The King of Schnorrers by Israel Zangwill.

The King of Schnorrers by Israel Zangwill. Manasseh da Costa, protagonist of this hilarious novel, is a schnorrer (beggar) who lives on the charitable contributions of the Jews of late 18th-century London. Manasseh is far from being a humble panhandler for, as every schnorrer knows, supporting the poor is a commandment from God (a mitzvah) not just a favour. And as the descendant of Portuguese Jews who had lived in England for many generations, Manasseh is the social superior of those newly arrived from Eastern Europe (Tedesco)—even his wealthy ‘patron’ Joseph Grobstock. The book concludes as the ever-audacious Manasseh strikes...

Latest episodes

1. 06 - Showing how the king enriched the synagogue.

   09 Oct 2026

   06 - Showing how the king enriched the synagogue. Manasseh da Costa, protagonist of this hilarious novel, is a schnorrer (beggar) who lives on the charitable contributions of the J…

   49 min ▶

2. 05 - Showing how the king dissolved the Mahamad.

   09 Oct 2026

   05 - Showing how the king dissolved the Mahamad. Manasseh da Costa, protagonist of this hilarious novel, is a schnorrer (beggar) who lives on the charitable contributions of the Je…

   44 min ▶

3. 04 - Showing how the royal wedding was arranged.

   09 Oct 2026

   04 - Showing how the royal wedding was arranged. Manasseh da Costa, protagonist of this hilarious novel, is a schnorrer (beggar) who lives on the charitable contributions of the Je…

   46 min ▶

4. 03 - Showing how his majesty went to the theatre and was wooed.

   09 Oct 2026

   03 - Showing how his majesty went to the theatre and was wooed. Manasseh da Costa, protagonist of this hilarious novel, is a schnorrer (beggar) who lives on the charitable contribu…

   47 min ▶

5. 02 - Showing how the king reigned.

   09 Oct 2026

   02 - Showing how the king reigned. Manasseh da Costa, protagonist of this hilarious novel, is a schnorrer (beggar) who lives on the charitable contributions of the Jews of late 18t…

   39 min ▶

6. 01 - Showing how the wicked philanthropist was turned into a fish-porter.

   08 Oct 2026

   01 - Showing how the wicked philanthropist was turned into a fish-porter. Manasseh da Costa, protagonist of this hilarious novel, is a schnorrer (beggar) who lives on the charitabl…

   40 min ▶