Join Dr. Yael Lavender-Smith from OU at Norman Library West for the Medieval Fair Free Lecture Series and learn more about Jewish life in 17th century Amsterdam.
Uriel da Costa’s autobiography is a fascinating example of an early modern conversion narrative to Judaism. But unlike St. Augustine’s Confessions, da Costa’s narrative describes the author’s disbeliefs, doubts, and reservations. This talk examines da Costa’s enigmatic—and ultimately tragic—confrontations with himself and with the Jewish community of 17th-century Amsterdam.