Safe Haven

Born in 915 and dying in 975, Hasdai ibn Shaprut was a scholar of the Talmud who mastered Hebrew, Arabic and Latin, and he also earned a reputation as a skilled doctor. His learning and ability drew the attention of Abd-ar-Rhaman III, caliph of Cordoba, who named him court physician and placed him in charge of customs revenue as inspector general.

In the caliph's service he also advised on diplomacy, most notably with the Byzantine empire. Hasdai was further appointed Nagid, or head, of all the Jews within the caliphate. His wealth, wisdom and rank gave him the means to protect and speak for the Jews of Cordoba and, beyond them, Jewish communities scattered across the diaspora. He kept up a regular correspondence with leading Talmudic authorities in Babylon and North Africa.

The book's subject includes a disputed exchange of letters, written in Hebrew, between Hasdai and the Jewish king of the Khazar empire. Hasdai sent a personal envoy to Atil, the Khazar capital, to learn whether the Khazars were in fact Jewish and, if so, whether Jews fleeing persecution could find refuge within their borders.