A Conversation with Prof. Shmuel Feiner

Modes of Inquiry with Mathew Giagnorio

In episode 13 of season 2, I speak with Prof. Feiner of Bar-Ilan University, Isreal. We discussed a range of important and not too well known or understand topics pertaining to the European Jewry and Jewish history of the 18th and 19th centuries, what the main focus or concern of Jews during that period, what significant event(s) impacted European Jewry during the 18th century that had positive or negative ripple effects that are still felt today? How did the Haskalah come about? Who was Mendelssohn and what was his role in Haskalah? What were the arguments of the intellectuals and the State who discussed the present and the future of the Jews in Europe? What were the origins of Jewish secularization? What did the beginning of the Jewish Kulturkampf mean for Jews?

Thank you, Prof. Feiner. Shalom.