I am watching these for the second time...to remind my feeble brain of all the details I forgot after watching the first time around. Thank you, Dr Abramson, for your time, energy and effort.
Professor Abramson, I've watched two of your lectures on the Crash Course in Jewish History and intend to finish them up. They are a marvelous outline of Jewish History. I am amazed, and sometimes horrified, by what that experience has been. And am especially impressed by the resilience you highlight in this history.
Dr. Abramson. Thank you for another wonderful lecture. You’re helping me get through this stay at home order in NYS. I think this is my 15th of your videos. I’ll try to join this week.
Endlessly fascinating. I’m in California and atheist. I love learning about religions and the more I learn about this people the more respect I have. That is not my experience when learning about Christianity and especially not Islam.
The closer the " new waves" are kicking, the more complicated, unauthenticated and politicised they become. Jewish history, the Judaic anthropology, if i may say, is the most fascinating and original amongst them all.
@@susanstein6604 I dont think of Christianity that way. I view it as a theft that occurred after Rome destroyed their temple and stole or attempted to destroy all their books. The people who stole it, who wanted to contaminate it for their purposes manufactured a myth around an executed zealot named Jesus. Next, a vile man named Paul spread the new myth mess.
You usually can't comment but I'm.glad you can because I must say, that Far Rockaway/Long Island railroad joke was excellent, you're best work. 👌🤣🤣 Thank you again Mr. Abramson. I very much enjoy learning from your lectures. Thank you, thank you.
I have been enjoying this history series, but it would be much more enjoyable if the viewers on platforms such as TH-cam were able to see the screen as in the live audience. Possibly something like a split screen mode, might work. Thanks, Denise
Glad you're enjoying the series! Maybe if I had a little more time to spend in the editing. I'm just so occupied by research and teaching to work on the editing. Maybe I'll get an intern sometime.
@@HenryAbramsonPhD I for one am so incredibly thankful for the work you do. You mustn't have time to sleep. AND you 'only' work 6 days a week. Very much appreciate your work.
Your first episode was excellent. Your second episode was excellent. What seems to be missing is from Constantine/Augustine to the medieval period. How the breakdown in Jewish Christians the point to where it’s insanity became inextricable and systematized. I know this is a topic in and of itself and perhaps for a diff extent audience But a video 1a that details the separation of Jewish Christianity to the point of mad retribution desperately needs more attention. Hitler and Nazism did not spring from nowhere but from centuries of build up. Likewise, to go from Augustine to insanity needs a clear understanding in the public. The journey from Jewish Christianity pre First Jewish revolt to Constantine is better understood. In any event, your scholarship and humour is first rate!! ;)
WOW, Doc I'm WOKE Now. Man of God you are on it. Thank GOD I found your channel in the last days. Doc Keep teaching and spreading the Most High Word. I pray for your ministry and family GOD Bless You. "🙌 Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah"!!!
Hebrew/Yiddish terms used in video translated: Shul - synagogue Daven - prayer Yeshiva - Talmudic school Bochur - yeshivah student Mikveh - ritual purification bath Chavruta - pair of yeshiva students learning Talmud together Tsuris - problems/difficulties Bimah - altar-like platform in a synagogue Kiddush - blessing said over wine on Shabbat Hazzan - leader/cantor of prayer in a synagogue Diwan - poetry collection Matzvah - cracker-like unleavened bread eaten as Passover (Pesach) festival
Fascinating lecture. So much information that is new to me, and which helps me appreciate Jewish history and culture on a whole new level. Very humbling, too-to become aware of how little I know about post-Bible times and Judaism in general. Thank you.
Great work. I think you would be perfect for an audible course with ‘great courses’ on Jewish History, which is currently missing in their vast historical catalogue. There is a course on biblical Israel which is good, but is limited in scope. Hit them up.
These lectures are especially valuable to those of us who are followers of Jesus. Professor Abramson takes apart many of our mythologies and misunderstandings of the evolution of the Jewish sacred materials in what we call the Old Testament. Many of the study practices which are woven into the Talmud and the sources of that material is helpful in restructuring the way we talk about our Christian literature of the first century. His description of the religious groups, which are the points of arguments with Jesus, expands our understanding of these conflicts. The Pharisees and Sadducees were not unified entities, but were radically in conflict. Yet; Jesus managed to unite them in their opposition to Jesus. Thank you for these amazing insights!
The Pharisees were not opposed to Jesus. Jesus often had a stricter interpretation of law than the Pharisees.The Pharisees decided that saving lives supersedes any law such as Sabbath observance. The depiction of the Pharisees in the “New Testament” is distorted and inaccurate.
היי אחלה סירטונים אני חרדי חסידי לשעבר ממש תודה על השיעורים באמת יש לי עכשיו הרבה יותר הערכה ליהדות שאני באמת לומד את ההיסטוריה בישיבה איפה שלמדתי רק לימדו אותי מה שהם רצו שאני ידע תודה שאתם מגישים את זה בצורה כ"כ טובה ואתם מראים את כל הצדדים גם את החלקים הפחות משמחים זה באמת מביא הערכה גדולה ברגע שיודעים את ההיסטוריה העשירה של עם היהודי תודה רבה ופורים שמח מירושלים
Many thanks for all of your videos - as a gentile i am fascinated by the philosophical dynamics of Judaism (kabbalah, maimonides, spinoza, buber - the relation to neo-platonism - and later reverberations in arendt, derrida, levinas, etc.) - but i was wondering if there is any secular work that can give me a foothold-overview on the themes, content, history of the torrah, mishna, talmud, tanakh, kabbalah, etc. in a way that doesn't presuppose my being jewish. I find internet research always hits a wall of confusion and obscurity which a good book would circumvent. Any recommendations would be great. Otherwise keep on with your bad self - ive seen a ton of your videos and i love your style and accessibility - i applaud your mastery (and often times patience) in handling the context of these "public lecture" formatted talks.
While it's not a secular source, I've personally found the essays in the back of the Jewish Study Bible, 2nd edition to be a very helpful introduction to these and many other topics. I'm not Jewish either, but I've found them very clear and accessible and a great jumping off point for further study, and there are several hundred pages of them so they practically constitute their own book in addition to the Tanakh and commentary. Regarding the history of the Mishnah and Talmud specifically, the book From Text to Tradition is a good one, as it follows similar themes as Dr. Abramson but goes into more detail than you can in a lecture.
I recommend having a great bowl of Matzah Ball Soup @ Langers Delicatessen… here in Los Angeles… and attempting to carry on a nuanced conversation with the Red Haired Lady @ the front counter, when you go up to pay the bill for more than a few seconds, as I presume that would provide you with all the context and information on the subjects you might ever be able to tolerate without having a complete nervous breakdown or G-d forbid worse oh 🤦🏻♂️ and don’t forget to purchase a way overpriced bar of Joyva marbled Halavah on the way out as that’s known to improve comprehension tenfold . Other than that all I can recommend is perhaps taking a really good two hour afternoon drimmle 🛌 afterwards, and possibly upon waking up going to the putting green ⛳️ later on for a kibitz before you go home to flip back and forth through all the Television News channels, while checking the days index in the Wall St. Journal, that is if you’re able to locate the remote control and tolerate the dog barking for ten minutes every time a car drives by, and than shouting into the kitchen to ask your wife “vatz fir dinna”… only to here back… “hurry up it’s already getting cold” 🤦🏻♂️ 🤣 Nu 🤷🏻♂️ I hope that helps but if not 🥸 Vhat do you vant from me 🤷🏻♂️?
your lectures are instructive and fascinating. it appears that jews in the middle ages and even earlier were integrated in all areas throughout the diaspora. rabbi gershom the light of the exile was a court physician and there was a jewish general named alexander in the roman army. meytal menkin, rechovot israel
Shalom shalom, moreh Abramson. As usual, it was a real pleasure to watch and listen to this lecture. Off topic, I´ve followed your series about the French Jewry, and since I have a personal interest in that subject, I was wondering if you have gone in detail about Napoleon Bonaparte and the actions he took concerning the French Jews. If you haven´t, I would really like to hear your personal opinion about it. I value your points of view in very high esteem ( not that it means anything ). There has been much debate about Napoleon and the Jews, and perhaps you could enlighten us with your knowledge. Than you very much for every single one of your videos.
Certainly an eye-opener and a constant reminder for all of us no matter the faith to keep on our toes lest these horrific atrocities happen again. Thank you, Professor Abramson.
Regarding the Sefardi _paytanim_ writing poetry for hire, there are many - primarily Chasidim - that invite a _badchan_ to a wedding to speak about the groom and bride in rhyme. So the concept is still widely practiced. On a similar topic, have you ever done a lecture on the Ashkenazi _paytanim,_ R' Meshulam ben Kalynymous, R' Shimon HaGadol, and their families and students?
@@HenryAbramsonPhD Going by taking the name of the profession literally, perhaps. But in practice, the _badchan_ before the _Chupa_ (marriage ceremony) is entirely serious, the goal being _hisorerus_ and _teshuva,_ and the lines will be entirely in verse. At the end of the wedding, the _badchan_ at a _mitzvah tantz_ might insert some witticisms, but anything requiring a serious tone - lauding the bride and groom and their parents - will also be in verse. Often, the verse is offhand or with little preparation, and usually chanted or sung to a well known (slow) tune. But there are some well-known pieces that were originally composed as _grammen_ (rhymes) for a simcha, such as the Yiddish poem _Eizehu Mekoman._
@@HenryAbramsonPhD I greatly appreciate that you have chosen to do this great teaching on Judaism, though I am not a Jew, I fear that the culture is moving once again to the horror of the anti semitism that ruled the earth 100 years ago. This time in the guise of hatred of the Jewish state Israel. Anyway, again, thank you for your teaching the knowledge that God has allowed you to accumulate in your life, it is both deeply enlightening snd enjoyable to listen to
Makes me realize just how brilliant the Jewish civilization is. This civilization is made of ideas and texts. It is also composed of a magnificent social structure that really works. No other people on earth can lay claim to it. No wonder the Jews were able to regain their country from nothing and become the preeminent start up nation, while defending itself against overwhelming odds. Amazing.
Wonderful thankyou, found the 1st one. On to second now. Sadly the maps, illustrations very small on mobile. A little closer would have enriched it so much.
Thankyou so much for posting these lectures on TH-cam. I am non-Jewish and have been intrigued at the treatment of Jews throughout history. From your lectures (2 down 2 to go) I am now able to at least understand the history. However I will never be able to understand nor accept the noxious anti-semitism that is practised by so many around the world. Resilient and Resourceful indeed.
7-Eleven is a convenience store, not a fast food place (=restaurant). You can get a corn dog or slice of pizza, but there is no place to sit down to eat. Well I guess maybe the curb out front of the store.
Yasher Koach Dr Henry i love listening to your lecturers from Melbourne Australia. well done best regards to the 'gang' Chaplain Rodriegez and the whole Abramson Family that help you and support you! Quick question: Isn't the Hadrian Period one of the most antisemitic periods in time.
Great Lecture. However; the yellow star of David was not invented in Nazi Germany, or in Khmel'nitzki's Ukraine, it was invented in Baghdad in order to humiliate the Jews, it's very sad that many historians romanticize Jewish- Muslim relations, mostly basing them on the Golden age of Jews in medieval Spain. The details are neglected. Perhaps partially, because there are no major artifacts left and there was no secular written recollection of the pogroms, and forced conversion, as well as other types of persecution. The question is always arises, why there were such a small number of Mizrachi Jews prior to exodus to Israel? is it why there were more jews in the Pale of Settlement than in the entire middle east if jews in Muslim Lands had it easier than their brothers in Europe???
Regarding the Spanish expulsion, wasn't there a racist element there and not just economic or religious? The Spanish regime had a so-called "purity of blood" concept which preceded the Nuremberg laws by centuries.
It is astonishing to me how I had no idea whatsoever who Shimon Bar-Kochba was or what any of that was about until reading a book co authored by a Reform Rabbi named Ted Falcon and his good friend and colleague David Blatner. I was under the impression from a 2 year junior community college History professor that the Roman Empire after it transformed from a Republic never lost a battle. From what you explained about that 4 year revolt it was clearly not the case ... 30:07 Also that same aforementioned book called Judaism for Dummies" very much like you've described Judaism and Islam have clearly not all but far more common with each other than Christianity. It is a very large part of the reason why I don't subsrcibe to Roman Catholicism or any other type of Christianity as a result of constant socially concrete unnecessary ambiguity and opposing doctrines and forced creeds. Like the example you told about the trick played with the sign in the cafeteria at a Yeshiva. Until recent non sensical violence in the past couple hundred years Rabbi Falcon explained just like you have; that Jewish people and Muslims have gotten along better than with Christians. Maybe it's because I have Aspergers Syndrome and see things in pictures and have a runaway imagination wondering what people and things actually looked and sounded like from hearing about stories of archeologists in the 1950'-60's C.E. finding tunnels and evidence of what happened with the Bar-Kochba revolt and looking at each other saying "Oh my G-d; man what on Earth happened here".
@@SikanderG I believe they have something in the Qur'an that paints Jews and Christians in a bad light. Their prayer also states "lead us on the straight path not the path of those that goes astray" meaning the Jews and Christians gone astray. I am just assuming.
54:20 the bizarre idea that Jewish men menstruate... hmm, wokeism is neo-medieval? OK, always thought it should be called REgressive, not "progressive"
It is kind of funny for a special mistake פרנס. Parnas This is the root for parnasa. "Making a living". "Providing the means to be" Basically talking about the rich person of the community or the one whose wealth and work provides for the community. And as we know "bahal ha mea is bahal ha-deha" President comes from a more latin root. A root which by the way we took and made it also a word in hebrew President= prae-sedere Sedere=to sit. Seder pesach. A full blown use of a roman word for one of the most important things in our jewish heritage. And why not? סנהדרין That is also a greek word Many like that. Because it is normal
There are some that like to do this game of taking jewish words and plant them as a mean to say: "See our culture is at the source of modern western "judeo-christian" culture It is a mistake on at least 2 points 1. Our language in itself has been very highly influenced by the languages surrounding us. Like all languages do by the way. There are many more words we can find in the hebrew language from outside influences. The months of the calendar The word "shader" ש.ד.ר, is from persian roots 2. Cultures are not decided only from their religious background If one reads Leon Poliakov, "the aryan myth". One learns of the real way each modern country of europe took shape in the 19th century. For example one of the more solid and concrete people of europe at that time with a defined sense of "ham", people, are the hungarians. The magyars/hungarians are an amazing people for their cohesion And we can trully learn from the turmoils of the 19th century the influence on our people and the amazing decision of hovevi zion and then Herzel to go forth for declare self emancipation President is not rooted etymologically from פרנס
Excellent Study. My comment is about the pun images made by Christians to diminish the image of Jews. It’s not surprising but the irony is this, I grew up in a family that is majorly Christian, been to countless churches (as a kid I went to 9 different schools not counting preschool, so double that number and some) I AM a person who figured out what the New Jerusalem is and how to enter the Tree Of Life and I realized that every church I had been to was completely “blindfolded” to that goal of the true Baptism (purification and holy anointing) SO HERE we have a Christian image as said here (among many) that slanders Jews (I am also “Ashkenaz”) and literally… the truth is the opposite. It is the sacred wisdoms that were and are held by Judeans that ultimately leads to the Golden transformation, the foundation of these religions. And 1,000s of Christian churches are the blindfolded ones in worship, outside of the “Kingdoms of Heaven” having yet to enter their sacred Tree of Life. (deep sigh)
I started trying to get my knowledge about Israel up to speed when HAMAS, the evil terrorist group, FAKE MOSLEMS, attacked Israel on 10/7/2023. I learned that there were only 16 million Jewish people in the entire world! Of course I learned a lot more than that from this gifted teacher!
47:59 From what I've read, and I'm no scholar, the material 'Jewish' hat, the Judenhut, has never been recovered in archaeological digs or elsewhere. Some scholars believe that this motif was used in graphic media as a symbol, an identifier.
It's a great lecture. Except, as usual, the fate of Jews living under Islamic rule is depicted much better than it really was. The rules Jews had to live by were brutal. And massacres too were common, despite being formally prohibited. I could write a great deal about it, but time and TH-cam won't let me.
In the first episode of the 4 parts series, this professor specifically said that when the Jews arrived in the land of Israel from Mesopotamia, there were other people living on that land of Israel. There ! Also, when you had left the land for hundreds years, you cannot come back, knock at the door of a house and tell the inhabitant of the house that the house belongs to you. Too convenient. Granted that throughout the Jewish history, they had been expelled and mistreated etc. that's antisemitism and it's wrong but this doesn't mean that you have the right to claim the ancient land you had left hundreds years ago. Because the Jews have no more right to the land, now they come up with secularization of the Bible as the reason to claim the land. The reason why the Jews have a footing back to the land is thanks to the very wealthy Jew in the Lord House of the British Parliament, Lord Rothchild who had a wheeling and dealing at the end of WWI with the British in exchange of a piece of land in Palestine for the Jews.
Dr. Abramson, you are not correct about Christianity. Salvation by faith alone is the domain of only ONE branch of that religion. ONE. The older branches of the religion actually do demand deeds and not just words-you have to walk the walk as well as talk the talk. If what you say were true, there would be no such thing, for example, as Canon Law. Second, Christ said to follow the spirit of the law, not the letter. That is why a lot of the other requirements got chucked faster than you can say "fish with no scales are yummy." Early Christians rejected the model of rabbinical Judaism from day one-you might notice that the Pharisees don't get cast in a positive light in Christian holy books, EVER- and to this day the demands do not extend to what you eat, how you dress, and generally the personal micromanaging of the congregation. (FFS, Christ hung out with whores.-Uh huh, yeah, that would have made the Sanhedrin happy in the years before the destruction of the Second Temple /s.) Last, the shahada: there is one god and Mohammed is his prophet. Gee, I wonder where that got lifted from?...Hmmm, let me think..../s
Very interesting I was a catholic I am now a follower of Jesus thanks be to God I believe in the Middle Ages dark ages the Catholic Church also done this to Bible believing Christians
Catholicism and christianity are two very different religions....there are some so-called christian churches that follow catholic beliefs but a true christian would never take such a position against the Jews....the early christians were also called followers of the way
It seems the nazis have not invented cruelty. They just devised other means to express their meanness and cowardice, excelling in creativity to harm and destroy Hashem's presence in the world, for the sake of an imposter hater of Jacob, just like their brothers the antisemites throughout history, be their names be erased forever ! May Hashem bring us consolation and destroy 'Amaleq from head to toe momentarily definitely once and for all, leaving the world in peace so that something good may be built at last !
So you're going to kill all the men, women and children of a people just because they worship idolsl? If it is true then I feel like Jews themselves will become oppressors.
I am watching these for the second time...to remind my feeble brain of all the details I forgot after watching the first time around. Thank you, Dr Abramson, for your time, energy and effort.
Good ole straight up old fashioned lecture. Enjoyed it very much.
Thanks!
This is an absolutely exceptional series Dr. Abramson. Thank you so much for making this available online.
Professor Abramson, I've watched two of your lectures on the Crash Course in Jewish History and intend to finish them up. They are a marvelous outline of Jewish History. I am amazed, and sometimes horrified, by what that experience has been. And am especially impressed by the resilience you highlight in this history.
Wonderful series of lectures. Thank you for sharing them, Dr. Abramson!
Glad you like them!
Dr. Abramson. Thank you for another wonderful lecture. You’re helping me get through this stay at home order in NYS. I think this is my 15th of your videos. I’ll try to join this week.
I watched "Paul of Tarsus" and "Vilna Gaon" videos just last night. nice work!
This is the second lecture I have 'attended" absolutely enthralling to learn about our history and the events leading up to coming home to our Israel.
Dr. Abramson, my name is Abbi live in Tzfat. Childhood in Larchmont NY. Thanks so much. Love history so much. You help me fill my brain and my soul!!
CONGRATS ON 21K GREAT videos dr Abramson
Endlessly fascinating. I’m in California and atheist. I love learning about religions and the more I learn about this people the more respect I have. That is not my experience when learning about Christianity and especially not Islam.
Glad you enjoyed it!
The closer the " new waves" are kicking, the more complicated, unauthenticated and politicised they become. Jewish history, the Judaic anthropology, if i may say, is the most fascinating and original amongst them all.
Judaism isn’t Christianity without Jesus which some atheists think.
@@susanstein6604 I dont think of Christianity that way. I view it as a theft that occurred after Rome destroyed their temple and stole or attempted to destroy all their books. The people who stole it, who wanted to contaminate it for their purposes manufactured a myth around an executed zealot named Jesus. Next, a vile man named Paul spread the new myth mess.
You usually can't comment but I'm.glad you can because I must say, that Far Rockaway/Long Island railroad joke was excellent, you're best work. 👌🤣🤣
Thank you again Mr. Abramson. I very much enjoy learning from your lectures. Thank you, thank you.
I have been enjoying this history series, but it would be much more enjoyable if the viewers on platforms such as TH-cam were able to see the screen as in the live audience. Possibly something like a split screen mode, might work. Thanks, Denise
Glad you're enjoying the series! Maybe if I had a little more time to spend in the editing. I'm just so occupied by research and teaching to work on the editing. Maybe I'll get an intern sometime.
@@HenryAbramsonPhD I for one am so incredibly thankful for the work you do. You mustn't have time to sleep. AND you 'only' work 6 days a week. Very much appreciate your work.
Your first episode was excellent. Your second episode was excellent. What seems to be missing is from Constantine/Augustine to the medieval period. How the breakdown in Jewish Christians the point to where it’s insanity became inextricable and systematized. I know this is a topic in and of itself and perhaps for a diff extent audience But a video 1a that details the separation of Jewish Christianity to the point of mad retribution desperately needs more attention.
Hitler and Nazism did not spring from nowhere but from centuries of build up. Likewise, to go from Augustine to insanity needs a clear understanding in the public. The journey from Jewish Christianity pre First Jewish revolt to Constantine is better understood.
In any event, your scholarship and humour is first rate!! ;)
WOW, Doc I'm WOKE Now. Man of God you are on it. Thank GOD I found your channel in the last days. Doc Keep teaching and spreading the Most High Word. I pray for your ministry and family GOD Bless You. "🙌 Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah"!!!
Hebrew/Yiddish terms used in video translated:
Shul - synagogue
Daven - prayer
Yeshiva - Talmudic school
Bochur - yeshivah student
Mikveh - ritual purification bath
Chavruta - pair of yeshiva students learning Talmud together
Tsuris - problems/difficulties
Bimah - altar-like platform in a synagogue
Kiddush - blessing said over wine on Shabbat
Hazzan - leader/cantor of prayer in a synagogue
Diwan - poetry collection
Matzvah - cracker-like unleavened bread eaten as Passover (Pesach) festival
Thank you for your very interesting readings! I also appreciate your great sense of humour. Kind greetings from not so far away from the SCHUM Area🤗
Thank you! You too!
Fascinating lecture. So much information that is new to me, and which helps me appreciate Jewish history and culture on a whole new level. Very humbling, too-to become aware of how little I know about post-Bible times and Judaism in general.
Thank you.
Once again, enlightening and entertaining, todah!! If it wasn't for you and a handful of others, the internet would be a complete waste of time.
@@HenryAbramsonPhD :))
Great work. I think you would be perfect for an audible course with ‘great courses’ on Jewish History, which is currently missing in their vast historical catalogue. There is a course on biblical Israel which is good, but is limited in scope. Hit them up.
These lectures are especially valuable to those of us who are followers of Jesus. Professor Abramson takes apart many of our mythologies and misunderstandings of the evolution of the Jewish sacred materials in what we call the Old Testament. Many of the study practices which are woven into the Talmud and the sources of that material is helpful in restructuring the way we talk about our Christian literature of the first century. His description of the religious groups, which are the points of arguments with Jesus, expands our understanding of these conflicts. The Pharisees and Sadducees were not unified entities, but were radically in conflict. Yet; Jesus managed to unite them in their opposition to Jesus. Thank you for these amazing insights!
The Pharisees were not opposed to Jesus. Jesus often had a stricter interpretation of law than the Pharisees.The Pharisees decided that saving lives supersedes any law such as Sabbath observance. The depiction of the Pharisees in the “New Testament” is distorted and inaccurate.
היי אחלה סירטונים אני חרדי חסידי לשעבר ממש תודה על השיעורים באמת יש לי עכשיו הרבה יותר הערכה ליהדות שאני באמת לומד את ההיסטוריה
בישיבה איפה שלמדתי רק לימדו אותי מה שהם רצו שאני ידע
תודה שאתם מגישים את זה בצורה כ"כ טובה ואתם מראים את כל הצדדים גם את החלקים הפחות משמחים זה באמת מביא הערכה גדולה ברגע שיודעים את ההיסטוריה העשירה של עם היהודי
תודה רבה ופורים שמח מירושלים
בבקשה, פורים שמח ועכשיו חג כשר ושמח!
Many thanks for all of your videos - as a gentile i am fascinated by the philosophical dynamics of Judaism (kabbalah, maimonides, spinoza, buber - the relation to neo-platonism - and later reverberations in arendt, derrida, levinas, etc.) - but i was wondering if there is any secular work that can give me a foothold-overview on the themes, content, history of the torrah, mishna, talmud, tanakh, kabbalah, etc. in a way that doesn't presuppose my being jewish. I find internet research always hits a wall of confusion and obscurity which a good book would circumvent. Any recommendations would be great. Otherwise keep on with your bad self - ive seen a ton of your videos and i love your style and accessibility - i applaud your mastery (and often times patience) in handling the context of these "public lecture" formatted talks.
While it's not a secular source, I've personally found the essays in the back of the Jewish Study Bible, 2nd edition to be a very helpful introduction to these and many other topics. I'm not Jewish either, but I've found them very clear and accessible and a great jumping off point for further study, and there are several hundred pages of them so they practically constitute their own book in addition to the Tanakh and commentary. Regarding the history of the Mishnah and Talmud specifically, the book From Text to Tradition is a good one, as it follows similar themes as Dr. Abramson but goes into more detail than you can in a lecture.
I would try Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz. He is an Orthodox Rabbi that deals extensively with Jewish history.
I recommend having a great bowl of Matzah Ball Soup @ Langers Delicatessen… here in Los Angeles… and attempting to carry on a nuanced conversation with the Red Haired Lady @ the front counter, when you go up to pay the bill for more than a few seconds, as I presume that would provide you with all the context and information on the subjects you might ever be able to tolerate without having a complete nervous breakdown or G-d forbid worse oh 🤦🏻♂️ and don’t forget to purchase a way overpriced bar of Joyva marbled Halavah on the way out as that’s known to improve comprehension tenfold . Other than that all I can recommend is perhaps taking a really good two hour afternoon drimmle 🛌 afterwards, and possibly upon waking up going to the putting green ⛳️ later on for a kibitz before you go home to flip back and forth through all the Television News channels, while checking the days index in the Wall St. Journal, that is if you’re able to locate the remote control and tolerate the dog barking for ten minutes every time a car drives by, and than shouting into the kitchen to ask your wife “vatz fir dinna”… only to here back… “hurry up it’s already getting cold” 🤦🏻♂️ 🤣 Nu 🤷🏻♂️ I hope that helps but if not 🥸 Vhat do you vant from me 🤷🏻♂️?
your lectures are instructive and fascinating. it appears that jews in the middle ages and even earlier were integrated in all areas throughout the diaspora. rabbi gershom the light of the exile was a court physician and there was a jewish general named alexander in the roman army. meytal menkin, rechovot israel
Glad you find the lectures useful!
Shalom shalom, moreh Abramson. As usual, it was a real pleasure to watch and listen to this lecture. Off topic, I´ve followed your series about the French Jewry, and since I have a personal interest in that subject, I was wondering if you have gone in detail about Napoleon Bonaparte and the actions he took concerning the French Jews. If you haven´t, I would really like to hear your personal opinion about it. I value your points of view in very high esteem ( not that it means anything ). There has been much debate about Napoleon and the Jews, and perhaps you could enlighten us with your knowledge. Than you very much for every single one of your videos.
I learned a lot watching this!
Glad you found it useful!
Dr Abramson you are a born teacher!
Thank you!
Certainly an eye-opener and a constant reminder for all of us no matter the faith to keep on our toes lest these horrific atrocities happen again. Thank you, Professor Abramson.
You are most welcome.
Regarding the Sefardi _paytanim_ writing poetry for hire, there are many - primarily Chasidim - that invite a _badchan_ to a wedding to speak about the groom and bride in rhyme. So the concept is still widely practiced.
On a similar topic, have you ever done a lecture on the Ashkenazi _paytanim,_ R' Meshulam ben Kalynymous, R' Shimon HaGadol, and their families and students?
@@HenryAbramsonPhD Going by taking the name of the profession literally, perhaps. But in practice, the _badchan_ before the _Chupa_ (marriage ceremony) is entirely serious, the goal being _hisorerus_ and _teshuva,_ and the lines will be entirely in verse. At the end of the wedding, the _badchan_ at a _mitzvah tantz_ might insert some witticisms, but anything requiring a serious tone - lauding the bride and groom and their parents - will also be in verse.
Often, the verse is offhand or with little preparation, and usually chanted or sung to a well known (slow) tune. But there are some well-known pieces that were originally composed as _grammen_ (rhymes) for a simcha, such as the Yiddish poem _Eizehu Mekoman._
Thank you very much for your teachings. Totally fascinating.
You are very welcome
@@HenryAbramsonPhD
I greatly appreciate that you have chosen to do this great teaching on Judaism, though I am not a Jew, I fear that the culture is moving once again to the horror of the anti semitism that ruled the earth 100 years ago.
This time in the guise of hatred of the Jewish state Israel.
Anyway, again, thank you for your teaching the knowledge that God has allowed you to accumulate in your life, it is both deeply enlightening snd enjoyable to listen to
Makes me realize just how brilliant the Jewish civilization is. This civilization is made of ideas and texts. It is also composed of a magnificent social structure that really works. No other people on earth can lay claim to it. No wonder the Jews were able to regain their country from nothing and become the preeminent start up nation, while defending itself against overwhelming odds. Amazing.
Another great lecture !!! Thanks doc.(from a Greek fan of yours)
Amazing speaker! Wonderful and charming
Wow, thank you!
Thank you for posting this
Wonderful thankyou, found the 1st one. On to second now. Sadly the maps, illustrations very small on mobile. A little closer would have enriched it so much.
Enjoy in good health!
I m muslim but i love to listen to his awesome lecture
Thankyou so much for posting these lectures on TH-cam. I am non-Jewish and have been intrigued at the treatment of Jews throughout history. From your lectures (2 down 2 to go) I am now able to at least understand the history. However I will never be able to understand nor accept the noxious anti-semitism that is practised by so many around the world. Resilient and Resourceful indeed.
Pretty good, well condensed stuff. 👍🏻👍🏻
TOO CONDENSED
When he made a joke about the cafeteria it made me think about a question. What is the definition of Israel?
7-Eleven is a convenience store, not a fast food place (=restaurant). You can get a corn dog or slice of pizza, but there is no place to sit down to eat. Well I guess maybe the curb out front of the store.
Thanks for the observations!
I'm sure Rabbi henry is בקי in מסכת 7-11
Very recommendable!
Yasher Koach Dr Henry i love listening to your lecturers from Melbourne Australia.
well done best regards to the 'gang' Chaplain Rodriegez and the whole Abramson Family that help you and support you!
Quick question: Isn't the Hadrian Period one of the most antisemitic periods in time.
HENRY, ADD CC TO ALL VIDEOS. THANK YOU.
Una catedra muy aleccionadora de nuestra hermosa historia judia. Felicidades
Thank you!
Great Lecture. However; the yellow star of David was not invented in Nazi Germany, or in Khmel'nitzki's Ukraine, it was invented in Baghdad in order to humiliate the Jews, it's very sad that many historians romanticize Jewish- Muslim relations, mostly basing them on the Golden age of Jews in medieval Spain. The details are neglected. Perhaps partially, because there are no major artifacts left and there was no secular written recollection of the pogroms, and forced conversion, as well as other types of persecution. The question is always arises, why there were such a small number of Mizrachi Jews prior to exodus to Israel? is it why there were more jews in the Pale of Settlement than in the entire middle east if jews in Muslim Lands had it easier than their brothers in Europe???
What was the life of the Jews like after Mar-Zutra revolt ? if you have the answers, I'd like to hear it. Thank You!
Regarding the Spanish expulsion, wasn't there a racist element there and not just economic or religious? The Spanish regime had a so-called "purity of blood" concept which preceded the Nuremberg laws by centuries.
It is astonishing to me how I had no idea whatsoever who Shimon Bar-Kochba was or what any of that was about until reading a book co authored by a Reform Rabbi named Ted Falcon and his good friend and colleague David Blatner. I was under the impression from a 2 year junior community college History professor that the Roman Empire after it transformed from a Republic never lost a battle. From what you explained about that 4 year revolt it was clearly not the case ... 30:07 Also that same aforementioned book called Judaism for Dummies" very much like you've described Judaism and Islam have clearly not all but far more common with each other than Christianity. It is a very large part of the reason why I don't subsrcibe to Roman Catholicism or any other type of Christianity as a result of constant socially concrete unnecessary ambiguity and opposing doctrines and forced creeds. Like the example you told about the trick played with the sign in the cafeteria at a Yeshiva. Until recent non sensical violence in the past couple hundred years Rabbi Falcon explained just like you have; that Jewish people and Muslims have gotten along better than with Christians. Maybe it's because I have Aspergers Syndrome and see things in pictures and have a runaway imagination wondering what people and things actually looked and sounded like from hearing about stories of archeologists in the 1950'-60's C.E. finding tunnels and evidence of what happened with the Bar-Kochba revolt and looking at each other saying "Oh my G-d; man what on Earth happened here".
Herring and poetry.
Dr. Abramson, do you have any ideas about why Muslim anti-Semitism is so widespread today?
It probably is because of the creation of Israel and the removal of the Muslim Palestinians.
@@btrueeth No, it's older than that.
@@SikanderG I believe they have something in the Qur'an that paints Jews and Christians in a bad light. Their prayer also states "lead us on the straight path not the path of those that goes astray" meaning the Jews and Christians gone astray. I am just assuming.
54:20 the bizarre idea that Jewish men menstruate... hmm, wokeism is neo-medieval? OK, always thought it should be called REgressive, not "progressive"
I don't know how to say this kindly or just keep it to myself, but the framing job on this lecture is so distracting
PS yet despite the persecution during this period Chazal wrote The Talmud Yerushalmi The Jerusalem Talmud?
rhineland pogroms
Nothing about blood libel?
Was towards the end
It is kind of funny for a special mistake
פרנס. Parnas
This is the root for parnasa. "Making a living". "Providing the means to be"
Basically talking about the rich person of the community or the one whose wealth and work provides for the community. And as we know "bahal ha mea is bahal ha-deha"
President comes from a more latin root. A root which by the way we took and made it also a word in hebrew
President= prae-sedere
Sedere=to sit. Seder pesach. A full blown use of a roman word for one of the most important things in our jewish heritage.
And why not?
סנהדרין
That is also a greek word
Many like that. Because it is normal
Hmm
There are some that like to do this game of taking jewish words and plant them as a mean to say:
"See our culture is at the source of modern western "judeo-christian" culture
It is a mistake on at least 2 points
1. Our language in itself has been very highly influenced by the languages surrounding us. Like all languages do by the way.
There are many more words we can find in the hebrew language from outside influences.
The months of the calendar
The word "shader" ש.ד.ר, is from persian roots
2. Cultures are not decided only from their religious background
If one reads Leon Poliakov, "the aryan myth". One learns of the real way each modern country of europe took shape in the 19th century.
For example one of the more solid and concrete people of europe at that time with a defined sense of "ham", people, are the hungarians.
The magyars/hungarians are an amazing people for their cohesion
And we can trully learn from the turmoils of the 19th century the influence on our people and the amazing decision of hovevi zion and then Herzel to go forth for declare self emancipation
President is not rooted etymologically from פרנס
It’s unfortunate that the commercials interspersed throughout these wonderful lectures, are pushing Christianity. Sneaky.
Excellent Study.
My comment is about the pun images made by Christians to diminish the image of Jews. It’s not surprising but the irony is this, I grew up in a family that is majorly Christian, been to countless churches (as a kid I went to 9 different schools not counting preschool, so double that number and some) I AM a person who figured out what the New Jerusalem is and how to enter the Tree Of Life and I realized that every church I had been to was completely “blindfolded” to that goal of the true Baptism (purification and holy anointing) SO HERE we have a Christian image as said here (among many) that slanders Jews (I am also “Ashkenaz”) and literally… the truth is the opposite. It is the sacred wisdoms that were and are held by Judeans that ultimately leads to the Golden transformation, the foundation of these religions. And 1,000s of Christian churches are the blindfolded ones in worship, outside of the “Kingdoms of Heaven” having yet to enter their sacred Tree of Life.
(deep sigh)
I started trying to get my knowledge about Israel up to speed when HAMAS, the evil terrorist group, FAKE MOSLEMS, attacked Israel on 10/7/2023. I learned that there were only 16 million Jewish people in the entire world! Of course I learned a lot more than that from this gifted teacher!
47:59 From what I've read, and I'm no scholar, the material 'Jewish' hat, the Judenhut, has never been recovered in archaeological digs or elsewhere. Some scholars believe that this motif was used in graphic media as a symbol, an identifier.
Is there A "Crash Course in Jewish History 3"?
Yes
@@Rick-ih7wp th-cam.com/video/LMDL-_wgemg/w-d-xo.html
It's a great lecture.
Except, as usual, the fate of Jews living under Islamic rule is depicted much better than it really was. The rules Jews had to live by were brutal. And massacres too were common, despite being formally prohibited.
I could write a great deal about it, but time and TH-cam won't let me.
you know jack sh*t
I'm not Jewish myself; just an athiest who's tired of modern antisemitism and looking to change minds... wish me luck lmao
Wishing you success!
Shalom berakhah ve-tovah 🙏🏻
Tosfot=addendum
For anyone who has been tortured in their life: the last 5 or so minutes of this video might hurt. Just letting you know.
In the first episode of the 4 parts series, this professor specifically said that when the Jews arrived in the land of Israel from Mesopotamia, there were other people living on that land of Israel. There ! Also, when you had left the land for hundreds years, you cannot come back, knock at the door of a house and tell the inhabitant of the house that the house belongs to you. Too convenient. Granted that throughout the Jewish history, they had been expelled and mistreated etc. that's antisemitism and it's wrong but this doesn't mean that you have the right to claim the ancient land you had left hundreds years ago. Because the Jews have no more right to the land, now they come up with secularization of the Bible as the reason to claim the land. The reason why the Jews have a footing back to the land is thanks to the very wealthy Jew in the Lord House of the British Parliament, Lord Rothchild who had a wheeling and dealing at the end of WWI with the British in exchange of a piece of land in Palestine for the Jews.
A donkey is a sterile animal..?
Thank you, from some Christian guy. Peace be with you and yours.
Jesus was a Jew. Just not a very orthodox one.
Why does the sons of Ham hate us so much? We're one in the same. 😢
I didn't know they did.
Dr. Abramson, you are not correct about Christianity. Salvation by faith alone is the domain of only ONE branch of that religion. ONE. The older branches of the religion actually do demand deeds and not just words-you have to walk the walk as well as talk the talk. If what you say were true, there would be no such thing, for example, as Canon Law.
Second, Christ said to follow the spirit of the law, not the letter. That is why a lot of the other requirements got chucked faster than you can say "fish with no scales are yummy." Early Christians rejected the model of rabbinical Judaism from day one-you might notice that the Pharisees don't get cast in a positive light in Christian holy books, EVER- and to this day the demands do not extend to what you eat, how you dress, and generally the personal micromanaging of the congregation. (FFS, Christ hung out with whores.-Uh huh, yeah, that would have made the Sanhedrin happy in the years before the destruction of the Second Temple /s.)
Last, the shahada: there is one god and Mohammed is his prophet. Gee, I wonder where that got lifted from?...Hmmm, let me think..../s
Thanks for the feedback.
Very interesting I was a catholic I am now a follower of Jesus thanks be to God I believe in the Middle Ages dark ages the Catholic Church also done this to Bible believing Christians
Not even close.
An add every 2 minutes. Ridiculous?
But the Spanish Inquisition wasn't as much about Judaism as it was about Muslim occupation.
Toda rabbah
It really sucks what america did to me , I believe I'm going to hate it forever
It’s crazy how involved the church was in anti-Semitic propaganda. That’s truly disgusting
todah rabah
evil europe...
rabbi Berel Wein history lessons excellent as are yours.
Moore Helen Robinson Melissa Thompson Betty
Catholicism and christianity are two very different religions....there are some so-called christian churches that follow catholic beliefs but a true christian would never take such a position against the Jews....the early christians were also called followers of the way
The term "Christian" is clearly used in very different senses in the modern period.
@@HenryAbramsonPhD too many claim the name and ruin the reputation
It seems the nazis have not invented cruelty. They just devised other means to express their meanness and cowardice, excelling in creativity to harm and destroy Hashem's presence in the world, for the sake of an imposter hater of Jacob, just like their brothers the antisemites throughout history, be their names be erased forever ! May Hashem bring us consolation and destroy 'Amaleq from head to toe momentarily definitely once and for all, leaving the world in peace so that something good may be built at last !
So you're going to kill all the men, women and children of a people just because they worship idolsl?
If it is true then I feel like Jews themselves will become oppressors.
amazing 🇮🇱
TY