History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast

How do you survive lying alone in a grave for 2 months? Where does a teenager find the determination and belief to overcome betrayal, loss and danger through the terrible years of war?

What would you do if you were told a truth which you could not do anything about, but which would change lives forever?

Who were the Kapos? Listen to an unknown story of tragedy and heroism. A Kapo in Auschwitz. A family pulled apart. A truth eventually uncovered.

Two prominent Jews in Parliament, the sinking of the Titanic and insider share trading made up the ingredients of a scandal that threatened the foundations of the UK Government - 2/2.

Two prominent Jews in Parliament, the sinking of the Titanic and insider share trading made up the ingredients of a scandal that threatened the foundations of the UK Government - Part 1 of 2

In the 19th century, Jews may not become Members of Parliament. But somehow they get elected anyway. Apostasy, division and determination, in pursuit of the greatest political goal: Prime Minister of Britain. The story of the Disraelis 

Why was a Jew subjected to an excommunication in 1705, that was never revoked? And how did it create a power struggle in the Ashkenzai community of England?   

Jews lived across England from 1070 onwards, but 600 of them were imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1278? Why? And how did the Jews add Hebrew words to the English medieval language?

For centuries there were none left; The Jews had been driven out of England en-masse by Edward I... But the records tell us a different story.    Henry VIII went searching for them and English literature betrays a fascination with them. From Shakespeare's controversial Shylock to dictionary & biblical definitions, the Jew continued to feature throughout.

In the wake of the return of the hostages that survived, challenges abound and life cannot return to normal. Israel confronts the unknown with hope, and across the world the ripples of anti-semitism continue to echo.   The UK experienced Jews being killed on Yom Kippur, New York has elected a pro-Hamas mayor, yet various Arab countries have expressed an interest in closer ties with Israel. Rabbi Hersh, Rabbi Leff & Lord Wolfson discuss the global situation for Jews and where we are headed.

We have produced 175 episodes over the past 4 years BH. But what makes Jewish History special? And what does the future hold?   This short clip will give you some insights - https://vimeo.com/1130639528   The link is: www.charityextra.com/jle/hftc

To watch This Podcast, click here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBpgg1wcQKw&t=2760s   A wide-ranging and personal discussion with former U.S. Ambassador David Friedman, describing how his Sledgehammer of Diplomacy shattered old conventions to achieve the historic U.S. Embassy move and usher in the Abraham Accords, exploring the deeply personal balance between his religious conviction and political power in crafting high-stakes foreign policy, laying out his forceful argument for Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria, and his definitive vision of One Jewish State.   Hear his incredible story, as he reflects on Jewish history, the Hand of Hashem and the divine continuum that continually strengthens Israel's destiny, while also sharing his candid personal insights on figures like President Trump, Mike Pompeo, and the future evolution of the Middle East over the next 12 to 24 months.

25 years after Paris the Talmud was being cross-examined again. This time the Christians intended to prove the truth of their faith from within Judaism !    In 1413, the Jews chose silence as their response but many were pressured into conversion.   100 years ago the world lost a halachic genius; Rav Arik created a generation of rabbis. His numerous students include Rav Meir Shapiro & the Tchebiner Rov, while his rulings influence financial law to this day.   For information about the Poland trip 3rd-6th November contact giana.elav@gmail.com   Chapters 00:00 The Disputation Series: An Overview 02:46 The Context of the Barcelona Disputation 05:56 The Goals and Strategies of the Disputation 09:04 The Nature of the Debate: Christianity vs. Judaism 11:52 The Role of the Messiah in Christianity and Judaism 15:05 The Agadic Approach in Jewish Thought 17:56 The Outcomes of the Disputation 20:58 The Tortosa Disputation: A New Era 23:59 The Impact of Fear and Intimidation 26:40 The Aftermath of the Disputation 29:59 Rav Meir Arik: A Brief Biography

During the 13th century, Europe was controlled by a militant church, and France was ruled by Louis IX - a bitter enemy of the Jews. All copies of the Talmud were seized and four Baalei Tosfos were interrogated in public.  How did Jewry recover from this calamity? Was this tragedy related to the burning of the Rambam’s writings?    Chapters 00:00 Divine Retribution and Historical Context 04:38 Rambam and Rabbeinu Yonah's Controversy 12:07 The Role of Hillel of Verona 18:45 Yom Kippur and the Nature of Repentance 21:19 Church Disputations and Their Impact 29:34 The Paris Disputation: A Turning Point 42:44 Consequences of the Talmud's Burning

In 1263 the Ramban was forced to attend a public Disputation and defend the truths of the Talmud against attacks by the Dominicans, who were led by an apostate Jew.   The Ramban would be exiled from Spain as a result and settle in Eretz Yisrael where he described with both pride and pain of the state of the Jewish community.  Using his medical knowledge, the Ramban also authored a central halachic work on healing and consulting doctors for refuah.   Chapters 00:00 The Downfall of Edom and the Church's Influence 02:53 The Ramban's Controversial Letters and Kabbalistic Ideas 06:08 The Disputation of Barcelona: A Turning Point 08:44 The Aftermath of the Disputation and Censorship 11:57 The Ramban's Journey to Eretz Yisrael 14:41 Rebuilding Jerusalem: The Ramban's Legacy 18:03 The Ramban's Medical Insights and Philosophy 21:02 The Ramban's Introduction to the Torah 24:03 The Essence of the Torah and Its Connection to Hashem

By the 13th century, Spain was becoming a more uncomfortable place for Jews, partly due to  communal structure. Ramban will engage in dampening the flames of controversy both about the Rambam and regarding power and authority. But he will face strong personal attacks in the process.   The Ramban was also a prolific author of sefarim. They range from Halacha to Chumash, Kabbala & Talmud. R' Shmuli Levison joins us to introduce us to these various works and the distinction between Philosophy & Kabbalah.   Email: giana.elav@gmail.com for the Poland Trip   Chapters   00:00 The Life and Legacy of the Ramban   07:48 Ramban's Influence on Jewish Thought   21:39 The Maimonidean Controversy   40:48 Ramban's Approach to Kabbalah and Philosophy   57:25 Ramban's Writings and Their Impact

Many Jews were reluctant first-hand witnesses to Nazi cruelty and suffering.    For many Hungarian survivors,  often deliberately misled about the truth of Auschwitz's existence, betrayal only added to their pain. Risa Shayowitz - aged a young 95 years old - relays that tragedy, even as she looks only to move forward. An American chaplain in the US Army in April 1945 - Rabbi Hershel Schachter - opened up the gates of Hell. In a little known recording, we hear him describe the piles of bodies, the still warm crematoria and the emaciated Jews he discovered there. His dedication gave life to many.   Our duty nowadays is to understand what Exile means and how Tisha B'Av gives us that ability.   For further details on the Poland trip 3rd-6th November with Rabbi Hersh & Rabbi Tatz, email: Giana.elav@gmail.com   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jewish Heritage and History 01:50 The Remarkable Life of Riza Indic-Kaufman 04:34 Survival Stories from Auschwitz 11:14 Life in Auschwitz: A Personal Account 19:36 The Impact of Loss and Resilience 25:50 The Role of Liberators: Rabbi Herschel Schachter 30:20 Experiencing Buchenwald: A Chaplain's Perspective 40:53 Rebuilding Lives After Liberation 51:53 The Journey to Switzerland and New Beginnings 01:00:33 Reflections on Suffering and Redemption

We speak of 'Holocaust Survivors' without understanding what they survived, without knowing the trauma and guilt they carried.  A young 16-year-old girl (now 97 years old) was taken through the cruelty of Auschwitz - and asked by Mengele to decide the fate of her own mother.  How did she find the strength of mind? How did she become a beacon to others, learn to redefine freedom and turn her wounds into a source of hope?  And how should Tisha B'Av redefine our understanding of exile?    Chapters: 00:00 The Journey Begins: A Survivor's Tale 19:04 Reunion and Resilience: Finding Family After the War 24:55 Life After Liberation: Struggles and Triumphs 28:05 Facing New Challenges: The Fight for a Future 28:10 The Decision to Leave 30:23 The Escape Plan 31:53 A New Life in America 33:20 Confronting the Past 36:55 Lessons from Auschwitz 43:08 Moving Forward from Trauma 55:00 The Power of Belief

Despite being a Western country, Holland almost equalled the East in its destructiveness during the Holocaust. 2 non-Jews created their own narrative by bypassing the system. One took great risks, the other received great reward. Their unusual stories, extend forgery into new territory. And a mention of Mein Kampf - one hundred years later.   Chapters 00:00 The Journey into Danger 01:40 The Context of the Holocaust 06:41 The Systematic Persecution of Jews in Holland 08:55 The Story of Jaap Penraat 14:57 The Art of Forgery and Resistance 22:47 The Nazi Obsession with Art 29:58 The Aftermath of War and Art Recovery

Hidden away in a tiny attic in Paris, a Jew created freedom for thousands by forging Identity cards, ration books and travel passes. Hunted by Nazis, his genius and dedication came with enormous risk. And his experiences left him with a sense of guilt that would never leave him.   Email giana.elav@gmail.com for the Prague trip...   Chapters 00:00 Trapped in History: The Beginning of a Journey 01:35 The Holocaust Series: A Focus on Forgers 02:50 Adolfo Kaminsky: The Master Forger 03:14 A Life of Identity: The Early Years of Kaminsky 07:28 The Loss of Innocence: A Family's Tragedy 10:50 Imprisonment and Survival: The Drancy Experience 13:46 The Art of Forgery: Kaminsky's New Identity 18:48 Creating New Lives: The Resistance Movement 23:09 The Pressure of Time: A Race Against Death 28:00 The Underground Network: Delivering Hope 29:57 The Aftermath of War: A New Role for Kaminsky 33:17 Legacy of a Forger: Saving Lives Beyond the War 37:09 A Life of Sacrifice: Kaminsky's Continued Fight 40:45 The Complexity of Identity: Kaminsky's Later Years 44:19 A Lasting Impact: Kaminsky's Global Influence 47:24 Reflections on Guilt and Responsibility