Episoder
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The very name conjures up images of immense wealth, of banks and private government deals. It is accompanied by numerous conspiracy theories and unlikely legends. But the beginnings of the dynasty occurred in the overcrowded and isolated confines of the uninhabitable ghetto of Frankfurt.
He rose to become the wealthiest Jew in Germany whilst remaining a Jew enclosed in a ghetto. It is a story that has never really been told. One that saw fortunes being lost and gained and that occured in the most unlikely of historical circumstances.
Summary
This conversation explores the life and legacy of Mayer Amschel Rothschild, detailing his unlikely rise to wealth as a Jew in 18th century Frankfurt. It delves into the socio-economic conditions of the time, the anti-Semitic environment, and the significant events that shaped his fortune, including the French Revolution. The discussion highlights Rothschild's early ventures, his connections with influential figures, and the business landscape of Frankfurt, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Rothschild banking dynasty.
Takeaways
The Rothschild name has become synonymous with immense wealth, yet Rothschild's rise to wealth could not have been foreseen .
Life in the Judengasse was harsh and restrictive for Jews for many centuries.
Frankfurt was a significant business hub in the 18th century.
Rothschild's early ventures included trading coins and banking.
His connections with royalty were crucial to his success.
The French Revolution created opportunities for Rothschild.
Within a decade afterwards, Rothschild and his sons became millionaires.
Chapters
04:20 Conspiracy theories
07:57 Life in Frankfurt's Judengasse
15:09 The Business Landscape of 18th Century Frankfurt
26:09 Rothschild's Early Ventures and Connections
29:30 Crown Prince William of Cassel-Hesse
37:58 The Impact of the French Revolution
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The question behind all our podcasts? What can we learn? How does it change us.
Our matched funds campaign is now live. If you enjoy History for the Curious, Please sponsor our continued podcasts:
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During the 20th century, a number of individuals devoted their lives to helping the Jewish People; determined, courageous and innovative. Their fundraising efforts had an enormous impact on the Jewish world. Their stories need to be heard. Charity also raises Halachic dilemmas for donors and recipients alike. And then there is a unique opportunity to introduce a History for the Curious podcast ! Join our fundraiser this week, to help double our audience. Link goes live on Motze Shabbos 2nd November - www.charityextra.com/jle/podcast
Summary
This conversation explores significant moments in Jewish fundraising history: people, events and campaigns. It emphasizes the importance of charity and community support and delves into the historical context of Jewish fundraising efforts, particularly in the aftermath of World War II. It highlights the transformative power of community support, the guilt felt by American Jewry for not doing enough during the war, and the significant contributions made by individuals like Henry Morgenthau. The discussion also touches on the evolution of fundraising methods, including the rise of online platforms that democratize giving. Halakhic perspectives on fundraising practices are also explored, such as revealing names of donors and repayments for loans
Takeaways
WWI brought various Jewish organisations together to help Jews internationally.
Rabbi Elya Chaim Meisels played a crucial role in building Lodz's infrastructure and exemplified selflessness.
The Ponovezher Rov's efforts saved many lives during the war.
True fundraising requires a deep understanding of the cause.
Building a future is more important than memorializing the past.
The impact of individual donors can transform communities.
Historic fundraising campaigns have shaped the Jewish community's response to crises. The ongoing struggle for Jewish survival is echoed in historical fundraising efforts.
Halakhic issues play a crucial role in the ethics of fundraising.
Online fundraising has transformed how charities engage with donors.
Chapters
03:03 Fundraising History: A Chilly Evening in Chicago
10:36 Rabbi Elya Chaim Meisels: His foresight and his support of scholars, trade unionists and cholera victims
16:53 The Ponovezher Rov: Resilience and Courage After the Holocaust
29:33 Historic Fundraising Campaigns Post-WWII
33:25 Guilt and Responsibility in Fundraising
39:13 The Fight for a Jewish State and Golda Meir’s financial campaign
43:57 Halakhic Fundraising Dilemmas
51:01 The Evolution of Online Fundraising
54:45 Win the chance to introduce a History for the Curious Podcast
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His arrival to England was accompanied both by miracles and threats. Soon thereafter he was elected as the Av Beis Din in London, where he faced many battles: the non-religious lay leadership, the dangers of the Blitz during WWII and a family that was becoming fragmented. His tenacity and resilience saw him succeed and his influence on British Jewry extends to the present day.
Moving to Eretz Yisrael in 1951 brought new challenges and new opportunities for Torah. However his son Chimen was an enigma to the end; a genius who fought for the Jews but lost his Judaism.
Summary
This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Dayan Abramsky, a prominent Jewish leader in London during the mid 20th century. It explores his resilience through adversity, his commitment to maintaining kosher standards, and his significant role in the Jewish community during World War II.
The discussion highlights almost miraculous escapes and the personal sacrifices made by him and his family. This conversation delves into the life and legacy, exploring the complexities of his family dynamics, particularly the ideological conflicts faced by his son Chimen, who became a communist despite his father's religious background. Anecdotes and reflections on his character and teachings provide a rich context for understanding his contributions to Jewish life and thought.
Takeaways
Dayan Abramsky was instrumental in raising the standards of Judaism in England.
Courtroom battles highlighted the importance of truth in Jewish law.
Abramsky’s family faced immense struggles during the Soviet era.
Innovative solutions were necessary to address wartime challenges.
Chimen's political journey reflects a complex relationship with his father's legacy.
influence on British Jewry is still felt today.
The contradictions in Chimen's life highlight the complexities of identity.
Chapters
00:00 The Miraculous Stories of Survival
06:35 Challenges of Jewish Leadership in London
10:51 The Fight for Kosher Standards
15:29 Courtroom Battles and Upholding Truth
17:56 Family Struggles and Personal Sacrifices
20:19 Community Engagement and Responsibilities
23:09 Innovative Solutions During Wartime
34:33 Chimen's Political Journey and Ideological Conflicts
39:34 Dayan Abramsky’s Influence and Legacy in Israel
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Brought up in a village which did not have a minyan of Jews; a self-taught child genius.
His life was shattered by the Russian civil war and the new anti-religious communist Soviet Union. He was hounded, arrested and eventually imprisoned in Siberia, but his faith remained untouched.
His thoughts and writings on Prayer emerge through this period of his life.Summary
This conversation delves into the life of Dayan Abramsky, a Jewish figure who faced immense challenges during the Soviet regime. It explores his arrest, the impact on his family, his resilience in the face of adversity, and the international efforts made for his release. The discussion also highlights his reflections on faith, prayer, and the significance of Eretz Yisrael in Jewish identity.
Take-aways
Faith played a crucial role in survival during hardships.
The Chafetz Chaim's letter was pivotal in seeking help.
Rav Abramsky’s early education shaped his future leadership.
The civil war in Russia had devastating effects on the Jews.
Important ideas for prayers on Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur
Chapters
00:00 The Arrest and Its Impact
03:12 Survival in Adversity
06:02 The early years of Dayan Abramsky
08:54 Education and Influences
11:45 The Turbulent Times of War
15:09 Resistance Against Oppression
18:02 The Struggles of Jewish Life in the Soviet Union
20:53 Imprisonment and Interrogation
24:14 International Efforts for Release
27:07 Reflections on Suffering and Faith
29:55 The Journey to Freedom
33:13 The Aftermath and New Beginnings
36:06 The Connection to Eretz Yisrael
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Jews paid the Crown for the privilege of getting married, divorced or converted. London ran into politics with its synagogues, Norwich became the first city for blood libels, yet the priests of Canterbury were fully supported by the Jews. Despite these difficulties, Torah scholarship and even Kabbalah flourished in England. And that’s besides the 6,000 herrings….
Summary
This conversation explores the history of Jewish communities in Medieval England, focusing on their relationships with Christian society, the roles of Jewish women, the various cities with Jewish populations, the impact of the blood libels and the contributions of notable Jewish scholars like Rabbi Elia Menachem of London.
Takeaways
Women in Jewish communities had significant economic roles.
Blood libel accusations led to widespread violence against Jews.
Jewish marriages were heavily taxed by the crown.
The Jewish community in Canterbury was notably resilient.
Historical records show a complex relationship between Jews and Christians.
Chapters
02:19 The Role of Women in Medieval Jewish Society
11:42 Marriage vs Economic Dynamics in Jewish Communities
15:15 Canterbury, Oxford & London
20:27 The conversion of Christians to Judaism
34:17 The Influence of Jewish Scholars in Medieval England
38:31 Rabbi Elia: A Multifaceted Leader in Jewish Life
48:31 Crime and Community
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Invited to settle by William the Conqueror, when Winchester was the capital city, the 220 year history of Jews in England is seen as a narrative of money-lending and expulsion.
But the real story is far more gripping. Jews settled across the Land, becoming the wealthiest in the process. Women were advisors to the royal court and an ancient Roman gold coin ended up in Britain, along with its invaders.
Summary
This conversation explores the complex history of Jewish life in medieval England, focusing on the arrival of Jews, their integration into society, the role of moneylending, and the significant figure of Licoricia of Winchester. It discusses the impact of royal decrees on Jewish autonomy, the influence of the church, and the tragic end of Licoricia, while also reflecting on the evolving roles of Jewish women during this period.
Takeaways.
Jews became wealthy within 60 years of arriving in England.
Licoricia of Winchester was a prominent Jewish businesswoman.
The church played a subtle yet powerful role in Jewish life.
Licoricia's life reflects the challenges faced by Jews.
The decline of Jewish prosperity began in the 13th century. Jewish women were actively involved in business.
Chapters
00:00 The Historical Context of Jewish Life in England
02:48 The Roman coin that arrived from Judea in 71CE
06:01 The Role of Jewish Moneylending in English Society
18:51 Licoricia of Winchester: A Case Study
24:50 The Church's Influence on Jewish Life
28:03 The Aftermath of Licoricia's Life
40:47 Conclusion: Reflections on Jewish History in England
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The Torah explicitly forbids lending money at interest, yet the Hetter Iska document seems to allow it.Is it legal? Should we all have one? Did the 17th century create a watershed moment?
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
02:26 The Historical Context of Money in Jewish History
08:11 The Role of the Vaad Arba Arotzos in Creating the Hetter Iska Document
11:29 Navigating Financial Transactions within the Framework of Halacha
19:27 Understanding the Document
35:04 The Prohibition of Ribis (interest bearing loans)
43:18 Different Types of Hetter iska
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Rabbi Yossi Steiner spent the war years on the run - as a child - and survived through a series of miracles. He found himself alone in a ghetto, needing to take care of his 5 year old brother. He hid in a bunker for 9 months, whilst Nazis came searching with trained dogs. He crossed borders through forests and fields and spent months pretending to be a mute child. His story and that of the non-jewish family who saved him, must be heard... To see a clip of the bunker that saved R' Steiner, click here - https://www.jle.org.uk/pages/podcast
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:19 Life Before the War
03:46 Imposition of Decrees and Restrictions
06:14 Escape to Hungary
09:38 Safety in Hungary and the Divide Between Hungarian Jews and Jewish Refugees
13:25 Dangers for Foreign Jews in Hungary
16:20 Desperate Attempts to Save Loved Ones
21:52 Life Under False Identities
27:03 Return to Slovakia
29:00 Escape and Disappearance
30:28 Hiding and Seeking Refuge
31:57 The Mosulak Family's Heroic Act
32:55 The Consequences of the Slovak Uprising
34:22 Nazi Threats and Close Calls
36:20 Living in Fear and Constant Danger
37:19 Jan Mosulak's Courageous Denial
43:29 Honoring the Mosulak Family
46:40 The Fear and Resilience of a Child
50:33 The Importance of Not Giving Up
52:49 Finding Meaning in Loss and Tears
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1945. The war is over and Germany is in chaos. But now the church has to explain its silence. And two other groups emerge. There are thousands of Jewish orphans scattered across Europe. At the same time there are thousands of Nazis on the run. Will justice prevail?
Chapters
00:00 The Church's Denial and Defense
04:19 Suppression of the Draft Encyclical
16:17 Treatment of Jewish Children in Convents
25:43 Collaboration with the International Red Cross
28:06 Complicity and Deficient Moral Map
30:30 Complicity of the Red Cross and the Catholic Church
38:39 The Role of the Red Cross in Aiding Nazis
46:10 The Vatican's Opposition to the Nuremberg Trials
54:39 Positive Contributions of the Red Cross and the Church
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Berlin 1936 saw Germany win more Gold medals than any other country, while the world looked on. But at what price?
How aware was the Church of Jewish persecution? What role did the ordinary German play in Hitler’s regime? And what motivated those who saved Jews?
Chapters
00:00 The Berlin Olympics of 1936: Hitler's Showcase
05:04 Calls to Boycott or Relocate the Olympics
09:42 Why Did Ordinary Germans Participate in the Holocaust?
18:42 The Role of Obedience and Peer Pressure
23:24 The Church's Influence on Anti-Semitism
28:36 The Catholic Church's Silence and Inaction
31:27 Debating the Motivation behind the Church's Inaction
49:24 Individuals and Churches that Actively Helped and Saved Jews
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In 1944 X-troop were fighting in France.
With heavy losses and secret identities, some of them would tragically be buried under a cross.
By 1945 they had made their way to Germany, always searching for family members who may have survived, even if this required driving across no-man’s land into enemy territory.
When the war ends, they begin a new mission, rooting out Nazis in Germany & Austria. But Judgement is hard to come by.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: X-Troop's Mission
17:24 Finding Family: Ron Gilbert's Search
25:01 Manfred Gantz's Journey to Terezin
31:41 Rescuing Family: The Personal Mission of the X-Troop
38:00 Post-War Challenges and Denazification
44:43 Bravery and Resilience: The Legacy of the X-Troop
49:58 Conclusion: Lessons from the Holocaust
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To donate tefillin for the soldiers, please click - https://bit.ly/historyforthecurioustefillin Forged through adversity and fuelled by the fate of their families who were trapped in Nazi Europe, a ragtag crew of Jewish refugees volunteered to become an elite army unit and significantly impact the enemy during WWII. Initially interned as enemy aliens they risked their lives time and time again. A quarter of them would fall in battle.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Story of Jewish Refugees in World War II
05:24 Joining an Elite Commando Troop
10:17 A Jewish Soldier's Encounter with Field Marshal Rommel
13:29 Obtaining Vital Intelligence for the Allies
16:57 The X-troop: Jewish Refugees Fighting Against the Nazis
21:04 Challenges and Discrimination Faced by Jewish Refugees
25:28 The Impact of Antisemitism and Propaganda
26:54 The Cruelty Faced by Jewish Refugees
29:20 The Formation of the X-Troop
30:19 Intense Training and Preparation
39:27 Crucial Roles in the D-Day Landings
45:30 Bravery and Resilience in the Face of Challenges
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To appreciate Rabbi Akiva Eger we need to understand his era; The cholera epidemic he lived through, the personalities of his generation as well as his rulings and how they were set out. Who was he really and what did he look like?
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Akiva Eger
13:46 Rabbi Akiva Eger's Role During the Cholera Epidemic
27:09 Conflict with the Community and the Hospital Management
35:31 The Accuracy of Portraits Depicting Rabbi Akiva Eger
38:49 Legacy and Impact of Rabbi Akiva Eger
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Famous as a scholar and lamdan, his life was beset by challenges and setbacks, all of which he faced with remarkable fortitude.
As the leader of Central Europe's Jewry, the impact of his writings and personality re-wrote the history of the 19th century for the Jews
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Government Intervention
08:01 Reb Akiva Eger's Scholarship and Influence
16:10 Reb Akiva Eger's Reluctance to Give Decisions
27:21 The Appointment Controversy in Posen
35:24 Acts of Kindness and Strength in Psak
39:40 Conclusion and Preview of
Part 2
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Unraveling the Mystery - Who was Moshe de Leon? How did the Zohar impact Jewish history? Is there a deep divide between Academics & Kabbalists. What did Rav Yaakov Emden write? And how was Marriage seen in 13th century Spain?
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Mystery of the Zohar
13:09 The Historical Context of Spain in the 13th and 14th Centuries
30:42 The Impact of the Zohar on Jewish History and Thought
31:12 The Complexity of the Zohar
34:01 Geographic References in the Zohar
36:48 Questioning the Existence of Places in the Zohar
38:14 The Enigma of Moshe de Leon
41:02 Possible Origins of the Zohar
44:17 The Role of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in the Zohar
49:00 Different Perspectives on the Zohar
52:22 Understanding the Entire Torah
54:19 The Beliefs of a Believing Jew
58:59 The Laws of Shmita
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In the 1200s Spanish Jewry faced great challenges within the community including Murder, Immorality & Defection. This was exacerbated by dangerous teachings within Kabbalah which had to be rooted out by the Rashba and banned.But 700 years later a pathway was found to Redemption.
Chapters
00:00 Challenges of 13th-Century Spain: Tensions, Wealth, and Power
03:06 Controversies in Jewish Scholarship: Philosophy and Kabbalah
08:20 Internal Conflicts and Legal Authority
15:03 Religious Challenges and the Ban on Philosophy
26:50 The Legacy of Rabbi Avraham Abulafia
48:26 Kabbalistic Techniques and Mathematics
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The Golden Age was over but what drove Jews to settle in Christian Spain?What is the true story of the pirates in Cordoba?Why was the commentary of the Rif so vital and why did the Ba’al HaMaor critique it?Who controlled the Jews: The Church or The Kings?
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:05 Legends and Stories in Jewish History
08:50 Prominent Jewish Scholars and Physicians
16:30 Transition from Muslim to Christian Rule
24:48 Power Dynamics: Kings and the Church
29:00 Challenges to Jewish Authority
31:58 Clothing and Distinguishing Marks
36:12 Freedom and High Profile
39:01 Tensions and Uncertainty
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A unique world existed for two centuries in which a Jewish general lead Moslem armies into battle and authored 1,500 poems while Chasdai, the most famous Jew, discovered the antidote to poison and oversaw the creation of Jewish grammar.
Was Yosef Hannagid responsible for the death of an Arab prince? And how did Spain over-rule Babylonia?
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Golden Age of Spanish Jewry
14:18 The Achievements and Influential Figures of the Golden Age
35:58 The Cultural Significance of Poetry and Literature
39:21 Emergence of Jewish Literary Works in Muslim Spain
41:37 The End of the Golden Age
43:28 Disputes Among Jewish Grammarians
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The history of the Jews in Spain has always been part of our collective memory. But the real story starts 1,000 years earlier. Long before the Rishonim, flourishing communities existed. What were their lives like? Why do we not know more about them? And what happened in 711CE? For the trip, please email: [email protected]
Chapters
00:00 The Visigothic Period: Anti-Jewish Legislation and Forced Conversions
15:40 The Muslim Invasion: The Golden Age of Spain for Jews
33:43 Uncovering the Forgotten History: The Jews of Spain
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