Week 10: Jewish Culture In Medieval Christian Euro

Week 10: Jewish Culture in Medieval Christian EuropeI totally agree with some Scholars’ assessment that medieval Jewish culture was relatively isolated and self-enclosed, and that it developed along its unique culture away from the influence of Christian culture. The Jewish people in Medieval Europe were a sidelined community, who were largely seen as strange and different from the larger Christian community in Europe. Majority of Christians suspected Jewish people of being sympathizers to the Muslim, who were the chief enemies of the Christians. Due to suspicion and viewing the Jewish people as strange, the laws in different parts of Europe were established to block Jews from owning land. The fact that Jews could not mingle freely with Christians meant that they lived an isolated life in areas that were largely designated to the Jews. Denying Jews land meant that they could not engage in meaningful economic activities, which could have given them an opportunity to rise to the position of power. Living in special Jewish sections meant that the Jewish people were constantly monitored. It is therefore, true as observed by some scholars that Jewish culture was relatively isolated and self-enclosed. The only business Jewish people did with Christians is