Jewish History Nerds: Recent Episodes
Unpacked
Whoever said history was boring clearly never heard these stories…Welcome to Jewish History Nerds! Join hosts Yael and Schwab each week as they take a dive into some deep cuts of Jewish history. From the Jewish Da Vinci Code to mass suicide pacts, explore true stories that feel larger than life. Be in touch: nerds@jewishunpacked.com
100 years ago, in Krakow, Poland, Sarah Schenirer changed female Jewish education forever. Explore the extraordinary life of Sarah Schenirer, the pioneering force who fearlessly merged tradition and women's rights in Orthodox Judaism. Uncover her creation of the groundbreaking Beis Yaakov school system, challenging societal norms while upholding Orthodox values. Join us as we delve into the complex legacy of this visionary figure, a true bridge between tradition and social innovation. This episode was hosted by Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner. Our education lead is Dr. Henry Abramson. Audio was edited by Rob Pera, and we’re produced by Rivky Stern. For more on Sarah Schenirer, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ec_1aciMru1pGvQDIXMixisDjaFFpRo9FEgNz9xKLN4/edit?usp=sharing Tell us what you think about the podcast here: https://jewishunpacked.com/nerdsurvey
Yael and Schwab as we unravel the gripping story of a young Jewish boy forcibly taken from his family by the Catholic Church, sparking international outcry and shaping the course of religious tensions. Discover the surprising twists and turns that led Edgardo Mortara to embrace his captors' faith, becoming a devoted Catholic priest with a mission to convert his own people. This episode was hosted by Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner. Our education lead is Dr. Henry Abramson. Audio was edited by Rob Pera, and we’re produced by Rivky Stern. For more on the Spanish Golden Age, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D6B8LjDGcHH95KGruwIEF-DT1sVsA_8Vtgg4sWAXdi0/edit?usp=sharing
Schwab and Yael unravel the vibrant tapestry of the Golden Age of Spanish Jewry, an era of remarkable cultural exchange and collaboration between Muslims, Jews, and Christians. Explore the rich history, intellectual achievements, and creative contributions of the Jewish community during this extraordinary period of coexistence in the Iberian Peninsula. Discover the intricate interplay of cultures that shaped this golden era and its lasting impact on the development of art, science, and philosophy. This episode was hosted by Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner. Our education lead is Dr. Henry Abramson. Audio was edited by Rob Pera, and we’re produced by Rivky Stern. For more on the Spanish Golden Age, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BWe-Vzczfy_EL9rZuiRwIIc1zYN6uxjZwYtHxe8_ZQs/edit?usp=sharing
In this gripping episode, join Schwab and Yael as they delve into the extraordinary life of Hannah Szenes, a talented Hungarian poet who defied the Holocaust. From her escape to pre-state Israel to her daring mission behind enemy lines, discover the incredible bravery of a woman who refused to yield to the Nazis. Uncover the untold story of Hannah Szenes and explore the enduring legacy of her unyielding spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. This episode was hosted by Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner. Our education lead is Dr. Henry Abramson. Audio was edited by Rob Pera, and we’re produced by Rivky Stern. For more on Hannah Szenes, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ih5TaGOYXoZQmuqdaTLX6jnhQ04vrH32JdeMZlKtRiE/edit?usp=sharing
You've probably never met a character as colorful as Shabbetai Tzvi. The 16th century Jewish mystic and rabbi led thousands of Jews to leave their homes and possessions to follow him as their Messiah. With the encouragement of his hypeman, Nathan of Gaze, Shabbetai Tzvi was revered and loved, picking up followers left and right...until the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire threatens him with imprisonment unless he converts to Islam, which he does. This week, Yael and Schwab tell us the story of Shabbetai Tzvi and ask, what is the deeper meaning of this crazy story and character?This episode was hosted by Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner. Our education lead is Dr. Henry Abramson. Audio was edited by Rob Pera, and we’re produced by Rivky Stern.
When we think about the French Revolution, our mind jumps to Marie Antoinette, Les Miserable, “America’s favorite fighting Frenchman.” We don’t generally think “hey, are Jews even people?” But that was the question on Napoleon’s mind as he built the French Empire. In this week’s episode, Yael and Schwab break down all the factors in Napoleon’s decision-making process as he tried to figure out whether Jews could be French citizens. It’s a story about liberte, egalite, fraternite. About Napoleon’s revival of an ancient Jewish court for the first time in 1,300 years. And about what it means to be a Jew in a wider society.
Josephus Flavius is maybe one of the wildest characters in Jewish history, and that's saying something. That's largely because unlike most historians, he didn't just chronicle the story; as Yael tells Schwab in this week's episode, Josephus, or Yosef ben Matityahu, wrote himself into the story - and what a story it is. This week, we learn about Josephus and the siege of Yodfat, and they ask, what does it mean for us to write yourself into the story of Jewish history?
This episode was hosted by Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner. Our education lead is Dr. Henry Abramson. Audio was edited by Rob Pera, and we’re produced by Rivky Stern.
Whoever said history was boring clearly never heard these stories…Welcome to Jewish History Unpacked! Join hosts Yael and Schwab each week as they take a dive into some deep cuts of Jewish history. From the Jewish DaVinci code to mass suicide pacts, explore true stories that feel larger than life. ssd8hevd