History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast
JLE
History for the Curious
The most talked-about Jewish History Podcast
History for the Curious features the dynamic historian and famous tour guide & lectur...
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
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56:48
#145 - Chanukah, the West & the ICC Judgement
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
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50:17
#144 - The Rothschilds III - Five Brothers
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....
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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 Guttler Rothschild: A Family Legacy
51:14 Mysteries of Wealth: The Rothschilds and Their Historical Context
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53:54
#143 - The Rothschilds II - Mayer Amschel: Founder of a Dynasty
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 [email protected] 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
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48:01
#142 - The Rothschilds I - Mayer Amschel: Unusual Origins
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
About History for the Curious - The Jewish History Podcast
History for the Curious
The most talked-about Jewish History Podcast
History for the Curious features the dynamic historian and famous tour guide & lecturer: Rabbi Aubrey Hersh, live from the JLE in London, hosted by myself: Mena Reisner
Join us as we cross continents, sail through the centuries, tracing lives, uncovering events and following epic journeys, to reveal the untold stories, the scandals, and the mysteries, that have impacted our history and shaped us into who we are today.
Encounter leaders, visionaries, spies, heroes & traitors and unpack 2,000 years of Jewish heritage.
Go back to the story of Jews in the Temple of Jerusalem. Confront the dilemmas of the Holocaust. Visit Paris, Prague, Vilna, London, Venice, New York & the Cairo Geniza. Meet The Russian Czar, Ramchal, Maharal, Maimonides, Churchill, Shabbetai Zvi and the Hapsburgs.
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