Transcript Nevi`im
The Jews of Europe The Jews of Europe What can we say about the “big picture” of medieval Judaism? How can we compare and contrast it with Christianity and Islam? Medieval Judaism • Where Did They Go? – – – – Sadducees Essenes Messianic Jews Pharisees* Medieval Judaism • The Jewish Diaspora – “Dispersion” after Jewish War, Bar Kochba Revolt – Ashkenazim • Yiddish – Sephardim Medieval Judaism • The Tanakh – Contents • Torah (Law) • Nevi’im (Prophets) • Ketuvim (Writings) – Written in Hebrew, Aramaic Medieval Judaism • Rabbinic Literature – The Mishnah • Traditions compiled ca. AD 200 • Clarifies, systematizes Torah – The Talmud The Talmud • Elaboration of, commentary on Mishnah • Contains “Oral Torah” • Foundational for religious study Medieval Judaism • The Synagogue – Jewish meeting place – Services of readings, prayer – No distinct architectural type – Few medieval synagogues extant Old-New Synagogue, Prague (ca. 1270) Medieval Judaism • Holy Days and Times – Shabbat – Biblical holidays • • • • • Passover Shavu’ot Rosh ha-Shannah Yom Kippur Sukkot – Rabbinical holidays • Purim • Hanukkah Medieval Judaism • Rashi (ca. 1040-1105) – Based in Troyes, France – Likely the rabbi there, founded yeshiva (1070) – Wrote biblical, talmudic commentaries • Clear, concise • Erudition • Honest scholar – Influential for Jews – and Christians! Medieval Judaism • Moses Maimonides (1135-1204) – From Cordoba Cairo – Physician, Jewish philosopher – Guide of the Perplexed (1185-1190) • Covers spectrum of philosophical problems • Concluded religion and philosophy are harmonious Medieval Judaism • Kabbalah – Jewish mystical tradition – Goals: mystical awareness, devoutness – Themes • Need to reinterpret creation account • Devotion to Scriptures • Salvation of humanity, through Davidic Messiah – Book of Splendor (ca. 1290) Tree of Life Medieval Judaism • Judah the Hasid (ca. 1149-1217) – Based in Regensburg – Legends, miracles! – Valued devotion, piety over study – Practiced, taught humility Medieval Judaism • Questions? Jews and Christians • Trends in Jewish-Christian Relations in Europe – Overall cordial relations during Early Middle Ages • Anti-Jewish legislation often ignored, not implemented • Jews integrated in every aspect of European life • Jews served in governments, armies; owned land, slaves – Relations deteriorated starting during the Crusades • Went from toleration to marginalization, persecution • Papacy called for toleration, but with restrictions and limitations Jews and Christians • The Code of Justinian – Jews to be 2nd-class citizens – Negative view of Judaism – Judaism no longer religio licita – Attempted to forbid study of Talmud Jews and Christians • Pope Gregory the Great and the Jews – Theologically anti-Semitic – Hoped Jews would convert – Benign practical Jewish policy • Guaranteed religious toleration • Protected Jews’ rights Jews and Christians • The Kingdom of the Franks Abul Abaz’s arrival in Aachen – Judaism the only nonChristian religion permitted – Jewish law recognized within Frankish law – Jews welcomed at court, esteemed for trading connections – Great rabbinic schools established Jews and Christians • Questions? Jews and Christians • Accusations against Jews – – – – Murder of Simon of Trent (1475) “Blood libel” Ritual murder Host desecration Well poisoning Jews and Christians Jews and Christians • The Jews and Money Lending – Rising mercantile class Jews driven out of commercial trade – Forced into money lending, practiced usury resented – Moneylending Jews likened to Judas Jews and Christians Judensau woodcut (ca. 1475) Jews and Christians • The Fate of the Talmud – To Christians, impious and blasphemous – Censored – Subject of trial in France (1240) – Periodic waves of seizures, burnings Jews and Christians • Violence against Jews – The York Massacre (1190) • Mob attacked Jewish population • Jews committed mass suicide in York Castle, others killed • Debt documents destroyed – Strasbourg Massacre (1349) Christian mob before York Castle (1190) • Believed well poisoning caused Black Death • 900+ Jews burned, in their cemetery Jews and Christians • Expulsions of Jews – Expelled from Constantinople (10th cent.) participation in silk trade curtailed – Expelled from England (1290) homes, capital confiscated – Expelled from France (1306) after several ritual murder, host desecration trials Jews and Christians • Questions? The Jews of Europe What can we say about the “big picture” of medieval Judaism? How can we compare and contrast it with Christianity and Islam?