Jewish History Soundbites

Although the story of RIETS/YU is huge and would take some time to cover, we can perhaps get a bit of a taste by examining the lives of some of the great people who graced the Yeshiva with their presence over the years. In this episode we'll meet the first Rosh Yeshiva of what was to become RIETS, R' Shlomo Nosson Kotler (1865-1945). Described by some as the greatest Talmid chacham ever to live in the United States, his varied career brought to America twice before he eventually settled in Israel. This is followed by the architect of the concept of Yeshiva College, Rabbi Dr. Bernard Revel (1885-1940), who did more than anyone else to create the Yeshiva that we know today. Finally, we'll meet R' Moshe Shatzkes (1881-1958), the great Lomza Rov who spent his later years at the helm of RIETS. One of the greatest Rabbinical leaders of interwar Poland, he headed the Vaad Hayeshivas there before escaping to America via Kobe, Japan.

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One of the most famous and dynamic Torah leaders of recent times was undoubtedly R' Elazar Menachem Shach (1899-2001). Although he lived a very long life, his famous actions in the public sphere cover less than a third of a very fruitful career of teaching Torah. His early years saw him studying under some of the greatest Lithuanian luminaries of his day. He then spent a colorful 30 year career teaching at various pre war and post war Torah institutions. Perhaps the varied experience he gained in these diverse positions prepared him for his central position of leadership he was to later assume.

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From the moment Rav Ovadia Yosef accepted the mantle of leadership of the nascent Shas political party in the early '80's, his name came to be synonymous with the revolution that Shas had become. The founding of the Shas Party led to the forming of the Moetzet Chachmei Hatorah, the Rabbinical council which advises the Party till today. R' Ovadia was appointed to head the council. He proceeded to take a very active role in decision making, and displayed an astute perception of the jungle which characterizes Israeli politics. At the same time, he saw himself as the Rabbinical leader of the Sephardic community worldwide and not limited to the political sphere. In his mind, he remained first and foremost, a teacher of Torah, an exponent of psak halacha, a speaker with a message to his people, as well as a political leader when he deemed it necessary.

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Rav Nosson Tzvi's arrival in Mir Yeshiva Jerusalem as a young adolescent became a turning point in his life, and ultimately set the stage as a turning point in the history of the Mir as well. After going back and forth a couple of times, he eventually settled down, married into the family, and subsequently spent the next several years in a tireless effort towards greatness. In the winter of 1990, Rav Nosson Tzvi succeeded his father in law Rav Beinish Finkel as Rosh Yeshiva of the Mir. For the next 22 years until his passing, he oversaw a meteoric growth of the student body as well as building the buildings to hold them all. Through this entire career, he never lost the personal warmth and care that he had for any student of the Yeshiva - as well as many strangers from without. This ability to maintain a personal connection and relationship, made him the beloved figure to so many who knew him.

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One of the most beloved teachers and builders of Torah in times was the legendary Mir Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel (1943-2011) This Chicago native went on to build a veritable empire of Torah learning in Yerushalayim, while remaining a warm and personable role model to his many students. In this episode, we'll examine the world he grew up in, his family background, parents and his early years, in order to gain a better understanding of who he was and his myriad accomplishments.

Musical tribute: "Avi Avi" by the Shira Chadash Boys Choir.

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With the growth of the Lithuanian Yeshiva movement in the 19th century, the great Yeshiva of Telz was to take a prominent place as one of the premier Yeshivas of the age. From modest beginnings, it grew in both numbers and stature under the watch of legendary Rav Leizer Gordon. Telz boasted of an innovative organizational structure which included an acceptance policy, a rigid class structure and regular tests on the material studied. The attempt to bring the Mussar movement within the walls of the Yeshiva, along with specific Rabbinical appointments, led to a series of clashes - sometimes violent - between the independent minded Telzer students and the Yeshiva administration. Ultimately the revolts and the winds of rebellion were quelled, and peace and prosperity allowed Telz to continue its destiny to greatness.

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R' Kalonymus Kalman Shapira (1889-1943), better known as the Piaseczno Rebbe, is a figure who's influence seems to just grow as time goes on. Heroic in life and a martyr in death, he's earned his place in the pantheon of Jewish leadership of the 20th century. Known for his writings, teachings, insights into Jewish education and of course his talks to his chassidim in the darkest times of the Warsaw Ghetto. In this episode, we will examine his life and times, giving the context which shaped his personality and leadership role. Playing an important role in interwar Warsaw Yeshiva education, he also served as a chassidic Rebbe and communal Rabbi at the same time. Despite his personal losses at the onset of the war, he maintained his position within the Ghetto in a valiant attempt to inspire his followers in the ever worsening conditions. Following his murder in Aktion Enternfest in the Trawniki concentration camp, the story of Piaseczno was not yet over. After the war, his writings were discovered in the second cache of the Ringelblum Archive and ultimately published as the "Aish Kodesh".

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From the expulsion from Spain in 1492, down to modern times, Sephardic Jewry has never experienced the rejuvenation experienced under the leadership of Rav Ovadia Yosef (1920-2013). Stemming from humble origins in Iraq, he rose to fame in Rabbinical positions in Egypt, Yerushalayim, Petach Tikva, Tel Aviv and finally the Chief Rabbinate of the State of Israel. A prolific writer and world renowned posek, he became one of the greatest Halachic decisors of modern times. In his later years he would become famous as the spiritual leader and titular head of the Shas political party.

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Heralded as the father of Reform Judaism by some, derided as a destroyer of traditional Jewish life by others and forgotten by most, Moses Mendelssohn's legacy continues to intrigue Jewish minds across the spectrum. He entered the gates of Berlin as a young 14 year old, and ultimately embraced the ideals of the enlightenment and German Philosophy. Through his teaching and prodigious literary output, an attempt was made to synthesize traditional Jewish observance while incorporating elements of the surrounding culture. The question remains as to what is his "true" legacy, but his influence remains in the Jewish world till today.

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With the World Series currently taking place, it's high time that Jewish History Soundbites takes leave of Eastern Europe and examine the Jewish People's connection to professional baseball. From the famous stories of Hank Greenberg and Sandy Koufax, to the less well known ones of the '69 Mets Jewish connection, America's favorite pastime has deep connections to the Jewish story in the United States. On the 50th anniversary of the 1969 NY Mets World Series victory, we'll delve into the story of why they won. Aside from Jewish players, managers, owners and broadcasters, Jewish fans of baseball have been a barometer of integration into American life and culture. So, as we bask in the pride of various different Jewish players not playing on Yom Kippur, enjoy your kosher hot dog in the stands at "the ole Ball Game"!

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With the current talk about an unheard of split in the storied Chassidic court of Ger, it's worth examining the historical context about why such a move is so unusual. From it's roots in Pshischa and Kotzk, Polish Chassidus experience quite a few upheavals and splits before the Ger dynasty stabilized in the late 19th century. Under the able leadership of the Sfas Emes and even more so of his son Rav Avraham Mordechai Alter, the Imrei Emes, Ger became the largest, most dominant and leading chassidic group in pre war Poland. The Gerrer Rebbe led this veritable empire for 43 years, with the full support of all of his family members, and was dubbed by the Polish press as "the king of the Jews". Following the decimation of Polish Jewry, Ger began to rebuild, this time under the watch of the Bais Yisroel. It was only following the death of the last of the Polish generation that a rebuilt, confident and strong Ger could possibly think of dissent or a split within the community.

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In honor of the happy Sukkos holiday, here's a potpourri of anecdotes - some interesting, others entertaining - of Sukkos throughout recent Jewish history. What was it like to shop for a lulav and esrog when all esrogim had to be imported? How about during wartime? What was the atmosphere in the pre war Yeshivas by the Simchas Bais hashoeva and Simchas Torah? What happened to the Chozeh of Lublin on the last Simchas Torah of his life?

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With the passage of time, Rabbinical espoused ideals are processed along the path of the realities and practical considerations of day to day life. It is this execution of policy that forms the basis of our final examination of the Rabbinical positions on Zionism. Specific Rabbinical figures arose in the 1960's-'70's who formulated positions, which form the basis of modern Rabbinical opinion right up to our current times. These range from the Messianic views of Rav Tzvi Yehuda Kook, to the practical considerations of the Gerrer Rebbe, through the active conservatism of Rav Shach and all the way to extreme opposition of the Satmar Rov. A summary of the diverse opinions of these and other great personalities, will enhance our understanding of Rabbinical opinion on Zionism in the modern era, as well as wrap up the series on "The Rabbis & The Zionists".

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News of the Final Solution reached the west in 1942. As the horrifying reality became apparent, reactions varied both among the general public as well as within the Jewish community. While the American Government refused to relax its rigid immigration quotas, US Jewry debated as to the proper course of action. Would it be a passive acceptance of US policy, a diplomatic attempt to reach the corridors of power, or possibly an outright public protest at how little was being done for the plight of European Jewry. Prominent rescue activist Peter Bergson arranged together with the Vaad Hatzalah, an unprecedented public gathering, so unique in the annals of American Jewish History, that it would garner the publicity needed to effect change in the Governments public policy. A group of over 400 recognizably Orthodox Rabbis would march on Washington, petitioning Congress and the President to do more for Jewish refugees. On October 6, 1943, three days before Yom Kippur, the Rabbis marched.

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With the seemingly timeless and growing influence of the Sfas Emes's teachings, it may be worthwhile to examine the world which shaped him and his personality. As a scion of chassidic royalty through his grandfather the Chiddushei Harim of Ger, R' Yehuda Aryeh Leib Alter (1847-1905) was expected to rise to greatness. His exposure at a young age to the great R' Menachem Mendel- the "Kotzker" only added to the atmosphere of an already intensely powerful upbringing. The Sfas Emes rose to the occasion and became one of the greatest leaders of Chassidic Poland, building up Ger into one of the largest courts of its day.

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With the founding of the State of Israel, ideological positions slowly gave way for practical considerations. The reality of day to day life in the State required a modification of the various Rabbinical positions across the spectrum. Some Rabbis, such as the Satmar Rov and the Eidah Hachareidis, persisted in the extreme position and refused to recognize the legitimacy of the State and it's functions. For their followers who were physically living in Israel, this became an increasingly untenable position. At the other extreme, the Rabbinical leadership of the Mizrachi welcomed the founding of the State as the commencement of the Messianic era. It therefore behooved active participation at both the national and individual level. In the middle were the Rabbis who were either officially or loosely affiliated with the Agudas Yisroel. Some recommended a moderate position, while others took a more extreme line. Still others preferred to be deliberately ambiguous. The question of voting became a contentious issue and evolved into the symbol of practical participation.

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The primary focus on the Chofetz Chaim's (1839-1933) legacy to the Jewish People is understandably his seforim and various public policy initiatives. He bequeathed a more personal legacy as well- his family. His descendants form quite a diverse group. Some of his progeny played pivotal roles in both the writing, editing and selling of his seforim, while others assisted with the administration of the Radin Yeshiva. Still others accompanied him through his communal activist work. And yet others forged their own path. With an overview of the Chofetz Chaim's family, and how he related to them as a husband, father & grandfather, we can get a glimpse of a more personal side of the influence and impact of arguable the greatest Jewish leader in recent history.

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With the current atmosphere being that one has to excuse oneself to justify not travelling to Rabbeinu for Rosh Hashana, it's worthwhile examining the historical roots of this phenomenon. What was the historical context in which R' Nosson of Nemirov made the Rosh Hashana pilgrimage the core of Breslov chassidus? How did the Uman visit look like throughout the years? In the interwar period, Breslov chassidim encountered a challenge that threatened the future of the movement. The Iron Curtain prevented the Chassidim in Poland from reaching Uman. How would they adapt to the new situation? Finally, in the post war era, with the resurgence of Breslov, the Rosh Hashana gathering adapts itself to new worlds and new situations till this very day. Music for this episode: “Rabeinu” by Beri Weber https://youtu.be/gJuStPunxIs

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Few leaders in modern times can match the sheer energy and willpower that the Ponovezher Rov- Rabbi Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman (1886-1969) possessed. From his early days in Telz to his Rabbinate in pre-war Ponevezh, to his rebuilding after the trauma of the Holocaust, he never once stopped his active building the future of the Jewish People. Blessed with natural organizational skills, combined with a talent in dealing with people, he managed to inspire others to jump onto the bandwagon of his various projects. A master fundraiser, he would become a renowned globe trotter, where he would inflame Jewish communities worldwide with his oratory skills and magnetic personality.

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From almost the beginning of the Chassidic movement, a major component of the experience has been the pilgrimage to bask in the Rebbe's presence at his court. More often than not, this took place around the Yomim Tovim. Why was it important to visit the Rebbe for the Holidays? What was the visit like? What went on there? In the inter-war period, perhaps the most famous of the Chassidic courts was in Ger (Gora Kalwaria). With tens of thousands of chassidim converging on this small town for Rosh Hashanah, the atmosphere was electric and truly festive. A fascinating feature of the pilgrimage to Ger was the means of transport. A train line ran from Warsaw to Ger that took it's place in chassidic lore. The Kulaykeh, as it was known, wasn't just a means to an end, but rather became a major component of the visit. Throngs of chassidim would crowd the train, and the Kulaykeh experience essentially transformed into part of the greater Yom Tov visit to Ger.

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Rav Shneur Zalman of Liady (1745?-1812), known as the Alter Rebbe or the Baal Hatanya, was the founder of the Chabad Chassidus and one of most influential leaders in the history of the movement. How did he start out? Was it an easy road to leadership? He was one of the youngest among the students of the Maggid of Mezritch. Following Rav Mendele of Vitebsk to White Russia, he assisted in spreading Chassidus in that vicinity. But it was only following R' Mendele's aliyah in 1777, that R' Shneur Zalman would begin his rise to a leadership position of Chassidim. Slowly he fashioned his court, his own unique brand of Chassidic thought and began to manage the hordes of Chassidim who began arriving at his door. They came to hear his guidance in serving Hashem, his Divrei Torah and to experience the atmosphere of the court of the Alter Rebbe.

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R' Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz (1886-1948) wasn't just a talented educator, a capable school principal, an accomplished organizer and a doer. Above all else, he was a visionary. He saw America as a land of opportunity in a spiritual sense, at a time when most could perceive only materialistic opportunity and a threat to the spiritual. He therefore structured the Yeshiva to reflect his unique philosophy and built a curriculum that had been seldom seen in the annals of the Yeshiva world. At the same time, he reached out and engaged a cadre of dedicated laymen who would form the financial backbone of the Yeshiva activities as well as managing it as the Board of Directors. These amazing people threw all their energies into realizing the vision of building Torah in the United States. Chief among this group was regional director for the IRS named Harry Herskowitz. Harry literally dedicated his life for the success of Torah Vodaath, and helped it sustain and flourish in those early years. His legacy remained in his family and with the other laymen that he influenced with the vision of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath.

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The great political & ideological discussions that marked the interwar period were at their peak, when the greatest calamity to hit the Jewish People instantly transformed the entire dialogue. Rabbinical opinion once again diverged in light of the national catastrophe. Some Rabbis continued with the pre-war pragmatic approach of waiting things out and seeing how the outside factors develop. Others reinforced their pre-war opinions of either support or opposition of the entire Zionist enterprise. The novelty of the post Holocaust world however, saw the emergence of a new stream of Rabbinical opinion, which stated that the calamity that had befallen European Jewry changed the rules of the game. Some mitigated their opposition of Zionism as a result, while others went still further and became full fledged supporters of the creation of a Jewish State. In May 1948, the Rabbinical world responded to yet another development of Zionism, by far the one with the most far reaching consequences- the founding of the State of Israel. Zionism was no longer an ideal or a vision. It was an established fact and a reality that had to be reckoned with. The great Rabbinical leadership from across the ideological spectrum, met the challenge and formulated their opinions accordingly.

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One of the odder stories of the Jewish People under Soviet rule is the forming of the Jewish Autonomous Region of Birobidzhan. Founded by Stalin in 1928 as a territorial solution for the Jewish People, it never quite took off as planned. Harsh living conditions and eventually Stalin's purges prevented any major Jewish growth in the region. However, when Birobidzhan was conceptualized as a realistic option, it caused quite a stir in the Jewish world. Does the Jewish People need a territory to solve it's national woes? That's what the Zionist movement was proposing with the new Jewish Nationalism. Perhaps any territory would suffice, as long as the Jewish Nation had some form of territorial center- even in faraway Birobidzhan. That's how many Jewish socialists and Jewish communists reacted to it's initial founding. The Birobidzhan plan flopped, but the questions of Jewish identity and nationalism continued on as before.

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A gifted leader, with a brilliant mind and a unique approach, Rav Meir Simcha of Dvinsk (1843–1926) author of the acclaimed Ohr Somayach stands out among the personalities of his day. The 1910 Rabbinical conference in St. Petersburg, was a testing ground for how modern Jewish leadership would grapple with the hot button issues facing the Jews of the Russian Empire. Rav Meir Simcha was one of the respected participants, and he weighed in on the challenges of the time. With panoply of voices and opinions, it wouldn't be a simple matter for his view to hold sway. His Rabbinical leadership in the waning days of the rule of the Czars, gives a glimpse into the challenges of traditional Jewish life at the turn of the century.

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With his appointment as Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, and subsequently of all of British controlled Palestine, Rav Avraham Yitzchok Hakohen Kook (1875-1935) transitioned into his most active period in the public sphere. While garnering much support and staving off the opposition, he managed to build and accomplish in many areas of Jewish life. Along with other Rabbis, he became a primary architect of the Rabbanut to regulate religious life in the "Yishuv", he invested much in Yeshivas and Jewish education, developed working -albeit often times strained- relationships with officials in the British Government, and managed to build bridges with the secular Zionist leadership as well.

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Understanding the context of how the Second World War began can facilitate a clearer understanding of what happened to the Jewish People as a result. With the invasion of Poland, the most destructive war in the history of mankind commenced. How did the war begin? How was Poland conquered so easily? What was the immediate reaction of the Jews who were now in a war zone? What was the Soviet Union's involvement? And what was going on in the Far East at this time? A broader picture of all these issues will enhance our perception of war whose reverberations are felt to this very day.

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With the rise of political Zionism at the end of the 19th century, Rabbinical leaders began to formally organize around their positions visa vis the nascent movement. The founding of the Mizrachi was a major milestone in clarifying at least qualified support for the Zionist program. This begat a more organized and systematic opposition, which was formalized with the founding of the Agudas Yisroel some years later. The Agudah didn't speak with one voice and there was quite a range of rabbinical opinion within it's ranks as to the extent of ideological opposition to Zionism, as well as the practical measures to be taken as a result. In addition, there were quite a number of major Rabbinical leaders who never joined the Agudah altogether for a variety of reasons- some joined the Mizrachi, some were too Zionistic for the Agudah, others felt that the Agudah wasn't extreme enough. During the tumultuous interwar period, Rabbis across the spectrum formulated their respective positions in opposition, support or neutrality on the question of the new Jewish Nationalism- Zionism.

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As the Jewish community in far off Shanghai developed at the beginning of the 20th century, a Rabbi and Lubavitcher Chassid named R' Meir Ashkenazi was called on to serve as the communal Rabbi in 1926. Originally serving in the ultimate "out of town" community in a far flung corner of the world, he eventually found himself the leader of a diverse and large group of refugees who began arriving in the 1930's and '40's. Being the right man in the right place at the right time, he rose to the occasion. Addressing both the material and spiritual needs of the refugee community, he was able to sustain the Shanghai Jewry during those challenging times.

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The Satmar Rav, Rav Yoel Teitelbaum will long be remembered as a great Torah Sage, builder, dedicated leader and zealot who held steadfast to strong positions, no matter the opposition. In his efforts to rebuild the destroyed world after the war, he was a visionary who thought of big and creative solutions. As a fatherly figure, he built individuals, breathing a new life and purpose for countless survivors. He also built a large and powerful following, well known for its relentless chesed and strong opposition to the State of Israel.

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Famous for trailblazing a new analytical style of Talmudic Study at the Volozhin Yeshiva, RavChaim Soloveitchik's name is hallowed throughout the Torah world. As Rabbi of Brisk, he became known far and wide for his compassion for the downtrodden. In the public sphere, Reb Chaim became a spokesman of his people and took a stance on many issues facing the Jewish world of his day. In honor of his 101st Yahrtzeit, we'll take a glance Rav Chaim's leadership role in society.

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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.

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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.

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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".

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com

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?

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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com

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.

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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com

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.

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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com

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.

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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com

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.

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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com

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?

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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com

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.

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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com

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.

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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com

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".

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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com

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.

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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com