History for the Curious

101

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.

102

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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)

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr 26, 2022

31:12

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

History for the Curious

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