Troyes
In the time of Rashi, Jews had their full place, whether they were merchants, farmers or wine-growers. It should be remembered here that they are no different from Christians. They speak the same language, i.e. the langue d'oïl, an ancient patois from the Champagne region. Hebrew at the time of Rashi was no longer a spoken language for more than 700 years. It was mainly used for religious services and festivals. There was no costume to distinguish a Jew from a Christian. The wearing of the rouelle was only really established in 1215 at the Fourth Lateran Council. Nor were Jews of that time obliged to engage in money and banking professions. This assignment came mainly from the Catholic Church, which did not want Christians to be able to handle money at the risk of exposing themselves to the sin of lust. At that time, bank credit appeared and the Church warned society that one "does not buy time".
So they lived here, in this area called the Jewish Brush District. What does the Jew Brush mean? If you look at the etymology of the word, it means bush. Rachi refers to this word in one of her comments by specifying that it means bush: a small forest that easily serves as a hiding place. This area was next to a large stone door called Porte de la Girouarde . It was destroyed during the 19th century. The Broce-aux-Juifs district is not a ghetto.
In fact, if most Jews lived in this area it was by choice. It is much easier for a community to hold religious services and study texts when they are grouped together than the other way around. The community buildings eventually gather around the synagogue. We can mention the school if it is separate from it, the miqwé, the butcher's stall for kosher food. In short, there is no official prescription obliging Jews to live in the same neighborhood.
Last updated on 11/01/2024 - Troyes La Champagne Tourisme