Podcast Episodes

From Strength to Strength: The Life of Rav Dovid Feinstein

Episode 223

The passing of Rav Dovd Feinstein (1929-2020) is a great loss to the Jewish world. With his simplicity, able leadership and as a senior posek in all halachic matters, he will not be easily replaced.

Published on 5 years, 1 month ago

Rebbe! The Life of Rav Nochum Partzovitz

Episode 222

Rav Nochum Partzovitz (1923-1986), was most known for his approach to Talmudic study, which gained renown within the Yeshiva world. Having grown up in the Vilna suburb of Trakai, he proceeded to stud…

Published on 5 years, 1 month ago

The Civil War & American Jewry

Episode 221

American Jews served in the ranks of both the Union and Confederacy during the Civil War. Several major events stand out as milestones in American Jewish History during that time period. The first wa…

Published on 5 years, 1 month ago

A Guiding Light: The Life of the Chazon Ish Part I

Episode 220

Hidden from the public view by his own choice for the majority of his adult life, Rav Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz (1878-1953) - the Chazon Ish - nevertheless achieved immortality in the traditional Jewi…

Published on 5 years, 1 month ago

Poles at the Polls: Jewish Political Factions in Interwar Poland

Episode 219

With the rise of the Second Polish Republic in the shadow of Versailles, the Jewish minority received citizenship, the right to vote and to politically organize. Jewish political parties became major…

Published on 5 years, 2 months ago

Around the Maggid's Table: The Disciples of Rav Dov Ber of Mezeritch

Episode 218

With the passing of the Baal Shem Tov in 1760, several of his students continued transmitting his teachings to groups of followers. After several years, Rav Dov Ber  the Maggid of Mezritch (1704-1772…

Published on 5 years, 2 months ago

A Historic Vote: The 1935 Tel Aviv Rabbinate Elections

Episode 217

A seemingly local and insignificant event, the election for the Tel Aviv rabbinate in 1935 had an impact on the future of Jewish life in many ways and places.

The first Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of Tel …

Published on 5 years, 2 months ago

Sisters of the Revolution Part IV: The Birth of a Movement

Episode 216

Sarah Schenirer (1883-1935) founded the first Bais Yaakov school upon her return to Krakow during the Great War. From its modest beginnings in her living room, it blossomed into a full blown movement…

Published on 5 years, 2 months ago

The Birth of Proto-Zionism: The World of Rav Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer

Episode 215

As a student of both Rav Akiva Eiger and Rav Yaakov Loberbaum (author of the Nesivos Hamishpat), Rav Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer (1795-1874) grew up in the world of the Polish rabbinate, eventually becomin…

Published on 5 years, 2 months ago

From Minsk to Monsey: The Life of Rav Reuven Grozovsky

Episode 214

As a sequel to the story of Rav Baruch Ber Leibowitz, it would be appropriate to profile the activities of his illustrious son in law and successor Rav Reuven Grozovsky (1886-1958). Growing up in Min…

Published on 5 years, 2 months ago