Shows
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Rabbi Who Wouldn’t Wait: A Proposal to Reinstate the KorbanosIn the 1830s, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer penned an extensive letter to one of the Rothschilds, seeking his support for an ambitious plan to reinstate the korbanos on the Temple Mount. The rabbi contended that awaiting Moshiach was neither necessary nor prudent. This proposal ignited a debate among his rabbinic contemporaries, a discourse that continued well into the 20th century. Today, this story invites us to delve into many of the laws involving the Beis Hamikdash, a particularly fitting endeavor during the Three Weeks.
The Rabbi Who Wouldn’t Wait: A Proposal to Reinstate th...
2024-08-081h 19
Classes by Mordechai DinermanUnconditional Love: A Commemorative Study of a Talk by the Lubavitcher RebbeAs we approach Gimmel Tammuz, marking the Rebbe’s thirtieth Hilula, we’re doing something different: a text-based class on an important talk by the Rebbe from Shabbos Korach 1988, a talk that captures a lot of the Rebbe’s hashkafah. The aim is to find inspiration and wisdom in his words, which can be applied to our daily lives and shared with others.
Unconditional Love: A Commemorative Study of a Talk by the Lubavitcher Rebbe
2024-07-021h 06
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Provocative Portrait: Unveiling the True Face of Moshe RabbeinuRabbi Yisrael Lifshitz, a well-known commentator on the Mishnah, included a provocative legend about Moshe Rabbeinu in his writings, suggesting that Moshe naturally possessed negative character traits. Over the following decades, some rabbis strongly opposed this legend, arguing that its claims were baseless and defamed Moshe’s revered image. In this class, we’ll talk about the origins of this controversial story, look at both sides of the debate, and explore why this account struck a chord with many Chasidic authors.
The Provocative Portrait: Unveiling the True Face of Moshe Rabbeinu
2024-06-181h 12
Classes by Mordechai DinermanYom Tov Burial: The Talmud, the Rishonim, and the Baal Shem TovThe Baal Shem Tov passed away on Shavuos in 1760, but the exact day of his passing and the time and manner of his burial have long been subjects of controversy and mystery. In this class, we explore this subject by learning about two major debates regarding yom tov burials that emerged during the Middle Ages. Through this journey, we aim to deepen our appreciation for the laws and values related to yom tov observance and the proper dignity afforded to those who have passed away.
Yom Tov Burial: The Talmud, the Rishonim, and the Baal Shem Tov
2024-06-051h 08
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Masada Martyrs: Halachic Perspectives on History’s Hardest ChoicesHow does a halachic mind interpret the harrowing events at Masada, where Jewish rebels chose death at their own hands over surrender? In this class, we delve into this question, exploring not only the tragic case at Masada but also similar ethical dilemmas faced by Jews during the Middle Ages when confronted with forced conversions under Christian rule. The complexities of these historic moments offer deep insights into the moral and spiritual struggles that have shaped Jewish resilience and identity.
The Masada Martyrs: Halachic Perspectives on History’s Hardest Choices
2024-05-221h 12
Classes by Mordechai DinermanGrain Matters: Navigating the Chadash Predicament Across the CenturiesThroughout history, Jewish communities have thrived in diverse locales, each presenting unique agricultural schedules. While adhering to the prohibition against eating chadash proved feasible in some regions, in others, it posed significant obstacles to daily life. This class delves into the strategies employed by the Ashkenazi rishonim and the legendary Acharonim of Poland, exploring five approaches to justify non-compliance, particularly in circumstances where adherence would be exceptionally challenging.
Grain Matters: Navigating the Chadash Predicament Across the Centuries
2024-05-151h 08
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Frankist Blood LibelIn 1759, a clandestine faction of Shabetai Tzvi’s followers in Poland committed a startling act: they collectively converted to Christianity while simultaneously accusing Jews of the age-old fabrication of using blood in matzah production. Despite the longstanding existence of the blood libel, this marked the first instance where the accusation was made by citing and distorting Talmudic and halachic sources. In this class, we examine the specific passages they employed and learn the response of the Jewish leadership during that era. As Ber of Bolochov, the chronicler of this event, emphasized, recording this narrative was essential to ensure that future ge...
2024-05-081h 04
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Kittsee HaggadahThe Kittsee Haggadah
The library of Agudas Chasidei Chabad houses a remarkable manuscript crafted in 1760 by the talented scribe and artist Chaim ben Asher Anshel of Kittsee, near present-day Bratislava. We’ll trace the journey of this Haggadah from its creation to its acquisition by the Frierdiker Rebbe. Opening this manuscript, we’ll examine its layout, artwork, nusach, and style of nikud, seeking to uncover the influences that shaped Chaim ben Asher’s masterpiece through a comparative analysis with other Haggadahs of that period.
To purchase a facsimile of the Kittzee Haggadah:
https://store.kehotonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HP-HAGG.KITZEE...
2024-04-1058 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Printers’ Clash: The Battle Over Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, Venice 1550In the year 1550, two non-Jewish printers published competing editions of Rambam’s Mishneh Torah. One of them partnered with an esteemed rabbi from Padua, who, in his quest for support, turned to Rabbi Moshe Isserlis. Rama’s response along with a careful examination of the printed volumes unveil the details of this dispute. Rama’s scholarly answer also sheds light on various areas of commercial Halachah as well as the Noahide laws.
The Printers’ Clash: The Battle Over Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, Venice 1550
2024-04-081h 06
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Printers’ Clash: The Battle Over Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, Venice 1550In the year 1550, two non-Jewish printers published competing editions of Rambam’s Mishneh Torah. One of them partnered with an esteemed rabbi from Padua, who, in his quest for support, turned to Rabbi Moshe Isserlis. Rama’s response along with a careful examination of the printed volumes unveil the details of this dispute. Rama’s scholarly answer also sheds light on various areas of commercial Halachah as well as the Noahide laws.
The Printers’ Clash: The Battle Over Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, Venice 1550
2024-04-071h 01
Classes by Mordechai DinermanSeduction and Sacrifice: From the Purim Story to the Responsa LiteratureThere have been tragic instances where Jewish women felt compelled to take drastic measures to save the lives of their fellow Jews. When rabbis were presented with these real-life cases, they turned to the story of Esther for inspiration and guidance.
Seduction and Sacrifice: From the Purim Story to the Responsa Literature
2024-03-2057 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanScrolls, Scribes, and Shortcuts: An Incomplete Megilah in the Cairo GenizaToday, we explore enigmatic Megilahs, where the absence of the text eclipses the written word. We’ll learn that this peculiar phenomenon is just a fragment of a larger tendency reflected in the Geniza to produce incomplete texts. We shall unravel the motivations behind this practice, reminding us of the formidable challenges in reproducing sacred texts by scribal hand.
Links:
First Megilah image:
https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-TS-AS-00044-00005/1
Second Megilah image:
https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-TS-NS-00286-00043/1
...
2024-03-131h 06
Classes by Mordechai DinermanLost Scrolls, Lost Souls: A Spanish Jew’s Plea to Rediscover Tanach | Favorite EpisodesTunisian Jews used to refer to Tanach with a very odd name, and few understood why. Fortunately, illuminated medieval Jewish manuscripts can help solve this mystery. They bring us back to the 14th century, where we find Rabbi Yitzchak ben Moshe Halevi fervently contending that there has been a neglect of studying Tanach and that this is akin to abandoning the sacred Beis Hamikdash.
Lost Scrolls, Lost Souls: A Spanish Jew’s Plea to Rediscover Tanach | Favorite Episodes
2023-12-271h 02
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Scandalous History of AleinuWhen we examine medieval manuscripts that feature Aleinu, we uncover intriguing instances of censorship within this ancient prayer. What motivated these textual alterations, and can they be linked to a specific historical event? Delving into this subject unveils a significant episode from the year 1390, shedding light on the numerous amendments and erasures made to the text. These changes continue to influence various minhagim to the present day.
Relevant links:
Michael Machzor
https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/b3f2d1d5-ff07-4a6e-87ea-281...
2023-12-191h 06
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Meaning of Dreaming: Talmudic Perspectives | Favorite EpisodesFavorite Episodes
Are our dreams significant? Do they have predictive value? Should we pay heed to their warnings? The Talmud seems to offer contradictory teachings on this subject, and this will lead us toward two classic approaches to this matter.
The Meaning of Dreaming: Talmudic Perspectives
2023-12-121h 02
Classes by Mordechai DinermanRambam’s Menorah: Insights from Ancient Hebrew Manuscripts | Favorite EpisodesClick here to view the class PowerPoint slides.
Favorite Episodes | Initially released in July 2023.
We are all acquainted with the renowned depiction of the menorah created by the Rambam. In this class, we dig into the story of this image. Where did it come from? Can we trust its accuracy? When was it discovered? Did later artists and copyists treat it as just a doodle or something more meaningful?
Rambam’s Menorah: Insights from Ancient Hebrew Manuscripts
2023-12-061h 09
Classes by Mordechai DinermanBetween Ashkenaz and Sefard: Medieval Women, Biblical Dena, and the Public Square | Favorite EpisodesFavorite Episodes | Initially released in December 2022.
We can learn about the public presence of women in a given society by examining how various rabbis understood the story of Dina. We’ll witness the difference between Ashkenazic and Sefardic commentaries, between the Tanchuma and Bereishis Rabah, and between Ashkenazic and Sefardic halachic norms.
Between Ashkenaz and Sefard: Medieval Women, Biblical Dena, and the Public Square
2023-11-2957 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanIn the Dungeons of the InquisitionIn this episode, we explore the intriguing narrative of a Jew named Shlomo, also known as Fillipo, who found himself ensnared by the Inquisition in Venice during the 1580s. Raised as a Christian in Portugal during a period when Jews were prohibited from residing there, Shlomo’s journey took a profound turn when he embraced Judaism in Venice, a choice that carried substantial risks. His captivating story can be learned through the archives of the Venetian Inquisition but also through two rabbinic responsa.
In the Dungeons of the Inquisition
2023-10-2558 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Heartless ChickenWe examine the tale of the heartless chicken that ignited lively discussion among rabbinic authorities in the year 1709. We introduce the pivotal figures in this intriguing narrative, examine the framing of the question, analyze the diverse range of answers proposed, and learn about the captivating research endeavors undertaken by these rabbis in their quest for a definitive solution. This engaging study about the interplay between science and tradition offers unique insights into the intellectual landscape of the time.
The Heartless Chicken
2023-10-181h 01
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Puzzle of Peshat: Rashbam’s Controversial Commentary
In 1158, Rabbi Avraham ibn Ezra found himself disturbed by a provocative dream, which ultimately inspired him to author a treatise concerning the proper start time of the halachic day—evening. One possibility is that this work was a polemical discourse aimed at Rashbam’s Torah commentary. This prompts us to delve into the story of this commentary, examining some of the controversial passages that have sparked confusion throughout the ages. Ultimately, we emerge from this exploration with an empowering revelation: the fact that the halachic day commences at nightfall teaches us about becoming resilient in times of crisis.
T...
2023-10-1157 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe History of Kol NidreiKol Nidrei has been associated with controversy since its inception, and we’re here to delve deep into its intriguing story. We’ll unravel the criticisms it faced, the defenses it inspired, and the persistent misconceptions that have colored its long history. But that’s not all. We’ll also embark on a journey to trace the theory that links Kol Nidrei to the Marranos.
To see the images from the Rothschild Pentateuch, click here:
https://mosaicmagazine.com/observation/arts-culture/2022/04/a-mysterious-erasure-in-a-700-year-old-manuscript-of-the-hebrew-bible/
The History of Kol Nidrei
2023-09-201h 09
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe History and Evolution of the Chabad MachzorWhat is the story behind the Chabad Machzor? In the first part of this class, we find ourselves comparing two sacred machzorim. The current Chabad Machzor is open before us, focusing on the Shachris of Rosh Hashanah. Concurrently, we have images of an Ashkenazi machzor dating back to the 1200s. Our purpose is to discern the commonalities and distinctions between the two.
We then attempt to learn about how the Chabad machzor developed. We show that during the nineteenth century, there were diverse perspectives within the Chabad community concerning the role of the piyyutim. Ultimately, the transformative moment in this...
2023-09-131h 26
Classes by Mordechai DinermanTroubling Tales: The Rebbe’s Approach to Controversial StoriesThe Lubavitcher Rebbe raised an interesting question on the renowned tale of Rabbi Amnon and Unesaneh Tokef. We’ll show that this comment was just the tip of the iceberg as we delve into the Rebbe’s reaction to ten distinct stories that raised halachic or ethical concerns. Stories mirror cherished values and shape communal norms, underscoring the significance of this exploration.
Troubling Tales: The Rebbe’s Approach to Controversial Stories
2023-08-311h 00
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Politics of Divorce: King Henry’s Wives and the Italian RabbisDelve into the riveting saga of King Henry VIII’s marital turmoil as he sought to dissolve his marriage in order to marry a second queen. We’ll discover the intriguing intersection of politics, religion, and royal prerogatives as this notorious English monarch sought the counsel of Italian rabbis to help his cause while other powerful figures tried to impede them. This will lead us toward the lone surviving Hebrew letter by an Italian rabbi that was dispatched to the king and to additional arguments by contemporary Jews as conveyed by the dispatches of European diplomats.
2023-08-251h 41
Classes by Mordechai DinermanDancing with History: The 15th of Av and Its Legacy in Renaissance JewryThis class delves into the story of Jews during the 1500s who were drawn to the Renaissance and embraced immodest dancing. They sought justification in the ancient custom of vineyard dancing on the 15th of Av and Yom Kippur in the Land of Israel. Examining how 16th-century rabbis expressed their disapproval leads us to discuss various interpretations of the ancient vineyard dance and how rabbis grappled with this extraordinary ritual through the ages.
Dancing with History: The 15th of Av and Its Legacy in Renaissance Jewry
2023-08-021h 04
Classes by Mordechai DinermanRambam’s Menorah: Insights from Ancient Hebrew ManuscriptsWe are all acquainted with the renowned depiction of the menorah created by the Rambam. In this class, we dig into the story of this image. Where did it come from? Can we trust its accuracy? When was it discovered? Did later artists and copyists treat it as just a doodle or something more meaningful?
Rambam’s Menorah: Insights from Ancient Hebrew Manuscripts
2023-07-261h 08
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Controversial HaskamahStarting in the 1870s, a visionary Jerusalem rabbi was consumed by the idea of resurrecting the ancient mitzvah of guarding the site of the Beis Hamikdash. But his fervor was met with indifference and opposition from others, sparking a halachic debate of significant proportions. As the narrative unfolds, unexpected connections emerge, revealing the curious involvement of the Chabad rebbes in this intriguing tale.
The Controversial Haskamah
2023-07-191h 06
Classes by Mordechai DinermanTecheles: A Tangled TaleDuring the late 1880s, an audacious endeavor was set forth by the Radziner Rebbe, aimed at renewing the ancient legacy of techeles through his arduous quest to rediscover the elusive chilazon. However, amidst his fervor, a tide of opposition emerged. In this class, our attention turns to the objections raised by the Rebbe Rashab, carefully outlined in a letter authored in 1907, after having perused the works of the Radziner Rebbe.
Techeles: A Tangled Tale
2023-07-051h 05
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Missing Section in the Shulchan AruchIt’s truly astonishing: the Shulchan Aruch, the most important work of Jewish law, doesn’t codify the mitzvah of ahavas Yisrael and many of its related laws, including rechilus, lashon hara, nekamah, and others. In this class, we’ll examine the background and history that may help us come to grips with this curious omission.
The Missing Section in the Shulchan Aruch
2023-06-281h 09
Classes by Mordechai DinermanBanned and Burned: The 1232 Controversy Surrounding Rambam’s WorksIn today’s episode, we turn our attention to the dispute over the Rambam’s works that took place in Europe in 1232. The controversy revolved around Rambam’s Moreh Nevuchim and Sefer Hamada, and it culminated in these works being banned and eventually burned. What was it about these works that were so controversial? What social factors led to the appalling book burning? And who was responsible for this? Some of the greatest rabbis of the day were involved in this story. By delving into their writings, we hope to disentangle fact from fiction and learn about the central themes th...
2023-06-211h 08
Classes by Mordechai DinermanRemembering and Forgetting: The History of Chof Sivan | ReplayThis day has a sad history of persecution, but also an interesting tendency to be taken seriously at first, only to peter out after some time.
Remembering and Forgetting: The History of Chof Sivan | Replay
2023-06-081h 00
Classes by Mordechai DinermanIn the Wake of Shabtai Tzvi’s BetrayalIn the summer of 1666, Shabtai Tzvi’s conversion to Islam shattered hopes and dreams, leaving Jewish communities grappling with the aftermath of a false redeemer. One contentious issue arose in Amsterdam, where leaders debated whether to continue the performance of Birchas Kohanim each Shabbos, initiated during Shabtai’s self-proclaimed messianic era. Rabbi Yaakov Sasportas penned a series of halachic responsa on this matter, tackling the challenge of ideas proposed by flawed individuals and customs initiated by misguided beliefs.
In the Wake of Shabtai Tzvi’s Betrayal
2023-06-071h 04
Classes by Mordechai DinermanWomen and the Study of TalmudOver the past century, significant changes have occurred in the area of women’s Torah education, but a vibrant and ongoing debate about this subject persists. By exploring the treatment of this matter in the Talmudic sources and throughout Jewish history, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the current landscape, the factors that have shaped it, and the pathways that lie ahead.
Women and the Study of Talmud
2023-05-311h 10
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Lion and the Snake: Tensions Over Artistic Expression in the Medieval SanctuaryStep back in time as we delve into a fascinating story about the Jewish communities of Cologne and Mayence around the period of the First Crusade. We will learn of an uproar caused by an extension to a synagogue adorned with imagery of lions and snakes. We will examine the halachic discussion of whether this violated the command against graven images.
The Lion and the Snake: Tensions Over Artistic Expression in the Medieval Sanctuary
2023-05-171h 00
Classes by Mordechai DinermanRashba’s Rebuttal: Defending Judaism in Medieval BarcelonaRabbi Shlomo ben Aderes (Rashba) took a maximalist position about the eternality of mitzvos, arguing that none of them could ever be suspended, not even in the era of techiyas hameism. But a faction of his rabbinic peers dissented. In this class, we examine the primary sources that are central to this discourse and also analyze the underlying dynamics—namely, the attempt at the time of Christian missionaries to undermine Judaism. This exploration will show how the greatest rabbinic minds responded to this threat and grappled with the more controversial passages of the Talmud and Midrash.
...
2023-05-031h 04
Classes by Mordechai DinermanCensoring Rambam’s Mishneh Torah in Czarist RussiaIn 1850, an unusual edition of Rambam’s Mishneh Torah was published in czarist Russia. A perusal of this work reveals that it was censored in a peculiar and unprecedented fashion. But what lies behind this story of suppression? Who was responsible for this censorship? And what does it reveal about the tensions in Jewish life at that time? Through a nuanced analysis of the key players and their motivations, we gain a deeper understanding of the internal and external challenges faced by the Jewish community in Czarist Russia in the mid-19th century.
Censoring Rambam’s Mishneh Tora...
2023-04-261h 01
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Fate of the MarranosIn 1636, the Sephardic Jewish community in Amsterdam was embroiled in a heated debate over the fate of their converso relatives residing as Christians in Spain and Portugal. Would those who refuse to emigrate to reembrace Judaism be denied entry into the World to Come? In this class, we will explore the rich tapestry of sources both sides invoked during this intriguing chapter in Jewish history. We will delve into the arguments presented by both sides, gaining insights into the religious and social complexities that confronted Sephardic Jewry during this period.
The Fate of the Marranos
2023-04-1959 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanFirst Edition: The Rebbe’s References to the 1485 Soncino HaggadahIn his commentary on the Haggadah, the Lubavitcher Rebbe referenced many different sources from the vast library of Judaism, but three of them stand out from a bibliographic perspective: three references to the first dated printed edition of the Haggadah. Join us as we learn more about this edition, its historical context, and how the Rebbe used it to sort out some of the famous questions relating to the mah nishtanah, dayeinu, and the wisdom of the wise son.
First Edition: The Rebbe’s References to the 1485 Soncino Haggadah
2023-03-2957 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanVanished Hero: Exploring the Absence of Moshe in the HaggadahJoin us for an in-depth discussion exploring the enigmatic absence of Moshe’s name from the Haggadah text. While his name does appear once in the text, this fact alone may not entirely resolve the mystery. We will scrutinize various explanations that have been presented over the past two centuries and analyze what they reveal about their proponents.
Vanished Hero: Exploring the Absence of Moshe in the Haggadah
2023-03-221h 14
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe King’s Prayer: A Controversial Statement by a 19th-Century RabbiIn today’s episode, we will step back in time to explore the controversy that erupted when a famous rabbi made a controversial statement about Dovid Hamelech and the role of Tehilim in Jewish life. We will dive into the heated discourse and the familiar fault lines it revealed within the Jewish community. We will gain insight into the differing views on the function and place of Torah study versus other forms of Jewish worship and the divergent attitudes about the image of the tzaddik in Jewish life.
The King’s Prayer: A Controversial Statement by a 19th-C...
2023-03-151h 06
Classes by Mordechai DinermanZecher vs. Zeicher: Unraveling the Parshas Zachor MysteryJoin us on this episode as we explore the centuries-old debate surrounding the placement of a tzeirei or segol in the reading for Parshas Zachor. Through the lens of ancient codices and special editions of Chumash, we’ll investigate the origins of this confusion and the reasons why communities began reciting both versions. We’ll also uncover the more profound significance of this divergence and what it can teach us about spiritual growth.
Zecher vs. Zeicher: Unraveling the Parshas Zachor Mystery
2023-03-011h 05
Classes by Mordechai DinermanHistory and Development of the Talmudic PageJoin us on a journey through the rich history of Talmudic manuscripts and print editions. You will learn that although we don’t have manuscripts that can be definitively dated to before the twelfth century, a discerning eye can use extant manuscripts to hear distinct echoes of much older ones. Delve into the fascinating stories linked to the little-known Spanish and Portuguese printings that coincided with the end of Jewish life on the Iberian Peninsula and to Soncino’s controversial decision to place Tosafos on the page of the Gemara. Discover the introduction of folio numbers by Daniel Bomberg, and...
2023-02-231h 05
Classes by Mordechai DinermanDebating the Death PenaltyIn 1615, the Jewish community in Poland was confronted with a disturbing accusation of murder against one of its members. At the time, contemporary rabbis engaged in a dialogue on the most suitable course of action, debating whether the accused should face capital punishment. This discussion provides insight into the methods employed by rabbinic courts in addressing grave criminal offenses like murder and the criteria they applied in determining when the death penalty was a justifiable judicial response. Additionally, this analysis remains relevant today, as it prompts us to evaluate whether any of these principles and teachings have the potential...
2023-02-151h 10
Classes by Mordechai DinermanDividing Tanach into Chapters: A Historical OverviewThe division of Tanach into chapters didn’t originate with Jewish scholars or rabbis. This class surveys when, how, and why this became an accepted and standard Jewish division. We will also hear the voices of those who rejected this system and, on the other hand, those who embraced it.
Dedicated in memory of Yaakov Koppel ben Elimelech Hakohen
Dividing Tanach into Chapters: A Historical Overview
2023-02-081h 08
Classes by Mordechai DinermanSecrets of a Chozer: An Interview with Rabbi Simon Jacobson(0:38) – General Introduction
(3:08) – Rabbi Jacobson’s introduction about תורת חב"ד
(7:36) – Introduction about himself
(18:41) – How he got started in חזרה
(21:31) – Getting more involved in תשל"ח as Reb Yoiel’s sidekick
(25:34) – Becoming an official מניח in winter תשל"ח
(26:27) – First הנחה
(28:12) – The nightmare of מקץ תש"מ
(35:23) – How הגהה worked
(37:01) – How to tell if a random page is מוגה
(40:31) – Sichos that were difficult to remember/understand
(43:06) – The difficulty of the pre-הקפות farbrengen
(45:08) – Why they didn’t divide the task of remembering
(45:49) – His role in מאמרים
(46:56) – Keys to memory
(51:43) – Making a mental map; numbering ideas
(54:03) – Demonstrating samples
(58:23) – A sharp מענה to a complicated question
(1:01:43) – How he took the sharp מענות
(1:03:33) – Edits to באתי לגני תש"מ, and the mysterious cutting of the page
(1:08:18) – The Rebbe’s כתי"ק about radio
(1:14:06) – Did you ever get a galley back from the Rebbe without any corrections?
(1:15:03) – Cases when the Rebbe wrote מבהיל
(1:23:48...
2023-01-302h 36
Classes by Mordechai DinermanLoathing Our Clothing: The Despot’s Decree and Rabbinic ResponseIn 1844, the Czar of Russia issued a ban on traditional Jewish clothing worn by Eastern European Jews for centuries, leaving the community with a dilemma: should they adhere to their cultural customs, or comply with the government’s decree?
Loathing Our Clothing: The Despot’s Decree and Rabbinic Response
2023-01-251h 04
Classes by Mordechai DinermanBurning of the Books: The Alter Rebbe, the Gra, and the Tzimtzum TussleIn 1796, a work of the Baal Shem Tov’s teachings was consigned to the flames. What were the specific passages in this book that some deemed objectionable? This will help us uncover the most fundamental theological difference between Chasidim and non-Chasidim at the turn of the nineteenth century.
Burning of the Books: The Alter Rebbe, the Gra, and the Tzimtzum Tussle
2023-01-181h 10
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Nile on Trial: 16th-Century Rabbis and Aquatic ScienceIn 1549, the rabbinical court in Cairo held hearings and engaged in extensive research to learn about the source of the annual flooding of the Nile. The rabbis of the day found themselves on different sides of this scientific question and vehemently defended their respective positions. But why did they care?
The Nile on Trial: 16th-Century Rabbis and Aquatic Science
2023-01-131h 00
Classes by Mordechai DinermanEvolution of the Tanya: Timely Lessons from the Eighteenth-Century Battle against ChasidismThe pre-print manuscripts of Tanya shed light on what the Alter Rebbe added to this seminal text at a later stage. Curiously, three of the most notable updates involve interpersonal relationships.
This lecture was recorded live by Jewish Multimedia Library, a.k.a. JML, Melbourne Australia. Many additional recordings are available from their website: www.jml.org.au.
Evolution of the Tanya: Timely Lessons from the Eighteenth-Century Battle against Chasidism
2023-01-041h 03
Classes by Mordechai DinermanWhen A London Rabbi Was Accused of HeresyIn November 1703, Rabbi David Nieto delivered a controversial sermon at the Bevis Marks Synagogue in London, causing a rift in the local Jewish community. The cause of the feud may have been mundane politics, but it forced a thought-provoking rabbinic responsum about nature, G-d, deism, and pantheism.
When A London Rabbi Was Accused of Heresy
2022-12-1657 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanBetween Ashkenaz and Sefard: Medieval Women, Biblical Dena, and the Public SquareWe can learn about the public presence of women in a given society by examining how various rabbis understood the story of Dina. We’ll witness the difference between Ashkenazic and Sefardic commentaries, between the Tanchuma and Bereishis Rabah, and between Ashkenazic and Sefardic halachic norms.
Between Ashkenaz and Sefard: Medieval Women, Biblical Dena, and the Public Square
2022-12-0756 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Meaning of Dreaming: Talmudic PerspectivesAre our dreams significant? Do they have predictive value? Should we pay heed to their warnings? The Talmud seems to offer contradictory teachings on this subject, and this will lead us toward two classic approaches to this matter.
The Meaning of Dreaming: Talmudic Perspectives
2022-11-301h 02
Classes by Mordechai DinermanLiturgical Warfare Among 16th-Century Italian JewsAs Italian Jews immigrated to the Ottoman Empire during the sixteenth century, many wanted to switch to the Sephardic liturgical style. The question then was whether it was permitted to abandon well-entrenched communal customs—a question that’s very much relevant today.
Liturgical Warfare Among 16th-Century Italian Jews
2022-11-231h 02
Classes by Mordechai DinermanIs It Kosher To Elope? Marriage Without Parental ConsentDoes the mitzvah of honoring parents imply that parents wield halachic control over their children’s marriage? Intriguingly, this question became a factor in the tensions that arose with the advent of the Chasidic movement in the eighteenth century.
Is It Kosher To Elope? Marriage Without Parental Consent
2022-11-1758 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanFriday Night Kiddush Between 6 and 7This class traces the minhag of avoiding the recitation of the Friday night kiddush during the seventh hour after midday. When and why did this custom begin?
Friday Night Kiddush Between 6 and 7
2022-11-0956 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanAfter A Decade of Barrenness: What Actually HappensThe Talmud famously rules that a childless couple must divorce after ten years of infertility. Yet, this law has often been overlooked, a reality that goes back many centuries. This class explores how, when, and why this occurred.
After A Decade of Barrenness: What Actually Happens
2022-11-021h 04
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Battle Over Machnisei Rachamim (Part 2)In the previous episode, we witnessed some of the greatest halachic figures waging war against Machnisei Rachamim and a number of other piyutim. In Part 2, we hear the voices of the supporters.
The Battle Over Machnisei Rachamim (Part 2)
2022-09-2155 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Battle Over Machnisei Rachamim (Part 1)It’s a beloved piece of liturgy, recited as we begin the new year. But some of the greatest halachic figures waged war against it, suggesting that it expresses quasi-heretical beliefs. In Part 1 we hear the voices of the opponents, and Part 2 will examine the defense.
The Battle Over Machnisei Rachamim (Part 1)
2022-09-1452 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanBuried Alive: The 18th-Century Halachic DebateIn 1772, the Duke of Mecklenburg decreed that Jews could not bury their dead until three days after death. The Jewish community faced difficult questions about the mitzvah of burial.
Buried Alive: The 18th-Century Halachic Debate
2022-09-081h 03
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Cracow Couple and Rama's Remarkable ResponsumA controversial wedding ceremony ca. 1550 sheds important light on the inner rabbinic process, the history of Jewish marriage, and the limits of rabbinic law.
The Cracow Couple and Rama's Remarkable Responsum
2022-08-311h 03
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Rebbe Rashab, Zionism, and Expediting the EndThe Rebbe Rashab invoked “dechikas haketz” as one reason to be against Zionism. What are the contours of this prohibition? Does it still apply?
The Rebbe Rashab, Zionism, and Expediting the End
2022-08-101h 02
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Barcelona Disputation: Was Moshiach Born on Tisha B’Av?At two medieval disputations, a famous Midrash was invoked to argue that Moshiach had already come. The rabbinic approaches to this Midrash unveil different approaches to Talmudic Aggadah.
The Barcelona Disputation: Was Moshiach Born on Tisha B’Av?
2022-08-031h 06
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Mekashya MysteryTunisian Jews used to refer to Tanach as Mekashya, but few understood why. Fortunately, illuminated medieval Jewish manuscripts can help solve this mystery, revealing a unique perspective on the study of Tanach.
The Mekashya Mystery
2022-07-271h 01
Classes by Mordechai DinermanDoes Israel Amount to (the Beginnings of) Kibutz Goliyos?The Rebbe Rashab addressed this issue when confronted with Zionism, and the Rebbe did the same a few decades later after the State of Israel was established.
Does Israel Amount to (the Beginnings of) Kibutz Goliyos?
2022-07-241h 07
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Day After: Reacting to Moshiach’s Not Coming in Chabad HistoryHow have Jewish sages responded when a predicted Messianic time didn’t materialize? Here we focus on this phenomenon within Chabad history.
The Day After: Reacting to Moshiach’s Not Coming in Chabad History
2022-07-2159 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanPredicting the Redemption: What About the Talmudic Prohibition?The Talmud tells us to refrain from predicting when Moshiach will come, and Rambam affirms this ruling in his code of law. But Rambam himself, and so many other rabbinic sages, issued messianic predictions. Why?
Predicting the Redemption: What About the Talmudic Prohibition?
2022-07-121h 00
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Dead Sea Scrolls (Part 3): The Philosophical DisputeThe abundance of name calling in some of the Dead Sea Scrolls exposes diverging worldviews about how halachic interpretation should operate.
The Dead Sea Scrolls (Part 3): The Philosophical Dispute
2022-07-101h 02
Classes by Mordechai DinermanParis 1240: Disputation and DevastationRabbi Yechiel of Paris was forced to defend the Gemara before a Christian tribunal. Despite his courageous efforts, the Talmud was condemned to the flames.
Paris 1240: Disputation and Devastation
2022-07-061h 04
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Dead Sea Scrolls (Part 2): An Alternative Jewish CalendarThe Dead Sea Scrolls present a sectarian system for measuring time and celebrating the festivals, and it may help us understand an enigmatic line in our Mishnah.
The Dead Sea Scrolls (Part 2): An Alternative Jewish Calendar
2022-07-0355 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanGun Control: Talmudic PerspectivesThe Supreme Court recently issued a landmark decision regarding the “right to bear arms.” What does Halachah offer on this topic?
Gun Control: Talmudic Perspectives
2022-06-301h 01
Classes by Mordechai DinermanWho Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls? A Talmudic ApproachThe first of a three-part series analyzing how the Dead Sea Scrolls can deepen our understanding of the Mishnah and Talmud.
Who Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls? A Talmudic Approach
2022-06-2656 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Scandal of the Missing Line: Allegations of Textual Corruption against ChabadThe Tzemach Tzedek wrote about the proper brachah to make on a talis katan, but some have alleged that we tampered with his text.
The Scandal of the Missing Line: Allegations of Textual Corruption against Chabad
2022-06-221h 05
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Curious Case of the Desert DeadThe Talmud famously recounts how one of its sages discovered the “dead of the desert.” Drawing on a range of sources, the Rebbe explained this Talmudic tale with symbolic depth and personal relevance.
The Curious Case of the Desert Dead
2022-06-1957 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanRemembering and Forgetting: The History of Chof SivanThis day has a sad history of persecution, but also an interesting tendency to be taken seriously at first, only to peter out after some time.
Remembering and Forgetting: The History of Chof Sivan
2022-06-1500 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Rebbe’s Reshimas Hamenorah: An OverviewRabbi Elazar and Rabbi Yehudah (Rebbi) debated how the furniture in the Beis Hamikdash was situated, and this reflected their philosophies about life.
The Rebbe’s Reshimas Hamenorah: An Overview
2022-06-121h 00
Classes by Mordechai DinermanSpelling Hashem’s Name in Hebrew ManuscriptsWe are used to seeing two Yudin as a substitute for G-d’s ineffable name. But it wasn’t always that way.
Spelling Hashem’s Name in Hebrew Manuscripts
2022-06-081h 02
Classes by Mordechai DinermanShavuos Art, and the Strange History of AkdamusBy examining the liturgy and art in a tiny medieval machzor, we learn how hearing the Aseres Hadibros was experienced seven hundred years ago, and how it's both similar and different today.
Shavuos Art, and the Strange History of Akdamus
2022-06-021h 14
Classes by Mordechai DinermanShavuos Through the Lens of Historic Jewish ArtWhy animal heads replace human heads; why the luchos morph into a Torah scroll; and the origins of the areinfirenish and dairy on Shavuos.
Shavuos Through the Lens of Historic Jewish Art
2022-05-291h 08
Classes by Mordechai DinermanExplaining the Holocaust? Multiple Approaches by the Frierdiker Rebbe and RebbeMany assume that "explaining" and "Holocaust" are never to be seen in the same sentence. How did we get here? And was it always this way?
Explaining the Holocaust? Multiple Approaches by the Frierdiker Rebbe and Rebbe
2022-05-251h 06
Classes by Mordechai DinermanMishneh Torah: A BiographyWe can document how the Mishneh Torah was drafted, finalized, updated, disseminated, illuminated, critiqued, printed, and censored.
Mishneh Torah: A Biography
2022-05-221h 09
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Cairo Genizah: Shedding Light on the Life and Works of the RambamThe Cairo Geniza unveils much about Rambam’s communal activism, teaching, authorship, lost works, and overall life.
The Cairo Genizah: Shedding Light on the Life and Works of the Rambam
2022-05-1856 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanA Jewish Guide to Horoscopes and Astrology (Part 3)The final class of the series, in which we introduce Rambam’s position, Chasidic sources, and wrap up the topic with the key takeaways.
A Jewish Guide to Horoscopes and Astrology (Part 3)
2022-05-1559 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanOverturning Roe v. Wade: Good for the Jews?A leaked draft suggests that the highest court of the land is primed to overturn one of the most controversial cases in American history. It’s time to revisit what Halachah has to say on the topic of abortion and the beginning of life.
Overturning Roe v. Wade: Good for the Jews?
2022-05-111h 14
Classes by Mordechai DinermanA Jewish Guide to Horoscopes and Astrology (Part 2)Continuing to explore astrology from a Jewish perspective. What are the theological problems with accepting astrology and how did the rabbis address this? We will discover a range of opinions about how easy or difficult it is to subvert an astrological outcome.
A Jewish Guide to Horoscopes and Astrology (Part 2)
2022-05-0842 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanA Jewish Guide to the Evil EyeThe background and origins of red strings, kinora, and “poo-poo”; Rambam’s position on the matter; and two models for how Jews understood this mysterious phenomenon.
A Jewish Guide to the Evil Eye
2022-05-041h 06
Classes by Mordechai DinermanA Jewish Guide to Horoscopes and Astrology (Part 1)Continuing our series of classes on Judaism and the paranormal, this class begins a three-part deep dive into the topic of astrology. As with all of these mysterious topics, two divergent pathways emerge.
A Jewish Guide to Horoscopes and Astrology (Part 1)
2022-05-0158 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanA Jewish Guide to Demons and SpiritsDo demons exist? Did they ever exist? Is adultery with a demon considered adultery? (Yes, poskim addressed that question.) Jewish sources are not of one voice on this topic.
A Jewish Guide to Demons and Spirits
2022-04-2859 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanBlatant Disregard of a Torah Law? On the Prohibition Against Settling in EgyptSome of the greatest Torah sages lived in Egypt even as the Talmud ruled that this was forbidden. Over the years, numerous justifications have been provided. Which will resonate with you?
Blatant Disregard of a Torah Law? On the Prohibition Against Settling in Egypt
2022-04-181h 01
Classes by Mordechai DinermanDominating Wives, Suffering, and Reincarnation: The Debate About Gilgul and It’s Connection to PesachWhile the kabbalists embraced the concept of reincarnation, other rabbis were skeptical. What lies at the root of this dispute? And how did the kabbalists address the various challenges raised about this doctrine?
Dominating Wives, Suffering, and Reincarnation: The Debate About Gilgul and It’s Connection to Pesach
2022-04-1300 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Blood Libel and Talmudic CensorshipSince ancient times, Jews have been falsely accused of killing non-Jews for ritual purposes. In medieval Europe, beginning in the twelfth century, this was often accompanied by accusations that Jews used their victims’ blood to bake matzah for the Jewish holiday of Passover. This ridiculous but deadly lie would eventually lead to subtle Talmudic Censorship.
The Blood Libel and Talmudic Censorship
2022-04-1058 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Old, the New, the Forgotten: Halachah and Minhag In Haggadah ArtMedieval illuminated Haggadahs shed light on how the observance of the past was both similar to and different from the present. Taking this journey is an excellent way to review some of the laws and customs of Pesach.
The Old, the New, the Forgotten: Halachah and Minhag In Haggadah Art
2022-04-0658 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanFinders Keepers? Halachic Implications From Tzaraas In the HomeEvery so often we hear of someone who is blessed with a true windfall. In such instances, we often find multiple parties claiming a stake in the bonanza. How do we determine ownership when there are conflicting claims to life’s valued surprises?
Finders Keepers? Halachic Implications From Tzaraas In the Home
2022-04-0356 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanEvolution of the Haggadah: A Pictorial History, from the Cairo Genizah, to the Medieval Art Workshop, to the Modern Printing PressThe Story of the Haggadah is synonymous with the story of the Jewish people. Observe how this most famous Jewish liturgical work has evolved in its appearance from one generation to the next. Yes, things do change, but they also stay the same.
Evolution of the Haggadah: A Pictorial History, from the Cairo Genizah, to the Medieval Art Workshop, to the Modern Printing Press
2022-03-301h 01Classes by Mordechai DinermanKosher Pig? Analyzing a Mysterious Midrash (Part 2)Continuing to explore whether there can ever be a time when mitzvos are suspended, and how this relates to the mysterious teaching that the pig will one day become kosher.
Kosher Pig? Analyzing a Mysterious Midrash (Part 2)
2022-03-2750 minClasses by Mordechai DinermanThe Letter and Spirit of the Law vis-a-vis Imitation ProductsIs it appropriate for a Jew to eat kosher imitation bacon, crab, or shrimp? Is this undermining the spirit of Kashrus? Central to the contemporary discussion is a fascinating Talmudic passage about a conversation between Yalta and Rav Nachman, which deserves analysis and exploration.
The Letter and Spirit of the Law vis-a-vis Imitation Products
2022-03-2357 minClasses by Mordechai DinermanKosher Pig? Analyzing a Mysterious Midrash (Part 1)There’s a well-known tradition that it will be permissible for Jews to consume the meat of a pig when Moshiach comes. What is the source for this teaching and what is its logic? Can there ever be a time when mitzvos are suspended? There are multiple approaches to these questions.
Kosher Pig? Analyzing a Mysterious Midrash (Part 1)
2022-03-2059 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanPurim Through the Lens of Historic Jewish ArtThe Jews throughout the ages who employed art to depict the Purim story left us a legacy rife with messaging. Synagogue walls, biblical manuscripts, and medieval machzorim can teach us a lot about what Purim used to mean and what it can still mean today.
Purim Through the Lens of Historic Jewish Art
2022-03-161h 11Classes by Mordechai DinermanPurim Class - The Manos Halevi by Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz: Overview and HighlightsOne of the most important commentaries on Megilas Esther was authored by Rabbi Shlomo Halevi Alkabetz (d. 1576), the famed author of Lecha Dodi. We explore eight memorable teachings from Manos Halevi and examine how they are cited and explained in Chabad sources.
Purim Class - The Manos Halevi by Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz: Overview and Highlights
2022-03-1357 minClasses by Mordechai DinermanRabbinic Police Powers, Love and Hate, and Stern Censorship: Insights from Newly Discovered Passages of the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan AruchThe Czarist regime forbade rabbinical courts from employing coercive measures and adopted policies to promote assimilation. This led to the censoring of Jewish texts, and a recent discovery has shown that this also affected the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch.
Rabbinic Police Powers, Love and Hate, and Stern Censorship: Insights from Newly Discovered Passages of the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch
2022-03-0956 min
Classes by Mordechai DinermanThe Halachic Status of Christianity: Insights from Newly Discovered Passages of the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan AruchFor centuries, Halachic authorities have debated how to designate Christian theological beliefs. In recent weeks, a new manuscript of the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch has surfaced, providing us with an important new voice in this conversation.
The Halachic Status of Christianity: Insights from Newly Discovered Passages of the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch
2022-03-091h 02