Invitation of Jews into Flanders, Anonymous Eleventh-Century Hebrew Narrative

Medieval W. Christendom
[In the folkish story of early persecution in northern Europe, of Jewish
intercession with the pope in Rome, and a papal edict of protection (above, chap 1), the
story ends on the following note.]

The Jewish leader received permission from the pope [to depart]. He [the pope]
said to him [the Jew]- “If you require anything in your land, send me your emissary, and
do you not burden yourself further. For I shall do whatever you wish. He [the Jew] then
returned to his family in Lotharingia and remained there for twelve years.

Subsequently, Baldwin the Count of Flanders sent a writ, [urging] that this Jewish
leader should come to him and bring along thirty Jews—his prior associates and
confidantes—so that he [Baldwin] might settle them in his land. He [the Jewish leader]
arose and went to him [Baldwin]. They accepted him with great honor, along with his
two sons, Isaac and Judah. He [the Jew] remained with him [Baldwin] for three months,
and then he went to his eternal rest. He passed away on the banks of the river in Arras.
He had gone to bathe in the waters. As he exited, he sat on a stone and put his hands on
his face. His soul departed in purity and sanctity. His sons brought him to the city of
Rheims and buried him. There in his grave may his soul rest, bound up in the bond of
life.