Rabbi Wein explores the two central figures in the most unfortunate incidents in Jewish history. With the endorsement of Rabbi Akiva, self-made Torah scholar and beloved Jewish leader, the charismatic Shimon Bar Kochba was able to organize an army of hundreds of thousands of Jews to attempt to rise up against Roman domination. The defeat of Bar Kochba and ultimate martyrdom of Rabbi Akiva sealed the fate of the Jews for a long, bitter exile.

• Rachel and the making of Rabbi Akiva
• the character and little-known origins of Bar Kochba
• messianism vs. self-aggrandizement - why Bar Kochba lost Rabbi Akiva's support
• the battle of Beitar - miracles after the defeat