Audio Roundup Special: Noda BiYehuda
by Joel Rich
Rabbi Elli Fischer-Noda BiYehuda
https://torahinmotion.org/classes/noda-biyehuda-part-1-the-last-of-the-old-the-first-of-the-new
(Part 1): The Last of the Old, the First of the New
Bio of the Noda B’Yehuda (NB) – R’ Yechezkel Landau. 18th century Poland/Prague was a happening place. Halacha, Kabbala, and Sabbateanism all interplayed. Includes bibliography of his works, example of his pilpul style.
https://torahinmotion.org/classes/noda-biyehuda-part-2-heresy-enlightenment-and-empire
(Part 2): Heresy, Enlightenment, and Empire
The NB made a name for himself as a young rabbi with his involvement in the R’ Emden/R’ Eybshutz controversy, by paskening that the amulets needed to be destroyed (possible Sabbatian) but that R’ Eybshutz wasn’t a Sabbatian. Did he really believe this or was it a political decision?
His position on Kabala was that it was a valid field of study but practical application needed to be avoided due to the danger of misapplication.
(Me — interesting parallel between these two approaches)
(Part 3): Ethics, Empiricism, and Umbrellas: Landmark Rulings of the Noda BiYehuda and their Legacy
Issues include haskala (need autonomous Jewish communal authority), standardizing measurements (zeitgeist, his adopted by (CI), , parasol/umbrella (no), hunting (not Jewish), autopsy (choleh lfaneinu), and sturgeon (kosher).
https://torahinmotion.org/classes/noda-biyehuda-part-4-1776-founding-an-empire-of-words
(Part 4): 1776: Founding an Empire of Words
Review of his teshuva allowing a poor barber to cut hair on Chol Hamoed.
Why and when did he choose to publish his tshuvot and towards what end?
He lived in a time of great change in society when Rabbis had to persuade rather than command; he excelled at this. He was also positioning himself for leadership.