Jewish History Soundbites

Understanding the context of how the Second World War began can facilitate a clearer understanding of what happened to the Jewish People as a result. With the invasion of Poland, the most destructive war in the history of mankind commenced. How did the war begin? How was Poland conquered so easily? What was the immediate reaction of the Jews who were now in a war zone? What was the Soviet Union's involvement? And what was going on in the Far East at this time? A broader picture of all these issues will enhance our perception of war whose reverberations are felt to this very day.

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With the rise of political Zionism at the end of the 19th century, Rabbinical leaders began to formally organize around their positions visa vis the nascent movement. The founding of the Mizrachi was a major milestone in clarifying at least qualified support for the Zionist program. This begat a more organized and systematic opposition, which was formalized with the founding of the Agudas Yisroel some years later. The Agudah didn't speak with one voice and there was quite a range of rabbinical opinion within it's ranks as to the extent of ideological opposition to Zionism, as well as the practical measures to be taken as a result. In addition, there were quite a number of major Rabbinical leaders who never joined the Agudah altogether for a variety of reasons- some joined the Mizrachi, some were too Zionistic for the Agudah, others felt that the Agudah wasn't extreme enough. During the tumultuous interwar period, Rabbis across the spectrum formulated their respective positions in opposition, support or neutrality on the question of the new Jewish Nationalism- Zionism.

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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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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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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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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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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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