Podcasts about Kotzk

David Sacks is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning writer and producer, known for his work on iconic shows like The Simpsons and Third Rock from the Sun. But behind the Hollywood accolades lies a profound story of spiritual awakening and introspection. In this episode, we explore his journey from a non-observant Jewish upbringing to becoming a passionate Baal Teshuva, discovering Hashem's presence not through dramatic miracles, but through thoughtful reflection and gratitude.What if everything you believed about your identity was wrong? In this gripping episode, Chana Devorah Mishler, a former Christian pastor, shares her astonishing journey of discovering her hidden Jewish heritage after generations of secrecy. From vivid dreams of an angel to ancestral clues like Ladino phrases and Shabbat traditions, her path is filled with moments of divine intervention, faith, and heart-wrenching revelations. As she reconnects with her Sephardic roots, she faces the challenge of rebuilding her life and faith, while inspiring others with her resilience.This story of self-discovery, spiritual awakening, and unbreakable legacy will leave you questioning what you thought you knew about your own journey and the power of faith.Hear David's podcasts here: https://apple.co/40uUzid Get his son's KOTZK book here: https://bit.ly/4gN4llv Use INSPIRE for 15% OFF + FREE Shipping✬ SPONSORS OF THE EPISODE ✬► Ohr Somayach: Help empower true Jewish identityChanging the world. One Jew at a time. Help Here → https://cmatch.me/osrzk► The Dream Raffle: Win BIG ► Twillory: The Best Gift for MenUse promo code: INSPIRE for $18 OFF→ https://Twillory.com/► BitBean: Industry Leading Enterprise Software for InnovativeLooking to scale your business? Bitbean's custom software solutions optimize operations, automate workflows, and cut employee overhead by 30% or more.Contact Bitbean today for a FREE CONSULTATION→ https://bitbean.link/MeEBlY✬ IN MEMORY OF ✬This episode is in memory of:• Shimon Dovid ben Yaakov Shloima• Miriam Sarah bas Yaakov Moshe✬ Donate and Inspire Millions (Tax-Deductible) ✬Your generous donation enables us at Living Lchaim to share uplifting messages globally, enrich lives, and foster positive change worldwide! Thank you!https://www.LivingLchaim.com/donateOur free call-in-to-listen feature is here:• USA: (605) 477-2100• UK: 0333-366-0154• ISRAEL: 079-579-5088Have a specific question? email us hi@livinglchaim.comWhatsApp us feedback and get first access to episodes:914-222-5513

Questions, comments, feedback? Send us a message.#323> We discussed the Kotzker's bio (youth, parents, rebbeim, marriage, Chozeh of Lublin, talmidim, etc), the last 20 years of his life and how they are dealt with (or not) in this book, the message of Kotzk, and more.> To purchase, "Kotzk: The Rebbe, The Message, The Legacy": https://www.artscroll.com/linker/SEFORIMC/link/Books/9781422642382.html> To join the SeforimChatter WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DZ3C2CjUeD9AGJvXeEODtK>  To support the podcast or to sponsor an episode follow this link: https://seforimchatter.com/support-seforimchatter/or email seforimchatter@gmail.com (Zelle/QP this email address)Support the show

This evening we discuss how the theme and structure of Shmot, the Book of Exodus, parallels its content, based on the writing of Ramban (Nachmonides). We find this theme ubiquitous and omnipresent in Jewish life because it parallels the process of Tzimtzum (how God's retreat was the first step in creation, taught famously by Arizal in the 1500's. With this we share Rabbi Yisroel Reisman's insight on why we celebrate Rosh Chodesh (the beginning of the new lunar cycle), rather than just take note of it, which parallels, according to Rabbi Avraham Kook, the difference between how we take leave of a friend starting a journey, and one who has passed away, all reflected in a remarkable quote from R. Menachem Mendel of Kotzk. We quote Aviv Gefen, and agree the foundation of our identity is change, a rejection of Maat, the ancient Egyptian concept of everything staying the same. Finally, I tell, with permission, our personal story of losing a baby late in pregnancy many years ago, and how the advice of mental health professions and rabbis has transformed and evolved over the years to offering a very different approach. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community in suburban Montreal, providing Judaism for the next generation. We take great pleasure in welcoming everyone with a warm smile, while sharing inspiration through prayer, study, and friendship. Rabbi Whitman shares his thoughts and inspirations through online lectures and shiurim, which are available on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5FLcsC6xz5TmkirT1qObkA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adathmichael/ Podcast - Mining the Riches of the Parsha: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mining-the-riches-of-the-parsha/id1479615142?fbclid=IwAR1c6YygRR6pvAKFvEmMGCcs0Y6hpmK8tXzPinbum8drqw2zLIo7c9SR-jc Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hWYhCG5GR8zygw4ZNsSmO Please contact Rabbi Whitman (rabbi@adath.ca) with any questions or feedback, or to receive a daily email, "Study with Rabbi Whitman Today," with current and past insights for that day, video, and audio, all in one short email sent directly to your inbox.

This morning we discuss the most important forgiving we must grant before Yom Kippur, the one we often overlook, ourselves. Based on an essay by Bailey Newman, we explore the insight of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk that once we have taken responsibility for our mistakes and made amends, those sins must no longer be "in our hands," but rather, as Sivan Rahav Meir instructs us, we must make use of "and" to write a new chapter. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community in suburban Montreal, providing Judaism for the next generation. We take great pleasure in welcoming everyone with a warm smile, while sharing inspiration through prayer, study, and friendship. Rabbi Whitman shares his thoughts and inspirations through online lectures and shiurim, which are available on: YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/adathyoutube Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adathmichael/ Podcast - Mining the Riches of the Parsha: Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches1 Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches3 Please contact Rabbi Whitman (rabbi@adath.ca) with any questions for feedback, or to receive a daily email, "Study with Rabbi Whitman Today," with current and past insights for that day, video, and audio, all in one short email sent directly to your inbox.

Chassidus: Likkutei Sichos Rosh Hashanah #1: Rabbi YY Jacobson presented this class on Monday, 25 Elul, 5783, September 11, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. This is part one of a text-based class in a Sicha, a public address by the Lubavithcer Rebbe, presented on Shabbos Parshas Nitzavim-Vayeilech, 23 Elul, 5749 (September 23, 1989), published in Sefer Hasichos 5749 vol. 2, exploring the true meaning of not blowing shofar when Rosh Hashanah coincides with Shabbos. How is it possible that we dont coronate G-d as King when Rosh Hashanah is Shabbos? The Rebbe explores three states of Bitulof alignment with the Divine oneness. The first is the way it can be experienced on Rosh Hashanah during the weekdays; the second is the experience of Shabbos Rosh Hashanah, and finally, the experience in the Beis Hamikdash, where they blew shofar even on Shabbos. The first level is about surrender of self; the second, deeper level, is the complete fusion of self with Divine oneness, without any act of surrender, thus not blowing the shofar is far deeper than blowing the shofar. Then there is the third state, when nothing needs to be negated, not even a sense of separateness.

Chassidus: Likkutei Sichos Rosh Hashanah #1: Rabbi YY Jacobson presented this class on Monday, 25 Elul, 5783, September 11, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. This is part oneof a text-based class in a Sicha, a public address by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, presented on Shabbos Parshas Nitzavim-Vayeilech, 23 Elul, 5749 (September 23, 1989), published in Sefer Hasichos 5749 vol. 2, exploring the true meaning of not blowing shofar when Rosh Hashanah coincides with Shabbos. How is it possible that we dont coronate G-d as King when Rosh Hashanah is Shabbos? The Rebbe explores three states of Bitulof alignment with the Divine oneness. The first is the way it can be experienced on Rosh Hashanah during the weekdays; the second is the experience of Shabbos Rosh Hashanah, and finally, the experience in the Beis Hamikdash, where they blew shofar even on Shabbos. The first level is about surrender of self; the second, deeper level, is the complete fusion of self with Divine oneness, without any act of surrender, thus not blowing the shofar is far deeper than blowing the shofar. Then there is the third state, when nothing needs to be negated, not even a sense of identity and self. That is why in the Beis Hamikdash we did blow shofar on Shabbos Rosh Hashanah. There is you. There is not you. And there is the space where you need not be negated, so that you can be you. Transcendence and infinity can also be a trap, and dont capture the ultimate reality. Whenever we negate something, He is not finite, I am not my ego, we are still defined by it, albeit in a negative way. In the ultimate truth, the self is not a contradiction to oneness.

Chassidus: Likkutei Sichos Rosh Hashanah #1: Rabbi YY Jacobson presented this class on Monday, 25 Elul, 5783, September 11, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. This is part oneof a text-based class in a Sicha, a public address by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, presented on Shabbos Parshas Nitzavim-Vayeilech, 23 Elul, 5749 (September 23, 1989), published in Sefer Hasichos 5749 vol. 2, exploring the true meaning of not blowing shofar when Rosh Hashanah coincides with Shabbos. How is it possible that we dont coronate G-d as King when Rosh Hashanah is Shabbos? The Rebbe explores three states of Bitulof alignment with the Divine oneness. The first is the way it can be experienced on Rosh Hashanah during the weekdays; the second is the experience of Shabbos Rosh Hashanah, and finally, the experience in the Beis Hamikdash, where they blew shofar even on Shabbos. The first level is about surrender of self; the second, deeper level, is the complete fusion of self with Divine oneness, without any act of surrender, thus not blowing the shofar is far deeper than blowing the shofar. Then there is the third state, when nothing needs to be negated, not even a sense of identity and self. That is why in the Beis Hamikdash we did blow shofar on Shabbos Rosh Hashanah. There is you. There is not you. And there is the space where you need not be negated, so that you can be you. Transcendence and infinity can also be a trap, and dont capture the ultimate reality. Whenever we negate something, He is not finite, I am not my ego, we are still defined by it, albeit in a negative way. In the ultimate truth, the self is not a contradiction to oneness.

In case you want to review  a few more amazing  and relevant thoughts of the Kotzker Rebbe.Episode 316 - What is better than Moose Knuckles?Episode 317 - What the Kotzker Would Have Thought of Trivial Pursuit.Episode 318 - Is there an "I" in "WE" - A Great Kotzkerism for the 21st century!Episode 319 - HABITS - Corona & The KotzkerEpisode 320 - A Story that says it all about Kotzk

The Torah establishes in Parashat Tazria (Vayikra 12:2-5) that a woman who delivers a child becomes Teme'a (“impure”). This status results in a prohibition against marital relations, and a prohibition against entering the Bet Ha'mikdash and against partaking of hallowed food (such as Teruma and the meat of sacrifices). The woman remains Teme'a for seven days after delivering a boy, and for fourteen days after delivering a girl. The Sefer Ha'hinuch, in discussing this Misva, presents his theory regarding the concept underlying the status of Tum'a resulting from various bodily discharges. He writes that when the body is ridding itself of some excess material, this signifies that it is not perfectly healthy. We know this, of course, from medical phenomena such as nasal congestion and a loose bowel; excessive discharge indicates that the body is in a compromised condition. During menstruation, too, a woman generally feels weak and unwell. Therefore, the Torah determined that certain bodily discharges – including childbirth, whereby an entire organism is expelled from the body – bring upon a person the status of Tum'a. As this person is in a compromised physical condition, he or she is considered “impure” so that others will keep their distance. Marital relations, of course, constitutes the closest form of physical contact between people, and so the Torah forbade relations during the wife's period of Tum'a. As for the difference between the birth of a boy and the birth of a girl, the Sefer Ha'hinuch suggests that the birth of a girl signifies the mother's tendency to have a higher body temperature, whereas the birth of a boy indicates her tendency to have a lower temperature. Excessive body heat, the Sefer Ha'hinuch writes, is more debilitating than insufficient body heat. Therefore, after the birth of a girl, which indicates a tendency to have a higher body temperature, the mother generally requires a longer period of recovery than after the birth of a boy. For this reason, the Torah established a longer period of Tum'a after the birth of a girl than following the birth of a boy. The Rebbe of Kotzk (Rav Menachem Mendel Morgenstern, 1787-1859) offered a different approach. He explains that Tum'a results from the loss of Kedusha (sanctity). For example, the most severe form of Tum'a is that generated by a human corpse, because a living human being possesses a sacred soul, and thus the loss of that soul creates an enormous vacuum. This vacuum is the source of Tum'a, and the larger the vacuum is, the more severe the Tum'a is going to be. After childbirth, the Rebbe of Kotzk explained, the woman's body loses something sacred and precious – a human organism – and she therefore becomes Teme'a because of the vacuum which is created. As females are capable of delivering children, a female fetus is considered significantly holier than a male fetus, and thus the delivery of a girl generates a higher level of Tum'a than the delivery of a boy, because a larger vacuum is created after a girl leaves the woman's body. The Sefer Ha'hinuch here also advances a number of theories to explain the reason why G-d created women such that they experience the monthly cycle of menstruation. First, he suggests, women tend to be more emotional, which could lead them to act rashly. The monthly discomfort of menstruation has the effect of helping to reduce their haste and impulsivity. Secondly, he writes, the Torah wanted to create a regular period of distance between a husband and wife in order to maintain their desire for one another. If there was never any period of separation between a husband and wife, they would become too accustomed to one another, and their interest might then be drawn to other people. A woman becomes Teme'a at childbirth even if no blood appears to leave the body. As the Gemara states, “En Petihat Ha'keber Be'lo Dam” – the uterus does not open without at least some bleeding. Therefore, even if no blood is seen, the woman becomes Teme'a at childbirth. A woman becomes Teme'a even after a miscarriage, Heaven forbid. Needless to say, this Halacha applies at all places and at all times, even after the destruction of the Bet Ha'mikdash.

Original Hebrew מן המצר קראתי יה, ענני במרחב יה לא אמות כי אחיה, ואספר מעשה יה English Translation From my distress I called on the Lord. The Lord answered me and set me free. I will not die, but live and I will tell what the Lord has done. This song came to me in the hardest time of my life, while moving my family to the deepest settlement in the Judean mountains. It was my expression of pain reaching out and hoping for triumph. Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk taught, "Three ways are open to man who is in sorrow. He who stands on a normal rung weeps, he who stands higher is silent, but he who stands of the topmost rung converts his sorrow into song." Music Produced by David Lifshitz Guitar: Amit Yitzchak Base Guitar: David Lifshitz Keyboard: Yehuda Leuchter Drums: Elie Farkas

We cant forget about the hidden light of Hashem underneath all the Halachos and stories within the Torah. A fascinating story which took place when Reb Leibel Eiger made the move to Kotzk

Jews from Turkey and some Syrian communities have the unusual practice of waving to one another just prior to reciting the silent Amidah prayer. This ancient custom was first described in writing in the 17th century, and although many mystical and technical explanations have been advanced, its true origin remains unknown. In this episode, Gavin and Jordan explore the reasons for the custom and how it has been described -- and discouraged -- over the centuries. Read the original blog post at https://www.kotzkblog.com/2021/01/308-turkish-jews-still-wave.html

In honor of the first yahrtzeit of the late Novominsk Rebbe Rav Yaakov Perlow (1930-2020), we'll explore a bit more about his illustrious and diverse career and leadership. His first stint was in the Skokie Yeshiva was in the 1960's, forging close relationships with his talmidim whom he taught and inspired there. This was followed by more than a decade as Rosh Yeshiva in Yeshivas Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch (Breuer's) in Washington Heights, where he developed a close relationship with Rav Joseph Breuer. Later in life he was known as a leader in Agudas Yisroel and for Jews worldwide. His illustrious roots included the great tzadikim of the Novominsk dynasty, including some of the lesser known ones. In addition, his maternal grandfather was the Sokolov Rebbe, Rav Yitzchak Zelig Morgenstern, scion of the Kotzk dynasty. The Novominsker Rebbe was also connected to the Zidichov dynasty through his wife, who was hailed from the prestigious Eichenstein family.    Enjoy last year's tribute episode to the Novominsk Rebbe and the Novominsk dynasty here: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/the-heritage-of-a-leader-the-story-of-novominsk-in-america/   Sponsored in honor of the first yahrtzeit of the Novominsker Rebbe Rav Yaakov Perlow by Duvi Silberstein. For all back office needs and nursing home Billing, contact - Care Network Health: phone/text 908-305-0595 For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at:  yehuda@yehudageberer.com   Subscribe To Our Podcast on:    PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/   Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com

Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook (1865-1935) was a fiercely independent thinker, and one of the leading figures of the emerging Religious Zionist movement in pre-State Mandatory Palestine. He held "unorthodox" views that were condemned by the religious world in his era, and the study of his writings is discouraged in many communities even to this day. In this episode, Gavin and Jordan explore Rav Kook's radical views on the interface of spirituality and halacha, of rationalism and mysticism, of the religious world and the atheist world, Rembrandt, vegetarianism, and much more. Read the original article at https://www.kotzkblog.com/2017/02/114-radical-kook-rembrandt-atheists-and.html

Better than MooseknucklesWhat The Kotzker would have thought of Trivial PursuitIs there an "i" in "we"Habits - Corona & The KotzkerA Story that says it all about Kotzk

Rav Menachem Mendel Morgensztern of Kotzk, The Kotzker Rebbe, 22 Shvat 5619, by Rav Binyamin Tabory, originally given for Parshat Yitro 5768

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Most Jews would readily agree that angels exist in Judaism -- they are mentioned in many places in the Chumash, and we incorporate them into hymns such as Shalom Aleichem. Interestingly, the Mishnah does not mention angels at all, and there was a vigorous debate among the Rishonim commentators as to the reality of angels. In this episode, Gavin and Jordan discuss the history of angels in Rabbinic thought, the rational and mystical approaches, and modern reactions to liturgical texts that invoke angelic intervention. Read the original articles at http://www.kotzkblog.com/2017/01/110-angels-in-rabbinic-literature.html and http://www.kotzkblog.com/2016/12/104-praying-to-angels.html

During the active years of the court of Rav Menachem Mendel Morgenstern- the Kotzker (1787-1859), one of his closest students was Rav Mordechai Yosef Leiner (1801-1854) of Izhbitz (Izbica). A series of events in 1839 led to a split in their diverging paths. As the Kotzker became more reclusive in his behaviour, Rav Mordechai Yosef felt that the chassidim needed more proactive leadership. The final break became an inevitable reality following Simchas Torah of that year. The Kotzker's most loyal chassid Rav Yitzchak Meir Alter (the Chiddushei Harim) stood at his side with many others, but the Izhbitzer went off to found his own dynasty. The story which led to this decisive split is shrouded in mystery until this very day.   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/e/depth-innovation-misnagdim-turned-chassidim-the-dynasty-of-izhbitz/     Subscribe To Our Podcast on:   PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/   Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com

What's the proper course of action when one arrives late to synagogue, and the service has already begun? Though traditional sources emphasize the importance of reciting the Amidah with the community, and recommend that latecomers change the order of their tefillot to accomodate this, many people have the practice of reciting the entire service in order -- no matter what. In this episode, Gavin and Jordan discuss the origins of this custom in early 18th-c. Amsterdam, the cultural climate that made its chief proponent stand out so much, and the long Rabbinic debate that ensued. Read the original article at http://www.kotzkblog.com/2020/11/300-origins-of-latecomer-davening-in.html

In the time of the Mishnah and Talmud, the Halachic tradition was passed down orally, from teacher to student. The canonization of the Talmud in written form provided new pathways for the dissemination of Rabbinic teaching, and by the time of the Tosafists (12th-13th c., northern France), influential Rabbis were asserting the right to teach and even to contradict local Rabbinic authorities. In this episode, Gavin and Jordan discuss the cultural environment that made this possible, and some of the prominent figures who advocated for a massive change to the transmission of Judaism. Read the original article at http://www.kotzkblog.com/2020/09/293-tosafist-perspective-we-have-books.html

Jewish mysticism of 11th century Ashkenaz (Germany and northern France) was not Lurianic Kabbalah, but rather a much more primal form of mysticism based on the Merkava and Heichalot texts of the Rabbinic or Geonic periods. Despite some statements to the contrary, it appears that the great commentator Rashi -- known for his extensive and comprehensive commentaries on the Tanach and the Talmud -- was aware of these mystical traditions. In this episode, Gavin and Jordan discuss the evidence for Rashi's mysticism and where he might have learned it, with a side-discussion on the real reason why we spill drops of wine at the Passover seder. Read the original blog post at http://www.kotzkblog.com/2020/08/290-was-rashi-mystic.html

In Lublin, R' Aaron spoke about the Torah of Ishbitz and Lublin. What began with Pshischa and then Kotzk, leads to Mordechai Yosef Leiner breaking off and staring the Ishbitz dynasty. The great talmidim of Ishbitz are R' Tzadok HaCohen MiLublin and R' Leibela Eiger. July 2, 2019

The Jewish philosopher Moses Maimonides (often referred to by his Hebrew acronym, RaMBaM) has come to be seen as the intellectual leader of the rationalist approach to Jewish tradition. However, his writings attracted fierce opposition from the Egyptian Jewish community of his day, which was deeply influenced by the mystical approaches of its Muslim neighbours. In this episode, Gavin and Jordan discuss documents from the Cairo Geniza, including a chance finding of a letter from a close associate of the RaMBaM that provides a window onto the controversies around his philosophical ideas. Read the original blog post at https://www.kotzkblog.com/2020/07/285-geniza-document-reveals-first.html

The Babylonian Geonim were the successors of the Rabbis of the Talmudic era, and were the pre-eminent Rabbinic authorities between the 7th and 11th centuries. On the death of Rav Hai Gaon -- the last of the Geonim -- in 1038, the centre of gravity of the Jewish world shifted westward. The major Jewish communities in Europe and North Africa each wished to be seen as the true inheritors of Geonic authority. In this episode, Gavin and Jordan discuss the lines of evidence each community used to support its claims to pre-eminence, and the dangers of an over-emphasis on inherited tradition. Original article at http://www.kotzkblog.com/2020/06/281-shift-from-babylonia-to-west-and.html

The siege and mass suicide of the Zealots at Masada in 73 CE is legendary in Jewish history, but the Rabbis of both the Mishnaic and subsequent eras do not mention it at all. In this episode, Gavin and Jordan explore some possible reasons for this, and discuss how suicide for theological or military reasons has been addressed in halacha. Original link: https://www.kotzkblog.com/2020/05/274-why-is-masada-absent-from-halachic.html

R' Yaakov Koppel Lifschitz was an early-18th-century Kabbalist whose key writings -- the Sha'ar Gan Eden ("Gateway to the Garden of Eden") and the Siddur Kol Ya'akov -- evinced strong Sabbatean influences. They, in turn, were held in very high esteem by the Ba'al Shem Tov. In this episode, Gavin and Jordan explore Lifschitz as a possible link between Shabbetai Tzvi's legacy and the early years of the Hassidic movement, with some digressions into R' Nachman of Breslov's attitude toward rationalism. Read the original article at https://www.kotzkblog.com/2018/03/168-r-yaakov-koppel-lifschitz-sabbatean.html

The events surrounding messianic claimant Shabbetai Tzvi's rise to fame coincided with the emergence of newspapers in western Europe. In this episode, Gavin and Jordan discuss how Shabbetai Tzvi was portrayed in these newspapers, both during his heyday in the mid-17th century and after his apostasy and imprisonment in 1666. Read the source article at https://www.kotzkblog.com/2019/12/257-shabbatai-tzvi-as-reported-in.html

Hosts Jordan Wosnick and Rabbi Gavin Michal introduce the Kotzk podcast, discussing Gavin's Kotzker Rebbe-inspired approach to Jewish history and thought.

The messianic claimant Shabbetai Tzvi rocked the Jewish world in the mid-17th century, counting perhaps half the Jews of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East among his supporters. Though he is often treated as a footnote in Jewish history, his influence persisted for centuries after his conversion to Islam in 1666. In this episode, Gavin and Jordan discuss the story of Shabbetai Tzvi, tracing his legacy through the 18th and 19th centuries and into the present day. Read the source article at https://www.kotzkblog.com/2017/03/117-shabbatai-tzvi-roots-run-deep.html

This special tribute to the Novominsker Rebbe has been generously sponsored liluy nishmas the Rebbe Rabbeinu יעקב בן נחום מרדכי by Duvi Silberstein For all Back office for Nursing Home Billing, contact Care Network Health at via phone/text 908-305-0595 With the tragic passing of Rav Yaakov Perlow (1931-2020), the Novominsker Rebbe and head of Agudas Yisrael, this episode is a tribute to his memory. He was someone who seemed to be comfortable anywhere, as a Rosh Yeshiva in both Breuer's in Washington Heights and in Hebrew Theological College in Chicago and in his own Yeshiva in Boro Park since the 1980's. As a Chassidishe Rebbe, a scion of both Novominsk and the legacy of Kotzk, and as an active leader of the larger Jewish community through his leadership of Agudas Yisrael. Where did this all come from? Here we explore a bit of the wellsprings which raised him. The dynasty of Novominsk, the milieu of Chassidic Warsaw, his Kotzk roots, and his father's move to the US. Through this context, we gain an insight into the greatness of who he was and what he accomplished. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: Apple: tinyurl.com/yy8gaody Google Play: tinyurl.com/yxwv8tpc Spotify: tinyurl.com/y54wemxs Stitcher: bit.ly/2GxiKTJ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at YGebss@Gmail.com

The Sochatchov Chassidic dynasty holds a special place in Jewish history. As flag bearers of the legacy of Kotzk, they were the elite of Polish Chassidus. In addition, led by the Rebbes of the dynasty, they strove to create a scholarly atmosphere through the building of elite Yeshivas as part of the chassidus. The Avnei Nezer, the Shem Mishmuel and Rav Dovid of Sochatchov were leaders of Polish Jewry and great teachers of Torah at the same time. Their influence reached far beyond the confines of their own followers.  Subscribe To Our Podcast on: Apple: tinyurl.com/yy8gaody Google Play: tinyurl.com/yxwv8tpc Spotify: tinyurl.com/y54wemxs Stitcher: bit.ly/2GxiKTJ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at YGebss@Gmail.com

Learning How to Love - Part 13 "Personality" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 16, 2020) The great mystic Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk would say incredibly wise lines. Among them: "There is nothing more complete than a broken heart, and there is nothing more upright than a crooked ladder." "Not every thought should be said. Not every speech should be written down. And not all writings are fit for print." "Death is but a change of circumstances, like moving homes. But a wise person sees to it that the new home is better and nicer than the old one." But it's this line of the Kotzker that we'll focus on in this Kabbalah & Coffee: "If I am I because I am I, and you are you because you are you—then I am I and you are you. But if I am I because you are you, and you are you because I am I—then I am not I and you are not you." In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we unpack this incredibly wise statement and learn the true meaning of personality, diversity, and unity. I look forward to studying with you!

Few figures can match the excitement, intensity and mystique as expressed in the enigmatic personality of the Kotzker. So much has been written about Rav Menachem Mendel Morgenstern of Kotzk (1788-1859), and yet much remains shrouded in mystery until this very day. A demanding leader and uncompromising in his pursuit for truth, he got disappointed when his Chassidim weren't reaching the high ideals he set for them. His legendary sharp retorts contained the depth of his teachings. At times radical and at times misunderstood, the fire which he lit in Kotzk shines forth and provides warmth till this very day. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: Apple: tinyurl.com/yy8gaody Google Play: tinyurl.com/yxwv8tpc Spotify: tinyurl.com/y54wemxs Stitcher: bit.ly/2GxiKTJ Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites You can email Yehuda at YGebss@Gmail.com

Don’t suffice with second best go for the top

With the current talk about an unheard of split in the storied Chassidic court of Ger, it's worth examining the historical context about why such a move is so unusual. From it's roots in Pshischa and Kotzk, Polish Chassidus experience quite a few upheavals and splits before the Ger dynasty stabilized in the late 19th century. Under the able leadership of the Sfas Emes and even more so of his son R' Avraham Mordechai Alter, the Imrei Emes, Ger became the largest, most dominant and leading chassidic group in pre war Poland. The Gerrer Rebbe led this veritable empire for 43 years, with the full support of all of his family members, and was dubbed by the Polish press as "the king of the Jews". Following the decimation of Polish Jewry, Ger began to rebuild, this time under the watch of the Bais Yisroel. It was only following the death of the last of the Polish generation that a rebuilt, confident and strong Ger could possibly think of dissent or a split within the community. Subscribe To Our Podcast on: Apple: tinyurl.com/yy8gaody Google Play: tinyurl.com/yxwv8tpc Spotify: tinyurl.com/y54wemxs Stitcher: bit.ly/2GxiKTJ You can email Yehuda at YGebss@Gmail.com Enjoy Jewish History Soundbites? Please give us a 5-Star Rating and write a positive review!

There was a town full of all kinds of people – some who were wealthy with money, some who were wealthy with relationships, and some who were wealthy with both. When a particularly bitter and brutal winter strikes the town, everybody does what they can to keep warm—but it’s not enough. What does one family, wealthy in both money and relationships, do to keep warm? Rabbi Leora Kaye tells the story, which she created based on a teaching from Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk.

« Le bénéfice du doute » (en deux parties) émission de l’Alliance Israélite Universelle présentée par Ariel Danan Invitée : Catherine Chalier, philosophe. Partie 2 Sujet : Le livre « Le Rabbi de Kotzk, un hassidisme tragique ? » paru aux éditions Arfuyen

« Le bénéfice du doute » (en deux parties) émission de l’Alliance Israélite Universelle présentée par Ariel Danan Invitée : Catherine Chalier, philosophe. Partie 1 Sujet : Le livre « Le Rabbi de Kotzk, un hassidisme tragique ? » paru aux éditions Arfuyen

Rabbi Sam Intrator of Kavanah Life (http://www.kavanahlifesingles.com) presents his Valley Beit Midrash (www.valleybeitmidrash.org) lecture "The Radical and Modern Approach of Ishbitz Hasidic Thought" before an audience at Temple Solel (www.templesolel.org/) in Paradise Valley, AZ. ABOUT THIS LECTURE: In this podcast, Rabbi Sam Intrator explores the major themes that show how the Ishbitzer Rebbe’s ideas, while rooted in traditional sources, are radical departures from traditional interpretations. This unique school of Hasidic study offers deep psychological insights and a very modern approach to understanding human nature. It reveals both very transcendent and accessible ideas in spirituality. We will also explore the apparent rebellion of the founder of this dynasty Rabbi Mordecei Yosef against his mentor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk, to show how disagreements are often not a rejection of another approach but is, in fact, an expansion and development of that which is seemingly being rejected. DONATE: bit.ly/1NmpbsP LEARNING MATERIALS: http://bit.ly/2Dfp5hU For more info, please visit: www.facebook.com/valleybeitmidrash/ www.facebook.com/templesolelaz/ twitter.com/VBMTorah www.facebook.com/RabbiShmulyYanklowitz/ Music: "Watercolors" by John Deley and the 41 Players, a public domain track from the YouTube Audio Library.

A beautiful little teaching from Menachem Mendel of Kotzk on what to remember as we face life's daily challenges. 

The rise and fall of a radical movement in Chassidut, what made Kotzk so unique? Why it ultimately failed?