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A Guide & Index to Stories from Jewish History
Welcome to Stories from Jewish History, a monthly newsletter exploring Jewish thinkers, events, and artifacts, from the famous to the obscure. As we’re nearing 100 issues, I thought I’d create a guide and index to what I’ve written for new and returning readers alike.
About
Hi, my name is Tamar Ron Marvin, and I hold a Ph.D. in Medieval and Early Modern Jewish Studies. I also studied Gemara and halacha full-time for four years at a women’s yeshiva. You can read more about me and why I started this newsletter on the About page. (In short: I’m a big nerd, I love to write about my medieval friends, and I think there should be more accessible writing about Jewish history.)
Series
So far, I’ve done eight series here, plus a cycle of holiday newsletters.
First up is Coffee with the Rishonim. This is a perfect place to jump in and start reading. (And yes, Coffee with the Achronim is kicking off soon!)
Next, I’d recommend the Famous Hebrew Manuscripts series. Meet all the greats and get acquainted with the stories behind beautiful illuminations.
I did a series of series (a superseries?) about the establishment and development of Jewish life in the medieval world:
I also did three themed series. The first is on Premodern Aliyah and Travel to the Land of Israel (marking my own aliyah in summer 2024).
Then I did a History of Kabbala; there are lots of histories of Jewish philosophy out there but not many that treat Kabbala holistically (though I focused on medieval and early modern Kabbala).
Most recently, by popular request, I did a series on the Maimonidean Controversies. It didn’t exactly require twisting my arm; this was the subject of my dissertation.
Index
And now, a comprehensive index, across series, of posts arranged chronologically within topic areas. I hope it will help you navigate previous newsletters better, and find what interests you! (Periodically updated.)
[Geonic Era | Sefaradi Rishonim | Ashkenazi Rishonim | Italy & Provence | Acharonim]
Geonic Era
The early medieval period, c. 500-1000
Sefarad & Sefardi Rishonim
The Jews of the Maghrib and Iberia in the medieval period, c. 1000-1500
Rishonim from Italy and Provence
Medieval scholars from the distinct cultural spheres of Italy and Provence, c. 1100-1500
Ashkenaz & Ashkenazi Rishonim
Northern and Central Europe in the medieval period, c. 950-1500
Acharonim
The early modern to modern periods, including both Ashkenazi and Sefardi scholars, c. 1500-1900
Interdisciplinary
Posts that cross cultural, temporal, and/or geographical boundaries.
[Top of Index | Geonic Era | Sefaradi Rishonim | Ashkenazi Rishonim | Italy & Provence | Acharonim]