What way were Jews marked from non-Jews?

Answer 1

There are three ways to interpret this question:

(1) What physical features make Jews distinct from non-Jews?

Well, Jews look just like non-Jews, except for those who dress differently, but physically have the same characteristics as non-Jews. Jews are Jewish at birth and one can become Jewish by converting.

(2) What are some ways that the Jewish community sets itself apart from the non-Jewish community?

-- circumcision of newborn males

-- standards and second thoughts regarding what Jews eat

-- observance of a weekly day devoted to reflective, non-business pursuits

-- value placed on education

-- allegiance to a higher authority, equal or greater than Earthly authority

-- absence of Jesus from religious thoughts or discussion

-- level of community charity and philanthropy

-- equality of rights and opportunity of the genders

-- Torah-observance among religious Jews

(3) What particular dress codes were used to distinguish Jews from non-Jews?

The distinguishing dress depends entirely on the regime in question. The Ottoman Empire was famous for requiring Jews to wear yellow turbans. In Venice it was a yellow or red cap. Some European cities required a pointed hat called the Judenhut. Most German cities in the Medieval period required the use of a badge.

Of course, the most famous dress code requirement to separate Jews from non-Jews was Hitler's infamous yellow star, which would have the word Jude written on it and would be affixed to the left breast of the shirt.