Talmud Burning
The burning of the works of the Jewish philosopher Maimonides by Dominicans at Montpellier in 1232 was evidence of the new Christian interest in “Jewish heresy.” But a more serious incident occurred in 1240. Nicholas Donin, a Jew of Paris who had been excommunicated by his rabbinic teacher for repudiating the Oral Law, joined the Franciscans and began a campaign against the Talmud. He called the attention of Pope Gregory IX to what he considered blasphemies against Christianity in the Talmud. The pope wrote the Bishop of Paris, who was commanded to disseminate the charges to clergy throughout Europe. On a sabbath morning, Jewish books were to be seized and handed over to the friars for examination. The order was obeyed in Paris, where Nicholas lived. A public trial of the Talmud was held in June 1240. In this "trial" Donin was the accuser; Yehiel of Paris and others defended the Talmud. As a result, the Talmud was condemned to be burned. Twenty-four cart loads of talmudic works were burned in Paris in 1242. Although Donin continued his anti-Jewish activities for a long period, he was basically a rationalist who never became a good Christian. His name was mentioned in 1287 when he was condemned by the general of the Franciscans for a pamphlet attacking the order, which he wrote in 1279.
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