History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast

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.

Two  intellectuals dominated the halachic arena in the 1500s. Cousins by birth, writers by nature. The timely & the timeless.

Making a Life whilst Making a Living. A 500-year tale, with humble origins. Sought after by nobility, given rights and self-governance, the early Jewish communities spread across Poland and Lithuania. But not everyone was a success story.

When communities came under threat, timing often made the crucial difference. Invasion, Blood Libels & Siege. Reminders of the Original Purim.

Across entire continents, Jews have had to deal with political intrigue and corrupt rulers. Occasionally these were overlaid with decrees of destruction and sincere prayer. And throughout the ages, the unexpected outcomes inspired communities to create a Purim which celebrated their particular miracle. 

What happens when Torah becomes a fable? Where was Aristotle's error? How did Meiri's writings suddenly re-appear after 600 years? And why did Jews go to hear sermons in church on Shabbos? 

For over a century, Provence split between those who banned (& burned) the works of the Rambam, and those who excommunicated their opponents. Philosophy vs. Kabbala. Rabbeinu Yonah, Nachmanides & the authors of Tosfos all took strong positions - echoes of which continued into the 20th century.

What made the Provencal sages write critiques of the greatest rabbinic scholars? Why did the Baal Hamaor never wear Tzitzis? Which sefer was written entirely by angels -  And was it accepted halachically? Why was the Ravaad imprisoned?

Jews existed there continuously for 1,500 years; at one point being forced into the only four ghettos in France.  Neither Ashkenaz nor Sefarad, they produced some of the greatest scholars of the era. Who were they? How did they survive the storms for so long? And at what cost?

Were the Jews the victims of WWII? How did they experience Time? The passing of a single day... And how did a few unsung heroes sanctify Shabbos and give hope to those around them?

What year are we in? When is New Year’s Day? (Not Rosh Hashana - The other one !)? Why did Jews celebrate Yom Kippur on different days 1,100 years ago? A look at 2,000 years of disputes and the occasional ex-communication

Travelers often leave imprints, but perhaps none as mysterious or eye-opening as a Jewish explorer in the 9th century. An enigma which will very probably impact events at the End of Time. And of course there is the matter of the elephant in the room