Jan 29, 2026
In this week’s episode, we look at how R Menashe of Iliya’s reputation was seen by the Gedolai Lita as we can see from careful reading of the Haskomos. We also look at the issue of when one should respond to outside ideas. We also look at his second marriage and how it differed in many ways from his first...
Jan 25, 2026
In this episode we continue looking at some of Plungian’s stories about R Menashe of Iliya. We specifically look at his claim that R Menashe wanted to travel to Berlin to study with Mendelsohn, but wasn’t able to due to passport issues. We also start looking at his great grandson, R Yitzchok Spalter’s biographical...
Jan 14, 2026
In this episode, we look at the basic challenge due to the biography of R Menashe written by Mordechai Plungian. How much credence should one give to the Plungian biography? What was R Matisyahu Shtrason’s reaction? Why is this so significant? What basic rule can we learn about the Vilna Gaon’s approach to...
Jan 8, 2026
In this episode, we continue to look at the cultural milieu of the Lithuanian Talmidai Chochomim. How much of the contemporary European thought were they aware of?
We look at R Menashe of Iliya’s early life and background. Where was he from? Which other famous people were from his home town of Smargon? What does this...
Jan 1, 2026
In this episode we look at the basic communal tensions that existed in the Polish Lithuanian Jewish Community during the 1700’s. What were the main causes of these tensions? What were the main factors in determining communal leadership? Did these natural tensions contribute to the challenge of determining...