Jewish Daily Life in Medieval Northern Europe, 1080-1350

A Sourcebook

Edited by Elisheva Baumgarten Edited by Tzafrir Barzilay Edited by Eyal Levinson

Book cover: Jewish Daily Life in Medieval Northern Europe, 1080-1350

Extent: 177 pages

Publisher: Medieval Institute Publications

Subjects: Jewish Studies, Medieval Studies

Series: TEAMS Documents of Practice Series

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(November 2022)

ISBN: 9781580444781

6.14 x 9.21 inches

Price: $29.95

In stock

Hardback (Published)

(April 2022)

ISBN: 9781580444798

Price: $65.00

On back order

PDF (Published)

(April 2022)

ISBN: 9781580444804

Price: $24.00

A compilation of translated sources reflecting the daily life of Jews in northern Europe during the 11th-14th centuries, with introductions and commentary.


Designed to introduce students to the everyday lives of the Jews who lived in the German Empire, northern France, and England from the 11th to the mid-14th centuries, the volume consists of translations of primary sources written by or about medieval Jews. Each source is accompanied by an introduction that provides historical context. Through the sources, students can become familiar with the spaces that Jews frequented, their daily practices and rituals, and their thinking. The subject matter ranges from culinary preferences and even details of sexual lives, to garments, objects, and communal buildings. The documents testify to how Jews enacted their Sabbath and holidays, celebrated their weddings, births and other lifecycle events, and mourned their dead. Some of the sources focus on the relationships they had with their Christian neighbors, the local authorities, and the Church, while others shed light on their economic activities and professions.

List of Illustrations
Introduction: Jewish Life in Medieval Europe
Section 1: From Birth to Death and Throughout the Year: Life Cycle and Rituals
Section 2: Living Arrangements: Family, Households, and the Home
Section 3: Making a Living: Money, Markets, and Professions
Section 4: Law and Order, Disruption and Crisis
Section 5: Jews and Christians: Neighbors, Partners, Adversaries
Glossary
Bibliography
List of Contributors

  • Edited by Elisheva Baumgarten
  • Edited by Tzafrir Barzilay
  • Edited by Eyal Levinson