History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast

#185: Spanish Inquisition - 350 Years of Jewish Defiance

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.

#184: Spanish Jewry II - 1460 - 1492: The Walls Close In

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 - at great cost - was the largest display of faith in the past 1,000 years of Jewish history.
 
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.
 
 

#183: Spanish Jewry 1348-1460: Into the Abyss

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

#182: 10th Teves: Our History - The Message - Our Future

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. 
 
Timestamps0:00:00 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

#181: The Menorah - History's Greatest Jewish Mystery

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 Paul II.
 
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.

#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