Best History Uncensored Podcasts (2024)

1
The Gaza War - A Rosh HaShana Perspective 51:15

3h ago51:15

51:15

This episode is sponsored by Ben and Talia Silver Mr Gerald Wittenstein לעילוי נשמת יוסף בן משה #207 - The Gaza War - A Rosh HaShana Perspective In this episode we look at the Gaza War from a Rosh HaShana perspective. What is special and different the Gaza War from a Jewish History perspective? How does this event differ from Covid? What are the le…

1
7 | Rabbinic Letters 1:21:46

2h ago1:21:46

1:21:46

Welcome to a Jewish History Uncensored with Dr. Marc Shapiro. This season we are covering the story of Dr. Shapiro’s most recent book.–a collection of letters from some of the great Rabbinic figures of our day. The correspondences between Dr. Shapiro and these luminaries cover a wide array of fascinating topics. This is episode 7. For more informat…

1
#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…

1
#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…

1
6 | Rabbinic Letters 1:18:14

11d ago1:18:14

1:18:14

Welcome to a Jewish History Uncensored with Dr. Marc Shapiro. This season we are covering the story of Dr. Shapiro’s most recent book.–a collection of letters from some of the great Rabbinic figures of our day. The correspondences between Dr. Shapiro and these luminaries cover a wide array of fascinating topics. This is episode 6. For more informat…

1
#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. …

1
5 | Rabbinic Letters 1:18:14

20d ago1:18:14

1:18:14

Welcome to a Jewish History Uncensored with Dr. Marc Shapiro. This season we are covering the story of Dr. Shapiro’s most recent book.–a collection of letters from some of the great Rabbinic figures of our day. The correspondences between Dr. Shapiro and these luminaries cover a wide array of fascinating topics. This is episode 5. For more informat…

1
4 | Rabbinic Letters 1:13:25

27d ago1:13:25

1:13:25

Welcome to a Jewish History Uncensored with Dr. Marc Shapiro. This season we are covering the story of Dr. Shapiro’s most recent book.–a collection of letters from some of the great Rabbinic figures of our day. The correspondences between Dr. Shapiro and these luminaries cover a wide array of fascinating topics. This is episode 4. For more informat…

1
#203 - R Avrohom the Vilna Gaon’s Brother - Maalos HaTorah 52:18

29d 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 …

1
#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…

1
3 | Rabbinic Letters 1:21:39

1M ago1:21:39

1:21:39

Welcome to a Jewish History Uncensored with Dr. Marc Shapiro. This season we are covering the story of Dr. Shapiro’s most recent book.–a collection of letters from some of the great Rabbinic figures of our day. The correspondences between Dr. Shapiro and these luminaries cover a wide array of fascinating topics. This is episode 3. For more informat…

1
#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 …

1
#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…

1
2 | Rabbinic Letters 1:15:55

2M ago1:15:55

1:15:55

Welcome to a Jewish History Uncensored with Dr. Marc Shapiro. This season we are covering the story of Dr. Shapiro’s most recent book.–a collection of letters from some of the great Rabbinic figures of our day. The correspondences between Dr. Shapiro and these luminaries cover a wide array of fascinating topics. This is episode 2. For more informat…

1
#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…

1
1 | Rabbinic Letters 1:03:56

2M ago1:03:56

1:03:56

Welcome to a Jewish History Uncensored with Dr. Marc Shapiro. This season we are going to cover the story of Dr. Shapiro’s most recent book.–a collection of letters from some of the great Rabbinic figures of our day. The correspondences between Dr. Shapiro and these luminaries cover a wide array of fascinating topics. This is episode 1. For more in…

1
#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 …

1
#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 …

1
#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…

1
#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…

1
21 | Letters of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik 1:11:22

3M ago1:11:22

1:11:22

Our new series “Letters from the Rav” is the result of decades of archival research. It covers many of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s private letters, and brings surprising insight into one of the most prominent Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. This is Episode 21. For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts To support more thoughtful …

1
#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…

1
20 | Letters of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik 1:09:30

3M ago1:09:30

1:09:30

Our new series “Letters from the Rav” is the result of decades of archival research. It covers many of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s private letters, and brings surprising insight into one of the most prominent Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. This is Episode 20. For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts To support more thoughtful …

1
#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…

1
19 | Letters of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik 1:04:20

3M ago1:04:20

1:04:20

Our new series “Letters from the Rav” is the result of decades of archival research. It covers many of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s private letters, and brings surprising insight into one of the most prominent Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. This is Episode 19. For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts To support more thoughtful …

1
#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…

1
18 | Letters of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik 1:05:48

4M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

Our new series “Letters from the Rav” is the result of decades of archival research. It covers many of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s private letters, and brings surprising insight into one of the most prominent Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. This is Episode 18. For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts To support more thoughtful …

1
17 | Letters of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik 1:14:33

4M ago1:14:33

1:14:33

Our new series “Letters from the Rav” is the result of decades of archival research. It covers many of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s private letters, and brings surprising insight into one of the most prominent Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. This is Episode 17. For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts To support more thoughtful …

1
#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…

1
16 | Letters of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik 1:18:05

4M ago1:18:05

1:18:05

Our new series “Letters from the Rav” is the result of decades of archival research. It covers many of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s private letters, and brings surprising insight into one of the most prominent Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. This is Episode 16. For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts To support more thoughtful …

1
#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…

1
15 | Letters of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik 1:10:46

5M ago1:10:46

1:10:46

Our new series “Letters from the Rav” is the result of decades of archival research. It covers many of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s private letters, and brings surprising insight into one of the most prominent Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. This is Episode 15. For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts To support more thoughtful …

1
14 | Letters of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik 1:19:37

5M ago1:19:37

1:19:37

Our new series “Letters from the Rav” is the result of decades of archival research. It covers many of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s private letters, and brings surprising insight into one of the most prominent Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. This is Episode 14. For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts To support more thoughtful …

1
#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 …

1
#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 …

1
13 | Letters of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik 1:09:15

5M ago1:09:15

1:09:15

Our new series “Letters from the Rav” is the result of decades of archival research. It covers many of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s private letters, and brings surprising insight into one of the most prominent Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. This is Episode 13. For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts To support more thoughtful …

1
#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…

1
#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…

1
12 | Letters of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik 1:05:53

6M ago1:05:53

1:05:53

Our new series “Letters from the Rav” is the result of decades of archival research. It covers many of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s private letters, and brings surprising insight into one of the most prominent Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. This is Episode 12. For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts To support more thoughtful …

1
Bonus Episode: All About Kitniyot 1:18:12

6M ago1:18:12

1:18:12

In this Rosh Chodesh Nissan Bonus Episode, Dr. Marc Shapiro explores the long and complex history of the Ashkenazic income to abstain from legumes and certain other foods on Pesach. For more information visit torahinmotion.org To support more thoughtful Jewish content like this, visit torahinmotion.org/donate Originally recorded in 2020.…

1
#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…

1
11 | Letters of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik 1:08:39

6M ago1:08:39

1:08:39

Our new series “Letters from the Rav” is the result of decades of archival research. It covers many of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s private letters, and brings surprising insight into one of the most prominent Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. This is Episode 11. For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts To support more thoughtful …

1
#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…

1
#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…

1
10 | Letters of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik 1:15:50

6M ago1:15:50

1:15:50

Our new series “Letters from the Rav” is the result of decades of archival research. It covers many of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s private letters, and brings surprising insight into one of the most prominent Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. This is Episode 10. For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts To support more thoughtful …

1
#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…

1
9 | Letters of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik 1:16:57

7M ago1:16:57

1:16:57

Our new series “Letters from the Rav” is the result of decades of archival research. It covers many of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s private letters, and brings surprising insight into one of the most prominent Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. This is Episode 9. For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts To support more thoughtful J…

1
#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…

1
8 | Letters of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik 1:14:23

7M ago1:14:23

1:14:23

Our new series “Letters from the Rav” is the result of decades of archival research. It covers many of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s private letters, and brings surprising insight into one of the most prominent Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. This is Episode 8. For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts To support more thoughtful J…

1
#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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