The Satmar Rebbe's Life and Controversial Anti-Zionism | In Conversation with Rabbi Ysoscher Katz

[@juliaagnes7]

I am a Catholic and found this very interesting, informative and well moderated. The topics were well discussed and handled with respect and dignity. I did not see any bias, rudeness or improper handling of any aspect of the conversation. The comments show me the controversy, which I find interesting as well. Excellent job Frieda! Please continue the excellent work!

[@eytonshalomsandiego]

what a nice comment! i for one am very glad that you're enjoying this! I am a Jew who studied at a Jesuit University and Diosecean college one year each, and have never felt more respected by people, the administrators and professors, which was a very pleasant surprise, since I was born in 1954 and did not know what to expect... I think there's a great peace has been made between Christians and Jews since the ecumenical movement of the 1950s and onwards... thank you

[@juliaagnes7]

@@eytonshalomsandiego I am glad to hear you had a good experience at those places. I think the more we learn about each other, the better we can get along. It is possible.

[@Lou_Snuts]

Same tradition, here, too. Agree with your observations too!

[@ffvvaacc]

I am Catholic as well (grew up in Brooklyn in a mixed area) and find Frieda’s videos and interview discussions excellent. Please see her most recent video on reflections one year after Oct 7. It is very very good.

[@evanmurphy2473]

Catholic here also, these conversations are gold. You'll never get anything like it anywhere else.

[@repertorycinema]

Frieda, I think you should consider interviewing Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro... I believe he is the great-grand-nephew of Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum, and seems to be open to online interviews. He is a Satmar rabbi. I believe you would get a different angle... I'm a (non-Jewish) fan of the channel, and I appreciate your sincerity and genuineness...

[@bewilderedminny]

I'm Irish and a former Catholic, yet somehow I found your channel and am very happy I did. I admire your work. You have great guests on and I feel I learn more about people, faith, history and culture from you and your guests. Thank you.

[@TheCloser-hu6ew]

I married and divorced into and out of Z"L Satmar. I feel I have learned much more watching this than my stint living in Williamsburg. Thank you! Yes, I completely agree. Once Satmar, you will always hold Satmar in your heart!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

To your last sentence: Those who have been there know!

[@תודהלשםכיטוב]

Hiii,when you say once you know your know..is this in a positive way or negative? I don’t know lol and interested to understand what you two mean. ❤Thank

[@TheCloser-hu6ew]

@@תודהלשםכיטוב Positive!

[@rockyjoelnoe]

The picture of the Rebbi is from my great grandfather Tiechtal. I grew in Williamsburg Satmar / Toldos Aharon. I asked my grandfather how is it that we are staunch anti Zionist when our famous grandfather was a pro Zionism. The answer I got was that he was beaten in prison to write his book “Eim Habonim Samacha”. Such distortion of facts to fit the narrative.

[@ysoscher]

Fascinating! What a weird story. Thanks for sharing it. The lengths one would go to justify life choices!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

That's quite depressing.

[@MosheGinsburgcoach]

I speak from litvish community We love our children no matter how far they drift.

[@abeehrenfeld]

Just a few observations on the interview. 1.The Rebbe's issue with what you refer to as the Antinomianism in Chasidus dates back to the Santz Sadegar Machlokha. While in Sadegar they believed that A Rebbe is not bound by Halacha The Santzer Rub vehemently opposed that notion. The Rebbe saw himself as a disciple of the Divri Chaim so he too was opposed to that idea. And this was his view way before he had to deal with Zionism and the Chasidisha Rebbes that he directly and indirectly accused of being influenced by the Zionist idiolgy. (What needs to be pointed out is that all of the main stream chasidisha Rebbes considered themselves anti zionist even while supporting the government of Israel and instructing their followers to participate in the elections for parliament) 2.The Satmar Rebbe never ever rejected the type of chasidus that he himself grew up with. You mention that in Satmar we didn't learn Chasidus while this is true in regard to Chabad/Polish chasidus it is not so when it came to chasidisha Seforim such as מאור ושמש,ַבאר יום חיים, יושר דברים אמת, נועם אלימלך, בני יששכר וכו' We were very much encouraged to learn these musser based chasidisha Seforim and this didn't change before or after V'yoel Moshe. 3.The only litvish Rosh Yeshiva that the Rebbe was really close to in America was Reb Arum Kalmanowitz, the Mir RY. And until Itzkowitz and Atik came to be RY in Satmar which happened way after the Rebbe passed away, Litvish Torah was totally non existent in Satmar and you know that the Rebbe was not a fan to say the least of their Derech Halimud. 4.The Rebbe doesn't write נשתכח תורת הבעש"ט But rather דרך הבעש"ט. He very much believed that the תורת הבעש"ט is חיי וקיים and he qoutes sefri talmidi Bal Shem all the time. Now it's also important to note the context in which he writes this and it's not about the general idea of Zionism being supported by Chasidisha Rebbes in the name of the Bal Shem. It's to defend himself from critic by Chasidisha Rebbes that criticized him for being so openly critical against other Jews even not frum Jews. The Chasidisha Rebbes felt that emphasis on אהבת ישראל בתורת הבעש"ט extends itself even when it comes to non frum Jews and therefore it's not appropriate to speak out against them. It's on that note that the Rebbe rejected that and said A. That wasn't what the Bal Shem believed and B. We don't really know and understand the דרך הבעש"ט 5. Rav Kook was born and raised as a Litvak and him being somewhat influenced from chasidus had absolutely nothing to do with the Rebbe's rejection of דרך הבעש"ט. 6. The Apter Story is with the אוהב ישראל not Reb Mier. 7. About the Kastner issue. To add insult to injury one can add 2 other events that in some ways are even bigger issues. A. Rav Hertzog was the one that arranged the Rebbe's certificate to enter Israel. B. It was Reb Yakkov Katz from Agudha that arranged for the Rebbe to not have to stay at the camp for migrants after he for to Israel. The best explanation to the Kastner conundrum is that a big% of the money came from the Orthodox community in Budahpast and Reb Pinches Fruediger specifically asked for the Rebbe to be included in the transport.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment. I look forward to Ysoscher’s response. A lot of food for thought here.

[@ysoscher]

Thanks Abe. Been a long day, will respond later this evening or sometime tomorrow.

[@davidstarkpiano]

Waiting for this reply thanks for the input abe

[@ysoscher]

SORRY FOR THE DELAY, BUT HOPEFULLY BETTER LATE THAN NEVER. I QUOTE YOUR CRITIQUES AND THEN MY RESPONSES IN CAPITAL LETTERS. Just a few observations on the interview. 1.The Rebbe's issue with what you refer to as the Antinomianism in Chasidus dates back to the Santz Sadegar Machlokha. While in Sadegar they believed that A Rebbe is not bound by Halacha The Santzer Rub vehemently opposed that notion. The Rebbe saw himself as a disciple of the Divri Chaim so he too was opposed to that idea. And this was his view way before he had to deal with Zionism and the Chasidisha Rebbes that he directly and indirectly accused of being influenced by the Zionist idiolgy. (What needs to be pointed out is that all of the main stream chasidisha Rebbes considered themselves anti zionist even while supporting the government of Israel and instructing their followers to participate in the elections for parliament) YES AND NO. YOU ARE CORRECT, THE OPPOSITION TO CHASSIDIC ANTINOMIANISM WAS A TZANZER INFLUENCE. HE GOT IT FROM THE DIVREI CHAIM, WHOM HE SAW AS ONE OF HIS INTELLECTUAL AND SPIRITUAL ANCESTORS. (THE OTHER WAS THE CHASAM SOFER.) NEVERTHELESS, BEFORE HE TOOK ON ORTHODOX ZIONISM IT WAS NOT A CENTRAL PIECE OF HIS THEOLOGY. hOWEVER, ONCE RELIGIOUS ZIONISTS BEGAN BASING THEIR SUPPORT OF ZIONISM ON CHASSIDIC ANTINOMIANISM, THAT’S WHEN HE BECAME A CRUSADE FOR HIM. VE’HU RAYAH, IT’S IN THE CONTEXT OF AGITATING AGAINST RELIGIOUS ZIONISM THAT HE MAKES THE RADICAL PRONOUNCMENT נשתכחה דרך הבעש”ט. You write: 2.The Satmar Rebbe never ever rejected the type of chasidus that he himself grew up with. You mention that in Satmar we didn't learn Chasidus while this is true in regard to Chabad/Polish chasidus it is not so when it came to chasidisha Seforim such as מאור ושמש,ַבאר יום חיים, יושר דברים אמת, נועם אלימלך, בני יששכר וכו' We were very much encouraged to learn these musser based chasidisha Seforim and this didn't change before or after V'yoel Moshe. TO QUOTE CHAZAL, הוא מותיב לה והוא מפרק לה. YOU YOURSELF ANSWER YOUR OWN QUESTION. WE WERE ALLOWED TO STUDY MUSSAR BASED CHASSIDSHE SEFORIM, BOOKS WHICH FOR THE MOST PART HAD NOTHING WHATSOEVER TO DO WITH THE MYSTICALLY ORIENTED TORAS HABESHT. ESSENTIALLY PROVING MY POINT THAT HE REJECTED CHASSIDIC THEOLOGY BUT KEPT INTACT CHASSIDISH PRACTICE AND EXTERNALS--INCLUDING THE STUDY OF BOOKS WHICH WERE ONLY CHASSIDISH IN NAME. THEY ESPOUSED TORAH WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN PROMULGATED EVEN IF THERE WAS NEVER A BESHT. You write: 3.The only litvish Rosh Yeshiva that the Rebbe was really close to in America was Reb Arum Kalmanowitz, the Mir RY. And until Itzkowitz and Atik came to be RY in Satmar which happened way after the Rebbe passed away, Litvish Torah was totally non existent in Satmar and you know that the Rebbe was not a fan to say the least of their Derech Halimud. YOU LEFT OUT AN IMPORTANT ONE: RAV AARON KOTLER Z”L. THE REBBE WAS A HUGE FAN AND MORE IMPORTANTLY HE GAVE THIS GUSHING EULOGY. COMMENDING HIM FOR STANDING STRONG AGAINST ZIONIST TRENDS, WHICH IN ESSENCE WAS A BACKHANDED CRITIQUE OF THOSE WHO UNLIKE RAV AARON WHERE NOT AS STEADFAST AS HE WAS. \ You write: 4.The Rebbe doesn't write נשתכח תורת הבעש"ט But rather דרך הבעש"ט. He very much believed that the תורת הבעש"ט is חיי וקיים and he qoutes sefri talmidi Bal Shem all the time. Now it's also important to note the context in which he writes this and it's not about the general idea of Zionism being supported by Chasidisha Rebbes in the name of the Bal Shem. It's to defend himself from critic by Chasidisha Rebbes that criticized him for being so openly critical against other Jews even not frum Jews. The Chasidisha Rebbes felt that emphasis on אהבת ישראל בתורת הבעש"ט extends itself even when it comes to non frum Jews and therefore it's not appropriate to speak out against them. It's on that note that the Rebbe rejected that and said A. That wasn't what the Bal Shem believed and B. We don't really know and understand the דרך הבעש"ט YOU CALIM THAT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TORAS HABESHT AND DERECH HABESHT AND THEN GO ON TO SITE AN EXAMPLE WHICH IS ALL ABOUT TORAT HABESHT. THE REASON THE BESHT AND HIS FOLLOWERS CHAMPIONED THE NOTION THAT אהבת ישראל “extends itself even when it comes to non frum Jews and therefore it's not appropriate to speak out against them.” THIS PREMISE IS BASED ON TORAS HABESHT, NOT DERECH HABESHT. 5. Rav Kook was born and raised as a Litvak and him being somewhat influenced from chasidus had absolutely nothing to do with the Rebbe's rejection of דרך הבעש"ט. 6. The Apter Story is with the אוהב ישראל not Reb Mier. WE ALREADY DISCUSSED NO. 5. AND NO. 6 IS INDEED MY MISTAKE, SOMETHING THAT OTHERS HAVE POINTED OUT AS WELL. 7. About the Kastner issue. To add insult to injury one can add 2 other events that in some ways are even bigger issues. A. Rav Hertzog was the one that arranged the Rebbe's certificate to enter Israel. B. It was Reb Yakkov Katz from Agudha that arranged for the Rebbe to not have to stay at the camp for migrants after he arrived to Israel. The best explanation to the Kastner conundrum is that a big% of the money came from the Orthodox community in Budahpast and Reb Pinches Fruediger specifically asked for the Rebbe to be included in the transport.

[@ysoscher]

@@davidstarkpiano please see my response below

[@rationalistssj6540]

Good to see they both still have warm feelings for Satmar; they didn't throw it all away.

[@ShayaJunk]

Thank You 🙏 for the interview. Was very insightful. Rabbi Suchy Katz has a very gifted way of explaining complex nuances of chasidus & history. Great job!!! I watched the full interview until the end. Full 1:42:54 Who else watched the full interview until the end? If you did. Click the thumbs up 👍on this comment.

[@ysoscher]

Thanks for your very kind words, they're much appreciated.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Ha ha, you get special schar for getting to the end. And my thumbs up. I did watch it to the end after all!

[@bivvystridents3752]

He's a total grifter! You can't see that?

[@ysoscher]

@@bivvystridents3752 you’re looking for a different word. Grifter does not mean what you think it means. It’s a fancy word, but you’re misusing it.

[@sarahm9723]

@@bivvystridents3752. ?

[@pkguy3]

Non jew boomer here who knows very little of Judaism but has gleaned a tiny bit from watching a few of your most informative and well done video's. Just want to say I did watch the whole thing and enjoyed it and your guest commentary very much. I feel a little more enlightened once again. thanks

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thanks so much! "Non Jew boomer" is a heck of a self-description! 😂

[@juliegoldman411]

Be aware that this is only one expression of Judaism

[@jeanetteyorba198]

Hello Frieda, just want to encourage you, I listen to your videos multiple times with joy. I learn so much and it is such a blessing to have access to your channel. This guest and your conversation with him especially prompted me to again thank you so much for you being you! With Respect, Jeanette

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you so much for your kind words Jeanette. I appreciate that you took the time to write this comment.

[@raizyschwartz7461]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video, and devour all of you tube content. You have a beautiful personality and always manage to break down concepts in the most interesting and objective manner. Thank you, and please don’t stop creating content!!!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you so much! I'm taking it a little slower now but hoping to publish more down the line. The hardest part is getting wonderful people on camera, because so many people are hesitant to be on camera.

[@MenachemWeinstein]

Brilliant video once again! Growing up in Lubavitch, I vividly remember my father throwing out all food items my mother purchased that had a Satmar Kosher certification 😅 Learning more about Satmar and R' Yoel was fascinating.

[@JewishLife]

Why did you mama buy food with Satmar affiliate Kosher certification to begin with 😉

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

We pretty much only ate Satmar hechsher so we could have swapped lunch.

[@MenachemWeinstein]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 😄

[@rivkagurevitz9019]

So to explain why Menachem's parents threw out Satmar stuff, and would have never bought Satmar meat: it has all to do with the fights of Satmar and Lubavitch in the 80s. Also there became a ban on Satmar shechita after a certain point in Crown Heights. Until a certain point, Lubavitchers in Crown Heights most definitely ate Satmar shechita (not everyone did, but a certain segment did). Then there was a ban, and that was over. Even those talking about Lubavitchers who are strict to eat only Lubavitch shechita, that isn't true for everyone. Many will eat other shechita, but it's still a hard stop at Satmar.

[@MarqueMyWords2442]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 😂😂🙌🙌

[@Hadassahs-Holt]

Glad you finally did this, that took chutzpah. Now that you got your feet wet, we are ready for more discussions and perspectives; hope you expand this, Frieda!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Ha ha, say more. What would you like to see covered?

[@Hadassahs-Holt]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn I’m always ready to learn about how Charedi groups are carrying out their missions while dealing with the secular world, having spent much of my life at that fringe. Any chance you might do some episodes in KJ or Monsey?

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

@@Hadassahs-Holt Monsey is definitely doable! KJ is terrifying to film in! I don't know how they managed to make the film 'City of Joel' - I wish I could interview the filmmaker and find out.

[@Hadassahs-Holt]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn That would be an interesting interview--you should ask him.

[@AbrahamNeuman]

Hi Frieda, I watch your videos a lot and I've probably seen 75% of all your videos out there. I must say that I am quite addicted to your content watching the videos with a smile on my face. This particular video is my favorite of all, I listened to every word of Yisoscher not wanting it to end. I appreciate your work and wish you success and the right amount of motivation to continue your work.

[@ysoscher]

Thank you for your kind words, they’re much appreciated.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you so much, I’m so happy to see appreciation for Ysoscher who it’s clear delighted me so much in our discussion!

[@susanjaneleitner7670]

I’m processing this rich discussion. I was mesmerized! So much to ponder. Stay safe. Stay strong.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you!

[@bivvystridents3752]

This guy is a douche. So fake.

[@Carrie1cj]

So cool that a man's reason for leaving a group his family was a part of, is because of equality for women's knowledge! That's beautiful ❤️

[@Shevfried]

Kinda reminds me of this concept that I'll let Fraidy (maybe) explain (or others) about Tzolafchad. He too was pondering once about women's equality. He had five daughters and, because he pondered this, there were reasons why his fate in court wasn't a positive one but his daughters got a plot of land in Israel because of their argument in favor of their dad, or something to that effect. The point I'm trying to make is that this fighting for equality (by a man, especially) isn't a first. There is also a special woman who fought for women's rights to also get educated. Sara Schenirer who started the Bais Yaakov (Beth Jacob) movement.

[@Shevfried]

In the times of Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses). He was the judge in the court when it came to Tzolafchad. His daughters were arguing over why they can't get a plot of land that is rightfully theirs even if they're not a man. And Hashem found favor in their argument and granted them their rightful ownership of their land. This all started because Tzolafchad pondered. Lol.

[@truth_farmer]

If he cared about family he wouldn't have divorced his wife

[@stephenfisher3721]

​@@truth_farmer Why are you still watching? You commented earlier that you are stopping because of the divorce.

[@stephenfisher3721]

​@@truth_farmer Most Christians are against Judaism and make it clear that they need Jesus who did away with the Law because it is absolutely positively too difficult to keep the laws of the Torah. Ironically the Torah ALLOWS divorce. Some Christians are against divorce and it certainly seems the New Testament is against divorce. If so, it is Christianity which is impossible to observe. Life is complicated and it sometimes happens that a husband and wife cannot continue together. They may each be wonderful people individually but not together. God does not demand additional years of bitterness and suffering according to Judaism.

[@kirbyesque]

Rabbi Katz and YCT are saving lives in the frum velt, even within Modern Orthodox circles - addressing important contemporary issues that affect individuals and families. I’m so looking forward to hearing his thoughts.

[@ysoscher]

Thank you so much for your kind and touching words.

[@d.rothenberg8295]

Many rabbis wore hassidic ''streimels'' which identify hassidi affiliation, but don't actually. Such as the '''Lithuanian'' Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv . My grandfather, a devoted student of Reb Yoelish, left hassidic garb after arriving in the U.S. However he walked from the lower East Side weekly, across the W'burg Bridge for Shabbos afternoons with the Rebbe. When my grandfather Rav Chaim Leib (Arye) Lerner would enter the Study Hall, the Rebbe would stand. About anti Zionism it's enigmatic that Satmar communities 1) have nevertheless taken such strong root in Israel and 2) are simultaneously so antagonistic to the State!

[@StarCityFAME]

My maternal Grandmother's family is from Szatmar (Csenger, if you are Hungarian), may God rest all their souls. Thanks for this interview. I don't know a whole lot, but I do some, esp that all of my ancestors from that area were murdered by the Nazis, and horribly the entire town near completely exterminated. (Family names Weisz, Farkas and Goldstein.) My only hope was that someone, anyone, would be my relative in Brooklyn and in Monroe. And when I for any reason happen to be passing thru either, I am among family. God Bless you.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Weisz, Farkas and Goldstein are all names in these communities. So much vibrant community was lost, those left and their children... we are all family.

[@StarCityFAME]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklynThank you and God Bless you!! ❤

[@CharnyArt]

I can not be more thankful that I came across this! Growing up satmer was very intense and this gave my soul some comfort.

[@carolmcgilloway1439]

as a Catholic I find your way of explaining your culture fantastic keep up the great work

[@rachel7845]

Fantastic! This was a very interesting and informative convo to listen to, thank you Frieda and Rabbi Katz!

[@ysoscher]

Yasher koach!

[@dorisporch2733]

Wow Frieda ... once again a fascinating conversation....Many thanks to you and your guest.

[@z.michaelschmidt2829]

Thank you Rebbezin Frieda Vizel .and Rabbi. Katz.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Ha ha… that’s a first…

[@elijahfish]

I comverted to Orthodox Judaism back in the 90's. I spent a lot of my early years among Satmar and similar groups. I have since changed my position somewhat on Zionism. But I will say that I found some of the kindest and most welcoming people in that community. And still have some good friends there today. Especially like to visit them on Purim.

[@ysoscher]

Indeed, their chesed, kindness and warmth is extraordinary.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

You must have a really interesting story.

[@ThunderAppeal]

What is Zionism?

[@deskset7436]

Zionism is Jewish nationalism - the belief that Jews should have a state of their own. Zionism as a political movement started in the late 1800s and reached its goal with the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. Before WWII, most Zionists were secular or socialist Jews rather than religious Jews. After the Holocaust, many more Orthodox Jews became Zionist given that 2/3 of European Jews were dead and most of the rest were refugees with no place to go. Satmar, however, did not go along with the majority and maintained a traditional Orthodox opposition to the idea of a Jewish state before the coming of the Messiah.

[@ThunderAppeal]

​@@deskset7436 Youre not entirely correct. Israel has always existed, Israel which is the homeland of the Jewish people. There is extensive geological, biblical, historical evidence that demonstrates where Israel is and that Jewish people have been associated with it for centuries. In AD history Israel has been referred to as pelestien, and all original references to this 'pelestien' were connected directly with Jewish people. The name pelestien was created by a roman emperor because Jewish people did not obey his rule. WW2 is just one components of an already existing people and nation which have existed for over 4000 years, and it is all documented. Categorizing orthodox or non orthodox in the matter of who is, was and isnt or wasnt a 'Zionist' is absurd, Jewish people have always prayed for to return to Israel and there have always been a Jewish presence in Israel and the surrounding nations. Today Israels largest population is largely Sephardi and Mizrahi who are from the surrounding middle eastern/so-called arab nations. So this notion that somehow todays Israel bears no resemblence nor any connection to an 'ancient' people is absurd, there has always been a connection. If you want to use the shoah in the proper context then you should be saying that during and after the shoah the arab nations have been only too happy to take up the nazi mantle after they were defeated in euroep by the soviets. Your narrow minded western centric interpretation of the region is tiresome.

[@Elvertaw]

Thank you for this video and guest. I really appreciate your interviewing style and how your guest tried to give a balanced opinion. Keep up the great work!!

[@dreamcatchersong]

Non-Jew here. Found this video very interesting. I recently did a night class on Judaism and our teacher had a funny saying, which I'm sure you know 'How many rabbis does it take to change a lightbulb: An infinite number, because each has his own interpretation' This video seems to confirm the truth of that ditty 😉. I look forward to hearing more.

[@hollyhuber675]

I've heard a similar joke from a Jewish source " if you want three opinions ask two Jews"

[@hollyhuber675]

Thanks Frida insightful as ever. I had a Jehovah Witness friend who eventually left but she described a situation such as you hinted at which they call PIMO which stands for 'physically in, mentally out' where the threat of losing everything: friends, family, faith community, the lot and the real risk of being shunned or "dis- fellowshipped" as they put it causes some to go through the motions but to have mentally have opted out. It must be miserable to live in such conditions of being out of faith with yourself. Heartbreaking.

[@renag9475]

One small clarification of a common misconception of Harav Feinstein allowances. They were not across the board, but hinged on specific conditions and circumstances

[@CRachelSPA]

For context, I grew up Satmar as well. I loved this interview. Found it all fascinating. I have a few comments and questions. Why can’t we name it as it is. He had OCD by all accounts. Putting rabbis on such pedestals doesn’t do anyone any good. Why can’t we call a spade, a spade. That story about the dream by Dr. Fisher and the train was our high school play every year! Oh the memories! Saving him because he’s a rebbe and he had to be saved because that’s like saving the entire yiddishkeit, is something we were taught as well. And I also remember being taught that even if Israel was governed by Halachachic and religious Jews, Satmar rebbe would still have an issue with it. From what I’m understanding, rabbi yisoscher is basically saying that the Satmar rebbe picked and chose from the notion of antinomianism in chasidus? Because he certainly didn’t care about what time to daven, so why was he so machmir with this one anti Zionist theory? I do think his OCD may have played a role. Otherwise it’s hypocritical.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

I really appreciate your counter comment to lots of the comments who took umbrage with Ysoscher's use of the term OCD to describe the Rebbe's chumras. Although I immensely enjoyed learning from Katz, I personally wouldn't diagnose or apply a value judgment. But at the end of the day, couldn't it be true at once that he was a great giant in modern Jewish history and suffered from certain obsessions? We all know that very frum people often have issues with moderating it. So we put a label on it... Is that really so negative? Btw we never made plays about the Rebbe's rescue and Dr. Fisher, I feel like we missed out. We did dance in a train/line on Kuf Alef Kuslav.

[@CRachelSPA]

Privileged Monsey Satmar 😅

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

@@CRachelSPA 😂😂

[@rivkah5219]

Having left satmar and struggling to move on still having it loom over my life every day this is a very comforting talk. I would love to know the argument for religious zionism

[@chayap.199]

Growing up in Crown Hieghts, we were not allowed to eat meat with a Satmar Hechsher. From what I remember, it had something to do with the extreme violence that was perpatrated against lubavitchers that was ok'd by the satmar Rebbe. The idea was that if physical violence is an ok behavior( against US law, and against halacha, then there is something off with the hashkafa and halachik perspective. I wonder if Lubavitchers are still holding to not eating satmar hechshers.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

There was a particular incident when Lubavichers came to Williamsburg to spread the good word so to speak and it erupted in a violent confrontation (started by a Puppa Hasidic I am told emphatically!). I don’t think that there have been incidents of violence outside of this. Nowadays I find that Satmar and Lubavich are finding a new way of connecting - many Satmar nowadays travel for work or vacation and have learned to lean on local chabad houses for minyan and facilities. So a lot of Satmarers have warmed to Lubavich. I don’t think we’ve seen any violence in years and years. Still, Satmar wouldn’t eat Lubavich hechsher so maybe it still works the other way? Most foods that have a Satmar Hechsher also have an OK or other hechsher on top of it.

[@chayap.199]

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn so interesting. You are creating bridges and connecting people. When a group of people look different, its hard not to feel a certain way. But exposure helps. I did not know that Satmars do not eat lubavitch meat. It was also interesting to hear about the source of the stockings.

[@chasidance]

There were several incidents of extreme violence perpetrated by satmar against anyone they perceived as a threat. All this was under the beirach moshe. The reason why lubavitch stopped eating their hechsher is because the hisachdus never condoned the violence.

[@joemoore9066]

What a great interview ! You picked a perfect guest. You always have a such a great way of questing the guests. Thank you ! I always learn about being a Jew from your video's. Have a wonderful day Frieda

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you as always so much Joe. Hope you are having a lovely first daylight savings time day!

[@SwamiMommy]

Wow, so enlightening Don’t know where to begin. Now I understand why my family were so anti Chabad! I want to hear more about Faige

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Yes, I do too! Alte Faiga was always a character in my periphery but I’d love love to learn more!

[@ysoscher]

Agree, she deserves her own show. She was an amazing, extraordinary, and very complex woman.

[@elicohen2806]

And she made THEE BEST kokosh cake! I had it in Yeiled!

[@erikaszabo1623]

I have been following your channel for a while. I like the fact that you don't disparage the Satmar community. I was born in Hungary two years after the war and came to the U.S. in 1956 escaping the Hungarian Revolution. I graduated 8th grade from the Samar school. Suffice to say that I experienced the good and bad living in Williamsburg. As I listen to your panel, I can attest to most of the experiences. Needless to say that I am no longer the follower of the community, but I am still part of it. My family has been very supportive of my lifestyle. My mother passed away after her 100 birthday and I kept her apartment in Williamsburg, which I visit when I am in New York. I am retired living in Florida surrounded with the younger generation from the Samar community. I feel very welcome in their company. As a matter of fact your interview with Pearl,,,, she seemed familiar to me, I must have gone to elementary school with her. Would love to meet with you when I am in Williamsburg next time. I also have some positive memories of the Samar Rebbe and the Rebetzin.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Very interesting. Thanks so much for your comment. Perhaps we will meet in Williamsburg?

[@MissHoneyKitchen]

Thanks so much for this wonderful conversation, I’ve learned so much! Frieda, I love all the questions you ask! It leads the conversation into such interesting topics and tangents!

[@mzalcyoga]

Frieda. It is like you read my mind. I was going to ask you if you could do a video about the Satmer rebbe and here it is. Thank you Frieda for been who you are and all your videos. (Remember me? I am Marshall from Brazil who was on your tour last September)

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Marshall, so nice to hear from you! I hope this segment answered some questions…

[@jillclark6076]

I was with you to the end! Fabulous guest! Thank you for your quality productions!!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thanks as always!!

[@lcs8967]

Grew up in Williamsburg in a very chassidish home. We were Klausenberg so that was an automatic anti Satmer qualification, if you know wt I mean. We were brought up to be proud Zionists while still acknowledging that the Zionist govt essentially hates religious Jews. To quote my mother 'just because another Jew hates me, that doesn't mean I have to hate them back.' Loved this conversation btw. Can you go more into detail about why Satmer Rebbe allowed many of his followers (and even encouraged them) to hurt other chassidim and Rebbes such as Klausenberg and Belz whom he quite literally drove out of Williamsburg.

[@ysoscher]

That is something that indeed deserves some attention, his relationship to other chassidus in Williamsburg. Although, Klozenberg is a unique case because there’s also a personal angle. Klozenberger rebbe was married to Satmar rebbe’s niece before the war, and that marriage wasn’t a simple one.

[@lesaym5871]

@ysoscher This person you're responding to is correct. I want to take time to watch this youtube, which I haven't yet. Based on the comments it seems you two must have glorified him, which he does NOT deserve. He normalized intersect hatred & physical fighting between different chasidisher groups even using "yimach shmo". He was a talmud chochom, but he encouraged HORRIBLE sinas chinam among yidden. The frum world would've been MUCH better off had he missed the Kastner train, FEH!

[@ysoscher]

@@lesaym5871 wow! שארפע ווערטער. Not cutting him any slack

[@lesaym5871]

@@ysoscher He doesn't deserve any slack! Like Amalek, we say they fought with Bnai Yisroel and therefore removed the fear of others starting up with us. So too he broke "red lines" that were not feared afterwards.

[@ysoscher]

@@lesaym5871 oy!

[@racheljones1998]

❤❤❤This is marvelous! So proud of you, lady!! ❤❤❤

[@kenjh2561]

Wonderful conversation about a very interesting topic. I know so little about the community. I also enjoyed seeing the cat in the background, who seemed very comfortable the whole time. Thank you.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

The cat lovvvves this basket. She’s generally reserved but wherever you put the basket, there she is!

[@yesm2302]

The reason why Hasidic families are more accepting of wayward children than litvishe has a lot to do with heimishkeit. The cultural identity including speaking Yiddish is a big factor. It means you’re always one of them. A litvak without Torah is without an identity.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Very interesting point. I just had a discussion with a friend about how ex Litvaks are often very into adapting a “new Torah” meaning finding new chidushim in the Torah to make sense of their life and we discussed how central learning is for Litvaks. In that sense, what you’re saying makes a lot of sense.

[@yesm2302]

The satmarer rebbe molded the identity of the entire American heimishe tzibur. Either directly or indirectly. It started with his azus dikdisha- or “ holy disrespect “ toward the “gas” the street. He showed the others that you can be “ chassidish “ externally in America, full force, when everyone else was still unsure or afraid. That forced everyone else to follow suit. You now have five generations, or so, of native born Americans for better or for worse, that can’t speak the language of the land fluently by design! He created a separate country! No one did this anywhere ever. I’m not being critical I’m just marveling at one person being able to work such change.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

@@yesm2302 Yes, exactly. The incredible leadership of a man who can pull this off, for better and for worse as you said, it must be something exceptional.

[@3chars]

I'd like to add 2 facts which I think didn't get much mention. When the Satmar Rebbe arrived on these shores, there were not masses of chasidim with him. Actually, he had difficulty assembling a minyan (quorum) of ten men to join for afternoon prayer. Also, outside all the controversies, the Satmar Rebbe inculcated his followers with the great mitzva of tzedaka, helping others financially. One could say that of all hasidic sects, the Satmar generosity is legendary, the product of the Rebbe himself. Thanks for another great interview!

[@ysoscher]

Thanks much!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Yes, my mother’s family became Satmar simply because it was the only yeshiva and summer camp that accepted everyone even if they couldn’t pay!

[@CeoDesk]

A fabulous book on this subject is “The Tosher Rebbe” ,authored by Yisroel Besser (a writer for Mishpacha Magazine), and published by ArtScroll.

[@heatherbrown5463]

What a fascinating episode! It's given me insight into a world that I am eager to learn more about. Thanks!

[@MsSherryjh]

Thank you. I think you will have complaints, and thank you anyway. The fact that we can talk to each other and express our opinions is something that keeps us free.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you, yes!

[@morehn]

Interestingly, one of my relatives who was very into the background of chassidus and chassidim, said that Satmar was the least chassidish of chassiduses because it was fire and brimstone.

[@shimonbrandsdorfer9427]

And thanks for mentioning my great grandfather Rabbi Teichtahl

[@ysoscher]

Had no idea that you’re his descendant. So much yichus!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Edit: this comment was meant for Gabe above about Joel Brand and Rudolf Kastner. So sorry, youtube messes up sometime. You have very special yichus! You mean Kastner, Rudolf Kastner. Brand was also a character in the rescue missions but it was Kastner who helped save the Rebbe, stood trial for collaborating with the Nazis and was assassinated in Israel.

[@jimdeane3667]

I have several books by your Zaide, not the least of them being אם הבנים שמחה. He was a giant in his generation and led me to explore one of the major influences in his own life, the teachings of Rabbi Yehudah Alkalai, z”l. If you haven’t learned it, the books are available through Mossad HaRav Kook Publishing in Israel. Rabbi Alkalai was one of the early founders of the Orthodox Yishuv movement in the mid to late 19th century. He was a big influence on Moses Montefiore.

[@shimonbrandsdorfer9427]

@@jimdeane3667 that's very interesting. Thank you.

[@markappel8792]

P

[@PoppyOak]

Fascinating interview! 👏👏 I learned so much and appreciated you both discussing parts of his life that I wondered about (e.g. his rescue during the Holocaust). To me, it seemed a very fair discussion and I really enjoyed this video!! ❤ thank you to your guest!! ❤

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you Poppy!

[@bailakayy]

I am from Williamsburg and I did not even know 1% of what u guys spoke abt and Iovedddddd to it ty u Frida!!!!!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

So happy to hear people enjoyed my conversation with my wonderful guest...!

[@joemoore9066]

Thanks!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@chavkon526]

As someone from the Chabad community, this was fascinating. Thank you Frieda.

[@jimdeane3667]

Wow! Absolutely loved this one Frieda. Thanks to you both for sharing and providing a much deeper background on not just Reb Yoel but the wider world of Satmar. In listening to Yisaschar, it is his love of Torah and his lifelong commitment in trying to be consistent with his learning and his personal closeness with the Creator of us all that comes through. May G-d bless him and his family with continuing life, health and happiness. Beyond that, you two touched on so many subjects that I would like to discuss, but that would be volumes. I am older than you both, but my background and life experience is so wildly different and divergent from you both. The common thread, believe it or not is the Torah. I hope someday we get to know each other better. Thanks again for a wonderful interview.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thanks for such a sweet comment; I really appreciate it! Have a gite voch :)

[@ysoscher]

Thanks for your kind (and undeserved) words. I very much appreciate it.

[@ysoscher]

oops, I meant to say Undeserved. I also fixed it in the original comment

[@Olcm83]

My husband and I are converts and he had a satmer Havruta who use tell him satmer is the only form you have to follow it. We use to do shabbat at his house but us women were on the kitchen table in a separate room and the men were in another room. Well growing up goyim and converting is already difficult and to become satmer somone we are not is even more. But we embrace the good things and I love the teachings of rabbi Biderman and his simcha. Also had amazing shabbos in other homes with really nice families. were we coukd sit in the same table.Their songs are so nice. My husband also loves the rebbe and The Alter rebbe 😊. The satmer community were we are now they do help the converts a lot there are many sweet rabbis and rabanits and people with a lot of jesed for the guerim.

[@benjibeatnik]

Absolutely fascinating interview! I continue to learn so much from your work, Frieda- Thank You!🖖

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you for watching/listening!

[@fly20yoc]

Wow. As an ex “farbrenteh Zionists” who was part of the filthy Israeli education system, highly educated, served , being part of the so called “religious Zionist” community and secular etc. I’ve seen and experienced a lot. I’ve got a lot what to discuss about this topic, But I’ll say one thing. Getting to know the satmer community all I can say, “מה טובו אוהליך יעקב” “A praiseworthy community” Frieda & Yesoscher, I’m impressed that you showed respect towards rabbi Yoel during this podcast.

[@sharonsterling2576]

Amazing and one of my favorite interviews.

[@ysoscher]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@joannejordan8684]

This was such a wonderful interview, I plan on listening to it again! Thank you! From a reformed Catholic!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you so much, Ysoscher's voice was appreciated by so many!

[@paweltrawicki2200]

The first Rebbe of Zychlin, Rabbi Shmuel Abba, taught that one needs to not only repent but repent through the learning of Jewish holy subjects.[2] Reb Zelig was a relative of the Sabba Kadisha of Strikov, Reb Fishel, going to visit him and taking his young son Shmuel Abba with him. Rabbi Shmuel Abba was known as the Ilui ("genius") of Luvitch and many scholars praised his depth and understanding. When Rabbi Shmuel Abba was older he learned at the Peshischa yeshiva which was led at that time by Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa. He considered himself one of Rabbi Simcha Bunim's disciples. My wife is from Zychlin Poland at one time there were many Jews that lived in Zychlin/Kutno. Just for the record,i am not Jewish, but I do from time Daven in Hebrew. Tehilim (Psalms 1-150) are my favorites especially Psalm 139.I do watch your videos, and I thoroughly enjoy them.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

I so enjoy reading such comments. I have never been to "der heim" (Yiddish for "the home" which is what we'd call Eastern Europe) and I really enjoy hearing from people from that part of the world. We do have a kind of connection. Anyway, we are all learning about Jewish holy subjects here so that's our repentance...

[@RachG]

A little extra appreciation for your huge efforts. ❤ (I’m slightly in need of pay day 🙃🙃, so my appreciation much outweighs this contribution. Haha)

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Oh my goodness dear that is so incredibly sweet! Thanks so much! I wish I could return the incredible kindness by treating you to something local and delicious!

[@RachG]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn I will make sure I’ve signed up via your link to contribute on a regular basis. I mean, I pay for Netflix and to be honest, your content is much more interesting. 🤣 So it only seems fair. Haha. Appreciate your work and effort. ❤️

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Rachel dear your comments is all I ask for! From one person in need for a paycheck to another, please just share your thoughts - it’s really all I ask for!

[@RachG]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Well, then you can have comments and some of my pay-check. Hahaa. I’m able to and happy to share. ❤️

[@dra2033]

I’m not Jewish, but I have a lot of respect for the Satmar Rabbe and think he was a very interesting man. I think much of the criticism of him is unfair and has more to do with his principled non Zionism than anything else.

[@Marckay]

I enjoyed it tremendously Thank you both so much. Listening to this brought back so may childhood memories

[@mdtok]

My grandfather was from a town called Baya Mara (which means big city in Rumanian). He went to yeshiva in the nearby town of Sata Mara (or Satmar), before Rav Yoel became the rav of the town. The rav and Rosh Yeshiva at that time (early 1900s) was Rav Yehuda Greenwald. He was not chassidish. To give an idea of just how not chassidish the yeshiva was, my grandfather and his brother who came. from a chassidishe family, cut off their payos when they went to the yeshiva. Rav Yoel had a small shtibel in the town before he became the town's rav. The story goes that my grandfather and other boys would sneak out of the yeshiva Friday nights to go to Rav Yoel's tish.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Great story.

[@Schlesss]

Baya Mara = באניע

[@AlinST220]

Baia Mare means Big mine(coal or gold mine) and Satu Mare means big village.

[@HMontessori-dw6kp]

Thank you very much for this interview! Was very interesting!! I wish R’ Yisascher would have covered his שובבים תורה׳ס and other drushes in which he made hundreds of people cry like little children while talking about עניני קדושה. I heard a theory one time that it was easy for him to make these people cry like that after they lost everything they once had, however, I still think it was an important part of his relationship with his chasidim and it still shows his immense ability to influence people to the point he could make them cry while talking about the sins and badness going on around the world.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

I’ve heard so much about them.

[@ysoscher]

Correct, that is definitely worthy of discussion and elaboration, but we unfortunately ran out of time. Thanks much for the feedback.

[@id7484]

what a fascinating conversation! thanks for this!

[@abrahamkalichman6845]

I just watched this interview and found you, Freida to be such a star of the faith, that I look forward to listening and watching what I've been missing since leaving , yeshiva.

[@cecilhayden585]

A couple of things first these videos and subjects are just getting better and better, second thanks for increasing my knowledge/understanding (as limited as it is). Sidenote, I personally need to know the truth about Charedi/Chasidic interrelationship.

[@bigdogkool2546]

I am not following any path. Yet! I find a spark here. I do love to learn! Even at my age.

[@stephanottawa7890]

Thanks, Frieda. I really did not know much about Rebbe Teitelbaum and was glad to know something. I had heard of this group, but only in passing as they do not have a great following in Canada. Great work!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

I believe they have a following in Montreal, but not a huge one. The most famous Canadian Hasidic group, besides for Lubavich, is Tosh, which is in a suburb of Montreal. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tosh_(Hasidic_dynasty) Also a very strict sect.

[@stephanottawa7890]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklynThanks so much for the additional information.

[@YoelishSteinberg]

Side observation to Rabbi Yeauscher: Which bruche to recite before eating potatoes is inconclusive and not easier to answer. In halacha, questions are not settled easier because they are perceived as minor or inconsequential. The idea that one can classify anything as trivial or less unimportant is explicitly rejected (but I'm sure an opposing opinion also exists). Because these are not questions of fact but opinion, interpretation, and argumentation, you get precisely that, ad infinitum. Halachic arguments disappear only when the ones advancing them disappear.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

fascinating!

[@justinevillarreal7317]

I am not jewish. I have nothing more than a youtube fascination with insulir groups... And i enjoyed every minute of that interview. Great job both of you!

[@ysoscher]

Thank you so much!

[@shiloh3202]

I have a question regarding time Rabbi davened. Certainly there is time zone when you can pray for shacharit and afterwards you can't. Obviously noon is for mincha. It is basic. Is it real that rabbi davened often that late for shacharit?

[@ysoscher]

Yes, it’s true, almost every day. In part it was a by product or his Chassidish upbringing. Chassidim tend to be a tiny bit flippant about sticking to zman tefila. (I know this is seems to conflict with my thesis about his rejection of chassidic theology, but there is a way to reconcile these seemingly contradictory attitudes-for another time.) Thanks much though for raising the issue.

[@shiloh3202]

@@ysoscher thank you so much for your reply. I did not finish yet but it was very deep intimate stories. You are respectful in departure and sharing those stories so we can look into it is an extra ordinary opportunity. It gives a broad insight for the viewers.

[@shiloh3202]

@@ysoscher and I believe in general, not only for jewish people but for the secular modern world, how you deal with subjects and talk about people with such high respect and dignity and thw shown love you have for each other, making it available for the world itself teaches a volume to degenerate generation. It is Kiddush Hashem I believe, setting aside the very specific contents you discussed!

[@ysoscher]

@@shiloh3202 thank for your kind and thoughtful feedback, it’s very much appreciated.

[@benyaakov6453]

If Satmar is supposedly so much against living in Israel how do you explain for a large Satmar Presence in Jerusalem (Meah Shearim) & Beit Shemesh? Also how do you explain Satmar's purchase of the Edison Theater in Jerusalem which is now Yeshiva Torah V'Yirah D'Satmar?

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

They are against Zionism but they still believe Israel is the Jewish holy land and Hasidic Jews have lived in Israel since pretty much the beginning of Hasidism. Naturei Karta, the more famous, more extremists anti-Zionist group, was in Israel before it became a country. They believe that the Jews can live there but not as a sovereign country until the Messiah comes.

[@ysoscher]

To add to what Frieda said, they distinguish between those he live outside Israel and those who already live there. They discouraged people from moving there but at the same time also believed that those who already live there shouldn’t leave.

[@aggieglitter]

They also believe in living in peace with Palestinians, they mostly do not want to be associated with the beliefs of the Israeli government. They live there bit do not want to be known as believing and agreeing with the state of Israel until arrival of Maschiach aka Messiah. It's difficult to understand at first. Watch some of the KZbin videos about Naturei Karta and Satmar anti Zionist beliefs and it will become easier to understand. I didn't get it at first but I do now.

[@cherrepository5787]

This is a delicious conversation and again, thank you Freida for your important work.

[@tracytaylor1893]

I love your channel all the videos are so amazing and I am learning so much thank you Frieda so much for helping us learn about the Jewish religion at every level ❤

[@lorrainemclean3914]

Light bulb moment….i finally understand the rationale for the Hasidic anti Zionism. Thank you so much Frieda, this was brilliant. Greetings from Ireland ❤️

[@elizaf.9040]

Very good content! (Frieda, you get prettier and prettier all the time.)

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

That's very sweet. Thank you - I'm trying to learn how to do better lighting.

[@danacoman9254]

I absolutely love your videos and interviews. Educational, interesting and informative.

[@robertsoslow733]

The story about Satu Mare is interesting. It actually means a big town, not a small one.

[@CeoDesk]

The best books are those that are written with the objective of strengthening the reader’s faith. They bring the person closer to Hashem (G-d). This is often best achieved through the portrayal of an extraordinary individual. And, the “praising and glorifying” are thus subordinated, for the greater purpose.

[@josefernandez6226]

This is fascinating but I would love to see Pearls' reaction to this discussion. She is such a genuine person and she's perfectly content with her life and the way she's live it.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Pearl does not agree with describing the Satmar rebbe in terms that make him sound mean. She describes a very loving, deeply feeling man. The satmar rebbe is a huge figure in her life, and she venerates him greatly.

[@josefernandez6226]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Yes, I gathered as much. I think its interesting looking at the issue “academically” like Rabbi Katz does and from someone who has faith, or as Pearl would say is faithful. No one’s perfect….

[@Luzermeisels]

Wow Frieda. Thank you for this video As a great grandnephew of r’ Yoel Teitelbaum I’m only about 25 minutes into the video and I got so many comments But I love how this Rabbi Katz puts down the story and timeline of his general life I’ll say that the story he says about the tahara (ritual bath) of my great grandmother (r’ Yoel’s mom) doesn’t sit right with me because as a grandchild of her I would’ve known about it but apparently it’s the first time I’m hearing about it here in this video

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing. You must have many interesting stories of Reb Yoelish that were told in the family. What's the line through which you are his great nephew?

[@ganrimmonim]

Fascinating albeit my ideological and theological position is nearest to Masorti a lot of my Jewish education came via Chabad so as you can imagine my starting position was 'interesting' as they say. But this really was a fascinating video.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

So glad to hear and to realize how many people get the Chabad context.

[@susie5254]

Thank you for this illuminating interview. I lived in Ashdod for two years where I interacted with the Vishnitz Chasidim whom I have come to love. I have tried to find out about the history of Vishnitz Chasidism or at least the philosophy in its beginnings, however, I have not been able to find anything. Any chance you'd be able to bring some of that information to us?

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

I will look into this further :)

[@shimonbrandsdorfer9427]

Very interesting and informative. Thank you so much

[@divnacvetkovoc1302]

The name Satu Mare, which means "great village" in Romanian, was used for the first time by the priest Moise Sora Novac in the 19th century...

[@lewiakk5844]

I would love more Satmer history.

[@moshegramovsky]

Love, love, love your channel! I keep waiting for NPR to pick you up. You are an amazing talent.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Oh you’re so so sweet thank you!

[@eliedecastro5716]

Sometimes I doven at a Satmar shul, The only one not dressed black and white and with a color kippah. Hard to understand the davening but they are very nice people.

[@Olcm83]

Me too im a ger and when i went to a satmar synagoge to daven i didnt understand any of it, my husband lkkes chabad and there i could understand more B'H

[@davidwollner44]

What a great discussion. Loved it!

[@ThomasMuethingDotCom]

Thank you! I don't completely understand hareidi anti-Zionism, although I understand some the theology, so I found this very helpful. R. Katz is a talmid chacham!

[@ysoscher]

thank you for your kind words.

[@ThomasMuethingDotCom]

@@ysoscher thank you for speaking freely and work/advising with me yedidi

[@MrFgibbons]

I have to say I struggled to follow some of this one: chasidut? Chabad? Don’t know what these are (probably spelling wrong), would be great if you had some kind of glossary (or link).

[@PupaRabbi]

Nice to hear the other side for a change

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

What do you mean by “the other side”?

[@erikaszabo1623]

The building at 542 Bedford Avenue gives me a pang every time I pass it by. It belonged to my Uncle, the Kapische Ruv. I spent my happy childhood there.

[@decorrea1]

This is among the most interesting videos I've watched on KZbin and it contained much that is new to me about Satmar. I would very much like to hear more about how Rabbi Katz believes that antinomian tendencies within Hassidic tradition enabled rebbes to reconcile themselves with the State of Israel. Most of these rebbe's maintain an officially "non-Zionist" position, don't they?

[@BreslovStrummer]

As a counter-argument to the statement that the Satmar Rebbe said that the path of the Baal Shem Tov is gone, he meant this in regards to most chasidic groups today but not to all of them….. The Satmar Rebbe ztz”l himself noted that Breslov Chasidus even today is like it was in the time of the Baal Shem Tov!

[@ysoscher]

That was not what we were told. In fact there was an implicit understanding that the rebbe wanted students to stay away from Rav Nachman’s torah.

[@BreslovStrummer]

2 counter points to that ach sheli: 1) Where I live in the USA is a big business hub, so I meet a lot of Satmar Chasidim here on business, and when they realize I’m a Breslov Chosid they will either quote me different things from Breslov Chasidus Books that they’ve read like Likutey Moharan or they will tell me how much the Satmar Rebbe encouraged learning Breslov Chasidus. 2) When I go on the yearly pilgrimage to Rebbe Nachman’s grave in Uman Ukraine every Rosh Hashanah, there are literally thousands of Satmar Chasidim there praying at Rebbe Nachman of Breslov’s Tzion, and when I’ve spoken to many of them they said it was encouraged by their Satmar Rebbeim. And these are entire Satmar families of 3 generations coming to Uman together (grandfather, father, & sons). It is possible that the Satmar Rebbe said to stay away from certain fringe groups that call themselves “Breslov” and do Hafatza of their “version” of Breslov books and thus the Satmar Rebbe said to stay away from those printings….. but then again in the more original/mainstream Breslov today from Breslov Gedolim today (who come from an unbroken chain going back to Rebbe Nachman & Reb Natan) we are also told to keep a healthy distance from those fringe groups as well (and instead have Ahavat-Yisrael for them from a distance).

[@BreslovStrummer]

Quotes by Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar regarding Breslov Chasidut: - "Rebbe Nachman saw in a vision all the problems this generation would encounter with faith...these days, one cannot be strengthened without these books because in them you find real faith (emunah shlema)." - "You cannot be completely sincere in your Yiddishkeit without learning the books of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov." - "The author of Likutey Moharan [Rebbe Nachman] was completely pure and therefore existed by him the concept of: 'and Yosef's brothers were jealous of him'." - "We can see that Rebbe Nachman has more holy presence (resting on him) than other Tzaddikim." - Once on Shabbat, the Satmar Rebbe said: " Who can strengthen us?! Rebbe Nachman can strengthen us in such a situation!"

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Your pro-breslov comments here are very sweet. I don't feel like I've had missionizing for a sect in my comments before!

[@gcolwill]

Very, very high quality conversation - thanks so much.

[@SoMa-ns1ej]

I was born in Transilvania near that region and have close bonds there. I can tell you for sure, that "Sakmar" is the correct hungarian name of a town nearby (in fact, is´t "Szakmár", as the "Sz" is spelled as an "s", while a blank "S" is spelled "sh". So the correct writing of the original hungarian town should be written like "Szatmar". This must have somehow be messed up somehow by time. Although I really can´t understand how in such a big and close community like this, such things as the area of origins of all can´t be remembered correctly.

[@SoMa-ns1ej]

To be clear: there is a "Szakmár" and a "Szatmár" there. The family anecdote mixed several things to build something complete wrong, I guess.

[@giselleagoston3537]

You are absolutely right! My husband family name is Szathmáry. What it means,from Szatmár.

[@Faigyfeig]

Interestingly my daughter’s (Satmar) school performed last year and the story was about the origins of chassidus. Regardless, the Rebbe’s don’t have much to sell in the way of theology these days. They’re too busy staving off existential threats like internet, education guidelines, unrefined boys clothing etc.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

What was the story of the origin of chasidus? That the Besht brought light to ordinary people? I’m so curious.

[@Faigyfeig]

Basically. The main characters were two boys who were the troublemakers of the town. One ended up joining chassidus and the other napoleons army. In the end ofcourse the second one came to chassidus as well. I happened to have liked the theme of “troublemakers” really being children in pain. I thought that was very progressive of them.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

@@Faigyfeig so so interesting

[@paolaristori6179]

Satu Mare means great (mare) village (satu). The name was given in middle XIX century. Previous Romanian name Satmar, Hungarian Szatmar. In Romanian Saint Mary translates as Sfanta Maria. I am Italian, former catholic actually not religious and I know it. Mare means great, I learned it one week working in Romania. And that was it. You a really insular, with your 'learning'.. always only autoreferential. But god forbid anyone call you racist.