About the Author
Rabbi Ken Spiro
Rabbi Ken Spiro, originally from New Rochelle, NY, graduated from Vassar College with a BA in Russian Language and Literature and did graduate studies at the Pushkin Institute in Moscow. He has rabbinic ordination from Aish Jerusalem and a Masters Degree in History from Vermont College of Norwich University. Rabbi Spiro is also a licensed tour guide by the Israel Ministry of Tourism. He has appeared on numerous radio and TV programs such as BBC, National Geographic Channel and The History Channel. He lives near Jerusalem with his wife and five children, where he works as a senior lecturer and researcher on Aish HaTorah outreach programs.
Crash Course in Jewish History
is "a comprehensive, thoughtful and highly educational survey of Jewish history.” - Sir Martin Gilbert
In one volume, Crash Course in Jewish History explores the 4,000 years of Jewish existence while answering the great questions: Why have the Jewish people been so unique, so impactful, yet so hated and so relentlessly persecuted?
Crash Course in Jewish History is not only comprehensive and readable, it is also entertaining and enlightening. Historian and author Ken Spiro takes the reader on a fascinating and informative journey through time, highlighting the key lessons of Jewish and world history, and most importantly, the profound relevance that the past holds for the future of both the Jewish people and humanity.
Novices and scholars alike will find Crash Course in Jewish History to be thought-provoking and insightful, as well as a valuable and relevant guide to understanding the challenges that we all face in the 21st century.
Gilad Shalit and the Sea Turtle
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe controversial exchange highlights one extreme difference: Israel values life.
WorldPerfect: The Aish HaTorah Seminar
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe in-depth presentation of the origins of modern world values.
Why the Jews? The Aish HaTorah Seminar
by Rabbi Ken SpiroUnderstanding the root of the world's longest hatred.
Part 12: Looking Forward
by Rabbi Ken SpiroEveryone is part of the whole, responsible one for another.
Part 11: Monotheism and its Implications
by Rabbi Ken SpiroAmerica’s Founding Fathers turned to the Bible for inspiration.
Part 10: Jewish Family & Responsibility
by Rabbi Ken SpiroBiblical values became the basis for social welfare.
Part 9: Jewish Justice & Education
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe Jewish king was not above the law; rather he exemplified it.
Part 8: The Jewish Perspective
by Rabbi Ken SpiroHe who saves one life is as if he saves an entire universe.
Part 7: Social Responsibility
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe Jews introduced the key concepts of modern morality.
Part 6: Family Values
by Rabbi Ken SpiroGreek civilization viewed pederasty as the highest form of love.
Part 5: Mass Education
by Rabbi Ken SpiroEducation is power. Mass illiteracy keeps people under control.
Part 3: War & Peace
by Rabbi Ken SpiroNations often employ the law of the jungle: Might makes right.
Part 2: Value of Life
by Rabbi Ken SpiroToday’s violence in sports is child’s play compared to many ancient cultures.
Part 1: Key Values for a Perfect World
by Rabbi Ken SpiroWhat is the source of our utopian world vision?
FAQs: Why is There So Much Anti-Semitism?
by Rabbi Ken SpiroMost given causes are just excuses. What's the real cause?
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #63: Modern Zionism")
History Crash Course #63: Modern Zionism
by Rabbi Ken SpiroHerzl launched the political framework for the modern State of Israel.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #64: The British Mandate")
History Crash Course #64: The British Mandate
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe British promised to create a Jewish state, but served their own Arab-linked interests as millions died in the Holocaust.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #65: The State of Israel")
History Crash Course #65: The State of Israel
by Rabbi Ken SpiroAfter the British turned away Holocaust survivors from Israel, the UN voted to partition the land.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #66: War")
History Crash Course #66: War
by Rabbi Ken SpiroSince its founding in 1948, Israel has been in a constant state of war, and yet has achieved great economic success.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #67: The Miracle of Jewish History")
History Crash Course #67: The Miracle of Jewish...
by Rabbi Ken SpiroIn the final analysis, Jewish history makes no rational sense.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #49: The Jews of Poland")
History Crash Course #49: The Jews of Poland
by Rabbi Ken SpiroKing Boleslav of Poland invited the Jews, granting them unprecedented rights and privileges.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #48: The Inquisition")
History Crash Course #48: The Inquisition
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe Inquisition sought to expose Jews who converted to Christianity but were still secretly Jewish.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #47: The Black Death")
History Crash Course #47: The Black Death
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe Europeans didn't know what caused the bubonic plague, but had no trouble blaming the Jews.
_(small)_(english).jpg "Jerusalem (10 min video)")
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #42: Rise of Islam")
History Crash Course #42: Rise of Islam
by Rabbi Ken SpiroMohammed reacted with anger when Jews refused to recognize him as the last of the prophets.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #41: From Paul to Constantine")
History Crash Course #41: From Paul to Constantine
by Rabbi Ken SpiroEarly Christianity attracted those unwilling to take on all of Judaism's precepts.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #37: Bar Kochba Revolt")
History Crash Course #37: Bar Kochba Revolt
by Rabbi Ken SpiroDespite the disastrous results of the Great Revolt, the Jews revolt yet again.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #38: Exile")
History Crash Course #38: Exile
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe Romans sought to extinguish Jewish presence in Jerusalem by renaming Israel to Palestine.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #36: Timeline: From Abraham to Destruction of the Temple")
History Crash Course #36: Timeline: From Abraham...
by Rabbi Ken SpiroTwo thousand years of Jewish history at a glance.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #33: The Great Revolt")
History Crash Course #33: The Great Revolt
by Rabbi Ken SpiroIn a seemingly suicidal move, the Jews take on the mighty Romans.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #29: Revolt of the Maccabees")
History Crash Course #29: Revolt of the Maccabees
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe Jewish revolt against the Greeks sets a precedent as the world's first religious war.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #27: The Greek Empire")
History Crash Course #27: The Greek Empire
by Rabbi Ken SpiroTo the Greeks, what was beautiful was holy; to the Jews, what was holy was beautiful. These views were bound to clash.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #26: The Great Assembly")
History Crash Course #26: The Great Assembly
by Rabbi Ken SpiroExtraordinary sages define the essence of Judaism for the Jews of Israel and the Diaspora.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #25: The Second Temple")
History Crash Course #25: The Second Temple
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe Holy Temple is rebuilt, but is not the same with the Ark of the Covenant missing.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #23: Babylonian Exile")
History Crash Course #23: Babylonian Exile
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe Babylonians think God has abandoned the Jews and celebrate. But they have a surprise coming.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #22: The End of Israel")
History Crash Course #22: The End of Israel
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe Kingdom of Judah lasts another of 134 years before it falls.
History Crash Course #21: Assyrian Conquest
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe Assyrians conquer northern Israel and vanquish the nation with exile.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #18: David: The King")
History Crash Course #18: David: The King
by Rabbi Ken SpiroDavid established Jerusalem as Israel's capital over 3,000 years ago.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #15: The Time of the Judges")
History Crash Course #15: The Time of the Judges
by Rabbi Ken SpiroJewish guidance came from the "judges," who were both warriors and prophets.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #5: The Promised Land")
History Crash Course #5: The Promised Land
by Rabbi Ken SpiroGod gave Abraham the Land of Israel as a laboratory to create a model nation for the world.
_(english).jpg "Purim in Persia")
Purim in Persia
by Rabbi Ken SpiroAnother feast celebrating God's abandonment of Israel puts in motion a plot to annihilate the Jews.
_(english).jpg "Alexander and the Jews")
Alexander and the Jews
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe one pivotal scene that you won't see in any movie sets the stage for the story of Chanukah.
_(english).gif "The Passion: A Historical Perspective")
The Passion: A Historical Perspective
by Rabbi Ken SpiroMel Gibson's film fits comfortably within the history of Christian anti-Semitism.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #34: War For Jerusalem")
History Crash Course #34: War For Jerusalem
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe Jewish nation fights to save its spiritual center.
_(english).jpg "America and Jewish Values")
America and Jewish Values
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe Bible's major role in the creation of the United States and its democracy.
_(english).jpg "WORLD PERFECT: The Jewish Impact on Civilization")
WORLD PERFECT: The Jewish Impact on Civilization
by Rabbi Ken SpiroWhere did the values and principles of the modern world come from?
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #68: Timeline: From Abraham to the State of Israel")
History Crash Course #68: Timeline: From Abraham...
by Rabbi Ken SpiroFour thousand years of Jewish history at a glance.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #62: Return to the Land of Israel")
History Crash Course #62: Return to the Land of...
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe re-birth of Israel is an unprecedented phenomenon in human history.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #61: The Final Solution")
History Crash Course #61: The Final Solution
by Rabbi Ken SpiroHitler implemented his goal to eliminate all Jews from the planet.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #60: The Holocaust")
History Crash Course #60: The Holocaust
by Rabbi Ken SpiroWhile Nazi Germany systematically rounded up and executed Jews, the world closed its eyes and its doors.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #59: The Face of Anti-Semitism")
History Crash Course #59: The Face of...
by Rabbi Ken SpiroEven in such civilized nations as France and the United States, anti-Semitism never died out.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #58: Jewish Life in America")
History Crash Course #58: Jewish Life in America
by Rabbi Ken SpiroJews gained untold riches in America, at the cost of their heritage and spirituality.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #57: The Czars and the Jews")
History Crash Course #57: The Czars and the Jews
by Rabbi Ken SpiroGovernment-organized pogroms against the Jews deflected attention from the corrupt regime.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #56: Pale of Settlement")
History Crash Course #56: Pale of Settlement
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThis area of Russia where Jews were most oppressed gave rise to amazing achievements.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #55: Jews and the Founding of America")
History Crash Course #55: Jews and the Founding of...
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe amazing story of Jewish influence on the founding fathers of American democracy.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #54: The Reform Movement")
History Crash Course #54: The Reform Movement
by Rabbi Ken SpiroGermans emphasized their loyalty to the "fatherland" in order to be accepted in mainstream society.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #53: The Enlightenment")
History Crash Course #53: The Enlightenment
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe Age of Reason gave Jews civil rights, but its emphasis on a Godless society was bound to backfire.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #52: The Hassidic Movement")
History Crash Course #52: The Hassidic Movement
by Rabbi Ken SpiroInitially a movement largely of the poor and uneducated, Hassidism emphasized spirituality in everyday life.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #51: The Kabbalists")
History Crash Course #51: The Kabbalists
by Rabbi Ken SpiroIn the 16th century, the Israeli mountaintop town of Tzfat became the center of Jewish mysticism.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #50: Reformation and the Jews")
History Crash Course #50: Reformation and the Jews
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe Reformation exposed the corruption of the Church. For the Jews it meant more bad news.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #46: Blood Libel")
History Crash Course #46: Blood Libel
by Rabbi Ken SpiroChristian accusations leveled against the Jews were extreme and irrational.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #45: The Crusades")
History Crash Course #45: The Crusades
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe Crusaders came to liberate the Holy Land from the "infidels" - and woe to any Jew who stood in their way.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #44: The Jews of Spain")
History Crash Course #44: The Jews of Spain
by Rabbi Ken SpiroSpain was the Medieval golden land of opportunity for Jews.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #43: The Jews of Babylon")
History Crash Course #43: The Jews of Babylon
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe oldest and most stable of Jewish communities was spared the ravages of holy warriors.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #40 - Seeds of Christianity")
History Crash Course #40 - Seeds of Christianity
by Rabbi Ken SpiroAt a time of cruel oppression, splinter sects spring up in belief that the apocalypse is at hand.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #39: The Talmud")
History Crash Course #39: The Talmud
by Rabbi Ken SpiroIn a time of chaos, the sages do the unprecedented and write down the Oral Law.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #32: Hillel and Shammai")
History Crash Course #32: Hillel and Shammai
by Rabbi Ken SpiroIn a time when many things were going wrong for the Jews, the sages Hillel and Shammai defined what was going right.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #35: Destruction of the Temple")
History Crash Course #35: Destruction of the...
by Rabbi Ken SpiroOn the saddest day in the Jewish calendar, the 9th of Av, the Temple burns to the ground.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #31: Herod the Great")
History Crash Course #31: Herod the Great
by Rabbi Ken SpiroA madman who murdered his own family and many rabbis, Herod was also the greatest builder in Jewish history.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #30: The Romans")
History Crash Course #30: The Romans
by Rabbi Ken SpiroJewish tradition maintains the Romans were descendants of Esau, the bloodthirsty brother of Jacob.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #28: Greek Persecution")
History Crash Course #28: Greek Persecution
by Rabbi Ken SpiroTerror reigned -- women were killed with babies tied around their necks.
_(english).jpg "Archaeology and the Exodus")
Archaeology and the Exodus
by Rabbi Ken SpiroOne rabbi asserts that the Exodus never happened. What role does archaeology play in verifying Biblical events?
History Crash Course #24: Purim in Persia
by Rabbi Ken SpiroA feast celebrating God's abandonment of Israel puts into motion Haman's plot to annihilate the Jews.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #20: A Divided Nation")
History Crash Course #20: A Divided Nation
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe 10 northern tribes secede, splitting Israel in two.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #19: King Solomon")
History Crash Course #19: King Solomon
by Rabbi Ken SpiroKing Solomon, the wisest of all men, built the Temple in Jerusalem and reigned over Israel's golden age.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #17 - David: Shepherd & Warrior")
History Crash Course #17 - David: Shepherd &...
by Rabbi Ken SpiroStill too young to fight in the army, David becomes Israel's champion when he slays Goliath.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #16: King Saul")
History Crash Course #16: King Saul
by Rabbi Ken SpiroKing Saul was a great man who committed one terrible mistake, dooming his reign from the start.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #14: Joshua and Conquest of the Promised Land")
History Crash Course #14: Joshua and Conquest of...
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThis is no typical war of conquest.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #13: The Tragedy of the Spies")
History Crash Course #13: The Tragedy of the Spies
by Rabbi Ken SpiroEvery major disaster in Jewish history is connected to the 9th of Av. It all began with the 12 spies.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #12: The Golden Calf")
History Crash Course #12: The Golden Calf
by Rabbi Ken SpiroOnly a tiny portion of Jews participate in worshiping the golden calf. So why blame the whole nation?
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #11: Mount Sinai")
History Crash Course #11: Mount Sinai
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe encounter between God and the Jews at Mount Sinai was a totally unique event in all of human history.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #10: Ten Plagues")
History Crash Course #10: Ten Plagues
by Rabbi Ken SpiroWith the Ten Plagues, the laws of nature are turned upside down to free the Jews.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #9: Moses")
History Crash Course #9: Moses
by Rabbi Ken SpiroIn an all-time irony, Moses the savior of the Jewish people is raised in the house of the enemy of the Jews.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #8: Reunion")
History Crash Course #8: Reunion
by Rabbi Ken SpiroTo remedy the family animosity, Joseph sets the stage for a great test.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #7: Joseph")
History Crash Course #7: Joseph
by Rabbi Ken SpiroJoseph demonstrates a classic pattern: The Jew arrives impoverished, works hard, and rises to the top.
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #6: Isaac and His Sons")
History Crash Course #6: Isaac and His Sons
by Rabbi Ken SpiroHistory repeats: The groove that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob carve will be for their descendants.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #4: Abraham's Journey")
History Crash Course #4: Abraham's Journey
by Rabbi Ken SpiroAbraham gave rise to a nation of Hebrews -- people who live "on the other side."
_(english).jpg "History Crash Course #3: The World of Abraham")
History Crash Course #3: The World of Abraham
by Rabbi Ken SpiroBy understanding the character of Abraham, the "proto-Jew", one can understand what Jews are all about.
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #2: The Bible as History")
History Crash Course #2: The Bible as History
by Rabbi Ken SpiroAn enormous amount of information in the Bible has been borne out by archeology, through indirect or circumstantial evidence.
_(english).gif "Jerusalem: Jewish and Muslim Claims to the Holy City")
Jerusalem: Jewish and Muslim Claims to the Holy...
by Rabbi Ken SpiroJerusalem is at the center of the Arab-Israeli conflict. What are the spiritual, historical and political claims – from both sides?
_(english).gif "History Crash Course #1: - Why Study History")
History Crash Course #1: - Why Study History
by Rabbi Ken SpiroWe learn Jewish history not only to avoid the mistakes of the past, but to understand where our destiny is taking us.
_(english).gif "The Impact of the Bible: #4 -")
The Impact of the Bible: #4 - "Proclaim Liberty...
by Rabbi Ken SpiroJewish thought heavily influenced the Founding Fathers and the fledgling United States.
_(english).gif "The Impact of the Bible #3: In God We Trust")
The Impact of the Bible #3: In God We Trust
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe heavily Bible-influenced Puritans bring the Word to the New World.
_(english).gif "The Impact of the Bible: #2 - Protestants and Puritans")
The Impact of the Bible: #2 - Protestants and...
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe printing press spreads the word. The Reformation seizes the Church and spreads to Western governments.
_(english).jpg "End of Days")
End of Days
by Rabbi Ken SpiroAs we enter the last month of the 20th century, expectations about the next millennium have reached a fevered pitch.
_(english).gif "The Impact of the Bible")
The Impact of the Bible
by Rabbi Ken SpiroThe Bible is the best selling book in human history. Its moral, spiritual and even political impact has been profound and unmistakable. How did that come to be?
