The Israeli historian jumping into bed with 16th-century Middle East Jews

Drawing on written records, rituals and sorcerers' spells, Dr. Tali Buskila's new book sheds light on the intimate relations and family life of ordinary Jews in the Ottoman empire centuries ago. 'It was important for me to relate to them as people who made rational decisions based on a desire to improve their lives, even if the possibilities available to them were limited'