In England in 1234, Jews were accused of having abducted, circumcised, and converted a five-year-old Christian boy to Judaism. As a result of this charge, Jews were executed, and Jewish homes were looted and torched. Professor Paola Tartakoff will speak on her new book, Conversion, Circumcision and Ritual Murder in Medieval Europe, which explores the “Norwich Circumcision Case” and sheds new light on medieval anti-Judaism, religious conversion, and the predicaments of children whose identities Jews and Christians contested. Examining the links between conversion, circumcision, and ritual murder accusations, Professor Tartakoff proposes a solution to the mysterious events of 1234.

Respondent: Professor David Shyovitz (Northwestern University).

This event will be held virtually. Advance registration required.
Registration and link to purchase book at https://bildnercenter.rutgers.edu/events/upcoming-events/range.listevents/-