Jewish History Nerds
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.
Episodes
The Jewish History Hiding in Japan and Korea
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How did Jews escaping the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions end up in Japan? Dr. Henry Abramson joins Yael and Schwab for a special bonus episode to uncover the surprising story of Jewish life in the Far East. While Europe persecuted Jews, Japan’s religious landscape offered a strikingly different environment, shaped
How America Changed the Jewish People: Reflections With Dr Henry Abramson
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What makes the American Jewish experience unique, and how have Jews shaped America in return? Historian, Dr. Henry Abramson, usually works behind the scenes but in this episode he join Yael and Schwab to reflect on 250 years of Jewish life in America, from Emma Lazarus and immigration to Superman, antisemitism, and Jew
Why Did Sammy Davis Jr. Become Jewish?
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Sammy Davis Jr. was already one of America's biggest entertainers when he made a choice few expected. He converted to Judaism. His journey began with a car crash that nearly killed him and grew through years of study, faith, and a powerful connection between Black and Jewish history. From the Rat Pack and the civil righ
Al Jolson and The Jazz Singer: The Jewish Story Behind Hollywood’s First Talkie
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Al Jolson was the biggest star in America, a Jewish immigrant who left the synagogue behind to conquer Broadway and Hollywood. Jonathan Schwab guides Yael Steiner through his journey from cantor's son to star of The Jazz Singer, the 1927 film that made synchronized sound a sensation and told a deeply Jewish story to all
She Spoke from the Pulpit Before Women Could. Revisiting Ray Fank
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As we look back at Jews in the Americas for the 250th, we’re revisiting the story of Ray Frank. Long before women were ordained as rabbis, Ray Frank was already doing something almost unthinkable: speaking from the Jewish pulpit, drawing huge crowds, and changing the future of American Jewish life. In this episode of Je
How a Plate of Shrimp Changed American Judaism
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The infamous 1883 Trafa Banquet was meant to celebrate America's first ordained rabbis. But a menu of shrimp, clams, oysters, and frog's legs in cream ignited a firestorm that changed American Judaism. Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab tell the story behind one of the most controversial meals in Jewish history.
Be in to
Anarchism, Feminism...and Judaism? Revisiting Emma Goldman
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As we continue our series exploring Jews in American history, we're revisiting our episode on Emma Goldman, the revolutionary Jewish anarchist who helped shape feminism, free speech, and the American left. Schwab and Yael dive into the life and legacy of Emma Goldman, and ask what role did Red Emma's Judaism play in sha
The Statue of Liberty Was Never Meant to Welcome Immigrants
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How did Emma Lazarus transform the Statue of Liberty into a symbol of immigration? As Russian Jewish refugees arrived in New York, the privileged Sephardic poet left literary salons for Ward’s Island, fought antisemitism, advocated for Jewish self determination, and wrote “The New Colossus.” In part 2, Schwab and Yael ex
How One Jewish Poet Changed the Meaning of America
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Emma Lazarus gave the Statue of Liberty its most famous words, but her own life defied the immigrant story she helped define. Born into a wealthy, deeply rooted Jewish American family, she became a literary prodigy, challenged Ralph Waldo Emerson, confronted antisemitism, and gradually embraced Jewish advocacy. Discover
The Jewish Fight Hidden Inside The Constitution
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America promised religious freedom, but for Jews in the early republic, that promise had to be tested in real life. From George Washington’s letter to Newport’s Jewish community to test oaths, courtrooms, and Jewish diplomats abroad, this story follows how Jews became citizens in a new nation still figuring out what equa
The Forgotten Jews Who Built America
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Jews played a surprising role in America’s Revolutionary War, from Chaim Solomon’s critical financial support to Gershom Mendes Seixas bringing his congregation into exile in Philadelphia. In part 1, Yael and Schwab explore what their stories reveal about how Jewish Americans helped shape the founding era, and how the ne
Why The First Jews in Colonial America Nearly Vanished
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Before New York became the center of American Jewish life, a small group of Jewish refugees arrived in New Amsterdam in 1654. Fleeing Recife after the Portuguese retook Brazil, they faced debt, discrimination, and Peter Stuyvesant’s hostility, yet helped build the foundations of Jewish life in colonial America. In this e
Jewish Pirates and the Caribbean
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Were there really Jewish pirates in the Caribbean? The answer is far more complicated (and fascinating) than the legend. From Samuel Pallache, the so-called Pirate Rabbi, to the thriving Jewish communities of Curaçao and beyond. Schwab walks Yael through the story of Jews navigating empire, trade, exile, and opportunity
The First Jews in the Americas: Fleeing the Inquisition to Brazil
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Fleeing the Inquisition, Crypto-Jews who had been forced to hide their faith for generations found refuge in Recife, Brazil — and for the first time, rebuilt Jewish life in the open. When Recife fell, twenty-three Jewish refugees set sail for New Amsterdam, launching the birth of Jewish America. Schwab and Yael tell the
What If Rabin WASN'T A Peacemaker?
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Yitzhak Rabin remains one of the most consequential and contested figures in Israeli history. In this special crossover between Jewish History Nerds and Unpacking Israeli History, Noam Weissman, Yael Steiner, and Jonathan Schwab explore Rabin's journey from Palmach commander and IDF chief of staff to prime minister, pea
The Real Reason Anne Frank Became a Global Symbol
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Anne Frank is one of the most famous Jewish voices in history, but the story behind her diary is far more complex than many realize. June 12 marks Anne Frank’s birthday, and it was on her 13th birthday that she received the diary that would later become one of the most widely read books in the world. Explore Anne Frank’s
The Side Of King David Nobody Talks About
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Most people know King David as the shepherd who defeated Goliath. But that story is only the beginning. In this special bonus episode of Jewish History Nerds, Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab explore David's rise from shepherd to king, his relationships with Jonathan and Bathsheba, his triumphs and failures, and the comp
New Episodes, Coming Next Week
Please fill out this short survey. Go to: unpacked.bio/podsurvey. We want to hear from you!
Yael and Schwab are back — and this season, they're diving into the history of Jews in the Americas, just in time for the US's 250th birthday. But first: special episodes sponsored by The Jewish Lives Series.
Catch up on past episodes, subscribe wherever you listen.
If you like this show, please
Voices of the Warsaw Ghetto: A Yom HaShoah Re-Release
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Yael and Schwab revisit the remarkable story of the Oneg Shabbos archive from the Warsaw Ghetto in honor of Yom HaShoah.
The tins held the second of three caches of the Oneg Shabbos archives: a collection by ordinary people turned archivists who risked their lives to preserve the darkest moment of Jewish history. Amon
The Story Behind the Passover Haggadah
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The Passover Haggadah is one of the most widely used Jewish texts, yet it isn’t a straightforward story. Built from fragments of debates, rituals, and traditions, it evolved over centuries after the destruction of the Temple. From ancient storytelling to medieval manuscripts to modern editions, the Seder became a living,
How Albert Einstein Became an Enemy of the Nazis
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Einstein wasn’t just a scientific genius. As Nazi power rose, he became a target, a refugee, and a more outspoken Jewish figure. In part 2, Schwab and Yael explore Einstein's fight with Nazism, his views on Zionism, and his complicated connection to Israel reveal a side of Einstein most people never hear about.
Listen to Part 1
Albert Einstein: Rebel. Reject. Genius.
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Albert Einstein is one of the most famous people in history, but the real story is far more surprising. Before he became a global icon, he was a struggling patent clerk, an outsider, and a Jew trying to figure out where he belonged. In part 1, Schwab and Yael explore the lesser-known Einstein, from failure and fame to Jewish ide
She Spoke from the Pulpit Before Women Could
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Long before women were ordained as rabbis, Ray Frank was already doing something almost unthinkable: speaking from the Jewish pulpit, drawing huge crowds, and changing the future of American Jewish life. In this episode of Jewish History Nerds, Schwab and Yael explore the remarkable story of the woman known as the “Girl
He Wrote Against Gambling… Then Became Addicted
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Rabbi Leone de Modena was one of the most fascinating figures of Renaissance Jewish history: a prodigy, prolific writer, celebrity preacher in the Venetian ghetto, and a lifelong gambling addict. In this episode of Jewish History Nerds, Yael and Schwab explore his dramatic life in 17th-century Venice, his debates about J
The Lost Jewish Movement That Rejected Joy
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What happens when a Jewish community lives through mass trauma and turns inward in search of meaning? The Hasidei Ashkenaz were a radical medieval movement known for extreme piety, fasting, penance, and mystical teachings about sin, suffering, and the will of God. Their ideas were controversial, sometimes disturbing, an
The Rosenbergs Were Executed, but the Evidence was Thin
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Ethel and Julius Rosenberg were executed in 1953 after being convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage, but the charge was not treason. In this episode of Jewish History Nerds, Yael and Schwab unpack what actually happened, what the Venona cables later revealed about Julius Rosenberg, and why Ethel Rosenberg’s role rem
The First Jewish Woman to Publish a Book
Jewish History Nerds heads to early modern Prague to meet Rivka Tiktiner, author of Meneket Rivkah, the earliest full-length published work we have by a Jewish woman. Published posthumously in 1609, it’s a Yiddish ethical guide for women packed with biblical and rabbinic sources, plus a Simchat Torah song that opens a window into women’s religious life.
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The Jewish Side of the Russian Revolution
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From his Jewish upbringing in the Russian Empire to Yiddish New York, socialist exile, and revolutionary power, Leon Trotsky’s life raises uncomfortable questions about ideology, identity, and moral certainty. In this episode, Yael and Schwab trace how Trotsky’s Jewish origins shaped his worldview, his clashes with Lenin and Sta
Secret Jews: Samuel Schwarz’s Discovery of Portugal’s Crypto-Jews
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In 1925, mining engineer Samuel Schwarz stumbled onto a secret Jewish community in rural Portugal—families who preserved Jewish identity for centuries under the Portuguese Inquisition. In this episode of Jewish History Nerds, Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner trace how “crypto-Jews” survived through hidden rituals, oral
The Hero Who Chose Children Over His Own Life
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Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner read history in children, tracing the life of Janusz Korczak—a Polish-Jewish pediatrician, writer, and educator who ran orphanages in Warsaw, letting kids write newspapers, hold courts, and live as full human beings. When deportation came, he walked 200 children in two straight lines to t
Jewish History Nerds is BACK!
Jewish History Nerds is back! Hosts Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner return with a new slate of smart, engaging stories from Jewish history—blending deep research with curiosity, humor, and lively conversation. Each week, they take turns exploring a fascinating figure or moment, asking big questions, learning together, and inviting listeners into the journey. This season spans famous and forgotten
Revisiting Hebrew Hammer: The True Story of Hannukah
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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?
If you
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If you like this show, please write a review wherever you get your podcasts. And be in touch. Write to us at nerds@unpacked.media.
The JNF Blue Box: How Loose Change Helped Build Israel
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Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner trace how a simple blue tzedakah box became a conduit for diaspora longing and real-world nation building, turning pocket change into forests, land purchases, and a powerful sense of shared ownership over Israel. From Tu Bishvat rituals and childhood nostalgia to kibbutzim, propaganda maps, and m
The World’s Most Offensive Image Carved Into German Churches
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Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner confront the Judensau, a grotesque medieval motif that fuses Jews with pigs in obscene, degrading scenes carved straight into churches and cathedrals. They trace how this single vile image taught generations to see Jews not as human beings but as something filthy, animal, and disposable.
When Jews Thrived in India: The Cochin Copper Plates
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Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner follow the Cochin copper plates from royal charter to communal touchstone—three hammered sheets of metal inscribed in Tamil and Vattezhuthu that granted a Jewish leader named Joseph Rabban rights, status, and a place in India’s intricate hierarchy.
From Solomonic trade legends to Black,
The Ancient Coins Jews Will Never Forget
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What can a coin tell us about history, power, and identity? Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner read history in metal, tracing the Roman Judaea Capta coins—tiny discs of imperial propaganda stamped with victory goddesses, palm trees, and a weeping Judean woman meant to broadcast conquest with every transaction. From Vespas
The Secret History of Judaism’s Oldest Symbol
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Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner follow the menorah from its molten birth in a single ingot of gold to its afterlife as national emblem, tracing how one luminous object migrated from desert tabernacle to Roman triumph, from medieval imagination to modern identity.
From Exodus’ intricate blueprint to the Arch of Titus’
How One Kid Accidentally Changed Biblical History
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Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner unroll the Ketef Hinnom amulets—two miniature silver scrolls uncovered when a teenager’s stray hammer strike collapsed a burial chamber on Jerusalem’s ancient fringe. Etched with text so microscopic it took years of acids, polymers, and meticulous microscopy to reveal, these glinting fra
The Synagogue that Shouldn't Exist
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Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner uncover a synagogue frozen in time—Dura-Europos, buried in desert sand for 1,700 years and revealed with its vivid biblical murals and multilingual inscriptions nearly intact.
From Moses in Roman dress to Esther in Persian finery, they explore how a tiny diaspora community blended art, r
Buried Secrets: Jewish Magic, Demons, and the Babylonian Incantation Bowls
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Yael and Schwab dig into one of the most fascinating artifacts of Jewish antiquity: the Babylonian incantation bowls. These 5th–6th century earthenware bowls, found primarily in modern-day Iraq, were used by Jews—and their neighbors—as magical amulets to ward off demons, secure love, boost fertility, and protect homes.
The First Mention of Israel: A Passover Special on the Merneptah Stele
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Yael and Schwab dive into one of the most fascinating—and oldest—archaeological artifacts ever discovered: the Merneptah Stele. We travel back to 1209 BCE to explore this 3,200-year-old slab of Egyptian granite, which contains the first historical mention of Israel. The episode explores what the Merneptah Stele tells us
Why the Jewish Star Is the Most Loaded Symbol in History
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Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner trace the six-pointed star from elegant geometry to existential symbol—an emblem worn proudly on necklaces, weaponized on yellow badges, and planted at the heart of a modern nation.
From Prague’s medieval flag to Kabbalistic speculation to its fraught reinvention in the 20th century, th
Season 4, Coming Next Week
Jewish History Nerds is back! Hosts Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner are here with a preview of season 4. Get ready to nerd out in a season devoted to the fascinating stories behind objects and symbols from Jewish history. Brush up on old episodes and subscribe to the show so you'll never miss an episode.
Be in touch. We want to hear from you. Write to us at nerds@unpacked.media.
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The Secret Jewish Kingdom of...Yemen?
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Ever wonder about the Jewish kings beyond David and Solomon? Join Yael and Schwab as they uncover the intriguing story of a lesser-known monarch from 5th century Yemen. Delve into the complex history of Yosef Dhu Nuwas, a Jewish convert who ascended to the throne of the ancient kingdom of Himyar.
If you like this show,
Bertha Pappenheim: Life Beyond a Diagnosis
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Have you ever felt the need to reinvent yourself? To break free from the constraints of expectations and redefine your own path? Join Yael and Schwab as they explore the legacy of Bertha Pappenheim, aka Sigmund Freud's Anna O, a remarkable Jewish woman who defied societal norms and transcended the confines of her diagnos
Rav Saadia Gaon: In Our Gaonic Era
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You may have heard of some of the greats of rabbinic history. But even if you've heard of Rav Sa'adia Gaon, you probably don't know his wild story. Join Yael and Schwab as they dive into the Gaonic era and find out what's so special about this transitional figure.
Write to us at nerds@unpacked.media. We really want to
The Diary of Glikl: Discovering the Exceptional within the Everyday
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Forget philosophers and historians, welcome to the world of Glikl, an ordinary yet extraordinary Jewish woman from 18th-century Germany. Join Yael and Schwab to explore the diary of Glikl, as she candidly shares her personal struggles and triumphs, offering a profound glimpse into the human experience, with an authentic
Revisionist Zionism: Jabotinsky's Journey From Vladimir to Ze'ev
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Lately it seems all anyone can talk about is... Zionism. But what even is Zionism? Jump into the world of Revisionist Zionist leader, Vladimir Jabotinsky, exploring his unique, and somewhat paradoxical, vision of zionism and a Jewish homeland: a delicate balance of strength and diplomacy. Join Yael and Schwab as they ex
Mystical Hasidism: Hillel Ba'al Shem's Enchanted Journey
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Join Yael and Schwab as they delve into the world of 18th-century Jewish mysticism through the life of Hillel Ba'al Shem and his manuscript "Sefer HaCheshek." Exploring failed miracles and comedic exorcisms with humor and humility, they contrast Hillel's legacy with the revered Ba'al Shem Tov, uncovering profound philos
Chronicles of A Talmud Girl Boss
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Embark on a captivating journey through the extraordinary life of Devorah Romm, a pioneering businesswoman in 19th-century Lithuania, who reshaped the literary landscape of Eastern European Jewish communities. Whether breaking copyright rules, crafting the opulent Vilna Shas, implementing a groundbreaking business strat
The First Female Rabbi?: Maiden of Ludmir
Welcome to Ludmir, Ukraine. The year is 1806, and the revolutionary Hannah Rachel Vermermacher, also known as the Maiden of Ludmir, is shaking up the traditional Jewish world. Born into affluence, Hannah Rachel's life took a transformative turn, leading her to embrace the role of a Hasidic rabbi, or rebbe. Despite facing objections and rumors, she chose an independent path, attracting followers se
Innovation or Assimilation? The Moses Mendelssohn Story
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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
Graetz's Balancing Act: Modernity and Judaism
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Meet Heinrich Graetz, the trailblazing historian who transformed Jewish history. Born into 19th-century Germany, Graetz challenged norms and bridged the gap between Orthodox and academic worlds. Join us as we unravel Graetz's legacy and explore the evolving landscape of Jewish identity through his groundbreaking work. I
Season 3, Coming Next Week
We’re back for Season 3. We’ll still be unpacking awesome stories, dialing up the nerdiness, and leaning in to Jewish history. Get ready, and brush up on past episodes.
Are you ready?
Sarah Schenirer: A Revolutionary Traditionalist
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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 soci
The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara
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Join 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 devote
Golden Age of Spanish Jewry: A Tapestry of Coexistence
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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 coex
Hannah Szenes: Defiance Amidst Darkness
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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. Uncove
Wuhsha the Broker: Excavations from the Cairo Geniza
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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.
"Resurrecting" Judaism?: Donato Manduzio's Journey
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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 Yae
Johannes Eisenmenger: Deception, Faith, and Antisemitism
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Learn about the bonkers life of Johannes Eisenmenger, a man who spent 19 years under false pretenses within the Jewish community. Over those 19 years, he meticulously studied the Talmud, and eventually wrote a wild 2000-page text about the evils of the Talmud. In this episode, Yael and Schwab explore the personal motive
Sarra Coppia Sullam: A 17th Century Queen Esther?
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You might not be quite as big of a fan of epistolary romances as Yael, but you'll still love the story of Sarra Coppia Sullam. Sullam, a Jewish Venetian woman of 17th century, was most well-known for her literary salons, the public accusations of heresy against her, and most salaciously, her pen pal love affair with the
Emma Goldman: Anarchism, Feminism...and Judaism?
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This week, Schwab and Yael dive into the life and legacy of Emma Goldman, the influential Jewish anarchist activist who made waves in early 20th-century America. Learn about her contributions to the development of feminism and her impact on the American left. Join us as we explore the life of this revolutionary figure w
Herod the Great: Madness & Majesty
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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 a
Season 2 Coming!
We’re back!
By popular demand, Jewish History Nerds is back for another season. Wait - what? Jewish History NERDS? That's right. This new name reflects exactly who we - and all of you - are - proud Jewish History nerds. But nothing is changing. We’ll still be unpacking awesome stories, but as our true selves: Jewish History Nerds.
Are you ready?
Yalla, let’s do this!
Introducing: Unpacking Israeli History, Season 4!
Jewish History Unpacked introduces another podcast from Unpacked: Unpacking Israeli History. Season 4 just launched, and we're running the first episode here, entitled Ma'alot: 30 Seconds That Devastated A Nation.
It was supposed to be a fun field trip. A little celebration in honor of Israel’s 26th birthday. Over a hundred religious high school students, exploring northern Israel and sleeping un
Babatha: The Jewish Mom of Ancient Times
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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, Ro
Eternal Outsider: The Uriel D'Acosta Story
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Every community has its weirdos. And in 17th century Amsterdam, the Jewish community’s resident weirdo was Uriel D’Acosta: converso, refugee, passionate Jew, and… dangerous heretic?
Join Yael and Schwab as they explore D’Acosta’s controversial legacy — from his influence on Spinoza to his ostracism at the hands of the
Saul/Paul of Tarsus: Nice Jewish Boy?
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How did a nice Jewish boy wind up a Christian apostle? Meet Saul/Paul of Tarsus, the man responsible for, well, Christianity.
Like Jesus, Saul was a Jew. But unlike Jesus, Saul preached a completely modified version of Judaism. A version that eventually transformed into the Christianity we know today.
Yael and Schwab
Holy Fire: Voices of the Warsaw Ghetto
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In December of 1950, a construction worker happened upon a cache of old milk tins buried in the Warsaw Ghetto, the contents of which upended our understanding of the Holocaust.
The tins held the second of three caches of the Oneg Shabbos archives: a collection by ordinary people turned archivists who risked their lives
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?
Write
Of Ports, Popes, and Pocketbooks
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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
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 frien
Shabbetai Tzvi: A (Bonkers) False Messiah Story
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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 a
Does 'Liberte, Fraternite, Egalite' Include Jews?
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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 t
Josephus: The Man Who "Invented" Jewish History
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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.
Trailer: Jewish History Nerds
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 DaVinci code to mass suicide pacts, explore true stories that feel larger than life.
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