Jewish Daily Life in Medieval Northern Europe, 1080-1350: A Sourcebook

This sourcebook provides translations of primary sources written by or about medieval Jews, offering insight into their daily lives, practices, and relationships with their Christian neighbors, local authorities, and the Church. It covers various aspects of their lives, including culinary preferences, sexual lives, garments, objects, and communal buildings. The contributions of the Beyond the Elite: Jewish Daily Life in Medieval Europe research team make it a valuable resource for students studying medieval Jewish history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2022
Publisher: Medieval Institute Publications

This comprehensive sourcebook aims to provide students with an immersive exploration into the daily lives of Jewish communities residing in the German Empire, northern France, and England from the 11th to the mid-14th centuries. Comprising a collection of translated primary sources authored by or about medieval Jews, each source is accompanied by an introduction that contextualizes historical events. By delving into these sources, students will gain a profound understanding of the various spaces frequented by Jews, their daily practices, rituals, and thought processes. The diverse range of topics covered includes culinary preferences, intimate details of sexual lives, clothing, objects, and communal buildings. These documents serve as invaluable testimony to the ways in which Jews observed their Sabbath and holidays, celebrated weddings, births, and other lifecycle events, and mourned their deceased. Some of the sources specifically focus on the relationships they cultivated with their Christian neighbors, local authorities, and the Church, while others shed light on their economic activities and professions.

Contributions from esteemed members of the Beyond the Elite: Jewish Daily Life in Medieval Europe research team, including Neta Bodner, Nureet Dermer, Aviya Doron, Miri Fenton, Etelle Kalaora, Albert Kohn, Andreas Lehnertz, Adi Namia-Cohen, Hannah Teddy Schachter, and Amit Shafran, enrich the depth and richness of this resource.

By delving into this sourcebook, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse and complex experiences of medieval Jewish communities, shedding light on their contributions to history, culture, and society.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 240 x 159 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781580444798