Brothers from Afar

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Ephraim Kanarfogel explores the complex dynamics of apostasy and reversion within the Jewish community of northern medieval Europe. He argues against the notion that returning apostates could reintegrate without formal rituals, presenting evidence that from the late twelfth century, rabbinic authorities mandated rites of contrition, including ritual immersion. Kanarfogel posits that this shift in rabbinic thought was significantly influenced by evolving Christian attitudes towards Jews, highlighting the interplay between external pressures and internal religious practices during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.