Judaism on Trial: The Disputations of Tortosa of 1413-14

The 1413–1414 Disputation of Tortosa was a pivotal event in the history of Iberian Jews, marking a significant escalation in their persecution. Organized by Pope Benedict XIII, it was framed as a theological debate between Jewish scholars and Christian theologians, led by Gerónimo de Santa Fe, a Jewish convert to Christianity. Jewish participants, including prominent rabbis, were coerced into attending and denied the ability to refute Christian arguments openly. The debate centered on interpretations of Jewish texts, particularly the Talmud, which Christians sought to use to validate Christian doctrine.

About the speaker:

Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Pereira is the director of adult education at the Chabad of Virginia, Richmond. He can be reached at shlomo@chabadofva.org. Rabbi Pereira was a Professor of Economics and has Rabbinical ordination. He is the author or co-author of "Jewish Ethics from Portugal" and other books. He is widely published and lectures around the world on history…