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Sep 15, 1448
Invention of Printing Press
When Guttenberg invented the movable type, ideas are able to spread much more rapidly. Now, more books are being made, people more educated, and it even contributed to the Rennasiance. This pertains to Jews for those same reasons, as they are able to preserve their written and oral history, and ideas are now able to spread through each Jewish community in Europe. -
Jul 30, 1492
Spanish Expulsion
Jews are expelled from Spain, forcing them to find a new country that will give them both religious tolerance and economic success. Jews must start from scratch and are connecting with other Jews -
Sep 15, 1550
Kaballah gaining popularity
The date above was an apporiximation, as really the whole 16th Century should be included. The rise of kaballah, due to the decrease of Rabinnin authority, is also a huge part of this period, and is referred to as Lurianic Kaballah after Isaac Luria, whose mystical teachings gained popularity throughout the Jews in Europe. -
Jan 15, 1565
Shulchan Aruch written
Rabbi Yosef Cairo wrote the most authoritive legal code in Judaisim. Published in Venice, the Shulchan Aruch had a major impact for Jews, as Cairo compiled a ton of Jewish law all in one book, making it much easier for Jews. -
Period: to
The Enlightenment Period
The Enlightenment was a cultural movement which largely effected Europe and America. It emphasized ideals such as reason, progress, individualism, and focues more on science and facts over religion and the supernatural. -
Baruch Spinoza excommunicated
Spinoza was increadibally important to both Chirstians and Jews. After breaking off with the Jewish commnity in Amsterdam, he refused to return but did not convert to Christianity either. Rather, he lived without religion, as his philosophies and ideals helped usher in the Enlightenment. Astonishingly, he succesfully influenced western notions of truth, God, religion, liberty, and government. -
Moses Mendelssohn born
Both a Jewish and secular scholar, he argues that Judaism is compatible with the Enlightenment, and that Jews can get rights and integrate into European society while still maintaining their religion. -
America declares independance from Britain
The American revolution was one of the more historical and memorable events during this era. It involved the Britain colonies in America uniting and defeating the British Empire to create the United State of America. The revolution is said to have been influenced by Englightenment ideas of liberty and equality. -
Edict of Toleration
Jews recieving more rights. They are now allowed to live outside of Jewish Quarters, no longer pay poll taxes, they can send children to public schools, and can own factories. Huge improvement, but leads to apostasy. -
Period: to
French Revolution
a period of radical, social and political upheaval in France that had a fundamental impact on French history and on modern history worldwide -
Ber Isaac Ber rights letter to Jews
He told the Jews that in order to gain the respect of the Europeans, they have to change their ways- to modernize and reform. Leads to reform Judaism(starting with the Hamburg Temple) -
Emancipation of the Jews of France
Says that anyone who takes oath and engages to fulfill his duties prescribed by the constitution has a right to all advantages it insures. This annuls all restrictions affecting Jews who take the civic oath. (But Jews not allowed to have their own separate institution like the Beit Din). -
Hamburg Temple
This was the first reformed Temple. It included instruments, included sermons in the vernacular, and cut out prayers that dealt with miracles.
