The Seforim Blog – Page 18 – All about Seforim – New and Old, and Jewish Bibliography

Torah Genius, Infallibility and Augmented Intelligence

March 11, 2022 admin Comments 3 comments

Torah Genius, Infallibility and Augmented Intelligence by Avinoam Fraenkel For details of Avinoam Fraenkel’s new book, Shomer Emunim: The Introduction to Kabbalah, and his previous two-volume Nefesh HaTzimtzum, see here. To view his series of short Shomer Emunim Kabbalah explainers, that introduce the basic concepts of Arizal’s Kabbalah in the context of contemporary science and technology, see here. This essay explores the nature of Torah genius, and how it can be dramatically enhanced by embracing technology. It investigates why, notwithstanding…

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Appreciations of Gedolei Yisroel

March 7, 2022 admin Comments 6 comments

Appreciations of Gedolei Yisroel By Avraham Willner From conversation with Harav Shmaryahu Shulman zt’l. Rav in Jersey City and Norwich Ct. Member of the Agudas Harabbonim. Author of Be’er Sarim, Ohr Layesharim and more. In previous posts, I focused on anecdotes, thoughts and quotes I heard Rav Shulman repeat on occasion from the vast array of Gedolei Yisroel with whom he was privileged to share a close relationship. Presented here are a collection of Rav Shulman’s appreciations and admirations of…

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Book Announcements: Five recent works

March 2, 2022 admin Comments 12 comments

Book Announcements: Five recent works By Eliezer Brodt This post serves a dual purpose; first, to describe some new, very interesting seforim and thereby making the Seforim Blog readership aware of their recent publication. Second, to make these works available for purchase for those interested. Part of the proceeds will be going to support the efforts of the Seforim Blog. Contact me at Eliezerbrodt@gmail.com for more information about purchasing or for sample pages of these new works. The first work…

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Armin Wilkowitch about Shabbes Shekolim in his youth in Russia

February 25, 2022 admin Comments 3 comments

Armin Wilkowitch about Shabbes Shekolim in his youth in Russia by Gabriel Wasserman and Phillip Minden Shabbes Shekolim (Shabbat Sheqalim) is the first of the four special Sabbaths in or near the month of Adar, when special passages are read from the Torah. In addition to the special readings from the Torah, Ashkenazic Jewry has distinguished these four Sabbaths with the inclusion of special piyyutim in the Sabbath service; these piyyutim – most, and perhaps all – are by Eleazar…

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The Image of the Menorah in the Early Printed Hebrew Book

February 15, 2022 admin Comments 14 comments

The Image of the Menorah in the Early Printed Hebrew Book By Dan Rabinowitz The menorah is one of the most recognizable Jewish symbols. Today it has been adopted by the State of Israel as her official symbol, and throughout history there are numerous examples of its use. Coins, headstones, paintings and synagogue walls etchings, lamps, mosaics, manuscripts, and books, all provide examples of the widespread usage and mediums. Many of these examples have been addressed by scholars, but there…

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Daf Yomi: Seforim on Chagigah

February 11, 2022 admin Comments 1 comment

Daf Yomi: Seforim on Chagigah By Eliezer Brodt Daf Yomi just began learning Masseches Chagigah. Earlier this week I had a conversation with Rabbi Moshe Schwed of All Daf. The purpose of the conversation was to briefly highlight some of the rishonim and acharonim “out there” on this messechtah, adding some tidbits of interest about them. We recorded it and it’s available for viewing here and here. It is only 32 minutes long. Many aspects could have been discussed at…

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