Jewish History Soundbites

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

As one of the greatest and most beloved leaders in recent times, the Chofetz Chaim's legacy has attracted much legend. Join us as we reexamine some of the stories that are a bit heavy on the legend side. 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]

R' Nosson was a unique individual who made an everlasting contribution to our understanding of Pre War Europe. He was not only wise, he was a kindhearted and warm personality as well. A few words in light of his passing. 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]

In honor of the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion at Normandy, the role of Jews in the allied forces is a story to be told. Listen to the heroism and challenges of the fighting Jews of WWII. 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]

What role did the Baal Shem Tov play in Jewish society? Did he face serious opposition? What was so revolutionary about his teachings? Beneath the myth and legend lies a great leader and personality whose story is one that longs to be 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]

The Baal Shem Tov's influence on the course of history can hardly be overestimated. How did it happen? What was his world all about? Come and take a glance at the world that was his stage. 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]

With the winds of change blowing fiercely across the Jewish European landscape, Rabbi Chaim Elazar Shapira, the Munkatcher Rebbe donned the armor of a fighter against the new ideas and ideals of his age. Come along as we follow this dynamic leader of his people through the challenges of the time and the uncompromising ways that he fought them. 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]

Although he was chased and held in great suspicion during his lifetime, the Ramchal achieved fame and everlasting influence in his death. Let's explore the vicissitudes of life and vindication in death of this fascinating 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]

The Six Day War will always be remembered as a turning point for the fledgling Jewish state and story of the resounding victory will always be highlighted by the unification of Jerusalem and the recovery of the Kosel Hamaaravi as well as other important sites. How did the Mir Yeshiva, located only meters from the Jordanian border fare during the war? 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]

The second episode in our Slabodka series follows the initial high hopes and successes of the Yeshiva as well as the challenges it faced in its new home. We'll follow the Yeshiva through to its tragic ending with the Chevron Massacre of 1929. 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]

Are "Slabodka" and "Chevron" two different Yeshivas or are they two branches of the same one? How did they even get to a place like Chevron? Listen to the fascinating story of the first Lithuanian Yeshiva to go on Aliyah to Eretz Yisroel. 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]

Known and endeared as a great visionary, R' Meir Shapiro of Lublin always expressed a deep appreciation for our glorious past. As we visit the great "Yeshiva Of The Future" that he built in Lublin, we'll discuss how the past and present came together in the world of this great leader. (Recorded in Lublin, Poland) 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]

The Ridbaz, Rabbi Yaakov Dovid Wilovsky makes a valiant attempt to improve Jewish life in the United States with a short stint as a Rabbi in Chicago. We'll follow him on his journey through America and the lessons he wished to impart, both successes and failures. 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]

How did America's Yeshiva find its first Rosh Yeshiva? Who were the luminaries that followed and eventually led the burgeoning Makom Hatorah that is now more than 100 years old? We delve into the story behind the early transplants from Europe's Torah Centers that left behind a legacy that would shape the character of "America's Yeshiva. 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]

Yehuda Geberer tells the story of the great R' Menachem Mendel of Rimanov and the timeless controversy over the Napoleonic wars that is still debated today. Did the Alter Rebbe really oppose Jewish emancipation? Did R' Chaim of Volozhin actually meet Napoleon? 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]

Yeshiva Torah Vodaath has had a tremendous influence on American Jewish life throughout the last century. Here is the fascinating story of both the dreams and challenges faced by the visionary founders of "America's Yeshiva". 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]

Yehuda Geberer shares the story of the "Rama", Rav Moshe Isserlis of Krakow whose Yahrtzeit is on Lag Baomer and the large gathering that occurred at his Kever each year. 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]

The enduring influence and legacy of R' Shimon Shkop is through his seforim, family and talmidim. We'll explore how his Seforim came to be written and learn a little bit about his illustrious descendants. 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]

Yehuda Geberer explores the story of "The Bund", the largest Jewish political party in pre-war Poland. Both anti-Zionist and anti-religious, the Socialist Workers Party used Yiddish language and culture and succeeded in its efforts to harm the Jewish establishment in interwar Poland. Yet, there were some positive aspects to this movement. Listen to Yehuda explain the surprising reasons why some religious Jews supported the Bund. 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]

Jewish Historian and Tour Guide Yehuda Geberer details the storied career of the Rosh Yeshiva of Shaar Torah in Grodno and author of the Shaarei Yosher, Rav Shimon Shkop and his ultimate decision to return to Europe following a year at RIETS in 1929. 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]