34 episodes

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@jewishunpacked.com

Jewish History Nerds Unpacked

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 4.7 • 147 Ratings

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@jewishunpacked.com

    The Secret Jewish Kingdom of...Yemen?

    The Secret Jewish Kingdom of...Yemen?

    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

    • 35 min
    Bertha Pappenheim: Life Beyond a Diagnosis

    Bertha Pappenheim: Life Beyond a Diagnosis

    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

    • 36 min
    Rav Saadia Gaon: In Our Gaonic Era

    Rav Saadia Gaon: In Our Gaonic Era

    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

    • 27 min
    The Diary of Glikl: Discovering the Exceptional within the Everyday

    The Diary of Glikl: Discovering the Exceptional within the Everyday

    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

    • 28 min
    Revisionist Zionism: Jabotinsky's Journey From Vladimir to Ze'ev

    Revisionist Zionism: Jabotinsky's Journey From Vladimir to Ze'ev

    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

    • 38 min
    Mystical Hasidism: Hillel Ba'al Shem's Enchanted Journey

    Mystical Hasidism: Hillel Ba'al Shem's Enchanted Journey

    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

    • 34 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
147 Ratings

147 Ratings

minlern ,

Love Jewish history

Love the show! Love the topics!! And love you both !!!

BgBallz ,

Pay no attention to the haters

As a Jewish professional, I can say that this podcast does some wonderful dives (not always deep which is fine) into some quirky and interesting parts of Jewish history.
It’s thoroughly enjoyable and quite informative.
The token one star review seems to be from some orthodox person who doesn’t believe anything that isn’t from her rebbe.
And the other person has their panties in a twist over the characterization of Josephus…
Shrug.
I love this podcast and look forward to all of it, especially the episodes featuring women who’ve been overlooked.

ncogbno ,

From a Christian

I am deeply interested in the Jewish Bible as our religious parents. I was a Southern Baptist as a child. We read the New Testament deeply. In college I became a regular churchgoing Episcopalian. Later I formally studied my faith through a introductory course to theology sponsored through Sewanee: The University of the South. Podcasts have helped me get into Jewish theological thought and culture because Christianity is a Jewish “child”. I just listened to the St Paul episode. Very thorough. Well done. Yes, Yael, yes, personal faith—not the law—in Jesus as the human manifestation of God , the Messiah, died on the cross and rose from the dead. Paul taught this consistently in his travels The requirements are to Love the God who came out of love and pity to fulfill the promises of I AM to be with us and to Love our neighbors is the sum of the law. “Upon these two hang all the law and the prophets. I have wrestled with the violence of the Torah against YWHWY’s faithful love. HUMANS. (head shaking here). A small percent of Christians pursue the adult study of their religion. Your podcast is a very fascinating , useful and delightful piece of my education

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