The Story of the Jews

Series 1

The Story of the Jews is a television series, in five parts, presented by British historian Simon Schama. It was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two in September 2013 and in the United States on PBS in March and April 2014. It is based on Schama's book of the same title, which is in two volumes. The first volume was published in September 2013.

Where to Watch Series 1

BBC Select Apple Tv channelSubscription

5 Episodes

In the Beginning
E1
In the BeginningSimon Schama begins his exploration of the Jewish story at the start, 3,000 years ago.
Among Believers
E2
Among BelieversSimon 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.
A Leap of Faith
E3
A Leap of FaithSimon Schama explores how the remarkably successful integration of Jewish talent into the mainstream of European culture and commerce stirred up the ghosts of ancient prejudice and paved the way for the Holocaust.
Over the Rainbow
E4
Over the RainbowSimon Schama investigates the lost world of Shtetl; the Jewish towns and villages sewn across the hinterlands of Eastern Europe and the birthplace of Hasidism, that were wiped out by the genocidal mechanisms of the 'final solution'.
Return
E5
ReturnSimon Schama takes a look at how the Holocaust and the creation of Israel have changed what it means to be Jewish in modern times.