History for the Curious

101

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?

102

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.

103

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

104

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

105

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.

106

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?

107

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?

108

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?

109

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?

110

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?

111

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.

112

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?

113

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.

114

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.

115

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?

116

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?

117

The Maharam of Rottenberg II (1215-1307)

Jun 15, 2023

35:09

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.

118

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.

119

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?

120

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.

121

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

122

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?

123

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?

124

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.

125

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...

126

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.

127

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?

128

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?

129

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.

130

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.

131

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.

132

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?

133

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.

134

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.

135

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.

136

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.

137

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

138

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

139

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?

140

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?

141

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?

142

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.

143

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.

144

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.?

145

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.

146

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?

147

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…

148

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?

149

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?

150

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.

History for the Curious

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