Musings of a Book Collector

One can purchase this work with free shipping in the US here https://alehzayis.com/product/ushchattem-bazeh-%d7%95%d7%a9%d7%97%d7%98%d7%aa%d7%9d-%d7%91%d7%96%d7%94/ Additional shipping options - including in Israel are here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDB1sqpg5IYV1IneYcHV_j7w_F49r1u8LQyNcUslouQgyS3A/viewform?pli=1 One can view sample pages here https://alehzayis.com/wp-content/upload...

As I was preparing my episode on how Chullin was learned through the ages, I came to realize that this is perhaps the Mesechtah most written about from a halachic standpoint. A large percentage of Yoreh De'ah is based on it. Kashrut is a central subject, and although certain aspects—such as shechitah and treifot—are encountered less frequently in everyday life than in the past, they remain just as...

In this episode, we trace the origins and evolution of hamantaschen across a wide range of sources. From early printed references to autobiographical accounts preserving lived Purim memories, we explore how this iconic pastry entered Jewish cultural life. Along the way, we examine Purim plays, parodies, and humorous literature that shaped, and popularized it. Taken together, these materials reveal...

This was sponsored and took place at the Young Israel Beth El of Borough Park, February 4 2026. This is a small part of my recent research related to the Gra. Hopefully I will release more soon.

In this episode, we trace the story of this sefer through bibliographic works and library collections, following the evidence used to piece together information about the work and its author. We look at who encountered the sefer, how it was cited, and what those references reveal about its circulation and use. We then explore why the Magen Avraham made use of this work, and what his reliance on it...

For centuries, many have turned to the Ramban’s commentary to uncover Torah’s deepest layers. This episode traces how Ramban was learned through the ages — from early manuscripts to modern editions. Deep diving into Rav Mordechai Gimpel Jaffe’s Techeles Mordechai and the new edition of Keren Pnei Moshe.

In this episode, I share a hesped for R’ Dovid Kamenetsky זצ״ל, a talmid chacham & prolific author. I reflect on my personal connection with him and the lessons we can learn from his life—especially his generosity and devotion to helping others. I also trace his legacy, highlighting his many significant works on the Vilna Gaon and his Beis Medrash, as well as his more recent focus on the life...

In this episode, I share a hesped for R’ Eliyahu Greensweig זצ״ל, a hidden talmid chacham, a prolific author — filling notebooks, and pages with his vast Torah knowledge. Though not a public figure, his quiet brilliance, meticulous exactitude in seforim, and endless written output made him truly unique. I reflect on my personal connection with him and the lessons we can take from his life — humili...

As summer rolls in and Tishah B’Av approaches, it’s the perfect moment to reconnect with Jewish history through two classic works: Shevet Yehudah and Yaven Metzulah. In this episode, we reflect on why Jewish historical awareness matters—especially now—and how these books can frame our memory, mourning, and meaning during the Nine Days.   Information How to sign up for more Episodes https://eliezer...