Jewish History with Rabbi Dr. Dovid Katz

Latest Episodes:

The Episode of Elephantine: A Jewish Garrison on the Egyptian-Sudan Border in the Times of Ezra, Nehemiah & Co. Oct 08, 2024

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The remarkable letters that were found by archaeologists. What were Jews doing in the Persian army, anyway?

Confession on Yom Kippur: Competing Sensibilities Oct 07, 2024

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How Halachic literature contends with the twists and turns of fallible Human Nature

Yom Kippur and the Oct. 7th Massacres: R' Katz Responds to a Query Oct 06, 2024

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"How do we face another Yom Kippur full of forebodings ever since last year?'

Haftarah Ha'azinu: The Power of Words Oct 02, 2024

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Humans are unique in a.) Brains b.) Speech

Parshas Ha'azinu: The speech of Moshe to the elites (having given up on the masses) Oct 02, 2024

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Guide the masses to the correct interpretation of events. Don't leave it up to them!

An Analysis of the Current Israeli Invasion of South Lebanon Oct 01, 2024

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The area is full of tunnels, but the IDF has learned tunnel warfare over the course of the past year

R' Katz speculates on the historical origin of the custom of blowing the shofar to confuse the Satan Sep 30, 2024

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Is it so that the Satan won't prosecute? Or is it to help you have proper concentration during Musaf Shemoneh Esrei?

The Historical Background of the Dispute Between the Geonim and the Rambam on the Break in the Tradition of What the Teruah is Sep 26, 2024

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The very different biographies of Hai Gaon and Maimonides

R' Katz analyzes the current situation in the Middle East Sep 25, 2024

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Israel is worried about an attack on the Yomim Tovim (actually, all of us should be awake to this danger)

Haftarah Nitzavim-VaYelech: The United Nations will Applaud Israel ... in the Messianic Era! Sep 25, 2024

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Until then, a "vengeance-list" is being prepared in Heaven