Jewish History Nerds

• Jerusalem’s Hidden Scrolls: The Earliest Evidence of the Hebrew Bible

  Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab explore one of the most astonishing archaeological discoveries in Jewish history: two tiny silver scrolls unearthed in Ketef Hinnom, just outside Jerusalem's Old City. Dated to the First Temple period—centuries older than the Dead Sea Scrolls—these amulets contain the earliest known inscription of a Biblical verse: the Birkat Kohanim, or priestly blessing. Yael shares how a 13-year-old boy accidentally uncovered a hidden burial chamber packed with ancient treasure, including the scrolls, and how scholars painstakingly unrolled and deciphered them using cutting-edge techniques. Click here to see images of the Ketef Hinnom amulets and archeological site. Click here for facts and sources referenced in the episode.

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• Unearthing Dura Europos: The Synagogue Lost in Time

  Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner explore the story of the Dura Europos Synagogue—preserved beneath desert sand in what is modern day Syria, for 1,700 years. In this colorful episode, Schwab and Yael take listeners on a vivid tour through the 3rd century BCE synagogue, its extraordinary murals of biblical scenes, its mysterious inscriptions, and clues about ancient Jewish life, art, and community. From Pharaoh’s daughter painted in the nude to Ezra depicted with a Torah scroll, this synagogue defies modern expectations with its wall-to-wall biblical imagery, multilingual graffiti, and rich cultural fusion of Roman, Persian, and Jewish influences. Click the following links to see pictures of the Dura Europos Synagogue. Pictures of the Dura Europos Synagogue Additional pictures of the Dura Europos Synagogue Click here for the sources and summary facts heard in the episode. Be in touch. We want to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected]. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media. Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube. ------------------- For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews

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• Buried Secrets: Jewish Magic, Demons, and the Babylonian Incantation Bowls

  Yael and Schwab dig into one of the most fascinating artifacts of Jewish antiquity: the Babylonian incantation bowls. These 5th–6th century earthenware bowls, found primarily in modern-day Iraq, were used by Jews—and their neighbors—as magical amulets to ward off demons, secure love, boost fertility, and protect homes. The conversation explores how these artifacts reflect the everyday concerns of Jews in late antiquity, how they blur the line between halacha and magic, and what they reveal about cultural exchange across ancient religions. Whether you're into Jewish magic, rabbinic history, or just want to know how to trap a demon in your cereal bowl, this episode has you covered. Click here to see a picture of a Babylonian Incantation Bowl. Click here for additional pictures of the bowls and their inscriptions. Click here for a word list with some of the vocabulary in the episode. Click here for a summary and sources about the Babylonian Incantation Bowls. Be in touch. We want to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected]. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media. Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube. ------------------- For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews

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• The First Mention of Israel: A Passover Special on the Merneptah Stele

  As Passover approaches, Yael and Schwab dive into one of the most fascinating—and oldest—archaeological artifacts ever discovered: the Merneptah Stele. We travel back to 1209 BCE to explore this 3,200-year-old slab of Egyptian granite, which contains the first historical mention of Israel. The episode explores what the Merneptah Stele tells us about ancient Israel, Pharaohs, and the real-world backdrop of the Exodus narrative. Listen to Yael and Schwab's informative and delightful conversation and delve into the sources to enrich your Seder with something that’s older than the Haggadah itself. Click here to see an image of the Merneptah Stele. Click here for a recap and to read some of the sources used in the episode Be in touch. We want to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected]. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media. Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube. ------------------- For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews

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• The Star of David: A Symbol That Means Everything—and Nothing

  What does the Star of David really mean—and how did it become the symbol of Judaism and Jewish identity? In the Season 4 premiere of Jewish History Nerds, hosts Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab explore the history of the Star of David, also known as the Magen David or hexagram. From decorative motif to mystical symbol, from Jewish pride to Nazi persecution, this iconic six-pointed star carries a complex, and at times contradictory, legacy and story. Click here for a picture of the badge that Nazis forced Jews to wear.  Click here for a picture of the Israeli flag. Click here for a recap of the information discussed in the episode. Click here to watch Unpacked's YouTube video "The Surprising History of the Star of David." Be in touch. We want to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected]. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media. Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube. ------------------- For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews

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