Beyond Berlin @ Substack

++ Stories —big and small— that start in Berlin and look eastward, where Europe´s heart beats and its future unfolds. ++

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

📖 Book references. At beyondberlin.substack.com you will have access to the full text and illustrations. Paid subscribers can download the post as an e-book, complete with a guide to book and digital references.

📌 Subscribe for free at beyondberlin.substack.com by Valentina Giannella to get all upcoming episodes and explore our other content—compelling stories from past and present, stunning photographs, plus diverse voices and book recommendations.

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.