The Kotzk Podcast

This episode examines the methodology and the moment in history when the rabbinic class (Pharisees) unseated the priestly class (Sadducees) who had previously dominated the Temple for a thousand years. It examines the eye of the revolutionary storm as Hillel emerged as the new style of rabbinic leader defining the future Judaism we know today. ( Kotzk Blog: 490)

Pharisees and Sadducees: The politics of Sages and Priests (Kotzk Blog 489) This chapter – based extensively on the research by Professor Eyal Regev [1]  − examines the theological differences between the Sadducees (צָדוֹקִים -  Tzadokim ) and Pharisees (פְּרוּשִׁם -  Perushim ). It identifies the differences between the early class of Jewish priests, known as the Sadducees, and an emerging rabbini...

Gershom Scholem’s messianic claim (Kozk Blog 488) Based extensively on the research by Professor Boaz Huss [1]  and Professor Michael Brenner [2]  − explores aspects of the life story and personal thought of Gershom (Gerhard) Scholem (1897-1982), the first researcher and professor of Jewish mysticism. 

Kotzk Podcast 031: Self-promotion or natural authority of the Halachic decisor: The case of Chavot Yair ⁠(Kotzk Blog 487)⁠ based extensively on the research by Professor Jay Berkovitz ⁠[1]⁠  − examines the charismatic image and commanding authority of the  Halachic  decisor, known as the  Posek , whose task is to determine Jewish religious law. In this case, the rabbinic authority, R. Yair Chaim B...

Kotzk Podcast 031: Self-promotion or natural authority of the Halachic decisor: The case of Chavot Yair (Kotzk Blog 487) based extensively on the research by Professor Jay Berkovitz [1]  − examines the charismatic image and commanding authority of the  Halachic  decisor, known as the  Posek , whose task is to determine Jewish religious law. In this case, the rabbinic authority, R. Yair Chaim Bacha...

An ancient (pre)text of Deuteronomy? (Kotzk Blog 486) This article – based extensively on the research by Professor Idan Dershowitz [1]  − examines a work that for many years was regarded as a forgery, but, arguably, turned out to be one of the most significant textual finds of the nineteenth century. 

Is a Halachic environmental discourse even possible? (Kotzk Blog: 485)

Babylonian Talmudic notion of 'Temporary Marriage' (Kotzk Blog 484)

Religion and (or) Social Justice: A Jewish Perspective (Kotzk Blog 481)

What did the Kotzker Rebbe say? (Kotzk Blog 480) based extensively on the research by Professor Yaakov Levinger [1]  − examines the authenticity of many of the sayings popularly attributed to the  Chassidic Rebbe , Menachem Mendel of Kotzk (1787-1869).

R. Yitzchak of Warka and the rise of the Chassidic movement in Poland (Kotzk Blog 479) This article explores the rise of  Chassidism  in early nineteenth-century Poland as  Rebbes  had to embrace the notion of ‘ Shtadlanut ’ (politics and statesmanship) in a more modern setting.

'Fixing' broken Messiahs The extreme messianic mysticism of the students of the Vilna Gaon (Part II) (Kotzk Blog 478)

The extreme messianic mysticism of the students of the Vilna Gaon (Kotzk Blog: 477)

Did the Vilna Gaon’s Religious Zionism precede modern Secular Zionism? (Kotzk Blog: 476)

This article explores the surprising and radical messianism as expressed by what is usually considered to be the sober school of the students of the Vilna Gaon: Kotzk Blog: 475) Messianic Mitnagdim

A mind in motion: Maimonides correcting Maimonides (Kotzk Blog: 474)

‘Der Pintele Yid’ − the evolution of the term and concept (Kotzk blog 473)

EXPANDING ON RABBINIC DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN THE TITLES AND TEXTS OF THE PSALMS.

Tzafnat Paneach – a ‘counter Rashi’ commentary (Kotzk Blog: 471)

This article examines Jewish messianism during the nineteenth century. https://www.kotzkblog.com/2024/05/470-nineteenth-century-jewish-messianism.html

Examining an unknown manuscript of the Zohar (Kotzk Blog 469)

The implications of common textual layering within the Zohar (Kotzk Blog: 468)

Separating the text from the context: an early Chassidic approach to Torah study

Did R. Chaim of Volozhin intentionally alter the image of the Vilna Gaon?

Jews from Turkey and some Syrian communities have the unusual practice of waving to one another just prior to reciting the silent Amidah prayer. This ancient custom was first described in writing in the 17th century, and although many mystical and technical explanations have been advanced, its true origin remains unknown. In this episode, Gavin and Jordan explore the reasons for the custom and how...