Episodes

  • The Secret Jewish Kingdom of...Yemen?
    Mar 14 2024
    Jewish History Nerds survey 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. 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 Yosef Dhu Nuwas and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yodfm5BZIs8KBIl24I0bqrASiiPyuTImUOcnQ-t3XGI/edit?usp=sharing This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Wondering Jews Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living
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    36 mins
  • Bertha Pappenheim: Life Beyond a Diagnosis
    Mar 7 2024
    Jewish History Nerds survey 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 diagnosis. From her pioneering advocacy for women's rights to her profound influence on psychoanalysis, delve into the untold story of a woman who broke free from the limitations imposed by her time. 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 Bertha Pappenheim and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KiejqyGVVUGZfQqmZ_QSHWKDu_0F7BafnUKsVAwDAmA/edit?usp=sharing This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Wondering Jews Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living
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    36 mins
  • Rav Saadia Gaon: In Our Gaonic Era
    Feb 29 2024
    Jewish History Nerds survey 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. 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 Rav Saadia Gaon, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y_lBzxA2joDLuUpz395QtM1KI9a5vYvFugJubdYtb14/edit?usp=sharing This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Wondering Jews Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living
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    27 mins
  • The Diary of Glikl: Discovering the Exceptional within the Everyday
    Feb 22 2024
    Jewish History Nerds survey 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 authenticity and vulnerability that still resonates today. 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. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Wondering Jews Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living
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    29 mins
  • Revisionist Zionism: Jabotinsky's Journey From Vladimir to Ze'ev
    Feb 15 2024
    Jewish History Nerds survey 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 explore Jabotinsky's divergence from 'mainstream' Zionism, his advocacy for territorial maximalism, and his enduring impact on Israeli politics, providing new insight into his legacy and its effects on Zionism as we know it today. 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 Vladimir Jabotinsky, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-eaNmU8d5HE-QyDzyQI888dJ1Dha9HY0p51Fz2mHFe8/edit?usp=sharing This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Wondering Jews Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living
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    39 mins
  • Mystical Hasidism: Hillel Ba'al Shem's Enchanted Journey
    Feb 8 2024
    Jewish History Nerds survey 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 philosophical insights and historical context, from Kabbalah to controversies surrounding figures like Shabbetai Tzvi, sparking captivating conversations about faith, belief, and the human condition. 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 Hillel Ba'al Shem, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jAk-0caPNldFuatKkAvwLjilQzLrBFk41Q-n2HBwcSI/edit?usp=sharing This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living
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    35 mins
  • Chronicles of A Talmud Girl Boss
    Feb 1 2024
    Jewish History Nerds survey 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 strategy, or obtaining rare manuscripts from the Vatican, Devorah was unafraid of taking charge and defying expectations. Join Yael and Schwab as they uncover the legacy of Devorah Romm, a trailblazer who not only rose to each challenge presented, but flourished in ways unimaginable for woman at the time, leaving an everlasting mark on the Jewish world. 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 Devorah Romm, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rYN4Yq7nBzV58YD68FRsfLkIKEjU_qp0RI9DF6wTusg/edit#heading=h.oefh2lmsj39c This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living
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    35 mins
  • The First Female Rabbi?: Maiden of Ludmir
    Jan 25 2024
    Jewish History Nerds survey 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 seeking her guidance, and breaking a few societal norms along the way. Eventually, Hannah Rachel ventured to Jerusalem, expanding her influence as her teachings spread across the broader Jewish world. Join Yael and Schwab as they discover the enduring impact of the Maiden of Ludmir's unique story, uncovering a harmonious blend of mysticism and independence. 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 Maiden of Ludmir, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xPOaXDHbiTh_hHoJHaV32jlg9CVsWiGYKOFMntzmYo4/edit#heading=h.ox6pluiqfvx2
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    40 mins