Musings of a Book Collector

Tracking a Rare Sefer: A Forensic Case Study Centered on the 1616 Chanukas HaBayis

In this episode, we trace the story of this sefer through bibliographic works and library collections, following the evidence used to piece together information about the work and its author. We look at who encountered the sefer, how it was cited, and what those references reveal about its circulation and use.
We then explore why the Magen Avraham made use of this work, and what his reliance on it suggests about its standing significance.
The episode concludes with several reflections on the sefer itself and its connection to Chanukah, placing the 1616 Chanukas HaBayis within a broader historical and bibliographic context.

Learning Ramban Al HaTorah: Techeles Mordechai to Keren Pnei Moshe -Tools Across the Ages

For centuries, many have turned to the Ramban’s commentary to uncover Torah’s deepest layers. This episode traces how Ramban was learned through the ages — from early manuscripts to modern editions. Deep diving into Rav Mordechai Gimpel Jaffe’s Techeles Mordechai and the new edition of Keren Pnei Moshe.

Remembering R’ Dovid Kamenetsky: His generosity, Legacy, & Seforim

In this episode, I share a hesped for R’ Dovid Kamenetsky זצ״ל, a talmid chacham & prolific author. I reflect on my personal connection with him and the lessons we can learn from his life—especially his generosity and devotion to helping others. I also trace his legacy, highlighting his many significant works on the Vilna Gaon and his Beis Medrash, as well as his more recent focus on the life of R’ Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, including his two monumental volumes on the subject. His passing is a profound loss for the Torah world, but his seforim & articles ensure that his voice and teachings will continue to inspire.

The Quiet Pen of Torah: Reflections on R’ Eliyahu Greensweig

In this episode, I share a hesped for R’ Eliyahu Greensweig זצ״ל, a hidden talmid chacham, a prolific author — filling notebooks, and pages with his vast Torah knowledge. Though not a public figure, his quiet brilliance, meticulous exactitude in seforim, and endless written output made him truly unique. I reflect on my personal connection with him and the lessons we can take from his life — humility, precision, generosity, and the discipline of writing Torah every day. His passing is a deep loss for the world of Torah, but his legacy of words and learning continues to inspire.

Short Episode 8: Why Jewish History Matters—Especially Now: Reading Shevet Yehudah & Yaven Metzulah

As summer rolls in and Tishah B’Av approaches, it’s the perfect moment to reconnect with Jewish history through two classic works: Shevet Yehudah and Yaven Metzulah. In this episode, we reflect on why Jewish historical awareness matters—especially now—and how these books can frame our memory, mourning, and meaning during the Nine Days.
 
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Musings of a Book Collector Ep. 8 Book Week 2023

This episode was recorded in 2023 and discusses Book Week in general, with a focus on publications from that year.

Short Episode 7: Minhagei Shavuos in Jewish Autobiography: Autobiographical Windows into Jewish Practice

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Short Episode 6: Two New Autobiographies: R' Greizman, I was a Talmid in Yeshivas Chevron (1952–1958) & Lev Ne'eman of Rav Mazuz

Short Episode 5: Five New Seforim: Discussion of Recent Torah Publications & Their Ties to the Mishnah Berurah

Short Episode 4: Four New Haggadot on the Shelf: A 2025 Snapshot