Esther Erman Presents her Novel Rebecca of Salerno (Social Hall)

Sunday, April 30, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
What, if anything, do contemporary Jews have in common with medieval Jews? This question and others inspired author Esther Erman to write her latest book, Rebecca of Salerno: A Novel of Rogue Crusaders, a Jewish Female Physician, and a Murder. Further inspiration came from wanting to discover what became of Rebecca, the Jewish heroine of Walter Scott’s 1820 novel, Ivanhoe, which ends with Rebecca and her father joining the ranks of Jewish refugees. The real medical school at Salerno—first in the western world and a place where women and men, Jews, Christians, and Muslims could study together starting back in the “dark ages”—provides Rebecca with the chance to fulfill her dreams. Erman will be on hand to discuss questions and will have copies of her book on hand to sell.