Shylock in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, is thought to be inspired by the only Jewish royal physician in England's history, who served Elizabeth I and was executed 4 years before the play was written. This week, our guest, Dr. Athony Bale, is here to help us explore the presence, reputation, and reception of Jews in 16th century England, and what we can learn from characters like Shylock during Shakespeare’s lifetime.