Jewish History Soundbites

Aside from the Rabbi's Sons discussed in Part 1 of this miniseries, the 1960's saw the first music groups in Ohr Chadash, Pirchei and the London School of Jewish Song. From Israel came Chaim Banet and Jo Amar, the latter a pioneer of Morroccan Jewish music. No less important than the performers, the production, composition and arrangements were handled by architects of Jewish music Suki & Ding, Sheya Mendlowitz, Yisroel Lamm and later Moshe Laufer, Mona Rosenblum and Yossi Green. The 1970's saw the new sounds of Diaspora Yeshiva Band and Dudu Fisher, bringing Jewish music to ever wider audiences. Abie...

Modern Jewish music developed from the chassidic music of old to the new sound of the Jewish music revolution led by Shlomo Carlebach in the 1960's. The music world of pre war Europe was brought over to the emerging post war world by Yankel Talmud, Yom Tov Ehrlich, the Chabad niggunim, David Werdyger and Bentzion Shenker of Modzhitz. They served as the bridge to bring classic chassidic music to the new generation.

This was followed by Shlomo Carlebach and the revolution of Jewish music in the 1960's. Baruch Chait with the Rabbi's Sons, Yigal Calek and the...

Special Tisha Ba'av Episode with an all new introduction. 

The 1903 Kishinev Pogrom was a tragic massacre, with reverberations within the wider Jewish world remaining until this very day. Goaded on by antisemitic newspapers with cries of 'Death to the Jews', a blood libel was fabricated and a mob was unleashed on Easter Sunday, April 19, 1903. Leaving 49 killed, hundreds maimed and injured in its wake, Jewish property was destroyed and looted as well. Claims of complicity of the police and government were voiced in many quarters.

But it was primarily the after effects of this pogrom which h...

With the United States commemorating its 250th anniversary, it’s worth reflecting on the unique place that the country holds in Jewish history. The American Jewish experience is unparalleled by any other country in the diaspora. American Jews were the only Jews in history that never needed to acheive emancipation in the modern era, as their equal rights and citizenship was already enshrined in the Constitution from the outset. The religious freedoms enjoyed by American Jewry enabled religious life to flourish on a scale unseen in any other place in the history of the diaspora. The greatest story of al...

When Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed a non-agression pact in late August 1939, it sent shockwaves throughout the entire world, but seemed especially ominous for the Jews of Europe. Now that these sworn enemies were friends, war seemed inevitable, and what lay in store for the future of Polish Jewry? When war did indeed break out several days later, western Poland ultimately fell under Nazi occupation, while the Soviets occupied Poland’s east. Polish Jewry was in a hopeless situation, where the Soviet Union was often viewed as the lesser of two evils. Soviet persecution led to the de...

When Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed a non-agression pact in late August 1939, it sent shockwaves throughout the entire world, but seemed especially ominous for the Jews of Europe. Now that these sworn enemies were friends, war seemed inevitable, and what lay in store for the future of Polish Jewry? When war did indeed break out several days later, western Poland ultimately fell under Nazi occupation, while the Soviets occupied Poland’s east. Polish Jewry was in a hopeless situation, where the Soviet Union was often viewed as the lesser of two evils. Soviet persecution led to the de...

A large chassidic community across central Poland prior to its decimation during the Holocaust, Radoshytz was founded by Rav Yissachar Dov Ber Baron (1765-1843). Known as the Saba Kadisha of Radoshytz, he gained renown throughout the region as a holy miracle worker. The Radoshytz dynasty continued through his offspring, and was an influential chassidic dynasty until the war. All of the Radoshytz Rebbes and almost the entire community was wiped out during the Holocaust, but the Radoshytz legacy is a compelling historical narrative until this very day. 

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Born in Frankfurt to a prominent religious family, Jacob Schiff (1847-1920) was raised in the milieu of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch’s Frankfurt, before migrating to the United States in 1865. Rising rapidly in the investment banking world of Wall Street during the post Civil War economic boom, Schiff emerged as both an exemplary philanthropist, distributing his vast wealth to myriad Jewish causes in America and worldwide, as well as cementing himself as the undisputed leader of American Jewry. Particularly close to his heart was the plight of Russian Jewry under the brutal Czarist regime, and he lobbied for unrestricted im...

Four generations of the Sofer/Kornitzer family served as venerable rabbis of the historic and prestigious Krakow community during the 19th & 20th centuries. The Chasam Sofer’s son Rav Shimon Sofer was later followed by his son in law and nephew Rav Akiva Kornitzer. Decades later, in 1925, Rav Yosef Nechemiah Kornitzer (1880-1933) accepted the invitation of the Krakow Jewish community to succeed the vacant position of his father and grandfather before him. Rav Yosef Nechemiah’s illustrious career and capable leadership left a lasting imprint on Krakow and the wider Torah world. He in turn was succeeded by his son...

A large chassidic community across central Poland prior to its decimation during the Holocaust, Radoshytz was founded by Rav Yissachar Dov Ber Baron (1765-1843). Known as the Saba Kadisha of Radoshytz, he gained renown throughout the region as a holy miracle worker. The Radoshytz dynasty continued through his offspring, and was an influential chassidic dynasty until the war. All of the Radoshytz Rebbes and almost the entire community was wiped out during the Holocaust, but the Radoshytz legacy is a compelling historical narrative until this very day. 

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Born in Frankfurt to a prominent religious family, Jacob Schiff (1847-1920) was raised in the milieu of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch’s Frankfurt, before migrating to the United States in 1865. Rising rapidly in the investment banking world of Wall Street during the post Civil War economic boom, Schiff emerged as both an exemplary philanthropist, distributing his vast wealth to myriad Jewish causes in America and worldwide, as well as cementing himself as the undisputed leader of American Jewry. Particularly close to his heart was the plight of Russian Jewry under the brutal Czarist regime, and he lobbied for unrestricted im...

Sephardic Jews first arrived during the age of exploration, but the community didn’t really flourish until the arrival of European Jews in the 19th century. Eastern European Jews arrived in great numbers towards the end of the 19th century, making Argentina one of the greatest destinations of Jewish immigration. Some immigrants settled in agricultural colonies established by Baron Maurice de Hirsch, becoming Jewish gauchos. Despite rising antisemitism in the postwar era, and experiencing negative migration, the Argentinian Jewish community continued to flourish through the 20th century. 

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In honor of the 90th yahrtzeit of the great Mir Mashgiach Rav Yerucham Levovitz, Jewish History Soundbites is proud to present a collection of recordings, both old & new, discussing Rav Yerucham's life & legacy.

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Between 1948-1967, the city of Yerushalayim was divided between Israel and Jordan. The only border crossing between the two parts of the city was at Mandelbaum Gate on the outskirts of Meah Shearim. What was the nature of this border crossing? Why was it located there? Who is the Mandelbaum that it was named for? What did the Mandelbaum family contribute to the history of Yerushalayim?

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Is it even possible to measure a specific religious leader’s historical influence on Jewish History? By limiting the discussion to a specific time, place and type of leader, is it easier to find one’s favored candidate and crown them with the distinction as the ‘most influential’ leader? What is historical influence and how is it measured? Are leaders that influential altogether, or is the People and society the greatest influence on history?

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The Lithuanian Yeshiva world in interwar Poland was facing financial crisis. The Vaad Hayeshivas was the umbrella organization which sought to alleviate the financial burden from the Yeshivas. With the passing of the Chofetz Chaim, the beloved leader, as well as founder and head of the Vaad Hayeshivas in September 1933, the Jewish People was plunged into mourning.

The Vaad Hayeshivas embarked on a campaign to write a Sefer Torah in memory of the Chofetz Chaim. Each letter would be sold, and the proceeds would go toward funding the Yeshivas which were in ever desperate straits. This would...

The Chafetz Chaim influenced the Jewish People in many ways, among them through his Yeshiva in Radin and through the many popular books which he authored. Through his Yeshiva he influenced generations of students, while hiring a staff of Roshei Yeshiva par excellence. Rav Moshe Londinski, Rav Naftali Trop, Rav Yerucham Levovitz, the Chafetz Chaim's own sons in law Rav Hirsh Levinson and Rav Mendel Zaks, to mention a few. Though the Yeshiva experience a bit of downturn with passing of the old generation, the name lived on in other Yeshivas founded to carry his memory.

The...

Rav Yisrael Meir of Radin, better known as the Chofetz Chaim (1838-1933), is one of the most beloved historical figures in recent memory. His storied life convers many aspects, and in this episode the focus is on the saga of his attempts at immigrating to the Land of Israel.

While yearning to move there for many years, he laid practical plans to carry it out as well. Over the course of a half a century, several attempts were made but none brought to fruition. In 1925 his bags were packed and a home was even purchased for him...

As one of the greatest and most beloved leaders in recent times, the Chofetz Chaim's legacy has attracted much legend. Join us as we reexamine some of the stories that are a bit heavy on the legend side.

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The primary focus on the Chofetz Chaim's (1839-1933) legacy to the Jewish People is understandably his seforim and various public policy initiatives. He bequeathed a more personal legacy as well- his family. His descendants form quite a diverse group. Some of his progeny played pivotal roles in both the writing, editing and selling of his seforim, while others assisted with the administration of the Radin Yeshiva. Still others accompanied him through his communal activist work. And yet others forged their own path. With an overview of the Chofetz Chaim's family, and how he related to them as a husband...

Leader of German Orthodoxy, Torah scholar, community rabbi, author of Torah works, founder and editor of a pioneering Orthodox newspaper, rosh yeshiva & author of numerous literary works for German Jewish youth in the form of novels, historical biographies and historical fiction, Rav Meir Marcus Lehman (1831-1890) accomplished much in his relatively short life. From an early age, he saw his role in articulating a sense of Jewish values, pride and Orthodoxy for a German Jewry confronting the challenges of modernity and sweeping secularization. Although remembered today for his profound impact on the development of Orthodox literature, which saved generations...

Rav Moshe Teitelbaum (1914-2006), the Beirach Moshe of Satmar, spent most of his life in the shadow of his illustrious uncle Rav Yoelish Teitelbaum, the Satmar Rav. His first family was wiped out in the Holocaust, and he barely survived multiple concentration camps. For decades he quietly and modestly led a small Sighet community in Boro Park. When his uncle passed away in 1979, many in the Satmar community prevailed upon him to succeed his uncle. Despite opposition and his own feelings of unworthiness to fill his uncle’s position, he assumed the helm of Satmar, leading it with the sa...

The story of the expulsion from Moscow in 1891 was told at length in the previous episode of Jewish History Soundbites. The feedback generated from that saga has led to another look at two related topics. Expulsions of Jews in recent history, and the Moscow Jewish community under the Czars. Regarding the former, what constitutes an expulsion? Is it limited to a formal expulsion edict, or living conditions that are nearly impossible for Jews that they are forced to leave? What was the Moscow Jewish community like at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries? Who were the members...

The Jewish community of Moscow in the late 19th century was composed of Russian Jews who were permitted residence outside of the Pale of Settlement. In 1891 the Czarist government reversed its policy of selective integration and about 30,000 Jews were expelled from Moscow. This expulsion was a tragedy for the refugees, and a sense of disillusionment for Russian Jewry at large. Its reverberations were felt in the realm of emigration, radicalization and the rise of Zionism. More broadly, the phenomenon of expulsion itself as a recurring tragedy in Jewish history, is a bit unique in the case of Moscow.

Although not as well known as some of his contemporaries, Rav Efraim Fishel of Strikov (1745-1825) served in a crucial role during the formative stages of the chassidic movement. Like his father before him he was a student of the Maggid of Mezritch. He later was a pioneer in establishing one of the first formal chassidic courts in Congress or central Poland. As a charismatic holy figure, as well as a rabbinical scholar serving as a communal rabbi, he gained followers, some of whom went on to emerge as some of the greatest leaders of 19th century Polish chassidus...

One of the most influential rabbinical and chassidic leaders of central Poland in the 19th century, Rav Avraham of Chechenov (1784-1875) served as a rabbi of Chechenov for 55 years, while also playing an important role in the development of the chassidic movement in Poland. His descendants founded the prominent Strikov dynasty, among others, and served in crucial roles during challenging times facing Polish Jewry.

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Despite discrimination against Jews under Muslim rule throughout Moroccan Jewish history, there was still an unusual relationship that Jews and Muslims had in Morocco. This was especially true with the native Berbers. From Muslims praying at the graves of Jewish tzadikim, to close business ties, sharing festivities, prayers and other life cycle events, Muslims and Jews in Moroccan Jewish history had an interesting relationship. The seeming downside of this closeness was the prevalence of conversion of Jews to Islam, both forced and even voluntary.

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Reflecting upon the phenomenal growth of the American Yeshiva society in the second half of the 20th century, one tends to focus on the great accomplishments of individual leaders such as Rav Aharon Kotler, Rav Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Satmar Rav, institutions such as Torah Umesorah, RIETS, RJJ, BMG and other internal development within American Orthodoxy. However there's a broader narrative, with gradual processes taking place in broader American society which facilitated the growth of yeshivos during this time. Economic, social and demographic changes in the United States in the postwar era, LBJ's Great Society and...

In this final installment of the Kastner train series, the legacy of the Kastner trial is explored in three ways. In a series of interviews in 1957 known as the Sassen documents, Adolf Eichmann described his view of the role that Kastner played in the negotiations. In 1961 famed Hollywood screenwriter and novelist Ben Hecht authored Perfidy, a harsh critique of Kastner and the Zionist leadership. Who was Ben Hecht and what are the limitations of Perfidy. Finally, a broad swath of scholars, historians, historical figures and writers are presented in a sweeping summary of the spectrum of views criticizing and...

Who were the primary characters involved in the Kastner trial and how did their personal life stories impact the trial proceedings? What did the witnesses at the trial reveal about the Kastner negotiations? What was discussed and what wasn’t discussed about the Holocaust in Hungary at the trial? What was the verdict of the trial? How did the Supreme Court react to the verdict of the lower court? All this and more as we continue to explore the contentious history of the Kastner train and trial.

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Reposted with a new introduction, this episode will serve as a temporary break from the ongoing series on the Kastner train.

On January 1, 1837, a devastating earthquake hit the upper Galilee and southern Lebanon, destroying towns, villages, property and roads, disrupting commerce and claiming the lives of thousands of victims. The ancient and mystical city of Tzfas was essentially destroyed at the epicenter of the earthquake’s damage, with most of its citizens killed, and the remainder being rendered homeless and penniless in the wake of this natural disaster. The traumatic event left a decisive impact on the tr...

Following the war’s end in 1945, the controversy surrounding Kastner’s wartime activities began to emerge. Some pointed to the fact that he rescued an entire trainload of Jews, while others accused him of failing to warn Hungarian Jewry of the impending deportations to Auschwitz. The Jewish People in general and Israeli society in particular were reeling from the trauma of the Holocaust. The trial involving the story of Kastner and his negotiations takes place in the context of Israeli society of the 1950’s. Two salient features hover in the background across broader society. A traumatized people facing not its mu...

The Satmar Rav, Rav Yoel Teitelbaum, was rescued on the Kastner train. How did this great leader of Hungarian Orthodoxy and chassidic community, who was well known for his vocal opposition to Zionism, receive a place of rescue on the train which was organized by the secular Zionist Aid and Rescue Committee of Budapest? Insights into his inclusion broadens our understanding of how the rescue train story developed. Other famous individuals were rescued on the Kastner train as well. In conclusion it’s worth summarizing the entire story of the negotiations with the SS and the rescue train’s depa...

Who ultimately got rescued on the Kastner train? How was the list assembled? What were the SS criteria for those Jews to be included on the list? How diverse was the representation of the various factions of Hungarian Jewry on the train? Who financed the bribes to the SS in order for the train to be rescued? On this episode the discussion shifts to the actual composition of those rescued on the train, what role did Rudolf Kastner himself play in assembling the final list, the SS perspective on who should be included on the train and how it...

What were the actual negotiations between Kastner and other Jewish rescue leaders and Eichmann and the SS? How were the negotiations initiated and how did they develop? When did they take place? Who were the personalities on the negotiating team on each side? What were the goals of the SS in the negotiations and what were the goals of the Jewish rescue leaders like Kastner? The tense negotiations proceeded over the course of April-June 1944 in Budapest, and went through several stages. Understanding the who, when and why of the negotiations themselves, will broaden our understanding of the entire Kastner...

On April 7, 1944 two Slovakian Jews named Rudolf Vrba & Alfred Wetzler made a daring escape from Auschwitz and made their way back to Slovakia. They submitted a detailed and accurate report of the horrifying truth of the Auschwitz extermination facilities, along with details regarding the transports arriving in the camp and the overall camp structure. The Slovakian Jewish leadership attempted to pass on the vital information to the outside world, and crucially to the Hungarian Jewish leadership as well. Although the Hungarian Jewish leadership received the information by the end of April, the truth about Auschwitz was not disseminated to...

What did Hungarian Jewry look like on the eve of World War II? What was its size, religious composition and communal organization? What happened to Hungarian Jewry prior to the Nazi invasion in March 1944? What were the Nazi plans for Hungarian Jewry following the occupation? How were the deportations carried out and what was their scope? Who was the Jewish leadership in Budapest during this time? What were the roles of the Neolog (Hungarian Reform), Orthodox, secular and Zionist leaders in Budapest during the Nazi occupation? This overview will provide much needed context to understand the broader story of...

NEW SERIES ON JEWISH HISTORY SOUNDBITES

On June 30, 1944, a train departed Budapest, Hungary, carrying 1,684 Jews as its passengers. This occurred during the peak of the Nazi deportations of Hungarian Jewry to Auschwitz in the horrific summer of 1944. This particular trainload however, following a short stint in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, was permitted to cross the border into Switzerland and freedom. The entire project was orchestrated through direct negotiations with the SS through the efforts of a young Zionist leader in Budapest named Rudolf Kastner. Though the lives of those on the train were saved, the entire operation...

Unfortunately the phenomenon of isolated instances of Jews consumed with self hatred, while projecting antisemitic stereotypes on their brethren is nothing new. It has existed in one form or another throughout Jewish history. This historical saga is worth examining, coupled with specific stories of Jewish self hatred during the Nazi era. 

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During the 18th & first half of the 19th centuries, many members of the financial and rabbinical elite in Jewish Eastern Europe engaged in the practice of marrying off their children at a very young age. Why did they do that? How widespread was this practice? Why did it end? And what ramifications did this have on European Jewish life during this time and afterwards?

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