Jews and Judaism in the Middle Ages » (New Edition)

THEODORE L. STEINBERG is Distinguished Professor of English at the State University of New York, Fredonia and the author of over thirty articles and four books, including Reading the Middle Ages (2003).

Although Jews constituted the largest minority in medieval Europe, they tend to be largely ignored in general studies of the Middle Ages, with the result that their history and culture are both overlooked and misunderstood. Jews and Judaism in the Middle Ages attempts to correct that situation by presenting, in clear and accessible language, an introduction to Jewish thought as well as to medieval Jewish history and texts.

This volume examines the everyday life of medieval Jews in both Christian and Muslim environments, looks at the causes of medieval anti-Semititism and anti-Judaism, and includes a brief history of the persecutions to which medieval Jews were subjected. Despite popular opinion today, medieval Jewish life consisted of far more than persecution and suffering, and the volume examines Jewish accomplishments in the fields of biblical commentary, literature, philosophy, and mysticism, demonstrating that Jewish life, while often difficult, also had its creative and glorious side. Because the Talmud was the most important Jewish text throughout the Middle Ages, this volume introduces readers to the intricacies of that long and involved work, which helped to shape medieval Christianity.

"Steinberg offers an accessible and lively history of the Jewish experience in the Middle Ages for both scholars and non-scholars while also providing insight into Christianity and Islam by comparing and contrasting the three major Abrahamic faiths of the medieval world. His extenisve citations encourage further exploration for readers interested in pursuing the subject."

I Backgrounds 1

1 Jews and Judaism: What Are They? 3

2 Talmud and Midrash 21

3 Jews, Christians, Muslims 49

II The Historical Record 95

4 The Medieval Jewish Experience 97

5 Living as Jews in the Medieval World 135

III The Jewish Cultural Legacy 161

6 Commentaries 163

7 Medieval Hebrew Literature 185

8 Philosophy and Kabbalah 219

Epilogue 255

App. 1 Chronology 257

App. 2 Names in Hebrew and English 261

Notes 263

Bibliography 273

Index 285

A photo essay follows page 160