Was the 1919 Baseball series really determined by hardline gamblers? Why did a Rabbi give the eulogy at a gangster’s funeral? How did Issy Einstein become the greatest Prohibition Agent? What were the Nazis trying to achieve in America in 1939?   Chapters 00:00 The Dark Side of Baseball: The 1919 World Series Fix 16:54 The Rise and Fall of Arnold Rothstein 26:07 Izzy Einstein: The Prohibition Agent Who Became a Legend 27:29 The Dangers of Prohibition and Jewish Identity 29:00 Jewish Gangsters and Anti-Nazi Actions 32:40 The Rise of Anti-Semitism in America 36:58 The Madison Square Garden Rally and Jewish Resistance 40:51 Complexities of Jewish Identity and Resistance 43:46 Individual Acts of Courage Against Anti-Semitism 47:09 Post-War Contributions of Jewish Gangsters 50:57 The Transformation of Las Vegas by Jewish Mobsters 54:46 Lepke Buchalter and the FBI's Pursuit 56:42 Legacy of Jewish Gangsters and Their Impact

Between the wars - due mainly to Prohibition - crime flourished in America and Jews were not immune to the effects.  Gangs of irreligious working class Jews, made their fortunes and met their untimely ends during the 20s & 30s. But the narrative is not without a number of surprising twists, particularly in Chicago - the home of Al Capone.  And why did one notorious thief do Teshuva?   Chapters   00:00 The Rise of Jewish Gangsters in America 20:51 Prohibition: A Catalyst for Crime 24:00 The Interplay of Politics and Crime in Chicago 26:12 The Role of Jewish Gangsters in Chicago's Community 28:36 Protection and Power: The Duality of Gangster Generosity 29:12 Violence and Rivalry: The Miller Brothers' Story 31:51 The Rise and Fall of Jewish Organized Crime 34:15 Max Friedman: From Thief to Notorious Criminal 39:21 Rudensky's Escapes and Criminal Career 44:15 Transformation: From Criminal to Consultant 52:40 Legacy of Change: The Life of Red Rudensky

In the last 150 years, few things have created disputes in Jewish communities, in the way Eruvin has. Why? What makes an Eruv so very different to Kashrus? And in hindsight can we now work out who was right?  Could Yerushalayim hold the key?    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Eiruv and Jewish Heritage 02:53 The Historical Context of Eiruv in Toronto 05:47 Rabbi Graubart's Contributions to Eiruv 09:01 The Evolution of Eiruv in Toronto 11:45 Challenges of Eiruv in Yerushalayim 15:03 Halachic Perspectives on Eiruv 17:51 Debates on Eiruv and Community Needs 21:00 The Role of Local Rabbanim in Eiruv Decisions 24:10 Conclusion and Future of Eiruv Discussions 30:11 The Complexity of Eruvin Decisions 34:30 Halachic Perspectives on Shabbos and Eruvin 39:51 Community Needs and Rabbinical Authority 45:40 Historical Context and Modern Implications of Eruvin 52:18 The Challenges of Eruvin in Contemporary Society

Documents and Responsa from across the Jewish world reveal that for centuries Jews discussed, debated and disagreed over the Shabbos Eruv Walled cities, canals, telegraph poles, Kabbala, fires and powerful secular rulers all played their role and affected entire communities. And from the 19th century onwards, strong personalities would influence and colour the narrative.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Erevin and Halacha 03:04 Understanding the Concept of Erevin 05:53 Historical Context of Erevin 08:54 Disputes and Rulings on Erevin 11:48 Erevin in Different Regions 14:55 The Role of Authority in Erevin 17:53 Contemporary Applications of Erevin 21:05 The Historical Context of Eruvin in Jewish Communities 24:41 Challenges and Innovations in Eruvin Construction 28:03 The Evolution of Eruvin in Krakow 36:00 Eruvin in the New World: St. Louis Case Study

(To book the Provence trip with Rabbi Tatz & Rabbi Hersh - email giana.elav@gmail.com) Jewish leadership found itself in a crisis post-1881, affecting not only their options but their identity. In response, Rabbis turned to the international community for help, especially from  non-Jewish politicians. This period was exacerbated by the publication of the infamous Protocols of the Elders of Zion and the notorious Kishinev pogrom of 1903, which was followed by the abortive 1905 Revolution. As a conclusion, the podcast also defines the historical context of Jewish suffering and the cycle of Jewish history.   Chapters 00:00 Understanding Jewish Suffering Through History 02:54 The Impact of the May Laws and Pogroms 05:53 The Shift in Jewish Identity and Response 09:05 The Role of Rabbinic Leadership During Crisis 12:08 International Responses to Jewish Persecution 15:00 The Kovner Circle and Smuggling Information 18:04 The Aftermath of Pogroms and Changing Policies 20:46 The Protocols of the Elders of Zion and Its Legacy 27:53 The Systematic Transition to Violence 30:47 The Rise of Revolutionaries and the 1905 Uprising 36:32 Understanding Jewish Suffering Through History 39:27 Insights on Divine Purpose and Jewish Existence 51:10 The Cycle of Jewish History and Its Lessons

1855 brought a new dawn to Russia, and was embraced by many, although poverty remained a constant. When the Czar was assassinated, all hell broke loose and the Jews were given a stark reminder of their status. By 1897 Socialism, Zionism & Emigration seemed to offer the only routes out.   Chapters 00:00 The Shift in Jewish Education and Identity 01:46 The Impact of Tsar Alexander II's Reforms 06:40 The Rise of Jewish Assimilation and National Pride 12:46 The Economic Divide Among Jews 18:02 The Harsh Realities of Poverty in the Pale 22:34 The Reversal of Reforms and Growing Tensions 25:48 The Generational Divide and Revolutionary Movements 28:37 The Anarchist Campaign Against the Tsar 33:24 The Assassination of Tsar Alexander II 36:46 The Aftermath: Repression and Pogroms 41:04 The May Laws and Their Impact on Jewish Life 49:14 The Rise of Jewish Nationalism and Emigration 54:55 Historical Memory and Current Events  

Given the extreme circumstances, orders went out to remove informers using all available means; which led to arrests, interrogations and harsh sentences.   Meanwhile in 1844, the government issued a new decree forbidding traditional Jewish clothing and head coverings, with dire consequences.   Would Sir Moses Montefiore’s visit alleviate any of these difficult challenges?   Chapters 00:00 The Struggle Against Forced Assimilation 02:55 The Role of Informants in Jewish Communities 05:47 The Consequences of Informing 08:51 The Murder of Informers and Community Response 15:01 The Rizhner's Imprisonment and Escape 21:11 The Clothing Decree and Its Implications 30:38 Resistance to Assimilation and Clothing Laws 37:55 Impact on Women and Family Dynamics 44:33 The Role of Sir Moses Montefiore 52:40 Continuing Challenges in the Russian Empire

Czar Nicholas hated Jews and Judaism in equal measure. He initiated 600 decrees against them over a 30 year period, and destroyed community life in Russia. The terror of his reign is relieved only by the faith and courage of families across the Pale of Settlement, carried out in defiance of the secret police and of Jewish informants.    Chapters 00:00 The Jewish Plight in the Russian Empire 02:54 Russian Policies and Jewish Resettlement 06:05 Nicholas I and the Cantonist Decree 08:57 The Impact of Conscription on Jewish Families 12:00 The Agony of Jewish Children in the Army 14:54 The Struggles of Jewish Identity and Survival 18:08 The Role of Informers and Community Dynamics 21:01 Resistance and the Response of Jewish Leaders 26:25 The Impact of the Cantonist Decrees 32:10 The Struggle for Jewish Identity 34:26 Nicholas I's Repressive Policies 36:51 Censorship and Cultural Suppression 39:43 The Role of Hevras in Jewish Life 40:40 Cohesion Amidst Oppression 44:50 The Irony of Forced Preservation 45:41 Educational Reforms and Their Consequences 53:08 Moses Montefiore's Visit to Russia 54:51 Reflections on Suffering and Resilience

For centuries, Russia was home to the largest Jewish community in the world. But why did Jews choose to move to a country that never wanted them? Understanding this complex history is at the heart of Jewish Modern history.  And was Kiev or Moscow the capital of the Empire.   Chapters 00:00 Political Intrigue 11:01 The History of Russian Jewry 25:48 Catherine the Great's Reign and Jewish Policies 27:41 The Transformation of the Russian Empire 30:00 The Jewish Population in Eastern Europe 34:21 The Impact of Russian Rule on Jewish Life 37:22 Resistance and Rebellion in Poland 40:01 Diverging Paths: Prussian and Galician Jews 42:11 The Russian Government's Approach to Jews 45:05 The Long Nightmare of Russian Governance 50:28 Reactions from Jewish Leaders 54:00 The Legacy of Eastern European Jewry

In Eastern Europe quacks and soothsayers were in abundance, as were invented remedies whilst the Ottoman Empire provided refuge from Spain but came with its own risk. But do the best doctors end up in Hell according to Jewish tradition? Can one give a vaccine that also kills people? And may one smoke on Shabbos to perform better surgery?   Chapters 00:00 The Landscape of Medical Practice in 18th Century Russia 02:55 The Role of Jewish Physicians in Europe 05:52 The Influence of Jewish Medical Practitioners in the Ottoman Empire 12:08 Challenges Faced by Jewish Physicians in France and Germany 18:00 The Ethical Dilemmas of Medical Practice 27:04 Reflections on the Medical Profession and Its Perception 27:50 The Weight of Medical Decisions 28:47 Personal Anecdotes and Cultural Reflections 32:31 Halachic Insights in Medical Practice 34:23 Ethical Dilemmas in Medicine 40:12 The Role of Transparency in Medical Decisions 41:20 Halachic Questions in Medical Scenarios

Why did Jewish doctors in the Middle East get involved in Politics? How should modern day doctors combine ethics and law? How many Jewish women medics were there in Europe? Who were the Chinese Jewish physicians? How do we define sanctity of Life? And should everyone own a copy of Pu Ji Fang?   Chapters 02:34 Jewish Doctors in the Islamic World 09:50 Cultural Interactions and Medical Ethics 15:04 Conversion and Identity Among Jewish Physicians 18:59 The Role of Women in Jewish Medicine 27:55 Marco Polo and Jewish Communities in China 29:36 Jewish Physicians in Chinese History 34:32 Personal Anecdotes: Medicine and Judaism in South Africa 49:05 Ethical Dilemmas in Medicine and Judaism 54:34 The Intersection of Autonomy and Jewish Law  

‘My son-in-law the Doctor’ may be a cliche, but it is based on the very real narrative of thousands of Jewish physicians who practiced through the ages.  What was their environment during the Middle Ages in Christian Europe? How did Jewish doctors gain their knowledge? Why did the Popes always have a Jewish physician? And how are the Rambam’s medical writings viewed today? Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jewish Medicine and History 02:47 The Role of Jewish Physicians in Europe 06:10 Historical Context of Jewish Medical Literature 09:04 The Influence of Islamic Medicine on Jewish Practices 11:55 The Evolution of Medical Practices in Medieval Europe 15:14 The Relationship Between Jewish and Christian Physicians 18:02 The Societal Perception of Jewish Doctors 20:48 Accusations and Stereotypes Against Jewish Physicians 24:02 The Impact of the Black Death on Jewish Medicine 26:56 Conclusion: The Legacy of Jewish Medicine 33:37 The Perils of Jewish Physicians in History 46:00 The Legacy of Maimonides and Jewish Medicine 01:01:56 The Evolution of Medical Specialization and Its Impact

WWI was a catastrophic event for the Austrian Empire, and the Jews immediately became unwelcome residents.  When the Chancellor was assassinated it seemed that time was running out. However, Vienna still played host to important people and events in the inter-war years. The Chortkover Rebbe, the founding of Daf Yomi and a Zionist Congress. And then there was the unusual visit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1903   Chapters 00:00 The Rise of Anti-Semitism in Pre-War Austria 02:55 World War I: A Turning Point for Austrian Jewry 06:05 Post-War Challenges: Economic Hardships and Scapegoating 08:55 The Emergence of Political Anti-Semitism 11:48 The Role of Universities in Anti-Semitic Sentiment 15:02 The Zionist Congress and Public Demonstrations 17:54 The Impact of Anti-Semitism on Jewish Identity 21:13 Conclusion: Lessons from History 26:35 The Rise of Anti-Semitism in Austria 29:50 Unexpected Allies: The Christian Social Chancellor 32:11 The Complex Relationship Between Jews and the Austrian Government 35:34 Internal Divisions Within the Jewish Community 39:17 The Role of Religious Leadership in Vienna 43:10 The Influence of the Chotkver Rebbe 50:11 The Encounter Between Freud and the Lu bavitcher Rebbe

Why did Vienna produce so many revolutionary Jews?   How Jewish was Freud? Was Herzl always a Zionist? Did the Beis Yakov movement actually start in Vienna rather than Krakow?   Nathan Birnbaum created the term Zionism - why don’t we know more about him? What was Gustav Mahler’s epitaph on his tombstone?   Chapters 03:12 Jewish Identity vs Jewish Society 06:04 Responses to Antisemitism: A Spectrum of Reactions 09:00 Five Cultural Figures and Their Influence 11:51 Theodor Herzl: From Assimilation to Zionism 20:54 The Collision of Ideas: Herzl and Viennese Jewry 23:50 Herzl's Proposals: Why they happened in Vienna 30:09 Nathan Birnbaum: The Ideologue of Zionism 35:24 Sigmund Freud: A Complex Jewish Identity 39:14 Freud's Psychoanalysis: Does it have religious value? 46:30 Rabbi Moshe David Flesch: A Voice for Jewish Women

It has long been suspected that the BBC is anti-Israel and employs pro-Palestinian reporters and editors. But how do you prove suspicion? And how far does the betrayal go?    Using objective forensic methodology and scientific analysis, a year long report was created by a team of researchers, spear-headed by Trevor Assesrson, that makes shocking reading and listening. Post-interview we then spoke to Rabbi Zev Leff, Rabbi Osher Weiss and others, to determine how we should react? https://asserson.co.uk/assersonreport/   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jewish History Podcast 01:07 Media Bias and Its Impact on Jewish Identity 03:25 Interview with Trevor Asserson: Uncovering BBC Bias 05:45 The Findings of the Asserson Report 10:06 Analysis of BBC Arabic Coverage 12:28 BBC Arabic and Its Influence 17:34 The BBC's Institutional Challenges 19:30 Hamas's Strategy and Media Reporting 24:24 BBC's Institutional Bias 27:14 Freedom of Information and BBC Accountability 32:20 Public Awareness and Criticism of the BBC 39:37 The Challenge of Objectivity in Reporting 40:34 Funding and Support for Continued Research 46:34 Conclusion and Call to Action

In the 1800s Vienna was one of the world's major cities, yet does not seem to have produced religious leadership? It nevertheless underwent a metamorphosis, which left it the victim of strong prejudice. Why did it experience such phenomenal growth in numbers and how - in just 4 decades - did Vienna become the centre of Jewish culture and science. What role did Rabbi Shmuel Yosef Bloch play?   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jewish History Podcast 02:51 The Importance of Understanding Jewish History 06:12 Effie's Insights on Rabbi Hirsch's Work 07:05 Introduction to the Jews of Vienna 08:33 Vienna's Jewish History and Community Dynamics 10:29 Legal Status and Assimilation of Jews in Vienna 13:52 The Rise of Jewish Influence in Vienna 18:10 Anti-Semitism and Jewish Integration in Society 21:06 The Complex Relationship Between Jews and Non-Jews 24:00 Political Anti-Semitism and Its Consequences 26:25 Internal Anti-Semitism and Community Dynamics 28:45 The Crisis of Assimilation and Political Zionism 30:13 Jewish Identity in Late 19th Century Vienna 32:35 Religious Reform and Resistance in Vienna 36:22 The Showdown of Reform and Orthodox Judaism 43:30 Rabbi Yosef Schmuel Bloch: A Voice Against Anti-Semitism 54:50 Vienna's Jewish Community: A Historical Overview

Unlike militant Islam, our enemies in the West don't want the Jews wiped out. But what they are aiming for is far more sinister. It is a battle between Sheker and Emess, that goes back to Biblical times and encompasses Politics, Art & Science. The quest for peace may seem elusive, but in certain ways, we hold the keys to changing the narrative.   Summary This conversation delves into the complexities of Jewish identity, the historical context of anti-Semitism, and the current political landscape in the West, surrounding Israel and the ICC. It explores the philosophical underpinnings of truth, the influence of Greek thought on Jewish tradition, and the dangers of assimilation. The podcast looks at the Soviet Union, the Church, Blood Libels and the recent US elections.   Chapters 00:00 The ICC and Its Jurisdiction Over Israel 02:52 Historical Context of Jewish Enmity 06:14 The Nature of Modern Anti-Semitism 09:06 The Role of Truth and Falsehood 11:59 The Intersection of Science and Religion 14:52 The Influence of Greek Philosophy 18:12 The Political Landscape and Jewish Identity 21:09 The Dangers of Assimilation 24:03 The ICC's Bias Against Israel 26:51 The Call to Action for the Jewish Community 29:45 The Importance of Truth in Jewish Life

The ghetto walls were slowly coming down, but Mayer Anschel and Gutele refused to leave the Judengasse.   Unusual opportunities arose for the Rothschilds when Napoleon opened a port for smuggling gold, although all was not plain sailing. The result was an international network based on Mayer Amschel's instruction, where unity and the Jewish Nation reigned supreme.   Along the way,Taxis & Thurn, the Duke of Wellington & Hersh Liebman all formed part of the enduring and memorable narrative. But the question of the origins of his wealth, still remains unanswered....   (S N Fraiman – Lost portrait of Gutle Rothschild)   https://koshertravelers.com/pesach-2025-elysium-resort-spa-hotel/   Chapters 00:00 The Rothschilds and European Finance 02:22 Emancipation and the Ghetto Experience 04:11 Tax Investigations and Business Operations 06:32 Smuggling and Trade Challenges 10:46 The Rise of Nathan Rothschild 12:40 The Smuggling Operations and Economic Impact 19:14 Nathan Rothschild: The Napoleon of Finance 23:03 Legacy of Mayer Amschel Rothschild 27:21 Legacy of Influence: The Rothschild Family's Values 30:09 Unity and Success: The Rothschild Brothers' Commitment 32:57 The Early Years: Rothschild's Business Practices and Challenges 39:00 Theft and Betrayal: A Rothschild Scandal Uncovered 42:45 Communication Innovations: The Rothschilds' Use of Pigeons and Telegraphs 46:57 The Portrait of Gutle Rothschild: A Family Legacy 51:14 Mysteries of Wealth: The Rothschilds and Their Historical Context

Denmark’s bankruptcy gave Rothschild the opportunity he had been pursuing for 30 years, leaving a wake of furious Christian bankers behind him. A branch opens in London and the founder now changes to Family Rothschild, but Judaism remains uppermost. Napoleon’s invasion forces the Rothschilds underground and secrecy, diplomacy and speed become the bywords of the dynasty.    Trip Details: Join us in exploring Jewish history across Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia with Rabbis Aubrey Hersh and Akiva Tatz.Limited spots available—contact Giana at giana.elav@gmail.com for details.   Chapters 00:00 The Rise of the Rothschild Dynasty 02:50 The Rothschild Family Structure and Dynamics 08:56 Challenges and Triumphs in the Ghetto 11:47 The Impact of War on Rothschild's Wealth 15:07 The Role of Secrecy in Rothschild's Success 18:00 The Legacy of Charity and Community 20:54 Political Maneuvering and Emancipation 24:11 The Rothschilds and the Napoleonic Wars 26:59 The Transformation into International Bankers 33:04 The Enduring Legacy of the Rothschild Family

The very name conjures up images of immense wealth, of banks and private government deals. It is accompanied by numerous conspiracy theories and unlikely legends. But the beginnings of the dynasty occurred in the overcrowded and isolated confines of the uninhabitable ghetto of Frankfurt. He rose to become the wealthiest Jew in Germany whilst remaining a Jew enclosed in a ghetto. It is a story that has never really been told. One that saw fortunes being lost and gained and that occured in the most unlikely of historical circumstances.   Summary This conversation explores the life and legacy of Mayer Amschel Rothschild, detailing his unlikely rise to wealth as a Jew in 18th century Frankfurt. It delves into the socio-economic conditions of the time, the anti-Semitic environment, and the significant events that shaped his fortune, including the French Revolution. The discussion highlights Rothschild's early ventures, his connections with influential figures, and the business landscape of Frankfurt, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Rothschild banking dynasty.   Takeaways The Rothschild name has become synonymous with immense wealth, yet Rothschild's rise to wealth could not have been foreseen . Life in the Judengasse was harsh and restrictive for Jews for many centuries. Frankfurt was a significant business hub in the 18th century. Rothschild's early ventures included trading coins and banking. His connections with royalty were crucial to his success. The French Revolution created opportunities for Rothschild. Within a decade afterwards, Rothschild and his sons became millionaires.     Chapters 04:20 Conspiracy theories 07:57 Life in Frankfurt's Judengasse 15:09 The Business Landscape of 18th Century Frankfurt 26:09 Rothschild's Early Ventures and Connections 29:30 Crown Prince William of Cassel-Hesse 37:58 The Impact of the French Revolution