Documents and Responsa from across the Jewish world reveal that for centuries Jews discussed, debated and disagreed over the Shabbos Eruv

Walled cities, canals, telegraph poles, Kabbala, fires and powerful secular rulers all played their role and affected entire communities. And from the 19th century onwards, strong personalities would influence and colour the narrative.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Erevin and Halacha

03:04 Understanding the Concept of Erevin

05:53 Historical Context of Erevin

08:54 Disputes and Rulings on Erevin

11:48 Erevin in Different Regions

14:55 The Role of Authority in Erevin

17:53 Contemporary Applications of Erevin

21:05 The Historical Context of Eruvin in Jewish Communities

24:41 Challenges and Innovations in Eruvin Construction

28:03 The Evolution of Eruvin in Krakow

36:00 Eruvin in the New World: St. Louis Case Study

Jewish leadership found itself in a crisis post-1881, affecting not only their options but their identity. In response, Rabbis turned to the international community for help, especially from non-Jewish politicians.

This period was exacerbated by the publication of the infamous Protocols of the Elders of Zion and the notorious Kishinev pogrom of 1903, which was followed by the abortive 1905 Revolution.

As a conclusion, the podcast also defines the historical context of Jewish suffering and the cycle of Jewish history.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Jewish Suffering Through History

02:54 The Impact of the May Laws and Pogroms

05:53 The Shift in Jewish Identity and Response

09:05 The Role of Rabbinic Leadership During Crisis

12:08 International Responses to Jewish Persecution

15:00 The Kovner Circle and Smuggling Information

18:04 The Aftermath of Pogroms and Changing Policies

20:46 The Protocols of the Elders of Zion and Its Legacy

27:53 The Systematic Transition to Violence

30:47 The Rise of Revolutionaries and the 1905 Uprising

36:32 Understanding Jewish Suffering Through History

39:27 Insights on Divine Purpose and Jewish Existence

51:10 The Cycle of Jewish History and Its Lessons

1855 brought a new dawn to Russia, and was embraced by many, although poverty remained a constant.

When the Czar was assassinated, all hell broke loose and the Jews were given a stark reminder of their status. By 1897 Socialism, Zionism & Emigration seemed to offer the only routes out.

Chapters

00:00 The Shift in Jewish Education and Identity

01:46 The Impact of Tsar Alexander II's Reforms

06:40 The Rise of Jewish Assimilation and National Pride

12:46 The Economic Divide Among Jews

18:02 The Harsh Realities of Poverty in the Pale

22:34 The Reversal of Reforms and Growing Tensions

25:48 The Generational Divide and Revolutionary Movements

28:37 The Anarchist Campaign Against the Tsar

33:24 The Assassination of Tsar Alexander II

36:46 The Aftermath: Repression and Pogroms

41:04 The May Laws and Their Impact on Jewish Life

49:14 The Rise of Jewish Nationalism and Emigration

54:55 Historical Memory and Current Events