Tisha B'Av 5774

Jews and the Black Death

GGS 05/08/14

From the GGS Website

One of the most destructive pandemics in history, the Black Death raged in mid-14th-century Europe, killing close to half of its population.  In many places, sometimes encouraged by church leaders, Jews were blamed for spreading the disease, resulting in widespread persecution and the destruction of hundreds of Jewish communities.

In this presentation, Rabbi Belovski will examine the social and political context of these attacks, explore the role of Pope Clement VI, who tried to prevent them and consider their ramifications for European Jewry.

Please note that this recording begins a few seconds into the class.

Tisha B'Av 5773

The Massacre of the Jews at York, 1190

GGS 16/07/13

From the GGS Website

In 1190, early in the reign of Richard I, fuelled by Crusade fervour and unpaid debts to Jewish money-lenders, anti-Jewish rioting broke out in York.  The local Jewish community took refuge in the wooden keep of the royal castle on the night of Shabbat HaGadol.  As matters worsened, Yom Tov of Joigny, a famous rabbi and their spiritual leader, advocated suicide rather than face the impending pogrom...

In this presentation, Rabbi Belovski will examine the background to the Clifford’s Tower massacre in Jewish, liturgical and historical sources, and consider its ramifications for English Jewry.