History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast

1945. The war is over and Germany is in chaos. But now the church has to explain its silence. And two other groups emerge.   There are thousands of Jewish orphans scattered across Europe. At the same time there are thousands of Nazis on the run. Will justice prevail?   Chapters 00:00 The Church's Denial and Defense 04:19 Suppression of the Draft Encyclical 16:17 Treatment of Jewish Children in Convents 25:43 Collaboration with the International Red Cross 28:06 Complicity and Deficient Moral Map 30:30 Complicity of the Red Cross and the Catholic Church 38:39 The Role of the Red Cross in Aiding Nazis 46:10 The Vatican's Opposition to the Nuremberg Trials 54:39 Positive Contributions of the Red Cross and the Church

Berlin 1936 saw Germany win more Gold medals than any other country, while the world looked on. But at what price? How aware was the Church of Jewish persecution? What role did the ordinary German play in Hitler’s regime? And what motivated those who saved Jews? Chapters 00:00 The Berlin Olympics of 1936: Hitler's Showcase 05:04 Calls to Boycott or Relocate the Olympics 09:42 Why Did Ordinary Germans Participate in the Holocaust? 18:42 The Role of Obedience and Peer Pressure 23:24 The Church's Influence on Anti-Semitism 28:36 The Catholic Church's Silence and Inaction 31:27 Debating the Motivation behind the Church's Inaction 49:24 Individuals and Churches that Actively Helped and Saved Jews

In 1944 X-troop were fighting in France. With heavy losses and secret identities, some of them would tragically be buried under a cross. By 1945 they had made their way to Germany, always searching for family members who may have survived, even if this required driving across no-man’s land into enemy territory. When the war ends, they begin a new mission, rooting out Nazis in Germany & Austria. But Judgement is hard to come by.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction: X-Troop's Mission 17:24 Finding Family: Ron Gilbert's Search 25:01 Manfred Gantz's Journey to Terezin 31:41 Rescuing Family: The Personal Mission of the X-Troop 38:00 Post-War Challenges and Denazification 44:43 Bravery and Resilience: The Legacy of the X-Troop 49:58 Conclusion: Lessons from the Holocaust

To donate tefillin for the soldiers, please click - https://bit.ly/historyforthecurioustefillin   Forged through adversity and fuelled by the fate of their families who were trapped in Nazi Europe, a ragtag crew of Jewish refugees volunteered to become an elite army unit and significantly impact the enemy during WWII.   Initially interned as enemy aliens they risked their lives time and time again. A quarter of them would fall in battle.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction: The Story of Jewish Refugees in World War II 05:24 Joining an Elite Commando Troop 10:17 A Jewish Soldier's Encounter with Field Marshal Rommel 13:29 Obtaining Vital Intelligence for the Allies 16:57 The X-troop: Jewish Refugees Fighting Against the Nazis 21:04 Challenges and Discrimination Faced by Jewish Refugees 25:28 The Impact of Antisemitism and Propaganda 26:54 The Cruelty Faced by Jewish Refugees 29:20 The Formation of the X-Troop 30:19 Intense Training and Preparation 39:27 Crucial Roles in the D-Day Landings 45:30 Bravery and Resilience in the Face of Challenges

To appreciate Rabbi Akiva Eger we need to understand his era;   The cholera epidemic he lived through, the personalities of his generation as well as his rulings and how they were set out.   Who was he really and what did he look like?   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Akiva Eger 13:46 Rabbi Akiva Eger's Role During the Cholera Epidemic 27:09 Conflict with the Community and the Hospital Management 35:31 The Accuracy of Portraits Depicting Rabbi Akiva Eger 38:49 Legacy and Impact of Rabbi Akiva Eger

Famous as a scholar and lamdan, his life was beset by challenges and setbacks, all of which he faced with remarkable fortitude. As the leader of Central Europe's Jewry, the impact of his writings and personality re-wrote the history of the 19th century for the Jews   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Government Intervention 08:01 Reb Akiva Eger's Scholarship and Influence 16:10 Reb Akiva Eger's Reluctance to Give Decisions 27:21 The Appointment Controversy in Posen 35:24 Acts of Kindness and Strength in Psak 39:40 Conclusion and Preview of Part 2

Unraveling the Mystery  - Who was Moshe de Leon? How did the Zohar impact Jewish history? Is there a deep divide between Academics & Kabbalists. What did Rav Yaakov Emden write? And how was Marriage seen in 13th century Spain?   Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Mystery of the Zohar 13:09 The Historical Context of Spain in the 13th and 14th Centuries 30:42 The Impact of the Zohar on Jewish History and Thought 31:12 The Complexity of the Zohar 34:01 Geographic References in the Zohar 36:48 Questioning the Existence of Places in the Zohar 38:14 The Enigma of Moshe de Leon 41:02 Possible Origins of the Zohar 44:17 The Role of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in the Zohar 49:00 Different Perspectives on the Zohar 52:22 Understanding the Entire Torah 54:19 The Beliefs of a Believing Jew 58:59 The Laws of Shmita

In the 1200s Spanish Jewry faced great challenges within the community including Murder, Immorality & Defection.   This was exacerbated by dangerous teachings within Kabbalah which had to be rooted out by the Rashba and banned. But 700 years later a pathway was found to Redemption.    Chapters 00:00 Challenges of 13th-Century Spain: Tensions, Wealth, and Power 03:06 Controversies in Jewish Scholarship: Philosophy and Kabbalah 08:20 Internal Conflicts and Legal Authority 15:03 Religious Challenges and the Ban on Philosophy 26:50 The Legacy of Rabbi Avraham Abulafia 48:26 Kabbalistic Techniques and Mathematics

The Golden Age was over but what drove Jews to settle in Christian Spain? What is the true story of the pirates in Cordoba? Why was the commentary of the Rif so vital and why did the Ba’al HaMaor critique it? Who controlled the Jews: The Church or The Kings?   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:05 Legends and Stories in Jewish History 08:50 Prominent Jewish Scholars and Physicians 16:30 Transition from Muslim to Christian Rule 24:48 Power Dynamics: Kings and the Church 29:00 Challenges to Jewish Authority 31:58 Clothing and Distinguishing Marks 36:12 Freedom and High Profile 39:01 Tensions and Uncertainty

A unique world existed for two centuries in which a  Jewish general lead Moslem armies into battle and authored 1,500 poems while Chasdai, the most famous Jew, discovered the antidote to poison and oversaw the creation of Jewish grammar. Was Yosef Hannagid responsible for the death of an Arab prince? And how did Spain over-rule Babylonia?   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Golden Age of Spanish Jewry 14:18 The Achievements and Influential Figures of the Golden Age 35:58 The Cultural Significance of Poetry and Literature 39:21 Emergence of Jewish Literary Works in Muslim Spain 41:37 The End of the Golden Age 43:28 Disputes Among Jewish Grammarians

The history of the Jews in Spain has always been part of our collective memory. But the real story starts 1,000 years earlier.   Long before the Rishonim, flourishing communities existed. What were their lives like? Why do we not know more about them? And what happened in 711CE?   For the trip, please email: giana.elav@gmail.com   Chapters 00:00 The Visigothic Period: Anti-Jewish Legislation and Forced Conversions 15:40 The Muslim Invasion: The Golden Age of Spain for Jews 33:43 Uncovering the Forgotten History: The Jews of Spain

Do synagogues have rights over membership? Why did a Chazan risk excommunication in Perpignan? Why were responsa printed in defiance of the author’s wishes? And the 1708 Chametz glue on a Pesach document…     Chapters 00:00 Excommunication and Imposing Bans 06:18 Excommunication and Scholarly Disputes 13:28 The Role of the Chazan in the Synagogue 26:04 Insights from Historical Responsa

For centuries Jews faced restrictions building their shuls.   Halachic questions arose across Europe concerning rights, ownership and use. And closer to our day, when communities split, the assets would often be fought over.   For the trip, please email: giana.elav@gmail.com     Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 07:41 Shul as a Place of Assembly and Governance 14:13 Challenges in Shul Expansion and Renovation 29:14 Ownership and Rights of a Community in a Shul 38:13 The Changing Dynamics of Shuls and the Role of Trustees

In times of war and peace and throughout the centuries, Jews have asked questions. Some became the foundations of halacha, others were forgotten. In this episode we trace back through the ages to find that the new is often very old.   To purchase Dayan Hools book, click here - Beth Din Commercial Arbitration:  https://amzn.eu/d/hSkOB53   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Urgency of the Question 03:04 The Importance of Responsa in Jewish Law 06:22 Preserving and Recording Responsa 10:45 Debates on Jewish Community and Communal Organization 14:04 Reduction in Responsa and the Need for New Answers 25:46 Communal Financial Responsa in Times of Crisis 26:42 Repurposing Funds and the Power of Handwriting 29:37 Contributing to Communal Projects in Tehran 30:06 Apportioning Funds for Weddings and Inflation 31:02 Returning Donations Given in Error 35:22 The Role of Community Contributions 51:01 Security as an Individual Requirement

Unlike the secular worldview, Jewish history looks at individuals and at details. And although we have closely followed the general conflict in Israel, we are at arm’s length from the war. Hearing first-hand some of the challenges that Yona Pinchos Gedalia ben Soroh Chana faced, will thereby give a deeper perspective to what Israel is experiencing.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode 03:04 The Importance of Individuals in Jewish History 06:28 The Jewish View of History 09:20 Lessons from the Story of Esther 12:10 Interview with a Soldier who Fought in Gaza 19:25 Powerful and Evocative Moments in Gaza 22:15 Worrying about Family and Coping with Breaks 27:55 The Role of Faith and Processing the Experience 35:10 Takeaway: Making Sacrifices and Supporting Soldiers

To Watch This Podcast, click here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRbtzDOtBAY&t=2021s   A wide-ranging discussion with author & international broadcaster Douglas Murray, on the questions: Why the Media Lie - The Liberal Left -  Antisemitism, modern and ancient - The Future in Israel.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection 00:38 Interview with Douglas Murray 06:50 Journalistic Bias and Bigotry 09:40 Media Coverage of Israel-Palestine Conflict 11:37 Displacement of Israeli Families 14:30 Impact of Advocacy and Truth 21:33 Denial and Response to Terrorism 22:41 Complacency and Strategic Thinking 24:35 Israel's Technological Advantages 25:24 Living with Rockets 26:21 Deprogramming Hate 27:48 Education and De-Radicalization 29:40 The Insoluble Problem 30:09 The Future of Palestine 31:28 Anti-Semitism and Humanity 32:27 Anti-Semitism on Campuses 33:20 Sinister and Stupid Anti-Semitism 34:29 The Disappearance of Adults 35:25 Liberalism and Judaism 36:18 Two Types of Liberalism 37:09 The Rise of Anti-Semitism 38:08 The Perception of Jews 39:04 The Danger of Open Borders 40:27 Anti-Semitism in Eastern Europe 41:18 Anti-Semitism and Liberalism 42:37 Anti-Semitism as a Reality 43:06 Decency and Solidarity 45:32 Running for Public Office 46:28 Supporting Threatened MPs

The Karaites arrive in Ponovezh, Lithuania; Seraya Shapshal abruptly changes direction; Ibn Ezra writes Zemirot [link below]; the Nazis preside over a Karaite debate; Voltaire quotes a Karaite scholar; The 21st century reconfigures Karaism.   Ki Eshmera Shabbat - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Um8Z5Wdok-WeA7zNmKFkEjG06eH21Sax/view?usp=drivesdk   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:16 Karaites in Ponovitch 04:42 Karaites in Trakai 06:35 Relations with Orthodox Jews 09:27 Karaites under Tsarist Russia 15:15 Secularization and Reform 19:28 Communist Rule and World War II 24:12 Karaites and the Holocaust 28:30 Communist Rule and Decline 29:57 Karaites in the Middle East 32:47 Karaites in Europe and the USA 35:10 Karaites in Israel 39:24 Halakhic Status of the Karaites 44:43 The Evin Ezra and the Karaites 47:05 Conclusion

Refugees arrived in Egypt from Toldeo in 1459, with ideas of their own. But as the centuries progressed, the Karaites spread out from the Middle East. Crimea became the headquarters of the movement. However Abraham Firkowitz had his own ideas about history, in which facts did not necessarily feature. Although St. Petersburg owes him a continuing debt of gratitude.   Chapters 00:00 Quarrel between Karaites and Rabbinites in 1833 03:17 Karaites in Egypt in the mid-1400s 06:05 Karaites and Rabbanites in 1465 07:01 Karaites seeking religious answers from Muslim jurists 08:30 Karaites' status as Jews 10:22 Karaites in Crimea and Eastern Europe 13:17 Karaites in Crimea in the late Middle Ages 19:33 Russian rule over Crimea and discriminatory laws 20:58 Avram Firkovich and his forgeries 25:35 Firkovich's influence and success 36:29 Firkovich's efforts and legacy

1,200 years ago, a new form of Judaism was created, and it has lasted through the centuries. How far did Karaism spread? Did the Rambam allow them to be circumcised? Did Islam bring about the new ideology? And why would they observe Rosh Hashana without a Shofar?   Please email giana.elav@gmail.com for details on the upcoming Vienna Trip.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to the Karaites 03:07 Beliefs and Practices of the Karaites 05:32 Rav Saadia Gaon and the Defense of Orthodoxy 06:29 Origins and Founding of the Karaites 09:19 Historical Context and Factors Influencing the Karaites 11:12 Interaction between Karaites and Orthodox Jews 15:24 Halakhic Requirements and Practices of the Karaites 20:04 Stringency and Uniqueness of Karaites' Observance 21:24 Differences in Shabbat Candle Lighting and Prayer 23:50 Comparison with the Sadducees and Tzadokim 24:46 Relationship between Karaites and Orthodox Jews 25:44 Spread of the Karaites in Iraq, Jerusalem, and Egypt 29:08 Presence of Karaites in Constantinople and Cyprus 32:56 Decline of Karaites in Jerusalem 35:20 Karaites in Egypt and Influence of the Rambam 39:34 Karaites in Toledo and Mixed Marriages

When Europe became the battleground between opposing armies, a very unlikely candidate met up with the Pope and proposed a solution. It would involve the Jews, and start in the heart of Inquisition Portugal. But it brought about unexpected results. Ultimately we have a cloak and a flag to reflect upon.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Trip Announcement 01:24 ICJ Case Against Israel 03:16 Ongoing Case and Accusation of Genocide 04:12 Podcast Achievement and Offline Listening 05:07 Introduction to the Story of Shlomo Molcho and David Reuveni 06:05 Arrival of David Reuveni in Venice 07:02 Encounter between David Reuveni and Diego Pérez 09:26 David Reuveni's Background and Travels 10:52 David Reuveni's Arrival in Rome 11:47 David Reuveni's Meeting with Pope Clement VII 12:45 David Reuveni's Visit to Portugal 16:29 Shlomo Molcho's Life in Salonika 18:50 Shlomo Molcho's Return to Italy 20:12 Shlomo Molcho's Meeting with Pope Clement VII 22:31 Shlomo Molcho's Imprisonment and Execution 23:29 Meeting with Emperor Charles V 24:47 Emperor's Reaction and Execution of Shlomo Molcho 25:43 Conclusion and Legacy of Shlomo Molcho 31:23 Discussion on Shlomo Molcho's Motivations 33:44 Reactions and Impact of Shlomo Molcho 36:05 Closing Remarks and Trip Announcement

A moving, personal first-hand account of trial, tribulation and faith. Recorded live at the JLE.   Chapters 00:00 The Kidnapping of Ori Danino03:29 The Search for Ori05:24 Ori's Heroic Actions08:08 The Power of Emunah09:32 Seeing Hashem in Difficult Times12:12 The Unexplainable Nature of the War13:47 Praying and Believing in Hashem15:53 A Message to Ori17:20 Coping with Disappointment18:44 The Impact of Ori's Story19:43 The Power of Emunah from Generations Past23:40 A Call to Prayer

In 2004 Israel was prosecuted at the ICJ for building a barrier through the West Bank. But Israel didn’t bother to turn up. What changed in 2024?  Why did South Africa in particular, take the lead against Israel? Why does the proportionality argument (regarding civilian casualties) not help Israel’s defense?

Why was Sir Moses Montefiore in Malta for Tisha B’Av? Who wrote the poem Bli Mazal (Out of Luck)? Which British politician suggested in 1841, that the Jews create an independent State? What made London famous in 1159? Whom did Rabbeinu Tam bow to?

How did a small hole in a parchment create Crusader history? What do Chopin, Karl Marx, Alexander Dumas & Goethe have in common? Why would the Barons of Franconia insist that Jews go to Synagogue on Monday & Thursday? What was life like for Jews in Sicily? Listen to fascinating insights from four very different eras in Jewish History.

Did a Christian censor help the Jews of Bohemia? Who was Rav Sherira Gaon and why is the letter he wrote over 1,000 years ago, so important today? What brought Jews to America in the 1600s? And why did a Rabbi in Indiana write to the US Secretary of State - in Hebrew!?

Recorded in Jerusalem, this ground-breaking episode includes testimony based on eyewitnesses, linking together Israel’s Past, Present & Future. Are the Settlements illegal? Does Islam’s monotheism bring any spiritual benefit to the Jews? Is Israel imposing Apartheid on the Palestinians in the West Bank? What does tomorrow hold for Israel?   Link to contact Zevi Kaufman at Cedar Media Studios - https://www.cedarmediastudios.com/   Link to donate Tefillin for soldiers - https://thechesedfund.com/israelselect/tefillin?aff=HFTCP

A must listen! What rights to land did Jews have in Palestine?How does Israel explain the Deir Yassin massacre?Did they engage in ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in 1948?Should we regulate free speech of the BBC & Universities?

Featuring Rav Yitzchok Breitowitz & Rav Osher Weiss. How do we view War, Collateral Damage and Siege in Halacha? Did the Chafetz Chaim think that we can change the minds of non-Jewish governments? What rights do Jews have in Golus and what message should we take from the matzav?

The fate of 240 Jews still remains unknown… What are our spiritual obligations at this time? What does Jewish Law rule for these situations? And where does Advocacy fit into the equation?

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

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?

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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?

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.

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

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?

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?

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.

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...

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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?

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

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?

Who was he? When was he actually born? Why was he crucified? And how did 2.3 billion people become his followers? This podcast is required listening for any Jew.

The Jew Bill 1753 A perfectly harmless Act of Parliament becomes the launch pad for a war against the Jews of England. In the streets, the press, and Whitehall. Faced by a wall of opposition, Parliament moves to restrict the freedom of the Jews....  But all is far from lost.

Is there an international Jewish conspiracy? Why did England's Jews move away from Orthodoxy without Haskallah or Reform. Were Jews involved in crime during the 1700s? And who was the Jewish wife of the P.M.?

British Jewry has lived through 56 Prime Ministers. Some have supported us. Others hid their anti-semitism behind policy. And then there were those who simply abandoned us. But surprisingly, repentance would still be on the cards for a few.

Why did the Russian Czar and the US army finance different printings of the Talmud over the course of a century? Who was the Widow Romm? And who was the 12 year old type-setter looking for a husband?

Who creates fakes and who has been taken in by them? Why was the first English  translation of the Talmud so controversial? And a challenge for our listeners…

Why did the world change with the printing press? Why were mistakes included and were they deliberate ? Who censored the Rama?And how do you translate Alma?

Why would the King of Poland order Jews to buy Sefarim? What was so unusual about Yiddish printing…. and did The Queen live because of a 1938 blessing?

Elizabeth II: A century of life & 70 years of service. Historical Reflections & Personal Recollections of Britain’s monarchy.

Aged over 70, he is yet to be elected as the Rov of Prague. So what is his actual connection? Why did his son leave town? Where did the Maharal spend Yom Kippur in 1602? ...And a key insight into the teachings and ideas of the Maharal.

Surrounded by Mystery, Mysticism & Folklore… But what was his name? Why did he leave Nikolsburg? And why was his very legitimacy questioned?

During the dark years, in the most unexpected places, there were individuals who turned the tables on the nazis. At great personal risk they made a difference.

In the forests of Poland survival was unlikely. Betrayal made it even more hazardous. A documented story of courage, loneliness and determination - with an unexpected final turn.

Denial matters not just for reasons of historical  accuracy but because of what it says about Jews. Even innocuous statements contain the potential for real damage.

Despite the enormous amount of evidence to the contrary, Holocaust denial persists in both the Western world and the Middle-East, causing tremendous pain to survivors and the Jewish People. What are their claims and how do we combat them?

Some Jews in Germany served in Hitler’s Wehrmacht - even in the SS -  but the outcome was always an unknown. As was trading with the Nazi empire.

Despite the Ghetto restrictions, it was home to a number of noteworthy figures. And a Levantine merchant turn the Ghetto into a minor haven? But controversy soon followed with a sinister visit from Nathan of Gaza.

The origins of Venetian Jewry start more than 150 years before the Ghetto was opened.  What went wrong? What brought the Jews back? And how did Shakespeare’s Shylock operate in the enclosed ghetto of Venice?

How did Chasidus survive excommunication? Who really led the movement? And how did 1772 affect all of Eastern Europe for the next 150 years?

Why was Chassidus such a radical movement? Who gained from 1772? Why was the Mezericher Maggid the chosen successor?

The greatest Jewish poet lived during the 11th century. But are the legends true? And why does the government feature so often in the Genizah? Plus details of an exclusive tour of the Cairo Genizah in Cambridge with Rabbi Hersh

Egypt dominates international sea trade, and the Jews share the success. But Women's Rights are on the agenda, the Chief Rabbi is taken to court and egos get in the way of truth.

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.

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...   DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE SO YOU DON'T MISS ANOTHER EPISODE

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

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

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?

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

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

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.