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.
102
The Maharam of Rottenberg II (1215-1307)
The Maharam of Rottenberg II (1215-1307)
Jun 14, 2023
35:12
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.
103
The Maharam of Rotenberg I (1215-1293) featuring Rabbi S.F Zimmerman
The Maharam of Rotenberg I (1215-1293) featuring Rabbi S.F Zimmerman
Jun 7, 2023
43:00
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?
104
A Look Back at History
A Look Back at History
May 31, 2023
33:59
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.
105
Budapest III (1686-1877) - The Hapsburg Years
Budapest III (1686-1877) - The Hapsburg Years
May 24, 2023
40:46
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
106
Budapest II (1526-1686) - The Ottoman Era
Budapest II (1526-1686) - The Ottoman Era
May 17, 2023
38:38
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?
107
Budapest I (1037-1526) - Kings, Money & Religion
Budapest I (1037-1526) - Kings, Money & Religion
May 10, 2023
40:12
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?
108
The Unknown Genius III - Life on the Run
The Unknown Genius III - Life on the Run
May 3, 2023
38:40
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.
109
The Unknown Genius II - His Later Years
The Unknown Genius II - His Later Years
Apr 26, 2023
37:44
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...
110
The Unknown Genius I - His Early Life
The Unknown Genius I - His Early Life
Apr 18, 2023
35:11
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.
111
17th Century Traitors IV - Aftermath: 350 Years of Chaos
17th Century Traitors IV - Aftermath: 350 Years of Chaos
Apr 3, 2023
41:54
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?
112
17th Century Traitors III - Spinoza Ex-communicated
17th Century Traitors III - Spinoza Ex-communicated
Mar 22, 2023
35:56
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?
113
17th Century Traitors II - Shabbetai Zvi (1665-1676)
17th Century Traitors II - Shabbetai Zvi (1665-1676)
Mar 14, 2023
36:00
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.
114
17th Century Traitors I - Shabbetai Zvi
17th Century Traitors I - Shabbetai Zvi
Mar 1, 2023
39:03
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.
115
The Vilna Goan III - Leadership & Controversy
The Vilna Goan III - Leadership & Controversy
Feb 22, 2023
35:56
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.
116
The Vilna Gaon II - When Heaven Intervened (featuring Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz)
The Vilna Gaon II - When Heaven Intervened (featuring Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz)
Feb 14, 2023
39:47
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?
117
The Vilna Gaon I - An Introduction & a Mathematical Riddle (featuring Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz)
The Vilna Gaon I - An Introduction & a Mathematical Riddle (featuring Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz)
Feb 8, 2023
44:27
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.
118
Royal Family Conflicts & Jewish Consequences
Royal Family Conflicts & Jewish Consequences
Jan 29, 2023
36:10
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.
119
Holocaust Reflections III - The Cover Up
Holocaust Reflections III - The Cover Up
Jan 17, 2023
40:06
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.
120
Holocaust Reflections II - The Theft
Holocaust Reflections II - The Theft
Jan 10, 2023
36:22
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.
121
Holocaust Reflections I - The Undaunted
Holocaust Reflections I - The Undaunted
Jan 3, 2023
36:43
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
122
History of History for The Curious
History of History for The Curious
Dec 19, 2022
0:25
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
123
What Happened to the Chashmona’im?
What Happened to the Chashmona’im?
Dec 15, 2022
42:13
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?
124
The Origins of Christianity III
The Origins of Christianity III
Dec 6, 2022
40:32
What was the Donation of Constantine? What is the crime of Deicide? And how do I respond to a Missionary?
125
The Origins of Christianity II
The Origins of Christianity II
Nov 29, 2022
32:27
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?
126
The Origins of Christianity I
The Origins of Christianity I
Nov 23, 2022
37:16
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.
127
The Jews & Britain’s Prime Ministers III
The Jews & Britain’s Prime Ministers III
Nov 16, 2022
34:04
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.
128
The Jews & Britain’s Prime Ministers II
The Jews & Britain’s Prime Ministers II
Nov 8, 2022
33:05
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.?
129
The Jews & Britain’s Prime Ministers I
The Jews & Britain’s Prime Ministers I
Nov 2, 2022
37:37
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.
130
Printing IV - The Legacies
Printing IV - The Legacies
Oct 26, 2022
38:22
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?
131
Printing III - Deceptions & Self-Deceptions
Printing III - Deceptions & Self-Deceptions
Oct 13, 2022
30:11
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…
132
Printing II - The Printing Revolution
Printing II - The Printing Revolution
Sep 29, 2022
38:16
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?
133
Printing I - All the King’s Men
Printing I - All the King’s Men
Sep 20, 2022
37:47
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?
134
Jews, Queens & Kings - A Special Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Jews, Queens & Kings - A Special Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Sep 14, 2022
32:19
Elizabeth II: A century of life & 70 years of service. Historical Reflections & Personal Recollections of Britain’s monarchy.
135
Maharal of Prague II - (featuring Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz)
Maharal of Prague II - (featuring Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz)
Sep 6, 2022
45:09
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.
136
Maharal of Prague I (featuring Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz)
Maharal of Prague I (featuring Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz)
Aug 30, 2022
38:55
Surrounded by Mystery, Mysticism & Folklore… But what was his name? Why did he leave Nikolsburg? And why was his very legitimacy questioned?
137
Holocaust V - Defying the Nazis
Holocaust V - Defying the Nazis
Aug 4, 2022
39:08
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.
138
Holocaust IV - Collaborators & Opponents
Holocaust IV - Collaborators & Opponents
Jul 31, 2022
39:09
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.
139
The Holocaust III - Holocaust Denial: Why & Who cares?
The Holocaust III - Holocaust Denial: Why & Who cares?
Jul 21, 2022
33:45
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.
140
The Holocaust II - Holocaust Denial: How & Who
The Holocaust II - Holocaust Denial: How & Who
Jul 19, 2022
33:04
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?
141
The Holocaust I - Heroes & Villains
The Holocaust I - Heroes & Villains
Jul 13, 2022
33:16
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.
142
Venice II - The Personalities: 1516-1866
Venice II - The Personalities: 1516-1866
Jun 30, 2022
34:22
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.
143
Venice I - The Origins: 1204-1516
Venice I - The Origins: 1204-1516
Jun 22, 2022
33:04
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?
144
Chasidus II -Leadership & Survival: 1772
Chasidus II -Leadership & Survival: 1772
Jun 12, 2022
26:23
How did Chasidus survive excommunication? Who really led the movement? And how did 1772 affect all of Eastern Europe for the next 150 years?
145
Chasidus I -The Controversy: 1772
Chasidus I -The Controversy: 1772
May 31, 2022
33:17
Why was Chassidus such a radical movement? Who gained from 1772? Why was the Mezericher Maggid the chosen successor?
146
Genizah IV - Poetry, Government & the European Saga
Genizah IV - Poetry, Government & the European Saga
May 24, 2022
32:33
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
147
Geniza III - Pre-Nups, Politics & Palestine
Geniza III - Pre-Nups, Politics & Palestine
May 17, 2022
33:10
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.
148
Geniza II - The Contents
Geniza II - The Contents
May 10, 2022
34:56
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.
149
Geniza I - The Scandals
Geniza I - The Scandals
May 3, 2022
32:49
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
150
Pesach II - War & Peace
Pesach II - War & Peace
Apr 26, 2022
31:12
Pesach icons - Manischewitz vs. IRS - Late additions & 20th Century changes. And don't forget to Remove the Plagues.