After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal Black Death: Scapegoats & Persecution
Mar 30, 2025
Join historian Joshua Teplitsky from the University of Pennsylvania as he dives into the dark legacy of the Black Death. He uncovers how this devastating plague led to the horrific scapegoating of Jewish communities, particularly the violent accusations in Strasbourg. Teplitsky reveals the dangerous intersection of fear and authority, where institutionalized anti-Semitism thrived. The discussion not only highlights the tragic consequences of these events but also emphasizes themes of resilience and communal support during times of crisis.
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Jewish Life in Medieval Europe
- Jewish communities in early modern Central Europe were integrated into society but held an inferior legal status.
- This ambivalence fostered daily interaction yet enforced social hierarchy.
The Badge of Otherness
- The imposition of badges on Jews in the 13th century highlighted the close integration of Jewish and Christian communities.
- Without the badge, it was often difficult to distinguish between the two groups.
The Well-Poisoning Myth
- Rumors spread that Jews were poisoning wells, using a powder the size of an egg.
- This lie fueled the persecution during the Black Death.