25 years after Paris the Talmud was being cross-examined again. This time the Christians intended to prove the truth of their faith from within Judaism !    In 1413, the Jews chose silence as their response but many were pressured into conversion.   100 years ago the world lost a halachic genius; Rav Arik created a generation of rabbis. His numerous students include Rav Meir Shapiro & the Tchebiner Rov, while his rulings influence financial law to this day.     Chapters 00:00 The Disputation Series: An Overview 02:46 The Context of the Barcelona Disputation 05:56 The Goals and Strategies of the Disputation 09:04 The Nature of the Debate: Christianity vs. Judaism 11:52 The Role of the Messiah in Christianity and Judaism 15:05 The Agadic Approach in Jewish Thought 17:56 The Outcomes of the Disputation 20:58 The Tortosa Disputation: A New Era 23:59 The Impact of Fear and Intimidation 26:40 The Aftermath of the Disputation 29:59 Rav Meir Arik: A Brief Biography

During the 13th century, Europe was controlled by a militant church, and France was ruled by Louis IX - a bitter enemy of the Jews. All copies of the Talmud were seized and four Baalei Tosfos were interrogated in public.  How did Jewry recover from this calamity? Was this tragedy related to the burning of the Rambam’s writings?    Chapters 00:00 Divine Retribution and Historical Context 04:38 Rambam and Rabbeinu Yonah's Controversy 12:07 The Role of Hillel of Verona 18:45 Yom Kippur and the Nature of Repentance 21:19 Church Disputations and Their Impact 29:34 The Paris Disputation: A Turning Point 42:44 Consequences of the Talmud's Burning

In 1263 the Ramban was forced to attend a public Disputation and defend the truths of the Talmud against attacks by the Dominicans, who were led by an apostate Jew.   The Ramban would be exiled from Spain as a result and settle in Eretz Yisrael where he described with both pride and pain of the state of the Jewish community.  Using his medical knowledge, the Ramban also authored a central halachic work on healing and consulting doctors for refuah.   Chapters 00:00 The Downfall of Edom and the Church's Influence 02:53 The Ramban's Controversial Letters and Kabbalistic Ideas 06:08 The Disputation of Barcelona: A Turning Point 08:44 The Aftermath of the Disputation and Censorship 11:57 The Ramban's Journey to Eretz Yisrael 14:41 Rebuilding Jerusalem: The Ramban's Legacy 18:03 The Ramban's Medical Insights and Philosophy 21:02 The Ramban's Introduction to the Torah 24:03 The Essence of the Torah and Its Connection to Hashem

By the 13th century, Spain was becoming a more uncomfortable place for Jews, partly due to  communal structure. Ramban will engage in dampening the flames of controversy both about the Rambam and regarding power and authority. But he will face strong personal attacks in the process.   The Ramban was also a prolific author of sefarim. They range from Halacha to Chumash, Kabbala & Talmud. R' Shmuli Levison joins us to introduce us to these various works and the distinction between Philosophy & Kabbalah.   Email: giana.elav@gmail.com for the Poland Trip   Chapters   00:00 The Life and Legacy of the Ramban   07:48 Ramban's Influence on Jewish Thought   21:39 The Maimonidean Controversy   40:48 Ramban's Approach to Kabbalah and Philosophy   57:25 Ramban's Writings and Their Impact

Many Jews were reluctant first-hand witnesses to Nazi cruelty and suffering.    For many Hungarian survivors,  often deliberately misled about the truth of Auschwitz's existence, betrayal only added to their pain. Risa Shayowitz - aged a young 95 years old - relays that tragedy, even as she looks only to move forward. An American chaplain in the US Army in April 1945 - Rabbi Hershel Schachter - opened up the gates of Hell. In a little known recording, we hear him describe the piles of bodies, the still warm crematoria and the emaciated Jews he discovered there. His dedication gave life to many.   Our duty nowadays is to understand what Exile means and how Tisha B'Av gives us that ability.   For further details on the Poland trip 3rd-6th November with Rabbi Hersh & Rabbi Tatz, email: Giana.elav@gmail.com   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jewish Heritage and History 01:50 The Remarkable Life of Riza Indic-Kaufman 04:34 Survival Stories from Auschwitz 11:14 Life in Auschwitz: A Personal Account 19:36 The Impact of Loss and Resilience 25:50 The Role of Liberators: Rabbi Herschel Schachter 30:20 Experiencing Buchenwald: A Chaplain's Perspective 40:53 Rebuilding Lives After Liberation 51:53 The Journey to Switzerland and New Beginnings 01:00:33 Reflections on Suffering and Redemption

We speak of 'Holocaust Survivors' without understanding what they survived, without knowing the trauma and guilt they carried.  A young 16-year-old girl (now 97 years old) was taken through the cruelty of Auschwitz - and asked by Mengele to decide the fate of her own mother.  How did she find the strength of mind? How did she become a beacon to others, learn to redefine freedom and turn her wounds into a source of hope?  And how should Tisha B'Av redefine our understanding of exile?    Chapters: 00:00 The Journey Begins: A Survivor's Tale 19:04 Reunion and Resilience: Finding Family After the War 24:55 Life After Liberation: Struggles and Triumphs 28:05 Facing New Challenges: The Fight for a Future 28:10 The Decision to Leave 30:23 The Escape Plan 31:53 A New Life in America 33:20 Confronting the Past 36:55 Lessons from Auschwitz 43:08 Moving Forward from Trauma 55:00 The Power of Belief

Despite being a Western country, Holland almost equalled the East in its destructiveness during the Holocaust. 2 non-Jews created their own narrative by bypassing the system. One took great risks, the other received great reward. Their unusual stories, extend forgery into new territory. And a mention of Mein Kampf - one hundred years later.   Chapters 00:00 The Journey into Danger 01:40 The Context of the Holocaust 06:41 The Systematic Persecution of Jews in Holland 08:55 The Story of Jaap Penraat 14:57 The Art of Forgery and Resistance 22:47 The Nazi Obsession with Art 29:58 The Aftermath of War and Art Recovery

Hidden away in a tiny attic in Paris, a Jew created freedom for thousands by forging Identity cards, ration books and travel passes. Hunted by Nazis, his genius and dedication came with enormous risk. And his experiences left him with a sense of guilt that would never leave him.   Email giana.elav@gmail.com for the Prague trip...   Chapters 00:00 Trapped in History: The Beginning of a Journey 01:35 The Holocaust Series: A Focus on Forgers 02:50 Adolfo Kaminsky: The Master Forger 03:14 A Life of Identity: The Early Years of Kaminsky 07:28 The Loss of Innocence: A Family's Tragedy 10:50 Imprisonment and Survival: The Drancy Experience 13:46 The Art of Forgery: Kaminsky's New Identity 18:48 Creating New Lives: The Resistance Movement 23:09 The Pressure of Time: A Race Against Death 28:00 The Underground Network: Delivering Hope 29:57 The Aftermath of War: A New Role for Kaminsky 33:17 Legacy of a Forger: Saving Lives Beyond the War 37:09 A Life of Sacrifice: Kaminsky's Continued Fight 40:45 The Complexity of Identity: Kaminsky's Later Years 44:19 A Lasting Impact: Kaminsky's Global Influence 47:24 Reflections on Guilt and Responsibility

In the Medieval period, Jerusalem was repeatedly fought over and at times only 2 Jews lived there. Yet there were always those who braved making Aliya including Ramban, Bartenura and Rav Yechiel of Paris - all recording accounts of their journey. But who were the Mamluks? Where is the Holy Toothpick? And who built the Sultan's Pool?    To book a place on the Maharal Prague trip 8th-11th September: giana.elav@gmail.com   Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and Celebrations 03:07 Reflections on the Poland Trip 06:01 The Crusades and Their Impact on Jerusalem 08:48 The Aftermath of the Crusader Conquest 12:10 Saladin's Rise and the Muslim Response 15:02 The Third Crusade and Negotiations for Jerusalem 17:52 The Mamluks and Their Rule 21:02 The Jewish Presence in Jerusalem 24:07 The Aliyah of Scholars to Eretz Yisrael 27:01 The Ottoman Conquest and Its Effects 30:03 Life in Jerusalem Under Ottoman Rule 32:52 The Economic and Social Conditions of Jews 36:02 Travel and Migration to Eretz Yisrael 39:01 The Keys of Jerusalem and Their Significance 42:09 The Jewish Community in Jerusalem 45:01 The Future of Jerusalem and Upcoming Topics    

How do we relate to the most recent events in the Middle-East? In 638 the Moslems transformed the city; but what was their motivation? What created the divisions of Jewish observance in the 10th century?  Why was the Golden Gate sealed off? How did the Christian East-West Schism of 1054 affect Jewish lives in Jerusalem?  To register for the Maharal - Prague Tour 8th-11th September contact: giana.elav@gmail.com   Chapters 00:00 The Treaty of Jerusalem: A Historical Overview 04:03 The Islamic Conquest and Its Impact on Jerusalem 09:46 The Role of Caliph Omar and the Covenant of Omar 13:56 The Dynasties of Islamic Rule in Jerusalem 19:52 The Jewish Community in Jerusalem: A Historical Perspective 25:50 The Golden Gate and Its Significance 31:37 The Cultural Exchange Between East and West 37:45 The Fatimid Period and Its Tolerance 41:39 The Decline of Islamic Rule and the Rise of the Crusaders

What does Yerushalayim represent? How does the current conflict with Iran impact upon that?   Were the Jews expelled from Jerusalem after the Temple was destroyed? Why did the Romans rebuild the city? Who were the Byzantines who occupied Eretz Yisrael for 300 years? How did the Jews get permission to start rebuilding the Temple and why was it ultimately unsuccessful?   Chapters 00:00 The Historical Significance of Jerusalem 03:05 Jerusalem: A City of Conflict and Unity 05:52 The Role of Prayer in Jewish Identity 08:50 Reflections on Leadership and Faith 11:56 The Roman Destruction and Its Aftermath 14:46 The Impact of Hadrian's Rule 17:53 The Bar Kokhba Revolt and Its Consequences 28:04 The Destruction of Judea and Jewish Martyrdom 31:32 Christianity's Shift and the Loss of Jerusalem's Centrality 35:31 Constantine's Reign and the Christianization of Jerusalem 40:36 Helena's Influence and the Rise of Christian Pilgrimage 44:22 Julian's Brief Reprieve for the Jews 49:02 Justinian's Persecution and the Transformation of Jerusalem 52:50 The Persian Conquest and Jewish Resurgence 56:27 The Muslim Era and Jewish Return to Jerusalem

The existence of an Oral Law brought about debate and argument. So why not preserve it all in the Written text alone? And how do we decide who is right? Who makes that decision?  Are all Rabbis equally qualified? Can any Jew contribute to Torah?    Chapters 01:51 The Importance of Oral Law 06:06 Understanding Halacha and Truth 11:50 The Role of Teacher and Student in Torah 17:59 The Nature of Disputes in Torah 24:10 The Concept of Eilu ve Eilu 29:57 Halacha in Practice 44:01 The Role of the Sanhedrin 52:23 Defining a Talmid Chochom today

How do we classify the various sections of the Oral Law (Torah She'Baal Peh)? Is the Oral Law Rabbinic or Biblical? Why do we need an Oral Law? How was it transmitted through the generations?  Why do we record all the arguments in the Talmud and not just the conclusions?   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reflections on Jewish Heritage 03:11 Understanding the Oral Law 05:58 Categories of Oral Law 09:00 The Role of Sages in Halacha 11:55 The Transmission of Torah 15:01 The Distinction Between Written and Oral Law 18:14 The Process of Halachic Decision-Making 20:49 The Authority of the Sages 23:50 Conclusion and Future Discussions 25:21 The Necessity of Oral Law 28:03 The Role of Oral Tradition in Judaism 30:00 Halachic Authority and the Importance of Analysis 36:51 Principles of Halacha and Their Application 44:29 The Spiritual Connection to Torah Study

Was the 1919 Baseball series really determined by hardline gamblers? Why did a Rabbi give the eulogy at a gangster’s funeral? How did Issy Einstein become the greatest Prohibition Agent? What were the Nazis trying to achieve in America in 1939?   Chapters 00:00 The Dark Side of Baseball: The 1919 World Series Fix 16:54 The Rise and Fall of Arnold Rothstein 26:07 Izzy Einstein: The Prohibition Agent Who Became a Legend 27:29 The Dangers of Prohibition and Jewish Identity 29:00 Jewish Gangsters and Anti-Nazi Actions 32:40 The Rise of Anti-Semitism in America 36:58 The Madison Square Garden Rally and Jewish Resistance 40:51 Complexities of Jewish Identity and Resistance 43:46 Individual Acts of Courage Against Anti-Semitism 47:09 Post-War Contributions of Jewish Gangsters 50:57 The Transformation of Las Vegas by Jewish Mobsters 54:46 Lepke Buchalter and the FBI's Pursuit 56:42 Legacy of Jewish Gangsters and Their Impact

Between the wars - due mainly to Prohibition - crime flourished in America and Jews were not immune to the effects.  Gangs of irreligious working class Jews, made their fortunes and met their untimely ends during the 20s & 30s. But the narrative is not without a number of surprising twists, particularly in Chicago - the home of Al Capone.  And why did one notorious thief do Teshuva?   Chapters   00:00 The Rise of Jewish Gangsters in America 20:51 Prohibition: A Catalyst for Crime 24:00 The Interplay of Politics and Crime in Chicago 26:12 The Role of Jewish Gangsters in Chicago's Community 28:36 Protection and Power: The Duality of Gangster Generosity 29:12 Violence and Rivalry: The Miller Brothers' Story 31:51 The Rise and Fall of Jewish Organized Crime 34:15 Max Friedman: From Thief to Notorious Criminal 39:21 Rudensky's Escapes and Criminal Career 44:15 Transformation: From Criminal to Consultant 52:40 Legacy of Change: The Life of Red Rudensky

In the last 150 years, few things have created disputes in Jewish communities, in the way Eruvin has. Why? What makes an Eruv so very different to Kashrus? And in hindsight can we now work out who was right?  Could Yerushalayim hold the key?    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Eiruv and Jewish Heritage 02:53 The Historical Context of Eiruv in Toronto 05:47 Rabbi Graubart's Contributions to Eiruv 09:01 The Evolution of Eiruv in Toronto 11:45 Challenges of Eiruv in Yerushalayim 15:03 Halachic Perspectives on Eiruv 17:51 Debates on Eiruv and Community Needs 21:00 The Role of Local Rabbanim in Eiruv Decisions 24:10 Conclusion and Future of Eiruv Discussions 30:11 The Complexity of Eruvin Decisions 34:30 Halachic Perspectives on Shabbos and Eruvin 39:51 Community Needs and Rabbinical Authority 45:40 Historical Context and Modern Implications of Eruvin 52:18 The Challenges of Eruvin in Contemporary Society

Documents and Responsa from across the Jewish world reveal that for centuries Jews discussed, debated and disagreed over the Shabbos Eruv Walled cities, canals, telegraph poles, Kabbala, fires and powerful secular rulers all played their role and affected entire communities. And from the 19th century onwards, strong personalities would influence and colour the narrative.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Erevin and Halacha 03:04 Understanding the Concept of Erevin 05:53 Historical Context of Erevin 08:54 Disputes and Rulings on Erevin 11:48 Erevin in Different Regions 14:55 The Role of Authority in Erevin 17:53 Contemporary Applications of Erevin 21:05 The Historical Context of Eruvin in Jewish Communities 24:41 Challenges and Innovations in Eruvin Construction 28:03 The Evolution of Eruvin in Krakow 36:00 Eruvin in the New World: St. Louis Case Study

(To book the Provence trip with Rabbi Tatz & Rabbi Hersh - email giana.elav@gmail.com) Jewish leadership found itself in a crisis post-1881, affecting not only their options but their identity. In response, Rabbis turned to the international community for help, especially from  non-Jewish politicians. This period was exacerbated by the publication of the infamous Protocols of the Elders of Zion and the notorious Kishinev pogrom of 1903, which was followed by the abortive 1905 Revolution. As a conclusion, the podcast also defines the historical context of Jewish suffering and the cycle of Jewish history.   Chapters 00:00 Understanding Jewish Suffering Through History 02:54 The Impact of the May Laws and Pogroms 05:53 The Shift in Jewish Identity and Response 09:05 The Role of Rabbinic Leadership During Crisis 12:08 International Responses to Jewish Persecution 15:00 The Kovner Circle and Smuggling Information 18:04 The Aftermath of Pogroms and Changing Policies 20:46 The Protocols of the Elders of Zion and Its Legacy 27:53 The Systematic Transition to Violence 30:47 The Rise of Revolutionaries and the 1905 Uprising 36:32 Understanding Jewish Suffering Through History 39:27 Insights on Divine Purpose and Jewish Existence 51:10 The Cycle of Jewish History and Its Lessons

1855 brought a new dawn to Russia, and was embraced by many, although poverty remained a constant. When the Czar was assassinated, all hell broke loose and the Jews were given a stark reminder of their status. By 1897 Socialism, Zionism & Emigration seemed to offer the only routes out.   Chapters 00:00 The Shift in Jewish Education and Identity 01:46 The Impact of Tsar Alexander II's Reforms 06:40 The Rise of Jewish Assimilation and National Pride 12:46 The Economic Divide Among Jews 18:02 The Harsh Realities of Poverty in the Pale 22:34 The Reversal of Reforms and Growing Tensions 25:48 The Generational Divide and Revolutionary Movements 28:37 The Anarchist Campaign Against the Tsar 33:24 The Assassination of Tsar Alexander II 36:46 The Aftermath: Repression and Pogroms 41:04 The May Laws and Their Impact on Jewish Life 49:14 The Rise of Jewish Nationalism and Emigration 54:55 Historical Memory and Current Events  

Given the extreme circumstances, orders went out to remove informers using all available means; which led to arrests, interrogations and harsh sentences.   Meanwhile in 1844, the government issued a new decree forbidding traditional Jewish clothing and head coverings, with dire consequences.   Would Sir Moses Montefiore’s visit alleviate any of these difficult challenges?   Chapters 00:00 The Struggle Against Forced Assimilation 02:55 The Role of Informants in Jewish Communities 05:47 The Consequences of Informing 08:51 The Murder of Informers and Community Response 15:01 The Rizhner's Imprisonment and Escape 21:11 The Clothing Decree and Its Implications 30:38 Resistance to Assimilation and Clothing Laws 37:55 Impact on Women and Family Dynamics 44:33 The Role of Sir Moses Montefiore 52:40 Continuing Challenges in the Russian Empire