The Jewish Lives Podcast

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 [https://www.jewishlives.org/books/franzboas#:~:text=This%20book%20traces%20Boas's%20life,activist%20who%20inspired%20an%20entire] Join our mailing list to learn more: https://www.jewishlives.org/subscribe [https://www.jewishlives.org/subscribe]

Join us with Anthony Julius, author of the new biography Abraham: The First Jew [https://www.jewishlives.org/books/abraham?srsltid=AfmBOora6wyGaeRkWi5FMUE1hvD8oVvVSd7bDKe4WQeCxzZbj-kvQzev], 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.

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 [https://www.jewishlives.org/books/mayerthalberg], as we explore their extraordinary partnership and role in creating the film industry as we know it.

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 [https://www.jewishlives.org/books/annefrank]  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.

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 [https://www.jewishlives.org/books/menassehbenisrael?srsltid=AfmBOoq0rOn7kcfb6W3CClUalL_xvHhkXsKyCOKX0GtJ9SsOorAbgY2e], as we explore Menasseh ben Israel’s role leading one of the most vital Jewish communities of early modern Europe.