Early English Jewish literature facts for kids
Jewish writers in England, during the time before Jewish people were asked to leave in 1290, wrote many different kinds of texts in Hebrew. Many of them were important religious scholars called Tosafists. Others wrote about Jewish law, and some created special poems for religious services or other literary works.
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Jewish Writers in England
Jewish writing and learning in England really started to grow thanks to influences from France. One of the first known Jewish writers in England was Simeon Chasid of Treves, who lived there between 1106 and 1146. Other important Jewish writers came from a French city called Orléans. These included Jacob of Orléans, who died during a time of violence against Jewish people when Richard I became king in 1189. Another possible writer from Orléans was Abraham ben Joseph of Orleans.
Important Writers of the 12th Century
- Jacob of Orléans (died 1189) was a very important Tosafist, whose ideas were often quoted by others.
- Abraham ben Joseph (born around 1140) was also a Tosafist. He might have been the Chief Rabbi of London in 1186.
- Judah ben Isaac Messer Leon (1166–1224) was a Tosafist who married a daughter of Abraham ben Joseph.
- Yom Tov of Joigny (died 1190) was a rabbi, Tosafist, and poet born in France. He lived in York and died during a terrible event at York Castle in 1190 where many Jewish people were harmed.
- Moses ben Isaac ben ha-Nessiah was a scholar who studied the rules of the Hebrew language and created dictionaries.
- Berechiah ha-Nakdan was a scholar who explained religious texts, studied grammar, and translated works. He likely lived in England in the late 12th century.
Important Writers of the 13th Century
- Moses of London (died 1268) was a scholar in London who studied Hebrew grammar and Jewish law.
- Berechiah de Nicole (died after 1270) was a Tosafist.
- Aaron of Canterbury was a rabbi and an expert in Jewish law.
- Elias of London was also an expert in Jewish law.
How Restrictions Affected Writing
As the situation for Jewish people in England became more difficult in the 13th century, there was less new writing compared to the 12th century. In the earlier century, there were many famous scholars like Abraham ibn Ezra, Judah Sir Leon of Paris, Yom Tov of Joigny, and Jacob of Orléans. There was also a group of scholars who focused on grammar, including Moses ben Yom-Tov and Moses ben Isaac. During this time, Berechiah ha-Nakdan in England wrote his famous book, Fox Fables, which was a very special literary work from the Middle Ages.
Some Early Works of the 13th Century
In the 13th century, fewer Jewish writers were known. Some of them included Moses of London, Berechiah de Nicole, Aaron of Canterbury, and Elias of London. There was also Jacob ben Judah of London, who wrote a book about religious rituals called Etz Chaim, and Meïr of Norwich, who wrote religious poems.
Jewish people in England were closely connected to Jewish communities in France. They often spoke French and wrote notes in French. Even close to the time they were expelled from England, they still used French in their everyday letters.
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