Jewish History Nerds
Episodes
Why Did Sammy Davis Jr. Become Jewish?
Hosts Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner explore Sammy Davis Jr.
Al Jolson and The Jazz Singer: The Jewish Story Behind Hollywood’s First Talkie
Hosts Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner explore the Jewish origins of Hollywood, focusing on Al Jolson and the 1927 film *The Jazz Singer*.
The Girl Rabbi of the Golden West: Ray Frank Revisted
Hosts Ya'al Steiner and Jonathan Schwab revisit the story of Ray Frank, the "Girl Rabbi of the Golden West.
How a Plate of Shrimp Changed American Judaism
Hosts Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab examine the 1883 "Trefa Banquet," a controversial dinner served to Hebrew Union College’s first rabbinical…
Revisiting Emma Goldman: Anarchism, Feminism...and Judaism?
Hosts Ya'al Steiner and Jonathan Schwab explore the life of anarchist Emma Goldman, examining her radical views on anti-state politics, birth control, and individual liberty.
How Emma Lazarus Gave the Statue of Liberty Its Voice
Hosts Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner explore how Emma Lazarus, a wealthy American Jew, became the voice of the Statue of Liberty.
Emma Lazarus Was Born Rich. Why Did She Speak for the Poor?