Christian images and their Jewish desecrators. The history of an allegation, 400–1700. By Katherine Aron-Beller. (Jewish Culture and Contexts.) Pp. xii + 426 incl. 28 ills. Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2024. £72. 978 1 5128 2410 0

Key Points

• The central aim is to explore the historical context and implications of allegations regarding Jewish desecration of Christian images from 400 to 1700.
• Historical analysis of texts and allegations.
• Examination of cultural contexts surrounding Christian and Jewish interactions.
• Review of significant events and narratives related to the desecration claims.
• Uncovers persistent narratives of Jewish desecration in Christian theology over centuries.
• Highlights the impact of these allegations on Christian-Jewish relations.
• Demonstrates how cultural interpretations shaped the perception of these events.