In the year 4767 from the creation of the world, corresponding to 1007 CE, the wicked kingdom issued a decree of forced conversion against Israel during the reign of Robert, king of France.

The king and queen consulted with their princes and governors throughout the territories surrounding their kingdom. They said: “There is one people scattered throughout the provinces. It doesn’t obey the king, and its laws and teachings differ from those of every other people. Come, let us destroy them, so that the name of Israel will no longer be remembered, for they are a snare to us. Let a proclamation pass throughout your land that anyone who won’t consent to our demands and obey our commands shall be put to death.” The king and the princes united in approving this counsel.

On a certain day, the king summoned the Jews dwelling in his land. When they appeared before him, he said:

“I have summoned you so that you will reveal all your knowledge to me and conceal nothing. I have consulted with my princes and servants, and I desire that we should become one people. Then you will be rulers and honored men. Accept our religion, for it is more correct than yours. If you refuse my command, I shall kill you with the sword. Now consider what answer you will give me.”

The Jews consulted together and refused to obey him, reject the Torah of Moses or exchange the fear of God for another faith. They strengthened themselves in God and placed their trust in Him. They returned to the king and said:

“Our lord, we will not obey you in this matter and deny the Lord. Do with us whatever seems right in your eyes.”

They stretched out their necks to the sword for the sanctification of God’s name and the proclamation of His unity. Their enemies gathered, killed the pious servants of the Most High and poured out their blood like water.

At that time, honored women came forward and took one another by the hand. They said:

“Let us go to the river and drown ourselves, so that the name of Heaven won’t be profaned through us. What was holy has been trampled in the streets, and what we cherished has been consumed by fire. Death is better for us than life.”

Some fled for their lives. A father didn’t hold back because of his son, nor a son because of his father, lest they profane the honored name. The elderly, who lacked the strength to flee, were seized by the persecutors, dragged by their feet and pulled through the mud because they refused to obey.

There was among the Israelites a man named Senior, one of the holy men of the land, who was very wise and understanding. The Christian attackers plotted to bring him into their religion. He despised their belief, reviled their idols and cursed their images. Those who heard him became enraged, cut him down with their swords and trampled him beneath their horses’ hooves.

A man from the city of Rouen arose and said to the killers:

“You have no authority over Israel to remove them from their Torah or do anything to them, except by order of the pope in Rome. If it seems good to you, I’ll travel there. Whatever he tells me, I’ll return and report to you, and you may act accordingly.”

Duke Richard came, seized the man who had spoken in defense of Israel and imprisoned him with his wife and sons. He intended to cut off his head with his sword. He tied him to the tail of his horse and drew his sword to kill him, but the golden cord attached to the blade became tangled around his fingers and pierced his palm.

The Jew said:

“Ask about the former days that came before you, and they will tell you what befell everyone who did evil to the Jews.”

The duke replied:

“From the cord that pierced my hand as I grasped the sword, I know that this isn’t the time to kill you, for God is having mercy upon you. I shall do as you proposed and send you to the pope. Whatever he says, we shall do. I shall keep one of your sons as a pledge, so that you don’t deceive me. Then I shall know whether we have sinned against you without cause. Since the decree has already begun, I can’t cancel it except by the authority of the head of the nations. Go now and act according to your wisdom. Perhaps Heaven will have mercy upon you.”

The man was Rabbi Jacob, son of Rabbi Yekutiel. His wife was Hannah, and his four sons were Yekutiel, Isaac, Joseph and Judah. He left Judah as a pledge in the persecutor’s hands.

Jacob departed with his wife, three sons, four servants and twelve horses. With God’s help, which protected them along the road, they reached Rome.

Jacob stood before the pope but didn’t kneel or bow as the gentiles customarily did. The pope was very surprised and asked, “Who are you?” Jacob answered:

“I am a Jew. I have come to you, my lord, from a distant land with my wife and children. I ask permission to speak with you privately, for I have a secret matter to tell you.”

The pope rose from his throne, left the assembled people and entered a private chamber with him. Jacob said:

“My lord, if I could ascend to heaven to tell of my distress, it would be very pleasing to me. Apart from our Rock, however, I have found no ruler among the nations higher than you, for you are the head of the peoples and exercise authority over them. I have therefore come to cry out to you concerning the suffering of the Jews who live under your jurisdiction. Wicked men have risen against them without your permission and killed many. They have forcibly converted some of them.

“If it seems good to you, write an order to turn back their evil. Send your seal and your messenger, and decree under excommunication that no gentile may kill an Israelite for any reason, harm him, rob him of the fruits of his labor or force him to abandon his Torah.

“I have two hundred pounds with me, half in Angevin currency and the rest in Limousin currency, which I’ll place in the hands of your servants to bring into your treasury. I shall give seven measures of gold to whichever bishop you choose to send as your messenger. I shall give him twelve horses for his carriage and two hundred silver shekels for his expenses along the road. I shall also place in his hand a signed letter instructing every Jewish community to honor him. I shall remain with you until your bishop returns safely.”

The pope said:

“Give me fifteen days. I shall consult my bishops and the other wise men who attend me, and then I shall give you my answer.”

Rabbi Jacob replied, “May it be for life and peace.”

The pope summoned the leaders of the city, Rabbi Moses the Nasi, Rabbi Abraham and Rabbi Shabbatai, who were among Rome’s most respected men. He entrusted Jacob to them and commanded them to treat him with great honor.

The benefactor went with the leaders. They prepared a house for him, his wife, his sons and his servants. Since he possessed every good thing, he refused to live at anyone else’s expense. He told Rome’s Jews about the decree and the reason for his coming, and they were greatly distressed. They prayed to the Lord that the pope’s heart would remain favorable toward them.

When the appointed day arrived, Rabbi Jacob and the three leaders appeared before the pope. The pope was pleased to see him and greeted him with peace. Jacob replied, “May the Rock strengthen your rule.”

The pope granted everything Jacob had requested. He sent his bishop carrying the papal seal, and the bishop departed on his mission.

The honored man remained in Rome for four years, until the bishop returned after visiting all the Jewish communities. He didn’t leave a single place unvisited. Through this righteous man, the Holy One, blessed be He, annulled the decree. May God remember him for good, together with his descendants after him, and grant them a future and hope forever.

The benefactor then received permission to depart. The pope sent him away with honor and told him:

“If you need anything in your land, send a messenger to me. Don’t trouble yourself to travel here again, for I shall carry out your wishes.”

Jacob returned to his family in Lotharingia and lived there for twelve years.