by F.
B. Sembeck
In 16th Century Europe, France is confronted with a wave of modern
reform that threatens to sweep up the staid Catholicism of the
day. French citizenry eye England's newfound religious laxity
with resentment, pressing their government for a taste of liberty,
equality, and fraternity.
The French Cardinal has a plan that will relieve the pressure
on the Church and perhaps even swell the ranks of its adherents.
It's predicated on a Great Debate between Christianity and it's
presumed nemesis, Judaism, a debate which will inflame the masses
and open the way for the final solution against the Jews.
But the Jews have already been devastated; their numbers terribly
shrunken by the last outrage against them. Where to find a fitting
scapegoat, a worthy scapegoat ready to be led to the slaughter?
In a remote corner of Paris, Rabbi Hershel Kohn, the leader of
the small Jewish remnant, is much admired for his piousness and
sharp tongue. But Rabbi Kohn has a dark secret no one must discover.
The Cardinal's agents have learned his secret and plan to use
it to secure the defeat of the Jews.
Hershel is faced with a dilemma: he can purposely lose the debate
and betray the community or try to win and bring dishonor to his
family.
Either way, there will be blood to pay.
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