Evil decrees against Jews in the time of Maimonides. If a heathen were touched by a Jew, the heathen's garment was to be burnt, and the man had to bathe seven times for purification from the defilement of having been touched by a Jew. If he beat a Jew, he was to receive compensation from the Jew for the letting of blood. A case being brought before Maimonides, he paid 20 gold pieces compensation for the burnt clothes, and seven for the trouble of bathing in winter. Maimonides then suggested that two Jews should pick a quarrel at the gates of the City and come to him for decision, as to what should be done with a cask of oil into which a mouse had fallen, and one of wine touched by a heathen. His decision was most insulting to the heathens, who were enraged. The King ordered Maimonides to be brought into the middle of the City and burnt, but he uttered the Ineffable Name,
became changed into a lion, and slew 70,000 men, but spared the king at his entreaty. The king then revoked the evil decrees, and Israel rejoiced.