The Most Important Jewish Thinker You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of

Today on the podcast we invite Professor Jeffrey Blutinger - professor of Jewish Studies at CSULB about his new book on Heinrich Graetz!Discover the story of one of the most influential — yet largely forgotten — figures in Jewish intellectual history: Heinrich Graetz. In this episode, we explore how Graetz helped shape modern Jewish identity, pioneered the academic study of Jewish history, and redefined what it means to understand Judaism as a people, not just a religion.From the rise of the Haskalah to the fierce debates over tradition, reform, and modernity, this conversation dives into the intellectual revolution that transformed 19th-century Jewish life. We unpack how Graetz’s groundbreaking work made Jewish history accessible to everyday readers—and why his ideas still influence how we think about Jewish identity today.Featuring insights from a leading scholar, this episode explores:- The origins of modern Jewish studies- The tension between religion and peoplehood- The role of history in shaping identity- The hidden roots of modern Jewish thought- The goals of the field of Jewish Studies- And much moRe#jewishthought #jewishhistory #jewish #judaism Heinrich Graetz, #Haskalah, Jewish Enlightenment, Jewish identity, Zionism, Jewish philosophy, religion vs identity, Jewish studies, 19th century history, Judaism explainedIf you’re interested in Jewish history, philosophy, or the evolution of identity in the modern world, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.👉 Like, subscribe, and join the conversation for more deep dives into Jewish thought, history, and current debates.