Medieval Judaism and Jewish Diaspora: With an Emphasis on Crypto-Judaism

Dear Colleagues,

The aim of this Special Issue is to explore and shed light on the historical aspects of Medieval and Early Modern Judaism, and the experiences of Jewish communities in the diaspora, with a specific focus on Crypto-Judaism.

Crypto-Jews were Jewish individuals who concealed their religious identity during periods of persecution and forced conversion, often practicing their faith in secret. This Special Issue aims to bring together scholarly research that examines the multifaceted dimensions of Medieval and Early Modern Jewish life, the challenges faced by Jews in diaspora communities, and the complexities surrounding Crypto-Judaism.

Summary:

The medieval and early modern period witnessed significant developments in Jewish history, culture, and religious practices. Throughout this time, Jewish communities faced both periods of prosperity and times of persecution, which led many Jews to live in diaspora, scattered across various regions. In particular, Crypto-Judaism emerged as a unique phenomenon during this era, as individuals struggled to maintain their Jewish identity under the threat of forced conversion, expulsion, and other unique circumstances.

The Special Issue on Medieval Judaism and Jewish in Diaspora: With an Emphasis on Crypto-Judaism seeks to delve into these historical contexts, bringing forth research that explores the resilience, challenges, and contributions of Jewish communities during the period that extends from 7th to approximately the first half of the 19th century when the Tribunals of the Inquisition were eliminated in the Western World.

Topics of interest for this Special Issue include but are not limited to:

1. Historical accounts of Jewish communities in medieval and early modern times;
2. Jewish cultural, intellectual, and artistic contributions during the Middle Ages and Early Modern period;
3. Examinations of Crypto-Judaism and the practices of Crypto-Jews;
4. Interactions between Jews and other religious or cultural groups in the diaspora;
5. Impact of political and social changes on Medieval and Early Modern Jewish life;
6. Jewish migration, trade networks, and dispersion in the diaspora;
7. Literary and religious texts produced by Jewish authors during this period.

The Special Issue welcomes interdisciplinary approaches, including historical analysis, literary studies, art history, religious studies, and cultural perspectives, to provide a comprehensive understanding of Medieval and Early Modern Judaism and the Jewish diaspora, with a particular emphasis on the hidden world of Crypto-Judaism.

Prof. Dr. Lúcia Helena Costigan
Dr. Gabriel Mordoch
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• medieval Judaism
• early modern Judaism
• Jewish diaspora
• Crypto-Judaism
• marranos
• anussim
• Jewish history
• forced conversion
• diaspora communities
• Jewish identity
• middle ages
• cultural contributions
• persecution
• religious practices
• interdisciplinary studies
• inquisition