Aug 15, 2019

20:26

Clearly the most influential Jewish Composer/Singer of his time, Shlomo Carlebach was a polarizing figure. He was a pioneer in the Jewish Outreach movement and a rabbi to thousands, yet his path to stardom took many interesting twists and turns. From his Rabbeim, Rav Shlomo Heiman and Rav Aaron Kotler to the magnetic influences of The Lubavitcher Rebbe, hear the story of the formative years that shaped the the legendary "Singing Rabbi". 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]

423

The Rabbis & The Zionists Part II: Proto-Zionism, Chovevei Tzion & The Initial Opposition

Aug 13, 2019

52:08

Modern day resettlement of the Land of Israel begins with group aliyah's of both the students of the Baal Shem Tov and later the students of the Vilna Goan. Together they would form the core of what would comet to be known as the Old Yishuv. With the rise of nationalism in nineteenth century Europe, the first stirrings of national yearnings begin to rise among the Jewish People. Initially spreading as an idea, it quickly shifts towards an activist stage and becomes a movement known as the Chovevei Tzion. The movement enjoys differing levels of Rabbinic support as it moves ahead with it's program. The first modern colonies are settled and agriculture begins to develop. Funding begins to arrive from Baron Edmond de Rothschild. At the same time, opposition to the new Jewish Nationalism begins to mount and gain support. Citing both theological sources as well as practical consideration, luminaries such as Rabbi SR Hirsch and later the Rashab of Chabad form the basis of the initial opposition to the new nationalism. 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]

424

Stories Of Challenge & Triumph

Aug 11, 2019

30:46

Throughout the long history of our exile we have faced both tragedies and challenges of all kinds, both as a collective and as individuals. The stories of people who faced challenges of all kinds can serve as a reminder of the story of the Jewish people in the exile, as well as a source from which to draw inspiration from in the challenges that we all face in our lives. Let's meet a few individuals from Jewish History to hear their stories, and follow them on their journey from challenge to triumph. 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]

425

Tisha Ba’av 2019: Profiles Of Martyred Rabbinic Leaders

Aug 9, 2019

33:32

The Kinnah of ארזי הלבנון serves as a reminder to us that the loss of Rabbinic leadership is a unique tragedy in it's own category. In this episode we'll profile a few samples of great prewar leaders who lost their lives together with their people in the great destruction of the Holocaust. Some chose to remain with their communities despite having the opportunity to escape, among them were Chassidic Rebbes, some were Roshei Yeshiva and others were communal Rabbis. The common thread connecting these profiles is the overwhelming sense of loss that was left as a result of the decimation of Torah leadership. 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]

426

A Father to his People: Rav Chaim Ozer's Leadership in Turbulent Times

Aug 6, 2019

24:35

The leadership of Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski manifested itself in many diverse spheres of influence. As the premier Halachic authority, founder and titular head of the Vaad Hayeshivos, leader of Agudas Yisroel and rabbinical representative at government conferences, he stood at the forefront during a rapidly changing Jewish society. At the same time, he exhibited almost a fatherly love to every individual Jew who came to his door, his care for his people was expressed in both the public arena and in personal interaction. In commemoration of his yahrtzeit, we'll attempt to gain a glimpse of this great man. 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]

427

A Princely Rebbe: Rav Shlomo Halberstam of Bobov

Aug 3, 2019

20:38

In pre-war Galicia, Bobov was the leading Chassidus in both numbers, activity and leadership. Decimated by the War and almost a lone survivor of his family, R' Shlomo of Bobov set forth to rebuild what was lost. Carrying the legacy of his father the Kedushas Tzion, he not only led an empire of a resurrected Bobov, he also influenced Jewry worldwide with the beauty of his ways. 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]

428

Fighting Rabbis: Rabbinical Figures in the Resistance against the Nazis

Aug 1, 2019

25:41

Contrary to popular belief, Rabbis played a significant role in various forms of armed resistance against the Nazis. Whether it was through support of the fighters or even active participation in the fighting, Rabbis were there and played a role. What led to a misunderstanding in regards to their role in the post war era? Why did they actually support armed resistance in many instances? 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]

429

The Rabbis & The Zionists Part I (JHS Summer Series)

Jul 30, 2019

40:28

In honor of our 50th Episode, Jewish History Soundbites is proud to announce the launch of a new series entitled: The Rabbis & The Zionists. This series will examine various Rabbinical positions throughout the ages in relation to the Jewish People's return to Eretz Yisroel. Part One is a very general overview of the subject, context and the ideas surrounding the topic. What exactly is the idea of returning to Eretz Yisroel from the exile? What were the different reactions of Rabbinical figures throughout the ages? How did the changing times influence Rabbinical response? 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]

430

Depth, Innovation & Misnagdim Turned Chassidim: The Dynasty of Izhbitz

Jul 27, 2019

27:02

Traveling through the world of Polish Chassidus, one encounters the many offshoots of Pshischa, including perhaps the most colorful of all - Izhbitz. With it's penetrating depth, creativity, innovation & the unique lives of it's leaders, it remains one of the most exciting stories to be told in the history of Chassidus. 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]

431

Jerusalem of the Balkans: The Glory of Jewish Salonika

Jul 25, 2019

22:32

Following the Spanish expulsion, Sephardic Jewry was dispersed, with the bulk of the exiles settling the Mediterranean Basin. The port city of Salonika became a major center of Jewish commercial life as well as a great spiritual center. The story of this Jewish community is quite unique in the annals of Jewish History. 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]

432

Zion on the Niagara: Mordecai Manuel Noah & a Jewish Homeland in Upstate New York

Jul 23, 2019

22:56

Mordecai Manuel Noah was a colorful character who as a diplomat, writer and self appointed Jewish leader who carried Jewish causes throughout his life. His most visionary plan was an audacious attempt at founding a city of refuge for the Jewish nation called Ararat at Grand Island on the Niagara River in Upstate New York. A fascinating story from a forgotten figure in American Jewish History. 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]

433

Operation Reinhard: The Nazi Extermination of Polish Jewry

Jul 21, 2019

22:04

The tragic destruction of European Jewry via the Nazi Final Solution, reached it's most terrifying peak with the deportations of Polish Jewry to the Death Camps. Confronting the totality of the Nazi attempt at extermination will give insight as to the sheer magnitude of the loss. 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]

434

Tanks, Trenches and Tefillos: The Nazi Attempt to Conquer the Holy Land

Jul 18, 2019

22:05

The Yishuv in pre-State Israel during WWII was in grave danger as Rommel's tanks rolled across North Africa. With the British victory at El Alamein, the danger passed. How did the Jews of the Yishuv react to the German threat? What ultimately stopped Rommels rolling forces? 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]

435

Unlikeliest of Saviors: The Story of Chinese Diplomat Feng Shan Ho

Jul 16, 2019

20:55

While the heroic stories of Schindler and Sugihara are quite famous, the story of Chinese Diplomat Feng Shan Ho is practically unknown. Learn about the man who risked it all and issued thousands of Visas to Viennese Jews, allowing them to escape Hitler's tightening grasp. 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]

436

Rav Kook Part I: From Volozhin to Jaffa

Jul 14, 2019

27:21

The discussions and research surrounding Rav Avraham Yitzchak Hakohen Kook's beliefs, writings, philosophy & outlook are almost unparalleled in the last century. How much is known about the man himself, especially his early years? In this series about Rav Kook, let's follow him through the various stages of his very interesting life. 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]

437

Mineral Baths, Hammocks & Shirt Sleeves: Pre war Torah leaders on Vacation

Jul 11, 2019

20:12

The great Rabbis had their favored vacation spots in the Prewar era. Where were they? What went on there? An inside look at the relaxing times and locations known as the "Dachas". 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]

438

The Great Escape: The Belzer Rebbe & the Farewell Speech in Budapest

Jul 8, 2019

22:29

After narrowly escaping death hiding out in various Ghettos, the Belzer Rebbe and his brother make it to the relative safety of Hungary, and from there to Eretz Yisroel. The farewell speech given by the Rebbe's brother together with his subsequent departure, caused a controversy that remains till this very day. A fresh look at an old story. 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]

439

The Making of a Rebbe: The Lubavitcher Rebbe's Rise to Leadership

Jul 6, 2019

23:09

Undoubtedly from the most influential Jewish leaders of the last century, the last Rebbe of Chabad left an indelible imprint on the landscape of contemporary Jewish life. In honor the 25th yahrtzeit of his histalkus, we'll follow some key junctures on his path to leadership. 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]

440

Streets Paved With Gold: The Mass Wave of Jewish Immigration

Jul 4, 2019

22:14

Between the years 1881-1925, millions of Jews emigrated from Eastern Europe. From the Czarist Russian Empire, Galicia in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Romania, Jews sought new homes and better futures in countries around the world. The overwhelming majority made their way across the Atlantic to the beckoning shores of the United States. What were the catalysts for this mass migration? How did it take place? What was the impact on the communities left behind? And how did the immigrants acclimate themselves to their new surroundings? 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]

441

Operation Thunderbolt: The Heroes & Villains of the Raid on Entebbe

Jul 2, 2019

22:23

Revisiting the legendary story of the Entebbe raid by Israeli commandos in July 1976. 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]

442

Foreign Minister of the Eidah HaChareidis: The Strange Story of Dr. Jacob de Haan

Jun 30, 2019

21:39

Poet, journalist, lawyer, human rights activist, linguist, Zionist, anti Zionist, Diplomat, these are but some of the facets of one of the most fascinating characters in recent Jewish history - Dr. Jacob de Haan. Ultimately killed in the first Jewish political assassination in modern history, his story is a riveting journey through Jewish life at the first quarter of the last century. 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]

443

Yossele Rosenblatt and the Golden Age of Chazzanus

Jun 27, 2019

21:27

The name Yossele Rosenblatt evokes legendary awe as a chazzan, singer and composer. However, he was a man of his time who enjoyed fame and success on one hand, whilst experiencing challenges and travails on the other. Come along as we peek into the lives of some the great Chazzanim of the last century. 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]

444

Tach V'Tat: A Revised History of the Chmielnicki Massacres

Jun 24, 2019

21:45

The beginning of the end of the Golden Era of Jewish Poland came with the terrible Cossack Massacres in 1648-49. The recent date of Chaf Sivan commemorates the devastation wreaked upon the communities of the Polish Kingdom. Putting these events into a fresh perspective will give us insight into how this watershed event resonates 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]

445

The Baal Shem Tov Part III

Jun 23, 2019

19:15

The inner world of the Baal Shem Tov and early Chassidus brings us to the core of what the movement eventually was to become- a revival of Jewish spiritual life. Let's explore some of tales and teachings of the Baal Shem Tov to understand what he was all about. 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]

446

Antisemitism, Immigration & Athletes: Current Events as Lessons at Mir Yeshiva

Jun 20, 2019

22:19

The great pre war Mir Mashgiach Rav Yerucham Levovitz used all sorts of relevant stories from current events and history, as ways to impart valuable educational lessons to his students. Here is presented a collection of those stories culled from his printed works. 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]

447

Yankees Abroad: Foreigners in the Great European Yeshivas Part II

Jun 18, 2019

22:10

The decision to travel across the world to a third-world country in order to study at a Yeshiva wasn't a simple one. In this podcast we'll profile several individuals such as R’ Avigdor Miller, R’ Gedalia Schorr, R’ Dovid Bender & Rabbi Harry Epstein who persevered and eventually made an indelible stamp on American Jewish life as a result. 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]

448

R' Chaim of Volozhin & Chassidus

Jun 16, 2019

20:12

Much more than just the founder of the Volozhin Yeshiva, R' Chaim was a multi faceted and devoted leader of his people. We'll follow one aspect of his leadership as he trail-blazed a new method of dealing with the reality of the Chassidic Movement of his 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]

449

The Golden Age of Slabodka: Part III

Jun 13, 2019

19:56

The years immediately preceding WWI were considered the glory days of Slabodka's long history. Let's meet the personalities and hear the stories of the period when the Alter of Slabodka had his greatest impact on the future of the Torah world. 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]

450

Baseball, PHD's and Torah: Foreigners in the Great European Yeshivas part I

Jun 12, 2019

20:47

The interwar period witnessed the phenomenon of young Yeshiva students from Western Europe & the US, who would make the trek to study at the great citadels of Torah in Eastern Europe. Come and follow their footsteps to see the excitement and the challenges they faced with this transition. 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]