The Way to Walk
Life in York in 1189 is tranquil. There is little interaction between Christians and Jews, usually only when a member of the aristocracy needs a loan from Jewish moneylenders. But the status quo is changing. Blood libels demonize Jews, fomenting ill will among the masses. The monopoly on moneylending imposed on the Jews provokes simmering resentment among the nobility, many of whom are indebted. And Saracen victories in the Holy Land stoke xenophobia, leading Christians to regard Jews as “the infidels among us.” Besieged by their neighbors, York’s Jews are presented with an ultimatum: convert or be killed. Confronted by this terrible choice, 150 people take their own lives rather than forsake their heritage.
The Way to Walk reimagines these heartbreaking events via a coming-of-age story that presents first love during a time of violent intolerance. Thirteen-year-old Jewish Roni spends much of his time in his teacher’s library, but his inner longing for adventure leads him to crave more than the life of devout community leadership his father intends for him. A secret friendship with Christian Neville results in keeping secrets from his father and teacher, feeding his adventurous spirit. Roni is smitten with Biket, a Jewish girl who is as clever and brave as she is loving. Biket is the daughter of Benedict, England’s greatest moneylender, whom Roni idolizes. Rabbi Yom Tov takes seriously his duty to instruct his community in halakha, “the way to walk” in the world according to Jewish precepts. Roni is devoted to his teacher and studies, but his active inner world leads him to wonder about other paths he might take in life.
Roni struggles to navigate this perilous environment and win Biket’s love while choosing his own way to walk: the path of his pious teacher, or that of his more cosmopolitan mentor. Together, Roni and Biket will face terrifying challenges. Biket’s courage will help Roni achieve his full potential and may just save both their lives.
The Way to Walk is YA fiction inspired by real events that brings to life the actual people known to have lived, and perished, during this historical tragedy. The York martyrs speak to us across the generations, and recent archaeological finds from this very region and period stand in silent testimony to the dangers they faced. Their experience is as relevant today as it was eight centuries ago, as bigotry and groundless hatred continue to lurk unabated in the darker folds of the human heart.