Jewish History Soundbites

Jewish History Soundbites


Latest Episodes

Myths & More: Deciphering the Haskalah
February 24, 2021

The Haskala movement, was a Jewish movement of the 18th and 19th centuries which sought to implement changes in Jewish life and society. Often discussed yet just as often misunderstood, it is intriguing as it is confusing. Was the haskala the Jewish Enli.

Talking Jewish History with Moish Francesa: Purim Episode 2021
February 23, 2021

Jewish History Soundbites is proud to present a special Purim episode, for some good Jewish History enjoyment and fun. Honored to host a special guest, one of the most influential and historic figures of contemporary Jewish entertainment -- Moish Frances.

Warring Words: The Nefesh Hachaim & the Opposition to the Chassidic Movement
February 20, 2021

The Sefer Nefesh Hachaim authored by Rav Chaim of Volozhin (1749-1821) was published posthumously by his son Rav Itzele in 1824, with an expanded version including eight additional chapters published in 1837. This was a theological work, as well as a pol.

From Vienna Flight to Meron Lights: The Boyan Dynasty
February 17, 2021

With roots in the regal courts of Ruzhin/Sadagora the Boyan dynasty continued that legacy while also forging some uniquenesses of its own. Founded by Rav Yitzchak Friedman (1849-1917), the Pachad Yitzchak, who fled to Vienna with the outbreak of World Wa.

The Jews of Scandinavia Part I
February 13, 2021

The more recent and relatively small Jewish communities of Scandinavia serve as an interesting chapter in Jewish history. While Finland was part of the Russian Empire for a time, the other Scandinavian countries had Jewish communities as well.This episo..

Jewish History Soundbites at 250: Reflections on Changes in Modern Jewish History
February 06, 2021

Jewish History Soundbites 250th commemorative episode. At this milestone, it is perhaps appropriate to take a step back and try to piece together an overview of the underlying theme of the episodes and stories of Jewish History Soundbites. Modern Jewish .

A Bridge to Brisk: The Life of Rav Dovid Soloveitchik
February 02, 2021

Rav Meshulam Dovid Soloveitchik (1921-2021) lived a long life, in which he successfully formed a bridge between the world of Brisk where he had grown up, to the young impressionable yeshiva students of the 21st century. Having been raised in his father t.

The Light of Sanz: Rav Shulem Eliezer of Ratzfert
January 30, 2021

Rav Shulem Eliezer Halberstam of Ratzfert (1862-1944), was one of the younger children of his illustrious father the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. Orphaned as a young child, he'd go on to become one of the great chassidic leaders of Hungarian Jewry.Known for hi..

The Soviet Struggle: The Life & Times of Rabbi Meir Kahane Part II
January 27, 2021

The campaigns on behalf of Soviet Jewry commenced in the 1960's with the Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry (SSSJ), but it was the onset of the next decade that the Meir Kahane led JDL jumped into the fray and things heated up.With Kahane's move to Israe..

Never Again! The Life & Times of Rabbi Meir Kahane Part I
January 24, 2021

One of the most complex characters of post war Jewish history was undoubtedly Meir Kahane (1932-1990). Controversial yet lover of the Jewish people, provocative yet charismatic, endorsed violence yet known for his brilliance and sense of humor, yeshiva e.