How were Jews treated before the Black Death?

Question

I need to write a paragraph that shows how the treatment of the Jews before the Black Death was similar to the treatment of the Jews during and after the Black Death. I can't find anything on the treatment of them before the black death though.

Answer 1

Jews were considered the property of the crown before the Black Death in medieval England. This was set up so funds for Crusades (pretty sure this was under Richard I - 12thC) could be arranged as only Jews had banknotes then. Also charging interest was considered especially evil so only Jews were allowed to do this as they were thought to be damned anyway. The way the crown got around this was by making all Jews their property. At various times all Jews were kicked out of England only to be brought back later when it was realised how useful their banking skills were...
In Germany (Holy Roman Empire) esp. they were attacked and slaughtered during the calls for Crusades and sometimes this period has been called the first Holocaust!
I guess some people thought they didn't need to go all the way to the Holy Land to kill non-christians! All this was 12-13th C so before the Black Plague.

ps. just to clarify the Inquisition was formed after the black death - but then; no one ever expects them!!!

Answer 2

Do a wikipedia search on anti-Semitism or look in your local library.

They were still treated with contempt prior to the Black Death because they were seen as the individuals who killed Christ (ironically, Christ is Jewish). They were the victims of the Inquisition and the Crusades. Yes, the treatment was similar but you need to do your own research. Do not take my word for it.

Answer 3

Don't be lazy. Google it. Even better go to wikipedia.org. There's bound to be something there.