History for the Curious

51

Medieval England II - Apostates, Criminals & Leaders

Sep 24, 2024

53:31

Jews paid the Crown for the privilege of getting married, divorced or converted. London ran into politics with its synagogues, Norwich became the first city for blood libels, yet the priests of Canterbury were fully supported by the Jews. Despite these difficulties, Torah scholarship and even Kabbalah flourished in England. And that’s besides the 6,000 herrings…. Chapters 02:19 The Role of Women in Medieval Jewish Society 11:42 Marriage vs Economic Dynamics in Jewish Communities 15:15 Canterbury, Oxford & London 20:27 The conversion of Christians to Judaism 34:17 The Influence of Jewish Scholars in Medieval England 38:31 Rabbi Elia: A Multifaceted Leader in Jewish Life 48:31 Crime and Community

52

Medieval England I - Promise, Opportunity & Betrayal

Sep 17, 2024

44:39

Invited to settle by William the Conqueror, when Winchester was the capital city, the 220 year history of Jews in England is seen as a narrative of money-lending and expulsion. But the real story is far more gripping. Jews settled across the Land, becoming the wealthiest in the process. Women were advisors to the royal court and an ancient Roman gold coin ended up in Britain, along with its invaders. Chapters 00:00 The Historical Context of Jewish Life in England 02:48 The Arrival and Integration of Jews in Medieval England 06:01 The Role of Jewish Moneylending in English Society 08:51 Licoricia of Winchester: A Case Study 12:09 The Impact of Royal Decrees on Jewish Autonomy 14:56 The Decline of Jewish Prosperity in England 17:50 The Church's Influence on Jewish Life 21:09 The Tragic End of Licoricia and Her Legacy 24:03 The Aftermath of Licoricia's Life 26:52 The Evolution of Jewish Women's Roles 29:47 Conclusion: Reflections on Jewish History in England

53

Understanding Halacha, History & Change: Taking Interest on a Loan (feat. Dayan Y. Posen)

Sep 10, 2024

1:07:41

The Torah explicitly forbids lending money at interest, yet the Hetter Iska document seems to allow it. Is it legal? Should we all have one? Did the 17th century create a watershed moment? Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:26 The Historical Context of Money in Jewish History 08:11 The Role of the Vaad Arba Arotzos in Creating the Hetter Iska Document 11:29 Navigating Financial Transactions within the Framework of Halacha 19:27 Understanding the Document 35:04 The Prohibition of Ribis (interest bearing loans) 43:18 Different Types of Hetter iska

54

Tisha B'Av Episode - The Hideout in Slovakia

Aug 12, 2024

56:30

Rabbi Yossi Steiner spent the war years on the run - as a child - and survived through a series of miracles. He found himself alone in a ghetto, needing to take care of his 5 year old brother. He hid in a bunker for 9 months, whilst Nazis came searching with trained dogs. He crossed borders through forests and fields and spent months pretending to be a mute child. His story and that of the non-jewish family who saved him, must be heard... Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:19 Life Before the War 03:46 Imposition of Decrees and Restrictions 06:14 Escape to Hungary 09:38 Safety in Hungary and the Divide Between Hungarian Jews and Jewish Refugees 13:25 Dangers for Foreign Jews in Hungary 16:20 Desperate Attempts to Save Loved Ones 21:52 Life Under False Identities 27:03 Return to Slovakia 29:00 Escape and Disappearance 30:28 Hiding and Seeking Refuge 31:57 The Mosulak Family's Heroic Act 32:55 The Consequences of the Slovak Uprising 34:22 Nazi Threats and Close Calls 36:20 Living in Fear and Constant Danger 37:19 Jan Mosulak's Courageous Denial 43:29 Honoring the Mosulak Family 46:40 The Fear and Resilience of a Child 50:33 The Importance of Not Giving Up 52:49 Finding Meaning in Loss and Tears

55

Holocaust Identities IV - The Church, The Red Cross & Nuremberg

Aug 11, 2024

1:01:11

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

56

Holocaust Identities III - Hitler’s Olympics, Nation & Church

Aug 5, 2024

58:24

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

57

Holocaust Identities Part 2 – Secret Soldiers II

Jul 28, 2024

50:58

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

58

Holocaust Identities - Secret Soldiers I

Jul 22, 2024

54:12

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

59

Rabbi Akiva Eger II - Rulings, Plague & Portrait

Jul 11, 2024

39:53

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

60

Rabbi Akiva Eger I - Genius, Battles & Compassion

Jun 25, 2024

40:03

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

61

Kabbalah II - Heresy : Spain 1290-1350

Jun 14, 2024

1:02:05

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 Roshun Beychai 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

62

Spanish Jewry IV: Kabbalah, Conflict & Corruption

Jun 2, 2024

53:12

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

63

Spanish Jewry III - Targets of Resentment: Prominent Jewish Figures in Spain

May 24, 2024

41:41

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

64

Spanish Jewry II - The Golden Age : 711-1066

May 17, 2024

45:25

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

65

Spanish Jewry I - The Visigoths

May 7, 2024

34:44

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? 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

66

Responsa in History III

Apr 24, 2024

34:17

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

67

Responsa in History II - Synagogues, Politics & Power (Feat. Dayan Y Posen)

Apr 12, 2024

49:58

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: [email protected] 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

68

Responsa in History & Halacha (feat. Dayan Yonason D. Hool)

Apr 2, 2024

53:25

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

69

Yishmael vs Yisrael X – A personal account in Gaza

Mar 26, 2024

36:18

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

70

Douglas Murray - Raw Opinion on the Israel Conflict

Mar 18, 2024

49:22

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

71

The Karaites III - Unusual Episodes

Mar 10, 2024

47:44

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

72

The Karaites II - Forgeries & History

Feb 25, 2024

41:02

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

73

The Karaites I - Origins & Practices

Feb 14, 2024

46:20

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 [email protected] 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

74

500 Years Ago: February 1524

Feb 6, 2024

38:02

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

75

Yishmael vs Yisrael IX - The Father of a Hostage

Jan 31, 2024

27:01

A moving, personal first-hand account of trial, tribulation and faith. Recorded live at the JLE. Chapters 00:00 The Kidnapping of Ori Danino 03:29 The Search for Ori 05:24 Ori's Heroic Actions 08:08 The Power of Emunah 09:32 Seeing Hashem in Difficult Times 12:12 The Unexplainable Nature of the War 13:47 Praying and Believing in Hashem 15:53 A Message to Ori 17:20 Coping with Disappointment 18:44 The Impact of Ori's Story 19:43 The Power of Emunah from Generations Past 23:40 A Call to Prayer

76

Yishmael vs Yisrael VIII - The ICJ

Jan 23, 2024

42:07

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?

77

The Letters Which Made History - Part III

Jan 18, 2024

42:24

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?

78

The Letters Which Made History - Part II

Jan 10, 2024

44:30

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.

79

The Letters Which Made History - Part I

Jan 4, 2024

45:30

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!?

80

Yishmael vs Yisrael VII - Vital Answers for Difficult Times (feat. Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz)

Dec 26, 2023

1:13:31

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

81

Yishmael vs Yisrael VI - The Harder Questions (feat. Lord David Wolfson KC)

Dec 15, 2023

1:01:30

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?

82

Yishmael vs Yisrael V - The Harder Questions (feat. R’ Yitzchok Breitowitz)

Dec 5, 2023

1:07:03

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?

83

Yishmael vs Yisrael IV - The Hostages (feat. Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz)

Nov 22, 2023

54:46

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?

84

London Through the Eyes of the Curious

Nov 9, 2023

0:59

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

85

Rambam III - The Final Years

Nov 8, 2023

37:22

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?

86

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

Oct 31, 2023

1:18:13

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.

87

Yishmael vs Yisrael II - The Israeli - Arab Conflict

Oct 19, 2023

1:09:41

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

88

Yishmael vs Yisrael I - A Biblical Conflict

Oct 17, 2023

42:39

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

89

Rambam II - Egypt

Oct 10, 2023

42:37

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.

90

Rambam I - The Early Years

Oct 6, 2023

28:48

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?

91

Rambam I - The Early Years

Sep 28, 2023

36:32

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? Why did he write the 13 Principles of Faith? And was he forced to convert to Islam in Morocco?

92

The French Revolution III (1799-1808)

Sep 12, 2023

35:29

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?

93

The French Revolution II: 1789-1799

Sep 5, 2023

43:32

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?

94

French Revolution I – The Prelude (1552-1788)

Aug 30, 2023

39:57

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?

95

The Silent War IV - The Prosecutor

Jul 26, 2023

48:58

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.

96

The Silent War III - Trading with the Enemy

Jul 19, 2023

40:48

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?

97

The Silent War II - IBM’s Deceit

Jul 13, 2023

43:22

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.

98

The Silent War I - Deceiving the Gestapo

Jul 4, 2023

47:06

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.

99

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

Jun 28, 2023

50:26

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?

100

The Sinai Revelation (1312BCE) - Exploding the Myths

Jun 26, 2023

46:04

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?

History for the Curious

היסטוריה לסקרן

More by JLE Podcasts