Jews in Eastern Europe

Author

Instructor / Professor

Subject / Class

Date

Jews in Eastern Europe

In Medieval Europe , Christianity was considered above Judaism . Its influence could be felt in almost every aspect of European life Although the Christian church had its origin from the Jewish religion Jews were harshly persecuted . Many Jews were forced to adopt Christianity and to a minor degree , practice their faith with limitations . Thus , the history of Jews in Europe is a history of persecution and discrimination

Jews in the Roman Empire

Treated as unequal of the Romans

, the Jews became the target of discrimination in the empire . Although few works and writings showed that Jews were by nature criminally inclined , the bulk of accusations were hurled against them . Discrimination of all types were directed by the high society to the Jewish communities , which in general had diminished the latter 's perception of a good life . These discriminations and acts of unequal treatment became the ground of continued Jewish persecution for centuries to come

Jews in Medieval Europe

In the 13th century , the expulsions of the Jews became eminent in the region . Moreover , they were accused of crimes far removed from their influence or capability to commit . Moreover , Jews were even accused to have spread the plague that killed one-third of the whole Europe 's population . Many communities believed that the Jewish communities were exacting revenge from the forces that molded their social and economic conditions . Thus , most of Europe 's reigning monarchs issued special laws expelling the Jews from their countries . This forced many Jews to migrate to Eastern Europe where the power of both the Pope and the Western monarchs was relatively insignificant

Jews in Eastern Europe

The Jews found safety and protection in Eastern Europe . In Poland , they experienced more freedom in choosing their jobs and professions compare to what they had in Western Europe . On the other hand , the legal status and the treatment given to them in Lithuania are better . They practiced their rights as citizens like Christians in the country and they were able to join Christians in groups . This was mainly the beginning of the Jews ' Diaspora and the proliferation of their kind

The population of the Jews constantly increased through the 16th and 18th century . This increase in population dominated the nation of Poland and Lithuania . Also during this time , many developments in the Jewish religion were being attained . Among these were the creation of the Hebrew Bible and the clearer understanding of the Jewish religion . These brought the Enlightenment period in Europe that allowed Jews to be part of the community with equal rights and responsibility

The Jews ' Continued Fight

In 1871 , the liberation of the rights and the full citizenship of the Jews were given by the government of United States and France . Likewise in Germany and Russia , the full citizenship was given to the Jews who had improved based on their character and to what they portrayed in the community . The Jews took advantage of the opportunity they were given...