History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast

#180: Chanukah - Celebrating the War We Didn't Win?

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

#179: The Most Unbelievable Story in Modern History

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

#178: The Vanished Jews of England II: 1290-1650

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 
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 
 
 

#177: The Vanished Jews of England: 1290-1650

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. 

#176: Yishmael vs Yisrael X: Echoes of Conflict - feat. Rabbi Zev Leff & Lord David Wolfson

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.

What is Jewish History?

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

#175: David Friedman - The Ambassador Who Reshaped the Middle East

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 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.

#174: Disputations II - 1263-1414 / Rav Meir Arik 100th Yarzeit

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 giana.elav@gmail.com
 
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

#173: Disputations I - Paris 1240

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 Impact
29:34 The Paris Disputation: A Turning Point
42:44 Consequences of the Talmud's Burning

#172: Ramban II - The Church & Eretz Yisrael (feat. Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz)

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 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

#171: Ramban I - The Early Conflicts (1194-1270)

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: giana.elav@gmail.com for the Poland Trip
 
Chapters
 
00:00 The Life and Legacy of the Ramban
 
07:48 Ramban's Influence on Jewish Thought
 
21:39 The Maimonidean Controversy
 
40:48 Ramban's Approach to Kabbalah and Philosophy
 
57:25 Ramban's Writings and Their Impact

#170: Holocaust Shadows IV - Survivors, Liberators & Rescuers

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 piles of bodies, the still warm crematoria and the emaciated Jews he discovered there. His dedication gave life to many.
 
Our duty nowadays is to understand what Exile means and how Tisha B'Av gives us that ability.
 
For further details on the Poland trip 3rd-6th November with Rabbi Hersh & Rabbi Tatz, email: Giana.elav@gmail.com
 
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

#169: Holocaust Shadows III - The Survivor

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
19:04 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

#168: Holocaust Shadows II - The Forgeries

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 Art
29:58 The Aftermath of War and Art Recovery

#167: Holocaust Shadows I: The Forger

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 giana.elav@gmail.com 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 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

#166: Jerusalem III : 1099-1568

In the Medieval period, Jerusalem was repeatedly fought over and at times only 2 Jews lived there. Yet there were always those who braved making Aliya including Ramban, Bartenura and Rav Yechiel of Paris - all recording accounts of their journey. But who were the Mamluks? Where is the Holy Toothpick? And who built the Sultan's Pool? 
 
To book a place on the Maharal Prague trip 8th-11th September: giana.elav@gmail.com
 
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
 
 

#165: Jerusalem II: 638-1098

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

#164: Jerusalem I: 70-636CE

What does Yerushalayim represent? How does the current conflict with Iran impact upon that?
 
Were the Jews expelled from Jerusalem after the Temple was destroyed?
Why did the Romans rebuild the city? Who were the Byzantines who occupied Eretz Yisrael for 300 years? How did the Jews get permission to start rebuilding the Temple and why was it ultimately unsuccessful?
 
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

#163: Oral Law II - Who is Right? Who is a Scholar?

The existence of an Oral Law brought about debate and argument. So why not preserve it all in the Written text alone? And how do we decide who is right? Who makes that decision? 
Are all Rabbis equally qualified? Can any Jew contribute to Torah? 
 
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

#162: Oral Law I (Torah She'Baal Peh) - Definitions

How do we classify the various sections of the Oral Law (Torah She'Baal Peh)? Is the Oral Law Rabbinic or Biblical? Why do we need an Oral Law? How was it transmitted through the generations? 
Why do we record all the arguments in the Talmud and not just the conclusions?
 
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