History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast

Timestamps:

- 0:00 — Introduction & dedication  

- 0:36 — Podcast intro; Mendelssohn recap  

- 1:36 — Reform emergence; 17th–18th c. precursors (Sabbatai Zevi, Spinoza)  

- 4:07 — Napoleon’s emancipation & identity shift  

- 6:24 — Conversions & assimilation (Heinrich Heine example)  

- 10:25 — Reform tactics: Bible over Talmud; “prophetic Judaism”  

- 18:59 — Jacobson/Westphalia reforms (state control of rabbis, synagogue changes)  

- 24:53 — Berlin vs. Hamburg differences; home services vs. public temples  

- 29:41 — Abraham Geiger’s ideology; opposition to circumcision noted  

- 34:49 — Philippson/Magdeburg — services, Sunday shift  

- 36:49 — Rabbinical conferences (1844–46) & intermarriage stance  

- 41:27 — Orthodox responses: Safer Berneis, Rav Ettlinger, haram strategy  

- 48:47 — Samson Raphael Hirsch’s Neo‑Orthodoxy response  

- 57:13 — Modern implications: erosion of minhagim; academia vs. masorah  

- 59:05 — Closing takeaway: small changes can lead to large identity shifts

Timestamps:

- 0:00:00 — Opening

- 0:02:42 — Introduction to Moses Mendelssohn; early life and background  

- 0:07:03 — Education, secular learning, and early writings  

- 0:11:32 — Rise to public prominence and influence with non-Jewish intellectuals  

- 0:14:46 — Controversies: public challenges (Lavater) and the Halonas Hamas (burial) debate  

- 0:19:18 — Mendelssohn’s German Chumash translation/commentary and rabbinic opposition  

- 0:23:09 — Political engagement and Enlightenment connections; push for improved Jewish status (context of Joseph II’s reforms)  

- 0:31:03 — Arguments in Jerusalem: rationalist defense of Judaism, limits of communal coercion, and state jurisdiction over public law  

- 0:33:16 — Impact on Jewish education: introduction of secular subjects, changing communal autonomy, and long-term consequences  

- 0:39:09 — Mixed legacy: civil rights and assimilation pressures leading toward Reform; personal practice vs. societal outcomes  

- 0:47:07 — Hasidic/rabbinic responses and the disputed reference to Mendelssohn in the Hassam Sefar’s will; closing reflections

For Soviet Jews, matzah represented a longing for freedom – one we take for granted. This episode tells the hidden story of those heroes who risked everything to keep Pesach alive behind the Iron Curtain, and of the global networks that brought matzah into the USSR by every means, under the watchful eyes of the NKVD.

Jewish life in the USSR was strongly policed. Starting with Stalin in 1925, Judaism was actively hunted down. But every spring, Jews in Moscow, St Petersburg and Odessa as well as in far‑flung provincial cities risked surveillance, arrest, and labour camps to fulfill this mitzva on Seder night. Clandestine matzah bakeries sprung up, with children posted as lookouts.

In 1929 the 6th Lubavitcher Rebbe succeeded in bringing 10,000s of matzos into Russia. In later years, there would be the suitcases stuffed with contraband food moving through international airports, carried by tourists, businessmen, and non-Jewish acquaintances, given to them by people in the free world who never stopped caring for their fellow Jews.

This is the story of how a fragile food became a symbol of spiritual defiance, and how a festival of freedom was observed under totalitarian rule.

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"Undaunted" by Rabbi Eliezrie is available on Amazon for purchase

Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai traversed Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa on behalf of his brethren in Eretz Yisrael. His missions raised vital funds, to keep the Jews from being driven out of town, whilst facing bandits, maritime disasters, and oppressive authorities along the way. With the aid of his diary, this episode gives a vivid first-hand account of his challenges, deprivation, triumphs and breadth of travel.

Beyond his journeys, the Chida's genius is seen through his prolific writings. Author of 100 different sefarim on Halacha, Tanach, Kabbala & Talmud, they continue to guide Judaism today. Shem HaGedolim, remains a monumental encyclopedia of rabbinic authors and works, which reflect his incredible memory and knowledge. Birkei Yosef and Yosef Ometz are cornerstones of psak, written as he travelled thousands of miles over many decades.

But the final act was written in 1960.

Timestamps:

- 0:00 — Intro mention of Shem ha‑Gdolim editions  

- 0:21 — Podcast intro by Mena Reisner  

- 1:00 — Hosts reconnect; travel note and dedication  

- 2:32 — Episode topic: life & travels of Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai (the Chida)  

- 3:01 — Family origins; great‑grandfather and signature story  

- 4:13 — Birth in Jerusalem, early life, prodigy and writings  

- 7:53 — Teachers, Kabbalistic training, reason for emissary mission  

- 10:26 — Language issues, letters of recommendation, mixed receptions in Europe  

- 15:04 — Collection logistics, contacts with non‑Jewish authorities, successes  

- 18:46 — Travel hazards and accidents; manuscript research in libraries  

- 22:32 — England/France encounters and sightseeing  

- 26:29 — Return to Eretz Yisrael (1758), political troubles, five‑year stay in Egypt  

- 31:05 — Tunis episode, personal losses, diary entries  

- 35:49 — Second mission, Livorno quarantine, composing Shem ha‑Gdolim  

- 39:05 — Scope of travels, settlement in Livorno, later life and death (1806)  

- 42:23 — Burial details, estate instructions, study practices, halachic/Kabbalistic approach  

- 48:55 — Stories/legends (attempts to hasten redemption, miracles)  

- 55:07 — Reburial efforts to Jerusalem; episode closing and contact info

Timestamps:

0:00:46 — Podcast intro

0:01:22 — Topic setup: music in Torah and Levites.  

0:02:58 — Music’s role in prophecy, Kabbalah, Vilna Gaon.  

0:05:00 — Historical examples of music’s influence/appropriation.  

0:10:00 — Music’s emotional power, simcha, halachic issues.  

0:15:44 — Western (Renaissance/Baroque) and medieval Jewish music.  

0:19:07 — 16th–17thC Italian controversy over Hebrew polyphony.  

0:24:00 — Choirs, organs, cross-cultural musical borrowing.  

0:30:00 — 19thC Jerusalem ban on wedding instruments (reasons).  

0:35:19 — Interview with Alex Clare begins.  

0:36:41 — Alex on nature of music, AI, sincerity.  

1:00:00 — Music, memory, spirituality, and timelessness.  

1:15:00 — Jewish vs. secular music, cultural influences.  

1:25:00 — Alex on his music, kids’ songs, audience.  

1:35:19 — Closing and contact info.

In the 19th century, the Herzog family supplied wine to the Emperor, while the 20th ushered in the era and risks of Prohibition in America and the profound transformation of the humble grape juice.

Contemporary technology has enabled the wine industry to flourish, yet the intricate halachos makes kosher wine production, a uniquely complex product

Timestamps:

00:00 — Opening anecdote  

00:00:36 — Intro & episode overview  

00:01:12 — Listener feedback (medieval England)  

00:02:02 — History: Bohemia & Moravia (1500s)  

00:04:54 — Maharal: philosophy of wine  

00:08:43 — Nicholsburg controversy (1600s)  

00:15:00 — Prohibition & bootlegging (Bronfmans)  

00:16:25 — Sacramental wine loophole & abuses  

00:25:00 — 1926 regulations & grape juice debate  

00:29:30 — Interview: Nathan (Yogi) Herzog  

00:35:00 — Herzog: kosher production practices  

00:40:00 — Kedem grape juice & market evolution  

00:50:00 — Harvest logistics & mashgichim  

00:51:54 — Production issues & quality control  

00:52:02 — Interview: Rabbi Padva (kashrus expert)  

00:53:15 — Halacha: non-Jew involvement, mevushal, transport  

01:04:24 — Practical challenges (pumping/maceration)  

01:06:06 — Closing & sign-off

Tracing the journey of Wine, from Roman times and the laws of Yayin Nesech, to Lead Poisoning, wine dilution and Rashi's momentous ruling.  

Spanning medieval France, Italy's Rishonim, Provencal responsa and Egyptian challenges, the podcast reveals the halachic debate in times of evolving technology, commerce and travel.

As well as instructions for a Seder night without wine.  

Timestamps:

- 00:00:33 — Podcast intro 

- 00:01:09 — Sponsor dedication (Five Towns Central) and contact info.  

- 00:01:50 — Series announcement: new multi-part “wine” series; guests planned for week two.  

- 00:03:34 — Origins: Georgia and ancient Egyptian wine (Tutankhamun jars).  

- 00:05:33 — Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans: amphorae, dilution, and wine practices.  

- 00:08:44 — Roman recipes/additives, Posca/Eora, and medicinal uses; Gemara liability notes.  

- 00:16:00 — Lead/metal use in wine, health risks, and later glass bottles enabling long aging.  

- 00:17:30 — Halachic introduction: yayin nesech and stam yeinam explained.  

- 00:20:00 — Ashkenaz/France: cash shortages, wine-as-debt, Rashi’s leniencies and barrel-sealing debate.  

- 00:30:00 — Provence/Languedoc: stringencies, piquet (second-press), and transport sealing practices.  

- 00:32:47 — England: wine shortages and instructions for Kiddush/Seder without wine.  

- 00:36:04 — Muslim/Ottoman lands: limited production, taxes/bans, and examples of covert trade.  

- 00:42:09 — Italy: Teshuvot hesitancy, later Padua rulings, and varied local customs.  

- 00:46:32 — Closing: recap of wine’s household role, upcoming guests (Nathan “Yochi” Herzog + halachic expert), and call for listener questions.

The Church was determined to wipe out any vestige of Judaism from Spain, any custom, any law, any practice, and thousands of Jews would pay the price.

Spain was not just one country, however; it spread to the Americas and the Indies, and the stories of individual heroism, ingenuity, and courage are breathtaking.

Timestamps:

• 0:00:01 Crypto-Judaism vs. Crusades — constant oversight in Spain  
• 0:00:27 Podcast intro
• 0:01:16 Series context — part 3 importance  
• 0:02:58 Post-1492 groups — emigrants, later emigrants, those who stayed  
• 0:03:36 Sephardic diaspora — destinations & trades (Ottoman lands, North Africa, textiles, medicine)  
• 0:04:41 Jewish diplomacy under Ottomans — translators/negotiators, ties to Spain  
• 0:07:14 Crypto-Judaism basics — loss of rabbis, books, reliance on oral tradition & Old Testament  
• 0:09:42 Decline of living memory — mid-1500s generational loss  
• 0:11:40 Core beliefs retained — monotheism, Moses, Torah; examples from Inquisition confessions  
• 0:14:02 Observance statistics from trials — fasting, kashrut, Shabbat, Yom Kippur prevalence  
• 0:15:59 Passing faith to next generation — secrecy, double lives, limited transmission  
• 0:17:32 Inquisition edicts as inadvertent guides to practice  
• 0:19:26 End-of-life rituals — refusal of crucifix, tahara, burial customs  
• 0:23:41 Shabbat practices — hidden candles, inward sweeping, blessings  
• 0:26:31 Church attendance — outward conformity, internal belief strategies  
• 0:27:25 New World/Inquisition — arrival in Americas; Inquisition established in Mexico, Peru, Brazil  
• 0:31:00 Dutch Brazil exception — temporary open practice under Dutch rule, later expulsion 1654  
• 0:32:40 Louis de Carvajal & notable trials — arrests, preserved writings used as evidence  
• 0:36:22 Secret communication/code — phrases, walks, covert declarations of faith  
• 0:39:04 Dangers of disclosure — denunciations even by family; psychological terror of arrest  
• 0:42:40 Arrest/interrogation process — isolation, written records, potential torture  
• 0:45:00 Auto-da-fé description — public spectacle, sanbenito, punishments, executions  
• 0:50:47 Survival customs preserved in remote towns (e.g., burial, food practices)  
• 0:51:07 Reasons many stayed — travel restrictions, family/assets, hope things improve  
• 0:55:46 Reintegration abroad — relearning Judaism, halachic complications (bris, remarriage)  
• 0:59:12 Broader Jewish response — limited help; notable rescuers and martyrs  
• 1:02:19 Scale of persecution — arrests (100k–150k), deaths (~4–10k estimated)  
• 1:05:34 Long-term effects — endogamy, oral legacy, Kabbalah/messianic currents  
• 1:06:46 Closing & next steps — possible future series; contact/website/tours info  
• Action items (end): confirm availability for next series; monitor listener feedback; update website/tours.

Timestamps:

- [0:00] Topic setup: Spain Part 2 — continuation on conversos/Jewish life pre- and post-1480.  

- [0:44] Intro & announcements: new website historyforthecurious.com and listener emails (Menorah/Vatican).  

- [6:07] Recap: 1391 massacres and Tortosa debates intensified pressure on Jews/conversos.  

- [12:15] Inquisition origins (1480): state-backed institution, torture, informers, auto-da-fé spectacles.  

- [20:07] Converso impact: shift from preserving family cohesion to living secret “cover stories.”  

- [24:28] La Guardia case (1491): blood libel, forced confessions, executions used to build case for expulsion.  

- [30:57] 1492: Fall of Granada and the Alhambra Decree — four months to leave, severe loss of property.  

- [52:18] Exodus hardships: banditry, ship abuses, disease, starvation; some returned/converted.  

- [56:07] Demographics: estimated ~150,000 left; major resettlement in Ottoman lands and North Africa.  

- [40:21 / 45:53] Culture & print: strong late-medieval Spanish rabbinic scholarship and early Hebrew printing; many books later burned but printing continued in exile.  

- [1:00:17] Legacy: Sephardic communities revitalized elsewhere; theme — persecution paired with spiritual resilience.

The date of the Expulsion in 1492 is infamous. Less known or understood is the historical context that led there. How did a 1,000-year-old community lose its status and power?

The answer lies in the ferocious and sudden impact of 1391. With 100,000 conversions to Christianity, Jewish kehillos were left reeling and families were torn apart. Rebuilding became virtually impossible, and a new way of life was created for the Jews in Spain.

Jews were still part of society, but rising Church pressure forced many into hiding. And the urgent question arose of how to deal with conversos amid instability, the Tortosa disputation and hostility from ‘Old Christians’.

But the writing was still not on the wall.

Timestamps:

- 0:00 — Converts’ next-generation issue introduced  

- 0:42 — Podcast intro and host  

- 1:24 — Email about Radzivin/Vatican anecdote  

- 2:24 — Recap: Jewish history in Spain; Golden Age → decline  

- 4:20 — 14th-century status: wealth, roles, rising anti-Jewish politics  

- 7:17 — Civil war in Castile; Henry II’s measures; Ferran Martínez’s preaching  

- 12:45 — Martinez’s actions, weak government, lead-up to 1391  

- 16:20 — June 1391 pogroms begin (Seville)  

- 19:33 — Scale of conversions; conversos’ motives and consequences  

- 23:00 — Rav Crescas’s account and leadership role  

- 27:32 — Rebuilding efforts and royal interactions  

- 32:21 — Conversos’ social ascent; community tensions  

- 37:22 — Tortosa disputation lead-up; Vincent Ferrer’s influence  

- 43:07 — Tortosa debate outcomes and further conversions  

- 50:10 — Fragile recovery; papal/royal reversals  

- 57:32 — 1449 Toledo unrest; purity-of-blood measures begin  

- 1:02:16 — Long-term social exclusion of conversos; legacy and summary

We know from both Jewish and secular sources, that 2,500 years ago the Babylonians led by Nevuchadnezar, besieged Jerusalem on this day. Two years later the Temple was destroyed. But what events led to this moment? And why was the path of the prophet Yirmiyahu's life so dangerous?  

As importantly how do we, in our days, feel a connection to the message and the narrative?

10th Teves is also designated as a day of mourning, for all those who do not know the date or the fate of their family's passing during the Holocaust, and this episode will feature the unusual story of a young child in the partisans. 

Timestamps
0:00:00 Opening and podcast intro; dedication to Nehemiah and host’s father

0:01:06 Overview of episode topics, Hanukkah feedback, and menorah discussion

0:03:18 Context of Asara B’Tevet, Holocaust link, and anecdote about Kaddish in old-age home

0:04:20–0:10:04 Historical exposition: Jeremiah’s prophecies, political pressures, scroll burned, imprisonments

0:10:04–0:19:37 Continued account: attempted murder, rescues, false prophets (Hananiah, Uriah) and descent to siege

0:19:37–0:21:25 Summary of decline leading to exile and significance of the 10th of Tevet fast

0:21:25–0:28:46 Modern parallels: genteel/diplomatic antisemitism, political short-termism, and examples

0:28:46–0:34:31 Reflection on providence, Hashem’s hand, emunah vs. bitachon, and cultivating trust

0:34:31–0:40:15 Practical guidance: quiet contemplation, Hanukkah lessons, and spiritual responses

0:40:15–0:46:37 Holocaust case study begins: Matei Jakel’s early life, attack, deportation, and escape from train

0:46:37–0:52:16 Partisan life, postwar displacement, meeting youth emissaries, aliyah to Israel, rebuilding life

0:52:16 Closing reflections, key takeaways on resilience and faith, listener email (podcasts@jle.org.uk) and two-week break

Timestamps:

- 0:00 — Opening:   

- 0:38 — Podcast intro (host & Rabbi Hersh).  

- 1:14 — Memorial/announcements.  

- 2:17 — Episode topic introduced: “Where is the menorah?”  

- 4:00 — Menorah as Jewish symbol; historical significance.  

- 8:00 — Arch of Titus / Josephus / early Roman display.  

- 10:00 — Fire in 191 CE and disappearance possibilities.  

- 15:00 — Jews in ancient Rome / social context.  

- 20:00 — Constantine/Byzantine period and relocation theories (312 CE).  

- 25:00 — Christian adoption/use of menorah imagery.  

- 30:00 — Vatican holdings, openness, and inventories.  

- 34:30 — Eyewitness claims overview; Rabbi Stencil letter exchange.  

- 40:00 — Oscar Goldman 1962 account (electrician shown items).  

- 41:30 — 1970s rabbi’s underground Vatican visit description.  

- 52:40 — Testimony analysis: credibility issues and scholarly skepticism.  

- 1:03:47 — Theological point: first‑ vs. second‑Temple vessels and redemption.  

- 1:10:00 — Halachic notes on making/holding menorah replicas; closing.

Chanukah is central to our Jewish Calendar and way of life, but there are many unanswered questions: Why celebrate defeat? What was the real role of Kohanim during the Second Temple? Why was this Yomtov chosen to reflect the ultimate ideal ?

Tracing the story from Alexander the Great and Shimon HaTzaddik through the corruption of the Second Temple and the rise of Hellenism, the podcast redefines the central idea of Chanukah - the only festival established by the Sages post-prophecy

Connecting the ancient clash of civilizations to the battles which echo down through Russia, America and Eretz Yisrael; It defines Who is a Jew.

Timestamps

[0:00:00] Introduction to Greek Exile and Historical Context

[0:01:07] Podcast Dedication and Welcome

[0:02:05] Setting Up the Hanukkah Discussion

[0:04:13] Questioning the Purpose of Hanukkah Celebration

[0:14:44] Historical Prequel: Alexander the Great and Shimon HaTzadik

[0:22:49] Corruption of the Priesthood

[0:26:38] Empire Dynamics After Alexander

[0:31:05] Jewish Attraction to Greek Culture

[0:40:41] The Spiritual Victory of Hanukkah

[0:49:26] Comparing Purim and Hanukkah

[0:50:44] Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-up

Yitzchak Trebitsch was an active participant - under various names - in some of the twentieth century’s most important events: mass immigration, WWI wartime espionage, radical right-wing Germany, Chinese civil war and the Japanese invasion during WWII. But in the end he was a nobody.

His death was attributed variously to Nazi poison, Allied vengeance, Buddhist enemies, or enraged Jews.

His story is stranger than fiction, but there are important lessons we can take from it.

Timestamps

[0:03:07] Origins: Hungarian Jewish Childhood

[0:04:40] Early Crimes: Theft and Deception

[0:07:54] Religious Transformations: Conversions and Missionaries

[0:11:00] Political Ambitions: Brief Parliamentary Career

[0:18:23] Wartime Intrigue: Espionage and Escapes

[0:28:00] Political Extremism: Far-Right Conspiracies

[0:35:00] Global Wanderings: International Adventures

[0:41:30] Spiritual Journey: Becoming a Buddhist Monk

[0:45:00] World War Machinations: Nazi and Japanese Connections

[0:48:44] Final Act: Decline in Shanghai

Chapters

00:00:00 Doctor Lopez and the Earl of Leicester

00:00:26 Podcast Introduction and Listener Letter 

00:36:32 Rodrigo Lopez: Early Life and Arrival in England 

00:05:10 Lopez’s Rise and Role at Court 

00:08:14 Espionage and the Don Antonio Affair 

00:09:41 Jewish Community as Diplomatic Asset 

00:11:02 International Intrigue and Spanish Spies 

00:13:39 The Spanish Armada and Aftermath 

00:15:22 Lopez’s Espionage and Double Agency 

00:16:40 The Andrada Case and Rising Suspicion

00:19:12 Arrest and Trial of Lopez 

00:21:52 Charges, Confession, and Execution 

00:24:35 Was Lopez Guilty?

00:27:08 Lopez’s Legacy and Impact on Literature 

00:30:44 Jewish Life in England: 1300s–1400s 

00:32:50 Conversos and Marranos in Tudor England 

00:36:32 Risks and Persecution of Marranos 

00:38:42 Elizabethan Era and Secret Jewish Life 

00:40:35 Religious Practice and Open Jews

00:43:10 Persistence of Jewish Identity

00:45:12 The Talmud in England: The Henry VIII Legend 

00:48:35 Conclusion and Next Series Teaser 

A wide-ranging and personal discussion with former U.S. Ambassador David Friedman, describing how his Sledgehammer of Diplomacy shattered old conventions to achieve the historic U.S. Embassy move and usher in the Abraham Accords, exploring the deeply personal balance between his religious conviction and political power in crafting high-stakes foreign policy, laying out his forceful argument for Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria, and his definitive vision of One Jewish State.

Hear his incredible story, as he reflects on Jewish history, the Hand of Hashem and the divine continuum that continually strengthens Israel's destiny, while also sharing his candid personal insights on figures like President Trump, Mike Pompeo, and the future evolution of the Middle East over the next 12 to 24 months.

Chapters

00:00 The Disputation Series: An Overview

02:46 The Context of the Barcelona Disputation

05:56 The Goals and Strategies of the Disputation

09:04 The Nature of the Debate: Christianity vs. Judaism

11:52 The Role of the Messiah in Christianity and Judaism

15:05 The Agadic Approach in Jewish Thought

17:56 The Outcomes of the Disputation

20:58 The Tortosa Disputation: A New Era

23:59 The Impact of Fear and Intimidation

26:40 The Aftermath of the Disputation

29:59 Rav Meir Arik: A Brief Biography

Chapters

00:00 Divine Retribution and Historical Context

04:38 Rambam and Rabbeinu Yonah's Controversy

12:07 The Role of Hillel of Verona

18:45 Yom Kippur and the Nature of Repentance

21:19 Church Disputations and Their Impact

29:34 The Paris Disputation: A Turning Point

42:44 Consequences of the Talmud's Burning

Chapters

00:00 The Downfall of Edom and the Church's Influence

02:53 The Ramban's Controversial Letters and Kabbalistic Ideas

06:08 The Disputation of Barcelona: A Turning Point

08:44 The Aftermath of the Disputation and Censorship

11:57 The Ramban's Journey to Eretz Yisrael

14:41 Rebuilding Jerusalem: The Ramban's Legacy

18:03 The Ramban's Medical Insights and Philosophy

21:02 The Ramban's Introduction to the Torah

24:03 The Essence of the Torah and Its Connection to Hashem

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jewish Heritage and History

01:50 The Remarkable Life of Riza Indic-Kaufman

04:34 Survival Stories from Auschwitz

11:14 Life in Auschwitz: A Personal Account

19:36 The Impact of Loss and Resilience

25:50 The Role of Liberators: Rabbi Herschel Schachter

30:20 Experiencing Buchenwald: A Chaplain's Perspective

40:53 Rebuilding Lives After Liberation

51:53 The Journey to Switzerland and New Beginnings

01:00:33 Reflections on Suffering and Redemption

1. How did she find the strength of mind? How did she become a beacon to others, learn to redefine freedom and turn her wounds into a source of hope? 

2. And how should Tisha B'Av redefine our understanding of exile? 

Chapters:

00:00 The Journey Begins: A Survivor's Tale

19:04 Reunion and Resilience: Finding Family After the War

24:55 Life After Liberation: Struggles and Triumphs

28:05 Facing New Challenges: The Fight for a Future

28:10 The Decision to Leave

30:23 The Escape Plan

31:53 A New Life in America

33:20 Confronting the Past

36:55 Lessons from Auschwitz

43:08 Moving Forward from Trauma

55:00 The Power of Belief

Chapters

00:00 The Journey into Danger

01:40 The Context of the Holocaust

06:41 The Systematic Persecution of Jews in Holland

08:55 The Story of Jaap Penraat

14:57 The Art of Forgery and Resistance

22:47 The Nazi Obsession with Art

29:58 The Aftermath of War and Art Recovery

Chapters

00:00 Trapped in History: The Beginning of a Journey

01:35 The Holocaust Series: A Focus on Forgers

02:50 Adolfo Kaminsky: The Master Forger

03:14 A Life of Identity: The Early Years of Kaminsky

07:28 The Loss of Innocence: A Family's Tragedy

10:50 Imprisonment and Survival: The Drancy Experience

13:46 The Art of Forgery: Kaminsky's New Identity

18:48 Creating New Lives: The Resistance Movement

23:09 The Pressure of Time: A Race Against Death

28:00 The Underground Network: Delivering Hope

29:57 The Aftermath of War: A New Role for Kaminsky

33:17 Legacy of a Forger: Saving Lives Beyond the War

37:09 A Life of Sacrifice: Kaminsky's Continued Fight

40:45 The Complexity of Identity: Kaminsky's Later Years

44:19 A Lasting Impact: Kaminsky's Global Influence

47:24 Reflections on Guilt and Responsibility

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Celebrations

03:07 Reflections on the Poland Trip

06:01 The Crusades and Their Impact on Jerusalem

08:48 The Aftermath of the Crusader Conquest

12:10 Saladin's Rise and the Muslim Response

15:02 The Third Crusade and Negotiations for Jerusalem

17:52 The Mamluks and Their Rule

21:02 The Jewish Presence in Jerusalem

24:07 The Aliyah of Scholars to Eretz Yisrael

27:01 The Ottoman Conquest and Its Effects

30:03 Life in Jerusalem Under Ottoman Rule

32:52 The Economic and Social Conditions of Jews

36:02 Travel and Migration to Eretz Yisrael

39:01 The Keys of Jerusalem and Their Significance

42:09 The Jewish Community in Jerusalem

45:01 The Future of Jerusalem and Upcoming Topics

How do we relate to the most recent events in the Middle-East?

In 638 the Moslems transformed the city; but what was their motivation? What created the divisions of Jewish observance in the 10th century?  Why was the Golden Gate sealed off? How did the Christian East-West Schism of 1054 affect Jewish lives in Jerusalem? 

To register for the Maharal - Prague Tour 8th-11th September contact: giana.elav@gmail.com

Chapters

00:00 The Treaty of Jerusalem: A Historical Overview

04:03 The Islamic Conquest and Its Impact on Jerusalem

09:46 The Role of Caliph Omar and the Covenant of Omar

13:56 The Dynasties of Islamic Rule in Jerusalem

19:52 The Jewish Community in Jerusalem: A Historical Perspective

25:50 The Golden Gate and Its Significance

31:37 The Cultural Exchange Between East and West

37:45 The Fatimid Period and Its Tolerance

41:39 The Decline of Islamic Rule and the Rise of the Crusaders

Chapters

00:00 The Historical Significance of Jerusalem

03:05 Jerusalem: A City of Conflict and Unity

05:52 The Role of Prayer in Jewish Identity

08:50 Reflections on Leadership and Faith

11:56 The Roman Destruction and Its Aftermath

14:46 The Impact of Hadrian's Rule

17:53 The Bar Kokhba Revolt and Its Consequences

28:04 The Destruction of Judea and Jewish Martyrdom

31:32 Christianity's Shift and the Loss of Jerusalem's Centrality

35:31 Constantine's Reign and the Christianization of Jerusalem

40:36 Helena's Influence and the Rise of Christian Pilgrimage

44:22 Julian's Brief Reprieve for the Jews

49:02 Justinian's Persecution and the Transformation of Jerusalem

52:50 The Persian Conquest and Jewish Resurgence

56:27 The Muslim Era and Jewish Return to Jerusalem

Chapters

01:51 The Importance of Oral Law

06:06 Understanding Halacha and Truth

11:50 The Role of Teacher and Student in Torah

17:59 The Nature of Disputes in Torah

24:10 The Concept of Eilu ve Eilu

29:57 Halacha in Practice

44:01 The Role of the Sanhedrin

52:23 Defining a Talmid Chochom today

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Reflections on Jewish Heritage

03:11 Understanding the Oral Law

05:58 Categories of Oral Law

09:00 The Role of Sages in Halacha

11:55 The Transmission of Torah

15:01 The Distinction Between Written and Oral Law

18:14 The Process of Halachic Decision-Making

20:49 The Authority of the Sages

23:50 Conclusion and Future Discussions

25:21 The Necessity of Oral Law

28:03 The Role of Oral Tradition in Judaism

30:00 Halachic Authority and the Importance of Analysis

36:51 Principles of Halacha and Their Application

44:29 The Spiritual Connection to Torah Study

Was the 1919 Baseball series really determined by hardline gamblers?

Why did a Rabbi give the eulogy at a gangster’s funeral?

How did Issy Einstein become the greatest Prohibition Agent?

What were the Nazis trying to achieve in America in 1939?

Chapters

00:00 The Dark Side of Baseball: The 1919 World Series Fix

16:54 The Rise and Fall of Arnold Rothstein

26:07 Izzy Einstein: The Prohibition Agent Who Became a Legend

27:29 The Dangers of Prohibition and Jewish Identity

29:00 Jewish Gangsters and Anti-Nazi Actions

32:40 The Rise of Anti-Semitism in America

36:58 The Madison Square Garden Rally and Jewish Resistance

40:51 Complexities of Jewish Identity and Resistance

43:46 Individual Acts of Courage Against Anti-Semitism

47:09 Post-War Contributions of Jewish Gangsters

50:57 The Transformation of Las Vegas by Jewish Mobsters

54:46 Lepke Buchalter and the FBI's Pursuit

56:42 Legacy of Jewish Gangsters and Their Impact

Between the wars - due mainly to Prohibition - crime flourished in America and Jews were not immune to the effects. 

Gangs of irreligious working class Jews, made their fortunes and met their untimely ends during the 20s & 30s. But the narrative is not without a number of surprising twists, particularly in Chicago - the home of Al Capone. 

And why did one notorious thief do Teshuva?

Chapters

00:00 The Rise of Jewish Gangsters in America

20:51 Prohibition: A Catalyst for Crime

24:00 The Interplay of Politics and Crime in Chicago

26:12 The Role of Jewish Gangsters in Chicago's Community

28:36 Protection and Power: The Duality of Gangster Generosity

29:12 Violence and Rivalry: The Miller Brothers' Story

31:51 The Rise and Fall of Jewish Organized Crime

34:15 Max Friedman: From Thief to Notorious Criminal

39:21 Rudensky's Escapes and Criminal Career

44:15 Transformation: From Criminal to Consultant

52:40 Legacy of Change: The Life of Red Rudensky

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Eiruv and Jewish Heritage

02:53 The Historical Context of Eiruv in Toronto

05:47 Rabbi Graubart's Contributions to Eiruv

09:01 The Evolution of Eiruv in Toronto

11:45 Challenges of Eiruv in Yerushalayim

15:03 Halachic Perspectives on Eiruv

17:51 Debates on Eiruv and Community Needs

21:00 The Role of Local Rabbanim in Eiruv Decisions

24:10 Conclusion and Future of Eiruv Discussions

30:11 The Complexity of Eruvin Decisions

34:30 Halachic Perspectives on Shabbos and Eruvin

39:51 Community Needs and Rabbinical Authority

45:40 Historical Context and Modern Implications of Eruvin

52:18 The Challenges of Eruvin in Contemporary Society

Documents and Responsa from across the Jewish world reveal that for centuries Jews discussed, debated and disagreed over the Shabbos Eruv

Walled cities, canals, telegraph poles, Kabbala, fires and powerful secular rulers all played their role and affected entire communities. And from the 19th century onwards, strong personalities would influence and colour the narrative.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Erevin and Halacha

03:04 Understanding the Concept of Erevin

05:53 Historical Context of Erevin

08:54 Disputes and Rulings on Erevin

11:48 Erevin in Different Regions

14:55 The Role of Authority in Erevin

17:53 Contemporary Applications of Erevin

21:05 The Historical Context of Eruvin in Jewish Communities

24:41 Challenges and Innovations in Eruvin Construction

28:03 The Evolution of Eruvin in Krakow

36:00 Eruvin in the New World: St. Louis Case Study

(To book the Provence trip with Rabbi Tatz & Rabbi Hersh - email giana.elav@gmail.com)

Jewish leadership found itself in a crisis post-1881, affecting not only their options but their identity. In response, Rabbis turned to the international community for help, especially from  non-Jewish politicians.

This period was exacerbated by the publication of the infamous Protocols of the Elders of Zion and the notorious Kishinev pogrom of 1903, which was followed by the abortive 1905 Revolution.

As a conclusion, the podcast also defines the historical context of Jewish suffering and the cycle of Jewish history.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Jewish Suffering Through History

02:54 The Impact of the May Laws and Pogroms

05:53 The Shift in Jewish Identity and Response

09:05 The Role of Rabbinic Leadership During Crisis

12:08 International Responses to Jewish Persecution

15:00 The Kovner Circle and Smuggling Information

18:04 The Aftermath of Pogroms and Changing Policies

20:46 The Protocols of the Elders of Zion and Its Legacy

27:53 The Systematic Transition to Violence

30:47 The Rise of Revolutionaries and the 1905 Uprising

36:32 Understanding Jewish Suffering Through History

39:27 Insights on Divine Purpose and Jewish Existence

51:10 The Cycle of Jewish History and Its Lessons

1855 brought a new dawn to Russia, and was embraced by many, although poverty remained a constant.

When the Czar was assassinated, all hell broke loose and the Jews were given a stark reminder of their status. By 1897 Socialism, Zionism & Emigration seemed to offer the only routes out.

Chapters

00:00 The Shift in Jewish Education and Identity

01:46 The Impact of Tsar Alexander II's Reforms

06:40 The Rise of Jewish Assimilation and National Pride

12:46 The Economic Divide Among Jews

18:02 The Harsh Realities of Poverty in the Pale

22:34 The Reversal of Reforms and Growing Tensions

25:48 The Generational Divide and Revolutionary Movements

28:37 The Anarchist Campaign Against the Tsar

33:24 The Assassination of Tsar Alexander II

36:46 The Aftermath: Repression and Pogroms

41:04 The May Laws and Their Impact on Jewish Life

49:14 The Rise of Jewish Nationalism and Emigration

54:55 Historical Memory and Current Events  

Chapters

00:00 The Struggle Against Forced Assimilation

02:55 The Role of Informants in Jewish Communities

05:47 The Consequences of Informing

08:51 The Murder of Informers and Community Response

15:01 The Rizhner's Imprisonment and Escape

21:11 The Clothing Decree and Its Implications

30:38 Resistance to Assimilation and Clothing Laws

37:55 Impact on Women and Family Dynamics

44:33 The Role of Sir Moses Montefiore

52:40 Continuing Challenges in the Russian Empire

Czar Nicholas hated Jews and Judaism in equal measure. He initiated 600 decrees against them over a 30 year period, and destroyed community life in Russia. The terror of his reign is relieved only by the faith and courage of families across the Pale of Settlement, carried out in defiance of the secret police and of Jewish informants. 

Chapters

00:00 The Jewish Plight in the Russian Empire

02:54 Russian Policies and Jewish Resettlement

06:05 Nicholas I and the Cantonist Decree

08:57 The Impact of Conscription on Jewish Families

12:00 The Agony of Jewish Children in the Army

14:54 The Struggles of Jewish Identity and Survival

18:08 The Role of Informers and Community Dynamics

21:01 Resistance and the Response of Jewish Leaders

26:25 The Impact of the Cantonist Decrees

32:10 The Struggle for Jewish Identity

34:26 Nicholas I's Repressive Policies

36:51 Censorship and Cultural Suppression

39:43 The Role of Hevras in Jewish Life

40:40 Cohesion Amidst Oppression

44:50 The Irony of Forced Preservation

45:41 Educational Reforms and Their Consequences

53:08 Moses Montefiore's Visit to Russia

54:51 Reflections on Suffering and Resilience

For centuries, Russia was home to the largest Jewish community in the world. But why did Jews choose to move to a country that never wanted them?

Chapters

00:00 Political Intrigue

11:01 The History of Russian Jewry

25:48 Catherine the Great's Reign and Jewish Policies

27:41 The Transformation of the Russian Empire

30:00 The Jewish Population in Eastern Europe

34:21 The Impact of Russian Rule on Jewish Life

37:22 Resistance and Rebellion in Poland

40:01 Diverging Paths: Prussian and Galician Jews

42:11 The Russian Government's Approach to Jews

45:05 The Long Nightmare of Russian Governance

50:28 Reactions from Jewish Leaders

54:00 The Legacy of Eastern European Jewry

In Eastern Europe quacks and soothsayers were in abundance, as were invented remedies whilst the Ottoman Empire provided refuge from Spain but came with its own risk.

But do the best doctors end up in Hell according to Jewish tradition? Can one give a vaccine that also kills people? And may one smoke on Shabbos to perform better surgery?

Chapters

00:00 The Landscape of Medical Practice in 18th Century Russia

02:55 The Role of Jewish Physicians in Europe

05:52 The Influence of Jewish Medical Practitioners in the Ottoman Empire

12:08 Challenges Faced by Jewish Physicians in France and Germany

18:00 The Ethical Dilemmas of Medical Practice

27:04 Reflections on the Medical Profession and Its Perception

27:50 The Weight of Medical Decisions

28:47 Personal Anecdotes and Cultural Reflections

32:31 Halachic Insights in Medical Practice

34:23 Ethical Dilemmas in Medicine

40:12 The Role of Transparency in Medical Decisions

41:20 Halachic Questions in Medical Scenarios

Why did Jewish doctors in the Middle East get involved in Politics?

How should modern day doctors combine ethics and law? How many Jewish women medics were there in Europe? Who were the Chinese Jewish physicians? How do we define sanctity of Life?

And should everyone own a copy of Pu Ji Fang?

Chapters

02:34 Jewish Doctors in the Islamic World

09:50 Cultural Interactions and Medical Ethics

15:04 Conversion and Identity Among Jewish Physicians

18:59 The Role of Women in Jewish Medicine

27:55 Marco Polo and Jewish Communities in China

29:36 Jewish Physicians in Chinese History

34:32 Personal Anecdotes: Medicine and Judaism in South Africa

49:05 Ethical Dilemmas in Medicine and Judaism

54:34 The Intersection of Autonomy and Jewish Law  

‘My son-in-law the Doctor’ may be a cliche, but it is based on the very real narrative of thousands of Jewish physicians who practiced through the ages. 

What was their environment during the Middle Ages in Christian Europe? How did Jewish doctors gain their knowledge? Why did the Popes always have a Jewish physician? And how are the Rambam’s medical writings viewed today?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jewish Medicine and History

02:47 The Role of Jewish Physicians in Europe

06:10 Historical Context of Jewish Medical Literature

09:04 The Influence of Islamic Medicine on Jewish Practices

11:55 The Evolution of Medical Practices in Medieval Europe

15:14 The Relationship Between Jewish and Christian Physicians

18:02 The Societal Perception of Jewish Doctors

20:48 Accusations and Stereotypes Against Jewish Physicians

24:02 The Impact of the Black Death on Jewish Medicine

26:56 Conclusion: The Legacy of Jewish Medicine

33:37 The Perils of Jewish Physicians in History

46:00 The Legacy of Maimonides and Jewish Medicine

01:01:56 The Evolution of Medical Specialization and Its Impact

WWI was a catastrophic event for the Austrian Empire, and the Jews immediately became unwelcome residents. 

When the Chancellor was assassinated it seemed that time was running out. However, Vienna still played host to important people and events in the inter-war years.

The Chortkover Rebbe, the founding of Daf Yomi and a Zionist Congress. And then there was the unusual visit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1903

Chapters

00:00 The Rise of Anti-Semitism in Pre-War Austria

02:55 World War I: A Turning Point for Austrian Jewry

06:05 Post-War Challenges: Economic Hardships and Scapegoating

08:55 The Emergence of Political Anti-Semitism

11:48 The Role of Universities in Anti-Semitic Sentiment

15:02 The Zionist Congress and Public Demonstrations

17:54 The Impact of Anti-Semitism on Jewish Identity

21:13 Conclusion: Lessons from History

26:35 The Rise of Anti-Semitism in Austria

29:50 Unexpected Allies: The Christian Social Chancellor

32:11 The Complex Relationship Between Jews and the Austrian Government

35:34 Internal Divisions Within the Jewish Community

39:17 The Role of Religious Leadership in Vienna

43:10 The Influence of the Chotkver Rebbe

50:11 The Encounter Between Freud and the Lu

bavitcher Rebbe

Chapters

03:12 Jewish Identity vs Jewish Society

06:04 Responses to Antisemitism: A Spectrum of Reactions

09:00 Five Cultural Figures and Their Influence

11:51 Theodor Herzl: From Assimilation to Zionism

20:54 The Collision of Ideas: Herzl and Viennese Jewry

23:50 Herzl's Proposals: Why they happened in Vienna

30:09 Nathan Birnbaum: The Ideologue of Zionism

35:24 Sigmund Freud: A Complex Jewish Identity

39:14 Freud's Psychoanalysis: Does it have religious value?

46:30 Rabbi Moshe David Flesch: A Voice for Jewish Women

It has long been suspected that the BBC is anti-Israel and employs pro-Palestinian reporters and editors. But how do you prove suspicion? And how far does the betrayal go? 

Using objective forensic methodology and scientific analysis, a year long report was created by a team of researchers, spear-headed by Trevor Assesrson, that makes shocking reading and listening.

Post-interview we then spoke to Rabbi Zev Leff, Rabbi Osher Weiss and others, to determine how we should react?

https://asserson.co.uk/assersonreport/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jewish History Podcast

01:07 Media Bias and Its Impact on Jewish Identity

03:25 Interview with Trevor Asserson: Uncovering BBC Bias

05:45 The Findings of the Asserson Report

10:06 Analysis of BBC Arabic Coverage

12:28 BBC Arabic and Its Influence

17:34 The BBC's Institutional Challenges

19:30 Hamas's Strategy and Media Reporting

24:24 BBC's Institutional Bias

27:14 Freedom of Information and BBC Accountability

32:20 Public Awareness and Criticism of the BBC

39:37 The Challenge of Objectivity in Reporting

40:34 Funding and Support for Continued Research

46:34 Conclusion and

Call to Action

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jewish History Podcast

02:51 The Importance of Understanding Jewish History

06:12 Effie's Insights on Rabbi Hirsch's Work

07:05 Introduction to the Jews of Vienna

08:33 Vienna's Jewish History and Community Dynamics

10:29 Legal Status and Assimilation of Jews in Vienna

13:52 The Rise of Jewish Influence in Vienna

18:10 Anti-Semitism and Jewish Integration in Society

21:06 The Complex Relationship Between Jews and Non-Jews

24:00 Political Anti-Semitism and Its Consequences

26:25 Internal Anti-Semitism and Community Dynamics

28:45 The Crisis of Assimilation and Political Zionism

30:13 Jewish Identity in Late 19th Century Vienna

32:35 Religious Reform and Resistance in Vienna

36:22 The Showdown of Reform and Orthodox Judaism

43:30 Rabbi Yosef Schmuel Bloch: A Voice Against Anti-Semitism

54:50 Vienna's Jewish Community: A Historical Overview

Summary

This conversation delves into the complexities of Jewish identity, the historical context of anti-Semitism, and the current political landscape in the West, surrounding Israel and the ICC. It explores the philosophical underpinnings of truth, the influence of Greek thought on Jewish tradition, and the dangers of assimilation. The podcast looks at the Soviet Union, the Church, Blood Libels and the recent US elections.

Chapters

00:00 The ICC and Its Jurisdiction Over Israel

02:52 Historical Context of Jewish Enmity

06:14 The Nature of Modern Anti-Semitism

09:06 The Role of Truth and Falsehood

11:59 The Intersection of Science and Religion

14:52 The Influence of Greek Philosophy

18:12 The Political Landscape and Jewish Identity

21:09 The Dangers of Assimilation

24:03 The ICC's Bias Against Israel

26:51 The Call to Action for the Jewish Community

29:45 The Importance of Truth in Jewish Life

Chapters

00:00 The Rothschilds and European Finance

02:22 Emancipation and the Ghetto Experience

04:11 Tax Investigations and Business Operations

06:32 Smuggling and Trade Challenges

10:46 The Rise of Nathan Rothschild

12:40 The Smuggling Operations and Economic Impact

19:14 Nathan Rothschild: The Napoleon of Finance

23:03 Legacy of Mayer Amschel Rothschild

27:21 Legacy of Influence: The Rothschild Family's Values

30:09 Unity and Success: The Rothschild Brothers' Commitment

32:57 The Early Years: Rothschild's Business Practices and Challenges

39:00 Theft and Betrayal: A Rothschild Scandal Uncovered

42:45 Communication Innovations: The Rothschilds' Use of Pigeons and Telegraphs

46:57 The Portrait of Gutle Rothschild: A Family Legacy

51:14 Mysteries of Wealth: The Rothschilds and Their Historical Context

Chapters

00:00 The Rise of the Rothschild Dynasty

02:50 The Rothschild Family Structure and Dynamics

08:56 Challenges and Triumphs in the Ghetto

11:47 The Impact of War on Rothschild's Wealth

15:07 The Role of Secrecy in Rothschild's Success

18:00 The Legacy of Charity and Community

20:54 Political Maneuvering and Emancipation

24:11 The Rothschilds and the Napoleonic Wars

26:59 The Transformation into International Bankers

33:04 The Enduring Legacy of the Rothschild Family

The very name conjures up images of immense wealth, of banks and private government deals. It is accompanied by numerous conspiracy theories and unlikely legends. But the beginnings of the dynasty occurred in the overcrowded and isolated confines of the uninhabitable ghetto of Frankfurt.

He rose to become the wealthiest Jew in Germany whilst remaining a Jew enclosed in a ghetto. It is a story that has never really been told. One that saw fortunes being lost and gained and that occured in the most unlikely of historical circumstances.

Summary

This conversation explores the life and legacy of Mayer Amschel Rothschild, detailing his unlikely rise to wealth as a Jew in 18th century Frankfurt. It delves into the socio-economic conditions of the time, the anti-Semitic environment, and the significant events that shaped his fortune, including the French Revolution. The discussion highlights Rothschild's early ventures, his connections with influential figures, and the business landscape of Frankfurt, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Rothschild banking dynasty.

Takeaways

The Rothschild name has become synonymous with immense wealth, yet Rothschild's rise to wealth could not have been foreseen .

Life in the Judengasse was harsh and restrictive for Jews for many centuries.

Frankfurt was a significant business hub in the 18th century.

Rothschild's early ventures included trading coins and banking.

His connections with royalty were crucial to his success.

The French Revolution created opportunities for Rothschild.

Within a decade afterwards, Rothschild and his sons became millionaires.

Chapters

04:20 Conspiracy theories

07:57 Life in Frankfurt's Judengasse

15:09 The Business Landscape of 18th Century Frankfurt

26:09 Rothschild's Early Ventures and Connections

29:30 Crown Prince William of Cassel-Hesse

37:58 The Impact of the French Revolution

The question behind all our podcasts? What can we learn? How does it change us.

Our matched funds campaign is now live. If you enjoy History for the Curious, Please sponsor our continued podcasts:

www.charityextra.com/jle/podcast

The link will be live all of this week

Summary

This conversation explores significant moments in Jewish fundraising history: people, events and campaigns. It emphasizes the importance of charity and community support and delves into the historical context of Jewish fundraising efforts, particularly in the aftermath of World War II. It highlights the transformative power of community support, the guilt felt by American Jewry for not doing enough during the war, and the significant contributions made by individuals like Henry Morgenthau. The discussion also touches on the evolution of fundraising methods, including the rise of online platforms that democratize giving. Halakhic perspectives on fundraising practices are also explored, such as revealing names of donors and repayments for loans

Takeaways

WWI brought various Jewish organisations together to help Jews internationally.

Rabbi Elya Chaim Meisels played a crucial role in building Lodz's infrastructure and exemplified selflessness.

The Ponovezher Rov's efforts saved many lives during the war.

True fundraising requires a deep understanding of the cause.

Building a future is more important than memorializing the past.

The impact of individual donors can transform communities.

Historic fundraising campaigns have shaped the Jewish community's response to crises. The ongoing struggle for Jewish survival is echoed in historical fundraising efforts.

Halakhic issues play a crucial role in the ethics of fundraising.

Online fundraising has transformed how charities engage with donors. 

Chapters

03:03 Fundraising History: A Chilly Evening in Chicago

10:36 Rabbi Elya Chaim Meisels: His foresight and his support of scholars, trade unionists and cholera victims

16:53 The Ponovezher Rov: Resilience and Courage After the Holocaust

29:33 Historic Fundraising Campaigns Post-WWII

33:25 Guilt and Responsibility in Fundraising

39:13 The Fight for a Jewish State and Golda Meir’s financial campaign

43:57 Halakhic Fundraising Dilemmas

51:01 The Evolution of Online Fundraising

54:45  Win the chance to introduce a History for the Curious Podcast

His arrival to England was accompanied both by miracles and threats. Soon thereafter he was elected as the Av Beis Din in London, where he faced many battles: the non-religious lay leadership, the dangers of the Blitz during WWII and a family that was becoming fragmented. His tenacity and resilience saw him succeed and his influence on British Jewry extends to the present day.

Moving to Eretz Yisrael in 1951 brought new challenges and new opportunities for Torah. However his son Chimen was an enigma to the end; a genius who fought for the Jews but lost his Judaism.  

Summary

This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Dayan Abramsky, a prominent Jewish leader in London during the mid 20th century. It explores his resilience through adversity, his commitment to maintaining kosher standards, and his significant role in the Jewish community during World War II. 

The discussion highlights almost miraculous escapes and the personal sacrifices made by him and his family. This conversation delves into the life and legacy, exploring the complexities of his family dynamics, particularly the ideological conflicts faced by his son Chimen, who became a communist despite his father's religious background. Anecdotes and reflections on his character and teachings provide a rich context for understanding his contributions to Jewish life and thought.

Takeaways

Dayan Abramsky was instrumental in raising the standards of Judaism in England.

Courtroom battles highlighted the importance of truth in Jewish law.

Abramsky’s family faced immense struggles during the Soviet era.

Innovative solutions were necessary to address wartime challenges.

Chimen's political journey reflects a complex relationship with his father's legacy.

influence on British Jewry is still felt today.

The contradictions in Chimen's life highlight the complexities of identity.

Chapters

00:00 The Miraculous Stories of Survival

06:35 Challenges of Jewish Leadership in London

10:51 The Fight for Kosher Standards

15:29 Courtroom Battles and Upholding Truth

17:56 Family Struggles and Personal Sacrifices

20:19 Community Engagement and Responsibilities

23:09 Innovative Solutions During Wartime

34:33 Chimen's Political Journey and Ideological Conflicts

39:34 Dayan Abramsky’s Influence and Legacy in Israel

Brought up in a village which did not have a minyan of Jews; a self-taught child genius.

His life was shattered by the Russian civil war and the new anti-religious communist Soviet Union. He was hounded, arrested and eventually imprisoned in Siberia, but his faith remained untouched. 

Summary

This conversation delves into the life of Dayan Abramsky, a Jewish figure who faced immense challenges during the Soviet regime. It explores his arrest, the impact on his family, his resilience in the face of adversity, and the international efforts made for his release. The discussion also highlights his reflections on faith, prayer, and the significance of Eretz Yisrael in Jewish identity.

Take-aways

Faith played a crucial role in survival during hardships.

The Chafetz Chaim's letter was pivotal in seeking help.

Rav Abramsky’s early education shaped his future leadership.

The civil war in Russia had devastating effects on the Jews.

Important ideas for prayers on Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur

Chapters

00:00 The Arrest and Its Impact

03:12 Survival in  Adversity

06:02 The early years of Dayan Abramsky

08:54 Education and Influences

11:45 The Turbulent Times of War

15:09 Resistance Against Oppression

18:02 The Struggles of Jewish Life in the Soviet Union

20:53 Imprisonment and Interrogation

24:14 International Efforts for Release

27:07 Reflections on Suffering and Faith

29:55 The Journey to Freedom

33:13 The Aftermath and New Beginnings

36:06 The Connection to Eretz Yisrael

Summary

This conversation explores the history of Jewish communities in Medieval England, focusing on their relationships with Christian society, the roles of Jewish women, the various cities with Jewish populations, the impact of the blood libels and the contributions of notable Jewish scholars like Rabbi Elia Menachem of London.

Takeaways

Women in Jewish communities had significant economic roles.

Blood libel accusations led to widespread violence against Jews.

Jewish marriages were heavily taxed by the crown.

The Jewish community in Canterbury was notably resilient.

Historical records show a complex relationship between Jews and Christians.

Chapters

02:19 The Role of Women in Medieval Jewish Society

11:42 Marriage vs Economic Dynamics in Jewish Communities

15:15 Canterbury, Oxford & London

20:27 The conversion of Christians to Judaism 

34:17 The Influence of Jewish Scholars in Medieval England

38:31 Rabbi Elia: A Multifaceted Leader in Jewish Life

48:31 Crime and Community

Invited to settle by William the Conqueror, when Winchester was the capital city, the 220 year history of Jews in England is seen as a narrative of money-lending and expulsion.

But the real story is far more gripping. Jews settled across the Land, becoming the wealthiest in the process. Women were advisors to the royal court and an ancient Roman gold coin ended up in Britain, along with its invaders.

Summary

This conversation explores the complex history of Jewish life in medieval England, focusing on the arrival of Jews, their integration into society, the role of moneylending, and the significant figure of Licoricia of Winchester. It discusses the impact of royal decrees on Jewish autonomy, the influence of the church, and the tragic end of Licoricia, while also reflecting on the evolving roles of Jewish women during this period.

Takeaways.

Jews became wealthy within 60 years of arriving in England.

Licoricia of Winchester was a prominent Jewish businesswoman.

The church played a subtle yet powerful role in Jewish life.

Licoricia's life reflects the challenges faced by Jews.

The decline of Jewish prosperity began in the 13th century. Jewish women were actively involved in business.

Chapters

00:00 The Historical Context of Jewish Life in England

02:48 The Roman coin that arrived from Judea in 71CE

06:01 The Role of Jewish Moneylending in English Society

18:51 Licoricia of Winchester: A Case Study

24:50 The Church's Influence on Jewish Life

28:03 The Aftermath of Licoricia's Life

40:47 Conclusion: Reflections on Jewish History in England

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:26 The Historical Context of Money in Jewish History

08:11 The Role of the Vaad Arba Arotzos in Creating the Hetter Iska Document

11:29 Navigating Financial Transactions within the Framework of Halacha

19:27 Understanding the Document

35:04 The Prohibition of Ribis (interest bearing loans)

43:18 Different Types of Hetter iska

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:19 Life Before the War

03:46 Imposition of Decrees and Restrictions

06:14 Escape to Hungary

09:38 Safety in Hungary and the Divide Between Hungarian Jews and Jewish Refugees

13:25 Dangers for Foreign Jews in Hungary

16:20 Desperate Attempts to Save Loved Ones

21:52 Life Under False Identities

27:03 Return to Slovakia

29:00 Escape and Disappearance

30:28 Hiding and Seeking Refuge

31:57 The Mosulak Family's Heroic Act

32:55 The Consequences of the Slovak Uprising

34:22 Nazi Threats and Close Calls

36:20 Living in Fear and Constant Danger

37:19 Jan Mosulak's Courageous Denial

43:29 Honoring the Mosulak Family

46:40 The Fear and Resilience of a Child

50:33 The Importance of Not Giving Up

52:49 Finding Meaning in Loss and Tears

Chapters

00:00 The Church's Denial and Defense

04:19 Suppression of the Draft Encyclical

16:17 Treatment of Jewish Children in Convents

25:43 Collaboration with the International Red Cross

28:06 Complicity and Deficient Moral Map

30:30 Complicity of the Red Cross and the Catholic Church

38:39 The Role of the Red Cross in Aiding Nazis

46:10 The Vatican's Opposition to the Nuremberg Trials

54:39 Positive Contributions of the Red Cross and the Church

Berlin 1936 saw Germany win more Gold medals than any other country, while the world looked on. But at what price?

How aware was the Church of Jewish persecution? What role did the ordinary German play in Hitler’s regime? And what motivated those who saved Jews?

Chapters

00:00 The Berlin Olympics of 1936: Hitler's Showcase

05:04 Calls to Boycott or Relocate the Olympics

09:42 Why Did Ordinary Germans Participate in the Holocaust?

18:42 The Role of Obedience and Peer Pressure

23:24 The Church's Influence on Anti-Semitism

28:36 The Catholic Church's Silence and Inaction

31:27 Debating the Motivation behind the Church's Inaction

49:24 Individuals and Churches that Actively Helped and Saved Jews

In 1944 X-troop were fighting in France.

With heavy losses and secret identities, some of them would tragically be buried under a cross.

By 1945 they had made their way to Germany, always searching for family members who may have survived, even if this required driving across no-man’s land into enemy territory.

When the war ends, they begin a new mission, rooting out Nazis in Germany & Austria. But Judgement is hard to come by.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: X-Troop's Mission

17:24 Finding Family: Ron Gilbert's Search

25:01 Manfred Gantz's Journey to Terezin

31:41 Rescuing Family: The Personal Mission of the X-Troop

38:00 Post-War Challenges and Denazification

44:43 Bravery and Resilience: The Legacy of the X-Troop

49:58 Conclusion: Lessons from the Holocaust

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Story of Jewish Refugees in World War II

05:24 Joining an Elite Commando Troop

10:17 A Jewish Soldier's Encounter with Field Marshal Rommel

13:29 Obtaining Vital Intelligence for the Allies

16:57 The X-troop: Jewish Refugees Fighting Against the Nazis

21:04 Challenges and Discrimination Faced by Jewish Refugees

25:28 The Impact of Antisemitism and Propaganda

26:54 The Cruelty Faced by Jewish Refugees

29:20 The Formation of the X-Troop

30:19 Intense Training and Preparation

39:27 Crucial Roles in the D-Day Landings

45:30 Bravery and Resilience in the Face of Challenges

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Akiva Eger

13:46 Rabbi Akiva Eger's Role During the Cholera Epidemic

27:09 Conflict with the Community and the Hospital Management

35:31 The Accuracy of Portraits Depicting Rabbi Akiva Eger

38:49 Legacy and Impact of Rabbi Akiva Eger

Famous as a scholar and lamdan, his life was beset by challenges and setbacks, all of which he faced with remarkable fortitude.

As the leader of Central Europe's Jewry, the impact of his writings and personality re-wrote the history of the 19th century for the Jews

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Government Intervention

08:01 Reb Akiva Eger's Scholarship and Influence

16:10 Reb Akiva Eger's Reluctance to Give Decisions

27:21 The Appointment Controversy in Posen

35:24 Acts of Kindness and Strength in Psak

39:40 Conclusion and Preview of

Part 2

Unraveling the Mystery  - Who was Moshe de Leon? How did the Zohar impact Jewish history? Is there a deep divide between Academics & Kabbalists. What did Rav Yaakov Emden write? And how was Marriage seen in 13th century Spain?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Mystery of the Zohar

13:09 The Historical Context of Spain in the 13th and 14th Centuries

30:42 The Impact of the Zohar on Jewish History and Thought

31:12 The Complexity of the Zohar

34:01 Geographic References in the Zohar

36:48 Questioning the Existence of Places in the Zohar

38:14 The Enigma of Moshe de Leon

41:02 Possible Origins of the Zohar

44:17 The Role of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in the Zohar

49:00 Different Perspectives on the Zohar

52:22 Understanding the Entire Torah

54:19 The Beliefs of a Believing Jew

58:59 The Laws of Shmita

Chapters

00:00 Challenges of 13th-Century Spain: Tensions, Wealth, and Power

03:06 Controversies in Jewish Scholarship: Philosophy and Kabbalah

08:20 Internal Conflicts and Legal Authority

15:03 Religious Challenges and the Ban on Philosophy

26:50 The Legacy of Rabbi Avraham Abulafia

48:26 Kabbalistic Techniques and Mathematics

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:05 Legends and Stories in Jewish History

08:50 Prominent Jewish Scholars and Physicians

16:30 Transition from Muslim to Christian Rule

24:48 Power Dynamics: Kings and the Church

29:00 Challenges to Jewish Authority

31:58 Clothing and Distinguishing Marks

36:12 Freedom and High Profile

39:01 Tensions and Uncertainty

A unique world existed for two centuries in which a  Jewish general lead Moslem armies into battle and authored 1,500 poems while Chasdai, the most famous Jew, discovered the antidote to poison and oversaw the creation of Jewish grammar.

Was Yosef Hannagid responsible for the death of an Arab prince? And how did Spain over-rule Babylonia?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Golden Age of Spanish Jewry

14:18 The Achievements and Influential Figures of the Golden Age

35:58 The Cultural Significance of Poetry and Literature

39:21 Emergence of Jewish Literary Works in Muslim Spain

41:37 The End of the Golden Age

43:28 Disputes Among Jewish Grammarians

Chapters

00:00 The Visigothic Period: Anti-Jewish Legislation and Forced Conversions

15:40 The Muslim Invasion: The Golden Age of Spain for Jews

33:43 Uncovering the Forgotten History: The Jews of Spain

Chapters

00:00 Excommunication and Imposing Bans

06:18 Excommunication and Scholarly Disputes

13:28 The Role of the Chazan in the Synagogue

26:04 Insights from Historical Responsa

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

07:41 Shul as a Place of Assembly and Governance

14:13 Challenges in Shul Expansion and Renovation

29:14 Ownership and Rights of a Community in a Shul

38:13 The Changing Dynamics of Shuls and the Role of Trustees

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Urgency of the Question

03:04 The Importance of Responsa in Jewish Law

06:22 Preserving and Recording Responsa

10:45 Debates on Jewish Community and Communal Organization

14:04 Reduction in Responsa and the Need for New Answers

25:46 Communal Financial Responsa in Times of Crisis

26:42 Repurposing Funds and the Power of Handwriting

29:37 Contributing to Communal Projects in Tehran

30:06 Apportioning Funds for Weddings and Inflation

31:02 Returning Donations Given in Error

35:22 The Role of Community Contributions

51:01 Security as an Individual Requirement

Unlike the secular worldview, Jewish history looks at individuals and at details. And although we have closely followed the general conflict in Israel, we are at arm’s length from the war.

Hearing first-hand some of the challenges that Yona Pinchos Gedalia ben Soroh Chana faced, will thereby give a deeper perspective to what Israel is experiencing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode

03:04 The Importance of Individuals in Jewish History

06:28 The Jewish View of History

09:20 Lessons from the Story of Esther

12:10 Interview with a Soldier who Fought in Gaza

19:25 Powerful and Evocative Moments in Gaza

22:15 Worrying about Family and Coping with Breaks

27:55 The Role of Faith and Processing the Experience

35:10 Takeaway: Making Sacrifices and Supporting Soldiers

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection

00:38 Interview with Douglas Murray

06:50 Journalistic Bias and Bigotry

09:40 Media Coverage of Israel-Palestine Conflict

11:37 Displacement of Israeli Families

14:30 Impact of Advocacy and Truth

21:33 Denial and Response to Terrorism

22:41 Complacency and Strategic Thinking

24:35 Israel's Technological Advantages

25:24 Living with Rockets

26:21 Deprogramming Hate

27:48 Education and De-Radicalization

29:40 The Insoluble Problem

30:09 The Future of Palestine

31:28 Anti-Semitism and Humanity

32:27 Anti-Semitism on Campuses

33:20 Sinister and Stupid Anti-Semitism

34:29 The Disappearance of Adults

35:25 Liberalism and Judaism

36:18 Two Types of Liberalism

37:09 The Rise of Anti-Semitism

38:08 The Perception of Jews

39:04 The Danger of Open Borders

40:27 Anti-Semitism in Eastern Europe

41:18 Anti-Semitism and Liberalism

42:37 Anti-Semitism as a Reality

43:06 Decency and Solidarity

45:32 Running for Public Office

46:28 Supporting Threatened MPs

The Karaites arrive in Ponovezh, Lithuania; Seraya Shapshal abruptly changes direction; Ibn Ezra writes Zemirot [link below]; the Nazis preside over a Karaite debate; Voltaire quotes a Karaite scholar; The 21st century reconfigures Karaism.

Ki Eshmera Shabbat - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Um8Z5Wdok-WeA7zNmKFkEjG06eH21Sax/view?usp=drivesdk

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:16 Karaites in Ponovitch

04:42 Karaites in Trakai

06:35 Relations with Orthodox Jews

09:27 Karaites under Tsarist Russia

15:15 Secularization and Reform

19:28 Communist Rule and World War II

24:12 Karaites and the Holocaust

28:30 Communist Rule and Decline

29:57 Karaites in the Middle East

32:47 Karaites in Europe and the USA

35:10 Karaites in Israel

39:24 Halakhic Status of the Karaites

44:43 The Evin Ezra and the Karaites

47:05 Conclusion

Refugees arrived in Egypt from Toldeo in 1459, with ideas of their own.

But as the centuries progressed, the Karaites spread out from the Middle East. Crimea became the headquarters of the movement.

However Abraham Firkowitz had his own ideas about history, in which facts did not necessarily feature. Although St. Petersburg owes him a continuing debt of gratitude.

Chapters

00:00 Quarrel between Karaites and Rabbinites in 1833

03:17 Karaites in Egypt in the mid-1400s

06:05 Karaites and Rabbanites in 1465

07:01 Karaites seeking religious answers from Muslim jurists

08:30 Karaites' status as Jews

10:22 Karaites in Crimea and Eastern Europe

13:17 Karaites in Crimea in the late Middle Ages

19:33 Russian rule over Crimea and discriminatory laws

20:58 Avram Firkovich and his forgeries

25:35 Firkovich's influence and success

36:29 Firkovich's efforts and legacy

00:00 Introduction to the Karaites

03:07 Beliefs and Practices of the Karaites

05:32 Rav Saadia Gaon and the Defense of Orthodoxy

06:29 Origins and Founding of the Karaites

09:19 Historical Context and Factors Influencing the Karaites

11:12 Interaction between Karaites and Orthodox Jews

15:24 Halakhic Requirements and Practices of the Karaites

20:04 Stringency and Uniqueness of Karaites' Observance

21:24 Differences in Shabbat Candle Lighting and Prayer

23:50 Comparison with the Sadducees and Tzadokim

24:46 Relationship between Karaites and Orthodox Jews

25:44 Spread of the Karaites in Iraq, Jerusalem, and Egypt

29:08 Presence of Karaites in Constantinople and Cyprus

32:56 Decline of Karaites in Jerusalem

35:20 Karaites in Egypt and Influence of the Rambam

39:34 Karaites in Toledo and Mixed Marriages

When Europe became the battleground between opposing armies, a very unlikely candidate met up with the Pope and proposed a solution.

It would involve the Jews, and start in the heart of Inquisition Portugal.

But it brought about unexpected results.

Ultimately we have a cloak and a flag to reflect upon.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Trip Announcement

01:24 ICJ Case Against Israel

03:16 Ongoing Case and Accusation of Genocide

04:12 Podcast Achievement and Offline Listening

05:07 Introduction to the Story of Shlomo Molcho and David Reuveni

06:05 Arrival of David Reuveni in Venice

07:02 Encounter between David Reuveni and Diego Pérez

09:26 David Reuveni's Background and Travels

10:52 David Reuveni's Arrival in Rome

11:47 David Reuveni's Meeting with Pope Clement VII

12:45 David Reuveni's Visit to Portugal

16:29 Shlomo Molcho's Life in Salonika

18:50 Shlomo Molcho's Return to Italy

20:12 Shlomo Molcho's Meeting with Pope Clement VII

22:31 Shlomo Molcho's Imprisonment and Execution

23:29 Meeting with Emperor Charles V

24:47 Emperor's Reaction and Execution of Shlomo Molcho

25:43 Conclusion and Legacy of Shlomo Molcho

31:23 Discussion on Shlomo Molcho's Motivations

33:44 Reactions and Impact of Shlomo Molcho

36:05 Closing Remarks and Trip Announcement

A moving, personal first-hand account of trial, tribulation and faith. Recorded live at the JLE.

Chapters

00:00 The Kidnapping of Ori Danino
03:29 The Search for Ori
05:24 Ori's Heroic Actions
08:08 The Power of Emunah
09:32 Seeing Hashem in Difficult Times
12:12 The Unexplainable Nature of the War
13:47 Praying and Believing in Hashem
15:53 A Message to Ori
17:20 Coping with Disappointment
18:44 The Impact of Ori's Story
19:43 The Power of Emunah from Generations Past
23:40 A Call to Prayer

In 2004 Israel was prosecuted at the ICJ for building a barrier through the West Bank. But Israel didn’t bother to turn up. What changed in 2024? 

Why did South Africa in particular, take the lead against Israel?

Why does the proportionality argument (regarding civilian casualties) not help Israel’s defense?

Why was Sir Moses Montefiore in Malta for Tisha B’Av?

Who wrote the poem Bli Mazal (Out of Luck)?

Which British politician suggested in 1841, that the Jews create an independent State?

What made London famous in 1159?

Whom did Rabbeinu Tam bow to?

Did a Christian censor help the Jews of Bohemia?

Who was Rav Sherira Gaon and why is the letter he wrote over 1,000 years ago, so important today?

What brought Jews to America in the 1600s?

And why did a Rabbi in Indiana write to the US Secretary of State - in Hebrew!?

Recorded in Jerusalem, this ground-breaking episode includes testimony based on eyewitnesses, linking together Israel’s Past, Present & Future.

Are the Settlements illegal?

Does Islam’s monotheism bring any spiritual benefit to the Jews?

Is Israel imposing Apartheid on the Palestinians in the West Bank?

What does tomorrow hold for Israel?

Link to contact Zevi Kaufman at Cedar Media Studios - https://www.cedarmediastudios.com/

Link to donate Tefillin for soldiers - https://thechesedfund.com/israelselect/tefillin?aff=HFTCP

A must listen!

What rights to land did Jews have in Palestine?
How does Israel explain the Deir Yassin massacre?
Did they engage in ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in 1948?
Should we regulate free speech of the BBC & Universities?

Featuring Rav Yitzchok Breitowitz & Rav Osher Weiss.

How do we view War, Collateral Damage and Siege in Halacha? Did the Chafetz Chaim think that we can change the minds of non-Jewish governments? What rights do Jews have in Golus and what message should we take from the matzav?

The fate of 240 Jews still remains unknown… What are our spiritual obligations at this time? What does Jewish Law rule for these situations? And where does Advocacy fit into the equation?

Why was the letter to the Jews of Yemen so essential? Who was Guide to the Perplexed written for?

How did the Rambam steer his community through turbulent political times? And where does the bullfight in Cordoba fit in?

Yishamel’s 3rd power is their veneration of martyrdom. Our spiritual antidote, is Mesiras Nefesh.

Although this includes self-sacrifice and is often translated as giving up one’s life, it is actually life-giving and forms the pillar of the survival of the Jewish Nation through the ages, as Rabbi YY Jacobson explains.

The events of 7th October have left us reeling. How should Jews react? What are our obligations  - especially those who are geographically distant? And where are the spiritual origins of this war? 

The special tefilah to be said in a place of danger has been uploaded to: www.jle.org.uk/podcast

The Rambam spent 38 years of his life in Cairo. Here, he authored his two most famous works,  became involved in Medicine, dealt with hostages, suffered tremendous personal loss, and wrote hundreds of Responsa - some of which challenged the Status Quo.

The Rambam is arguably the most famous Jew of the last two thousand years.

But do we really know him? Who were his family? Did he have enemies? And why did he write the 13 Principles of Faith?

Having conquered much of Europe, Napoleon turned his attention to the Jews. Not by request but by demand; to make Jewish law compatible with France’s constitution.
The rabbis walked a tightrope to respond. And of course there’s the matter of 10,000s of documents that disappeared. How justifiable was it?

How glorious was the Revolution and where does the Tennis Court Oath fit in? Did the Jews actually want to be emancipated? How did they cope with the Year of Terror; Were the Jews victims or collateral damage?

In 1789, the French proclaimed liberty to all their citizens including the Jews of France.

Except that Jews hadn’t been allowed in the country since 1394 – so who was actually emancipated? Why was Metz so important? What happened to Sefardi arrivals into the country?

And in the battle between the King and Strasbourg, whose side were the Jews on?

When the Holocaust ended, the Jews awaited justice. Sadly it would be denied to them.

But one man - a Jew names Ben Ferencz - made it his business to bring at least some of the Nazi murderers to trial and make Germany pay.

This is his story, and the untold story of so many others.

IBM’s partnership enabled the cattle trains to run to schedule, and even after the Holocaust, the spoils were there for the taking.

What did the allied governments know?

And who else co-operated with the Nazis?

In pursuit of profit, IBM disregarded all morals and supplied Nazi Germany with the technological capabilities to identify and pursue the Jews.

To avoid scrutiny, IBM’s transactions were carried out through neutral countries and veils of corporate secrecy.

Heroism took on many forms during the Holocaust, collective & individual, spiritual & armed.

But the choice to live a double life meant choosing to live with the constant fear of betrayal.

This is the story of Helene’s choice.

In the Western world, academia dismisses the idea that Torah is G-d given.

How robust is their theory of Documentary Hypothesis? Who was P? Did Ezra author any of Chumash?

Wouldn't a hurricane explain the Sinai experience or perhaps Mass-Hypnosis?

To ransom or not? And why after he died?

The Maharam’s responsa: Who matters - the individual or the community.

Taking life during the Crusades, removing leprosy and deciding halacha based on dreams.

Featuring special guest speaker Rabbi Shraga Feivel Zimmerman. 

As the 13th century drew to a close and persecution in Germany increased, one individual gathered together thousands of responsa and rulings: Rabbi Meir of Rotenberg.

Who was he? How did his writings influence the next 700 years of Jewish life? And why was he never set free?

Celebrating 200,000 downloads! Thank you all!

Answering your questions on the Jews in England, Budapest's personalities, the Noda Biyehuda, Shabbetai Zvi in the 21st century, and introducing the life and times of Rabbi Naftali Zilberberg.

Hungary might forbid Israelites to live in their cities, but the Seven Communities change the rules. Nevertheless, the Jews are still barely tolerated.

They join the revolution of 1848, but when emancipation comes their way, the cracks will widen. Be careful what you wish for

In 1526, Hungarian Monarchy & Christianity was replaced with Moslem law. Jews brought West to East and vice versa.

The era was one of communal endeavours, halachic responsa and targeted kidnappings.

But how do you spell Buda?

Hungary changes from being Pagan to becoming Christian in the 11th century.

How did this affect the Jews? What was the Jewish Prefect? Who was Shlomo Seneor? And where is Ofen?

In the 1630s: The Catholic censors want his writings burnt and the secular authorities want him expelled. Meanwhile the French Ambassador brings him personal regards from the King.

But with the spectre of Kol Sakhal looming in the background, his reputation was always going to be challenged.

Who was this iconoclast?

A Rabbi addicted to gambling, who spoke out against Kabbalah. A Halachic authority and expert in Hebrew. Innovator in Jewish music, survivor of a devastating plague and speaker of great acclaim...

The 17th century provided plenty of Jewish drama - much of it unfortunate.

But no individual lived through more personal twists and turns than Rabbi Yehuda Aryeh Mi’Modena. Respected and reviled, acclaimed and attacked both during his lifetime and beyond… he remains an enigma to this day.

Raised in Orthodox Jewish Amsterdam and buried in a church graveyard, Spinoza unleashed the most destructive attack on Judaism for 1,000 years.

But was he betrayed or did he betray?

In 1665 Shabbetai Zvi is declared the Messiah across the Jewish world. Entire communities and their rabbis eagerly anticipate the final revelation in 1666 - Jewish blood will be avenged.

Christians are in shock while the Moslem world awaits instruction from the Turkish Sultan.

In the second half of the Gaon's life, he was imprisoned twice, he initiated a ban against Chassidus and he gave direction to future generations of leaders. 

Why was the Gaon unable to carry out certain ideas? Why remain neutral in the dispute that engulfed the 1700s? And who is buried next to him?

Rabbi Hersh & Rabbi Akiva Tatz have teamed up again - bringing to life the Origins, Events, Ideas & Impact of this towering genius, in a 3-part series.

Monarchy and Power have bred controversy throughout the centuries.

Jews were often impacted by association: the Abarbanel in Portugal, Richard the Lionheart & advice from a Chief Rabbi.

What is the price of crime and who should it be paid to?

A topical and controversial insight into post-war payments from Germany and subsequently from Switzerland. Personal accounts, documented events & international demands.  

Everyone is vaguely aware that alongside the destruction of Jewish lives, there was a large-scale theft of Jewish assets.

However the details and amounts are truly shocking as was the behaviour of certain individuals and countries. 

The Holocaust offered almost no possibilities to strike back. Yet whenever the opportunity did arise, there were always some who risked everything; often paying the ultimate price.

Two girls - under very different circumstances - became legendary. This is their story

Curious about Rabbi Hersh & the Podcast? Please check out our annual peek behind the scenes where I get to ask all the burning questions we've all had...

https://vimeo.com/779294036

They ruled for 100 years after the Chanukah events and then suddenly disappear from history. How? Who were they?

And where do the Saducees & Idumeans fit into the picture?

What was the Donation of Constantine? What is the crime of Deicide? And how do I respond to a Missionary?

Why was the 19th blessing of the Amida created?

How did Christianity survive the 300 years before there was a 'New Testament'? What extreme change happened in Nicea in 325CE?

And what does belief mean?

Who was he? When was he actually born? Why was he crucified? And how did 2.3 billion people become his followers?

This podcast is required listening for any Jew. 

The Jew Bill 1753

A perfectly harmless Act of Parliament becomes the launch pad for a war against the Jews of England. In the streets, the press, and Whitehall.

Faced by a wall of opposition, Parliament moves to restrict the freedom of the Jews....  But all is far from lost.

Is there an international Jewish conspiracy?

Why did England's Jews move away from Orthodoxy without Haskallah or Reform.

Were Jews involved in crime during the 1700s? And who was the Jewish wife of the P.M.? 

British Jewry has lived through 56 Prime Ministers.

Some have supported us. Others hid their anti-semitism behind policy. And then there were those who simply abandoned us.

But surprisingly, repentance would still be on the cards for a few.

Why did the Russian Czar and the US army finance different printings of the Talmud over the course of a century?

Who was the Widow Romm?

And who was the 12 year old type-setter looking for a husband?

Who creates fakes and who has been taken in by them?

Why was the first English  translation of the Talmud so controversial?

And a challenge for our listeners…

Why did the world change with the printing press? Why were mistakes included and were they deliberate ?

Who censored the Rama?
And how do you translate Alma?

Why would the King of Poland order Jews to buy Sefarim? What was so unusual about Yiddish printing…. and did The Queen live because of a 1938 blessing?

Elizabeth II: A century of life & 70 years of service. Historical Reflections & Personal Recollections of Britain’s monarchy.

Aged over 70, he is yet to be elected as the Rov of Prague.

So what is his actual connection? Why did his son leave town? Where did the Maharal spend Yom Kippur in 1602?

...And a key insight into the teachings and ideas of the Maharal.

Surrounded by Mystery, Mysticism & Folklore…

But what was his name? Why did he leave Nikolsburg? And why was his very legitimacy questioned?

During the dark years, in the most unexpected places, there were individuals who turned the tables on the nazis. At great personal risk they made a difference.

In the forests of Poland survival was unlikely. Betrayal made it even more hazardous.

A documented story of courage, loneliness and determination - with an unexpected final turn.

Denial matters not just for reasons of historical  accuracy but because of what it says about Jews.

Even innocuous statements contain the potential for real damage.

Despite the enormous amount of evidence to the contrary, Holocaust denial persists in both the Western world and the Middle-East, causing tremendous pain to survivors and the Jewish People.

What are their claims and how do we combat them?

Some Jews in Germany served in Hitler’s Wehrmacht - even in the SS -  but the outcome was always an unknown. As was trading with the Nazi empire.

Despite the Ghetto restrictions, it was home to a number of noteworthy figures. And a Levantine merchant turn the Ghetto into a minor haven?

But controversy soon followed with a sinister visit from Nathan of Gaza.

The origins of Venetian Jewry start more than 150 years before the Ghetto was opened.  What went wrong? What brought the Jews back?

And how did Shakespeare’s Shylock operate in the enclosed ghetto of Venice?

How did Chasidus survive excommunication? Who really led the movement?

And how did 1772 affect all of Eastern Europe for the next 150 years?

Why was Chassidus such a radical movement? Who gained from 1772? Why was the Mezericher Maggid the chosen successor?

The greatest Jewish poet lived during the 11th century. But are the legends true? And why does the government feature so often in the Genizah?

Plus details of an exclusive tour of the Cairo Genizah in Cambridge with Rabbi Hersh

Egypt dominates international sea trade, and the Jews share the success.

But Women's Rights are on the agenda, the Chief Rabbi is taken to court and egos get in the way of truth.

One single fragment changed history forever. Giving access to personal letters, handbooks for magic and even some Yiddish...

Although putting Bible critics in their place was sweet revenge too.

A liar, a smuggler and a forger. All after the prize - the most lucrative of the 19th century. Meanwhile Cairo is opening up to foreigners...

DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE SO YOU DON'T MISS ANOTHER EPISODE

Pesach icons - Manischewitz vs. IRS - Late additions & 20th Century changes. And don't forget to Remove the Plagues.

A Seder during the Civil War - a Forged Haggada - Questions in Siberia - Which Spouse is Maror?

Accused of heresy, Ramchal flees Italy to face a showdown in Germany. How is he rehabilitated, what is his legacy and what is the essence of his Mesilas Yesharim?

An Italian emigre, a wandering Prince & a vacant Polish throne. The making of a true legend. Alongside a Jewish Parliament & money lending made halachic.

Ukraine has housed Jews for almost seven centuries. How do we view them? And where do we stand during this conflict?

How did Poland create the Ashkenazim - with what authority and with what outcome? A revolutionary insight.

Two  intellectuals dominated the halachic arena in the 1500s. Cousins by birth, writers by nature. The timely & the timeless.

Making a Life whilst Making a Living. A 500-year tale, with humble origins. Sought after by nobility, given rights and self-governance, the early Jewish communities spread across Poland and Lithuania.

But not everyone was a success story.

When communities came under threat, timing often made the crucial difference. Invasion, Blood Libels & Siege. Reminders of the Original Purim.

Across entire continents, Jews have had to deal with political intrigue and corrupt rulers. Occasionally these were overlaid with decrees of destruction and sincere prayer. And throughout the ages, the unexpected outcomes inspired communities to create a Purim which celebrated their particular miracle. 

What happens when Torah becomes a fable? Where was Aristotle's error? How did Meiri's writings suddenly re-appear after 600 years? And why did Jews go to hear sermons in church on Shabbos? 

For over a century, Provence split between those who banned (& burned) the works of the Rambam, and those who excommunicated their opponents.
Philosophy vs. Kabbala. Rabbeinu Yonah, Nachmanides & the authors of Tosfos all took strong positions - echoes of which continued into the 20th century.

What made the Provencal sages write critiques of the greatest rabbinic scholars?
Why did the Baal Hamaor never wear Tzitzis?
Which sefer was written entirely by angels -  And was it accepted halachically?
Why was the Ravaad imprisoned?

Jews existed there continuously for 1,500 years; at one point being forced into the only four ghettos in France. 

Neither Ashkenaz nor Sefarad, they produced some of the greatest scholars of the era. Who were they? How did they survive the storms for so long? And at what cost?

Were the Jews the victims of WWII? How did they experience Time? The passing of a single day... And how did a few unsung heroes sanctify Shabbos and give hope to those around them?

What year are we in? When is New Year’s Day? (Not Rosh Hashana - The other one !)? Why did Jews celebrate Yom Kippur on different days 1,100 years ago? A look at 2,000 years of disputes and the occasional ex-communication

Travelers often leave imprints, but perhaps none as mysterious or eye-opening as a Jewish explorer in the 9th century. An enigma which will very probably impact events at the End of Time.
And of course there is the matter of the elephant in the room

The Jews are unwelcome across Europe although England now offers the appearance of hope. But it's a high-stakes game which someone will lose and the tangled politics may just be too much too soon.

Ancona was a place of refuge for Portuguese Marranos, until the betrayal. Which left the Jews of Pesaro with a choice: Take revenge and risk the anger of the Pope or flee to Turkey.

Dreyfus - a watershed event in France’s history. But it is preceded by dire scandals, leaving France looking for a scapegoat, which would linger until the French holocaust in 1942

In the game of politics, an American passport is the ticket to freedom, but not necessarily for the Jews. And victory is often short-lived.

But who was She? The Jew described by the NY Times as the most politically powerful woman in the USA? 

It took enterprise to survive in the early years, with some taking their 'careers' to an extreme. But The Forverts was always around to offer advice - some of it decidedly UnOrthodox

To Go or Not to Go - that was The Question. Although the German Jews got there first, as did Jewish America’s first congressman (1845-1851), only to be committed later to an asylum for the insane.

The Gold Rush brought thousands of Jews from all over the world to the untamed Wilderness of the West, arousing the interest of the Rothschilds, Strauss and the Orthodox community of Jerusalem.

Three Jews in Colonial America:  An Officer serving under Benedict Arnold, a Spy who worked for George Washington and a Chocolate manufacturer who tried to make peace.

Sholom Aleichem - a Friday night prayer of possible heresy, that breaks one of the Rambam’s 13 Principles of Faith.
And how did Hollywood get it so wrong?

“Times are a Changing” and change brought a clash between Kabbala & Halacha, Orthodoxy & Reform, The New World & The Old.

How loyal were the Jews to Czar Alexander II ? Why was there a fast day in England in 1803 & in America in 1812?
Salvation isn’t always Redemption.

A new emperor & new clothes. Language. Education. Freedom?. And a eulogy in Shul for Maria Theresa by the Noda Biyehuda, the world-famous Rabbi of Prague.

An 8 year war involving Vienna, Berlin & Prague, which leaves the Jews no option other than a face-to-face meeting with King George II of England.

Why would a zealous missionary priest, print the Talmud for the Jews of Prague? And what controversial role did a famous Dayan in Prague play?

The revenge of an apostate Jew and the clash of Politics, Religion and Money over a library valued in the millions. 

How do you survive lying alone in a grave for 2 months? Where does a teenager find the determination and belief to overcome betrayal, loss and danger through the terrible years of war?

Who were the Kapos? Listen to an unknown story of tragedy and heroism. A Kapo in Auschwitz. A family pulled apart. A truth eventually uncovered.

What would you do if you were told a truth which you could not do anything about, but which would change lives forever?

Two prominent Jews in Parliament, the sinking of the Titanic and insider share trading made up the ingredients of a scandal that threatened the foundations of the UK Government - 2/2.

Two prominent Jews in Parliament, the sinking of the Titanic and insider share trading made up the ingredients of a scandal that threatened the foundations of the UK Government - Part 1 of 2

In the 19th century, Jews may not become Members of Parliament. But somehow they get elected anyway. Apostasy, division and determination, in pursuit of the greatest political goal: Prime Minister of Britain. The story of the Disraelis 

Why was a Jew subjected to an excommunication in 1705, that was never revoked? And how did it create a power struggle in the Ashkenzai community of England? 

Jews lived across England from 1070 onwards, but 600 of them were imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1278? Why? And how did the Jews add Hebrew words to the English medieval language?