Yom Tov of Joigny facts for kids
Yom Tov of Joigny, also known as Yom Tov of York, was a famous rabbi and poet from France. He lived in York, England, during the medieval period. Sadly, he died in the terrible massacre of the Jews of York in 1190.
Rabbi Yom Tov was a student of a very important scholar named Rabbeinu Tam. A special Hebrew song, called "Omnam Kayn," is believed to have been written by him. This song is still sung in many Jewish places of worship, called synagogues, every year on the evening of Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is a very important day for Jewish people, known as the Day of Atonement.
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The York Massacre of 1190
What Happened at York Castle?
Rabbi Yom Tov died at York Castle on March 17, 1190. This sad event was sparked by a man named Richard de Malbis. He owed a lot of money to a Jewish businessman named Aaron of Lincoln.
On March 16, 1190, a fire accidentally started in the city of York. Richard de Malbis used this chance to stir up an angry crowd. They attacked the home of Benedict of York, who had recently passed away. Benedict was a business partner of Aaron of Lincoln. The mob killed Benedict's wife and children and burned down their house.
Seeking Safety in the Castle
The next evening, which was the Jewish holiday of Shabbat HaGadol (the Saturday before Passover), the leader of the Jewish community in York, Josce of York, asked for help. He got permission from the castle's leader, called the constable, to bring his family and the other Jewish people into the castle for safety.
About 150 Jewish people, including Rabbi Yom Tov, took shelter inside the castle. They went into a wooden tower built on a hill inside the castle walls. However, the angry crowd surrounded the castle. They demanded that the Jewish people become Christians.
A Difficult Choice
With no way to escape, Rabbi Yom Tov advised the others to choose death rather than be forced to change their religion. Josce, the community leader, bravely faced this difficult decision with his family. He and his family chose to die together. Rabbi Yom Tov also died during this tragic event.
A few Jewish people who did not follow this path surrendered the next morning, March 17. They were promised safety if they left the castle. However, the angry crowd broke their promise and killed them all.
Why Did This Happen?
This terrible event in York was part of a series of attacks against Jewish communities across England. These attacks happened in the weeks leading up to the Third Crusade. The Third Crusade was a major military journey led by King Richard I against the Saracens (Muslims) in the Middle East. The strong religious feelings and excitement around preparing for this crusade unfortunately led to violence against Jewish people in England.
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