Perceptions of Medieval Times
The medieval period was a period of unusual violence and an unusual level of irrational thinking about the Jews but it didn’t involve unremitting violence. Prof. Robert Chazan. Produced by Down Low Pictures for COJS.
Jewish Responses to Material Challenges
Why did Jews choose to live in Christian Europe?
In the year 1000, there are just about no settled Jewish communities in the northern half of Europe. And yet, Jews for the first time decide to cast their lot in this area. Why? Prof. Robert Chazan. Produced by Down Low Pictures for COJS.
Map of Expulsions from Europe
Expulsions of Jews in Europe from 1100 to 1600
How did European cities develop during the medieval period?
When we talk of Medieval Western Christendom, we are talking about the areas of Europe which were under control of the Roman Catholic Church. These areas were distinctively backward as compared to the Islamic world. Prof. Robert Chazan. Produced by Down Low Pictures for COJS
Jews in Medieval Spain – Overview
The community in medieval Spain was incredibly diverse and rich, including internal tensions inside the community. Abby Kornfeld, CUNY, Produced by Down Low Pictures for COJS
Medieval Spanish Haggadah
The haggadah only became a distinct manuscript in the 13th century, both in Spain and in Germany and France. Abby Kornfeld, CUNY, Produced by Down Low Pictures for COJS
Images in the Medieval Haggadah
There was a wide range of images in medieval haggadot, from biblical scenes to depictions of seders to fanciful creatures. Abby Kornfeld, CUNY, Produced by Down Low Pictures for COJS
Moneylenders: How did art form public opinion in the medieval period?
In many ways, thanks to Shylock, we have this idea that medieval Jews were moneylenders. Images of Jews as moneylenders show the harms and issues around moneylending in medieval culture. Abby Kornfeld, CUNY. Produced by Down Low Pictures for COJS.
Seal-stamp for unleavened bread, 14th century Catalonia
Gilded metal, 14th century, Catalonia (copy of the original in the Museum of l’Espluga de Francolí). Bears an inscription in Hebrew meaning “For seven days eat matzot in peace.” To be considered suitable for consumption on Passover by the Jewish community, matzot had to be marked with special seals like this one.
Creating a Physical Setting
Introduction Introduction- Creating a Physical Setting Images Speyer medieval synagogue- view from the northwest, view from the northeast, sandstone tile floor Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca, Toledo, 13 th century Córdoba Synagogue, south and north walls, 1314-15 Detail of the Dedicatory Inscription of the Synagogue of El Tránsito, Toledo, 1357 Illuminating the Synagogue, Sister […]