History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast

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  • 5.0 (10)
  • JUDAISM

History for the Curious The most talked-about Jewish History Podcast History for the Curious features the dynamic historian and famous tour guide & lecturer: Rabbi Aubrey Hersh, live from Olami UK in London, hosted by myself: Mena Reisner Join us as we cross continents, sail through the centuries, tracing lives, uncovering events and following epic journeys, to reveal the untold stories, the scandals, and the mysteries, that have impacted our history and shaped us into who we are today. Encounter leaders, visionaries, spies, heroes & traitors and unpack 2,000 years of Jewish heritage. Go back to the story of Jews in the Temple of Jerusalem. Confront the dilemmas of the Holocaust. Visit Paris, Prague, Vilna, London, Venice, New York & the Cairo Geniza. Meet The Russian Czar, Ramchal, Maharal, Maimonides, Churchill, Shabbetai Zvi and the Hapsburgs.

  1. 5D AGO

    #192: Reform vs Orthodoxy: The Battle of 19th Century Europe

    With the advent of Napoleon and emancipation, Jews were given an offer they found hard to refuse and the Reform movement made significant inroads.   Across many countries a war was waged for the soul of the Jew and many voluntarily even converted to Christianity. Shuls, marriage, Shabbos and Bris Mila were all subjected to question.   How did the Chasam Sofer Rav Samson Refoel Hirsch and others deal with the critical issues that faced them? Why was Orthodoxy driven to the defensive? And what lesson can we take from it nowadays?   Timestamps: - 0:00 — Introduction & dedication   - 0:36 — Podcast intro; Mendelssohn recap   - 1:36 — Reform emergence; 17th–18th c. precursors (Sabbatai Zevi, Spinoza)   - 4:07 — Napoleon’s emancipation & identity shift   - 6:24 — Conversions & assimilation (Heinrich Heine example)   - 10:25 — Reform tactics: Bible over Talmud; “prophetic Judaism”   - 18:59 — Jacobson/Westphalia reforms (state control of rabbis, synagogue changes)   - 24:53 — Berlin vs. Hamburg differences; home services vs. public temples   - 29:41 — Abraham Geiger’s ideology; opposition to circumcision noted   - 34:49 — Philippson/Magdeburg — services, Sunday shift   - 36:49 — Rabbinical conferences (1844–46) & intermarriage stance   - 41:27 — Orthodox responses: Safer Berneis, Rav Ettlinger, haram strategy   - 48:47 — Samson Raphael Hirsch’s Neo‑Orthodoxy response   - 57:13 — Modern implications: erosion of minhagim; academia vs. masorah   - 59:05 — Closing takeaway: small changes can lead to large identity shifts

    1 hr

  2. APR 28

    #191: Moses Mendelssohn - Father of Reform?

    Moses Mendelssohn was raised in an orthodox family, attended yeshiva for a decade of his life and was involved in Kehilla life for many years afterwards. But he is remembered for his translation of Chumash, defined as a philosopher and linked to the beginning of the German Reform movement.    What did he do to create a storm of controversy? And how did the Chasam Sofer relate to his writings?   Timestamps: - 0:00:00 — Opening - 0:02:42 — Introduction to Moses Mendelssohn; early life and background   - 0:07:03 — Education, secular learning, and early writings   - 0:11:32 — Rise to public prominence and influence with non-Jewish intellectuals   - 0:14:46 — Controversies: public challenges (Lavater) and the Halonas Hamas (burial) debate   - 0:19:18 — Mendelssohn’s German Chumash translation/commentary and rabbinic opposition   - 0:23:09 — Political engagement and Enlightenment connections; push for improved Jewish status (context of Joseph II’s reforms)   - 0:31:03 — Arguments in Jerusalem: rationalist defense of Judaism, limits of communal coercion, and state jurisdiction over public law   - 0:33:16 — Impact on Jewish education: introduction of secular subjects, changing communal autonomy, and long-term consequences   - 0:39:09 — Mixed legacy: civil rights and assimilation pressures leading toward Reform; personal practice vs. societal outcomes   - 0:47:07 — Hasidic/rabbinic responses and the disputed reference to Mendelssohn in the Hassam Sefar’s will; closing reflections

    50 min

  3. APR 21

    Hesped: Mrs Fernande Hersh a''h (1930 - 2026)

    Born in 1930, she lived through many challenging events. Raised a family and was a regal figure. Yehi zichroh boruch

    21 min

  4. APR 16

    Baruch Dayan HaEmes: The Passing of Rabbi Aubrey Hersh’s Mother

    Rabbi Aubrey Hersh’s mother was niftar on Tuesday 27 Nissan, aged 95. Rabbi Hersh is sitting shiva at Eagle Lodge, Golders Green Road. Messages can be sent via WhatsApp to +44 7973 178 236, or by email to historyforthecurious@gmail.com. We wish him chayim aruchim and send our collective nechama.

    1 min

  5. MAR 26

    #190: Bread of Defiance: Matzah and Pesach in the Soviet Union

    For Soviet Jews, matzah represented a longing for freedom – one we take for granted. This episode tells the hidden story of those heroes who risked everything to keep Pesach alive behind the Iron Curtain, and of the global networks that brought matzah into the USSR by every means, under the watchful eyes of the NKVD. Jewish life in the USSR was strongly policed. Starting with Stalin in 1925, Judaism was actively hunted down. But every spring, Jews in Moscow, St Petersburg and Odessa as well as in far‑flung provincial cities risked surveillance, arrest, and labour camps to fulfill this mitzva on Seder night. Clandestine matzah bakeries sprung up, with children posted as lookouts. In 1929 the 6th Lubavitcher Rebbe succeeded in bringing 10,000s of matzos into Russia. In later years, there would be the suitcases stuffed with contraband food moving through international airports, carried by tourists, businessmen, and non-Jewish acquaintances, given to them by people in the free world who never stopped caring for their fellow Jews. This is the story of how a fragile food became a symbol of spiritual defiance, and how a festival of freedom was observed under totalitarian rule. _____________________________________________________ "Undaunted" by Rabbi Eliezrie is available on Amazon for purchase

    1h 9m

  6. MAR 19

    #189: Chida: 40 Years of Danger, Journeys & Discovery

    Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai traversed Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa on behalf of his brethren in Eretz Yisrael. His missions raised vital funds, to keep the Jews from being driven out of town, whilst facing bandits, maritime disasters, and oppressive authorities along the way. With the aid of his diary, this episode gives a vivid first-hand account of his challenges, deprivation, triumphs and breadth of travel. Beyond his journeys, the Chida's genius is seen through his prolific writings. Author of 100 different sefarim on Halacha, Tanach, Kabbala & Talmud, they continue to guide Judaism today. Shem HaGedolim, remains a monumental encyclopedia of rabbinic authors and works, which reflect his incredible memory and knowledge. Birkei Yosef and Yosef Ometz are cornerstones of psak, written as he travelled thousands of miles over many decades. But the final act was written in 1960.   Timestamps: - 0:00 — Intro mention of Shem ha‑Gdolim editions   - 0:21 — Podcast intro by Mena Reisner   - 1:00 — Hosts reconnect; travel note and dedication   - 2:32 — Episode topic: life & travels of Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai (the Chida)   - 3:01 — Family origins; great‑grandfather and signature story   - 4:13 — Birth in Jerusalem, early life, prodigy and writings   - 7:53 — Teachers, Kabbalistic training, reason for emissary mission   - 10:26 — Language issues, letters of recommendation, mixed receptions in Europe   - 15:04 — Collection logistics, contacts with non‑Jewish authorities, successes   - 18:46 — Travel hazards and accidents; manuscript research in libraries   - 22:32 — England/France encounters and sightseeing   - 26:29 — Return to Eretz Yisrael (1758), political troubles, five‑year stay in Egypt   - 31:05 — Tunis episode, personal losses, diary entries   - 35:49 — Second mission, Livorno quarantine, composing Shem ha‑Gdolim   - 39:05 — Scope of travels, settlement in Livorno, later life and death (1806)   - 42:23 — Burial details, estate instructions, study practices, halachic/Kabbalistic approach   - 48:55 — Stories/legends (attempts to hasten redemption, miracles)   - 55:07 — Reburial efforts to Jerusalem; episode closing and contact info

    56 min

  7. MAR 4

    #188: Journey through Music's Mysticism, Sound & History - featuring Alex Clare

    What makes music such a powerful medium? How was music used to attain prophecy? Has AI destroyed pure music? Did Beethoven use our Kol Nidrei? How do you create a 'hit' song?   How influenced is our music by non-Jewish musical patterns and culture? Is music art, emotion or transcendant? And how did Italian Jews start a music revolution 500 years ago?   Timestamps: 0:00:46 — Podcast intro 0:01:22 — Topic setup: music in Torah and Levites.   0:02:58 — Music’s role in prophecy, Kabbalah, Vilna Gaon.   0:05:00 — Historical examples of music’s influence/appropriation.   0:10:00 — Music’s emotional power, simcha, halachic issues.   0:15:44 — Western (Renaissance/Baroque) and medieval Jewish music.   0:19:07 — 16th–17thC Italian controversy over Hebrew polyphony.   0:24:00 — Choirs, organs, cross-cultural musical borrowing.   0:30:00 — 19thC Jerusalem ban on wedding instruments (reasons).   0:35:19 — Interview with Alex Clare begins.   0:36:41 — Alex on nature of music, AI, sincerity.   1:00:00 — Music, memory, spirituality, and timelessness.   1:15:00 — Jewish vs. secular music, cultural influences.   1:25:00 — Alex on his music, kids’ songs, audience.   1:35:19 — Closing and contact info.

    1h 7m

  8. FEB 23

    #187: Wine in the Modern Era: feat. Nathan Herzog (President of Kedem Wines) & Rabbi Akiva Padwa (International Kashrus expert)

    In the 19th century, the Herzog family supplied wine to the Emperor, while the 20th ushered in the era and risks of Prohibition in America and the profound transformation of the humble grape juice. Contemporary technology has enabled the wine industry to flourish, yet the intricate halachos makes kosher wine production, a uniquely complex product   Meanwhile in the mid-1500s, Moravia was fertile ground for both the Maharal's views and the Rama's rulings of yayin stam, which resonate to this day.      Timestamps: 00:00 — Opening anecdote   00:00:36 — Intro & episode overview   00:01:12 — Listener feedback (medieval England)   00:02:02 — History: Bohemia & Moravia (1500s)   00:04:54 — Maharal: philosophy of wine   00:08:43 — Nicholsburg controversy (1600s)   00:15:00 — Prohibition & bootlegging (Bronfmans)   00:16:25 — Sacramental wine loophole & abuses   00:25:00 — 1926 regulations & grape juice debate   00:29:30 — Interview: Nathan (Yogi) Herzog   00:35:00 — Herzog: kosher production practices   00:40:00 — Kedem grape juice & market evolution   00:50:00 — Harvest logistics & mashgichim   00:51:54 — Production issues & quality control   00:52:02 — Interview: Rabbi Padva (kashrus expert)   00:53:15 — Halacha: non-Jew involvement, mevushal, transport   01:04:24 — Practical challenges (pumping/maceration)   01:06:06 — Closing & sign-off

    1h 7m
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5
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About

History for the Curious The most talked-about Jewish History Podcast History for the Curious features the dynamic historian and famous tour guide & lecturer: Rabbi Aubrey Hersh, live from Olami UK in London, hosted by myself: Mena Reisner Join us as we cross continents, sail through the centuries, tracing lives, uncovering events and following epic journeys, to reveal the untold stories, the scandals, and the mysteries, that have impacted our history and shaped us into who we are today. Encounter leaders, visionaries, spies, heroes & traitors and unpack 2,000 years of Jewish heritage. Go back to the story of Jews in the Temple of Jerusalem. Confront the dilemmas of the Holocaust. Visit Paris, Prague, Vilna, London, Venice, New York & the Cairo Geniza. Meet The Russian Czar, Ramchal, Maharal, Maimonides, Churchill, Shabbetai Zvi and the Hapsburgs.

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