Introduction: Creating a Physical Setting

Medieval W. Christendom
Jewish life in medieval western Christendom was grounded in economic activities
perceived as useful by the ruling class and at the same time profitable to the Jews
themselves. For Jewish life to be maintained in areas of old settlement and to take root in
areas of new settlement, effective Jewish communal organization was vital. Attempting
to root themselves in an environment that was simultaneously dynamic and threatening,
enticing and hostile, the Jews of medieval Europe required the support of fellow Jews,
organized physically in supportive neighborhood enclaves, politically in effective
negotiating associations, and spiritually in supportive networks.

Jews banded together throughout medieval Europe in neighborhood enclaves that
provided a sense of security and solidarity. Early on, these neighborhoods were entirely
voluntary; with the passage of time they became compulsory, demanded by the Church
and enforced by the lay authorities. Beyond security and solidarity, the Jewish enclaves
provided all the physical necessities of Jewish life—synagogues, schools, ritual baths,
food facilities, and cemeteries. While most of the physical remains of Jewish community
life in medieval Europe have disappeared, enough remains to afford a rich sense of these
indispensable facilities.