History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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

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

Ukraine has housed Jews for almost seven centuries. How do we view them? And where do we stand during this conflict?

How did Poland create the Ashkenazim - with what authority and with what outcome? A revolutionary insight.

Two  intellectuals dominated the halachic arena in the 1500s. Cousins by birth, writers by nature. The timely & the timeless.

Making a Life whilst Making a Living. A 500-year tale, with humble origins. Sought after by nobility, given rights and self-governance, the early Jewish communities spread across Poland and Lithuania.

But not everyone was a success story.

When communities came under threat, timing often made the crucial difference. Invasion, Blood Libels & Siege. Reminders of the Original Purim.

Across entire continents, Jews have had to deal with political intrigue and corrupt rulers. Occasionally these were overlaid with decrees of destruction and sincere prayer. And throughout the ages, the unexpected outcomes inspired communities to create a Purim which celebrated their particular miracle. 

What happens when Torah becomes a fable? Where was Aristotle's error? How did Meiri's writings suddenly re-appear after 600 years? And why did Jews go to hear sermons in church on Shabbos? 

For over a century, Provence split between those who banned (& burned) the works of the Rambam, and those who excommunicated their opponents. Philosophy vs. Kabbala. Rabbeinu Yonah, Nachmanides & the authors of Tosfos all took strong positions - echoes of which continued into the 20th century.