In this episode we look at more of the details of the founding of the first synagogue in Amsterdam. We are able to learn from this story and from other basic features of the Jewish Community the specific mindset that they had. One of the customs of the Jewish Community in Amsterdam was to have three names. Why did they have this custom and what is it's significance?

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In this episode we look at the founding of the Jewish Community of Amsterdam. How was it that Amsterdam specifically came to have such a major community ? We take a careful look at the two legends about the founding of the community. Which parts of these legends are clearly documented? Which part of these legends are probably legendary but not factual?

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In this episode we look at the hidden century of the Crypto Jews. The vast majority of the Crypto Jews were from the Jews who went to Portugal and were forced to convert in 1497. The Portuguese Jewish communities weren't founded until the late 1500's. What happened to these unfortunate Jews in this hidden century? What records do we have of them in this time? What level of commitment were they able to keep in this time?

Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein's Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues.

We are currently learning YIRMIYAHU.

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As is well documented, Spinoza was of Marrano, crypto Jewish background. In this episode we look at the Historical Background of the Marranos. How did this occur? We also discuss the tragic dilemma of the what to do with one's children when in a shmad situation. What events in general Spanish History contributed to the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492? How is it that the crypto Jew issue primarily was expressed in the 1600s?

We also discuss the question of was Christopher Columbus Jewish?

Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein's Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues.

We are currently learning YIRMIYAHU.

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In this episode we look at the famed question: why study History? We also look at why most people find the study of History so challenging. We also examine the basic differences between History and Jewish History, and how this changes the reason to study History. We also look at one of the classic examples of how Torah connects with Jewish History.

Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein's Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues.

We are currently learning KOHELES.

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(CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at the important issue of how to evaluate evidence. When should one accept a historical claim as true? We examine the topic by looking at the celebration of the Besht's birthday on 18th of Elul. When did people start celebrating birthdays? Is there a difference between birthdays and Yahrzeits? We also look at the issue of machlokes, the disagreements in Shas etc. How do we understand this phenomenon? Does it have any effect on Torah?

Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein's Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues.

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(CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

0:30 Is there a difference in the issues of Emuna and Bitachon between Chassidus and Hisnagdus?

6:04 What is the difference between how Chassidus and Hisnagdus views optimum fulfillment of mitzvos?

16:10 How does this apply to saying Shema?

21:03 Does the machlokes between Chassidus and Hisnagdus parallel what is the prime focus of Judaism, intellect or emotions?

27:07 Is the concept of Chassidus limited to the Baal Shem Tov? Did the Baal Shem Tov invent the idea of Chassidus?

33:27 When did real Hisnagdus start? Who were the instigators?

44:06 Was the machlokes primarily of Halacha of Hashkafa?

46:12 Was there different type of opposition to the Baal Tanya than any other types of Chassidus?

48:20 What would the Besht say about contemporary Chassidus?

55:18 How much of Nefesh Ha-Chaim is Hisnagdus?

56:02 What does it mean that Noam Elimelech is for Tzadikim, Tanya for Banonim, and Likutai Maran is for Reshaim?

1:02:01 How should we understand statements that seem to accuse Chassidus or Hisnagdus of heresy? When can we integrate these ideas into our lives?

Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein's Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues.

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(CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at some of the lessons we can learn from the Corona crisis of the last year and a half. We examine one of the most important Tanachic rules for understanding major events, 'in the end of days you will be able to properly understand it'. We also examine the challenge governments have been facing in making proper rules for these times. What can we learn from this challenge about our times? What does this crisis show us about Chazal and Rabbinical commands?

Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein's Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues.

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(CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at some of the practical differences between Chassidim and Misnagdim. How does affect the relationship between Torah and Tefila? What differences are there in a practical in this issue between Chassidim and Misnagdim? What attitude do we have to the occasions when one does a mitzva without proper intentions. Is this situation basically problematic or is it basically fine?

Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein's Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues.

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(CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we take a deeper look at the Ari's approach to Haalas Nitzotzim. We also examine the difference between the Ari's application of Haalas Nitzotzim and the Besht's application of Haalas Nitzotzim. Why did the Vilna Gaon argue with the Besht and not with the Ari? How much of the Vilna Gaon's argument with the Besht is in the theoretical realm and how much is about practical applications?

Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein's Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues.

We are currently learning Yirmiyahu.

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For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected]

(CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)