The attitude of Jews living in the medieval Christian world to Jews who converted to Christianity or to Christians seeking to join the Jewish faith reflects the central traits that make up Jewish self-identification. The Jews saw themselves as a unique group chosen by God, who expected them to play a specific and unique role in the world. This study researches fully for the various aspects of the way European Jews regarded members of their own fold in the context of lapses into another religion.
Contents
Early beginnings -- Forced conversion during the First Crusade -- Theological confrontation with Christianity's success -- Self-definition and halakah -- Attitudes towards women -- Alternative perspectives: the literature of pietists (Ashkenazic hasidim) -- Converts to Judaism -- Conclusions: the change in mentality.
