Musings of a Book Collector

Chulin 4: R' Shmuel Ibn Gamah (Part One)

Chulin 3: Eldad Hadani Part Three

Chulin 2: Eldad Hadani Part Two

Chulin 1: Eldad Hadani

As I was preparing my episode on how Chullin was learned through the ages, I came to realize that this is perhaps the Mesechtah most written about from a halachic standpoint. A large percentage of Yoreh De'ah is based on it. Kashrut is a central subject, and although certain aspects—such as shechitah and treifot—are encountered less frequently in everyday life than in the past, they remain just as relevant today. Other areas, such as בשר בחלב, תערובות, מליחה, and the simanim of animals and fish, are likewise highly relevant.
The literature on the Mesechtah, and on Yoreh De'ah more broadly, is vast. I decided to challenge myself by exploring it through both micro and macro lenses—zooming in and out through a series of shorter episodes focused on the seforim, personalities, and controversies that shaped its study. I want to examine what the major issues were, what they still are, and what a rav needed to know when setting out to become a posek, as well as what was required once he had already assumed that role.
In addition, I hope to explore how pesak took—and takes—shape in practice. At times I will connect the discussion to a specific daf, though since these reflections are somewhat spontaneous, I expect to return to many of these topics, figures, and seforim over time.

Hamantaschen: A Forensic History of a Purim Pastry

In this episode, we trace the origins and evolution of hamantaschen across a wide range of sources. From early printed references to autobiographical accounts preserving lived Purim memories, we explore how this iconic pastry entered Jewish cultural life. Along the way, we examine Purim plays, parodies, and humorous literature that shaped, and popularized it.
Taken together, these materials reveal how minhag emerges not only in the beit midrash, but also in memoir, satire, and the printed page — offering a cultural and textual biography of hamantaschen across the centuries.

The Vilna Gaon: Fact, Fiction, & the Kol HaTor

This was sponsored and took place at the Young Israel Beth El of Borough Park, February 4 2026.
This is a small part of my recent research related to the Gra. Hopefully I will release more soon.

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.