The Jewish History Hiding in Japan and Korea
Sep 10, 2026 · 54 min · 15 segments
How did Jews escaping the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions end up in Japan? Dr. Henry Abramson joins Yael and Schwab for a special bonus episode to uncover the surprising story of Jewish life in…
How did Jews escaping the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions end up in Japan? Dr. Henry Abramson joins Yael and Schwab for a special bonus episode to uncover the surprising story of Jewish life in the Far East. While Europe persecuted Jews, Japan’s religious landscape offered a strikingly different environment, shaped by Shinto, Buddhism, trade, migration, and a remarkably tolerant reception for some Jewish refugees seeking safety abroad. Plus, they explore South Korean's fascination with the Talmud. If you like this show, please rate and write a review wherever you get your podcasts. And be in touch. Write to us at nerds@unpacked.media. To learn more about Dr. Henry Abramson's trip to Japan and South Korea, check out his lectures on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TYJtzL\_4y4&t=3s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpCjuQMk4H0 Birth of Beate Sirota Gordon, who wrote equality into the postwar Japanese constitution. Talmud as a New Intellectual Project by Sarit Kattan Gribetz The Talmud in Korea: A Study in the Reception of Rabbinic Literature by Sarit Kattan Gribetz, Claire Kim This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media. Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out our videos on youtube and Spotify. Visit jewishlives.org to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code **JLIFE** to get a discount. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Borderlines with That Semite Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews
How did Jews escaping the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions end up in Japan? Dr. Henry Abramson joins Yael and Schwab for a special bonus episode to uncover the surprising story of Jewish life in…
