History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast

This final episode of the Rome series traces the dramatic passage from Renaissance promise to persecution and Ghetto life. Jewish life experienced a period of relative protection as popes rebuilt the city and focussed on art. But this fragile security collapsed in the sack of Rome in 1527, when imperial troops devastated the city and its Jewish community.

At its heart is Rav Ovadiah Sforno: physician, dayan, philosopher and commentator, whose years in Rome included teaching the Christian Hebraist Johannes Reuchlin. The episode also explores his defence of Torah and the discovery of his teachings through a student's...

After centuries of ruin, Rome rose as a powerful but volatile State, ruled by wealthy popes who commanded armies and played high-stakes political games.

In the crosshairs of this medieval warzone lived the Roman Jewish community. Their fate oscillated wildly. One decade, Jews were serving as the trusted administrators and physicians of the papal court; the next, they were dodging the mobs, watching copies of the Talmud go up in flames or enduring the humiliation of marked clothing.

Yet Rome’s Jews forged an astonishing intellectual renaissance. Brilliant scholars like Rabbi Nathan ben Yehiel authored th...

Join our Whatsapp Group - https://chat.whatsapp.com/DY9iLSyR8rI12AVxXi2bs7?s=cl&p=a&mlu=4&ilr=4&iam=2   Who were the Jews of Rome and how does Judaism view the Roman Empire?   We explore the history from their arrival in Rome in the second century BCE as merchants, diplomats and enslaved captives to the growth of eleven communities, and examine the balance between Roman tolerance and restriction: permitted to worship but subject to expulsions   Unknown and unusual is how many non-Jews were attracted to Judaism and became “G-d Fearers”.
Tragically when the empire turned to Christianity in the f...

Forced to lead a dangerous double life as a covert Jew in Christian Europe, she inherited  a vast fortune worth $1 billion and used her financial clout and shipping lines to organize a massive underground rescue network that smuggled thousands of fleeing Crypto-Jews across the continent.

Her visionary leadership secured the Sultan’s help to rebuild the ancient city of Tiberias, and allowed Torah to flourish in Constantinople & Salonika. Although her final days remain shrouded in mystery.

This extraordinary, high-stakes life of the "Crowned Lady", who risked everything to defend her people, leaves behind a legacy of...

Over a period of 30 years, Rav Yosef Karo wrote of his encounters with a divine messenger,  an angel which identified itself as the living essence of the Mishna. The most public manifestation took place on an extraordinary night of Shavuos in Salonika in 1533. 

19th-century critics dismissed the mystical journal as a complete fabrication, but ground-breaking research and archaeological evidence have vindicated its authenticity.  

The personal side of his halachic decision making is clearly evident throughout his numerous responsa, whereas the Printing Press allowed his Shulchan Aruch to become available across the Jewish world, despite various omissions - wh...

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This 2-part series discovers the dramatic life of Rabbi Yosef Karo, which was lived far beyond the pages of his famous legal code, the Shulchan Aruch.

Born into the upheaval of the 1492 Spanish Expulsion, he fled across borders from Lisbon to Cairo to Greece and eventually to Eretz Yisrael and was instructed by a spiritual maggid. But the 16th century of mass migrations threatened to fracture Jewish tradi...

Join our WhatsApp group for weekly exclusive content: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DY9iLSyR8rI12AVxXi2bs7?s=cl&p=a&mlu=4&ilr=4&iam=2   Be Courageous, be Honest, be a Jew. Those were the words with which a parent took leave of his son during the Holocaust.    However much we are aware of the terrible years that befell our People, the words and testimonies shake us and make us rethink Faith & Suffering   Mrs Zahava Ungar & Mr Yisrael Diamond are living proof to the tragedies and perseverance that took them through 5 years of torment. They are both heads of a families today...

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George Mandel-Mantello was one man on his own, a Jew living in Switzerland, who ignited an international outcry against the destruction of Hungary’s Jewish community and stopped the deportation of the last 250,000 Jews. Mantello’s weapon was not a gun or an army — it was information.  

With extraordinary courage and ingenuity, he forged papers, sent a courier into Hungary to gather first-hand reports about Auschwitz and forced the allies to react. Bu...

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This two-part podcast explores what sets the Holocaust apart from other atrocities in history, focusing on its intent and ideological foundations and providing two unsettling responses.   It then turns to the United States. By 1942, news of the genocide had reached American shores—but to what extent were Americans made aware of its scale and purpose?    How do we explain why the story of mass murder was often minimized, buried, or delayed by the major American newspapers? What did that r...

Exploring the lives of three Jewish doctors. Living in very different settings, yet linked by a common thread: compassion. They left a lasting mark on medicine and Jewish history and were dedicated to the strong belief that every fragile life matters.

In New York, Dr Martin Couney helped save thousands of babies. His sideshow displays were controversial, but at a time when incubator technology was widely doubted, his exhibits brought life-saving technology into the public eye.

Dr Mary Gordon was born in Lithuania and her trailblazing career as a pioneering female physician who was deeply conne...

The 1800s was an era when medicine sat at the crossroads of science, ruses and discoveries. New vaccines and medical impostors competed for public trust. People broke with tradition and created a new landscape.

Mordecai Wolff Haffkine Haffkine stood out as an almost legendary figure. A Jewish bacteriologist, he developed and tested vaccines against cholera and bubonic plague, putting his life repeatedly at risk and fighting to save the lives of millions of people.

Whereas Dr. Samuel Solomon showed how skilful wording and suggestion could build a reputation and a fortune. Although his contribution to publi...

With the advent of Napoleon and emancipation, Jews were given an offer they found hard to refuse and the Reform movement made significant inroads.   Across many countries a war was waged for the soul of the Jew and many voluntarily even converted to Christianity. Shuls, marriage, Shabbos and Bris Mila were all subjected to question.   How did the Chasam Sofer Rav Samson Refoel Hirsch and others deal with the critical issues that faced them? Why was Orthodoxy driven to the defensive? And what lesson can we take from it nowadays?  

Timestamps:

- 0:00 — Introduction & dedication  

- 0:36 — Podcast in...

Moses Mendelssohn was raised in an orthodox family, attended yeshiva for a decade of his life and was involved in Kehilla life for many years afterwards. But he is remembered for his translation of Chumash, defined as a philosopher and linked to the beginning of the German Reform movement.    What did he do to create a storm of controversy? And how did the Chasam Sofer relate to his writings?  

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 prominen...

Born in 1930, she lived through many challenging events. Raised a family and was a regal figure. Yehi zichroh boruch

Rabbi Aubrey Hersh’s mother was niftar on Tuesday 27 Nissan, aged 95.

Rabbi Hersh is sitting shiva at Eagle Lodge, Golders Green Road.

Messages can be sent via WhatsApp to +44 7973 178 236, or by email to [email protected].

We wish him chayim aruchim and send our collective nechama.    

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 fulf...

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 HaGedo...

What makes music such a powerful medium? How was music used to attain prophecy? Has AI destroyed pure music? Did Beethoven use our Kol Nidrei? How do you create a 'hit' song?   How influenced is our music by non-Jewish musical patterns and culture? Is music art, emotion or transcendant? And how did Italian Jews start a music revolution 500 years ago?  

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...

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 Engla...

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...

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:

Post-1391 there was a period of uncertainty but many Conversos still found it possible to maintain a level of observance - sometimes even openly. It appeared that a Modus Vivendi could be achieved. But in 1477 the Church persuaded Ferdinand & Isabella to institute the Inquisition; aimed not at Jews but at the 'heretical' New Christians.    The 1480s became a decade of hiding, yet scholarship was increased and Spain became a centre of Jewish printing until the axe fell for the remaining Jews in 1492, and 4 months of despair turned into a mass exodus.   Their decision to abandon everything and leave for the unknown...

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...

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 epis...

The Menorah was the most adopted symbol in the Jewish world. But where is the original?   We know of a Menorah in Rome in 70CE. The Talmud tells us it was examined. But what follows is centuries of silence    What does History tell us? What do eyewitnesses report? What has the Church said? And what role does the 2nd Temple Menorah have, in the redemption of the Jewish People?   This episode is the outcome of the most up-to-date research and analysis and includes a recently recorded conversation with a Rabbi who entered the Vatican cellars 55 years ago accompanied by Pope John...

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...

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

Small groups of crypto-Jews are known to have made their way to England. We know the names and occasionally the stories of some. But no one had a greater impact on England’s history or on Queen Elizabeth I, than Roger Lopez: Physician, Double Agent, Diplomat & Court Jew.   Jews were News even during the period of their supposed forced absence.   And what is the real story behind Henry VIII’s set of Talmud?  

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 ...

For centuries there were none left; The Jews had been driven out of England en-masse by Edward I... But the records tell us a different story.    Henry VIII went searching for them and English literature betrays a fascination with them. From Shakespeare's controversial Shylock to dictionary & biblical definitions, the Jew continued to feature throughout. 

In the wake of the return of the hostages that survived, challenges abound and life cannot return to normal. Israel confronts the unknown with hope, and across the world the ripples of anti-semitism continue to echo.   The UK experienced Jews being killed on Yom Kippur, New York has elected a pro-Hamas mayor, yet various Arab countries have expressed an interest in closer ties with Israel. Rabbi Hersh, Rabbi Leff & Lord Wolfson discuss the global situation for Jews and where we are headed.

We have produced 175 episodes over the past 4 years BH. But what makes Jewish History special? And what does the future hold?   This short clip will give you some insights - https://vimeo.com/1130639528   The link is: www.charityextra.com/jle/hftc

To watch This Podcast, click here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBpgg1wcQKw&t=2760s  

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 Je...

25 years after Paris the Talmud was being cross-examined again. This time the Christians intended to prove the truth of their faith from within Judaism !   In 1413, the Jews chose silence as their response but many were pressured into conversion.   100 years ago the world lost a halachic genius; Rav Arik created a generation of rabbis. His numerous students include Rav Meir Shapiro & the Tchebiner Rov, while his rulings influence financial law to this day.   For information about the Poland trip 3rd-6th November contact [email protected]

Chapters

00:00 The Disputation Series: An Overview

02:46 The Conte...

During the 13th century, Europe was controlled by a militant church, and France was ruled by Louis IX - a bitter enemy of the Jews. All copies of the Talmud were seized and four Baalei Tosfos were interrogated in public.  How did Jewry recover from this calamity? Was this tragedy related to the burning of the Rambam’s writings? 

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 Impac...

In 1263 the Ramban was forced to attend a public Disputation and defend the truths of the Talmud against attacks by the Dominicans, who were led by an apostate Jew.   The Ramban would be exiled from Spain as a result and settle in Eretz Yisrael where he described with both pride and pain of the state of the Jewish community. 
Using his medical knowledge, the Ramban also authored a central halachic work on healing and consulting doctors for refuah.

Chapters

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

02:53 The Ramban's Controversial Letters and Kab...

By the 13th century, Spain was becoming a more uncomfortable place for Jews, partly due to  communal structure. Ramban will engage in dampening the flames of controversy both about the Rambam and regarding power and authority. But he will face strong personal attacks in the process.   The Ramban was also a prolific author of sefarim. They range from Halacha to Chumash, Kabbala & Talmud. R' Shmuli Levison joins us to introduce us to these various works and the distinction between Philosophy & Kabbalah.   Email: [email protected] for the Poland Trip

Join our WhatsApp group for weekly exclusive content: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FEgoaCOQoyU2VX49SwA8Aw?s=cl&p=a&ilr=4   Many Jews were reluctant first-hand witnesses to Nazi cruelty and suffering.    For many Hungarian survivors,  often deliberately misled about the truth of Auschwitz's existence, betrayal only added to their pain. Risa Shayowitz - aged a young 95 years old - relays that tragedy, even as she looks only to move forward. An American chaplain in the US Army in April 1945 - Rabbi Hershel Schachter - opened up the gates of Hell. In a little known recording, we hear him describe the p...

We speak of 'Holocaust Survivors' without understanding what they survived, without knowing the trauma and guilt they carried.  A young 16-year-old girl (now 97 years old) was taken through the cruelty of Auschwitz - and asked by Mengele to decide the fate of her own mother. 

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? 

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

Chapters:

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

19...

Despite being a Western country, Holland almost equalled the East in its destructiveness during the Holocaust. 2 non-Jews created their own narrative by bypassing the system. One took great risks, the other received great reward. Their unusual stories, extend forgery into new territory. And a mention of Mein Kampf - one hundred years later.

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 Ar...

Hidden away in a tiny attic in Paris, a Jew created freedom for thousands by forging Identity cards, ration books and travel passes. Hunted by Nazis, his genius and dedication came with enormous risk. And his experiences left him with a sense of guilt that would never leave him.   Email [email protected] for the Prague trip...  

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 Lo...