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.
Be in touch: nerds@unpacked.media
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The Star of David: A Symbol That Means Everything—and Nothing
Friday, April 4, 2025 • Duration 36:58
What does the Star of David really mean—and how did it become the symbol of Judaism and Jewish identity? In the Season 4 premiere of Jewish History Nerds, hosts Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab explore the history of the Star of David, also known as the Magen David or hexagram. From decorative motif to mystical symbol, from Jewish pride to Nazi persecution, this iconic six-pointed star carries a complex, and at times contradictory, legacy and story.
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.
Click here for a picture of the badge that Nazis forced Jews to wear.
Click here for a picture of the Israeli flag.
Click here for a recap of the information discussed in the episode.
Click here to watch Unpacked's YouTube video "The Surprising History of the Star of David."
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media.
Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube.
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For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Jewish History Nerds
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold
Unpacking Israeli History
Wondering Jews
Season 4, Coming Next Week
Thursday, March 27, 2025 • Duration 04:02
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.
Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube.
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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Unpacking Israeli History
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold
Wondering Jews
Innovation or Assimilation? The Moses Mendelssohn Story
Season 3 · Episode 2
Thursday, January 18, 2024 • Duration 39:25
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 Mendelssohn, and delve into the intricacies of Jewish identity.
If you like this show, please rate and write a review wherever you get your podcasts. Write to us at nerds@unpacked.media. We really want to hear from you.
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 Moses Mendelssohn, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x3_mO1dbJc4DQf4sg6JZtyqfWkiU3nHNj8YNSszDhFc/edit#heading=h.j4qqg1vxy5x0
Graetz's Balancing Act: Modernity and Judaism
Season 3 · Episode 1
Thursday, January 11, 2024 • Duration 32:24
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. In this episode, hosts Schwab and Yael explore the life and pioneering work of 19th-century German Jewish historian Heinrich Graetz. The episode reflects on tensions surrounding Graetz's work, highlighting the ongoing relevance of his social scientific approach.
Please rate and write a review wherever you get your podcasts. Write to us at nerds@unpacked.media. We really want to hear from you.
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 Heinrich Graetz, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EfqB96omNaNU8MpWpcpd1gOmxDz4P-1yU3kHEXOLriE/edit?usp=sharing
Buy the ebook of History of the Jews (for only $2!) here.
Season 3, Coming Next Week
Season 3
Thursday, January 4, 2024 • Duration 03:45
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
Season 2 · Episode 10
Thursday, June 29, 2023 • Duration 41:28
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 societal norms while upholding Orthodox values. Join us as we delve into the complex legacy of this visionary figure, a true bridge between tradition and social innovation.
Please rate and write a review wherever you get your podcasts. Write to us at nerds@unpacked.media. We really want to hear from you.
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 Sarah Schenirer, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ec_1aciMru1pGvQDIXMixisDjaFFpRo9FEgNz9xKLN4/edit?usp=sharing
The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara
Season 2 · Episode 9
Thursday, June 22, 2023 • Duration 37:17
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 devoted Catholic priest with a mission to convert his own people.
If you like this show, please rate and write a review wherever you get your podcasts. Write to us at nerds@unpacked.media. We really want to hear from you.
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 Edgardo Mortara, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xZAGR52wd0v7Ofmb1aAmi3vDb1h7TUDYsr0QCGGDGDY/edit
Golden Age of Spanish Jewry: A Tapestry of Coexistence
Season 2 · Episode 8
Thursday, June 15, 2023 • Duration 32:49
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 coexistence in the Iberian Peninsula. Discover the intricate interplay of cultures that shaped this golden era and its lasting impact on the development of art, science, and philosophy.
If you like this show, please rate and write a review wherever you get your podcasts. Write to us at nerds@unpacked.media. We really want to hear from you.
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 Spanish Golden Age, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BWe-Vzczfy_EL9rZuiRwIIc1zYN6uxjZwYtHxe8_ZQs/edit?usp=sharing
Tell us what you think about the podcast here: https://jewishunpacked.com/nerdsurvey
Hannah Szenes: Defiance Amidst Darkness
Season 2 · Episode 7
Thursday, June 8, 2023 • Duration 34:50
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. Uncover the untold story of Hannah Szenes and explore the enduring legacy of her unyielding spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
If you like this show, please rate and write a review wherever you get your podcasts. Write to us at nerds@unpacked.media. We really want to hear from you.
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 Hannah Szenes, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ih5TaGOYXoZQmuqdaTLX6jnhQ04vrH32JdeMZlKtRiE/edit?usp=sharing
Tell us what you think about the podcast here: https://jewishunpacked.com/nerdsurvey
Wuhsha the Broker: Excavations from the Cairo Geniza
Season 2 · Episode 6
Thursday, June 1, 2023 • Duration 35:06
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.
If you like this show, please rate and write a review wherever you get your podcasts. Write to us at nerds@unpacked.media. We really want to hear from you.
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 Wuhsha the Broker and the Cairo Geniza, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mdQlJlIhm34YhI39ZdYNEo-68utXr9aZmqRtyPrOARQ/edit?usp=sharing
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