Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein is a well known Torah scholar, Tanach expert, and Historian. He has lectured in the Mir Yeshiva, Torat Shraga, and many Shuls internationally.
These podcasts integrate his broad knowledge of many different facets of Torah and History.
Join in weekly to gain accurate and in depth knowledge of some of the most important and controversial topics in Jewish History.
For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected]
Prophecy & ParshaThis week’s episode is dedicated לעילוי נשמת ר אליהו ב״ר יוסף In the first part of this episode, we properly examine the issue of how the basic principles of Propecy relate to the writing of Nach. What do the basic requirements for Prophecy teach us about the writing of Tanach? We also continue looking at how Rashi clearly utilizes the Parsha system and how this effects how he explains the individual possukim. Similarly we see how Rashi skillfully uses existing Midrashim to explain vague passages in Nach. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/35671205
Rashi’s Parsha Approach In this episode, we take a more careful look at how Rashi uses the parsha system in his commentary. How much of a factor is this in Rashi? We similarly examine why it is so important to maintain a connection to the classic understanding of Tanach. We also examine the issue of how to understand the writing of Tanach. (229) Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/35557245
Parsha & Pshat In this episode, we look at how the Parsha system should affect the way we understand Tanach. What is the difference between the Parsha system, which is the organic division of Tanach and the chapter system which was created by English monks in the 1100’s. We also look at how Rashi subtly uses the Parsha system. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/35442785
Understanding PshatIn this episode we examine the claims that Rashi’s commentary to Tanach isn’t a Pshat based commentary. How should we view the concept that we should attempt to understand Tanach only via the text of Tanach? Who was the originator of this idea? What does this tell us about this conception? What makes Rashi’s accomplishments in Tanach unparalleled? How seriously have Talmidai Chachomim throughout the generations taken Rashi’s commentary to Chumash? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/35361940
Gaza Wars Lessons, The Passuk Focus & Parsha Concept We start this episode with some more lessons from the Gaza War and the ceasefire agreement. We examine when is it proper to learn from others. We go on to look at the basic rules of understanding a possuk. What is a possuk in Tanach? How important is it in understanding what is being told to us? What is the difference between possukim in the prose parts of Tanach and the poetic parts of Tanach? We also start looking at the very important concept of a parsha. What is a parsha? How important is it in understanding Tanach? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/35264180
The Rule of Pshat & RashiIn this week’s episode we take a deeper look at the first rule of Pshat - understanding the meaning of the words. How broad is our understanding of Tanachic Hebrew? What are the differences between the different dialects of Hebrew? We also discuss why Rashi only wrote an introduction to Shir HaShirim. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/35173325
Academia & Midrashim: First Rule of Pshat In this week’s episode we take a closer look at the fundamental problem most academics have when it comes to understanding Midrashim. We also start looking at the Five Basic Elements of learning Tanach. The first element is understanding the words and their meaning. Classically we start this with Rashi and the Ramban. Why do we do this? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/35070780
The Gaza CeasefireIn this episode we look at the Ceasefire Agreement recently signed. Was it a mistake to sign this agreement? Is it possible to fully solve the issue militarily? What policy changes could have brought a better outcome? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/34974650
Carter’s Israeli Admirers + Midrash and Mesora In this episode we look at Carter’s Israeli admirers and what was motivating them to admire him. Why were they so deeply moved by this quixotic figure? We go back to the issue of Midrashim and Mesora and flesh out the issues more. When can we say there is an absolute Mesora about an issue? We also look at the issue of did Ashkenazi Rishonim learn Midrashim that seem to humanize G-d literally? Is this fundamental of Judaism an invention of the Rambam? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/34878575
Jimmy Carter’s Mixed LegacyIn this episode we look at Jimmy Carter’s mixed legacy. Should we be surprised by his lack of success as President and his severe defeat by Ronald Reagan? How much credit for the Peace Agreement between Israel and Egypt does he get? Is there any fundamental reason for his post Presidential behaviors? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/34771025
Rationalism, Pshat, & MesorahIn this episode we look at the definition of Pshat, the basic meaning of the possukim. Is there any connection between this and Rationalism? How much is it possible to apply the contemporary concept of Rationalism to Torah? We similarly look at the issue of understanding when a Midrash is absolute Mesorah, passed down directly from Moshe. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/34694640
Nach in the Haredi World In this episode we look at why all the different parts of the Haredi world have deep hesitance with basic pshat and Tanach. Why is this true? Is this an example of the cure is worse than the disease? What is worse over simplifying Midrashim or treating Midrashim disrespectfully? This week’s episode is dedicated by Mr and Mrs Pinchas and Malka Friedman in honor of their parents Mr and Mrs Heshy and Raizy Friedman and Mr and Mrs Chaim and Toby Ginsberg. And also by an anonymous donor לרפואה שלימה ליונתן איתן בן בת שבע ברכה Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/34614545
Balancing Midrash with Pshat In this episode we look at the historically controversial issue of balancing the Midrashim with the basic meaning of the text. The first factor we need to understand is what is the importance of basic pshat, and why did Rashi put so much work into it. We similarly examine what lesson we should learn from Israeli advances in Syria. Is this connected to Moshiach? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/34528710
Fall of Assad : Perspectives and LessonsIn this episode we look at the fall of Bashir Assad. What caused his fall? How does this affect the general Israel Arab conflict? How much do we know about it? How does this affect how we understand the situation in Iran? What lessons can we learn from this? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/34393790
The Vilna Gaon’s Edits & Understanding Midrashim II In this episode we take a closer look at the Vilna Gaon’s editing work. What was his basic methodology of editing? How novel was his work? How would the Vilna Gaon have used the many manuscripts that we have today? We start looking at the issue of when should one understand a Midrash literally? What is Rashi’s approach to this issue? We also discuss the question of did Rashi have Kabbalah. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/34299040
Understanding Midrashim In this episode we look at the issue of analyzing and editing Midrashim. What is the difference between how the Vilna Gaon edited Midrashim and how his son edited Midrashim? Why did R Avrohom Vilner have a different way of editing Midrashim? We also examine the issue of which Midrashim Rashi had. This week’s episode is dedicated לזכות שמעון הירש בן אברהם דוב that he should be successful in all his endeavors. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/34176990
Facets of Emuna & Authorship of Midrashim In this episode we look at another one the lessons of the Presidential election - how fidelity is an important facet of Emuna. How should a person use that Emuna tool. One of R Avrohom Vilner’s key life accomplishments was his work on Midrashim. We look at one the very basic issues, which is how and why people in the Torah World view the authorship of these Midrashim. This week’s episode is dedicated as a רפואה שלימה for משה צבי אייזיק בן גולדה. It is also dedicated in honor of Daniel and Tova Plaut, בנימין בן אשר וטובה מזל בת בילה חשה for their work in strengthening and protecting the Jewish Community. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/34033082
Elections 2024 - Lessons & Perspectives In this episode we look at the recent Presidential election in the USA. How shocked should we have been by the outcome? What lessons can we learn from this? What is the Torah perspective on the relationship between leadership and the masses? This episode is dedicated by Global Property Services, serving the NY area’s pest control since 1997. It is also dedicated l’ilui nishmas R Noson Tzvi Finkel, the Mir Rosh Yeshiva. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/33911872
Types of Wars & The Ultimate War In this episode we look at the different categories of war according to the Torah. Is there any proof that the Torah considers war a legitimate national policy? Why is the War of Gog considered the ultimate war? What other major Tanachic event is it connected to? This week’s episode is dedicated to inspire more spreading of Torah though technology by an anonymous donor Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/33827427
War, Casualties & MoralityIn this episode we continue looking at the issue of casualties in war. Is it normal for an army to suffer casualties, is there a time when an army shouldn’t suffer casualties? How does the Gaza War fit into this? We also look at the issue of morality and war. How should we understand the level of immortality of war? This week’s episode is dedicated in honor of all the Torat Shraga Rebeiim, sons of Rebeiim, and former Talmidim out there defending us by a former Talmid Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/33713722
War: According to The Torah This week’s episode is dedicated in honor of all the Torat Shraga Rebeiim, sons of Rebeiim, and former Talmidim out there defending us by a former Talmid. In this episode we start looking at the issue of Torah and War. What does the Torah hold about military training? How much efforts did the Kings of Yehuda put into this? What was Dovid’s policy about this? What types of training was Dovid willing to do? What type of training was he not willing to do? How does this relate to the IDF? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/33565847
Torah & Science - R' Avrohom Vilner & His Father The Vilna GaonThis week’s episode is dedicated as a merit for peace for Israel, and healing by all those injured by a listener, and also by an anonymous listener. In this episode we look at the attitude of the Vilna Gaon and his son to science. Was it abnormal for the Vilna Gaon’s son to translate a science book into Hebrew? How did they understand the relationship between science and Torah? How do we understand this issue? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/33455932
Gaza War Lessons II & Be’er Avrohom on Tehillim In this episode we look at another of the important lessons of the Gaza War. What can we learn from the extreme obsession people have about Israel? What is the Tanachic precedent for this? We go back and look at R Avrohom Vilner’s commentary on Tehillim ch 23 - ה׳ רועי לא אחסר. What style of parshanut is he using? What important insights can we see from his explanations about him? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/33383362
The Gaza War - A Rosh HaShana PerspectiveThis episode is sponsored by Ben and Talia Silver Mr Gerald Wittenstein לעילוי נשמת יוסף בן משה #207 - The Gaza War - A Rosh HaShana Perspective In this episode we look at the Gaza War from a Rosh HaShana perspective. What is special and different the Gaza War from a Jewish History perspective? How does this event differ from Covid? What are the lessons we can learn from this unprecedented Historical Event we are living through? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/33199657
#206 - R' Avrohom Vilner - Life & Accomplishments In this episode we look at R Avrohom Vilner, the Vilna Gaon’s youngest son. What positions did he hold? What does this tell us about him? What lessons can we learn from this? What Sefarim did he print? What do we see from his Sefer, ‘Gevolos HaAretz’? How common was it for Rabbanim to know European languages? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/33137267
#205 - Maalos HaTorah - Applications of The IdeasThis week’s episode is sponsored לעילוי נשמת אריה מרדכי בן אברהם יצחק In this episode we take a deeper look at how the ideals of Torah learning mentioned in Maalos HaTorah played a significant part in creating the original Ashkenazi Jewish Community in Israel. We also take a deeper look at how to properly understand the concept of Historical Inertia. Similarly we look at how the Maalos HaTorah discussed, ‘bitul Torah’. We also discuss the challenge of implementing this practically in Yeshivas and in life. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/33019362
#204 - Maalos HaTorah - Defining MitzvahThis week’s episode is dedicated לעילוי נשמת ר אליהו בן ר יוסף. In this week’s episode we take a closer look at what the Vilna Gaon meant when he said there are more than 613 mitzvos. Similarly we look at a number of his very novel applications of this concept. We also look at how there is a certain overlap with what many would consider Chassidus. We also look at the concept of Historical Inertia and how this concept applies to a number of the ideas in Maalos HaTorah. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/32873797
#203 - R Avrohom the Vilna Gaon’s Brother - Maalos HaTorah This week’s episode is sponsored לעילוי נשמת ר חיים רפאל יוסף דוד בן צבי מרדכי on the occasion of his Yahrzeit This week we look at the sefer of R Avrohom the Vilna Gaon’s brother, Maalos HaTorah. The main topic of the sefer is the importance of learning Torah. We discuss why the sefer isn’t as popular as Nefesh HaChaim Shaar Daled, even though it is written in an easier way to understand. We similarly discuss how to understand many of the ideas mentioned in the sefer in terms of the greater sugya. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/32750452
#202 - R Avrohom Brother of the Vilna Gaon - His LifeThis week’s episode is sponsored by Mr and Mrs Avi Meir לרפואה שלימה לעדו יחיאל בן ציונה This week we look at the life of R Avrohom Rogeler, the Vilna Gaon’s brother. Where did he live? Why is he called R Avrohom Rogeler? What were his significant accomplishments? What are the important lessons we can learn from his life? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/32663487
#201 - Understanding the Rebbe & Talmid ConnectionThis week’s episode is sponsored לעילוי נשמת ר שלום אליעזר בן ר ישראל ראגאזין a member of the Voluzhin Kollel This week we are starting a new series about the Talmidai HaGra. We start by looking at the classic understanding of the dynamic and application of Rebbe and Talmid. How did the Vilna Gaon and his Talmidim fit into the classic structure of Rebbe and Talmid. Does Chassidus see this issue differently? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. Click to join! For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at [email protected] PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/jewishhistoryuncensored/id/32590617
