Speaker to discuss ritual murder accusations against Jews

Dr. Hillel J. Kieval “ The Ritual Murder Trial in Modern Jewish History” will be the subject as professor and author Dr. Hillel J. Kieval is the featured guest for Temple Ahavat Shalom’s annual speakers event.

The open-to-the-public event will be Tuesday, Feb. 9 at Temple Ahavat Shalom in Palm Harbor.

Kieval is the Gloria M. Goldstein Professor of Jewish History and Thought at Washington University in St. Louis, where he has also been both chair of the department of history and director of the Program in Jewish, Islamic, and Near Eastern Studies.

In his speeches and books, Kieval brings to life the social and cultural history of the Jews in east central Europe since the Enlightenment and in Jewish-Gentile interaction and conflict. He is the author of three books: The Making of Czech Jewry: National Conflict and Jewish Society in Bohemia, 1870-1918; Languages of Community: The Jewish Experience in the Czech Lands. His speech and forthcoming work: Blood Inscriptions: The Ritual Murder Trial in Modern Europe, delve into the anti-Semitic blood that libels Jews in modern Europe hve to contend with especially the centuries-old accusations that Jews kidnapped Christian children for sacrifice. But, at the same time, Kieval is also an expert on the lighter side of daily Jewish life over the centuries and such things as the legend of the Golems was born to protect communities against blood libels.

The entire community is encouraged to attend this annual featured speakers event. General admission ticket prices range from $18-$100, which includes a gala dessert reception following the lecture. Patron Level tickets for $500 include two tickets to the lecture, reserved seating and a special listing in the program. Sponsor Level tickets of $1,000 and above will also include dinner with Kieval prior to the lecture. For more details on sponsorship information and for reservations, call the temple office at (727) 785-8811.