STUDY QUESTIONS

Irving Agus, Urban Civilization in Pre-Crusade Europe, vols. 1-2 (New York, 1965): 224-227; 431-432; 499-507)

1) What was the original rationale for the old ordinance's prohibition against newcomers?

2) If the new settlers were themselves Jewish, would it not have been in the interest of the Jewish community of the town to accept them, particularly if they proved themselves successful economically (i.e., were "competitive")?

3) What does the dispute regarding competition and residency reflect about the evolving concept of property rights and civic responsibility?

4) Do the laws of the Talmud appear to harmonize or conflict with the ordinance under question?

5) What does the dispute over the non-payment of taxes by the grape "buyers" suggest about changes in the popular perception of money?

6) Why might an outside "overlord" have an interest in "protecting" one (recalcitrant) segment of the local Jewish community from the other?

7) What were evidently some of the main priorities regarding, and means used to manage, strife and discord within Jewish communities?

Terms, Concepts, Names, and Dates

"four kingdoms of France"

"talmudic proof"

613 commandments

Shamta

anathematize

banishment

"The spoil of the poor is in your house."