History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast

#84 - Budapest II (1526-1686) - The Ottoman Era

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?

#83 - Budapest I (1037-1526) - Kings, Money & Religion

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?

#82 - The Unknown Genius III - Life on the Run

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.

#81 - The Unknown Genius II - His Later Years

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...

#80 - The Unknown Genius I - His Early Life

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.

#79 - 17th Century Traitors IV - Aftermath: 350 Years of Chaos

Spinoza & Shabbetai Zvi had very different goals, however the historical overlap of their lives initiated a very destructive cycle of events.
Jewish Modern History is dated from the mid-1600s but this history contains some very dark corners.
Have we learned the lessons of the past?

#78 - 17th Century Traitors III - Spinoza Ex-communicated

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?

#77 - 17th Century Traitors II - Shabbetai Tzvi (1665-1676)

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.

#76 - 17th Century Traitors I - Shabbetai Tzvi (1626-1665)

In 1655, two people turned the entire Jewish world on its head. 10,000s of people were swept up in the revolution and the aftermath still echoes.
This series will explore the deceptions that permanently changed Judaism & Jews.

#75 - The Vilna Gaon III - Leadership & Controversy

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. 

#74 - The Vilna Gaon II - When Heaven Intervened (featuring Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz)

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?

#73 - The Vilna Gaon I - An Introduction & a Mathematical Riddle (featuring Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz)

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.

#72 - Royal Family Conflicts & Jewish Consequences

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.

#71 - Holocaust Reflections III - Swiss Gold

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.  

#70 - Holocaust Reflections II - The Theft

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. 

#69 - Holocaust Reflections I - The Undaunted

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

#68 - History of History for The Curious

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

#67 - What Happened to the Chashmona’im?

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?

#66 - The Origins of Christianity III

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

#65 - The Origins of Christianity II

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?