Sephardic Luminaries: Recent Episodes
Rabbi Haim Ovadia
In this podcast we explore the cultural and theological differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews, differences which stem from interaction with their surrounding cultures and religions.
This podcast is dedicated to of my dear friend and mentor, Rabbi Ezra Labaton זצ"ל, on the fifth anniversary of his passing , which was a devastating loss for his loving family and loyal friends and disciples, and also left a tremendous void in the Jewish world and particularly in the Syrian community.
R Gaguine discusses the strict boundaries between the Sephardic and Ashkenazie communities in Amsterdam. He presents the historic argument that has to do with the attempt to convince people to stay within the fold of their communities so not to lose their membership fees and taxes. He also tries to determine whether there was a halakhic reason for the practice. He tried, unsuccessfully,To convince the community leaders to cancel the practice which did not allow a man from One community to receive an Aliyah at the other community.
In this session we discuss the possibility of writing the Torah in other languages. The dispute between the rabbis regarding the ways to analyze the Torah. The importance of studying the whole Bible.
In this session we discuss the ritual of returning the Torah to the Ark. The different titles of the positions in the synagogue. The structure of the social system in Jewish communities, in the role of the minors in the snow.
The practices described in chapter 14, and the ceaseless Torah scroll are more reminiscent of the Ashkenazi tradition.
In this session we discussed the blessings for reading other portions of the Bible. We also discussed the special connection according to mystical teachings of the song of songs to Friday night.
In this session we discuss the stops during the reading of the Torah. How one should read the blessings and the curses in the Torah. What sections have a special status.
The Zionism of R Yehuda HaLevi as reflected in his poetry, the Kuzari, and his actions.
On the origin of the name Shabbat HaGadol; Christian influence; Why search on the 13th.
The introduction of R Gaguine to the laws of Pesah deals with unifying or switching a minhag.
Why are there 87 words in Barukh Sheamar, and can a Cohen say the blessings with shoes on.
Most Sephardic communities celebrated BM early. In North Africa it was more emphasized than in the Middle East or Europe.
A talk at Valley Beth Midrash on the cultural and ideological differences btw Sephardim and Ashkenazim and about the origin of those differences.
Rabbi Gedalya ibn Yahya continues to praise women. This time, 24 qualities which make women superior.
Unsettling but somewhat familiar views regarding the status of women vs. men from R Avarbanel, R Ovadia of Bertinoro, R Ovadia Sforno, and R Moshe Al-Sheikh.
Negative attitude and myths were common in bothers the Sephardic and Ashkenazi world. Also in this session interesting insights by R Yitzhak Arama.
Some sources allow physical violence towards women. The Geonim rule against the Talmud in favor of women.
R. Yosef Haim writes that he has no counter argument against the claim of European women that times have changed. In the 20th century, how words were doctored and distorted.
Maimonides rules that a woman should not leave the house more than once or twice a month. Was his ruling followed?
Asenath Barazani served as a prominent Rabbi and Mrs. Farha Sassoon chaired the rabbinic assembly. Freha bar Adiba is venerated as a scholar.
A comparison of the Hasidic movement and Sephardic Jewry. Also: the hijacking of North African intelligentsia by the Ashkenazi world and its consequences.
We use Marc Shapiro’s article on R Messas to highlight trends and qualities of modern Sephardic poskim. Also: his banishment by R Ovadia Yosef.
Based on the research of Dr. Nissim Leon, we explore the history of the new Haredi trend of Sephardic Jews. Part 2
Based on the research of Dr. Nissim Leon, we explore the history of the new Haredi trend of Sephardic Jews. Part 1
Are Sephardic Jews only those who came from the Iberian peninsula? Who invented the term Mizrachi Jews and when? Who are the Arab Jews?
Conclusion of the discussion of Rabbi Toledano’s seminal responsa on diaspora life and independence.
Continued discussion of R Toledano’s ruling regarding military training, in which he also discusses Zionism and the failure of diaspora rabbinic leadership.
2nd part of the discussion. Also examining the idea of martyrdom and the binding of Isaac
R Y M Toledano. Yam HaGadol, ch. 97, discusses the need to learn military tactics, in 1931! He rebukes leaders who believed in the image of the wandering suffering Jew.
Sephardic practices pertaining to the birth of a baby girl, Berit milah, pidyon, and weddings.
A discussion of the differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities regarding prayer and their origin.
A discussion of the influences on and of the Shulhan Arukh. The debate around Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. The correct pronunciation according to Sephardic tradition.
An introduction to the differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi prayer customs. A discussion of the daily blessings
An analysis of Sephardic approach to leadership and Halakha based on the writings of R. Toledano, R Mesas, and R. Chelouche.
R Karo got entangled with the semikha attempt and suffered but he was able to overcome and succeed.
At the conclusion of the semikha controversy we find R Berav and R B Haviv bitter enemies. What lessons can be learned?
Underneath the Halakhic dispute we find currents of personal relationships and character traits.
In this mini-session within the R Karo series we discuss the attempt of R Yaakov Berav to renew the institution of Semikha and the Sanhedrin. His bitter dispute with R Levi ben Haviv and the personal and political factors involved.
We segue from the story of R Karo to discuss the Sephardic study method. This is in relation to the yeshiva ofR Yaakov Berav in Safed - Tzefat, and his attempt to renew the institution of the Sanhedrin
R Karo delays in Nikopolis, avoids Salonica, and finally migrated to israel. We discuss the factors behind the renewed interest in Israel and The differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi methodology.
After losing his wife and children in the plague, R Karo goes through a cycle of guilt, shame, exile, asceticism and near death. He then emerges with a messianic belief.
The first record we have of an actual all night study on Shavuot comes from the secret group of R Karo and R Elkavetz in Salonica, 1533. There we also find seeds of Zionism.
A considerable part of R Karo's Kabbalistic teachings and beliefs was dedicated to controlling and understanding sexual behavior, and that also influenced his Halakhic writings.
There is a myth that R Karo was told by the Arizal that his soul did not belong to the world of Kabbalah. As a matter of fact he was a devout Kabbalist and a very close friend of R. Shelom El-Kavetz