Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky

The Jewish Refugee Musicians who Created the Palestine Orchestra

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra started as the Palestine Symphony Orchestra when violinist Bronisław Huberman took Jewish musicians fired from their jobs by the and brought them to the Land of Israel. Learn about classical music during wartime including the dramatic Isaac Stern performance during a Gulf War Iraqi missile attack as the audience donned gas masks.Plus the stories of composer Paul Ben-Haim, pianist Pnina Salzman, conductor Zubin Mehta and a young Leonard Bernstein.Zubin Mehta conducting the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra with violinist Isaac Stern in the Sinai for IDF soldiers during the Yom Kippur War, October 17, 1973. Credit: Moshe Grossman, Israeli Government Press Office.Credit: Central Zionist ArchivesCredit: Central Zionist ArchivesPnina Salzman “well-known to the Palestinian public” performs the works of Paul Ben-Haim.Arturo Toscanini conducting the Palestine Symphony Orchestra, Tel Aviv, 1936.The Eretz Yisrael Orchestra (called in English the Palestine Orchestra) performing for Allied troops during the Holocaust.A 30-year-old Leonard Bernstein travelled from the United States to conduct the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Beersheba during the War of Independence, November 20, 1948. Credit: Hugo Mendelson, GPO NOTES:The Palestine Orchestra - Central Zionist Archives rare photosThe Israel Symphony Orchestra - Jewish Virtual LibraryMusic conductor Zubin Mehta retires after 50 years, takes final bow with Israeli orchestra - Economic Times, IndiaZubin Mehta talks about his ‘lasting marriage’ to the Israel Philharmonic - Chicago TribuneAs Isaac Stern Fiddles, Another Missile Fizzles - Gulf War performance - JTA, 1991War didn’t Silence Israel Philharmonic - Gulf War, 1991 - Chicago Tribune Isaac Stern plays at the Jerusalem Theater in the Gulf War - videoHow Isaac Stern elevated beauty over fear - Baltimore SunMehta’s Detour to Israel--to Show Support : Gulf War: Conductor unexpectedly went to Tel Aviv because ‘the urgency of what was happening compelled’ him to do so - LA Times, 1991Shining a light on the Holocaust saga of Bronislaw Huberman - JTAToscanini to Lead Palestine Symphony Orchestra - JTA, 1936Palestine Symphony Orchestra Mapes 1,000th Concert; 200 Given Before Armed Forces - JTA, 1944Biography of Israeli Pianist Pnina Salzman - PlaybillBridging Germany and Israel, Paul Ben-HaimPaul Ben-Haim biography - Milken Archive

Pinhas Rutenberg - from Scowling Socialist to Zionist Hydro-Power Visionary

The Israel Electric Corporation didn’t just build itself, it was the brainchild of the scowling ex-Socialist Pinhas Rutenberg. After almost getting shot in the Bloody Sunday massacre of 1905, he gravitated to Zionism, Zev Jabotinsky, and eventually building a hydro-electric station on the banks of the Jordan river. Learn about the humble beginnings of Palestine Electric Company and the First Jordan Hydro-Electric Power House in Naharayim.Pinhas Rutenberg, 1941. Credit: G. Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection, US Library of Congress.Lord and Lady Reading with Pinhas Rutenberg at a power station in the Land of Israel. Credit: United States Library of CongressDiesel engines at the first power plant in Tel Aviv. Credit: IEC. Electric company employees who were recruited into the British army. Credit: IECNOTES:Hydro-electric development of Palestine : the Rutenberg project : detailed prospectus - 1922. Full textHistory of the Israel Electric Corporation - IEC websiteForgotten Biography of the uncompromising Pinchas Rutenberg - The Jewish ChroniclePinhas Rutenberg bio - Jewish Virtual LibraryThe Rutenberg InstituteThe National Revival of the Jewish People by Pinhas Ben-Ami (Rutenberg) - Yiddish, 1915. Full TextPalestine Electric Company Ltd. - Center for Israel Education

Jewish Man Falsely Accused in Blood Libel Moves to Israel

Mendel Beilis was falsely accused of murder in a sensational 1913 Russian blood libel trial. After his not-guilty verdict he moved to the land of Israel and visited the Western Wall and Temple Mount. “I saw for the first time a race of proud, uncringing Jews, who lived life openly and unafraid,” wrote Beilis. Learn about his dramatic murder trial in which the matzah, afikoman and other Passover traditions were successfully defended against the slander of the Czarist Empire and the Black Hundreds and hear about the simple Russian peasants who refused to condemn an innocent man.Mendel Beilis under arrest.Mendel Beilis on trial.Mendel Beilis and his family after their arrival in the Land of Israel.NOTES:Blood Libel: The Life and Memory of Mendel Beilis, edited by Jay BeilisThe Story Of My Sufferings by Mendel Beilis, 1926 - full text, archive.orgThe Czar on Trial - New York Times, 1913Interview with Mendel Beilis on trial, Israel and New York - JTA, 1933Thousands Mourn at Funeral As Martyr Beilis is Laid to Rest - JTA, 1934Grandson Jay Beilis interview on 100th anniversary of trial - Jerusalem PostRare photo album of Mendel Beilis blood libel - National Library of IsraelA Century Later, New Discoveries About the Trial of Mendel Beilis - ChabadThe Beilis Case – The Last Blood Libel - ANU Museum of the Jewish PeoplePope Gregory X: Letter on Jews Against the Blood Libel - Jewish Virtual Library

A Jewish homeland in Palestine or New York?

Mordechai Manuel Noah was a prominent Jewish-American who advocated creating a Jewish State in the Land of Israel. But in the interim, he created Ararat, City of Refuge in New York State. Thousands attended the inauguration but no one actually moved there. The Ararat cornerstone can be seen today at the Buffalo History Museum. Learn about this fascinating figure and hear in his own words his passion to see the Jewish people return to their indigenous homeland decades before the modern Zionist movement came into prominence. The 400-pound cornerstone for Ararat is now housed in the Buffalo History Museum. NOTES:Ararat City of Refuge exhibit - Jewish Buffalo History CenterMapping Ararat augmented reality project from 2019Discourse on the Restoration of the Jews by Mordechai M. Noah - Full textTravels in England, France, Spain, and the Barbary States by Mordecai Manuel Noah - full textMajor Noah: An American Patriot, American Zionist by Jerry Klinger

Man Goes on Trial for Insanity after Converting to Judaism

In 1844 Warder Cresson, born a Philadelphia Quaker, became the first United States Consul to Jerusalem. While there, he fell in love with the Jewish faith and promoted the return of Jews to the land of Israel. Upon his return his family sued him for his estate claiming he was a lunatic for converting to Judaism. The trial was called a fight for American religious freedom. Upon his return to Jerusalem, Cresson remarried and continued his proto-Zionist activity. Hear Warder Cresson in his own words, news coverage of the trial and his connection to Moby author Herman Melville and British writer William Makepeace Thackeray. NOTES:The Key of David by Warder Cresson - Archive.orgThe Key of David by Warder Cresson - Text version from Jewish-American History FoundationQuaker, Shaker, Rabbi: Warder Cresson, The Story of a Philadelphia Mystic - Pennsylvania Magazine of History and BiographyThe Fight for American Religious Freedom By Jerry KlingerWarder Cresson and the First Amendment - American History & Jewish History BlogThe Mystery Convert of Jerusalem - Warder Cresson grave discovered in 2013America’s First Consul to Jerusalem - My Jewish LearningDreams and Diplomacy in the Holy Land: American Consuls in Jerusalem in the 19th Century

History of Shaare Zedek Hospital and its founders

Dr. Moshe Wallach was strict with his own Jewish observance and strict with the staff and maintenance of the Shaare Zedek hospital, which opened in 1902, a 20-minute donkey ride from the Old City of Jerusalem. Hear stories of this colorful Jerusalem character, who ran the hospital for 45 years and of head nurse Schwester Selma Mayer whose kindness was as legendary as her dedication. Dr. Moshe Wallace, founder and director of Shaare Zedek hospital, 1956. Credit: WikiCommonsHead nurse Selma Mayer and patient. Credit: Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem. Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany visiting the hospital while still under construction in 1898. The old Shaare Zedek building, Purim, 2024. Credit: Ben BreskySchwester Selma Mayer, head nurse, at Shaare Zedek, where she lived from 1916 to 1984. The synagogue of Shaare Zedek.The renovated Shaare Zedek synagogue as it appears today. Credit: Ben Bresky.Shaare Zedek under construction.NOTES:My Life and Experiences at Shaare Zedek by Schwester Selma Saints Among Us - Time Magazine, 1975HaAchot Selma - Central Zionist ArchivesSister Bolisa, adopted daughter of Dr. Moshe WallachBiography of Dr. Moshe Wallach120 Years of the Shaare Zedek HospitalAmerican Committee for Shaare Zedek Medical Center historySelma Mayer - Jewish Women’s ArchiveCurrent use of Old Shaare Zedek building - Social SpaceNevia organization - Currently located at the Old Shaare Zedek buildingJerusalem Biennale art exhibition at old Shaare Zedek building

Purim & the Gulf War – An Oral History

The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrated the defeat of the wicked Haman and the victory of Esther and Mordechai. Back in 1991, Saddam Hussein of Iraq shot Scud missiles into Israel. The Gulf War ended on Purim and the similarities were not lost on those who lived through the gas masks, safe rooms, and rocket attacks. Here from those who lived through it in their own words in this special Purim podcast.Thank you to the participants who appear in the following order:Reb Yankala ShemeshHaim RomanMordechai FisherRaz TelChaiGidon ArielMoti LiebermanDov LipmanBe sure to check out my corresponding article in the Jerusalem Post.An American soldier joins a Purim celebration on the streets of Israel as the Gulf War ends. February 1991. Credit: Alex Levac, IDF Archive.Children remove protective plastic sheets from the window as the Gulf War ends. Credit: Michael Zarfati, IDF Archives.Family sits with gas masks in the sealed room during the 1991 Gulf War. Credit: Michael Zarfati, IDF Archive.New Jewish-Ethiopian immigrants with their protective kits against chemical warfare at Ben Gurion airport. Credit: Nathan Alpert, Israeli Government Press Office, February 1991.Patriot missile launcher in Tel Aviv. Nathan Alpert, GPO. February 1991.A child peeks into an infant chemical warfare protective box MAMAT used during the Gulf War. For more information on the MAMAT see here.NOTES:The Gulf War, 1991 From Gas Masks to Purim Masks - Times of IsraelIsraelis Mark Purim to End of Gulf War - Sun SentinelPurim Garb Inspired by Gulf War - JTAIsaac Stern concert goes on despite rocket attacks - JTAPurim miracles: From Saddam and beyond by Michael Freund - Jerusalem PostRebbe Predicted War’s End by Purim - JTAFast of Esther Prayers Said for Sparing Israel - JTAGulf War Miracles - Aish HaTorahPurim Saddam - ChabadRout of Haman, Hussein Celebrated As Israelis Put Away Their Gas Masks - JTA

How a 12-year-old girl became the first person to explore the Cave of Machpela

The Tomb of the Patriarchs & Matriarchs in Hebron built to house the Cave of Machpela underneath. The former Seventh Step was located on the right-hand side of the wall. Credit: Ben Bresky.Hebron’s ancient Tomb of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs was banned for Jews to enter for 700 years. But after Israel’s stunning victory in the Six Day War, General Moshe Dayan was determined to explore it. The only person small enough to fit inside the opening was 12-year-old Michal Arbel. Hear her description of this extraordinary exploration and the mysteries hidden below.Michal Arbel being lowed into the Cave of Machpela through the candle aperture. Michal’s photo of the steps inside the cave. Michal’s photo of of niche in the wall inside the caveInside the Cave of Machpela.Candle aperture (Entrance to the garden of Eden) in the Tomb of Machepla complex. Visitors place their hand or face over the opening to feel the draft from the underground caverns. Credit: Ben Bresky.NOTES:Living with the Bible by Moshe Dayan, 1978. Written on the Dog's Skin: On the perception of the work in S. Y. Agnon by Michal ArbelTimes of Change: Jewish Literatures in the Modern Era - Essays in Honor of Dan Miron co-edited by Michal ArbelYehuda Arbel, a veteran Air Force pilot known as "Mr. Dakota" passed away. His daughter: "He was a tremendous inspiration - Israel HaYom news

How Max Nordau Switched from Assimilationist to Zionist

Max Nordau, early 1900s. Central Zionist Archives, Jerusalem.Dr. Max Nordau helped Theodor Herzl found the Zionist Congress. Despite his secular background he was inspired by the words “VeShavu Banim l'Gvulam – Our children will return to their borders.” Hear Nordau in his own words describe how he was swayed to the Zionist cause and seek a homeland of Jews in the Land of Israel.NOTES:Address by Max Nordau at the First Zionist CongressMax Nordau biography - Jewish Virtual LibraryMax Nordau: A Man of Vision and Obscure LegacyRachel and the power of prayerV'Shavu Banim l'Gvulam

How Rachel’s Tomb inspired Lady Judith Montefiore

For generations, Rachel’s Tomb (Kever Rochel) has attracted Jewish women for prayer and blessing. One of these was Lady Judith Montefiore, a British philanthropist who funded the rebuilding of the site after it was damaged in the 1837 earthquake. Hear here eloquent, poetic descriptions of the Land of Israel’s beauty and why the Tomb of Rachel inspired her. Plus, learn beauty tips and recipes from lady Judith’s Jewish Manual, the first Jewish kosher cookbook in English.Lady Judith Montefiore, philanthropist and wife of Sir Moses Montefiore. She partnered with her husband in all charitable activities and volunteer work. Rachel’s Tomb on the eve of Zayin Adar, the Yahrzeit of Rabbeinu Moshe. The moon is visible at the top of the photo. Credit: Ben Bresky, February, 2024An old olive tree outside Kever Rachel, February, 2024. Credit: Ben BreskyThe old entrance to the Tomb of Rachel built by Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore in 1841. Credit: מיכאלי WikiCommons, 2005.Rachel's Tomb. Credit: Moshe Milner, Israeli Government Press Office, 1968.Rachel’s Tomb, 1968. Credit: Moshe Milner, GPO.Rachel’s Tomb. Credit: Zoltan Kluger, GPO, 1933.A modern photo of Rachel’s Tomb.NOTES:Rachel Weeping by Frederick M. StrickertJudith Montefiore biography - Jewish Women’s ArchiveJudith Montefiore on How to Cook Like a Proper Jewish LadyRachel’s Tomb, a Jewish Holy Place - Jerusalem Center for Public AffairsNotes from a Private journal of a visit to Egypt and Palestine, by way of Italy and the Mediterranean by Lady Judith Cohen MontefioreWomen named Dina gather at new Dina Street in Jerusalem - Times of Israel