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Moses Mendelssohn was raised in an orthodox family, attended yeshiva for a decade of his life and was involved in Kehilla life for many years afterwards. But he is remembered for his translation of Chumash, defined as a philosopher and linked to the beginning of the German Reform movement. What did he do to create a storm of controversy? And how did the Chasam Sofer relate to his writings? Timestamps: - 0:00:00 — Opening - 0:02:42 — Introduction to Moses Mendelssohn; early life and background - 0:07:03 — Education, secular learning, and early writings - 0:11:32 — Rise to public prominence and influence with non-Jewish intellectuals - 0:14:46 — Controversies: public challenges (Lavater) and the Halonas Hamas (burial) debate - 0:19:18 — Mendelssohn's German Chumash translation/commentary and rabbinic opposition - 0:23:09 — Political engagement and Enlightenment connections; push for improved Jewish status (context of Joseph II's reforms) - 0:31:03 — Arguments in Jerusalem: rationalist defense of Judaism, limits of communal coercion, and state jurisdiction over public law - 0:33:16 — Impact on Jewish education: introduction of secular subjects, changing communal autonomy, and long-term consequences - 0:39:09 — Mixed legacy: civil rights and assimilation pressures leading toward Reform; personal practice vs. societal outcomes - 0:47:07 — Hasidic/rabbinic responses and the disputed reference to Mendelssohn in the Hassam Sefar's will; closing reflections
Why do we rely on leniency these day when the Heter was due to שעת הדחק and we don't have a shortage of food? If the Heter is based on Safek, nowadays the Safek is verifiable and can't be relied upon If a store has information posted that it's not Yoshon - there's no Safek at all - what do people rely on? Why are people making on Stam Cholov which is maybe a Safek Derabbanan and not on this? If a person needed to eat because of פיקוח נפש and it was a question of הקל הקל תחלה should he eat Chodosh or drink Stam Cholov? People spend a lot of money and time checking vegtables for bugs which the obligation to check is Derabanan but blatantly eat Chodosh - why? Why are Chasidim so lenient - How does a story from the Baal Shem Tov uproot Halacha - even if it's true we go with halacha not stories - we can uproot all the Torah if it's controlled by stories not Halacha? Chassidim specifically love to quote Chasam Sofer "חדש אסור מן התורה" - when it comes to any slight deviance of Minhag or even culture - and חדש itself they don't care about? with Rabbi Menachem Genack – Leading poseik of the OU, Rov in Englewood – 17:35 with Rabbi Dovid Gorelik – Rabbinic Coordinator of the OU – 17:35 with Rabbi Yaakov Teichman – Head of OK Kosher – 43:43 מראי מקומות
There was a rich Jew in Hungary who went bankrupt. When he had money, everyone would kowtow to him. But, now that he lost his money, no one would even say "good morning" to him. The unfortunate person went to the Chasam Sofer and complained that no one paid the slightest attention to him.
The amazing Biur of the Chasam Sofer in our Sugiya.Source Sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rp_TRewi4izaR_VBaUhhaePtK2ci4U4Q/view?usp=share_link
Stories of the Rebbe relating to the Chasam Sofer's sforim
Intro
Rabbi Feiner shiurim
In this week's Torah podcast on Parashas Bereishis, we examine a striking anomaly in the creation narrative: Monday is the only day without "Ki Tov"—it was good—while Tuesday uniquely receives it twice. Why would Hashem design creation this way?Rashi and the Midrash Rabbah explain that the separation of water and land wasn't completed until Tuesday, which is why Monday lacks the declaration of good. But this raises a deeper question: why would Hashem orchestrate such deliberate incompleteness at the foundation of creation?Through the parable of a king's hidden treasure and two sons—one who dismisses an imperfection in the palace wall, another who investigates—we discover that apparent flaws in creation contain intentional wisdom. The Shemen HaTov reveals a transformative principle embedded in this asymmetry: sometimes we cannot see the good in present moments, but delayed blessings often arrive doubled.A real story about a Canadian yeshiva student's disappointing rejection illustrates this timeless teaching. The Chasam Sofer's insight about viewing life backward completes this powerful lesson about divine providence and patient trust.Keywords: Torah podcast, weekly parsha, Parashas Bereishis, creation story, Ki Tov, second day, Rashi, Midrash Rabbah, Shemen HaTov, Chasam Sofer, divine timing, Jewish learning, water and land separation
Intra-Jewish ideological politics underneath the dry discourse of the responsa literature
The Chasam Sofer shared a famous piece of advice about remembering to say Mashiv HaRuach uMorid HaGashem. Why does repeating something 101 times make all the difference — and what does that teach us about true consistency in avodas Hashem?
Is Lag BaOmer a day of joy or sadness? We explore the Chasam Sofer's perspective on the yahrzeits of tzadikim and what it teaches us about how to view this unique day.
In thus shmooze, delivered at Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explains (based on the Chasam Sofer) why Dovid HaMelech did not understand that Avshaloms coup could be attributed to his mother, a Yefas Toar.
This episode discusses a beautiful pshat from the Chasam Sofer on the value of truly desiring to become close to Hashem.
0:00 Why are the Redemption and the Messiah not treated of in the Guide, considering that they comprise the 12th principle of faith?5:30 Chasam Sofer's dispute with Rambam regarding the 12th principle9:00 The redemption is a principle of faith since it involves the success of the Torah's overall project11:30 The entire Guide is the means for the Torah's project to succeed: Through this book, they will escape from exile18:30 The Messiah is the notion that kingship of Israel can and will be perfected25:00 The Torah, as opposed to the prophets, doesn't talk about the figure of the Messiah34:50 A contradiction within Mishneh Torah about whether the Messiah will be wiser than Solomon and achieve a level of prophecy close to Moses, or will be simply an effective king49:40 Rabbi Akiva's role in the Redemption; Rabbi Akiva as the Solomonic and Mosaic figure56:30 Rabbi Akiva as the figure bracketing the whole Mishneh Torah, who entered the Pardes in peace and exited in peace1:00:00 Halacha as the prerequisite for knowledge of Hashem1:02:00 The nature of Rabbi Akiva's perfection and the connection to his assumption that Bar Kochba was the Messiah1:05:30 The study of Mishneh Torah is required to be capable of recognizing that parables are not meant literally1:09:30 Who is the real king? Rabbi Akiva or Bar Kochba?
Hilchos Oina'a Part 8: Shechita Factory that sold unsalted chickens and didn't tell anyone?!? Chasam Sofer says “Most girls are Parutz when they are young”!!! B”M. The suit came with the wrong pants!!
R Akiva Eger thought the Muslims would allow the Jews to offer sacrifices on the Temple Mount. The Chasam Sofer disabused him. Why did R Akiva Eger think this?
Rabbi Feiner shiurim
This episode discusses an intriguing approach of the Bnei Yissaschar to Asarah Bi'Teves and a Chasam Sofer.
Chasam Sofer lays out 3 levels of bitachon, relationship between our hishtadlus and the bitachon we are to have
G-d Was Seeking Reaasurance to Create the World. Who Gave It To Him? Why Does G-d Share Secrets with Avraham? - Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, 11 Cheshvan, 5784, November 12, 2024, Parshas Vayera, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. It is one of the most mysterious and potent verses in the Tanach. G-d speaks to Himself and challenges His desire to cover things up: “Now G-d had said, ‘Shall I hide (ham'chaseh ani) from Abraham what I am about to do?” Why does G-d feel compelled to reveal His plan with Abraham? And why is God thinking of covering it up to begin with? And why does G-d's choice to reveal His thoughts feel like a rejection of His desire to remain closed? The class explores the view of the Chasam Sofer, urging us to live a life of giving and inspiring even at the expense of our “prophetic potential.” Then we explore the deeper interpretation of how deep the Divine soul, embodied by Abraham, is rooted in the core of G-d preceding and encouraging all creation. View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9476
Explaining the Wisdom of Harav Yehuda Amital zt"l (Parts 9 and 10), by Rav Moshe Taragin In light of the recent publication of the sefer לעולם יהא אדם, מתורותיו של הרב יהודה עמיטל, Rav Taragin discusses with his talmidim many of the issues brought up in his rebbe's sichot: On the religious crisis in Pre WWII Europe; building a different type of yeshiva; can you become a talmid chokhom while serving in the army? Remaining a "Poshete" Yid; Eliyahu Hanavi visits the Chasam Sofer; lessons of "Pashtus" from Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer; when sophistication ruins passion
This week I have two stories for you, the first is about a wealthy Jew who comes to the Chasam Sofer for a loan and the second about the Rebbe Maharash before he was rebbe and a very insistent woman who wanted a blessing for children. If you're enjoying these Chasidic stories, please take a quick moment to buy me a coffee. https://ko-fi.com/barakhullman Thank you! I deeply appreciate your support! Also available at https://soundcloud.com/barak-hullman/eat-a-bagel. To become a part of this project or sponsor an episode please go to https://hasidicstory.com/be-a-supporter. Hear all of the stories at https://hasidicstory.com. Go here to hear my other podcast https://jewishpeopleideas.com or https://soundcloud.com/jewishpeopleideas. Find my books, Figure It Out When You Get There: A Memoir of Stories About Living Life First and Watching How Everything Falls Into Place and A Shtikel Sholom: A Student, His Mentor and Their Unconventional Conversations on Amazon by going to https://bit.ly/barakhullman.
Questions, comments, feedback? Send us a message.#278> We discussed the history of Lag BaOmer, how it became a "Yom Tov", whetehr Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai's Yahrtzeit is actualy on Lag BaOmer, those who visited Meron, mistake about Rav Ovadiah Bertinoro and bonfires, the Chasam Sofer's opinion about Lag BaOmer and the discrepancy between his Shailos U'Teshuvos and his Derashos, and. ore.> To purchase, "LAg BaOmer: The Fire and the Soul" click here> To purchase, "Rebbi Meir Baal Haness and the eternal Children of Hashem" click here> To join the SeforimChatter WhatsApp community click here.> To support the podcast or to sponsor an episode follow this link or email seforimchatter@gmail.com (Zelle/QP this email address)> Subscribe to the SeforimChatter YouTube channel here.> Subscribe and read the SeforimChatter Substack here.
HaRav Noach Shafran discusses the chiddush of the Taz and Rabbi Akiva Eiger in dinei ribbis regarding someone who lends money on condition that the loveh should accept a preset from him, and shares a beautiful vort from Chasam Sofer on what it means to be the ultimate baalim.
Hi! I hope you are doing well. Enjoy this week's episode, where we discuss the case of the guy who is completely covered in Tzaraas. Chasam Sofer offers an amazing explanation.I think you are going to enjoy this episode.My book "Ready. Set. Grow." is available at your local Seforim store, or it can be ordered online at: https://mosaicapress.com/product/ready-set-grow/To watch a video version and follow my Torah classes on TorahAnytime, click here: https://www.torahanytime.com/#/speaker?l=1369Have a wonderful week!#jew #jewish #podcast #frum #rabbi #frumpodcast #inspiration #torah #mitzvah #hashem #jewishpodcast #israel #exodus #parsha #oristrum #torahsparks #readysetgrow #meaningfulminute #growthmindset #motivational #lifelessons #torahanytime
Listen to this wild story about the Chasam Sofer who fulfilled the Torah's verdict of Mechias Amalek, followed by a practical takeaway!I hope you enjoy this episode.My book "Ready. Set. Grow." is available at your local Seforim store, or it can be ordered online at: https://mosaicapress.com/product/ready-set-grow/To watch a video version and follow my Torah classes on TorahAnytime, click here: https://www.torahanytime.com/#/speaker?l=1369Have a wonderful week!#jew #jewish #podcast #frum #rabbi #frumpodcast #inspiration #torah #mitzvah #hashem #jewishpodcast #israel #exodus #parsha #oristrum #torahsparks #readysetgrow #meaningfulminute #growthmindset #motivational #lifelessons #torahanytime
Welcome back to the Torah Sparks Podcast. This week we discuss the notion of being unified but NOT together. Sounds like an oxymoron? Listen to the Chasam Sofer to find out why it's not. We reveal a fascinating approach to understand the Machlokes between Korach and his assembly.I hope you enjoy this episode.My book "Ready. Set. Grow." is available at your local Seforim store, or it can be ordered online at: https://mosaicapress.com/product/ready-set-grow/To watch a video version and follow my Torah classes on TorahAnytime, click here: https://www.torahanytime.com/#/speaker?l=1369Have a wonderful week!#jew #jewish #podcast #frum #rabbi #frumpodcast #inspiration #torah #mitzvah #hashem #jewishpodcast #israel #exodus #parsha #oristrum #torahsparks #readysetgrow #meaningfulminute #growthmindset #motivational #lifelessons #torahanytime
This week, we discuss the tapestries - the Yerios - that were on top of the Mishkan. We reveal a fascinating lesson learned from the Chasam Sofer regarding these Mishkan coverings.I hope you enjoy this episode.My book "Ready. Set. Grow." is available at your local Seforim store, or it can be ordered online at: https://mosaicapress.com/product/ready-set-grow/To watch a video version and follow my Torah classes on TorahAnytime, click here: https://www.torahanytime.com/#/speaker?l=1369Have a wonderful week!#jew #jewish #podcast #frum #rabbi #frumpodcast #inspiration #torah #mitzvah #hashem #jewishpodcast #israel #exodus #parsha #oristrum #torahsparks #readysetgrow #meaningfulminute #growthmindset #motivational #lifelessons #torahanytime
What is the most sold book of all time? It's quite shocking that the same book is also the most stolen book of all time. Chasam Sofer reveals the difference between an "open door policy" life vs. a life of connection with HashemlI hope you enjoy this episode.My book "Ready. Set. Grow." is available at your local Seforim store, or it can be ordered online at: https://mosaicapress.com/product/ready-set-grow/To watch a video version and follow my Torah classes on TorahAnytime, click here: https://www.torahanytime.com/#/speaker?l=1369Have a wonderful week!#jew #jewish #podcast #frum #rabbi #frumpodcast #inspiration #torah #mitzvah #hashem #jewishpodcast #israel #exodus #parsha #oristrum #torahsparks #readysetgrow #meaningfulminute #growthmindset #motivational #lifelessons #torahanytime
The Chasam Sofer explains why Hashem changed nature and split the sea as opposed to making the Jewish people fight with their weapons.My book "Ready. Set. Grow." is available at your local Seforim store, or it can be ordered online at: https://mosaicapress.com/product/ready-set-grow/To watch a video version and follow my Torah classes on TorahAnytime, click here: https://www.torahanytime.com/#/speaker?l=1369Have a wonderful week!#jew #jewish #podcast #frum #rabbi #frumpodcast #inspiration #torah #mitzvah #hashem #jewishpodcast #israel #exodus #parsha #oristrum #torahsparks #readysetgrow #meaningfulminute #growthmindset #motivational #lifelessons #torahanytime
The Chasam Sofer explains the SECRET SAUCE to merit the Geulah. Story with the Chozeh of Lublin's wall clock.We discuss a method in which we can survive and thrive despite our being in exile.My book "Ready. Set. Grow." is available at your local Seforim store, or it can be ordered online at: https://mosaicapress.com/product/ready-set-grow/To watch a video version and follow my Torah classes on TorahAnytime, click here: https://www.torahanytime.com/#/speaker?l=1369Have a wonderful week!#jew #jewish #podcast #frum #rabbi #frumpodcast #inspiration #torah #mitzvah #hashem #jewishpodcast #israel #exodus #parsha #oristrum #torahsparks #readysetgrow #meaningfulminute #growthmindset #motivational #lifelessons #torahanytime
The Chasam Sofer explains why the Jewish people could not listen to Moshe Rabbeinu about the redemption. We share a story about Dave and a story about the Steipler, regarding the power of Shabbos.We discuss a method in which we can survive and thrive despite our being in exile.My book "Ready. Set. Grow." is available at your local Seforim store, or it can be ordered online at: https://mosaicapress.com/product/ready-set-grow/To watch a video version and follow my Torah classes on TorahAnytime, click here: https://www.torahanytime.com/#/speaker?l=1369Have a wonderful week!#jew #jewish #podcast #frum #rabbi #frumpodcast #inspiration #torah #mitzvah #hashem #jewishpodcast #israel #exodus #parsha #oristrum #torahsparks #readysetgrow #meaningfulminute #growthmindset #motivational #lifelessons #torahanytime