According2Sam Podcast

'Syrian Wars'

The Maccabean Revolt is one of the most important events in Jewish history. The Maccabees defeated the Seleucid Empire under Antiochus Epiphanes and established a new Jewish dynasty under Hasmonean rule. They took control of Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple after Antiochus defiled it with pagan gods and the blood of swine. This is commemorated each winter with the celebration of Hanukkah and the lighting of the menorah. However, there is much more to the story. The Seleucid Empire was far more powerful than the band of Jewish rebels who defeated it. They had more soldiers, better weapons, and cavalry with horses and elephants. How did the Syrian Wars weaken the Seleucid Empire and allow the Maccabees to win despite unfavorable odds? The Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #384. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'Your Enemy'

Filmmaker Michael Moore recently went viral for a rant he delivered on The Ayman Mohyeldin Show on MSNBC. Mohyeldin was born in Egypt to a Palestinian mother. His family immigrated to the United States when he was a young child, and he built his career as a Middle East correspondent. That background adds context to Moore’s remarks in the now-viral clip. Moore argued that the real enemy of the Jewish people is not the Palestinians. According to his understanding of history, he claimed that most persecution of Israel and the Jewish people has come from “white, European-centric Christians.” Looking directly into the camera, he told any Jewish viewers who might be watching, “That’s been your enemy.” Is there any truth to Moore’s claim, and what might he be leaving out? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #383. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'Helen of Wakanda'

Rumors are circulating that filmmaker Christopher Nolan is considering casting Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy in an upcoming film based on Homer’s The Odyssey. Nyong’o, who is African, has starred in acclaimed films such as 12 Years a Slave, Us, and Black Panther. While she is widely regarded as a talented actress, the rumor of her being cast as Helen of Troy has sparked significant criticism. Elon Musk commented on the alleged casting on his social media platform, stating, “Christopher Nolan has lost his integrity.” Many other voices have also criticized the casting as implausible, while others have welcomed it, arguing that it is simply an artistic interpretation of a fictional story and that Hollywood does this regularly. Why are people criticizing the casting? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #382. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'The Journalist'

The outrage and pearl-clutching over the indictment and arrest of Don Lemon has been interesting to watch. Many of the people claiming that his prosecution signals the end of democracy are the same ones who declared that “no one is above the law” when New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg ran a campaign promising to prosecute President Trump—and then followed through after winning. These same individuals were conspicuously silent when the Obama administration used the Espionage Act to target whistleblowers and journalists who exposed government malfeasance. Yet the indictment of Don Lemon has suddenly stirred them to defend democracy and the free press. How does their hyperbole and overreaction demonstrate their hypocrisy, and what was the probable cause for prosecuting Don Lemon? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #381. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'The Great'

Throughout human history, many rulers have been given the title “the Great,” including emperors such as Constantine the Great, kings such as Charlemagne the Great, and even queens such as Catherine the Great. To earn this title, each ruler had to accomplish something great during their reign, such as a significant conquest that expanded their kingdom. The earliest kings of the Achaemenid Empire all received the title “the Great,” beginning with Cyrus the Great, followed by Darius the Great, and later his son, Xerxes the Great. Each of these rulers conquered more territory for the Persians than the one before, expanding the empire as far east as India and as far west as the Aegean Sea. However, this expansion would not last. A king from Macedonia would eventually conquer the entire Persian Empire—and he too would receive the title of “the Great.” Who was this great king? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #380. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]