JL;DR

In this episode, Rabbi Wittenstein explores the Vilna Gaon's perspective on the concept of mitzvot, suggesting there are more than the traditional 613. He al...

This episode explores the teachings of Rabbi Avrohom, the Vilna Gaon's brother, with a focus on his sefer, Maalos HaTorah, and its emphasis on Torah study. T...

This episode discusses the life of Rabbi Avrohom Rogeler, the brother of the Vilna Gaon, his contributions, and what lessons can be gleaned from his life. It...

This podcast episode discusses the relationship between a Rebbe and a Talmid, focusing on the understanding of this connection with the example of the Vilna ...

In this podcast episode, the discussion revolves around the appropriateness of mentioning recent national tragedies, like the events of October 7 or the 2006...

This episode reflects on the experiences of the narrator's father after their move to Israel in 1986, focusing on his interaction with the country and his co...

In this episode, the speaker reflects on how his father maximized opportunities in Atlanta's Jewish community and his significant involvement in the Skylab r...

Rabbi Wittenstein reflects on his father's gradual embrace of Jewish observance, including a significant dream that led to wearing tefillin and navigating hi...

Rabbi Wittenstein reflects on his father's journey in teaching Torah in Huntsville and his interactions with Shomer Shabbos IDF officers, highlighting their ...

Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein explores the historical significance of NASA's Apollo program against the backdrop of the 1960s cultural upheavals, highlighting his ...

Rabbi Wittenstein discusses his father's career at NASA during its groundbreaking era, focusing on his contributions to the Apollo 8 mission, while also expl...

Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein delves into his family's history, focusing on his father's impactful college experiences and his parents' meeting, which played a piv...

The episode delves into the life of Rabbi Wittenstein's father, exploring his journey from New York to a small Southern town, his experiences with football, ...

The episode explores how the Baal HaTanya, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, ended up in Liadi instead of returning to his hometown of Liozna, and why he support...

Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein explores the Jewish identity and heroism embodied by Janusz Korczak, a Polish pediatrician and writer who demonstrated profound commi...

Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein examines the complexities of comparing modern atrocities with historical tragedies like the Holocaust and discusses whether such even...

Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein explores the complexities of interpreting ancient Egyptian history, highlighting the challenges with their documentation, which is of...

The episode examines the fascination with Egyptology and its historical importance compared to Greek and Roman history, exploring how it aligns with or contr...

Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein explores how perception of reality varies among individuals and cultures by examining the appeal of blessings from rabbis and the wid...

This episode explores the complexities of historical methodology and chronicles the unresolved machlokes between R' Avrohom Kalisker and the Baal HaTanya, fo...

Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein explores the complexities and challenges of education within the Jewish context, focusing on the historical disagreement between R. A...

R' Avrohom Kalisker's conflict with R' Shnuer Zalman (the Baal HaTanya) revolved primarily around differing approaches to Chassidic leadership and the dissem...

The episode delves into the influence of charisma in Jewish communal leadership, focusing on figures like R Avrohom Kalisker and the Vilna Gaon. It explores ...

The episode explores the role of charisma in Jewish history, particularly in leadership and rabbinic decisions, questioning whether figures like the Vilna Ga...

Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein delves into the Vilna Gaon's theory of 'incongruent actions' and explores how overreaching spiritual or behavioral goals can lead to ...

Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein delves into the Vilna Gaon’s theory of incongruent actions, exploring the complexities of commitment to Torah and the deeper implicat...

The episode delves into the complex dynamics of Israel's international relations, particularly in the context of its security concerns and the Gaza conflict....

Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein explores the complexities of modern governance in the context of the Gaza War, examining the historical and Torah-based principles th...

Israel's military success during the Gaza conflict is linked to historical and strategic decisions that have built trust in the IDF, an institution shaped in...

Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein discusses the ongoing Gaza War, comparing it to historical events like 9/11 and COVID-19, highlighting the unique focus on Israel and...

Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein explores the intricacies of the Vilna Gaon's opposition to Chassidus, highlighting the complex interplay between traditional Jewish p...

Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein delves into the historical and religious significance of the Nusach HaTefila, exploring whether it is permissible for individuals to ...

Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein explores the second arrest of the Baal Tanya and the Sabbatean accusations against the Chassidic movement, illustrating the complex n...

This episode explores the historical significance of the Baal Tanya's two arrests by Russian authorities, analyzing the legal and cultural hurdles he faced, ...

The Baal Tanya, a prominent figure in Jewish history, was arrested and imprisoned, sparking discussions about the theological disagreements between the Gra a...

This episode delves into Henry Kissinger's youth and legacy through a documentary from the KAJ community, exploring questions of morality. The discussion als...

Henry Kissinger is noted as a prominent American diplomat with a complex legacy that stirs strong emotions and opinions. His key legacy includes his signific...

This discussion delves into understanding R' Chaim Volozhin's perspective on Torah Lishma and how it relates to the insights of the Vilna Gaon. It explores t...

This discussion focuses on the approach to Torah Lishma according to the Vilna Gaon, often contrasted with R' Chaim Volozhin's views, particularly in Mishley...

This episode delves into the benefits of in-depth Torah study and how it can help individuals navigate challenges in maintaining commitment to Judaism. It ex...

The episode discusses Tanya's perspective on the connection between learning Torah and achieving Dveikus (closeness to God). It explores how Tanya views focu...

This episode delves into the debate between the Tanya and Nefesh HaChaim regarding Torah Lishma, focusing on R Chaim Volozhin's perspective and the importanc...

The episode discusses the challenges of translating the Tanach, particularly from Hebrew to English. It explores why this translation process is difficult an...

In this discussion, the focus is on examining why Israel labels the Gaza conflict as a war and delving into the concept of compromise in politics while quest...

The text discusses lessons and differences between the Gaza War and the Yom Kippur War, speculating on factors influencing the conflict's duration and its co...

The text discusses a recent documentary about Spinoza, a figure who has been in the news lately. It raises questions about the level of knowledge a documenta...

This episode delves into the Vilna Gaon's interpretation of Tzadikim, Banonim, and Reshaim, comparing it to the teachings of Tanya on the same subject. It ex...

In this episode, the focus is on the legendary confrontation of 1771 involving the Vilna Gaon with R Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk and R Shnuer Zalman of Liozna...

In this episode, the discussion revolves around significant events such as the reforming of the Israeli Supreme Court and the advancements in AI, exploring t...

This episode delves into the Tanya's differentiation between the levels of Beinoni and Tzadik, exploring how one can discern if someone possesses the soul of...