- the choice of topics that are raised
The charter discusses the topic of Jews in the 9th century and the complex relationship that they had with medieval Christian society. The charter discusses the decision that Bishop Rudiger Huozmann had made upon the establishment of the village of Speyer as a city to bring a Jewish population in order to help ensure the prosperity of the city. King John of England further provides specific legal aspects in regards to the Jews that give them favor on particular points such as exemptions and freedom to move between borders. It is also indicated that they were afforded specific rights regarding property, autonomy to make decisions and govern themselves, and freedom to trade freely among themselves. A final topic that is brought up is the underlying motive for the creation of the charter itself. Bishop Rudiger demonstrates his fear that future generations will make the claim that the Jews acquired the land that was given to them in an unlawful way. He therefore decided to create the charter for them so that they could prove the legitimacy of their claim. This is due to the fact that he has given them more for their services than has generally been done during that time period. The ideas raised by the legal decisions of King Louis, on the other hand, beginning in the 14th century, place restrictions on the Jewish populations and require them to wear badges as signs that they are non-Christian. Furthermore, it is indicated that, while the Jewish people could only reclaim a debt once a year, they would have to repay themselves any time it was requested. Finally, the legal developments put forth by Duke Frederick present the Jewish population with capabilities similar to that of the Bishop Rudiger and King John in that he worked to provide them with equal protections under the law (Rudiger).
- what you can surmise about the historical / social context within which a charter was issued (such as the problems that a charter was trying to address)
An important topic that was demonstrated is the reliance that Bishop Rudiger had on the Jews during the establishment of Speyer. This demonstrates that the Jewish people at the time were considered to be good economically, despite the social stigmas that were often associated with them. Furthermore, it is also evident that the view of the Jewish population at the time was also a negative one in regards to society. Despite all of the favors that Bishop Rudiger afforded the Jewish population that was brought in, it is also mentioned that he had to make sure to house them and establish an entirely separate community for them outside of town. This demonstrates that, while they were considered to be a positive factor in regards to economic prosperity, there was an underlying discretion in allowing them to mingle with the larger population. It is indicated that they are required to take part in most duties such as self, protection, governance, and financing on their own and were not considered to be a part of Speyer itself, despite the obvious hand they had in its creation. Finally, the Bishop's grant of the charter indicates an important element in regards to the historic and social context of the events that took place. His indication that there is a possibility that, in the future, the Jewish people would be denied the right to keep the land that he gave him presents an important element in regards to the view that the Christian population of Europe had of their society at the time. The charter was attempting to address the underlying antisemitic currents that ran through society at the time. The Bishop seemed to understand the need to establish a means for the Jews to prove the legitimacy of their claim. The legal requirements that were put into place by King Lewis, on the other hand, seem to indicate a move towards using these previous exemptions in order to marginalize the Jewish population. At this point, they have been barred from charging interest to non-Jews and have been forced to distinguish themselves with badges of identification. This presents a profound shift in how the social context of the Jewish people. While previously, they were essentially a separate society that lived alongside the Christians, as evidenced by King John's proclamations allowing them to trade freely and move between borders freely, at this point it seems they were beginning to be seen as a lower class society rather than one that was separate but equal. This is further evident in the fact that the Jewish population was forced to repay their debt at any time while they were only allowed to collect once a year. At this point, it seems that there was a need to establish protections for the Jewish people as many of the laws are geared towards providing them with rights equivalent to the citizens of Germany should any legal or civil disputes arise between them (Rudiger).
- the Christian rulers’ interests / concerns
The major concern of Bishop Rudiger in this sense is not only the prosperity of the city of Speyer but also the introduction of social conservatism. This is evince in his desire to keep the two communities apart due to a fear of the repercussions that might occur. This presents evidence for the underlying interests he had for both the economic prosperity of the community that he was establishing as well as providing the Jewish people with their due recompense for the work that they did in order to help them. The establishment of the charter itself demonstrates a major concern that the Bishop likely had regarding the safety and well-being of the Jewish population in the long run. Likewise, the laws put forth by King John seem to indicate a respect for the Jewish people, while at the same time, a need to establish them in a separate community. He seemed to view them largely as a merchant class, as his laws reflect major economic advantages in regards to their ability to trade and freely cross various borders. King Lewie's laws, on the other hand, indicate an interest in lowering the status of the Jewish people at this time by limiting their abilities to freely trade with the Christian population. He also gave his own people various rights that superseded the rights of the Jewish people. While the previous leaders had essentially established separate political realms that were based on the differences in ethnic identities, the laws put forth by King Lewie indicate the beginning of laws that were geared towards creating subservience. At this point it seems that Duke Frederick's motivations are to maintain order between the Christian and Jewish populations. The ruler has to go so far as to indicate that it is illegal not to help a Jewish person that is in need and to deny them the ability to eat or drink. This seems to indicate that Frederick is attempting to protect the Jewish population from being harmed by discrimination (Rudiger).
- how they view Jews
Speyer apparently had a deep appreciation for the Jewish people despite the potential social danger that he seemed to understand would be associated with the establishment of their community. King John seems to view Jews as a separate society that is parallel to his own. His rulings indicate a need to establish their basic rights and allow them to move freely among the kingdom. King Louis seems to be attempting to subjugate the Jewish population and deny them the basic equality in regards to others in society. Finally, Frederick's policies indicate a need to protect the Jewish population from being taken advantage of or denied basic living necessities (Rudiger).
- what you can discern about broader trends in medieval Jewish life
This demonstrates various facts about medieval Jewish life. It seems evident that the quality of life for the Jewish people was largely dependent upon the policies of the Christian rulers of the territories that they lived within. This would have made social and political life complex for these individuals. Furthermore, as many of the policies were geared towards maintaining basic rights for the Jewish populations and ensuring that they were not discriminated against by the larger medieval population it seems that the view that society had of them was largely negative. Many of these leaders likely established these laws in order to maintain order rather than due to any specific moral or ethical ideas regarding the need to ensure the safety of these people. For this reason, it seems that Jewish life at the time would have been largely difficult and filled with uncertainty of the future (Rudiger).
Works Cited
Bishop Rudiger of Speyer, King John of England, King Louis X of France, & Duke Frederick of Austria. Medieval Charters. 1084, 1201, 1315, 1244. Print.
