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In the Medieval period, the Church reinterpreted the Biblical prohibition against charging interest, and placed a complete ban on usury. The Talmud, by contrast, permits a system by which loans may be converted into investments, so interest could be payed. Under the Christian interpretation, no credit market could exist. The way the Church got around that was by compelling the Jews to become the bankers. However, they called them "Jewish moneylenders," which is a much more pejorative term.

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Candida Spencer

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Why were Jews money lenders in merchant of Venice?

In Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice," Jews, particularly Shylock, are portrayed as moneylenders due to historical restrictions that prevented them from owning land or engaging in many trades during the Middle Ages. As a result, money lending became one of the few avenues available for Jews to earn a living. This profession was often stigmatized, leading to negative stereotypes about Jewish moneylenders, which Shakespeare reflects in his play. Additionally, the practice of usury—charging interest on loans—was frowned upon by Christians, further complicating the dynamics between Shylock and the Christian characters.


Why was money lending a common profession for Jews?

In the Medieval period, the Church reinterpreted the Biblical prohibition against charging interest, and placed a complete ban on usury. The Talmud, by contrast, permits a system by which loans may be converted into investments, so interest could be payed. Under the Christian interpretation, no credit market could exist. The way the Church got around that was by compelling the Jews to become the bankers. However, they called them "Jewish moneylenders," which is a much more pejorative term.


Why were Jews considered useful in Europe?

The Jews were not allowed to own land.instead they made a living by lending money with interest which Catholics were not allowed to do. So having Jews around allowed the economy to prosper.also they were considered good business men.


What jobs did Jews do in the medieval times which earned them a poor reputation?

For generations, Jews have had jobs as skilled merchants, and many worked in the money-lending trade. Before anti-semitism became such a large problem in Europe, Jews were seen as integral members of society. People may have even been jealous of them!


Were loans available in the 15th century Europe?

Yes, very much so. Throughout Northern Europe, diaspora Jews had built a significant business lending money, often to governments to finance the many wars. In Italy the great merchant families (like the Medicis in Florence) expanded their merchant businesses into lending their wealth, and to holding money for others in their stronghouses. They lent these "deposits" and thus what we know as banking was born.


What has the author Emily Bingham written?

Emily Bingham has written: 'Mordecai' -- subject(s): Genealogy, Jews, Lending library


Why are Jews portrayed as money grasping?

The roots of that perception go back many centuries. In one of the books of the New Testament, whoever wrote it threw in a verse or two condemning the lending of money at interest. In the real world, NOBODY except maybe your family or a very good friend will lend you money without getting something in return. Usually that is interest, repayment of more than was originally lent, to compensate the lender for doing without his money for the time the borrower has it, for running the risk that the loan will not be repaid, in recognition of the fact that the lender could have used his money to make more money except that the lender has loaned it to the borrower, and the borrower is using the money to make more money. But there it was, in the bible. The prohibition in the Bible against lending money at interest is THE reason the Dark Ages lasted one thousand years. Nobody could get enough money together to do things on a large scale, big enough to improve overall conditions, without being able to borrow, and nobody would lend unless they could get something in return. But the Jews do not have the New Testament, so they had no prohibition against lending money and charging interest. In most places they were barred from other professions by law, beyond that of lending money. So, if a Christian wanted to borrow money, who did he have to go to? And who do you hate more than the guy who wants his money back, keeps nagging you about your late payments, demands interest despite the Bible saying charging interest is evil?


How much money did it cost the United States to get the Jews out of Germnay?

The United States did not get the Jews out of Germany, so they spent no money on that.


What is a common surname for Jews?

isra'ila(yaqub)jocob he is the father of jews


Why were Jews originally the main money leaders?

Christians in the Middle Ages and before did not believe in the process of lending money and charging interest for that process, called Usury. It was not against the rules of the Jewish faith to do so, and so they were willing to do it. Therefore, they became the most likely people to lend money to others, because they would receive a percentage of the amount loaned back as a usury fee.


What is the common language of the Jews?

Hebrew


Why are Jews good with money?

Throughout history, Jews lived in poverty, and learned from their experiences.