About this season
Simon Schama explores the story of the Jewish experience from ancient times to the present day.
Episodes (5)
1. In the Beginning
Aired 1 September 2013 • 60 min
Simon Schama begins his exploration of the Jewish story at the start, 3,000 years ago.
2. Among Believers
Aired 8 September 2013 • 60 min
Simon takes a look at the story of the medieval Jews difficulties to preserve their identity and their lives living under the rule of Christianity and Islam.
3. A Leap of Faith
Aired 15 September 2013 • 60 min
Simon takes a look at a moment bright with hope after Enlightenment thinkers and Revolutionary armies brought walls crashing down allowing Jews to weave their wisdom into life of modern Europe.
4. Over the Rainbow
Aired 22 September 2013 • 60 min
Simon takes a look at the lost world of the shtetl, the Jewish towns and villages dotted across the hinterlands of Eastern Europe, which became a unique Jewish culture.
5. Return
Aired 29 September 2013 • 60 min
Simon Schama takes a look at how the Holocaust and the creation of Israel have changed what it means to be Jewish in modern times.