History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast

#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.

#22 - Political intrigues II - Italy: 1556

Ancona was a place of refuge for Portuguese Marranos, until the betrayal. Which left the Jews of Pesaro with a choice: Take revenge and risk the anger of the Pope or flee to Turkey.

#21 - Political Intrigues I - Paris: 1894

Dreyfus - a watershed event in France’s history. But it is preceded by dire scandals, leaving France looking for a scapegoat, which would linger until the French holocaust in 1942

#20 - American Beginnings V - The Passport: 1911

In the game of politics, an American passport is the ticket to freedom, but not necessarily for the Jews. And victory is often short-lived.
But who was She? The Jew described by the NY Times as the most politically powerful woman in the USA? 

#19 - American Beginnings IV - The Immigrant: 1905

It took enterprise to survive in the early years, with some taking their 'careers' to an extreme. But The Forverts was always around to offer advice - some of it decidedly UnOrthodox

#18 - American Beginnings III - The Passage: 1881

To Go or Not to Go - that was The Question. Although the German Jews got there first, as did Jewish America’s first congressman (1845-1851), only to be committed later to an asylum for the insane.

#17 - American Beginnings II - California: 1851

The Gold Rush brought thousands of Jews from all over the world to the untamed Wilderness of the West, arousing the interest of the Rothschilds, Strauss and the Orthodox community of Jerusalem.

#16 - American Beginnings I- The Jewish Spy: 1776

Three Jews in Colonial America:  An Officer serving under Benedict Arnold, a Spy who worked for George Washington and a Chocolate manufacturer who tried to make peace.

#15 - Controversial Prayers III- The Angels 1609

Sholom Aleichem - a Friday night prayer of possible heresy, that breaks one of the Rambam’s 13 Principles of Faith.And how did Hollywood get it so wrong?

#14 - Controversial Prayers II - Amsterdam 1708

“Times are a Changing” and change brought a clash between Kabbala & Halacha, Orthodoxy & Reform, The New World & The Old.

#13 - Controversial Prayers I - The Czar: 1861

How loyal were the Jews to Czar Alexander II ? Why was there a fast day in England in 1803 & in America in 1812?Salvation isn’t always Redemption.

#12 - Prague IV - The Edict of Tolerance: 1782

A new emperor & new clothes. Language. Education. Freedom?. And a eulogy in Shul for Maria Theresa by the Noda Biyehuda, the world-famous Rabbi of Prague.