Jewish History Nerds
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
Episodes
June 12, 2025 • 48 secs
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June 5, 2025 • 51 mins
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In this season finale, Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab explore the powerful and surprising story of the Jewish National Fund's iconic blue tzedakah box—also known as the JNF "Blue Box." What began as a nostalgic household object for many...
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May 29, 2025 • 39 mins
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This week, Schwab and Yael dive into one of the most disturbing and enduring symbols of antisemitism in European history: the Judensau, or “Jew Pig.” From its origins in 13th-century German churches to its persistent presence in moder...
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May 22, 2025 • 46 mins
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This week, Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner explore the rich history of some of India’s Jewish communities, including the caste-influenced divisions among the so-called "Black Jews, White Jews, and Brown Jews" of Cochin. Using the Coc...
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May 15, 2025 • 29 mins
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What can a coin tell us about history, power, and identity? This week, hosts Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner explore the Roman Judea Capta coins—propaganda minted to celebrate Rome’s brutal suppression of the Jewish revolt and the de...
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May 8, 2025 • 39 mins
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This week, Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab trace the rich story of the menorah, one of Judaism’s oldest and most powerful symbols. The menorah has become an all encompassing symbol of Judaism in part because of the commercialization ...
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May 1, 2025 • 34 mins
Please fill out this brief survey to tell us your thoughts and feedback about this season of Jewish History Nerds.
Click here or go to https://unpacked.media/nerdsurvey . Thank you.
Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab explore one of the most astonishing archaeological discoveries in Jewish history: two tiny silver scrolls unearthed in Ketef Hinnom, just outside Jerusalem's Old City. Dated to the First Temple period—...
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April 24, 2025 • 37 mins
Please fill out this brief survey to tell us your thoughts and feedback about this season of Jewish History Nerds.
Click here or go to https://unpacked.media/nerdsurvey . Thank you.
Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner explore the story of the Dura Europos Synagogue—preserved beneath desert sand in what is modern day Syria, for 1,700 years. In this colorful episode, Schwab and Yael take listeners on a vivid tour thro...
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April 17, 2025 • 42 mins
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Yael and Schwab dig into one of the most fascinating artifacts of Jewish antiquity: the Babylonian incantation bowls. These 5th–6th century earthenware bowls, found primarily in modern-day Iraq, were used by Jews—and their neighbors—as magical amulets ...
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April 10, 2025 • 32 mins
We'd like to hear from you. Please fill out this survey to tell us your thoughts and feedback about Jewish History Nerds. Here's the link: https://unpacked.media/nerdsurvey
As Passover approaches, Yael and Schwab dive into one of the most fascinating—and oldest—archaeological artifacts ever discovered: the Merneptah Stele. We travel back to 1209 BCE to explore this 3,200-year-old slab of Egyptian granite, which contains t...
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April 4, 2025 • 36 mins
We'd like to hear from you. Please fill out this survey to tell us your thoughts and feedback about Jewish History Nerds. Here's the link: https://unpacked.media/nerdsurvey
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 th...
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March 27, 2025 • 2 mins
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 ou...
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March 14, 2024 • 35 mins
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 ...
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March 7, 2024 • 36 mins
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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 psyc...
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February 29, 2024 • 27 mins
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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...
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February 22, 2024 • 28 mins
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 ...
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February 15, 2024 • 38 mins
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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 ...
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February 8, 2024 • 34 mins
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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 fi...
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February 1, 2024 • 34 mins
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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 ch...
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January 25, 2024 • 39 mins
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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 h...
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