Shows
SeforimchatterSmallTalk: Achsanya Journal Vol 3: Pesach Edition (with Rabbi Eli Simcha Hellmann)#350> To purchase Achsanya Journal Vol 3: https://kollelashkenaz.org/publications/periodical-achsanya/Or contact Rabbi Hellman: 845-304-3744; RabbiHellmann@KollelAshkenaz.org> To join the SeforimChatter WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DZ3C2CjUeD9AGJvXeEODtK> To support the podcast or to sponsor an episode follow this link: https://seforimchatter.com/support-seforimchatter/or email seforimchatter@gmail.com (Zelle/QP this email address)Support the show2025-04-0921 min
Daf Yomi with Maier BorensteinBava metziah 85The yissurim of rebbe and Torah machzeres Al achsanya shlehuh
2024-05-2407 min
The Achsanya Shel Torah PodcastKitnios - It's origins, inclusivity, and controversyWhen did the minhag of Kitnios begin and how did it start? Is it just a minhag or a gezaira? What is included in Kitnios?
These are some of the numerous questions which are answered in this special shiur.
Also included is a discussion about the Reform Movement's attempt to abolish issur kitnios.
Achsanya Shel Torah
2024-05-0152 min
The Achsanya Shel Torah Podcast19th Century German Jewry - The Buildup - Part1The 18th century was a period of great upheaval as the reigns of ancient monarchies were cast off Europe's growing population. It was at this point that the basic tenants of religion were questioned like never before; examined under the gaze of enlightened minds. New ideas were introduced, and life took on a new meaning for many Jews. It was in this backdrop that myriads of Jews succumbed to the tsunami of secularization.
Rabbi Hellmann takes the journey through this turbulent period, detailing the various personalities and events which makes this period so important to understanding the m...2024-03-0736 min
The Achsanya Shel Torah PodcastMedrashim: Ancient Works or Modern Compilations? Rabbi Hellmann - Achsanya Shel TorahMedrashim are fundamental texts in Judaism. However, many of these works have unknown or even questionable origins. Are all Medrashim created equal?
In this episode, Rabbi Hellmann provides a general picture of when and how medrashim came to be. Certain works are discussed at length such as the Shimusha Rabba and Haggada Shel Pesach.
2024-02-1519 min
The Achsanya Shel Torah PodcastThe Eiruv in Schwabach - Rabbi Hellmann - Achsanya Shel TorahA small city in southern Germany became the topic of discussion due to a shortened pole in the Eiruv. Listen to the incredible history of this city and the surrounding region as well as some of the great Torah personalities who led the community. This podcast is connected to the Parshas Beshalach parsha sheet publication from Achsanya Shel Torah.
2024-01-2524 min
The Achsanya Shel Torah PodcastWho Authored Tosfos?A question everyone who learns Gemara asks: Who Authored Tosfos?
Listen to the latest podcast as we explore the origins of the Tosfos Yeshivos, specifically the school of Rabbeinu Yitzchak Hazakein in Dampierre, France. What is the fundamental difference of Tosfos verses earlier commentaries on the Talmud? Who wrote the version of Tosfos printed on the side of every Gemara today?
2024-01-0419 min
The Achsanya Shel Torah PodcastDovid Hamelech of PragueDovid Hamelech of Prague refers to Rav Dovid Oppenheim who served as the Chief Rabbi of Moravia and later of Prague.
Rav Oppenheim amassed one of the largest collections of Jewish books and manuscripts of all time. At the time of his passing his library numbered more than 7,000 printed books and 1,000 manuscripts.
His responsa were published under the title Nishal Dovid. He passed away in 1736 and is buried in Prague.
2023-10-2722 min
The Achsanya Shel Torah PodcastPodcast: Kabbala in the Black MountiansThe school of Rebbi Yehuda Hachassid introduced the kabbalistic approach to Southern Germany. Following generations continued to develop these teachings, integrating the ideas of Lurianic Kabbala as well. This culminated with the great luminary Rabbi Nosson Adler of Frankfurt who disseminated these teachings through his students across the continents. The students who settled in Bavaria took a unique approach to these teachings, always keeping it hidden from public view to an extreme degree.
2023-09-0821 min
The Achsanya Shel Torah PodcastRav Nosson Maz and his role in the Kleve GettRav Nosson Maz was the leader of the Frankfurt Kehilla for much of the latter half of the 18th century. His brilliant mind, numerous seforim, and prestige, is only more inspiring when shown side-by-side with his humble character. Listen to the incredible details of the life of this Torah giant and his unbelievable ban on the seforim of the Noda B'Yehuda.
2023-08-2328 min
The Achsanya Shel Torah PodcastNapoleonic Wars and the Effect on Jewish LifeNapoleon Bonaparte has a unique place in world history. Listen to a discussion about how his policies and laws had lasting effects far beyond what could have been imagined. Jewish communities came in contact with Napoleon quite often; he was fascinated with them, but how did they view him?
2023-06-2922 min
The Achsanya Shel Torah PodcastRav Akiva Eiger’s Curriculum For Secular StudiesRav Akiva Eiger is known for his genius and unique learning style. As the Chief Rabbi of Posen, Rav Eiger became tasked with implementing secular education in Jewish schools in his region. In this capacity, he became the leading Torah scholar in Germany, providing direction for numerous communities in this area.
Discussion about Rabbi Hertz Wesel and how the approach to secular studies in his publication "Divrei Shalom V'Emes" was frowned upon by Orthodox leaders.
2023-06-2123 min
The Achsanya Shel Torah PodcastThe Vilna Gaon in BerlinLearn about the Vilna Gaon and his trip to Berlin! Included is a fascinating discussion about the Vilna Gaon's interaction with early reformers.
2023-05-1826 minThe Achsanya Shel Torah PodcastRav Aron Fuld and the Frankfurt Judicial SystemLearn about Rav Aron Fuld, the last of the illustrious dayanim of Frankfurt. Take a dive into the fascinating story of the judicial system of that city.
2023-05-0322 min
SeforimchatterWith R' Eliyahu Simcha Hellmann discussing Rav Yitzchak Dov Bamberger - The Wurzburger Rav (1807 - 1878) - and Kollel Achsanya Shel Torah#188.** To support the podcast: https://seforimchatter.com/support-seforimchatter/ or email seforimchatter@gmail.com**NOTE: Discussion of the Wurzburger Rav begins at 41:20With R' Eliyahu Simcha Hellmann ln discussing Rav Yitzchak Dov Bamberger, The Wurzburger Rav (1807 - 1878), and Kollel Achsanya Shel TorahWe discussed Kollel Achsanya Shel Torah, what the Kollel does and its mission, the Kollel's newsletter, publishing Seforim of German Gedolim, the Wurzburger Rav and his bio, his various Seforim, new edition of Meleches Shomayim on Sta"m published through the Kollel, Amirah L'Beis Yaakov, and moreTo...2023-03-191h 35The Achsanya Shel Torah PodcastRav Yedidya Tia Weil - Achsanya Shel Torah PodcastRav Yedidya Tia Weil, son of Rav Nesanel Weil (author of Korban Nesanel), was one of the leading Torah luminaries in the second part of the 18th century. He authored more than half a dozen works, many still remaining in manuscript form to this day. Listen to a clear overview of his life and legacy!
2023-02-1519 minThe Achsanya Shel Torah PodcastRav Mendel Rosenbaum - Torah, Askanus, and LegacyRav Mendel Rosenbaum was one of the leaders of Orthodox Jewry in Germany during the nineteenth century.
Gain a unique perspective of Bavarian Jewry.
Learn about the personalities of Rav Mendel Rosenbaum, his son Rav Yona, and his son-in-law Rav Eliezer Bergmann.
2023-01-1919 minThe Achsanya Shel Torah PodcastRabbi Dovid Tzvi Hoffmann - His life, his genius, and his impactRabbi Dovid Tzvi Hoffmann was one of the last Torah leaders and poskim of German Jewry. He authored a commentary on Chumash and responsa titled Melamed L'hoil.
2022-11-1505 min
The Achsanya Shel Torah PodcastTevilas Ezra - Common practice or saintly tradition?Tevilas Ezra is a interesting topic which has become integrated into practice more and more in this generation. Was this practiced back in Ashkenaz? Did it stop due to Reform influences?
Learn about the German Jewish approach to kabbalah in general and personal exercises in mystical areas. A short talk to give a glimpse into a giant topic!
2022-11-1328 min