Beyond Berlin Jew Süss: The Many Lives and Deaths of Joseph Süßkind Oppenheimer
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Stories —big and small— that start in Berlin and look eastward, where Europe´s heart beats and its future unfolds. A blog, a podcast and a journey connecting past and present of our continent, as seen from Berlin and looking beyond, toward the East. Subscribe on beyondberlin.substack.com
Today's episode:
Jew Süss: The Many Lives and Deaths of Joseph Süßkind Oppenheimer
This episode dives into the tangled legacy of Jud Süß—a story that has been told, distorted, and weaponised for centuries.
We follow Joseph Süß Oppenheimer’s journey from an 18th-century court Jew in Württemberg to the literary redemption in Lion Feuchtwanger’s 1925 novel, and finally to his grotesque reinvention in Goebbels’ 1940 propaganda masterpiece.
Through historical research, archival discoveries, and cinematic analysis, we uncover how the Nazi regime used the power of film to spread antisemitic hatred—on screen, in the streets, and even in concentration camps.
The poison of that propaganda still circulates today. The truth still waits to be heard.
You’ll hear about:
The real trial and execution of Joseph Süß Oppenheimer
How Feuchtwanger reclaimed the story in his novel
Goebbels’ direct involvement in creating the 1940 propaganda film
The film’s distribution, reception, and role in Nazi ideology
Postwar trials, black market circulation, and its enduring toxic legacy
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Music Credits
🎶 Intro/Outro: “Happy Klezmer” by zec53
🎶 Segmenti musicali:
Music background by 🇺🇦 Serge Pavkin Music
Georg Friedrich Handel, Wassermusik (Water Music) 248 III. IV.