Jewish History Unpacked Podcast
1) Listener Survey is Here
Now that season 4 is behind us, please take a few minutes to fill out this very brief survey by clicking here or by going to unpacked.media/nerdsurvey It will take 2 minutes to complete and please b...Show More
2) The JNF Blue Box: A Symbol of Hope, Controversy, and Nation-Building
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...Show More
3) The Judensau: How Pig Imagery Fueled Centuries of Antisemitism
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 t...Show More
4) When Jews Thrived in India: Castes, Coexeistence and the Cochin Copper Plates
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 Br...Show More
5) Judea Capta: The Romans Coins that Celebrated the Fall of Judea
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 suppressi...Show More
6) The Story of the Menorah: From Temple to State Seal
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...Show More
7) Jerusalem’s Hidden Scrolls: The Earliest Evidence of the Hebrew Bible
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....Show More
8) Unearthing Dura Europos: The Synagogue Lost in Time
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 t...Show More
9) Buried Secrets: Jewish Magic, Demons, and the Babylonian Incantation Bowls
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 ...Show More
10) The First Mention of Israel: A Passover Special on The Merneptah Stele
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...Show More