It's Genius
17 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago -The great Talmudic commentators of the past century have produced some of the most profound and penetrating Talmudic analyses in history. These writings offer us a window into the profound depth and insight of Jewish law and tradition. But often these ideas are not accessible to many people because of their complexity. We are making available audio presentations of some of these ideas by Rabbi Elisha Friedman of Harrisburg, PA, to make these insights more widely accessible.
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Episodes
Was the Torah given on Shavuos?
May 06, 2021 15:00 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBWe explore many different perspectives on when the Torah was given and what the holiday of Shavuos commemorates
The Conversion at Mt. Sinai
May 05, 2021 15:00 - 54 minutes - 74.2 MBWe analyze the approach of the Maharal that the conversion at Mt Sinai differed fundamentally from subsequent conversions, with discussion of coercion in the acceptance of the Torah
Counting Omer and Niddah Days
April 27, 2021 11:32 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBWe explore the debate over whether or not a woman should count her clean days coming out of niddah, like counting Omer
Is Sefiras Haomer a Time Bound Mitzvah?
April 27, 2021 11:30 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBWe analyze the fascinating view of the Rambam that counting the Omer is not a time bound mitzvah with a number of approaches
The Meaning of Matzah
March 11, 2021 18:44 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBWe explore the Haggadah’s view that Matzah symbolizes that the Jews were rushed from Egypt and couldn’t let their bread rise, through a wide range of commentaries.
Nissan is the First Month
March 11, 2021 18:42 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MBWe explore the discussion around the Ramban’s position that halachically Nissan must be the first month of the year, with discussion of the halachic issues surrounding using non-Jewish calendar dates.
The Purim Timeline
February 25, 2021 13:16 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBWhen did the events of Purim as described in Megillas Esther occur on the calendar? With a discussion of how the three day fast coincided with Pesach that year and if it’s possible to fast three days straight.
Kiddush Hachodesh - Witnesses vs. Mathematics
February 16, 2021 12:00 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBWe explore the debate between Rav Saadiah Gaon and Rambam over the best method to establish the Jewish calendar
Rav Yosef Eliyahu Henkin - Marriage in a Secular Court or in a Non-Halachic Framework
June 05, 2020 16:14 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBWe examine Rav Henkin's halachic ruling on secular marriages in halacha, and how they shed light on the concept of marriage.
Rav Meir Simcha - Kiddushin
June 05, 2020 16:14 - 26 minutes - 24 MBWe examine Rav Meir Simcha's conceptual analysis of kiddushin, and how they shed light on the process of getting married.
Rav Eliezer Silver - Divorce
June 05, 2020 16:13 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBWe examine Rav Silver's conceptual analysis of giving a get, and the guidance this offers on the process of divorce.
Rav Eliezer Silver - Mechitza
June 05, 2020 16:13 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBRav Silver was one of the major authorities who wrote about mechitza. We examine some of his major views and positions on these halachos.
Rav Eliezer Silver - The Difference Between Chanukah Candles and Lighting the Menorah
May 27, 2020 16:34 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBRav Silver explores what is the essential action of the mitzvah of lighting the menorah in the Beis Hamikdash and offers an alternative view to Rav Chaim Soloveitchik's.
Was the acceptance of the Torah at Har Sinai forced?
May 27, 2020 16:31 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MBThe Talmud says that the Jewish people were forced to accept the Torah at Har Sinai, but did not do so freely. Later commentators question and limit this passage.
Rav Eliezer Silver - Halachic Issues and Implications of Akeidas Yitzchak
May 27, 2020 16:28 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBRav Silver explores some halachic issues and problems surrounding Akeidas Yitzchak, and offers an intriguing insight into the difference between financial ownership and getting credit for a sacrifice.
Rav Eliezer Silver - The Conceptual Distinction Between “Shnei” and “Shnayim”
May 20, 2020 16:35 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MBShnei and Shnayim - Rav Silver explores the technical and conceptual differences between the word "shnei" and "shnayim" in the Torah and specifically sheds light on the notion of witnesses in halacha.
Rav Eliezer Silver - One Who is Uncomfortable is Exempt from Succah
May 18, 2020 23:53 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBRav Silver offers a new rationale for the leniency that one who is uncomfortable is absolved from sitting in the Succah and discusses some practical halachic situations.