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European Jewish Communities in Medieval Times

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Questions and Answers

Which two main groups of Jews were present in Europe during medieval times?

The Franco-German community (Ashkenazim) 2. The Spanish-Italian community (Sephardim)

What were the main occupations of the Jews who migrated to Europe?

Small time merchants (businessmen), skilled workers, and farmers.

What was the starting point of the Ashkenazi Jewish community in Europe?

Jewish slaves brought back to Rome by the Romans who were later freed and continued living in Rome.

Why did some Jewish slaves who were freed by the Romans choose to continue living in Rome?

Rather than return to Israel, they chose to stay in Rome after being freed. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key differences between Ashkenazim and Sephardim communities in Europe?

Ashkenazim originated from Franco-Germany and later moved to Eastern Europe, while Sephardim came from the Spanish-Italian community. Signup and view all the answers

What role did small time merchants, skilled workers, and farmers play in the Jewish migration to Europe?

They were among the first Jews to migrate to Europe, contributing to the formation of Jewish communities. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Jews remain in Europe once they were released by the Romans from slavery instead of returning to Israel?

Some Jews remained in Europe due to success as merchants and the establishment of Jewish communities in Italy, Germany, and France. Signup and view all the answers

What were some reasons for the rise of anti-Semitic feelings in Europe during the Dark Ages?

False stories like blood-libels, competition with Christianity, and the spread of intolerance and hatred contributed to the rise of anti-Semitic attacks in Europe. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Jewish community contribute to the cultural landscape of Europe during the Dark Ages?

Despite living in ghettos, Jews built Shuls, schools, and Yeshivot, and developed a language called Yiddish. Signup and view all the answers

Why did many Jews who suffered from Anti-Semitism in Germany wander east to Poland?

Jews sought refuge in Poland due to the welcoming attitude of Polish kings and the opportunities for trade. Signup and view all the answers

What were the main reasons behind the Crusades in the 11th Century?

The Crusades were a series of holy wars fought by Christians to capture the Holy Land, particularly Jerusalem. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the Jews of Europe attacked, killed, and massacred by the Crusaders?

They were attacked because the church preached against the Jews, and they were offered conversion to Christianity to avoid slaughter. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Jerusalem as a holy place for Christians during the Crusades?

Jerusalem was considered a holy place for Christians during the Crusades because it was where Jesus was crucified and resurrected. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the York Massacre and its impact on the Jewish community.

In the York Massacre, Jews were attacked, their houses set on fire, and they sought refuge in Clifford's Tower. Despite surrendering, they faced death by torture or baptism. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the start of the Crusades in 1095?

The start of the Crusades in 1095 was prompted by the church's call for a holy war against the Muslims in response to attacks on Christian pilgrims in Israel. Signup and view all the answers

Why did peasants, knights, and others choose to fight in the Crusades?

Peasants, knights, and others chose to fight in the Crusades due to the belief that dying in the holy war would lead to forgiveness of their sins and a direct path to heaven. Signup and view all the answers

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