His year in Mea Shearim | Tuvia Tenenbom Interview 

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The part about jewish humor almost brought a tear to my eye in this interview. My grandfather who is on his last legs and has survived now 3 strokes. This humor that the man describes this is his humor, he's not satmar, or bobov, or anything like that. He's a secular jew who grew up speaking yiddish in jamaica queens to galitziner jewish family. Every single conversation is a like this. Filled with jokes, filled with not taking anything so seriously. He served in Korea. He is my favorite person. When I became frum, he would always say to me GUT YOMTIF, and make jokes about my kipa. Its this old world that connects us all.

Once again, Frieda, you have introduced your viewers to another, knowledgeable, sensitive, witty person, who has a great understanding of people. Tuvia, reminds us not to focus on one's differences, but rather look at the good in what they are doing. Although I was not raised in a Hasidic community, I always thought they were being openly criticized not only from Jewish communities, but society in general. One can criticize that the children are being deprived an education in the Hasidic community, yet the average American is reading at a 7th or 8th grade level. As a society, we need to look at the facts before making a judgment or decision. So happy you are getting sponsors and can't wait to read Tuvia's book.

I'll to make this short. I was born in Israel to a Holocaust survivor. Although we were secular, My father always spoke Yiddish to me so that I would know the mame-loshn. My father has passed and now after listening to Tovia I understand why speaking and hearing Yiddish brings so much joy. Because not only am I connecting to my father z"l but also to my grandparents. Btw, my grandparents were Satmar.

This is one of my favorite of your interviews. Tuvia has an open mind, sees both sides, speaks the truth, and has a deep understanding of what makes people tick! His journey, humor, manner of speech, and Yiddishkeit reminds me so much of my own family. He is a gem! Congrats on your corporate sponsorship. Your platform give voice to points of view that need to be shared. Thank you!!

I am so pleased to.see a man who knows both worlds admit that you can be in university and know gornischt, and be in bne brak and be smart. I have a tzaddik of a brother in law, who wouldn't spend a minute not studying torah. Not only did he learn the multiplication tables in the bathroom when he was a kid, but he understands math as well as any college graduate who isn't a mathematician, if not better (he once explained to my sister and me why when one divides a fraction the number gets bigger). When I landed in the university I was flabbergasted at how the students allowed their professors to brainwash them without saying boo. When I compare that to the way my 12 year old students would argue with me if something didn't make sense to them in kodesh class. So, yes, I love, they give the kids what they have. And what charedim have is thousands of years of deep study. The same was true when I taught in a non Jewish high school. The headmaster had guaranteed me that I would have " a lot more freedom to choose" the curriculum than " you have had up till now" in reality I found everything so regimented I had to stifle my creativity when in my charedi school I do whatever I like (provided I follow the general guidelines). There is so much unfair anti- religious bias.

I’m a 1st gen Italian Canadian born into Catholic family (more secular even tho received most of the sacraments) but I cannot get enough of your channel, it’s absolutely fascinating!! I’ve learnt so much…Thank youuuu! 🙏🙏🙏

i like that he threw in a load of yiddish words haha

This is hilarious!!! I never learned Yiddish, but my family was from Germany, so of course I speak fluent German. I was able to understand 95% of the Yiddishism that Tuvia threw in from that and with the little bit of Hebrew I know. What a great positive attitude and sense of humor. Love it!

Another home run episode as our fearless guide Frieda happily travels with Tuvia back in time and in the present world of Charedi in Mea Shearim & Israel in general. Shkoyakh!

Thanks so much for asking him to speak a little bit more English or translate a bit more, because before that I didn’t understand half of what he was saying (although enjoying the interview none the less!). And it was so incredibly nice of him to comply immediately and really put an effort into making sure everyone understands him. I saw it was sometimes hard for him (either because of language or because of his enthusiasm!) but he didn’t forget. Loved this interview, thanks again Frieda! ❤ ps. Congratulations on your first sponsorship!

What a gem of a man!

Great interview as usual. Thank you for interviewing this brilliant spirited man . I look to your channel to water my Jewish roots. Congratulations on securing your first business sponsor 💫

Another amazing interview. You are going from strength to strength. So many programs about the Chareidy community are produced by people who left and reflect anger and condescension. What makes this interview so compelling is the affection and respect. Thank YOU so much

What a great conversation. I could listen to the two of you for hours and hours. Thank you for this video.

Frieda, thanks for trying to help Tuvi, the Jocular Freight Train, become understandable to us newbies.

Congrats on your first corporate sponsor!! You do fabulous videos , I think your corporate sponsor is honored they get to be your sponsor. Hope this is the first of many.

Wonderful video. I plan to watch again to pick up on any content I missed. What a charming, funny, thoughtful, and intelligent man. I hope this video reaches many viewers. He shares so much wisdom and insight.

Love your channel and videos; we're so fortunate that you are willing to share your conversations with all of these amazing guests. I learn so much from them and from you.

What a wonderful, deep, funny gentleman this Tuvia. Thank you for interviewing him. Very interesting.

Thank you for introducing me to Tuvia Tenenbom. I am going to look for his books, his background is absolutely fascinating. I loved getting a "taste" of the true Tuvia. What a delightful author!!!

Great interview (as I've come to expect). I have read several of Mr Tenenbom's books and have enjoyed them all, so I bought this newest on and look forward to reading it this week. Thanks!

I enjoyed this interview. I love audiobooks and immediately went to Audible and put Tuvia Tenenbom’s available books into my wishlist. I’m looking forward to listening to them.

Another fabulous interview … was thrilled to see you had a new one as the people you interview are incredibly interesting & beautiful in their own ways. Thank you, Frieda, for taking the time to do these long-form interviews like this one. I learn so much from every one of your interviews & am grateful you’re doing more of them. Tuvia reminds me of Robin Williams when he smiles/laughs. 😊

Such a beautiful interview

Non Jewish, but love your vlog! Just wanted you to know that I ordered the book by Tuvia Tenenbom. He seems a remarkably warm and funny human being. Looking forward to some wonderful humor, much needed in these awful dark times. Thank you for your contribution in bringing us some fantastic content. G-d Bless!

What a charming man. You can even understand his Yiddish by his expressions!

Thabk you Frieda. I even didn‘t watch already your vlog with Tuvia Tenenbom. Reading his book „german title „G-tt spricht jiddisch“ was such a pleasure, humorous, entertaining and one can feel his love for the haredi people. I can also recommand his book „catch the jew“ to everyone who‘s interested to learn more about the conflict in Israel. Educating people in such an entertaining way is a huge gift. ❤

This was such a good discussion. Thank you.

Fabulous interview, Frieda! I started reading one of Tuvia’s books on my Kindle already. ✡️❤️

Hi Frieda, thanks for trying to get him to speak more English. Honestly I couldn't tell if he was speaking English, Yiddish, German or Hebrew most of the time?? 🤷🏼‍♂️ I turned on cc but that was even worse. 😅 it’s interesting how strong accents stay in some people and how others are able to speak in an adopted language like a native. My best buddy came from Serbia when he was 20 and you would never guess he wasn’t American born. My mother-in-law came to the states from Mexico when she was six years old but her accent is so thick you would think she just arrived.. He's seems like an interesting guy so I'll check out his writings.

Another awesome presentation by Frieda! Thanks for helping to educate all of us, in your unique, respectful, informative manner. Kol Hakavod!

I'm reading Tuvia's "The Lies They Tell", he's such a good writer and has a great sense of fun.

This was fabulous. I don't know anything about this universe, but I get mesmerized whenever I watch a Frieda video. Even the interspersed Yiddish was fun: it is obliquely intelligible as German, and tickles the brain.

wonderful interview!!!!

I appreciate this interview, and at the same time I am frustrated with how oblivious he is to the tremendous limitations resulting from the denial of education. Perhaps in his time, the pursuit of further education was accessible without the fundamentals of basic literacy and numeracy; it certainly is not the case today. He is clearly incredibly intelligent with a very adaptable acquisition of skills and his journey and accomplishments reflect that.

Nice job, as always. Well balanced and a good dialogue!

You and Tuvia are a match made in heaven. I buy all his books.

You are so interesting, Tuvia. Tzfania Hotel was the first place I knew when my parents came back to Israel. It's hard for me to accept that my parents came back to the Middle East, but I see the whole time that Israel is like a magnet and the Israelis have a hard time staying abroad. Today, the universities in Israel accept people who leave the Chareidi world with opened hands and with full scholarships. I really hope for peace and quiet in our region and for better days for the Jewish people.

Just love your videos!!! As a non Jew I find the videos sooo interesting..thankyou ❤❤❤

I love this guy!

Thank you so much for what you do. I was about to say this was the best yet, but then I realize I think that after each one of your interviews. I really enjoy your channel, so once again, thank you.

I’d sort of forgotten it was Sunday, so this is a nice surprise! I’m sitting outside in the sun to watch it! Great that you have a sponsor for it. ❤

Your channel keeps getting better and better! Love it and love your hair! ❤❤❤

Great 'upload'!

I noticed your shop has changed a little(positive way) and I will come to it some time later for sopping. This membership is new to me,so I need to learn it first. Besides I am not anymore on my twenties so it takes time to learn all kind things in You Tube as well in internet. Also my native language is not english and sometimes I faint down in my thoughts and in that case my head is working in Finnish,native language of my own. Any way getting to know more about jewish culture is very interesting,I have never heard spoken yiddish until now and also spoken hebrew has been something new as well. Anyhow this is something new for me and interesting to hear,see and learn. ❤ I really like your channel!

Tenenbom is a great man, I met him some years ago in Mea Shearim at Toldos Aharon Shul on Purim. Incredibly smart and personable. I completely agree with him about Haredi education. Yeshiva teaches us more than just religion, it teaches (and normalises) hard study where you have to think for yourself.

Another amazing interview. Thank you

brilliant interview

Thank you for another good video Frieda, it was great to listen in. I have never heard of a tankiste driver 😄 Hope you get many more sponsors too! 😊

Wonderful Broadcast❤

Great man! Wonderful sense of humour!!! ❤And, he MUST be VERY creative, too - his glasses frame is WOW!!!!😘❤ His accomplishments given his "life" are AMAZING and VERY ADMIRABLE!!! 💯👋 And, yes, his points about "studying" and how Haredi education differs = EVERYONE studies!!!!! YES!YES! I LOVED listening to him describing "all those jobs for which he knew nothing!!!" 🤣😅😂

Very nice interview. Thank you.

I LOVE this interview ! It was soooo funny and fun. Can't wait to read the book.

Frieda, thanks for this video. I had wondered if you knew Tuvia Tenenbom and wanted to suggest a video with him but you beat me to it. I am currently reading one of the books by Tuvia Tenenbom. Your video corrected some of the misconceptions I had about his life growing up in Israel. I did not know he grew up in a Litvishe home speaking Hebrew, not Yiddish. I did not know he studied at Merkaz Harav Kook, the main yeshiva for religious Zionists. I did not know he was in a hesder Yeshiva and served in the Israeli army.

So fascinating

Tuvia is very charming as well as informative. I started reading his book, “Taming of the Jew”. His writing has a lot of dry humor and some sarcasm even though he’s writing about an alarming situation. Thanks so much for introducing him to your subscribers.

Incredible! Thank you!

It’s a mekhaye to actually hear Tuvia speaking Yiddish. I wondered about how his Yiddish might sound like since I’ve read the book. Now I crave for a whole oral history-feature with him in Yiddish on the Yiddish Book Center.

What a delightful person! Reminds me a bit of Robin Williams.

This interview was so fantastic. His point about the totally different character of Haredi anti-Zionism versus leftwing anti-Zionism is very well made: the two things are coming from totally different places, and while I agree, you definitely see some leftwing people trying to make common cause with the Neturei Karta types, the two camps are almost entirely incompatible because they're opposed to the Jewish state for totally divergent reasons. I also agree with what he said about how American Jews seem almost unable to respond to these protests and so on; I think a lot of American Jews are in complete shock, honestly. It's like a trauma response: so many American Jews have spent so long telling Jews in Europe, especially, "Oh, how could you live there? It's so terrible there, I can't imagine," even when stuff like the Tree of Life was happening in the US (which I know because I heard it from American friends when I was living in France and in Germany), and there were signs that antisemitism was getting worse. I think a lot of it was (and is) denial, almost, like we can't assimilate that this is happening enough to start trying to mount some kind of coherent response. Plus the American Jewish community is divided between right and left, so even coming to some agreement on what to say is almost impossible. It really worries me, because if we're not going to stand up for ourselves, it's pretty clear now that no one else will.

As constricting and limiting it may be to live in a Hasidic (or Amish, Hutterite, or any other very traditional religious or ethnic groups) community as a member (especially as a female), but there is a totally fascinating aspect that is really intriguing, and which you no longer can find in the modern secular life: the close-knit large families and sense of community, and the upholding of old traditions and customs. Although constricting, there is something very comforting about it nevertheless. The community has an "old world" feel about it, as if the pre-war Eastern European shtetls were transported to New York or Israel. These communities are unbelievably vibrant, and I am (almost) jealous that I can't be part of such a community.... But it would not be for me...they would kill me for opening my big mouth and not wanting to adhere to their strict rules, lol

Best interview with Tuvia I have ever heard. בודכל הכ

😊such an interesting man. Can’t wait to read his book. Also loved his sprinkling of Yiddish! I don’t often get to hear it in conversations… I only understand a little, always wished I could speak fluently. Once again Frieda, you have outdone yourself with your choice of a guest! Thank you

I'm at 9:00 minutes with Tuvia and loving his background. What he reports about learning is absolutely accurate. All cultures and nations have a their own "approved" curriculum to study. If you look historically at most of the truly great Jewish Gadolim, they personally studied both religious, Torah "Limuddei Kodesh" subjects and what are called "Chochmat HaTeva", the secular sciences. In the end, for a Jew, the Torah way is called "Torat Emet", the "Way of Truth". To learn only one side of the equation, diminishes the ability to comprehend either side properly or correctly. At 30:00 minutes, I am really loving this interview. Would love to meet and talk with Tuvia. FYI, Tuvia, I just placed my order for your three books on Amazon. Can't wait to read them. And now I know why I like you so much...you were born in the same year that I was. חביבי 😎Only blessings! At 45:00 minutes, Tuvia, what you say about "the people" is about what would be described in the Torah as "the mob" המון העם או ההמון. In Talmud, they are described as עמי הארץ. This is in less complimentary terms called "the illiterate masses". They are not necessarily dim-witted, but more accurately described as illiterate, meaning not "book-read" at least of Hebrew, Jewish sources. There are some archeological studies being done in Israel of trash dumps from ancient Jewish communities around Israel and at varying depths that review, for example what people were eating and at different times. They are able to track how quickly awareness of different levels of kashrut spread out to the people from the very small centers of education. It illustrates exactly what you are observing. Regarding your comment about Martin Luther, he was not the only gentile during his time translating the Bible into the vernacular so that the mob would have access to Torah. Luther brought with him many personal biases, especially hatred toward Jews. In the scheme of things, you might find it interesting to investigate William Tyndall of England. He was contemporary to Martin Luther and also translated the entire Bible into English. Because he was a highly educated polyglot, he also translated the "Old Testament" including the five books of Moses directly from the original Hebrew. Tyndall's view was that the Vulgate Bible, the Latin Bible of the Catholic church had been corrupted by Jerome from the original and accurate Hebrew. Ultimately, Tyndall was burned at the stake by the Catholic church as a heretic. In this context, it is worth noting that the oldest actual complete Jewish commentary to the five books of Moses that we have is that of Philo, also known as Yedidya HaKohen of Alexandria in Egypt. He was one of the leaders of the Jewish community in Alexandria at that time, which was "pre-Christianity". In other words, he was from the time of the Tanna'im, when the second Temple in Jerusalem was still standing and operating. He was sent to Rome by the Jewish community of Alexandria to defend their interests before the Emperor Caligula. I bring this up, because Philo wrote his commentary in Koine Greek, the vernacular, common language of the Jewish people in Alexandria at that time. Although, at the time of Rambam and Rashi, Jews still read and studied Philo's commentary from the Greek, how many today even look at it? Remember, the Tanach was translated into Koine Greek, like is recorded in the Talmud (called the Septuagint), because the Jewish masses didn't understand Hebrew that well. They spoke Koine Greek in day-to-day life. That is the other side of truth about those called the "Hellenized" Jews (those who assimilated Greek customs, including even Greek language). Remember, for example, that many of the names of our Sages in the Talmud and Mishnah have Greek names, like Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus, one of the greatest Sages mentioned in Pirkei Avot. Hyrcanus, his father used a Greek name. 54 Minutes, Wow! Tuvia, you are all over the map in this discussion. Love it! What you are talking about, the negative bias, the illogical hatred, in the language of the Torah "Sinat Chinam" שנאת חינם, is rooted in the collective, societal Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) of each nation. For those who study PTSD carefully, it is recognized that it is particularly persistent, especially when the trauma is either very extreme, or often or when introduced when someone is very young. For the Jewish people, we have had healthy doses of every variety over and over, in each generation. But the only thing that has given us, over time, healing of our souls and psyche is Torah study. That Torah and G-d are one. In the inner teachings of the Torah, it calls the Torah, "the Supernal Will, meaning G-d's will רצון העליון. And since He and His will are one, then the Torah is literally one with G-d. That is the significance of Torah study, not just thinking about it, but especially saying it, pronouncing the words with our mouth. It is a kind of "Devuket", cleaving with G-d. It is one of the intentions that one has when saying in daily prayer that G-d is רופא חולי עמו ישראל. 57:00 Minutes Oh, Fraida! Cut me to the quick! L'havdil, you should say "the convert" is associated with negative behavior. The convert comes to serve the Creator of us all and is the last in the Jewish community. We are told explicitly not to afflict the convert and to remember that "we were strangers in Egypt (גרים).

WOW!! What a man!!!

Thumbs up ! Interesting interview !

great interview

Most people growing up in North America don't know the multiplication tables either.

Fun video. Thank you

Elsewhere on the Internet, Tuvia Tenenbom is portrayed as a former shtreimel wearing, Yiddish speaking Haredi returning to his home ground to research his latest book. Coming from a Hebrew speaking Litvishe background, his community would be extremely unlikely to be shtreimel wearing. His story of not being able to write Tannenbaum in English letters and explains why his last name is Tenenbom sounds cute and fits in with the Haredi identity but doesn't ring so true for a Zionist who served in the army.

Not me waiting for his wife to start yelling at him mid interview 😅

This is getting even more interesting...🙂

Another interesting and informative interview. Far better than listening to the news on this subject.

Such a marvelous interview, Frieda. I particularly enjoy how Tuvia weaves seamlessly amidst languages: the multilingual dynamic of his speaking is really wonderful, enticing the listener's focus to the point one finds oneself understanding snippets of what previously was basically an unknown language for the listener. As someone who doesn't speak Yiddish or Hebrew or German, I feel ok not understanding his every word, though it was very kind of you to early on in the interview ask him for a little more translating, and how nice his response: "Kein problem, no problem!" A very insightful interview on many levels that touched on issues I'd not imagined at the onset would be mentioned. I look forward to the opportunity to read his works! Thank you!🙏

i'm a funny guy, and a Jew. I occasionally deal with hasidim in NYC. I am floored that they SHARE my sense of humor. It's like I'm kidding around with my best Jewish friend who is funny, too. Or, my father. It's the same. And we all respond with the same smile and laughs. And it's the same kidding. Same tone. Same jokes. It's bizarre. But, it's true.

Frieda, you teach me so much about the human condition in such a secret community. Thank you so much!

My mother made the best Chulnt I wish I could have it again!

Absolutely love Tuvia, My fav book is to catch a jew.

I am only a little into this video and I so agree with him about the American public school system.

Dear Freda, as a non Jew, I saw some video clips from rabbi Yaakov Shapiro, and think which he explained about divergent philosophy between zionism and real jews learning and believes made me understand what happens in this moment. Are you interested in making an interview with him? ...and thanks for reminding your interesting guest to translate some part of his speech from jidish to english. And yes, you are right, you have so so many non Jew followers on this chanel. 🌹

Ok so judaism survived without the kappel, the straimel, and the yiddish. But look in the midrash about the jews in egypt, they kept their jewish names, their clothes and their language.

So nice. Now a showing in Boston, MA please. And all English please.

Tuvya is a bit over the top sometimes, but he is definitely an agile thinker and entertaining to boot!

I believe Shtisel is filmed in Mea Sharim. They haven't always had the greatest welcoming there bcoz they are secular Jews filming an Orthodox show. Or filming altogether is frowned upon.

😊thank you Frieda lol! I was still hanging in there because he is right, I needed a taste of the language. 😅

Meah Shearim makes Williamsburg & Kiryas Joel look moderate & liberal by comparison!!

Omg, my dad used to say that the Czech/Hungarian bochrim crammed for the regents exams, and went off to university. Because a Gemara head is a Gemara head.

Interesting talk. I could never do it but it was interesting

9:45 He says it as it is! Love ❤️ it

Yes, they had different EXTERNAL trappings but the talmidei chachamim and tzadikim were immeasurably bigger and the EMUNAS chachamim stronger (of course always allowing for exceptions historically)

When he says, they (Israeli coreligionist) are “more Charedi” The term he’s looking for is “materialistic” or “consumerism”. I don’t think one group is or more is less devout.

Saw the garbage clearance story with my own eyes in New York when a street was 'sanirised' and prepared for President Carter's motorcade. The streets and sidewalks were clean, and there were no "undesirable" people to be seen. The next morning that New York Street was back to its normal daily self. And full of its own particular character. Have never forgotten it.

Such a character! I just ordered his book! Maybe he will be able to get that shtreimel!

I have read this guys books .😊

😊Vontastic Interview where Interviewer and Interviewee resonate . Reference I.B. Singer's masterpiece, The Penitent/ The Baale Tshuvah! Hazak hazak! Have u replaced yr dog?

Thanks for coming in an reminding Mr. Tenenbom that not all of us are familiar with Jewish terms. I was getting lost there. I do know some German, so I get some of the Yiddish but the terms for different Hasidic groups etc, aren't something my rusty German can pick up. He has a heavy accent and can be hard to follow. When your interviewee talked about being a chief mechanic it reminded me of when I worked for 2 Israelis making picture frames in Manhattan (near Washington Square). I was using an automated saw to cut frames and the repairman for one of the saws realized that the 2 men who ran the factory didn't understand how to setup the saws properly (I never had used one before but I did work in another frame shop). He was almost screaming at them for their lack of knowledge. This kind of stuff isn't uncommon.

Did I miss the link and code for the Jewish artwork in the description box?

Shalom from Jerusalem. Enjoying the interview. Firstly about October 7, I took unique photos on that day, I would like to share them with Tuvia. If he will contact me to hear how the photos came about and the significance of them. They were taken in Mizcarit Moshe on Agrippas street, by the shuk.

In America, I, a (VERY) Modern looking & talking Jew lived in an apartment across from an Israeli Chasidic jew who was in America working as a Shochet. He would invite me over for dessert, especially on Shavuos, to be neighborly. His English was poor so I mostly spoke to the wife whose English was better. They didn't mind their kids seeing a very "different" kind of Jew in their house. I could tell they enjoyed it very much as did I. Getting beyond the clothes, the lifestyle & the level of observance we were just Jews enjoying cheesecake on Shavuos.