In 16th Century Europe, France is confronted with a wave of modern reform that threatens to sweep up the staid Catholicism of the day. French citizenry eye England's newfound religious laxity with resentment, pressing their government for a taste of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The French Cardinal has a plan that will relieve the pressure on the Church and perhaps even swell the ranks of its adherents. It's predicated on a Great Debate between Christianity and it's presumed nemesis, Judaism, a debate which will inflame the masses and open the way for the final solution against the Jews.

But the Jews have already been devastated; their numbers terribly shrunken by the last outrage against them. Where to find a fitting scapegoat, a worthy scapegoat ready to be led to the slaughter? In a remote corner of Paris, Rabbi Hershel Kohn, the leader of the small Jewish remnant, is much admired for his piousness and sharp tongue. But Rabbi Kohn has a dark secret no one must discover. The Cardinal's agents have learned his secret and plan to use it to secure the defeat of the Jews.

Hershel is faced with a dilemma: he can purposely lose the debate and betray the community or try to win and bring dishonor to his family.

Either way, there will be blood to pay.