The Research On English Jewish Community In 11-13th Century

After the destruction of the Second Temple, the Jews began its Diaspora all over the world. In 1066, some Jewish businessmen immigrated to England following the Norman Conquest and built Jewish communities in several English cities.Jewish people got royal tolerance and protection by their taxation contributions to the royal treasury .The first groups of Jewish immigrants lived freely with some rewarded living rights by the Kings, and the number of their communities increased from one to nearly twenty. The royal power governed Jewish business and exploited them by archa system and the Exchequer of Jews. The English church treated Jews friendly at the beginning. However, as the Pope Innocentâ…¢strengthened anti-Semitism, the English church increased its restrictions and persecutions to the Jews. Different faiths and life styles led to misunderstandings between Jews and Christian common people.With the consequent royal exploitation, Jewish capability of financial support to the Kings was decreased greatly; the Kings became worried about transformation of land caused by Jewish business in 13 century; the strong belief in Judaism made the Edwardâ… 's conversion policy of Jews failed; the frequent Blood Libel aroused anti-Semitism of common people. All the reasons above resulted in the great expulsion in 1290.The Jewish sufferings in England from 11 to 13 century became miniature of the Jewish destiny in medieval western Europe.