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Jewish History Uncensored

Dec 31, 2020

In this episode we look at the contemporary theory that real opposition to Beshtian Chassidus only started in 1781. We start looking at the issue of what part the Maskilim  played in the confrontation between Chassidim and Misnagdim. We look specifically at Yisroel of Zamosz. Was Yisroel of Zamosz an early Maskil? Was...


Dec 24, 2020

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


Dec 17, 2020

GAON #16 - The Vilna Communal Turmoil in the 1760’s

The Jewish Community of Vilna in the times of the Vilna Gaon was in a state of extreme turmoil. In this episode we look at the basic details of the struggle between the last Rabbi of Vilna, Rabbi Shmuel ben Avigdor and the Kahal. What caused this conflict to start?...


Dec 10, 2020

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

Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein is a well known Torah scholar, Tanach expert, and Historian. He has lectured in the...


Dec 3, 2020

Episode 15 - The Gaon and His Bais Medrash 

 In this episode we take a closer look at many of the biographical details of the Vilna Gaon. When was his Bais Medrash built?  We also look at the Vilna Gaon’s close students, especially R Chaim Volozhin. Was there a difference between how the Vilna Gaon related to his...