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Artwork for Jewish History Nerds

Jewish History Nerds

Unpacked
Star Of David
Crypto-Jews
Zionism
Samuel Schwarz
Judaism
Menorah
Hannukah
Inquisition
Holocaust
Israel
Jewish Identity
Jewish Customs
Jews
Portugal
Eudensau
Anti-Semitism
Dura Europos
Judensau
Jewish National Fund
Crypto-Jews Of Portugal

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes57Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualityHistoryJudaism

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Artwork for Jewish History Nerds

Latest Episodes

Before Albert Einstein became the wild-haired icon who changed how we understand the universe, he was a struggling patent clerk with a rejected dissertation, no job prospects, and a messy personal life. But he had time to spare and a mind that wouldn... more

Ray Frank was a gifted Jewish teacher, journalist, and speaker who became a sensation in the American West in the 1890s. Crowds packed opera houses to hear her preach, newspapers called her the “Girl Rabbi of the Golden West,” and communities begged ... more

What happens when a rabbi becomes a compulsive gambler?

Yael and Schwab explore the life of Rabbi Leone de Modena, a remarkable Renaissance thinker from the Venetian ghetto. A prodigy, prolific writer, and the author of the first full-length Hebrew ... more

What happens when trauma reshapes religious life, and suffering itself becomes sacred?

This week, Jonathan Schwab introduces Yael Steiner to the Hasidei Ashkenaz, a small but intense medieval movement that emerged in 12th–13th century Germany after ... more

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Hosts

Yael Steiner
Co-host with a focus on historical analysis and cross-cultural context; frequently partners with Schwab to present nuanced Jewish history topics.
Jonathan Schwab
Co-host with a strong focus on research-driven storytelling and historical interpretation; collaborates closely with Yael to unpack complex topics.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 336 ratings
  • The Rosenbergs

    This episode was really intriguing and gave such a clear picture of the times. The hosts are even handed, well researched, while also entertaining- which is the case in all their episodes as well. I always learn something new.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cscha915
    United States25 days ago
  • Chasidei Ashkenaz in contemporary Orthodox practices

    The episode on Chasidei Ashkenaz was very interesting. Several of the pietisms are mentioned (in addition to the well known proscription on marrying someone with your parents’s name) but you should have noted that they are still observed by some today and discussed how they are treated by contemporary Orthodox halachists

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Shmuel Moshe
    United Statesa month ago
  • Yael Steiner

    Her up talk is incredibly difficult to listen to

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Hope 4 Future
    United Statesa month ago
  • Fun, novel and light

    Entertaining exploration of interesting corners of Jewish history that may not otherwise garner attention but helps round out understanding of the tapestry of the Jewish past

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SFPerspective
    United States2 months ago
  • Smart and Funny

    I can’t wait for the new season. I love listening when I have a nice long car drive and I always learn something new. I really enjoy the dynamic between the hosts.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PruchnikForever
    United States3 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Engaging, balanced, and knowledgeable hosts who make deep history accessible.
Thoughtful coverage of lesser-known Jewish history topics with a conversational vibe.
Some listeners wish for deeper topic dives and fewer digressions, but overall praise the hosts' dynamics and research.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Secret Jews: Samuel Schwarz’s Discovery of Portugal’s Crypto-Jews
Q: What are crypto-Jews and where do they come from?
Crypto-Jews emerged from the Sephardic community, particularly after the expulsion of Jews from Spain and Portugal in the late 15th century, as many were forced to convert to Christianity under duress but continued to practice their Jewish faith in secret.
When Jews Thrived in India: Castes, Coexeistence and the Cochin Copper Plates
Q: So why are there only 15 of them now?
Almost the entire community, except for 15 people, made Aliyah after 1948 and moved to Israel, maintaining their strong Zionist identity.
When Jews Thrived in India: Castes, Coexeistence and the Cochin Copper Plates
Q: How did there come to be a Jewish community that got isolated in India?
There is scholarly disagreement about the origins of this community, but one suggestion is that some Jews originated on the Malabar Coast of India, possibly trading as early as the time of King Solomon.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Jewish History Nerds

What is Jewish History Nerds about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Stories span a broad arc of Jewish history, from medieval ascetic movements and crypto-Jewish communities to modern political cases and influential educators. Episodes mix deep historical research with accessible, conversational framing, often tying niche topics to larger cultural and religious themes. The show tends to foreground how individuals or movements fit into broader Jewish history, while balancing academic context with lively banter. A few standout angles include nuanced portrayals of controversial figures, intersections of Judaism with politics, and overlooked female voices in history, all delivered in a approachable, educational style that can spark further curiosity and research for dedicated listeners.

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Which podcasts are similar to Jewish History Nerds?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Jewish History Nerds:

1. Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam
2. Unpacking Israeli History
3. The Times of Israel Daily Briefing
4. What Matters Now
5. Ask Haviv Anything

How many episodes of Jewish History Nerds are there?

Jewish History Nerds launched 3 years ago and published 57 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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