Stay ConnectedListen to noted Tour Guide, Lecturer and Yad Vashem Researcher of Jewish History Yehuda Geberer bring the world of pre-war Eastern Europe alive. Join in to meet the great personages, institutions and episodes of a riveting past.
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Yehuda@YehudaGeberer.com
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As the Jewish community in far off Shanghai developed at the beginning of the 20th century, a Rabbi and Lubavitcher Chassid named R' Meir Ashkenazi was called on to serve as the communal Rabbi in 1926. Originally serving in the ultimate "out of town" community in a far flung corner of the world, he eventually found himself the leader of a diverse and large group of refugees who began arriving in the 1930's and '40's. Being the right man in the right place at the right time, he rose to the occasion. Addressing both the material and spiritual needs of the refugee community, he was able to sustain the Shanghai Jewry during those challenging times.
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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com
The Satmar Rav, Rav Yoel Teitelbaum will long be remembered as a great Torah Sage, builder, dedicated leader and zealot who held steadfast to strong positions, no matter the opposition. In his efforts to rebuild the destroyed world after the war, he was a visionary who thought of big and creative solutions. As a fatherly figure, he built individuals, breathing a new life and purpose for countless survivors. He also built a large and powerful following, well known for its relentless chesed and strong opposition to the State of Israel.
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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com
Famous for trailblazing a new analytical style of Talmudic Study at the Volozhin Yeshiva, RavChaim Soloveitchik's name is hallowed throughout the Torah world. As Rabbi of Brisk, he became known far and wide for his compassion for the downtrodden. In the public sphere, Reb Chaim became a spokesman of his people and took a stance on many issues facing the Jewish world of his day. In honor of his 101st Yahrtzeit, we'll take a glance Rav Chaim's leadership role in society.
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Chana Rachel Verbermacher, also known as the "Maiden of Ludmir", was an anomaly in the annals of Chassidus. As a woman, and as someone who didn't have any dynastic connections to the great Chassidic courts of her day, she still attained the status of a full fledged chassidic tzadik for a period of time. Does her story teach us about women's roles in the world of early chassidus? Or is she the exception that proves the rule? Along the way, we encounter other Rebbetzins in the history of chassidus who acted in leadership roles in the courts of their husbands or fathers.
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Another look at the formative Yeshiva years of Shlomo Carlebach, his relationship with Rav Ahron Kotler and the complexities of his leaving the Yeshiva world for his activist work on behalf of the Jewish People. The great "Singing Rabbi" never ceased to sing and never ceased to be a Rabbi. The transitional stage of his being identified with the yeshiva as one of it's prize students, to the public persona involved in Jewish outreach, is crucial to understanding his later approach and wide reaching influence.
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Clearly the most influential Jewish Composer/Singer of his time, Shlomo Carlebach was a polarizing figure. He was a pioneer in the Jewish Outreach movement and a rabbi to thousands, yet his path to stardom took many interesting twists and turns. From his Rabbeim, Rav Shlomo Heiman and Rav Aaron Kotler to the magnetic influences of The Lubavitcher Rebbe, hear the story of the formative years that shaped the the legendary "Singing Rabbi".
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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com
Modern day resettlement of the Land of Israel begins with group aliyah's of both the students of the Baal Shem Tov and later the students of the Vilna Goan. Together they would form the core of what would comet to be known as the Old Yishuv. With the rise of nationalism in nineteenth century Europe, the first stirrings of national yearnings begin to rise among the Jewish People. Initially spreading as an idea, it quickly shifts towards an activist stage and becomes a movement known as the Chovevei Tzion. The movement enjoys differing levels of Rabbinic support as it moves ahead with it's program. The first modern colonies are settled and agriculture begins to develop. Funding begins to arrive from Baron Edmond de Rothschild. At the same time, opposition to the new Jewish Nationalism begins to mount and gain support. Citing both theological sources as well as practical consideration, luminaries such as Rabbi SR Hirsch and later the Rashab of Chabad form the basis of the initial opposition to the new nationalism.
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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com
Throughout the long history of our exile we have faced both tragedies and challenges of all kinds, both as a collective and as individuals. The stories of people who faced challenges of all kinds can serve as a reminder of the story of the Jewish people in the exile, as well as a source from which to draw inspiration from in the challenges that we all face in our lives. Let's meet a few individuals from Jewish History to hear their stories, and follow them on their journey from challenge to triumph.
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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com
The Kinnah of ארזי הלבנון serves as a reminder to us that the loss of Rabbinic leadership is a unique tragedy in it's own category. In this episode we'll profile a few samples of great prewar leaders who lost their lives together with their people in the great destruction of the Holocaust. Some chose to remain with their communities despite having the opportunity to escape, among them were Chassidic Rebbes, some were Roshei Yeshiva and others were communal Rabbis. The common thread connecting these profiles is the overwhelming sense of loss that was left as a result of the decimation of Torah leadership.
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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com
The leadership of Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski manifested itself in many diverse spheres of influence. As the premier Halachic authority, founder and titular head of the Vaad Hayeshivos, leader of Agudas Yisroel and rabbinical representative at government conferences, he stood at the forefront during a rapidly changing Jewish society. At the same time, he exhibited almost a fatherly love to every individual Jew who came to his door, his care for his people was expressed in both the public arena and in personal interaction. In commemoration of his yahrtzeit, we'll attempt to gain a glimpse of this great man.
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You can email Yehuda at yehuda@yehudageberer.com
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