Classes by Mordechai Dinerman Mordechai Dinerman

The Baal Shem Tov passed away on Shavuos in 1760, but the exact day of his passing and the time and manner of his burial have long been subjects of controversy and mystery. In this class, we explore this subject by learning about two major debates regarding yom tov burials that emerged during the Middle Ages. Through this journey, we aim to deepen our appreciation for the laws and values related to yom tov observance and the proper dignity afforded to those who have passed away.

Yom Tov Burial: The Talmud, the Rishonim, and the Baal Shem Tov

How does a halachic mind interpret the harrowing events at Masada, where Jewish rebels chose death at their own hands over surrender? In this class, we delve into this question, exploring not only the tragic case at Masada but also similar ethical dilemmas faced by Jews during the Middle Ages when confronted with forced conversions under Christian rule. The complexities of these historic moments offer deep insights into the moral and spiritual struggles that have shaped Jewish resilience and identity.

The Masada Martyrs: Halachic Perspectives on History’s Hardest Choices

Throughout history, Jewish communities have thrived in diverse locales, each presenting unique agricultural schedules. While adhering to the prohibition against eating chadash proved feasible in some regions, in others, it posed significant obstacles to daily life. This class delves into the strategies employed by the Ashkenazi rishonim and the legendary Acharonim of Poland, exploring five approaches to justify non-compliance, particularly in circumstances where adherence would be exceptionally challenging.

Grain Matters: Navigating the Chadash Predicament Across the Centuries

In 1759, a clandestine faction of Shabetai Tzvi’s followers in Poland committed a startling act: they collectively converted to Christianity while simultaneously accusing Jews of the age-old fabrication of using blood in matzah production. Despite the longstanding existence of the blood libel, this marked the first instance where the accusation was made by citing and distorting Talmudic and halachic sources. In this class, we examine the specific passages they employed and learn the response of the Jewish leadership during that era. As Ber of Bolochov, the chronicler of this event, emphasized, recording this narrative was essential to ensure that future generations would understand the suffering and trials of their ancestors and how it was notably worse when it emanated from within the Jewish community.

The Frankist Blood Libel

The Kittsee Haggadah

The library of Agudas Chasidei Chabad houses a remarkable manuscript crafted in 1760 by the talented scribe and artist Chaim ben Asher Anshel of Kittsee, near present-day Bratislava. We’ll trace the journey of this Haggadah from its creation to its acquisition by the Frierdiker Rebbe. Opening this manuscript, we’ll examine its layout, artwork, nusach, and style of nikud, seeking to uncover the influences that shaped Chaim ben Asher’s masterpiece through a comparative analysis with other Haggadahs of that period.

To purchase a facsimile of the Kittzee Haggadah:
https://store.kehotonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HP-HAGG.KITZEE

To view it online, visit the following link and insert card number “1950”:
https://chabadlibrary.org/catalog/index.php?catalog=mscatalog


Additional Links:

Kittzee Haggadah 1748, Gross Collection
https://www.nli.org.il/en/discover/manuscripts/hebrew-manuscripts/viewerpage?vid=MANUSCRIPTS#d=[[PNX_MANUSCRIPTS990000632400205171-1,FL54685621

Kittzee Haggadah 1768, Hebrew Union College
https://mss.huc.edu/phpviewer/index.php?path=MS_451

Kittzee Haggadah 1769, Jewish Museum London
https://www.nli.org.il/en/discover/manuscripts/hebrew-manuscripts/viewerpage?vid=MANUSCRIPTS#d=[[PNX_MANUSCRIPTS990001792760205171-1,FL28179029

Kittzee Haggadah 1771, Hungarian Academy of Sciences
https://www.nli.org.il/en/discover/manuscripts/hebrew-manuscripts/viewerpage?vid=MANUSCRIPTS#d=[[PNX_MANUSCRIPTS990001920270205171-1,FL59161404

Kittzee Haggadah 1772, JTS Library
https://digitalcollections.jtsa.edu/islandora/object/jts%3A62343#page/41/mode/1up

Amsterdam 1695
https://www.nli.org.il/en/books/NNL_ALEPH990013798840205171/NLI#modal-downloadModal

Prague 1713
https://www.nli.org.il/en/books/NNL_ALEPH990013798850205171/NLI

Offenbach 1721
https://www.hebrewbooks.org/4923

Frankfurt 1724
https://www.nli.org.il/en/books/NNL_ALEPH990010665310205171/NLI

In the year 1550, two non-Jewish printers published competing editions of Rambam’s Mishneh Torah. One of them partnered with an esteemed rabbi from Padua, who, in his quest for support, turned to Rabbi Moshe Isserlis. Rama’s response along with a careful examination of the printed volumes unveil the details of this dispute. Rama’s scholarly answer also sheds light on various areas of commercial Halachah as well as the Noahide laws.
The Printers’ Clash: The Battle Over Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, Venice 1550