Best Vilna Gaon Podcasts (2024)

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#203 - R Avrohom the Vilna Gaon’s Brother - Maalos HaTorah 52:18

17d ago52:18

52:18

This week’s episode is sponsored לעילוי נשמת ר חיים רפאל יוסף דוד בן צבי מרדכי on the occasion of his Yahrzeit This week we look at the sefer of R Avrohom the Vilna Gaon’s brother, Maalos HaTorah. The main topic of the sefer is the importance of learning Torah. We discuss why the sefer isn’t as popular as Nefesh HaChaim Shaar Daled, even though it …

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#206 - R' Avrohom Vilner - Life & Accomplishments 49:42

1h ago49:42

49:42

In this episode we look at R Avrohom Vilner, the Vilna Gaon’s youngest son. What positions did he hold? What does this tell us about him? What lessons can we learn from this? What Sefarim did he print? What do we see from his Sefer, ‘Gevolos HaAretz’? How common was it for Rabbanim to know European languages? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Y…

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#205 - Maalos HaTorah - Applications of The Ideas 51:16

22h ago51:16

51:16

This week’s episode is sponsored לעילוי נשמת אריה מרדכי בן אברהם יצחק In this episode we take a deeper look at how the ideals of Torah learning mentioned in Maalos HaTorah played a significant part in creating the original Ashkenazi Jewish Community in Israel. We also take a deeper look at how to properly understand the concept of Historical Inerti…

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#204 - Maalos HaTorah - Defining Mitzvah 49:58

17d ago49:58

49:58

This week’s episode is dedicated לעילוי נשמת ר אליהו בן ר יוסף. In this week’s episode we take a closer look at what the Vilna Gaon meant when he said there are more than 613 mitzvos. Similarly we look at a number of his very novel applications of this concept. We also look at how there is a certain overlap with what many would consider Chassidus. …

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#202 - R Avrohom Brother of the Vilna Gaon - His Life 47:00

1M ago47:00

47:00

This week’s episode is sponsored by Mr and Mrs Avi Meir לרפואה שלימה לעדו יחיאל בן ציונה This week we look at the life of R Avrohom Rogeler, the Vilna Gaon’s brother. Where did he live? Why is he called R Avrohom Rogeler? What were his significant accomplishments? What are the important lessons we can learn from his life? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittens…

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#201 - Understanding the Rebbe & Talmid Connection 51:53

1M ago51:53

51:53

This week’s episode is sponsored לעילוי נשמת ר שלום אליעזר בן ר ישראל ראגאזין a member of the Voluzhin Kollel This week we are starting a new series about the Talmidai HaGra. We start by looking at the classic understanding of the dynamic and application of Rebbe and Talmid. How did the Vilna Gaon and his Talmidim fit into the classic structure of …

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#200 - Understanding Tisha B’Av & National Tragedy 56:05

1M ago56:05

56:05

This week’s episode is sponsored לעילוי נשמת עלקא עליזה בת ר יעקב by her family on the occasion of her Yahrzeit In this week’s episode we discuss the question is it proper to mention the events of last October 7 on Tisha B’Av? What level of National tragedy is fitting to mention on Tisha B’Av? Do the tragic events of October 7 fit into this? Simila…

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#199 - Israel, Daf Yomi & Supporting Torah - Lessons From My Father’s Life 54:30

2M ago54:30

54:30

This episode is dedicated by the family l’ilui nishmas my father R Yosef ben Moshe HCM. In this episode, we look at my father’s experiences after they moved to Israel in 1986 and how he interacted with, ‘Old Israel’. We also look at how he learnt Daf Yomi for about thirty years and why he was able to successfully do this. We also look at his decisi…

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#198 - Skylab & Atlanta Opportunities - Lessons From My Father’s Life 50:29

2M ago50:29

50:29

In this episode we look how when our family moved to Atlanta, my father took advantage of all the opportunities in a larger Jewish community. We also look at his deep involvement in the Skylab re-enter project. 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 …

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#197 - Shabbos, Tefillin & Torah - Lessons From My Father’s Life 50:14

2M ago50:14

50:14

In this episode we look at how my father slowly integrated more mitzvos in to his life. And how he had a very dramatic dream that he connected to the Mitzva of wearing Tefillin. We also look at how he recognized the importance of Shas and took steps to master the skills of learning Gemara. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We …

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#196 - Teaching Torah & The IDF - Lessons From My Father’s Life - 52:47

2M ago52:47

52:47

In this episode we look at how my father ended up taking a real role in teaching Torah in Huntsville and how this affected him. Did this have any connection to his training as a scientist? We also look at how the presence of IDF soldiers in Huntsville played a major part in his spiritual growth, especially the Shomer Shabbos ones. How common was it…

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#195 - Moon Landing & Affects of Rocket Science - Lessons From My Father’s Life - 51:59

3M ago51:59

51:59

In this episode we take a deeper look at NASA and the cultural crisis of the 60s. We also look at the Moon Landing. Was Neal Armstrong the author of his famous statement? How did Gedolai Torah view the issue? We also look at how a career in Rocket Science can change how a person sees the world. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp…

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#194 - The Apollo Program & Early Steps in Yiddishkeit - Lessons From My Father’s Life - 54:38

3M ago54:38

54:38

In this episode we look at my father’s career in NASA in the heroic era, and some fascinating lessons we can learn from them. We also look at my father’s early steps in Yiddishkeit, and how inspiration can come from the most unlikely sources. This is a link to related documents and pictures: Apollo 8 Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on Wh…

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#193 -College & Marriage - Lessons From My Father’s Life 49:00

3M ago49:00

49:00

In this episode we look at some more aspects of the Von Braun issue. We also look at my father’s college experiences and how he grasped opportunity when it came his way. We also look at how my parents met, which was a critical factor in the families spiritual development. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a da…

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#192 - Rocket Science & the KKK - Lessons From My Father's Life 52:02

4M ago52:02

52:02

In this episode we look at my father hcm’s early life. How did he get to a very small town in Alabama? What was it like to grow up in a small southern town? What lessons did my father hcm learn from successfully playing High School football? Why did my father decide to become a rocket scientist? Should the USA have prosecuted Wehner Von Braun for w…

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#191 - The Baal HaTanya in Liadi & Attitude Towards the French Russian War of 1812 48:21

4M ago48:21

48:21

Baruch Dayan Emes: Unfortunately Rabbi Wittenstein is sitting Shiva for his father until Wednesday morning (May 29) in Arzei HaBira in Jerusalem. jewishhistoryuncensored@gmail.com In this episode, we look at how the Baal HaTanya got to Liadi. Similarly we look at why he didn’t return to his home town of Liozna? We also start looking at the issue of…

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#190 - Korczak, Heroism & Kiddush Hashem 52:36

4M ago52:36

52:36

In this episode we at Korczak’s life and how in many places he had very classic Jewish reactions to things despite his lack of Jewish education. We look at his refusal to wear the Jewish star. And also of course look at his legendary Kiddush Hashem. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, wit…

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#189 - October 7th, The Holocaust, Heroism, & Korchak 52:02

5M ago52:02

52:02

In this episode we look carefully compare and contrast the events of October 7th and the Holocaust. How much do they have in common? Is it proper to add the events of October the seventh to Holocaust Day? We also look how to define heroism. How do we understand the greatest of Human accomplishments? Where should this apply? We start looking at the …

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#188 - Challenges & Lessons of Egyptology 47:40

5M ago47:40

47:40

This week’s episode is dedicated in honor of Rav Dr Howie Apfel In this episode we take a closer look at the basic challenges of understanding the History of Ancient Egypt. How deeply is the Ancient Egyptian documentation connected with Egyptian Avoda Zara? How much will this connection complicate our attempts to understand the documentation? What …

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#187 - Egyptology & History 59:07

5M ago59:07

59:07

In this episode we take a deeper look at why the phenomenon of Egyptology has such an attraction to people. Why are people more interested in Egyptology than Greek and Roman History? Similarly, we look at how to reconcile Egyptology with Tanach? Did the ancient Egyptians value History? How does this affect the way we understand Ancient Egyptian His…

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#186 - Understanding Reality: Egyptology & Reality 52:13

5M ago52:13

52:13

In this episode we look at how perception of reality affects our lives. We also look at how different people have different perceptions of reality. Why do some people pursue brochas from Rabbanim more than others? We also start looking at how people in the world at large have out of proportion interest in Ancient Egypt. What are the basic reasons f…

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The Vilna Gaon 1:05:00

6M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

The Vilna Gaon, Rabbi Eliyahu Kramer, is of the most historically significant Jews of the last thousand years. His genius is beyond description, and his impact on Jewish life reverberates until today. In this class we talk about the life and legacy of Vilna Gaon.By Rabbi Nachum Meth

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#185 - Final Complications: R' Avrohom Kalisker vs Baal Tanya 56:46

6M ago56:46

56:46

In this episode, we look at the basic methodology of how to examine Historical stories. When should we accept a story as factual and when should we reject a story. We also look at how and why the machlokes of R Avrohom Kalisker and the Baal HaTanya was never resolved. And what part did Elazar of Disna play in this complicated situation? Similarly w…

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Darwin & Evolution: A Torah Perspective 1:09:27

6M ago1:09:27

1:09:27

How old is the universe? Does the Torah agree with Darwinian Evolution? Does science contradict the Torah’s Genesis narrative? Although we usually stick to history oil this show, we invite you to a Torah-based discussion about Charles Darwin and Evolution.By Rabbi Nachum Meth

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#184 - The Challenge & Limits of Education 51:11

6M ago51:11

51:11

In this episode we take a deeper look at the challenges and limits of education. How do we understand the ideal of education? How does an ideally educated person see himself? What lesson should most of us take from the basic challenge of true education and knowledge? How does this relate to the machlokes between R Avrohom Kalisker and the Baal HaTa…

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#183 - R' Avrohom Kalisker vs the Baal HaTanya 50:08

6M ago50:08

50:08

In this episode we look at R' Avrohom Kalisker’s part in establishing the Ashkenzi community in Israel. We look at why R' Avrohom Kalisker initially attacks R' Shnuer Zalman. We similarly look at how this was part of a greater question of how the average Chassid should focus his efforts in Avodas Hashem. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi o…

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#182 - Charisma and Leadership: R Avrohom Kalisker & the Vilna Gaon 49:17

6M ago49:17

49:17

In this episode we take a more careful look at the part charisma plays in communal leadership. We also discuss why the Rambam tried to avoid communal leadership. We take a careful look at R Avrohom Kalisker time with the Vilna Gaon. And we similarly discuss why R Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk didn’t try to bring him to his attempted meeting with the V…

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#181 - Charisma, Rabbinic Decisions & Leadership 50:04

7M ago50:04

50:04

In this episode we look at the part that charisma plays in History. Was every great Rabbi by definition a charismatic figure? Is it possible that charisma was a significant factor in the Vilna Gaon’s decision not to meet with R Menachem Mendal of Vitebsk and the Baal HaTanya in 1772? Was charisma a factor in R Avrohom Kalisker’s leadership? Nach Yo…

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#180 - The Vilna Gaon’s Theory of Incongruent Actions - A Deeper Look 53:42

7M ago53:42

53:42

In this episode we take a more careful look at the Vilna Gaon’s theory of, ‘Incongruent Actions’? How many places does he apply this to? Is there a difference between where this concept is working at a behavioral level and when it is working at the Nefesh level. We also examine the issue of when we can say that History can be a proof to questionabl…

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#179 - The Vilna Gaon’s Theory of Incongruent Actions 50:23

7M ago50:23

50:23

The main topic of this episode is the Vilna Gaon’s theory about, ‘Incongruent Actions’. The episode starts with a quick synopsis of my comments of the crisis of solution in the Gaza War. What was the real cause of Nathan of Gaza’s fall? Was the entire issue a result of the lack of commitment to Torah and similarly lack of Yiras Hashem? Or is there …

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#178 - Gaza War - Israel & the World 1:00:43

7M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

In this episode we look at the deep complexities of how the world relates to the State of Israel. What are the main elements of this very complicated phenomenon? How should that effect how Israel should conduct its Foreign Policy? We also look at the basic tension that exists in a Democratic country between popular will and responsible governance. …

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#177 - The Gaza War - Understanding the Governmental Crisis 51:20

8M ago51:20

51:20

In this episode, we look at the basic structure of how modern government works, and how this creates a challenge in governance. We also look at why specifically there is a challenge now. We also discuss where in Torah we can find information that can give us direction in these issues. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn…

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#176 - Gaza War - Accomplishments & Crisis 53:59

8M ago53:59

53:59

In this episode we look at the Historical factors than have enable Israel to largely conduct this war in a successful way. How is it that the IDF has become such a trusted institution? Which policies brought it to this place? Who was involved in making these decisions? We also look at the cause of lack of trust in the motivations of some of the maj…

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#175 - Gaza War - The Looming Crisis 52:00

8M ago52:00

52:00

In this episode we take a look at how our understanding of this event has been affected over the last months. We examine the unique facets of this conflict as opposed to the other Israeli Arab conflicts. We also look at the looming crisis that is brewing on how to deal with this conflict. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We l…

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#174 - Zman Tefila & The Vilna Gaon’s Opposition to Chassidus 51:23

8M ago51:23

51:23

In this episode we examine more of the technical details of zman Tefila. How late is one allowed to start Shachris? What defines starting Shachris? We also start taking a new look at the Vilna Gaon’s opposition to Chassidus. How many elements were there to his opposition to Chassidus? What was the Vilna Gaon’s attitude to practical Kaballa? Does th…

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#173 - Nusach HaTefila & Zmanai Tefila 54:16

8M ago54:16

54:16

In this episode we take a more in depth look at the origins of the different Nusachs. Can someone change from Ashkenaz to Sefard, or from Sefard to Ashkenaz? What is the issue connected to? We also look at the issue of does Chassidus have any antinomian element to it? Where does the practice of davening after, ‘the time of Tefila’, come from? Nach …

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Even Shleima 90, Perek 11, 7 33:27

9M ago33:27

33:27

Final shiur of the series!By Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky

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The Sabbatean Accusations Against Chassidus 50:54

9M ago50:54

50:54

In this episode we take a more in depth look at the second arrest of the Baal Tanya. We look at how the Russian government generally dealt with the Jewish community in those times and how this affected this story. We also focus on the Sabetian accusations. Why would the Czarist government consider this a serious accusation? Nach Yomi: Join R' Witte…

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Even Shleima 89, Perek 11, 6 30:44

9M ago30:44

30:44

By Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky

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Even Shleima 88, Perek 10, 32 29:30

9M ago29:30

29:30

By Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky

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Release of the Baal Tanya & the Second Arrest 56:33

9M ago56:33

56:33

In this episode we look at why the Russians decided to release the Baal Tanya. We similarly look at the second arrest. What caused the second arrest? Why was it shorter than the first one? We similarly look at some of the Baal Tanya’s statements on tefila. Similarly we look at his expert leadership in dealing with the issue of separate minyanim. Na…

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Being Jewish In A Non-Jewish World 54:02

9M ago54:02

54:02

Antisemitism and Assimilation have been the two greatest challenges to Judaism throughout Jewish History. And Christmas is a great way to spark the conversation. In this class we talk about the obstacles to being jewish in a non jewish world. As always, please like and share this podcast, ask a question or leave a comment.…

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The Arrest of the Baal Tanya 52:36

9M ago52:36

52:36

In this episode, we look at the first arrest and imprisonment of the Baal Tanya. What events caused this to happen? Where was he held in jail? Why was he held in jail for so long? How much danger was he in? How involved was the Csar Paul involved in the case? We also clarify what I mean when I refer to the theological machlokes between the Gra and …

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Kissinger - Youth & Legacy - Baal HaTanya - His Involvement in The Machlokes 52:00

9M ago52:00

52:00

In this episode, we examine Kissinger’s youth more carefully based on a documentary produced by people in the KAJ community. We also look at the challenge of morality. We also look at R Shnuer Zalman of Liozna’s part in the machlokes between the Chassidim and the Misnagdim. What affect did R Shneur Zalman have on this machlokes? When did he become …

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Even Shleima 87, Perek 10, 28 31:12

10M ago31:12

31:12

By Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky

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Henry Kissinger - Legacy, Lessons & Controversy 1:00:43

10M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

Henry Kissinger was one of the most important American diplomats of the twentieth century. He aroused very strong feelings and opinions in many circles. Why is this true? What is his key legacy? What lessons can we learn about life from Kissinger and his legacy? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five day…

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Even Shleima 86, Perek 10, 17 27:34

10M ago27:34

27:34

By Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky

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Torah Lishma - Synthesizing the Gra and R' Chaim Volozhin 51:50

10M ago51:50

51:50

In this week’s episode we take a deeper look at how to properly understand R Chaim Voluzhin’s comments on the issue of Torah Lishma. We also discuss how to synthesize the comments we saw from the Vilna Gaon with R Chaim Voluzhin’s presentation Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a ni…

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Torah Lishma - The Vilna Gaon’s Approach 48:50

10M ago48:50

48:50

Many assume that R Chaim Volozhin completely argues with the Tanya about how to understand Torah Lishma. In this episode, we take a closer look at the issue. We specifically look at a number of statements from the Vilna Gaon in Mishley that discuss the issue. How does this affect how we understand R Chaim Volozhin’s comments on the issue? We also t…