HIST 219 Chapter Notes - Chapter 01-28: Jewish Renaissance, Blood Libel, Talmud
Document Summary
Between ghetto and renaissance: the jews of early modern italy. Jewish presence in italian cities was always strongly restricted. Jews were useful b/c they could lend money, brought wealth. Others opposed, said jews were against god--would bring wrath. But this argument was outdated @ this point. 1516--first jewish ghetto est in venice, jews wore yellow head coverings. Talmud burned in rome, many other jewish works censored if not banned. Roman jews had always had protection of rc church, now forced into ghetto, made to wear yellow badges. Thru/out 1600s/1700s, many italian cities made jewish ghettos. Ironically, this period was comparably less violent. Jews being given a place in society--albeit, a v restricted one. Howev there was still jewish-italian cult exchange. Italian jewish communities were diverse and well connected 2 jewish communities abroad. Howev, didn"t 3 more than 30,000 all 2gether. Confraternities provided opp for socialization w/out violating rabbinic law. Knowledge spread thru printed word and growing circle of educated jews.
