Of Ports, Popes, and Pocketbooks

12/15/22 • 36 min

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

Jewish History Nerds survey

No one expects the Spanish Inquisition... to have given rise to two of the most powerful Jewish women in history.

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

Previous Episode

Khazaria...A Jewish Empire In Europe?

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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

Next Episode

Hebrew Hammer: The True Story of Hanukkah

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Ah, Chanukah. That festive time of year where we light candles, indulge in fried foods, and celebrate... a brutal civil war? Join Yael and Schwab as they complicate the story we all thought we knew. What did the Maccabees really fight for? How should we feel about their legacy? And who is Helen?

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 Hanukkah, Judah Maccabee, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19vHg-inRureVw3AlW2UA_uyUYMH12HH5qjvkXrMf_h4/edit?usp=sharing