From The Depths
This podcast explores Questions and Responsa From the Depths by Rabbi Ephraim Oshry ob"m, his magnum opus on questions he addressed relating to the Holocaust. Rabbi Oshry was a survivor of the Kovno ghetto, and this in-depth analysis of his writings provides a fascinating window into his decision-making processes. Intended for mature audiences, with or without a Judaic studies background.
Episodes
11 episodes
Mezuzahs in the Ghetto
Did the homes in the ghetto require a mezuzah?
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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13:51
Use of Electric Lights for Shabbos Candles
May one use electric lights as Shabbos candles in the ghetto?
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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5:24
Pidyon Haben/Redemption of a First-Born Son with a Missing Father
With regards to a first-born son with an absent father, who may perform the mitzvah of pidyon haben, redeeming the first-born son?
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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12:43
Circumcision by a Nonreligious Jew
A young man raised in an assimilated home wishes to undergo a circumcision in the Kovno ghetto. Can a nonreligious doctor perform this procedure? This is a question which applies even today with regards to many men who have had circumcisions pe...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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14:07
Reciting the HaGomel Blessing in the Ghetto
Should someone in the ghetto recite the special blessing of HaGomel, which is said when saved from a dangerous situation, when they are spared from being rounded up by the Nazis?
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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11:35
Suicide in the Ghetto
Can someone in the ghetto commit suicide to avoid having to witness the murder of his family? A heartbreaking question, a dubious source, and a not-so-simple answer.
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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28:20
Cooking on the Sabbath in the Ghetto
Is it better to perform hard labor or transgress the Sabbath by cooking? And can someone eat the food cooked on the Sabbath?
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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15:05
Using Clothing from Martyred Jews
Can the clothes of martyred Jews be used by someone else? Rabbi Oshry responds.
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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9:50
Transgressing Torah Law for an Eventual Possible Danger to Life
May one transgress a Biblical commandment for a possible future danger to life? In this episode, Rabbi Ephraim Oshry's response is presented.
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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16:26