History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast

London Through the Eyes of the Curious

Experience London in a very unique way by clicking the link below-
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wHjkkNGKUk
 
And please consider making a donation to allow us to continue the podcasts' reach and content - https://www.charityextra.com/jle/133970

Rambam III - The Final Years

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?

Yishmael vs Yisrael III - Mesiras Nefesh (feat. Rabbi Y.Y Jacobson)

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.

Yishmael vs Yisrael II - The Israeli - Arab Conflict

Social Media is alive with facts about Israel, many of which are inaccurate or taken out of context.
With the help of International Foreign policy analyst Dr Mitchell Bard, this podcast comprehensively takes the listener through 120 years of Middle Eastern history, pointing out the major events and documented truths about them and dispelling myths. 
 
Recommended websites and books have been uploaded to: www.jle.org.uk/podcast

Yishmael vs Yisrael I - A Biblical Conflict

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

Rambam II - Egypt

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.

Rambam I - The Early Years

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?

The French Revolution III (1799-1808)

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?

The French Revolution II (1789-1799)

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?

The French Revolution I – The Prelude (1552-1788)

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?
 

The Silent War IV - The Prosecutor

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.

The Silent War III - Trading with the Enemy

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?

The Silent War II - IBM’s Deceit

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.

The Silent War I - Deceiving the Gestapo

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.

The Sinai Revelation II (1312BCE) - Challenges & Deniers

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?

The Sinai Revelation I (1312BCE) - Exploding the Myths

All religions have a narrative regarding their origins.
Judaism states that G-d appeared on Mt Sinai 3335 years ago to communicate with mankind.
Is it rational to believe in this history of the divine origin of the Torah?
Can we prove beyond a reasonable doubt that we encountered G-d?
Does Judaism make sense?  

The Maharam of Rottenberg II (1215-1307)

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.

The Maharam of Rotenberg I (1215-1293) featuring Rabbi S.F Zimmerman

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?

A Look Back at History

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.

Budapest III (1686-1877) - The Hapsburg Years

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