What did a Jewish moneylender do in the medieval times?

Answer 1

A Jewish moneylender is someone who lends money. And is Jewish.

During the Middle Ages in Europe, Christians interpreted the Bible in a way that didn't allow them to charge interest on money they loaned. Jews didn't have this restriction, which made it possible for them to act like modern bankers, loaning out cash and expecting to make interest on it.

In addition, Jews during this time were often not allowed to go into certain professions, or make money in the way that Christians in their communities did. So, one of the few ways possible for Jews to make a living was by making loans. These could be very small ones, like a modern payday loan, or very big--kings and queens who needed to raise money also went to Jewish bankers or moneylenders.

Sometimes this could be very dangerous for the Jews. From time to time, people who didn't want to pay the money they had borrowed back would incite attacks against the Jews. If your banker is dead, or has to leave the town you live in, he can't collect from you.

In modern times, although there are Jews who are bankers, banking is no longer a largely Jewish profession. Almost all Christians now believe that collecting interest is not against their religion; and in most countries with Jewish communities, Jews can go into any kind of work they want.

Answer 2

It's a money lender who happens to be Jewish. Sort of like a Catholic money lender, without the Catholic part.