Disease and Jewish History

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper is to demonstrate how Jewish history and disease are deeply interconnected with one another. There are two ways one can approach this topic, and this paper explores both perspectives. One viewpoint views disease as altering the course of Jewish history. The other view claims that it is in fact the opposite case, where history in fact shaped the development of certain diseases. It is hoped that through an understanding of this subject matter one will gain a greater appreciation for biology and how the sciences greatly impact the course of human history.