Jewish History Nerds
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Top 10 Jewish History Nerds Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Jewish History Nerds episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Jewish History Nerds for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Jewish History Nerds episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Babatha: The Jewish Mom of Ancient Times
Jewish History Nerds
We've talked this season about some biggggg characters. Josephus, Napoleon, Shabbetai Zvi. And this week, meet...Babatha. A wholly unremarkable woman, except for the world she opened up for us through the documents found in her abandoned handbag...2,000 years ago. This week, Schwab and Yael explore gender and rights, Roman bureaucracy and the many legal systems in 2nd century Judea, and the value of a good handbag.
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 Babatha, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DRc7Oerrjm5x8ehqsRgvklmEpKgc_sdZlPXCQQUVW8Y/edit?usp=sharing
We've talked this season about some biggggg characters. Josephus, Napoleon, Shabbetai Zvi. And this week, meet...Babatha. A wholly unremarkable woman, except for the world she opened up for us through the documents found in her abandoned handbag...2,000 years ago. This week, Schwab and Yael explore gender and rights, Roman bureaucracy and the many legal systems in 2nd century Judea, and the value of a good handbag.
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 Babatha, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DRc7Oerrjm5x8ehqsRgvklmEpKgc_sdZlPXCQQUVW8Y/edit?usp=sharing
01/19/23 • 38 min
Of Ports, Popes, and Pocketbooks
Jewish History Nerds
No one expects the Spanish Inquisition... to have given rise to two of the most powerful Jewish women in history.
You may not have heard of Dona Gracia Mendes or Benvenida Abrabanel. You may not have learned about the vastly different ways they attempted to use their power in order to stop the persecution of Jews in the papal states. And you may not have considered the way that Gracia and Benvenida’s rivalry still echoes today.
Yael and Schwab weren’t, before this episode. But now, they’re here to unpack all of this and more. So get ready — just like the Inquisition, it’s going to be quite a show.
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 these women, the Ancona affair, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17VKgT2Y22Toxzc7ju6PM8NpUPFnKQixHtrEKa0XUHq0/edit?usp=sharing
No one expects the Spanish Inquisition... to have given rise to two of the most powerful Jewish women in history.
You may not have heard of Dona Gracia Mendes or Benvenida Abrabanel. You may not have learned about the vastly different ways they attempted to use their power in order to stop the persecution of Jews in the papal states. And you may not have considered the way that Gracia and Benvenida’s rivalry still echoes today.
Yael and Schwab weren’t, before this episode. But now, they’re here to unpack all of this and more. So get ready — just like the Inquisition, it’s going to be quite a show.
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 these women, the Ancona affair, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17VKgT2Y22Toxzc7ju6PM8NpUPFnKQixHtrEKa0XUHq0/edit?usp=sharing
12/15/22 • 36 min
Khazaria...A Jewish Empire In Europe?
Jewish History Nerds
Jews don’t seek converts. There are no Jewish missionaries, no street preachers, no televangelists.And yet, Jewish legend tells of an 8th century pagan king who converted his entire empire to Judaism.
Schwab and Yael ask, why? Why would anyone choose to become Jewish in 8th century Europe -- historically, not the friendliest place for Jews? Is this story fact, fiction, or something in between? If it’s true, where did all those Jews end up? And why are antisemites so obsessed with this obscure Jewish legend? The answers might surprise you.
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 Khazaria and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MjD36b1gMWaB2OQO7Eh-c76Dhqm2wyUKdVyzGvfzNwY/edit?usp=sharing
Jews don’t seek converts. There are no Jewish missionaries, no street preachers, no televangelists.And yet, Jewish legend tells of an 8th century pagan king who converted his entire empire to Judaism.
Schwab and Yael ask, why? Why would anyone choose to become Jewish in 8th century Europe -- historically, not the friendliest place for Jews? Is this story fact, fiction, or something in between? If it’s true, where did all those Jews end up? And why are antisemites so obsessed with this obscure Jewish legend? The answers might surprise you.
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 Khazaria and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MjD36b1gMWaB2OQO7Eh-c76Dhqm2wyUKdVyzGvfzNwY/edit?usp=sharing
12/08/22 • 34 min
Does 'Liberte, Fraternite, Egalite' Include Jews?
Jewish History Nerds
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.
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 Napoleon and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vuujRrD1gBYEmIJny-o2oief34hGpYW9EeMFYqlF2tc/edit?usp=sharing
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.
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 Napoleon and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vuujRrD1gBYEmIJny-o2oief34hGpYW9EeMFYqlF2tc/edit?usp=sharing
11/23/22 • 32 min
"Resurrecting" Judaism?: Donato Manduzio's Journey
Jewish History Nerds
Donato Manduzio was just a simple man in an Italian village - until he read the Bible, and began his quest to bring back what he thought was a dead, ancient faith. Not only did Donato embrace Judaism, he convinced several dozen of his fellow villagers in San Nicandro to join him in this spiritual journey. Schwab and Yael explore this wild story and ask, how the heck do we decide not only who is a Jew, but what are the contours of, well, Judaism?
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 Donato Manduzio, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GhIKjDiK3-Z-Dgu-nDNXAvKRZ6NYGwtEB3hTkc4Gl2o/edit?usp=sharing
Tell us what you think about the podcast here: https://jewishunpacked.com/nerdsurvey
Donato Manduzio was just a simple man in an Italian village - until he read the Bible, and began his quest to bring back what he thought was a dead, ancient faith. Not only did Donato embrace Judaism, he convinced several dozen of his fellow villagers in San Nicandro to join him in this spiritual journey. Schwab and Yael explore this wild story and ask, how the heck do we decide not only who is a Jew, but what are the contours of, well, Judaism?
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 Donato Manduzio, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GhIKjDiK3-Z-Dgu-nDNXAvKRZ6NYGwtEB3hTkc4Gl2o/edit?usp=sharing
Tell us what you think about the podcast here: https://jewishunpacked.com/nerdsurvey
05/25/23 • 33 min
Wuhsha the Broker: Excavations from the Cairo Geniza
Jewish History Nerds
Discovered in the Cairo Geniza, the story of the remarkable exploits of this 11th century trader push the boundaries of what we may have thought was typical of Jewish women in medieval Egypt. But before we even get there, we have to understand what the Cairo Geniza is, and why it helps us to understand 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.
For more on Wuhsha the Broker and the Cairo Geniza, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mdQlJlIhm34YhI39ZdYNEo-68utXr9aZmqRtyPrOARQ/edit?usp=sharing
Tell us what you think about the podcast here: https://jewishunpacked.com/nerdsurvey
Discovered in the Cairo Geniza, the story of the remarkable exploits of this 11th century trader push the boundaries of what we may have thought was typical of Jewish women in medieval Egypt. But before we even get there, we have to understand what the Cairo Geniza is, and why it helps us to understand 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.
For more on Wuhsha the Broker and the Cairo Geniza, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mdQlJlIhm34YhI39ZdYNEo-68utXr9aZmqRtyPrOARQ/edit?usp=sharing
Tell us what you think about the podcast here: https://jewishunpacked.com/nerdsurvey
06/01/23 • 34 min
Hannah Szenes: Defiance Amidst Darkness
Jewish History Nerds
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
Tell us what you think about the podcast here: https://jewishunpacked.com/nerdsurvey
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
Tell us what you think about the podcast here: https://jewishunpacked.com/nerdsurvey
06/08/23 • 34 min
Golden Age of Spanish Jewry: A Tapestry of Coexistence
Jewish History Nerds
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
Tell us what you think about the podcast here: https://jewishunpacked.com/nerdsurvey
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
Tell us what you think about the podcast here: https://jewishunpacked.com/nerdsurvey
06/15/23 • 32 min
Innovation or Assimilation? The Moses Mendelssohn Story
Jewish History Nerds
Moses Mendelssohn faced the intricate challenges of being a Jew in an enlightened European setting. Despite impactful contributions, his legacy includes challenges faced by his family and questions about the long-term impact of his ideas on Jewish identity. Join Schwab and Yael as they explore the complex story of Moses Mendelssohn, and delve into the intricacies of Jewish identity.
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 Moses Mendelssohn, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x3_mO1dbJc4DQf4sg6JZtyqfWkiU3nHNj8YNSszDhFc/edit#heading=h.j4qqg1vxy5x0
Moses Mendelssohn faced the intricate challenges of being a Jew in an enlightened European setting. Despite impactful contributions, his legacy includes challenges faced by his family and questions about the long-term impact of his ideas on Jewish identity. Join Schwab and Yael as they explore the complex story of Moses Mendelssohn, and delve into the intricacies of Jewish identity.
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 Moses Mendelssohn, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x3_mO1dbJc4DQf4sg6JZtyqfWkiU3nHNj8YNSszDhFc/edit#heading=h.j4qqg1vxy5x0
01/18/24 • 38 min
Herod the Great: Madness & Majesty
Jewish History Nerds
Delve into the enigmatic life of King Herod the Great, the infamous Judean ruler whose legacy intertwines madness and monumental achievements. Explore his transformative public works projects and unravel the dark side of his rule. Join Schwab and Yael as they examine the complex reign of a king who changed the face of ancient Judea forever.
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 Herod, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hWA1yiRwLHzBisRWlcKHEbT7ZTmGC2A7NL6MswyNJvk/edit?usp=sharing
Tell us what you think about the podcast here: https://jewishunpacked.com/nerdsurvey
Delve into the enigmatic life of King Herod the Great, the infamous Judean ruler whose legacy intertwines madness and monumental achievements. Explore his transformative public works projects and unravel the dark side of his rule. Join Schwab and Yael as they examine the complex reign of a king who changed the face of ancient Judea forever.
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 Herod, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hWA1yiRwLHzBisRWlcKHEbT7ZTmGC2A7NL6MswyNJvk/edit?usp=sharing
Tell us what you think about the podcast here: https://jewishunpacked.com/nerdsurvey
04/27/23 • 33 min
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FAQ
How many episodes does Jewish History Nerds have?
Jewish History Nerds currently has 34 episodes available.
What topics does Jewish History Nerds cover?
The podcast is about History, Religion & Spirituality, Podcasts and Judaism.
What is the most popular episode on Jewish History Nerds?
The episode title 'Sarra Coppia Sullam: A 17th Century Queen Esther?' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Jewish History Nerds?
The average episode length on Jewish History Nerds is 32 minutes.
How often are episodes of Jewish History Nerds released?
Episodes of Jewish History Nerds are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Jewish History Nerds?
The first episode of Jewish History Nerds was released on Nov 15, 2022.
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