History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast

#42 - Geniza II - The Contents

One single fragment changed history forever. Giving access to personal letters, handbooks for magic and even some Yiddish...
Although putting Bible critics in their place was sweet revenge too.

#41 - Geniza I - The Scandals

A liar, a smuggler and a forger. All after the prize - the most lucrative of the 19th century. Meanwhile Cairo is opening up to foreigners...
 
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#40 - Pesach II - War & Peace

Pesach icons - Manischewitz vs. IRS - Late additions & 20th Century changes. And don't forget to Remove the Plagues.

#39 - Pesach I - Unusual Texts

A Seder during the Civil War - a Forged Haggada - Questions in Siberia - Which Spouse is Maror?

#38 - Ramchal II - Amsterdam 1736 (featuring Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz)

Accused of heresy, Ramchal flees Italy to face a showdown in Germany. How is he rehabilitated, what is his legacy and what is the essence of his Mesilas Yesharim?

#37 - Ramchal I - Italy 1707 (featuring Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz)

Revolutionary, Kabbalist, Pietist & Intellectual Polymath. 
 
Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzatto was the subject of tremendous controversy during his lifetime. What drove him and what are the principles of his teachings. 
A Podcast special with Rabbi Hersh & Rabbi Tatz

#36 - 16th Century Poland IV - The Legend & the Council

An Italian emigre, a wandering Prince & a vacant Polish throne. The making of a true legend. Alongside a Jewish Parliament & money lending made halachic.

#35 - 16th Century Poland III - Understanding Ukraine & and the Identity of Ashkenazim

Ukraine has housed Jews for almost seven centuries. How do we view them? And where do we stand during this conflict?
How did Poland create the Ashkenazim - with what authority and with what outcome? A revolutionary insight.

#34 - 16th Century Poland II - The Maharshal & The Rema

Two  intellectuals dominated the halachic arena in the 1500s. Cousins by birth, writers by nature. The timely & the timeless.

#33 - 16th Century Poland I - Roots & Origins

Making a Life whilst Making a Living. A 500-year tale, with humble origins. Sought after by nobility, given rights and self-governance, the early Jewish communities spread across Poland and Lithuania.
But not everyone was a success story.

#32 - Purim Kattan II - Casablanca, Prague & Rhodes 1620-1944

When communities came under threat, timing often made the crucial difference. Invasion, Blood Libels & Siege. Reminders of the Original Purim.

#31 - Purim Kattan I- The Soviet Union & Cairo: 1524-1954

Across entire continents, Jews have had to deal with political intrigue and corrupt rulers. Occasionally these were overlaid with decrees of destruction and sincere prayer. And throughout the ages, the unexpected outcomes inspired communities to create a Purim which celebrated their particular miracle. 

#30 - Provence IV - Faith & Perseverance: 1305-1791

What happens when Torah becomes a fable? Where was Aristotle's error? How did Meiri's writings suddenly re-appear after 600 years? And why did Jews go to hear sermons in church on Shabbos? 

#29 - Provence III - The Controversies: 1191-1305

For over a century, Provence split between those who banned (& burned) the works of the Rambam, and those who excommunicated their opponents. Philosophy vs. Kabbala. Rabbeinu Yonah, Nachmanides & the authors of Tosfos all took strong positions - echoes of which continued into the 20th century.

#28 - Provence II - Scholars & Opponents: 1150-1200

What made the Provencal sages write critiques of the greatest rabbinic scholars?Why did the Baal Hamaor never wear Tzitzis?Which sefer was written entirely by angels -  And was it accepted halachically?Why was the Ravaad imprisoned?

#27 - Provence I - Independence & Courage :330-1860

Jews existed there continuously for 1,500 years; at one point being forced into the only four ghettos in France. 
Neither Ashkenaz nor Sefarad, they produced some of the greatest scholars of the era. Who were they? How did they survive the storms for so long? And at what cost?

#26 - Time III - The Holocaust Calendars: 1944

Were the Jews the victims of WWII? How did they experience Time? The passing of a single day... And how did a few unsung heroes sanctify Shabbos and give hope to those around them?

#25 - Time II - The Schism: 921-923

What year are we in? When is New Year’s Day? (Not Rosh Hashana - The other one !)? Why did Jews celebrate Yom Kippur on different days 1,100 years ago? A look at 2,000 years of disputes and the occasional ex-communication

#24 - Time I - The Journey: 882

Travelers often leave imprints, but perhaps none as mysterious or eye-opening as a Jewish explorer in the 9th century. An enigma which will very probably impact events at the End of Time. And of course there is the matter of the elephant in the room

#23 - Political intrigues III - London: 1655

The Jews are unwelcome across Europe although England now offers the appearance of hope. But it's a high-stakes game which someone will lose and the tangled politics may just be too much too soon.