In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, host David Bashevkin explores the significance of the year 1840.

Hostility towards Jews has resurged globally since the millennium, with thousands of anti-Semitic incidents reported in Western countries like France, Germany, the UK, and the US.

During the 1918-1919 influenza epidemic, a Yiddish phrase "Menshen-fresser" (human-eater) emerged in response to the devastating impact of the disease, which was inaccurately named the Spanish flu.

On its 123rd birthday, The Forward reflects on its beginnings as a Yiddish-language daily newspaper founded in 1897 by Abraham Cahan.

Dr. Norman Doidge's "Journal of a Plague" draws parallels between the current pandemic and historical plagues, evoking observations from Defoe's account of the Great Plague of London and the impact of epidemics on human history.

Tablet Magazine has launched a new podcast called Hebrew School, a fun game show designed for kids wanting to learn about Judaism in an entertaining way, but enjoyable for adults too.

In a bonus episode of Unorthodox, the host Liel interviews author Sharon Cameron about her new novel, "The Light in Hidden Places," inspired by a true story of a teenager who sheltered Jews in her attic during the Holocaust.

The text explores the dynamic between Jacob and Laban, focusing on Laban's portrayal in the Passover Haggadah.

In "How Many Tears?" by Robert Chazan and Adam Teller, the historiography of Jewish suffering and migration is explored.

Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik's lecture, "The Selling of Joseph and the Guilt of Shomron," delves into the concept of alternative historical paths according to the Torah.

In the Letters from Spring 2020, Menachem Lorberbaum, Michael Walzer, Noam Zohar, and Elisheva Carlebach discuss their project, "The Jewish Political Tradition," clarifying that it aims to present Jewish arguments about politics thematically, not as a history.

"Family Papers: A Sephardic Journey Through the Twentieth Century" by Sarah Abrevaya Stein delves into the history of the Levy family from Salonica, exploring their experiences from the 18th century to the aftermath of World War II.

The author reflects on her family's unique Seder traditions and the challenges of passing down her parents' story of struggle and resilience to her children.

The text discusses the life and experiences of Glückel von Hameln, a Jewish merchant woman from Hamburg in the late 17th century, as documented in her Yiddish autobiography.

Jewish life has long been marked by exile, known as the diaspora, following the destruction of the Temple and loss of sovereignty.

In a conversation with Michelle Chesner, David explores the evolution of the formatting of sacred Jewish texts over history and its impact on religious Judaism.

Michelle Chesner, the Norman E. Alexander Librarian for Jewish Studies at Columbia University, and David delve into the evolution of formatting in sacred Jewish texts throughout history and its influence on religious Judaism.

In the podcast episode, Jess Olson, an Associate Professor at Yeshiva University, talks about his book "Jewish Culture: A Quick Immersion," questioning if the title implies a contradiction.

Jess Olson, an Associate Professor of Jewish History at Yeshiva University, talks about his book "Jewish Culture: A Quick Immersion," exploring the title's potential contradiction.

"Purim and the Persian Empire" by Yehuda Landy, published in 2010, focuses on the archaeological material supporting the events in the Book of Esther.

The article "Joy at Last: Reflections on the End of Esther" by Erica Brown delves into the overlooked theme of joy in the Book of Esther.

The text discusses the prevalence of children's book biographies about prominent Jewish figures, particularly focusing on the abundance of books about Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Anne Frank.

During past pandemic outbreaks like the 1918 influenza, the Jewish community practiced a unique remedy called the Black Wedding, marrying impoverished individuals in a cemetery to avert the deadly disease with communal support and the hope for divine intervention.

Israel Joshua Singer, the less recognized brother of Isaac Bashevis Singer, is highlighted as a superior novelist by a writer enamored with his epic work "The Brothers Ashkenazi."

In the face of rising anti-Semitism, discussions around black-Jewish relations have become crucial.