https://simplecast.com The Jewish Lives Podcast The Jewish Lives Podcast is a monthly show that explores the lives of influential Jewish figures. Hosted by Alessandra Wollner, each episode includes an interview with an acclaimed Jewish Lives author. Jewish Lives is a prizewinning series of biography published by Yale University Press and the Leon D. Black Foundation. Join us as we explore the Jewish experience together. 2019, Jewish Lives, The Jewish Lives Podcast en Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:00:12 +0000 https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com The Jewish Lives Podcast https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/acee6745-d999-4308-a098-fff305d520cc/84b3155e-9f81-4123-bed4-234798634f53/3000x3000/podcast1.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com episodic The Jewish Lives Podcast is a monthly show that explores the lives of influential Jewish figures. Hosted by Alessandra Wollner, each episode includes an interview with an acclaimed Jewish Lives author. Jewish Lives is a prizewinning series of biography published by Yale University Press and the Leon D. Black Foundation. Join us as we explore the Jewish experience together. Jewish Lives false https://feeds.simplecast.com/SU18QqfF jewish lives, bible, biography, jewish, judaism, torah, books, religion, politics, philosophy Jewish Lives contact@jewishlives.org ca9c1c40-38ad-46f7-ae0a-32c28c6afef3 STEPHEN SONDHEIM Stephen Sondheim (1930–2021) was a towering figure in American musical theater.

Join us with Daniel Okrent, author of the new biography Stephen Sondheim: Art Isn’t Easy, as we explore the ways Sondheim’s music and lyrics express the inner life of one of the twentieth century’s most beloved theatrical composers.

]]> Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/stephen-sondheim-oe_Du4Aw Stephen Sondheim (1930–2021) was a towering figure in American musical theater.

Join us with Daniel Okrent, author of the new biography Stephen Sondheim: Art Isn’t Easy, as we explore the ways Sondheim’s music and lyrics express the inner life of one of the twentieth century’s most beloved theatrical composers.

]]> STEPHEN SONDHEIM Jewish Lives 00:17:45 arts and culture, stephen sondheim, biography, theater, musical theater, performance arts, west side story, broadway, sweeney todd, jewish lives, gypsy, judaism false full 72 e512f35e-80d7-4364-a1c2-53894a0c93a0 MORDECAI M. KAPLAN Rabbi, writer, teacher, and thinker, Mordecai M. Kaplan (1881–1983) was one of the leading Jewish personalities of twentieth-century America. Founder of the Reconstructionist movement, he was a maverick who reshaped religious faith and practice, generating controversy at every turn.

Join us with Jenna Weissman Joselit, author of the new biography Mordecai M. Kaplan: Restless Soul, as we explore the legacy of this influential and iconoclastic thinker and shed new light on the meaning of American Judaism, identity, the limits of belonging, and the role of faith in modern society.

 

]]> Mon, 9 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/mordecai-m-kaplan-f3zw7H_E Rabbi, writer, teacher, and thinker, Mordecai M. Kaplan (1881–1983) was one of the leading Jewish personalities of twentieth-century America. Founder of the Reconstructionist movement, he was a maverick who reshaped religious faith and practice, generating controversy at every turn.

Join us with Jenna Weissman Joselit, author of the new biography Mordecai M. Kaplan: Restless Soul, as we explore the legacy of this influential and iconoclastic thinker and shed new light on the meaning of American Judaism, identity, the limits of belonging, and the role of faith in modern society.

 

]]> MORDECAI M. KAPLAN Jewish Lives 00:20:56 american jewry, biography, reconstructionist movement, reconstructionist judaism, jewish, mordecai kaplan, judaism false full 71 f6e8e37a-ee6e-4e75-8ef7-0eec2b6ea7f2 WALTER BENJAMIN Walter Benjamin (1892–1940) is widely considered one of the most creative cultural critics of the twentieth century.


Join us with Harvard University scholar Peter E. Gordon, author of the new biography Walter Benjamin: The Pearl Diver, as we look beyond the image of Benjamin as a tragic figure of German-Jewish history and explore his complex personality of unique and multifaceted gifts.

 

]]> Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/walter-benjamin-9QsKj87d Walter Benjamin (1892–1940) is widely considered one of the most creative cultural critics of the twentieth century.


Join us with Harvard University scholar Peter E. Gordon, author of the new biography Walter Benjamin: The Pearl Diver, as we look beyond the image of Benjamin as a tragic figure of German-Jewish history and explore his complex personality of unique and multifaceted gifts.

 

]]> WALTER BENJAMIN Jewish Lives 00:23:01 false full 70 dabd956e-d723-4367-862c-63c151be00ba LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN According to the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951), philosophy is a “battle against the bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language.” This audacious idea changed the way many of its practitioners saw their subject.

Join us with Anthony Gottlieb, author of the new biography Ludwig Wittgenstein: Philosophy in the Age of Airplanes, as we explore the life of one of the most influential philosophers of the twentieth century.

Music in this episode: 

Symphony No.3 Poco Allegretto by Johannes Brahms

]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/ludwig-wittgenstein-NxeRFPQq According to the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951), philosophy is a “battle against the bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language.” This audacious idea changed the way many of its practitioners saw their subject.

Join us with Anthony Gottlieb, author of the new biography Ludwig Wittgenstein: Philosophy in the Age of Airplanes, as we explore the life of one of the most influential philosophers of the twentieth century.

Music in this episode: 

Symphony No.3 Poco Allegretto by Johannes Brahms

]]> LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN Jewish Lives 00:24:04 false full 69 cb8cba16-a2b7-4085-af03-52df92b29d8d PHILIP ROTH Philip Roth (1933–2018) is one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century.

Join us with Steven J. Zipperstein, author of the groundbreaking biography Philip Roth: Stung by Life, as we explore Roth’s remarkable life and the astonishing range of his self-reflective writings.

 

 

]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/philip-roth-Lds_3UgW Philip Roth (1933–2018) is one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century.

Join us with Steven J. Zipperstein, author of the groundbreaking biography Philip Roth: Stung by Life, as we explore Roth’s remarkable life and the astonishing range of his self-reflective writings.

 

 

]]> PHILIP ROTH Jewish Lives 00:26:58 portnoy's complaint, biography, jewish thought, jewish culture, philip roth, mid-century literature, american literature, jewish figures, novelists, 20th century, jewish lives, jewish history, american literature false full 68 a9f19b6b-8128-4d86-a1d0-58941afd6c48 CAROLE KING Carole King’s extraordinary career has defined American popular music for more than half a century.

Join us with journalist Jane Eisner, author of the new biography Carole King: She Made the Earth Move, as we explore King’s lasting contributions to the great American songbook.

]]> Mon, 15 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/carole-king-5zhpizSA Carole King’s extraordinary career has defined American popular music for more than half a century.

Join us with journalist Jane Eisner, author of the new biography Carole King: She Made the Earth Move, as we explore King’s lasting contributions to the great American songbook.

]]> CAROLE KING Jewish Lives 00:24:35 american songwriter, american music legend, music hall of fame, jewish artists, jewish musicians, songwriting, jewish american musician, biography, jewish thought, jewish culture, piano pop, culture podcast, women in music, jewish culture in music, tapestry album, jewish figures, brill building, singer-songwriter, carole king, music history podcast, jewish lives, jewish history, biography podcast, 1970s music, pop music, jewish popular culture, pop music history false full 67 15955102-9212-4392-8c6c-b9aafaf8272c FRANZ BOAS Franz Boas (1858–1942) is widely acknowledged for his pioneering work in the field of cultural anthropology.


Join us with Noga Arikha, author of the new biography Franz Boas: In Praise of Open Minds, as we explore how urgently relevant his voice and legacy have become again today.

Buy the book here

Join our mailing list to learn more:

https://www.jewishlives.org/subscribe

 

]]> Tue, 27 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/franz-boas-nAJLi33w Franz Boas (1858–1942) is widely acknowledged for his pioneering work in the field of cultural anthropology.


Join us with Noga Arikha, author of the new biography Franz Boas: In Praise of Open Minds, as we explore how urgently relevant his voice and legacy have become again today.

Buy the book here

Join our mailing list to learn more:

https://www.jewishlives.org/subscribe

 

]]> FRANZ BOAS Jewish Lives 00:17:30 yale university press, biography, franz boas, history, ethnography, anthropology, jewish lives, judaism false full 66 60f2d160-b6a3-4144-9b62-8666cc53bcfb ABRAHAM Join us with Anthony Julius, author of the new biography Abraham: The First Jew, as we explore the origins of a fundamental struggle within Judaism between skepticism and faith, critique and affirmation, thinking for oneself and thinking under the direction of another.

]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/abraham-SkJkaoBr Join us with Anthony Julius, author of the new biography Abraham: The First Jew, as we explore the origins of a fundamental struggle within Judaism between skepticism and faith, critique and affirmation, thinking for oneself and thinking under the direction of another.

]]> ABRAHAM Jewish Lives 00:18:18 false full 65 ae7dcfe7-d49d-4df2-ad2f-d47dd03afa82 LOUIS B. MAYER AND IRVING THALBERG Louis B. Mayer (1884–1957) and Irving Thalberg (1899–1936) were unlikely partners in one of the most significant collaborations in movie history.

Join us with film critic Kenneth Turan, author of the new biography Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg: The Whole Equation, as we explore their extraordinary partnership and role in creating the film industry as we know it.

]]> Mon, 24 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/mayer-and-thalberg-NPVtQivQ Louis B. Mayer (1884–1957) and Irving Thalberg (1899–1936) were unlikely partners in one of the most significant collaborations in movie history.

Join us with film critic Kenneth Turan, author of the new biography Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg: The Whole Equation, as we explore their extraordinary partnership and role in creating the film industry as we know it.

]]> LOUIS B. MAYER AND IRVING THALBERG Jewish Lives 00:19:08 classic cinema, louis. b. mayer, yale university press, movies, biography, mgm, old hollywood, irving thalberg, filmmaker, history, studio system, cinema, moviemaking, hollywood, jewish lives, major motion picture, judaism, metro godwyn mayer false full 64 c79d30b1-b104-4b34-9e36-f7fe18e6f310 ANNE FRANK In this episode, acclaimed author Ruth Franklin explores the transformation of Anne Frank (1929–1945) from ordinary teenager to icon, shedding new light on the young woman whose diary of her years in hiding is the most widely read work of literature to arise from the Holocaust.

With antisemitism once again on the rise, Franklin’s The Many Lives of Anne Frank  takes a fresh and timely look at the debates around Anne Frank’s life and work, including the controversial adaptations of the diary, Anne’s evolution as a fictional character, and the ways her story and image have been politically exploited. Franklin reveals how Anne has been understood and misunderstood, both as a person and as an idea, and opens up new avenues for interpreting her life and writing in today’s hyperpolarized world.

]]> Thu, 23 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/anne-frank-lB3_4oN8 In this episode, acclaimed author Ruth Franklin explores the transformation of Anne Frank (1929–1945) from ordinary teenager to icon, shedding new light on the young woman whose diary of her years in hiding is the most widely read work of literature to arise from the Holocaust.

With antisemitism once again on the rise, Franklin’s The Many Lives of Anne Frank  takes a fresh and timely look at the debates around Anne Frank’s life and work, including the controversial adaptations of the diary, Anne’s evolution as a fictional character, and the ways her story and image have been politically exploited. Franklin reveals how Anne has been understood and misunderstood, both as a person and as an idea, and opens up new avenues for interpreting her life and writing in today’s hyperpolarized world.

]]> ANNE FRANK Jewish Lives 00:28:42 shoah, yale university press, diary of anne frank, biography, history, anne frank, otto frank, jewish lives, antisemitism, holocaust, judaism false full 63 49dd29cd-43af-4238-92ed-da0940831a4c MENASSEH BEN ISRAEL Menasseh ben Israel (1604–1657) was among the most accomplished and cosmopolitan rabbis of his time, and a pivotal intellectual figure in early modern Jewish history.

Join us with Professor Steven Nadler, author of Menasseh ben Israel: Rabbi of Amsterdam, as we explore Menasseh ben Israel’s role leading one of the most vital Jewish communities of early modern Europe.

]]> Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:46:57 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/menasseh-ben-israel-NwNza_HZ Menasseh ben Israel (1604–1657) was among the most accomplished and cosmopolitan rabbis of his time, and a pivotal intellectual figure in early modern Jewish history.

Join us with Professor Steven Nadler, author of Menasseh ben Israel: Rabbi of Amsterdam, as we explore Menasseh ben Israel’s role leading one of the most vital Jewish communities of early modern Europe.

]]> MENASSEH BEN ISRAEL Jewish Lives 00:22:53 false full 62 3285ef6e-21b0-4eb8-b97c-cfdf12807230 JACOB A powerful hero of the Bible, Jacob is also one of its most complex figures.

Join us with Israel Prize winner Professor Yair Zakovitch, author of Jacob: Unexpected Patriarch, as we explore the many layers of the life of the patriarch—Jacob’s wanderings, revelations, disgraces, disappointments, and ultimate success.

]]> Thu, 21 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/jacob-XCyaqJDL A powerful hero of the Bible, Jacob is also one of its most complex figures.

Join us with Israel Prize winner Professor Yair Zakovitch, author of Jacob: Unexpected Patriarch, as we explore the many layers of the life of the patriarch—Jacob’s wanderings, revelations, disgraces, disappointments, and ultimate success.

]]> JACOB Jewish Lives 00:18:36 yale university press, torah, biography, patriarchs, history, wrestle with angel, bible, biblical, biblical patriarch, old testament, jewish lives, jacob, judaism false full 61 a6dac4e1-94df-4d74-9705-8d3cf34a2449 MENACHEM MENDEL SCHNEERSON Episode 59: MENACHEM MENDEL SCHNEERSON

Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902–1994) was the seventh and last rebbe of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, one of the world’s best-known Hasidic groups.

Join us with Ezra Glinter, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Menachem Mendel Schneerson: Becoming the Messiah, as we explore the life and thought of one of the most influential—and controversial—rabbis in modern Judaism.

]]> Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:30:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives, biography, Judaism, Yale University Press, history, rebbe, schneerson, chabad, hasidism, hasidic, messiah, maschiah) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/menachem-mendel-schneerson-QyzawT4h Episode 59: MENACHEM MENDEL SCHNEERSON

Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902–1994) was the seventh and last rebbe of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, one of the world’s best-known Hasidic groups.

Join us with Ezra Glinter, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Menachem Mendel Schneerson: Becoming the Messiah, as we explore the life and thought of one of the most influential—and controversial—rabbis in modern Judaism.

]]> MENACHEM MENDEL SCHNEERSON Jewish Lives, biography, Judaism, Yale University Press, history, rebbe, schneerson, chabad, hasidism, hasidic, messiah, maschiah 00:23:42 yale university press, biography, history, jewish lives, judaism false full 60 a181efd3-039e-40fd-9bc1-b5fe2633943c AYN RAND Ayn Rand (1905–1982) was one of America’s most provocative writers of the 20th century. Her best-selling novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged have influenced three generations of Americans.

Join us with Alexandra Popoff, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Ayn Rand: Writing a Gospel of Success, as we explore Rand’s defense of

American capitalism, individualism, and creativity.

Music in this episode: 

George Gershwin - "Rhapsody in Blue"

]]> Wed, 7 Aug 2024 19:08:24 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/ayn-rand-1fl9jNfq Ayn Rand (1905–1982) was one of America’s most provocative writers of the 20th century. Her best-selling novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged have influenced three generations of Americans.

Join us with Alexandra Popoff, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Ayn Rand: Writing a Gospel of Success, as we explore Rand’s defense of

American capitalism, individualism, and creativity.

Music in this episode: 

George Gershwin - "Rhapsody in Blue"

]]> AYN RAND Jewish Lives 00:22:40 objectivism, capitalism, yale university press, philosophy, atlas shrugged, biography, ayn rand, russia, history, literature, the fountainhead, soviet union, mid-century, jewish lives, free market, judaism false full 59 60e45c41-4b96-4d31-9dab-992680a0b8b8 MOSES MENDELSSOHN The “German Socrates,” Moses Mendelssohn (1729–1786) was the most influential Jewish thinker of the 18th and 19th centuries. A Berlin celebrity and a major figure in the Enlightenment, Mendelssohn suffered the indignities common to Jews of his time while formulating the philosophical foundations of a modern Judaism suited for a new age.

Join us with Bar Ilan scholar Shmuel Feiner, author of Moses Mendelssohn: Sage of Modernity, as we explore Mendelssohn’s tireless advocacy for his people and the importance of intellectual independence.

]]> Tue, 2 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/moses-mendelssohn-Rmh_OtyO The “German Socrates,” Moses Mendelssohn (1729–1786) was the most influential Jewish thinker of the 18th and 19th centuries. A Berlin celebrity and a major figure in the Enlightenment, Mendelssohn suffered the indignities common to Jews of his time while formulating the philosophical foundations of a modern Judaism suited for a new age.

Join us with Bar Ilan scholar Shmuel Feiner, author of Moses Mendelssohn: Sage of Modernity, as we explore Mendelssohn’s tireless advocacy for his people and the importance of intellectual independence.

]]> MOSES MENDELSSOHN Jewish Lives 00:20:23 european enlightenment, german enlightenment, enlightenment, philosophy, biography, haskalah, universalism, history, moses mendelssohn, jewish lives, germany false full 58 910bb833-98bf-410f-929d-3a57c6a068ae LÉON BLUM Léon Blum (1872–1950), France’s prime minister three times, socialist activist, and courageous opponent of the pro-Nazi Vichy regime, profoundly altered French society.


Join us with one of France’s most eminent political sociologists Pierre Birnbaum, author of Léon Blum: Prime Minister, Socialist, Zionist, as we explore the extraordinary life and legacy of the first Jewish prime minister of France.

Other historical figures mentioned in the show you can explore in  Jewish Lives biographies and on the podcast:

 

Alfred Dreyfus

READ Alfred Dreyfus: The Man at the Center of the Affair

LISTEN TO ALFRED DREYFUS

 

Louis D. Brandeis 

READ Louis D. Brandeis: American Prophet 

LISTEN TO LOUIS D. BRANDEIS

]]> Tue, 4 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/leon-blum-_xJxXq4F Léon Blum (1872–1950), France’s prime minister three times, socialist activist, and courageous opponent of the pro-Nazi Vichy regime, profoundly altered French society.


Join us with one of France’s most eminent political sociologists Pierre Birnbaum, author of Léon Blum: Prime Minister, Socialist, Zionist, as we explore the extraordinary life and legacy of the first Jewish prime minister of France.

Other historical figures mentioned in the show you can explore in  Jewish Lives biographies and on the podcast:

 

Alfred Dreyfus

READ Alfred Dreyfus: The Man at the Center of the Affair

LISTEN TO ALFRED DREYFUS

 

Louis D. Brandeis 

READ Louis D. Brandeis: American Prophet 

LISTEN TO LOUIS D. BRANDEIS

]]> LÉON BLUM Jewish Lives 00:21:20 false full 57 2324a08c-d90f-4c8f-b727-1824c984e543 HEROD THE GREAT Herod the Great (73–4 BCE) was a phenomenally energetic ruler who took advantage of the chaos of the Roman revolution to establish himself as a major figure in a changing Roman world and transform the landscape of Judaea.

Join us with Oxford University scholar Martin Goodman, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Herod The Great: Jewish King in a Roman World, as we explore the political triumphs and domestic tragedies of the Jewish king.

 

]]> Thu, 2 May 2024 17:42:45 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/herod-the-great-XgKEP_cU Herod the Great (73–4 BCE) was a phenomenally energetic ruler who took advantage of the chaos of the Roman revolution to establish himself as a major figure in a changing Roman world and transform the landscape of Judaea.

Join us with Oxford University scholar Martin Goodman, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Herod The Great: Jewish King in a Roman World, as we explore the political triumphs and domestic tragedies of the Jewish king.

 

]]> HEROD THE GREAT Jewish Lives 00:22:13 false full 56 5a7ca4b8-cfea-4361-ab8f-12f0b81c3904 A PASSSOVER SPECIAL: BECOMING ELIJAH Get ready for Passover with Jewish Lives. Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue and Professor Daniel Matt, author of Becoming Elijah: Prophet of Transformation, explore the life and legacy of the prophet Elijah, one of the most popular figures in Jewish folklore. 

This episode comes from the Park Avenue Synagogue Podcast. 

 

]]> Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:27:35 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/a-passsover-special-becoming-elijah-bS8hGDPv Get ready for Passover with Jewish Lives. Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue and Professor Daniel Matt, author of Becoming Elijah: Prophet of Transformation, explore the life and legacy of the prophet Elijah, one of the most popular figures in Jewish folklore. 

This episode comes from the Park Avenue Synagogue Podcast. 

 

]]> A PASSSOVER SPECIAL: BECOMING ELIJAH Jewish Lives 00:44:46 false full 55 7476cd00-0018-4aa3-838b-48f525f661d2 HENRIETTA SZOLD Henrietta Szold (1860–1945) is renowned as the founder of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, which quickly became one of the most successful of all Zionist groups.

Join us with award-winning author Francine Klagsbrun, author of the new biography Henrietta Szold: Hadassah and the Zionist Dream, as we explore the life of an extraordinary woman whose impact resonates to this day.

 

]]> Mon, 25 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/henrietta-szold-R9LTkZDk Henrietta Szold (1860–1945) is renowned as the founder of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, which quickly became one of the most successful of all Zionist groups.

Join us with award-winning author Francine Klagsbrun, author of the new biography Henrietta Szold: Hadassah and the Zionist Dream, as we explore the life of an extraordinary woman whose impact resonates to this day.

 

]]> HENRIETTA SZOLD Jewish Lives 00:23:08 false full 54 a810b222-c7b0-4dc1-888c-bd151f7e0648 ALFRED DREYFUS On January 5, 1895, Captain Alfred Dreyfus’s cries of innocence were drowned out by a mob shouting “Death to Judas!”

As global antisemitism rises, join us with Yale scholar Maurice Samuels, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Alfred Dreyfus: The Man at the Center of the Affair, as we explore a story that is more important than ever.

]]> Thu, 22 Feb 2024 20:53:10 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/alfred-dreyfus-07A7atV9 On January 5, 1895, Captain Alfred Dreyfus’s cries of innocence were drowned out by a mob shouting “Death to Judas!”

As global antisemitism rises, join us with Yale scholar Maurice Samuels, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Alfred Dreyfus: The Man at the Center of the Affair, as we explore a story that is more important than ever.

]]> ALFRED DREYFUS Jewish Lives 00:23:16 yale university press, biography, france, history, jewish lives, antisemitism, alfred dreyfus, judaism, dreyfus affair false full 53 4596378d-63db-4139-aa26-b1af38de076d SPINOZA Baruch (Benedictus) Spinoza (1632–1677) was a radical free thinker who led a life guided by strong moral principles despite his disbelief in an all-seeing God.

Join us with award-winning writer Ian Buruma, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Spinoza: Freedom’s Messiah, as we explore the life and legacy of the enlightenment thinker whose belief in freedom of thought and speech resonates in our own time.

]]> Mon, 29 Jan 2024 19:33:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Ian Buruma) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/spinoza-uhJurpJo Baruch (Benedictus) Spinoza (1632–1677) was a radical free thinker who led a life guided by strong moral principles despite his disbelief in an all-seeing God.

Join us with award-winning writer Ian Buruma, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Spinoza: Freedom’s Messiah, as we explore the life and legacy of the enlightenment thinker whose belief in freedom of thought and speech resonates in our own time.

]]> SPINOZA Ian Buruma 00:17:50 enlightenment, yale university press, philosophy, biography, spinoza, history, jewish lives, judaism, ethics, atheism false full 52 cb77768c-f5fd-4e0d-b392-12dd0a52cb6c RABBI AKIVA Born in the Land of Israel around the year 50 C.E., Rabbi Akiva was the greatest rabbi of his time and one of the most important influences on Judaism as we know it today.

Join us with Professor Barry W. Holtz, author of Rabbi Akiva: Sage of the Talmud, as we explore the life and teachings of one of the most beloved heroes of Jewish history.

]]> Fri, 22 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/rabbi-akiva-i90DpqBT Born in the Land of Israel around the year 50 C.E., Rabbi Akiva was the greatest rabbi of his time and one of the most important influences on Judaism as we know it today.

Join us with Professor Barry W. Holtz, author of Rabbi Akiva: Sage of the Talmud, as we explore the life and teachings of one of the most beloved heroes of Jewish history.

]]> RABBI AKIVA Jewish Lives 00:21:45 rabbi akiva, yale university press, bar kohkba revolt, biography, history, jewish lives, talmud, judaism false full 51 3f7e878b-81a1-4cb2-b857-f6d71c23570b AMOS OZ Amos Oz (1939–2018) was one of Israel’s most prolific and prominent writers, as well as a regular contender for the Nobel Prize for Literature. He was the author of dozens of novels, essay collections, and novellas written between 1965 and shortly before his death.

Join us with celebrated scholar Robert Alter, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Amos Oz: Writer, Activist, Icon, as we explore the life and work of the legendary writer.

]]> Mon, 23 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/amos-oz-61K8i1GW Amos Oz (1939–2018) was one of Israel’s most prolific and prominent writers, as well as a regular contender for the Nobel Prize for Literature. He was the author of dozens of novels, essay collections, and novellas written between 1965 and shortly before his death.

Join us with celebrated scholar Robert Alter, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Amos Oz: Writer, Activist, Icon, as we explore the life and work of the legendary writer.

]]> AMOS OZ Jewish Lives 00:28:19 memoir, yale university press, israeli, biography, israel, a tale of love and darkness, amos oz, history, jewish lives, peace in the middle east, israeli peace, israeli literature, israeli writer, judaism, israeli author false full 50 6e029a0b-bebd-4c1e-8f50-d664c04faa1f GROUCHO MARX Born Julius Marx in 1890, the brilliant comic actor who would later be known as Groucho, was celebrated for his slapstick portrayals, ingenious wordplay, and double entendre.

Join us with Lee Siegel, author of Groucho Marx: The Comedy of Existence, as we explore the life of the beloved American iconoclast through the lens of his work on stage, screen, and television.

]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2023 16:26:43 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/groucho-marx-BfOiVp8M Born Julius Marx in 1890, the brilliant comic actor who would later be known as Groucho, was celebrated for his slapstick portrayals, ingenious wordplay, and double entendre.

Join us with Lee Siegel, author of Groucho Marx: The Comedy of Existence, as we explore the life of the beloved American iconoclast through the lens of his work on stage, screen, and television.

]]> GROUCHO MARX Jewish Lives 00:15:54 yale university press, biography, history, comedy, humor, groucho marx, marx brothers, jewish lives, judaism false full 49 5c600785-d167-4921-a755-dd7b2b326320 BETTY FRIEDAN The feminist writer and activist Betty Friedan (1921–2006), pathbreaking author of The Feminine Mystique, was powerful and polarizing.

Join us with Rachel Shteir, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Betty Friedan: Magnificent Disrupter, as we explore the life of the author and activist acclaimed as the mother of second-wave feminism.

]]> Tue, 29 Aug 2023 17:11:31 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/betty-friedan-Rdo9wR6x The feminist writer and activist Betty Friedan (1921–2006), pathbreaking author of The Feminine Mystique, was powerful and polarizing.

Join us with Rachel Shteir, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Betty Friedan: Magnificent Disrupter, as we explore the life of the author and activist acclaimed as the mother of second-wave feminism.

]]> BETTY FRIEDAN Jewish Lives 00:19:44 false full 48 11c3c0fc-f496-4d28-8936-6c0c12dc372b GERSHOM SCHOLEM Gershom Scholem (1897–1982) was one of the most influential figures in the field of Jewish Studies.

Join us with historian David Biale, author of the Jewish Lives biography Gershom Scholem: Master of the Kabbalah, as we examine the life of the thinker who pioneered the study of Jewish mysticism and profoundly influenced the Zionist movement.

]]> Mon, 24 Jul 2023 18:06:27 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/gershom-scholem-dQcRGmvn Gershom Scholem (1897–1982) was one of the most influential figures in the field of Jewish Studies.

Join us with historian David Biale, author of the Jewish Lives biography Gershom Scholem: Master of the Kabbalah, as we examine the life of the thinker who pioneered the study of Jewish mysticism and profoundly influenced the Zionist movement.

]]> GERSHOM SCHOLEM Jewish Lives 00:20:55 yale university press, biography, history, jewish mystic, kabbalah, jewish mysticism, jewish lives, medieval judaism, judaism, gershom scholem false full 47 4442027c-003f-4d35-9521-98cf28f50085 WALTHER RATHENAU Both thoroughly German and unabashedly Jewish, Walther Rathenau (1867–1922) served in the exalted position of foreign minister in the early days of the Weimar Republic.

His achievement was unprecedented—no Jew in Germany had ever attained such high political rank. But Rathenau’s success was marked by tragedy: within months he was assassinated by right-wing extremists seeking to destroy the newly formed Republic.

Join us with esteemed historian Shulamit Volkov as we illuminate the complex social and psychological milieu of German Jewry in the period before Hitler’s rise to power.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/walther-rathenau-JX9gmD45 Both thoroughly German and unabashedly Jewish, Walther Rathenau (1867–1922) served in the exalted position of foreign minister in the early days of the Weimar Republic.

His achievement was unprecedented—no Jew in Germany had ever attained such high political rank. But Rathenau’s success was marked by tragedy: within months he was assassinated by right-wing extremists seeking to destroy the newly formed Republic.

Join us with esteemed historian Shulamit Volkov as we illuminate the complex social and psychological milieu of German Jewry in the period before Hitler’s rise to power.

]]> WALTHER RATHENAU Jewish Lives 00:17:37 yale university press, world war i, biography, walter rathenau, german, history, weimar republic, wwi, jewish lives, germany, judaism false full 46 26a4b9f5-d1c7-476d-9f8a-cd1550149c7d SOLOMON Tradition has it that King Solomon knew everything there was to know—the mysteries of nature, of love, of God himself—but what do we know about him?

Join us with esteemed biblical scholar Steven Weitzman as we reexamine Solomon's story and its surprising influence in shaping Western culture in Solomon: The Lure of Wisdom. We also explore what Solomon's life, wisdom, and writings have come to mean for Jews, Christians, and Muslims over the past two thousand years.

 

]]> Wed, 24 May 2023 16:39:36 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/solomon-13nd_c4n Tradition has it that King Solomon knew everything there was to know—the mysteries of nature, of love, of God himself—but what do we know about him?

Join us with esteemed biblical scholar Steven Weitzman as we reexamine Solomon's story and its surprising influence in shaping Western culture in Solomon: The Lure of Wisdom. We also explore what Solomon's life, wisdom, and writings have come to mean for Jews, Christians, and Muslims over the past two thousand years.

 

]]> SOLOMON Jewish Lives 00:20:22 yale university press, biography, history, biblical times, jewish lives, king solomon, ancient judaism, judaism false full 45 346d117b-24cf-432d-b2ce-e501f020798f ELIE WIESEL Elie Wiesel is the author of the seminal Holocaust memoir Night and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Join us with Joseph Berger, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Elie Wiesel: Confronting the Silence, as we explore how a teenage survivor from a Hasidic family became the eloquent embodiment of Holocaust remembrance and of forceful opposition to indifference.

 

]]> Thu, 20 Apr 2023 14:47:26 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/elie-wiesel-BQswUSU_ Elie Wiesel is the author of the seminal Holocaust memoir Night and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Join us with Joseph Berger, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Elie Wiesel: Confronting the Silence, as we explore how a teenage survivor from a Hasidic family became the eloquent embodiment of Holocaust remembrance and of forceful opposition to indifference.

 

]]> ELIE WIESEL Jewish Lives 00:19:29 shoah, wwii, memoir, yale university press, voice of witness, biography, elie wiesel, genocide, memorial, human rights, jewish, jewish lives, holocaust, survivor, judaism false full 44 f904fcdd-ea71-4b19-a984-747bbcee4699 MEL BROOKS Mel Brooks, born Melvin Kaminsky in Brooklyn in 1926, is one of the great comic voices of the twentieth century

Join us with Jeremy Dauber, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Mel Brooks: Disobedient Jew, as we explore how Brooks’s American Jewish humor went from being solely for niche audiences to an essential part of the American mainstream, paving the way for generations of Jewish (and other) comedians to come.

 

]]> Wed, 22 Mar 2023 16:32:55 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/mel-brooks-mLCAb8Y8 Mel Brooks, born Melvin Kaminsky in Brooklyn in 1926, is one of the great comic voices of the twentieth century

Join us with Jeremy Dauber, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Mel Brooks: Disobedient Jew, as we explore how Brooks’s American Jewish humor went from being solely for niche audiences to an essential part of the American mainstream, paving the way for generations of Jewish (and other) comedians to come.

 

]]> MEL BROOKS Jewish Lives 00:15:08 yale university press, mel brooks, biography, comedy, humor, sid cesar, jewish, jewish lives, judaism false full 43 b56586fc-74e5-47b0-8b65-b8877b149ead JEROME ROBBINS Born Jerome Wilson Rabinowitz, Jerome Robbins (1918–1998) was a master choreographer, dancer, and stage director, most famous for his stage productions of West Side Story, Peter Pan, and Fiddler on the Roof.

Join us with Wendy Lesser, author of the Jewish Lives biography Jerome Robbins: A Life in Dance, as we explore Robbins’s life through his major dances in ballet, Broadway, and film.

Music in this episode: 

Claude Debussy - Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun

]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/jerome-robbins-bQ0vN26C Born Jerome Wilson Rabinowitz, Jerome Robbins (1918–1998) was a master choreographer, dancer, and stage director, most famous for his stage productions of West Side Story, Peter Pan, and Fiddler on the Roof.

Join us with Wendy Lesser, author of the Jewish Lives biography Jerome Robbins: A Life in Dance, as we explore Robbins’s life through his major dances in ballet, Broadway, and film.

Music in this episode: 

Claude Debussy - Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun

]]> JEROME ROBBINS Jewish Lives 00:25:46 yale university press, balanchine, choreography, biography, jerome robbins, fiddler on the roof, ballet, dance, west side story, broadway, jewish, jewish lives, musicals, judaism false full 42 245642be-8c7f-45e5-bca6-4f7bc03fc6a0 WARNER BROS. The Warner Brothers—Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack—arrived in America as unschooled Jewish immigrants, yet they founded a movie studio that became the smartest, toughest, and most radical in all of Hollywood.

Join us with celebrated film critic David Thomson, author of Warner Bros.: The Making of an American Movie Studio, as we explore how four immigrant brothers transformed themselves into the moguls and masters of American fantasy.

]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/warner-bros-f9GhEcSV The Warner Brothers—Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack—arrived in America as unschooled Jewish immigrants, yet they founded a movie studio that became the smartest, toughest, and most radical in all of Hollywood.

Join us with celebrated film critic David Thomson, author of Warner Bros.: The Making of an American Movie Studio, as we explore how four immigrant brothers transformed themselves into the moguls and masters of American fantasy.

]]> WARNER BROS. Jewish Lives 00:23:23 the studio system, film history, united artists, warner bros, biography, movie history, history, classic film, gangster films, movie industry, jack warner, jewish, hollywood, jewish lives, golden age of hollywood, judaism false full 41 fb308dc4-4a19-40b6-afb4-010f9992b1f1 LEON TROTSKY Born Lev Davidovich Bronstein in southern Ukraine, Leon Trotsky (1879-1940) was a revolutionary figure who led an upheaval that helped define the contours of twentieth-century politics.

Join us with Joshua Rubenstein, author of the Jewish Lives biography Leon Trotsky: A Revolutionary’s Life, as we uncover the brilliant and brilliantly flawed man who was both a world-class intellectual and a man capable of the most narrow-minded ideological dogmatism.

]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2022 14:17:32 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/leon-trotsky-iEd_g54B Born Lev Davidovich Bronstein in southern Ukraine, Leon Trotsky (1879-1940) was a revolutionary figure who led an upheaval that helped define the contours of twentieth-century politics.

Join us with Joshua Rubenstein, author of the Jewish Lives biography Leon Trotsky: A Revolutionary’s Life, as we uncover the brilliant and brilliantly flawed man who was both a world-class intellectual and a man capable of the most narrow-minded ideological dogmatism.

]]> LEON TROTSKY Jewish Lives 00:24:17 yale university press, biography, russia, bolshevik, revolutionary, russian revolution, leon trotsky, ussr, soviet, jewish lives, lenin, bolshevism, trotsky false full 40 0e7c19f5-2ae7-4b5c-b4f7-9fd7ece5c285 ARTHUR MILLER Most famous for All My Sons, Death of a Salesman, and The Crucible, Arthur Miller (1915–2005) was a playwright who almost single-handedly propelled twentieth-century American theater into a new level of cultural sophistication.

Join us with distinguished theater critic John Lahr, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Arthur Miller: American Witness, as we explore the fault lines of Miller’s life—his family, the Great Depression, the rise of fascism, Elia Kazan and the House Committee on Un-American Activities, Marilyn Monroe, and the rise and fall of Miller’s role as a public intellectual.

]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/arthur-miller-NVLrBGij Most famous for All My Sons, Death of a Salesman, and The Crucible, Arthur Miller (1915–2005) was a playwright who almost single-handedly propelled twentieth-century American theater into a new level of cultural sophistication.

Join us with distinguished theater critic John Lahr, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Arthur Miller: American Witness, as we explore the fault lines of Miller’s life—his family, the Great Depression, the rise of fascism, Elia Kazan and the House Committee on Un-American Activities, Marilyn Monroe, and the rise and fall of Miller’s role as a public intellectual.

]]> ARTHUR MILLER Jewish Lives 00:23:21 20th century theater, yale university press, biography, arthur miller, john lahr, theater, death of a salesman, playwright, broadway, playwriting, jewish lives, drama, judaism, marilyn monroe false full 39 606eb09b-16ea-4088-a751-eb5b64d01eba SIDNEY REILLY Said to be the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s iconic James Bond character, Sidney Reilly (c. 1873–1925) is one of the most colorful and best–known spies of the 20th century.

Join us with historian Benny Morris, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Sidney Reilly: Master Spy, as we sift through the reality and the myth of Reilly’s life and uncover a fascinating portrait of one of the most intriguing figures from the golden age of spies.

 

]]> Mon, 31 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/sidney-reilly-AbhfDcko Said to be the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s iconic James Bond character, Sidney Reilly (c. 1873–1925) is one of the most colorful and best–known spies of the 20th century.

Join us with historian Benny Morris, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Sidney Reilly: Master Spy, as we sift through the reality and the myth of Reilly’s life and uncover a fascinating portrait of one of the most intriguing figures from the golden age of spies.

 

]]> SIDNEY REILLY Jewish Lives 00:19:16 yale university press, spycraft, biography, spy, james bond, mi6, cheka, wwi, jewish, 007, jewish lives, sir ian fleming, judaism, sidney reilly, benny morris false full 38 1f9dd1a7-3e09-49e0-b96c-929bea1af5d7 RUTH The Book of Ruth offers a vibrant portrait of a foreigner who became the founding mother of the Davidic dynasty.

Join us with Ilana Pardes, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Ruth: A Migrant’s Tale, as we explore the ever-changing perspectives on Ruth’s foreignness beginning in the Hebrew bible and rabbinic literature through Zionism and the modern world.

 

]]> Wed, 28 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/ruth-GJgeSQ5a The Book of Ruth offers a vibrant portrait of a foreigner who became the founding mother of the Davidic dynasty.

Join us with Ilana Pardes, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Ruth: A Migrant’s Tale, as we explore the ever-changing perspectives on Ruth’s foreignness beginning in the Hebrew bible and rabbinic literature through Zionism and the modern world.

 

]]> RUTH Jewish Lives 00:18:03 yale university press, torah, gleaner, ruth, biography, davidic dynasty, bible, foremother, boaz and ruth, pastoral, jewish, jewish lives false full 37 ea2ecccd-7c6f-4994-afdb-b03bf56ba5fd ALFRED STIEGLITZ Alfred Stieglitz (1864–1946) was an enormously influential photographer and champion of other artists.

Join us with Phyllis Rose, acclaimed critic, biographer, and author of Alfred Stieglitz: Taking Pictures, Making Painters, as we explore Stieglitz’s role as a revolutionary force in the history of American art.

]]> Mon, 22 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/alfred-stieglitz-cOiNdsO3 Alfred Stieglitz (1864–1946) was an enormously influential photographer and champion of other artists.

Join us with Phyllis Rose, acclaimed critic, biographer, and author of Alfred Stieglitz: Taking Pictures, Making Painters, as we explore Stieglitz’s role as a revolutionary force in the history of American art.

]]> ALFRED STIEGLITZ Jewish Lives 00:15:57 georgia o'keefe, fine arts, history of photography, biography, photo secession, alfred stieglitz, camera, pictures, jewish lives, photography, yale, judaism, new york false full 36 bd83db95-1e70-49e2-b6e8-c100c5d98f72 MARTIN BUBER Martin Buber (1878–1965) was a seminal modern Jewish thinker.

Join us with Paul Mendes-Flohr, an authority on the 20th-century philosopher and author of Martin Buber: A Life of Faith and Dissent, as we explore Buber’s contributions to Jewish thought, philosophy, biblical studies, political theory, and Zionism.

 

]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/martin-buber-qqCrp6YD Martin Buber (1878–1965) was a seminal modern Jewish thinker.

Join us with Paul Mendes-Flohr, an authority on the 20th-century philosopher and author of Martin Buber: A Life of Faith and Dissent, as we explore Buber’s contributions to Jewish thought, philosophy, biblical studies, political theory, and Zionism.

 

]]> MARTIN BUBER Jewish Lives 00:20:47 yale university press, philosophy, martin buber, biography, existentialism, zionism, i thou, ecumenical, jewish lives, theology, judaism false full 35 18e394ab-8c00-4ade-8d5f-e7ce7d5cdb58 LEONARD BERNSTEIN Join us with composer Allen Shawn, author of Leonard Bernstein: An American Musician, for an appreciation of the great musical genius who stood at the epicenter of 20th-century American musical life.

 

Music in this episode: 

Leonard Bernstein and Steven Sondheim - "Cool" from West Side Story 

Leonard Bernstein - Symphony No. 2, The Age of Anxiety 

Leonard Bernstein - Symphony No 3., Kaddish 

 Leonard Bernstein - Chichester Psalms 

]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/leonard-bernstein-TJP0Muio Join us with composer Allen Shawn, author of Leonard Bernstein: An American Musician, for an appreciation of the great musical genius who stood at the epicenter of 20th-century American musical life.

 

Music in this episode: 

Leonard Bernstein and Steven Sondheim - "Cool" from West Side Story 

Leonard Bernstein - Symphony No. 2, The Age of Anxiety 

Leonard Bernstein - Symphony No 3., Kaddish 

 Leonard Bernstein - Chichester Psalms 

]]> LEONARD BERNSTEIN Jewish Lives 00:21:41 musical, yale university press, symphony, biography, composer, classical, gay icon, orchestra, west side story, broadway, contemporary, leonard bernstein, jewish lives, show business, judaism, tanglewood false full 34 ccf7ff6f-23ca-4c41-8c70-269030edc3a9 FREUD Wed, 25 May 2022 19:00:58 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/freud-rVAcc582 FREUD Jewish Lives 00:21:13 Join us with Adam Phillips, one of the world’s foremost authorities on Sigmund Freud and author of Becoming Freud: The Making of a Psychoanalyst, as we explore the early life of the father of psychoanalysis. Join us with Adam Phillips, one of the world’s foremost authorities on Sigmund Freud and author of Becoming Freud: The Making of a Psychoanalyst, as we explore the early life of the father of psychoanalysis. yale university press, talking cure, therapy, dreams, biography, sigmund freud, vienna, jewish lives, psychoanalysis false full 33 0e70d44f-2b5e-42c5-a536-941630c5f0ab JABOTINSKY Mon, 2 May 2022 19:21:37 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/jabotinsky-XAyyQrlw JABOTINSKY Jewish Lives 00:18:40 Few figures in twentieth-century Jewish life were quite so admired and loathed as Vladimir Jabotinsky (1880-1940). The founder of the branch of Zionism now headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, he is perhaps the most controversial of all Zionist political leaders. Join us as author Hillel Halkin explores the life and legacy of Jabotinsky. Halkin will also explain the importance of Odessa, Ukraine, Jabotinsky’s native city, in shaping his character and outlook. Few figures in twentieth-century Jewish life were quite so admired and loathed as Vladimir Jabotinsky (1880-1940). The founder of the branch of Zionism now headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, he is perhaps the most controversial of all Zionist political leaders. Join us as author Hillel Halkin explores the life and legacy of Jabotinsky. Halkin will also explain the importance of Odessa, Ukraine, Jabotinsky’s native city, in shaping his character and outlook. yale university press, zionist, vladimir jabotinsky, biography, zionist reform movement, zionism, russia, eastern europe, jewish lives, judaism, ukraine false full 32 9ff91346-14ad-40a2-8b74-59635fc1e8f3 ELIJAH Mon, 28 Mar 2022 21:41:42 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/elijah-DDvWr2lB ELIJAH Jewish Lives 00:19:10 Join us and explore the story of the prophet Elijah’s evolution from fierce zealot to compassionate hero and cherished figure in Jewish tradition.   Hear from National Jewish Book Award winner Daniel C. Matt, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Becoming Elijah: Prophet of Transformation. Music in this episode: Hazzan Brian Baruch Shamash - arrangement of Eliahu Hanavi Join us and explore the story of the prophet Elijah’s evolution from fierce zealot to compassionate hero and cherished figure in Jewish tradition.   Hear from National Jewish Book Award winner Daniel C. Matt, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Becoming Elijah: Prophet of Transformation. Music in this episode: Hazzan Brian Baruch Shamash - arrangement of Eliahu Hanavi yale university press, torah, baal, biography, eliahu hanavi, book of kings, bible, elijah, biblical, jewish lives, prophet false full 31 734d3ad7-646a-47c7-98ab-00610cc94bd7 ADMIRAL HYMAN RICKOVER Wed, 16 Feb 2022 12:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/hyman-rickover-TePTIqeP ADMIRAL HYMAN RICKOVER Jewish Lives 00:23:09 Join us for a riveting exploration of the brilliant, combative, and controversial “Father of the Nuclear Navy.” Hear from Marc Wortman, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Admiral Hyman Rickover: Engineer of Power. Join us for a riveting exploration of the brilliant, combative, and controversial “Father of the Nuclear Navy.” Hear from Marc Wortman, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Admiral Hyman Rickover: Engineer of Power. yale university press, navy, biography, submarines, nuclear power, hyman rickover, jewish, jewish lives, judaism, nuclear submarines, cold war, jimmy carter false full 30 8b6cb907-27da-47f8-bd74-c4c14256b3a5 YITZHAK RABIN Wed, 19 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/yitzhak-rabin-8AwsPloY YITZHAK RABIN Jewish Lives 00:21:44 Explore an insider’s perspective on the life and influence of Israel’s first native-born prime minister, his bold peace initiatives, and his tragic assassination. Join us as we listen to Ambassador Itamar Rabinovich, author of Yitzhak Rabin: Soldier, Leader, Statesman. Music in this episode: Miri Aloni and Lehakat Hanachal - Shir LaShalom Explore an insider’s perspective on the life and influence of Israel’s first native-born prime minister, his bold peace initiatives, and his tragic assassination. Join us as we listen to Ambassador Itamar Rabinovich, author of Yitzhak Rabin: Soldier, Leader, Statesman. Music in this episode: Miri Aloni and Lehakat Hanachal - Shir LaShalom yale university press, biography, israel, politics, rabin, political history, middle east, peace, jewish, prime minister, jewish lives, israel palestine, judaism, oslo accords false full 29 20e47692-0872-4640-9e98-eef41b45f3e6 STEVEN SPIELBERG Wed, 22 Dec 2021 22:08:23 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/steven-spielberg-dBKP5X1w STEVEN SPIELBERG Jewish Lives 00:20:38 Jaws. Jurassic Park. Schindler’s List. Join us as we listen to Molly Haskell, author Steven Spielberg: A Life in Films. Learn how Spielberg’s uniquely evocative filmmaking and story-telling have enchanted audiences for more than 40 years. Jaws. Jurassic Park. Schindler’s List. Join us as we listen to Molly Haskell, author Steven Spielberg: A Life in Films. Learn how Spielberg’s uniquely evocative filmmaking and story-telling have enchanted audiences for more than 40 years. yale university press, biography, steven speilberg, classic film, film, jewish, jewish lives, judaism, blockbuster false full 28 0d147eaf-7d26-4d28-95f8-3e11ced645a3 ABRAHAM JOSHUA HESCHEL Wed, 1 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/abraham-joshua-heschel-gEqTTFjQ ABRAHAM JOSHUA HESCHEL Jewish Lives 00:27:35 Civil Rights Leader. Anti-Vietnam War Activist. Rabbi. How did Abraham Joshua Heschel, a Hasidic rabbi from Warsaw, become a progressive Jewish icon? Join us as we explore why Heschel remains a symbol of the fight to make progressive Jewish values relevant in the secular world with Julian Zelizer, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Abraham Joshua Heschel: A Life of Radical Amazement. Music in this episode: Charles Albert Tindley - We Shall Overcome Civil Rights Leader. Anti-Vietnam War Activist. Rabbi. How did Abraham Joshua Heschel, a Hasidic rabbi from Warsaw, become a progressive Jewish icon? Join us as we explore why Heschel remains a symbol of the fight to make progressive Jewish values relevant in the secular world with Julian Zelizer, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Abraham Joshua Heschel: A Life of Radical Amazement. Music in this episode: Charles Albert Tindley - We Shall Overcome yale university press, mlk, biography, selma, abraham joshua heschel, civil rights momvement, the sabbath, radical amazement, jewish, jewish lives, civil rights, judaism false full 27 b2bc9e89-c8cc-40b0-8aea-6879880d0cf8 JUDAH BENJAMIN Wed, 3 Nov 2021 16:24:56 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/judah-benjamin-XoNf4uqM JUDAH BENJAMIN Jewish Lives 00:22:42 How could a man as gifted as Benjamin not see that he was complicit with evil? One of the first Jewish senators, Judah Benjamin (1811–1884) was a confidante to Jefferson Davis and leader of the Confederacy. Join us as we explore the difficult truth that Benjamin, who was considered one of the greatest legal minds in the United States, was a slave owner who deployed his oratorical skills in defense of slavery. Hear from James Traub, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Judah Benjamin: Counselor to the Confederacy. Music in this episode: Franz Shubert - Death and the Maiden, Suite No. 14 in D Minor How could a man as gifted as Benjamin not see that he was complicit with evil? One of the first Jewish senators, Judah Benjamin (1811–1884) was a confidante to Jefferson Davis and leader of the Confederacy. Join us as we explore the difficult truth that Benjamin, who was considered one of the greatest legal minds in the United States, was a slave owner who deployed his oratorical skills in defense of slavery. Hear from James Traub, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Judah Benjamin: Counselor to the Confederacy. Music in this episode: Franz Shubert - Death and the Maiden, Suite No. 14 in D Minor antebellum south, yale university press, jefferson davis, biography, civil war, jewish lives, judah benjamin, judaism false full 26 0d39d478-5d38-4dba-b7b7-6192ce6366c7 MAN RAY Wed, 29 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/man-ray-lpJ_obEa MAN RAY Jewish Lives 00:22:04 One of the most radically original artists of the 20th century, Man Ray (1890–1976), was a founding father of Dada and a key player in French Surrealism. Join us as we learn about Man Ray’s Jewish background as one filter to understand his life and art with Arthur Lubow, author of the new biography Man Ray: The Artist and His Shadows. One of the most radically original artists of the 20th century, Man Ray (1890–1976), was a founding father of Dada and a key player in French Surrealism. Join us as we learn about Man Ray’s Jewish background as one filter to understand his life and art with Arthur Lubow, author of the new biography Man Ray: The Artist and His Shadows. yale university press, art, biography, man ray, surrealism, duchamp, jewish, jewish lives, photography, visual art, judaism, dada false full 25 58af23fe-bdd1-49af-a5e5-091a27069c17 BERNARD BERENSON Thu, 26 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/bernard-berenson-4n5mcjjP BERNARD BERENSON Jewish Lives 00:24:16 Son of a tin peddler, art adviser to Gilded Age Millionaires. Join us as we learn more about Bernard Berenson’s incredible self-transformation through the first half of the twentieth century - through two world wars and persistent anti-Semitism - with Rachel Cohen, author of Bernard Berenson: A Life in the Picture Trade. Music in this episode: Edvard Grieg - Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46, III. Anitra's Dance Frédéric Chopin - Waltz Op. 64 No. 2 in C Sharp Minor Son of a tin peddler, art adviser to Gilded Age Millionaires. Join us as we learn more about Bernard Berenson’s incredible self-transformation through the first half of the twentieth century - through two world wars and persistent anti-Semitism - with Rachel Cohen, author of Bernard Berenson: A Life in the Picture Trade. Music in this episode: Edvard Grieg - Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46, III. Anitra's Dance Frédéric Chopin - Waltz Op. 64 No. 2 in C Sharp Minor yale university press, art history, art, biography, florence, bernard berenson, art criticism, art collector, jewish lives, judaism, jp morgan, isabella gardner false full 24 4d5c1927-dc0e-4990-8aec-ca43521eeaec JULIUS ROSENWALD Thu, 29 Jul 2021 14:50:03 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/julius-rosenwald-7QhjiaKv JULIUS ROSENWALD Jewish Lives 00:20:11 Julius Rosenwald was a humble retail magnate whose visionary ideas about charitable giving transformed the practice of philanthropy in America and beyond. Hasia R. Diner, author of the Jewish Lives biography Julius Rosenwald: Repairing the World, discusses the life and legacy of one of the founders of Sears Roebuck whose philanthropy supported Jewish and Black causes. Julius Rosenwald was a humble retail magnate whose visionary ideas about charitable giving transformed the practice of philanthropy in America and beyond. Hasia R. Diner, author of the Jewish Lives biography Julius Rosenwald: Repairing the World, discusses the life and legacy of one of the founders of Sears Roebuck whose philanthropy supported Jewish and Black causes. african american, yale university press, business, education, biography, booker t. washington, jewish, philanthropy, jewish lives false full 23 37746850-b4a5-406a-b889-990766b653a3 MARK ROTHKO Fri, 25 Jun 2021 19:26:52 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/mark-rothko-WF_Wq3uR MARK ROTHKO Jewish Lives 00:18:07 How did a little boy from Latvia become one of the greatest and most original painters of the 20th century? Annie Cohen-Solal, author of the Jewish Lives biography Mark Rothko: Toward the Light in the Chapel, offers a fascinating exploration of the life and work of one of America’s most enigmatic postwar visual artists. Music in this episode: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Divertimento in E flat, K. 563 - II. Adagio How did a little boy from Latvia become one of the greatest and most original painters of the 20th century? Annie Cohen-Solal, author of the Jewish Lives biography Mark Rothko: Toward the Light in the Chapel, offers a fascinating exploration of the life and work of one of America’s most enigmatic postwar visual artists. Music in this episode: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Divertimento in E flat, K. 563 - II. Adagio yale university press, modern art, rothko, art, biography, modernist art, painting, painter, mark rothko, jewish, jewish lives, judaism false full 22 f386930f-5fd4-44cd-bf14-a1c6b97e2b2a HANK GREENBERG Mon, 26 Apr 2021 11:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Yale University Press, Jewish, biography, Hank Greenberg, Judaism, baseball, Detroit Tigers) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/hank-greenberg-QMWCMd7V HANK GREENBERG Yale University Press, Jewish, biography, Hank Greenberg, Judaism, baseball, Detroit Tigers 00:16:08 Hank Greenberg was a baseball legend. Mark Kurlansky, author of the Jewish Lives biography Hank Greenberg: The Hero Who Didn’t Want to Be One, offers a robust exploration of the slugger's Bronx boyhood, his spectacular discipline as an aspiring ballplayer, and the cultural context of virulent anti-Semitism in which his career played out. Hank Greenberg was a baseball legend. Mark Kurlansky, author of the Jewish Lives biography Hank Greenberg: The Hero Who Didn’t Want to Be One, offers a robust exploration of the slugger's Bronx boyhood, his spectacular discipline as an aspiring ballplayer, and the cultural context of virulent anti-Semitism in which his career played out. false full 21 cf85da97-c4f9-49af-b698-d71e6174b825 BEN-GURION Wed, 31 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/ben-gurion-lYOgxnYX BEN-GURION Jewish Lives 00:19:25 David Ben-Gurion is a Zionist icon. Anita Shapira, author of the Jewish Lives biography Ben-Gurion: Father of Modern Israel, explores the inner life of the Zionist leader responsible for the creation of the state of Israel. David Ben-Gurion is a Zionist icon. Anita Shapira, author of the Jewish Lives biography Ben-Gurion: Father of Modern Israel, explores the inner life of the Zionist leader responsible for the creation of the state of Israel. yale university press, biography, israel, zionism, ben-gurion, judaism false full 20 5c2d6c3f-35ab-470f-8d2c-5795ab65524c BUGSY SIEGEL Wed, 24 Feb 2021 21:30:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/bugsy-siegel-ShZMsix6 BUGSY SIEGEL Jewish Lives 00:19:59 Bugsy Siegel was a notorious Jewish gangster who ascended from impoverished beginnings to the glittering Las Vegas strip. Michael Shnayerson, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Bugsy Siegel: The Dark Side of the American Dream, sets out not to absolve Siegel but rather to understand him in all his complexity. Bugsy Siegel was a notorious Jewish gangster who ascended from impoverished beginnings to the glittering Las Vegas strip. Michael Shnayerson, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Bugsy Siegel: The Dark Side of the American Dream, sets out not to absolve Siegel but rather to understand him in all his complexity. bugsy, gangster, yale university press, organized crime, biography, las vegas, jewish, hollywood, jewish lives, horse race, judaism, bugsy siegel false full 19 45cf7c7a-c87d-47e8-b561-2d8334ee14b9 PROUST Thu, 28 Jan 2021 19:41:57 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/marcel-proust-l7Oswvjl PROUST Jewish Lives 00:17:30 Marcel Proust was one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Benjamin Taylor, author of the Jewish Lives biography Proust: The Search, explores how despite momentous historical and personal events, Proust became—against all expectations—one of the greatest writers of any era. Music in this episode: Camille Saint-Saëns - The Swan Claude Debussy - Clair de Lune Marcel Proust was one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Benjamin Taylor, author of the Jewish Lives biography Proust: The Search, explores how despite momentous historical and personal events, Proust became—against all expectations—one of the greatest writers of any era. Music in this episode: Camille Saint-Saëns - The Swan Claude Debussy - Clair de Lune fiction, yale university press, proust, biography, france, bildungsroman, novel, literature, belle epoque, jewish, roman a clef, judaism false full 18 22595c2f-0cdf-41af-b10f-3a446af57813 BEN HECHT Mon, 21 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Adina Hoffman) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/ben-hecht-1suL4YVI BEN HECHT Adina Hoffman 00:22:25 Ben Hecht was one of America’s greatest screenwriters. Adina Hoffman, author of the Jewish Lives biography, Ben Hecht: Fighting Words, Moving Pictures, provides a vibrant portrait of one of the most accomplished and quick-witted writers in Hollywood. Ben Hecht was one of America’s greatest screenwriters. Adina Hoffman, author of the Jewish Lives biography, Ben Hecht: Fighting Words, Moving Pictures, provides a vibrant portrait of one of the most accomplished and quick-witted writers in Hollywood. yale university press, ben hecht, biography, noir, history, gangster movie, screwball comedy, jewish, hollywood, jewish lives, judaism false full 17 e434e17e-fc0e-4b38-9859-a24e6d2c15de HEINRICH HEINE Wed, 18 Nov 2020 12:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/henrich-heine-Ph49Vdgl HEINRICH HEINE Jewish Lives 00:22:40 Heinrich Heine (1797–1856) was one of Germany’s most important, world-famous, and imaginative writers. George Prochnik, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Heinrich Heine: Writing the Revolution, offers a window into the dynamic life story and strikingly original writing of the virtuoso poet. Music in this episode: Felix Mendelssohn - Lieder ohne Worte, Op.67: No. 2. Allegro leggiero in F sharp minor "Lost Illusions" Felix Mendelssohn - Auf Flugeln des Gesanges Heinrich Heine (1797–1856) was one of Germany’s most important, world-famous, and imaginative writers. George Prochnik, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Heinrich Heine: Writing the Revolution, offers a window into the dynamic life story and strikingly original writing of the virtuoso poet. Music in this episode: Felix Mendelssohn - Lieder ohne Worte, Op.67: No. 2. Allegro leggiero in F sharp minor "Lost Illusions" Felix Mendelssohn - Auf Flugeln des Gesanges yale university press, biography, romantic poetry, poet, history, henrich heine, poetry, jewish lives, germany, judaism false full 16 8c9e5557-6f67-4209-9936-646dedeccac7 PEGGY GUGGENHEIM Thu, 22 Oct 2020 12:00:00 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Francine Prose) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/peggy-guggenheim-hXWiXqIn PEGGY GUGGENHEIM Francine Prose 00:20:15 Peggy Guggenheim was one of 20th century America’s most influential patrons of the arts. Francine Prose, author of the Jewish Lives biography Peggy Guggenheim: The Shock of the Modern, offers a spirited portrait of the colorful, irrepressible, and iconoclastic American collector who fearlessly advanced the cause of modern art. Peggy Guggenheim was one of 20th century America’s most influential patrons of the arts. Francine Prose, author of the Jewish Lives biography Peggy Guggenheim: The Shock of the Modern, offers a spirited portrait of the colorful, irrepressible, and iconoclastic American collector who fearlessly advanced the cause of modern art. venice, yale university press, modern art, art, biography, peggy guggenheim, modernist art, history, jackson pollock, 20th century, jewish, art collector, jewish lives, guggenheim, judaism, new york false full 15 22fff579-eb9c-4e0b-979e-2bdb20c0616e DAVID Mon, 14 Sep 2020 11:00:07 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (David Wolpe) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/david-xRJCSw5x DAVID David Wolpe 00:20:10 Legendary warrior. Poet. Servant of God. Adulterer. King.   Rabbi David Wolpe, author of the Jewish Lives biography David: The Divided Heart, takes a fresh look at biblical David in an attempt to find coherence in his seemingly contradictory actions and impulses. Music in this episode: Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah Legendary warrior. Poet. Servant of God. Adulterer. King.   Rabbi David Wolpe, author of the Jewish Lives biography David: The Divided Heart, takes a fresh look at biblical David in an attempt to find coherence in his seemingly contradictory actions and impulses. Music in this episode: Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah yale university press, torah, king saul, biography, biblical david, king david, history, bible, goliath, bathsheba, jewish, old testament, king solomon, judaism false full 14 c24e4ec8-3fbc-4b32-9f26-1cf35c66b6fd STANLEY KUBRICK Wed, 26 Aug 2020 11:00:18 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (David Mikics) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/stanley-kubrick-TDN_l7eU STANLEY KUBRICK David Mikics 00:21:41 Stanley Kubrick is one of the most influential filmmakers in cinematic history. David Mikics, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Stanley Kubrick: American Filmmaker, uncovers the personal side of Kubrick’s films and how they revolutionized Hollywood. Music in this episode: Johann Strauss II - Blue Danube Waltz Richard Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathustra Stanley Kubrick is one of the most influential filmmakers in cinematic history. David Mikics, author of the new Jewish Lives biography Stanley Kubrick: American Filmmaker, uncovers the personal side of Kubrick’s films and how they revolutionized Hollywood. Music in this episode: Johann Strauss II - Blue Danube Waltz Richard Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathustra yale university press, torah, movies, biography, the shining, history, 2001 space odyssey, horror, clockwork orange, film, director, stanley kubrick, sci-fi, jewish, judaism false full 13 ef7e3aa2-645d-4d38-b40c-87a08e2b0360 EINSTEIN Wed, 22 Jul 2020 11:30:04 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Steven Gimbel) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/einstein-fEXLUWY0 EINSTEIN Steven Gimbel 00:23:37 Einstein was the world’s first “scientific superstar.” Steven Gimbel, author of the Jewish Lives biography Einstein: His Space and Times, explores the life of the brilliant innovator whose Theory of Relativity forever reshaped our understanding of time. Music in this episode: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Violin Sonata No. 24 in F, K. 376 Einstein was the world’s first “scientific superstar.” Steven Gimbel, author of the Jewish Lives biography Einstein: His Space and Times, explores the life of the brilliant innovator whose Theory of Relativity forever reshaped our understanding of time. Music in this episode: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Violin Sonata No. 24 in F, K. 376 relativity, yale university press, physics, nobel prize, biography, zionism, albert einstein, general relativity, nobel, atomic bomb, atom, jewish, jewish lives, special relativity, yale, judaism false full 12 d82ed77b-b098-41a8-8b7c-6159c7d58041 SARAH BERNHARDT Wed, 24 Jun 2020 19:09:57 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/sarah-bernhardt-uyxHm33p SARAH BERNHARDT Jewish Lives 00:19:28 Everything about Sarah Bernhardt is fascinating, from her obscure birth to her glorious career to her highly public romantic life and her indomitable spirit. Robert Gottlieb, author of the Jewish Lives biography Sarah: The Life of Sarah Bernhardt tracks the trajectory through which an illegitimate—and scandalous—daughter of a courtesan transformed herself into the most famous actress who ever lived, and into a national icon, a symbol of France. Music in this episode: Erik Satie performed by Michael Rettig (Klavier) und Miran Zrimsek (Cello) - Gnossienne No. 1 (Klavier, Cello) Everything about Sarah Bernhardt is fascinating, from her obscure birth to her glorious career to her highly public romantic life and her indomitable spirit. Robert Gottlieb, author of the Jewish Lives biography Sarah: The Life of Sarah Bernhardt tracks the trajectory through which an illegitimate—and scandalous—daughter of a courtesan transformed herself into the most famous actress who ever lived, and into a national icon, a symbol of France. Music in this episode: Erik Satie performed by Michael Rettig (Klavier) und Miran Zrimsek (Cello) - Gnossienne No. 1 (Klavier, Cello) yale university press, biography, france, acting, jewish, jewish lives, sarah bernhardt, yale, actress false full 11 2592d61a-1cef-4ad3-be75-ebd6dffd7895 HARVEY MILK Thu, 21 May 2020 11:00:08 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Lillian Faderman) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/harvey-milk-BqkJZ2G0 HARVEY MILK Lillian Faderman 00:19:33 Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man elected to public office in California. Lillian Faderman, author of the Jewish Lives biography Harvey Milk: His Lives and Death, explores the legacy of a man fiercely committed to protecting all minorities. Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man elected to public office in California. Lillian Faderman, author of the Jewish Lives biography Harvey Milk: His Lives and Death, explores the legacy of a man fiercely committed to protecting all minorities. gay rights, lgbtq, yale university press, moscone, biography, lgbtqia, biograpy, harvey milk, jewish lives, san francisco, judaism false full 10 c49850b7-0e10-4f75-84d6-231548481cb7 STAN LEE Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:00:22 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Liel Leibovitz) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/stan-lee-4YtNkOfN STAN LEE Liel Leibovitz 00:16:06 Few artists have had as much of an impact on American popular culture as comic book revolutionary Stan Lee. Liel Leibovitz, author of the Jewish Lives biography Stan Lee: A Life in Comics, shares a meditation on the deeply Jewish and surprisingly spiritual roots of Stan Lee and Marvel Comics. Few artists have had as much of an impact on American popular culture as comic book revolutionary Stan Lee. Liel Leibovitz, author of the Jewish Lives biography Stan Lee: A Life in Comics, shares a meditation on the deeply Jewish and surprisingly spiritual roots of Stan Lee and Marvel Comics. superhero, x-men, yale university press, stan lee, biography, the hulk, marvel comics, fantastic four, the avengers, jewish, judaism false full 9 ad0f1173-ca79-4d9d-b46b-3c245cf4addb HOUDINI Mon, 30 Mar 2020 11:30:09 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/harry-houdini-IEznY3yP HOUDINI Jewish Lives 00:16:43 Harry Houdini was the world's greatest escape artist. Adam Begley, author of the Jewish Lives biography Houdini: The Elusive American, offers insight into why such a tremendously gifted performer risked his life again and again. Harry Houdini was the world's greatest escape artist. Adam Begley, author of the Jewish Lives biography Houdini: The Elusive American, offers insight into why such a tremendously gifted performer risked his life again and again. escapology, yale university press, torah, biography, harry houdini, history, illusionist, jewish, magic, magician, judaism false full 8 ba2f5e27-259d-47b8-af80-32c59445538c THEODOR HERZL Wed, 11 Mar 2020 13:00:01 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/theodor-herzl-FhOpf8kv THEODOR HERZL Jewish Lives 00:22:09 How did an assimilated European Jew become the leader of the Zionist movement? Hear from eminent historian Derek Penslar, author of the new acclaimed Jewish Lives biography Theodor Herzl: The Charismatic Leader How did an assimilated European Jew become the leader of the Zionist movement? Hear from eminent historian Derek Penslar, author of the new acclaimed Jewish Lives biography Theodor Herzl: The Charismatic Leader yale university press, theodor herzl, biography, israel, zionism, history, jewish question, jewish, judaism false full 7 02404dfb-8320-4e48-be99-8620012cde3e LOUIS D. BRANDEIS Wed, 5 Feb 2020 01:00:06 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Jewish Lives) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/louis-brandeis-o8CqXDWb LOUIS D. BRANDEIS Jewish Lives 00:22:17 Louis D. Brandeis was the most farseeing constitutional philosopher of the twentieth century. Jeffrey Rosen, author of the Jewish Lives biography Louis D. Brandeis: American Prophet, shares a riveting examination of the leading progressive justice. Music by Bensound.com Tape sync by Jackie McDermott. Louis D. Brandeis was the most farseeing constitutional philosopher of the twentieth century. Jeffrey Rosen, author of the Jewish Lives biography Louis D. Brandeis: American Prophet, shares a riveting examination of the leading progressive justice. Music by Bensound.com Tape sync by Jackie McDermott. yale university press, brandeis, biography, law, louis brandeis, history, justice, jewish lives, scotus, supreme court false full 6 83296e35-29c0-42e9-870a-62ef26d22299 BARBRA STREISAND Mon, 6 Jan 2020 22:22:44 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Neal Gabler) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/barbra-streisand-3Pl1pXdI BARBRA STREISAND Neal Gabler 00:24:19 Barbra Streisand is a cultural icon who continues to challenge Hollywood’s standards of beauty and glamour. Neal Gabler, author of the Jewish Lives biography Barbra Streisand: Redefining Beauty, Femininity, and Power, shares an enthralling appreciation of the monumentally gifted popular artist. Music in this Episode: Barbra Streisand - Happy Days Are Here Again Barbra Streisand - The Way We Were Barbra Streisand - Don't Rain On My Parade Barbra Streisand - People Barbra Streisand - Cry Me a River Barbra Streisand is a cultural icon who continues to challenge Hollywood’s standards of beauty and glamour. Neal Gabler, author of the Jewish Lives biography Barbra Streisand: Redefining Beauty, Femininity, and Power, shares an enthralling appreciation of the monumentally gifted popular artist. Music in this Episode: Barbra Streisand - Happy Days Are Here Again Barbra Streisand - The Way We Were Barbra Streisand - Don't Rain On My Parade Barbra Streisand - People Barbra Streisand - Cry Me a River yale university press, biography, brooklyn, pop, barbra streisand, jewish lives, musicals false full 5 20cba123-1ccd-4e1a-a717-22f2c9aeacb8 IRVING BERLIN Mon, 18 Nov 2019 06:18:56 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (James Kaplan) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/irving-berlin-dRERdlOU IRVING BERLIN James Kaplan 00:25:12 Irving Berlin has been called—by George Gershwin, among others—the greatest songwriter of the golden age of American popular song. James Kaplan, author of the Jewish Lives biography Irving Berlin: New York Genius, underscores Berlin’s unique brilliance as a composer, his witty, wily, and tough Jewish immigrant experience, and his continued relevance in American popular culture today. Music in this Episode: Ethel Merman - There's No Business Like Show Business Fred Astaire - Puttin' on the Ritz Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald - Cheek to Cheek Frank Sinatra - Cheek to Cheek Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett - Cheek to Cheek Bing Crosby - Play a Simple Melody Nat King Cole - I Love a Piano Billie Holiday - Isn't This a Lovely Day Kate Smith - God Bless America Sam Cooke - The Song Is Ended (But the Melody Lingers on) Ethel Waters - Supper Time The Drifters - White Christmas Tony Bennett - When I Lost You Anita O'Day - Let's Face the Music and Dance Eva Cassidy - Blue Skies Irving Berlin has been called—by George Gershwin, among others—the greatest songwriter of the golden age of American popular song. James Kaplan, author of the Jewish Lives biography Irving Berlin: New York Genius, underscores Berlin’s unique brilliance as a composer, his witty, wily, and tough Jewish immigrant experience, and his continued relevance in American popular culture today. Music in this Episode: Ethel Merman - There's No Business Like Show Business Fred Astaire - Puttin' on the Ritz Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald - Cheek to Cheek Frank Sinatra - Cheek to Cheek Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett - Cheek to Cheek Bing Crosby - Play a Simple Melody Nat King Cole - I Love a Piano Billie Holiday - Isn't This a Lovely Day Kate Smith - God Bless America Sam Cooke - The Song Is Ended (But the Melody Lingers on) Ethel Waters - Supper Time The Drifters - White Christmas Tony Bennett - When I Lost You Anita O'Day - Let's Face the Music and Dance Eva Cassidy - Blue Skies composers, irving berlin, yale university press, songwriting, biography, jazz, jewish lives, god bless america, new york false full 4 556c823e-7d8d-4cec-828e-b3c1c31da2cf EMMA GOLDMAN Fri, 18 Oct 2019 05:33:24 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Vivian Gornick) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/emma-goldman-FC6Z1GPt EMMA GOLDMAN Vivian Gornick 00:19:36 Anarchist par excellence, Emma Goldman is one of the memorable political figures of our time. Vivian Gornick, author of the Jewish Lives biography Emma Goldman: Revolution as a Way of Life, draws a surpassingly intimate and insightful portrait of a woman of epic proportions. Anarchist par excellence, Emma Goldman is one of the memorable political figures of our time. Vivian Gornick, author of the Jewish Lives biography Emma Goldman: Revolution as a Way of Life, draws a surpassingly intimate and insightful portrait of a woman of epic proportions. yale university press, vivian gornick, protest, feminism, history, anarchism, emma goldman, jewish lives false full 3 b3a2068c-b7b9-4e1b-8df2-904f8c82a0b3 MOSES Tue, 17 Sep 2019 06:39:12 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/moses-GYpheSvC MOSES Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg 00:23:08 No figure looms larger in Jewish culture than Moses, and few have stories more enigmatic. Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg, author of the Jewish Lives biography Moses: A Human Life, offers an unprecedented portrait of Moses's inner world and perplexing character. No figure looms larger in Jewish culture than Moses, and few have stories more enigmatic. Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg, author of the Jewish Lives biography Moses: A Human Life, offers an unprecedented portrait of Moses's inner world and perplexing character. exodus, torah, avivah gottlieb zornberg, bible, biblical scholarship, jewish lives false full 2 d9453e81-87c1-4bbe-b204-77af2890bf83 KARL MARX Fri, 9 Aug 2019 16:09:40 +0000 contact@jewishlives.org (Shlomo Avineri) https://the-jewish-lives-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/karl-marx-sZRkDAH7 KARL MARX Shlomo Avineri 00:14:55 Karl Marx is one of the most influential and revolutionary thinkers in modern history, but his Jewish background is either overlooked or misrepresented. Shlomo Avineri, author of the Jewish Lives biography Karl Marx: Philosophy and Revolution, puts Marx’s Jewish background in its proper and balanced context. Karl Marx is one of the most influential and revolutionary thinkers in modern history, but his Jewish background is either overlooked or misrepresented. Shlomo Avineri, author of the Jewish Lives biography Karl Marx: Philosophy and Revolution, puts Marx’s Jewish background in its proper and balanced context. yale university press, biography, karl marx, marxism, communism, jewish, jewish lives, socialism, yale, judaism false full 1