The Eleventh Plague: Jews and Pandemics from the Bible to COVID-19

The history of the Jewish people has been significantly shaped by plagues, pandemics, and infectious diseases, with the Talmudic Sages considering them part of God's created world. During the Black Death in 1348, Jews were persecuted and blamed for the disease, even as Pope Clement IV ruled that anyone joining or authorizing the persecution would be excommunicated. Jeremy Brown's book, "The Eleventh Plague," investigates the relationship between Judaism and infectious diseases throughout the ages, from premodern and early-modern plagues to rabbinic responses to smallpox and cholera, to the special vulnerabilities Jewish immigrants faced in the US due to prejudice, and to the curious practice of "Black Weddings" in which two orphans are married in a cemetery.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The impact of plagues, pandemics, and infectious diseases on the Jewish people is a complex and multifaceted tale that extends far beyond the ten biblical plagues that famously struck Egypt. According to Jeremy Brown, a physician and historian of science and medicine at the National Institute of Health, these diseases have played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of the Jewish people throughout their existence.

In the Talmudic era, infectious diseases were seen as a fundamental aspect of God's creation. The Sages believed that diseases were part of the natural order and that they had a purpose in maintaining the balance of the world. However, as time passed, disease began to be associated with evil spells and incantations, leading to the development of counter-magic to combat these perceived threats.

Amulets, miracle workers, and even visits to Christian shrines were employed to seek protection against disease. During the Black Death in 1348, Jews were not only victims of the disease itself but also faced widespread anti-Semitic violence. Despite the ruling of Pope Clement IV that anyone joining or authorizing the persecution of Jews would be excommunicated, at least 235 Jewish communities were persecuted during this time.

In his book "The Eleventh Plague," Brown delves into the intricate relationship between Judaism and infectious diseases throughout history. He explores the impact of plagues, such as the Black Death, on Jewish communities, the responses of rabbinic scholars to diseases like smallpox and cholera, the unique vulnerabilities faced by Jewish immigrants in the United States due to prejudice, and the curious practice of "Black Weddings," which was popularized during the 1918 influenza pandemic and revived in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The practice of "Black Weddings" involves the marriage of two orphans in a cemetery, a tradition believed to offer protection against disease and misfortune. While this practice may seem unusual to modern readers, it reflects the deep-rooted belief in the power of religion and tradition to cope with the challenges posed by disease.

The relationship between Judaism and infectious diseases continues to be a topic of interest and study today. As we navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that the lessons learned from history can help us better understand and respond to these health crises. Brown's book provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between religion, culture, and disease, and its relevance to our contemporary world.

In conclusion, plagues, pandemics, and infectious diseases have played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of the Jewish people. From the biblical plagues to the persecution during the Black Death, these diseases have tested the resilience and faith of the Jewish people. Through their responses to these challenges, Jews have demonstrated their ability to adapt and thrive in difficult circumstances. The relationship between Judaism and infectious diseases remains a fascinating and important area of study, and it offers valuable insights into the human experience and the power of religion and tradition to cope with adversity.

Weight: 816g
Dimension: 168 x 243 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197607183